Once again, this is a REVIEW, not a new list:
31. Adam Duvall, 1B/OF. AAA(2 teams): .264/.312/.511, 30 HR in 497 AB. MLB: .229/.327/.500, 4 HR in 48 AB.
Duvall was traded to Cincinnati in the Mike Leake deal. He now has a total of 7 HR's in 121 MLB AB's. That projects to about 35 in 600 AB's. In the right situation, I think there is a good chance he would hit 30 HR's over the course of a full season at the expense of BA and fielding. Maybe Cincy is that situation? The Giants were never going to be. Stock- Traded. May be up with Cincinnati.
32. Gary Brown, OF. AAA(SLC): .247/.292/.379 in 372 AB. Brownie reached the end of the road in his Giants career at the end of spring training. He was picked up by St Louis and quickly released. The Angels picked him up, but the extreme hitter friendly environment at Salt Lake City did not seem to help him. Not sure where he goes from here. Seems like time is rapidly running out on his baseball career. Still not sure what to make of what happened to him. He just seemed to slip a little every year after his big season in the Cal League a long, long time ago. Stock- Released. Not improved in a new environment.
33. Erik Cordier, RHP. AAA(Sac): 2-1, 1.04, 34.2 IP, 25 BB, 43 K. AAA(New Orleans): 0-0, 3.38, 5.1 IP, 1 BB, 7 K's. MLB(Miami): 0-0, 5.84, 12.1 IP, 6 BB, 7 K's.
Cordier had an opt-out on his Giants contract which he exercised late in the season. The triple digit FB is intriguing, but he may never overcome the walks. Stock- out of the organization.
34. Jesus Galindo, OF. High A: .271/.333/.342, 2 HR, 14 SB in 225 AB's. AA: .214/.274/.245, 5 SB in 98 AB.
Galindo is slowly climbing the organization ladder, but not really showing much to make you think he is a future MLB'er. Stock: Down.
35. Brian Ragira, DH/1B. High A: .251/.319/.391, 10 HR in 391 AB.
I was a bit surprised when Ragira was sent back to San Jose for 2015. He certainly did nothing to show that was a bad decision on the Giants part. Those numbers out of the DH slot in A ball are not going to get him very far. He's a bit of an enigma with a tremendously athletic looking body that would make a scout think the sky is the limit. Stock- Down.
36. Mitch Delfino, 3B. AA: .256/.316/.319 in 445 AB.
Those numbers are not going to lead to him unseating Matt Duffy as the Giants starting 3B anytime soon. Stock- Down.
37. Sam Coonrod, RHP. Low A: 7-5, 3.14, 111.2 IP, 34 BB, 114 K, GO/AO= 1.22.
The Giants committed to starting Coonrod and he responded with a tremendous season for Augusta. He hit a bit of a speed bump in the second half of the season but finished his SAL season with two strong starts. He then pitched for San Jose in the Cal League playoffs with 9.2 IP, 3 R, 3 BB, 9 K's in 2 starts. BA named him Giants minor league pitcher of the year. The future looks very bright for this hard throwing RHP. Stock- Up, way up!
38. Blake Miller, IF. AA: .241/.294/.266 in 79 AB.
Struggled in a small sample size and I think injuries cut his season short. Not sure the nature of the injury. Stock- Down.
39. Chuckie Jones, OF. Low A: .240/.325/.400, 4 HR in 150 AB.
Jones got a late start on the season due to a substance related suspension. Needed to find some traction on his career, which he did not do. Stock- Down.
40. Stephen Johnson, RHP. AA(Giants): 3-0, 3.41, 58 IP, 29 BB, 68 K, GO/AO= 1.22. AA(Reds)- 0-0, 0.00, 8.2 IP, 2 BB, 11 K's, GO/AO= 0.67.
Johnson was slowly progressing as a long reliever in the Giants system when he was traded to Cincinnati for Marlon Byrd. Stock- Stable/Traded.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Game Wrap 9/29/2015: Dodgers 8 Giants 0
The Dodgers clinched the 2015 NL West Division Championship with a dominating win over the Giants at AT&T Park. Key Lines:
Madison Bumgarner- 5.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 2.93. An error by Kelby Tomlinson led to an unearned run in the first inning. You knew it was going to be tough to beat Clayton Kershaw after that. Bumgarner's innings may be finally catching up with him or maybe it just wasn't his night, but the 3 additional runs he gave up didn't matter anyway. Bummy probably wants to start that final game, and maybe he should, but if he goes more than 1 inning, I will not be happy. He's going to need every day of the offseason and then some.
Jeremy Affeldt- 0.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 6.09. It just keeps getting worse for Affeldt. Gotta think he is not healthy. At this point, you might consider offering him a spring training invitation, but nothing more. Affeldt has to decide whether he wants to keep playing badly enough to accept that. I don't know if his knees are fixable, but if they are and if he wants to keep playing, he should probably get them fixed ASAP.
Clayton Kershaw- 9 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 13 K's. ERA= 2.16. Kershaw has been close to unhittable for the entire second half and he hasn't even been the best pitcher in baseball through that stretch. That honor would go to Jake Arrieta. MLB needs to take a look at pitching dominance and see if there is any way to level the playing field a bit. Right now, everything is flowing toward pitching from the emergence of the cutter and other newer pitches to defensive data that is reducing BABIP's to the size of the strike zone which electronic monitoring is effectively enlarging.
Mike Leake auditions for next season tonight facing Mike Bolsinger.
Madison Bumgarner- 5.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 2.93. An error by Kelby Tomlinson led to an unearned run in the first inning. You knew it was going to be tough to beat Clayton Kershaw after that. Bumgarner's innings may be finally catching up with him or maybe it just wasn't his night, but the 3 additional runs he gave up didn't matter anyway. Bummy probably wants to start that final game, and maybe he should, but if he goes more than 1 inning, I will not be happy. He's going to need every day of the offseason and then some.
Jeremy Affeldt- 0.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 6.09. It just keeps getting worse for Affeldt. Gotta think he is not healthy. At this point, you might consider offering him a spring training invitation, but nothing more. Affeldt has to decide whether he wants to keep playing badly enough to accept that. I don't know if his knees are fixable, but if they are and if he wants to keep playing, he should probably get them fixed ASAP.
Clayton Kershaw- 9 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 13 K's. ERA= 2.16. Kershaw has been close to unhittable for the entire second half and he hasn't even been the best pitcher in baseball through that stretch. That honor would go to Jake Arrieta. MLB needs to take a look at pitching dominance and see if there is any way to level the playing field a bit. Right now, everything is flowing toward pitching from the emergence of the cutter and other newer pitches to defensive data that is reducing BABIP's to the size of the strike zone which electronic monitoring is effectively enlarging.
Mike Leake auditions for next season tonight facing Mike Bolsinger.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Game Wrap 9/28/2015: Giants 3 Dodgers 2
Jake Peavy outpitched Zack Greinke for 7 innings and Alejandro De Aza won the game with a Sac Fly in the bottom of the 12'th inning to keep the Dodgers from celebrating a NL West Division Championship for at least 1 more day. Key Lines:
Kelby Tomlinson- 2 for 5. BA= .299. The two hits are not the story here. Tomlinson, who has had his defensive struggles, made a series of scintillating plays to support Peavy's pitching. Sometimes young players get exposed the longer they play, but this kid has only gotten better as his playing time has extended.
Trevor Brown- 2 for 4, 2B, BB. BA= .308. And what about Brown getting the big hit off Greinke? A two run double to the right-CF gap in the 2'nd inning which drove in the only runs the Giants would need until the game went into extra innings.
Jake Peavy- 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.66. Peavy outpitched Greinke here and has come on so strong in here at the end of the season. He now has 4 QS's in a row while allowing 2 runs or less in each of them. Hopefully his good health and success will carry over into next season.
Madison Bumgarner tries to deny the Dodgers for another day tonight facing Clayton Kershaw. Nice matchup!
Kelby Tomlinson- 2 for 5. BA= .299. The two hits are not the story here. Tomlinson, who has had his defensive struggles, made a series of scintillating plays to support Peavy's pitching. Sometimes young players get exposed the longer they play, but this kid has only gotten better as his playing time has extended.
Trevor Brown- 2 for 4, 2B, BB. BA= .308. And what about Brown getting the big hit off Greinke? A two run double to the right-CF gap in the 2'nd inning which drove in the only runs the Giants would need until the game went into extra innings.
Jake Peavy- 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.66. Peavy outpitched Greinke here and has come on so strong in here at the end of the season. He now has 4 QS's in a row while allowing 2 runs or less in each of them. Hopefully his good health and success will carry over into next season.
Madison Bumgarner tries to deny the Dodgers for another day tonight facing Clayton Kershaw. Nice matchup!
Monday, September 28, 2015
Down on the Farm: DrB's 2015 Giants Top 50 Prospects Review #21-30
Once again, this a a REVIEW, not a new list:
21. Michael Santos, RHP. Low A: 0-2, 3.44, 36.2 IP, 10 BB, 23 K, GO/AO= 1.76.
Got a late start on the season presumably due to some sort of injury. Pitched pretty well while building innings. Stock- Stable.
22. Johneshwy Fargas, OF. Low A: .278/.347/.349, 2 HR, 59 SB in 410 AB.
Kept his BA above .300 for most of the season. Season cut short by a facial fracture on a HBP. Found a tweet by David Lee that said no eye or tooth involvement which is good news. Right now, speed and arm are best tools but I think some power will eventually come. Stock- Up.
23. Skyler Ewing, 1B. Low A: .231/.321/.325, 2 HR in 467 AB.
Got off to a horrible start and never really got traction on the season. A big disappointment after a terrific pro debut in S-K. Stock- Down.
24. Austin Slater, 2B. High A: .292/.321/.396, 3 HR, 250 AB. AA: .296/.350/.362 in 199 AB.
Not sure why the Giants moved him to 2B where it seems like the organization is stacked, unless they felt the arm just wasn't there. He continued to hit and hit well, even in AA in his first full pro season. Gotta think there is a bit more power potential in there somewhere, though. Stock- Up.
25. Aramis Garcia, Catcher. Low A: .273/.350/.467, 15 HR in 319 AB. High A: .227/.310/.280 in 75 AB.
Started very slow in Augusta before kicking into gear and becoming the hottest hitter in the organization. Struggled again after the promotion to SJ, but hit .297 with 2 dingers in the Cal League playoffs. Both David Lee and Joe Ritzo commented that he gets high marks for his D. Stock- Up.
26. Joan Gregorio, RHP. AA: 3-2, 3.09, 78.2 IP, 32 BB, 72 K.
Finished the season with a 2.28 ERA over his last 10 appearances. Still has one of the highest ceilings of any pitcher in the organization. Stock-Stable.
27. Ehire Adrianza, SS/IF. AAA: .316/.384/.415, 3 HR, 6 SB in 171 AB. MLB: .186/.303/.265 in 113 AB.
Hit .269 in his last 10 MLB games before getting hit in the face by a GB while playing 1B for the first time in his career. Very rangy SS with a rocket arm who put up a better UZR/150 than Brandon Crawford in an admittedly small sample size. Stock- Graduated/Stable.
28. Ryder Jones, 3B. High A: .268/.296/.351, 6 HR in 406 AB.
Some people might look at those numbers and say no way is he a prospect. Remember, though, this was his second full pro season after being drafted out of HS. I'm encouraged that he hung in there all season after wilting from the pro grind last year. I saw him twice and he barreled up the ball even when he made outs. Stock-Stable but with some upside. Wouldn't be shocked by a breakout in 2016.
29. Chris Stratton, RHP. AA: 1-5, 4.14, 50 IP, 27 BB, 39 K, GO/AO= 1.12. AAA: 4-5, 3.86, 98 IP, 40 BB, 72 K's, GO/AO= 1.31.
Former first round pick continues to be an enigma. He did finish the season with 2 QS's allowing just 2 runs in 12 IP. Expect to see him back in Sacramento to start 2016. Stock- Stable.
30. Dylan Davis, OF. High A: .206/.295/.318, 3 HR, 107 AB. Low A: .250/.322/.406, 9 HR, 256 AB.
Found some traction after a demotion to Augusta. Final BA hurt by a .089 skid over his last 10 games. Showed off his power potential, but will he ever hit for enough average? Stock- Stable.
21. Michael Santos, RHP. Low A: 0-2, 3.44, 36.2 IP, 10 BB, 23 K, GO/AO= 1.76.
Got a late start on the season presumably due to some sort of injury. Pitched pretty well while building innings. Stock- Stable.
22. Johneshwy Fargas, OF. Low A: .278/.347/.349, 2 HR, 59 SB in 410 AB.
Kept his BA above .300 for most of the season. Season cut short by a facial fracture on a HBP. Found a tweet by David Lee that said no eye or tooth involvement which is good news. Right now, speed and arm are best tools but I think some power will eventually come. Stock- Up.
23. Skyler Ewing, 1B. Low A: .231/.321/.325, 2 HR in 467 AB.
Got off to a horrible start and never really got traction on the season. A big disappointment after a terrific pro debut in S-K. Stock- Down.
24. Austin Slater, 2B. High A: .292/.321/.396, 3 HR, 250 AB. AA: .296/.350/.362 in 199 AB.
Not sure why the Giants moved him to 2B where it seems like the organization is stacked, unless they felt the arm just wasn't there. He continued to hit and hit well, even in AA in his first full pro season. Gotta think there is a bit more power potential in there somewhere, though. Stock- Up.
25. Aramis Garcia, Catcher. Low A: .273/.350/.467, 15 HR in 319 AB. High A: .227/.310/.280 in 75 AB.
Started very slow in Augusta before kicking into gear and becoming the hottest hitter in the organization. Struggled again after the promotion to SJ, but hit .297 with 2 dingers in the Cal League playoffs. Both David Lee and Joe Ritzo commented that he gets high marks for his D. Stock- Up.
26. Joan Gregorio, RHP. AA: 3-2, 3.09, 78.2 IP, 32 BB, 72 K.
Finished the season with a 2.28 ERA over his last 10 appearances. Still has one of the highest ceilings of any pitcher in the organization. Stock-Stable.
27. Ehire Adrianza, SS/IF. AAA: .316/.384/.415, 3 HR, 6 SB in 171 AB. MLB: .186/.303/.265 in 113 AB.
Hit .269 in his last 10 MLB games before getting hit in the face by a GB while playing 1B for the first time in his career. Very rangy SS with a rocket arm who put up a better UZR/150 than Brandon Crawford in an admittedly small sample size. Stock- Graduated/Stable.
28. Ryder Jones, 3B. High A: .268/.296/.351, 6 HR in 406 AB.
Some people might look at those numbers and say no way is he a prospect. Remember, though, this was his second full pro season after being drafted out of HS. I'm encouraged that he hung in there all season after wilting from the pro grind last year. I saw him twice and he barreled up the ball even when he made outs. Stock-Stable but with some upside. Wouldn't be shocked by a breakout in 2016.
29. Chris Stratton, RHP. AA: 1-5, 4.14, 50 IP, 27 BB, 39 K, GO/AO= 1.12. AAA: 4-5, 3.86, 98 IP, 40 BB, 72 K's, GO/AO= 1.31.
Former first round pick continues to be an enigma. He did finish the season with 2 QS's allowing just 2 runs in 12 IP. Expect to see him back in Sacramento to start 2016. Stock- Stable.
30. Dylan Davis, OF. High A: .206/.295/.318, 3 HR, 107 AB. Low A: .250/.322/.406, 9 HR, 256 AB.
Found some traction after a demotion to Augusta. Final BA hurt by a .089 skid over his last 10 games. Showed off his power potential, but will he ever hit for enough average? Stock- Stable.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Game Wrap 9/27/2015: Giants 5 A's 4
Giants rookies went a combined 7 for 14 with a walk and 2 SF's to build a 5-0 lead and the bullpen held onto the lead this time. Key Lines:
Kelby Tomlinson- 2 for 5. BA= .295. Tomlinson was 7 for 16 in the series and is hitting .300 over his last 7 games.
Jarrett Parker- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .400. Parker got a steady diet of offspeed stuff and managed to stroke 2 hits and draw a walk. No dingers, though.
Mac Williamson- 2 for 3, SF. BA= .417. Obscured in the accolades for Parker's weekend, is that Mac Williamson had a pretty impressive MLB debut too. Today, he showed the ability to go the other way and also to get the ball in the air when he had to for the SF.
Trevor Brown- 1 for 3, SF. BA= .273. And Brownie looks like he's been playing MLB catcher for 10 years. Really like his agility behind the plate. I think we are going to see more smallish, agile catchers now that home plate collisions have been all but banned.
Chris Heston- 5 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.62. Heston was unlucky on some bloop hits, but was also helped by 2 GIDP's. Seemed like he was out of gas by the 6'th inning. He deserves to be in the mix for next season, but I'm not sure it would be wise to commit a rotation spot to him with no back up plan.
Santiago Casilla- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's, Save(37). ERA= 2.93. Casilla has a $6.5 M option that will vest if he finishes 2 more games. I don't think the Giants are contemplating not picking it up, so it's a moot issue.
Giants will try to stave off a Dodger clinch for 4 games. Jake Peavy faces Zack Greinke who missed a start since his last one. I don't remember what the injury was.
Kelby Tomlinson- 2 for 5. BA= .295. Tomlinson was 7 for 16 in the series and is hitting .300 over his last 7 games.
Jarrett Parker- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .400. Parker got a steady diet of offspeed stuff and managed to stroke 2 hits and draw a walk. No dingers, though.
Mac Williamson- 2 for 3, SF. BA= .417. Obscured in the accolades for Parker's weekend, is that Mac Williamson had a pretty impressive MLB debut too. Today, he showed the ability to go the other way and also to get the ball in the air when he had to for the SF.
Trevor Brown- 1 for 3, SF. BA= .273. And Brownie looks like he's been playing MLB catcher for 10 years. Really like his agility behind the plate. I think we are going to see more smallish, agile catchers now that home plate collisions have been all but banned.
Chris Heston- 5 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.62. Heston was unlucky on some bloop hits, but was also helped by 2 GIDP's. Seemed like he was out of gas by the 6'th inning. He deserves to be in the mix for next season, but I'm not sure it would be wise to commit a rotation spot to him with no back up plan.
Santiago Casilla- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's, Save(37). ERA= 2.93. Casilla has a $6.5 M option that will vest if he finishes 2 more games. I don't think the Giants are contemplating not picking it up, so it's a moot issue.
Giants will try to stave off a Dodger clinch for 4 games. Jake Peavy faces Zack Greinke who missed a start since his last one. I don't remember what the injury was.
Who Is Jarrett Parker?
I first became aware of Jarrett Parker in the 2009-2010 offseason when I first started this blog. I was doing write ups on the upcoming draft and Parker was one of several "5-tool" college OF's who seemed like players the Giants might draft with their #24 overall first round pick. His junior season was terrific with a slash line of .355/.451/.664 with 16 HR and 20 SB. Just what the doctor ordered for the homegrown OF starved Giants! The only problem was it did not seem like Parker was likely to be still available at pick #24! His junior season line of .333/.428/.593 with 10 HR and 12 SB was nothing to be ashamed of, but it was disappointing in comparison to expectations and his stock slipped. The Giants ended up taking Gary Brown in the first round, but when Parker slipped all the way to them in round 2, they grabbed him.
Even though Parker did not play in any pro games in 2010, the Giants gave him a aggressive assignment to High A San Jose for 2011. While his BA of .253 was disappointing, he had an OBP of .360 and hit 13 HR's with 20 SB's. I was a bit surprised that the Giants had him repeat High A in 2012. His .247 BA was lower than the previous season, but he made up for that with an improved OBP at .366 and a big improvement in power with a SLG% of .443, 15 HR's and 28 SB's. On the downside, his K rate soared to 35.6%.
He was finally promoted to AA in 2013. The Eastern League is historically tough on Giants hitting prospect(at least until Matt Duffy beat it into submission), and expectations for Parker at this point were fairly low. He responded by putting up almost exactly the same line as in San Jose, .245/.355/.430, 18 HR, 13 SB with an 11.7 BB% and a 30.7 K%. I thought that might be good enough to get him to Fresno in 2014, but the Giants sent him back to Richmond where he improved to .275/.370/.463, 12 HR, 11 SB, 10.1 BB%, 24.6 K% in 419 PA's. He was called up to the SF Giants the same day Matt Duffy got his call, but did not appear in any games and was sent on to Fresno where he put up a line of .278/.360/.456, 3 HR, 10.1 BB%, 25.8 K% in 89 PA's.
The Giants moved their AAA team to Sacramento and Parker put up the best line of his pro career in 2015, .283/.376/.514, 23 HR, 20 SB, 12.3 BB%, 32.5 K% in 501 PA's. He got a brief callup in June in which he went 0 for 9 with 5 K's. The Giants then initially left him out of the September callups until Gregor Blanco suffered a concussion. Jarrett says he was tentative in that June callup and he resolved that if he ever got another chance, he would not hold anything back. He showed that aggressiveness in several pinch-hit AB's that resulted in a couple of HR's and a double that would have been out of any park not named AT&T. Then, yesterday happened. First rookie in the entire history of the franchise to hit 3 HR's in one game. First Giant since Willie Mays' 4-HR game to hit at least 3 HR's and drive in 7+ runs. First MLB rookie to hit 3 HR's in a game since Andrew McCutchen.
So, what can we expect from Jarrett Parker in the future? The K's are worrisome, but I think it is likely he would settle into a .250/.350/.450 line, similar to his minor league track record, and a .800 OPS from an OF these days is nothing to turn your nose up at. But, he does not have a guaranteed roster spot for next season. The Giants already have Hunter Pence, Angel Pagan and Gregor Blanco under contract for 2016. Marlon Byrd's option is almost certainly going to vest and the Giants would probably pick it up even if it didn't. Nori Aoki has a team-friendly option of $5 M. They also have Alejandro De Aza who will be a relatively low cost FA. That's 6 veterans who are in play for 5 OF roster spots already. With all that, though, while yesterday will likely be the best game of Jarrett Parker's career, he did have a very good season for Sacramento and it does not seem like there is much point in sending him back there again. His performance this month has to have the Giants taking another look at their offseason game plan.
The Giants have historically heavily favored veteran option over rookies, but that may be changing as rookies like Joe Panik, Matt Duffy and Kelby Tomlinson have outperformed veteran options. If the Giants were to bid some veterans goodbye and turn LF over to Parker in 2016, they would still have terrific insurance in Mac Williamson who should be ready by no later than June and if Big Mac didn't work out, Austin Slater could almost certainly play LF by mid-season. The Giants have some big decisions to make very quickly after the season ends. Jarrett Parker just put himself into an unexpectedly big role in that decisionmaking!
Even though Parker did not play in any pro games in 2010, the Giants gave him a aggressive assignment to High A San Jose for 2011. While his BA of .253 was disappointing, he had an OBP of .360 and hit 13 HR's with 20 SB's. I was a bit surprised that the Giants had him repeat High A in 2012. His .247 BA was lower than the previous season, but he made up for that with an improved OBP at .366 and a big improvement in power with a SLG% of .443, 15 HR's and 28 SB's. On the downside, his K rate soared to 35.6%.
He was finally promoted to AA in 2013. The Eastern League is historically tough on Giants hitting prospect(at least until Matt Duffy beat it into submission), and expectations for Parker at this point were fairly low. He responded by putting up almost exactly the same line as in San Jose, .245/.355/.430, 18 HR, 13 SB with an 11.7 BB% and a 30.7 K%. I thought that might be good enough to get him to Fresno in 2014, but the Giants sent him back to Richmond where he improved to .275/.370/.463, 12 HR, 11 SB, 10.1 BB%, 24.6 K% in 419 PA's. He was called up to the SF Giants the same day Matt Duffy got his call, but did not appear in any games and was sent on to Fresno where he put up a line of .278/.360/.456, 3 HR, 10.1 BB%, 25.8 K% in 89 PA's.
The Giants moved their AAA team to Sacramento and Parker put up the best line of his pro career in 2015, .283/.376/.514, 23 HR, 20 SB, 12.3 BB%, 32.5 K% in 501 PA's. He got a brief callup in June in which he went 0 for 9 with 5 K's. The Giants then initially left him out of the September callups until Gregor Blanco suffered a concussion. Jarrett says he was tentative in that June callup and he resolved that if he ever got another chance, he would not hold anything back. He showed that aggressiveness in several pinch-hit AB's that resulted in a couple of HR's and a double that would have been out of any park not named AT&T. Then, yesterday happened. First rookie in the entire history of the franchise to hit 3 HR's in one game. First Giant since Willie Mays' 4-HR game to hit at least 3 HR's and drive in 7+ runs. First MLB rookie to hit 3 HR's in a game since Andrew McCutchen.
So, what can we expect from Jarrett Parker in the future? The K's are worrisome, but I think it is likely he would settle into a .250/.350/.450 line, similar to his minor league track record, and a .800 OPS from an OF these days is nothing to turn your nose up at. But, he does not have a guaranteed roster spot for next season. The Giants already have Hunter Pence, Angel Pagan and Gregor Blanco under contract for 2016. Marlon Byrd's option is almost certainly going to vest and the Giants would probably pick it up even if it didn't. Nori Aoki has a team-friendly option of $5 M. They also have Alejandro De Aza who will be a relatively low cost FA. That's 6 veterans who are in play for 5 OF roster spots already. With all that, though, while yesterday will likely be the best game of Jarrett Parker's career, he did have a very good season for Sacramento and it does not seem like there is much point in sending him back there again. His performance this month has to have the Giants taking another look at their offseason game plan.
The Giants have historically heavily favored veteran option over rookies, but that may be changing as rookies like Joe Panik, Matt Duffy and Kelby Tomlinson have outperformed veteran options. If the Giants were to bid some veterans goodbye and turn LF over to Parker in 2016, they would still have terrific insurance in Mac Williamson who should be ready by no later than June and if Big Mac didn't work out, Austin Slater could almost certainly play LF by mid-season. The Giants have some big decisions to make very quickly after the season ends. Jarrett Parker just put himself into an unexpectedly big role in that decisionmaking!
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Game Wrap 9/26/2015: Giants 14 A's 10
The nostalgia game between Tim Hudson and Barry Zito did not last long, but the slugfest it turned into did and a rookie named Jarrett Parker stole the show with the first 3-dinger game from a rookie in franchise history. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 2 for 6, 2B. BA= .267. Pagan is slashing .305/.380/.488 since coming off the DL on September 1.
Kelby Tomlinson- 4 for 6. BA= .292. Just when you think Kelby is going to do the el foldo, he comes up with a game like this and boom! His BA is back above .290! Duffman may have a bit more power, but beyond that, the similarities between those two are just plain eerie.
Matt Duffy- 2 for 6, 2B. BA= .299. Duffy keeps dancing around the .300 BA mark. After his first hit of the game, he was at .301.
Buster Posey- 2 for 5, 2B, BB. BA= .323. Buster looks to me like he is running on fumes, but still managed to have himself a better than decent day.
Marlon Byrd- 2 for 4, 2 2B, SF. BA= .252. Byrd had been in a mini-slump batting just .217 in the 7 game prior to today, but he's 5 for 12 in his last 3 games including today. Overall, he was hitting .289 coming before today's 2 hits are added in and he now has 30 RBI's as a Giant.
Jarrett Parker- 3 for 5, 3 HR(6). BA= .370. OK, where do we start? We already mentioned the record he set becoming the first Giants rookie EVER to hit 3 dingers in one game. Only the second player in Giants history to hit at least 3 HR's and drive in at least 7 runs in one game, the other being Willie Mays and his 4 homer game. I will try to put together a Who Is Jarrett Parker post, but he is making a LOUD case for the Giants to tear up their offseason plans and pencil him into the expected 25 man active roster next April. I mean, if anyone ever forced the issue, Jarrett Parker did that today!
One more point: Jarrett Parker has always been a 3 true outcomes hitter with lots of walks, strikeouts and home runs but relatively low BA's. In his cup of coffee in June, he showed that patience/selectivity and it resulted in an 0 for 9 with 5 K's. This time, he resolved to hold nothing back, be aggressive and let it rip. The grand slam today was on the first pitch of the AB and I believe several of his other big hits have been on first or second pitches.
Trevor Brown- 3 for 5. BA= .263. Just wondering. If Susac is expected to be healthy next year, might the Giants consider trading Brandon Belt for something good?
Tim Hudson- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 0 K. ERA= 4.30. Huddy breezed through the first inning, but then could not throw a strike in the second inning. He could have been out of the inning if Duffy had made a play on a bouncer to the 3B bag, but it seems that would have just delayed the inevitable as Huddy did not look physically right at all. Whether it was the hip flaring up or a weak shoulder, he just could not keep his elbow up and the ball kept sailing. Bochy finally got him on a 2-0 count after he had walked in 3 runs in a awkward exchange that I suspect neither man was comfortable with. Huddy still got a standing O from the fans including a curtain call out of the dugout. He says he wants to start against the Dodgers, but maybe he should let that curtain call and watching Jarrett Parker set a record be his final memory of his terrific career.
Ryan Vogelsong- 1.1 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 4.81. Vogie was definitely snakebit in this appearance. He got out of Huddy's jam with a GIDP, but then in the 3'rd inning, was victimized by a broken bat single through the left side, a bloop double into no-man's land down the RF line, a seeing-eye double over the 3B bag and a flyball double that Jarrett Parker, yes, that Jarrett Parker, lost in the sun.
Cody Hall- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K. ERA= 5.06. Hall did not look like he was going to be around long when he walked to the first 2 batters he faced to load the bases in the 3'rd inning. But then, he got out of the inning with a K and retired the side in order in the 4'th. I'm sure Bochy made mental note of how he handled that adversity.
Josh Osich- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.75. Jarrett Parker was not the only Giants rookie to make a statement in this game. Osich dominated in his 2 inning stint. With Jeremy Affeldt's continued struggles, Osich's future as a left reliever who can go more than one inning and face both left and right handed batters is becoming more secure.
Chris Heston tries for series win and tries to make a statement of his own tomorrow.
Angel Pagan- 2 for 6, 2B. BA= .267. Pagan is slashing .305/.380/.488 since coming off the DL on September 1.
Kelby Tomlinson- 4 for 6. BA= .292. Just when you think Kelby is going to do the el foldo, he comes up with a game like this and boom! His BA is back above .290! Duffman may have a bit more power, but beyond that, the similarities between those two are just plain eerie.
Matt Duffy- 2 for 6, 2B. BA= .299. Duffy keeps dancing around the .300 BA mark. After his first hit of the game, he was at .301.
Buster Posey- 2 for 5, 2B, BB. BA= .323. Buster looks to me like he is running on fumes, but still managed to have himself a better than decent day.
Marlon Byrd- 2 for 4, 2 2B, SF. BA= .252. Byrd had been in a mini-slump batting just .217 in the 7 game prior to today, but he's 5 for 12 in his last 3 games including today. Overall, he was hitting .289 coming before today's 2 hits are added in and he now has 30 RBI's as a Giant.
Jarrett Parker- 3 for 5, 3 HR(6). BA= .370. OK, where do we start? We already mentioned the record he set becoming the first Giants rookie EVER to hit 3 dingers in one game. Only the second player in Giants history to hit at least 3 HR's and drive in at least 7 runs in one game, the other being Willie Mays and his 4 homer game. I will try to put together a Who Is Jarrett Parker post, but he is making a LOUD case for the Giants to tear up their offseason plans and pencil him into the expected 25 man active roster next April. I mean, if anyone ever forced the issue, Jarrett Parker did that today!
One more point: Jarrett Parker has always been a 3 true outcomes hitter with lots of walks, strikeouts and home runs but relatively low BA's. In his cup of coffee in June, he showed that patience/selectivity and it resulted in an 0 for 9 with 5 K's. This time, he resolved to hold nothing back, be aggressive and let it rip. The grand slam today was on the first pitch of the AB and I believe several of his other big hits have been on first or second pitches.
Trevor Brown- 3 for 5. BA= .263. Just wondering. If Susac is expected to be healthy next year, might the Giants consider trading Brandon Belt for something good?
Tim Hudson- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 0 K. ERA= 4.30. Huddy breezed through the first inning, but then could not throw a strike in the second inning. He could have been out of the inning if Duffy had made a play on a bouncer to the 3B bag, but it seems that would have just delayed the inevitable as Huddy did not look physically right at all. Whether it was the hip flaring up or a weak shoulder, he just could not keep his elbow up and the ball kept sailing. Bochy finally got him on a 2-0 count after he had walked in 3 runs in a awkward exchange that I suspect neither man was comfortable with. Huddy still got a standing O from the fans including a curtain call out of the dugout. He says he wants to start against the Dodgers, but maybe he should let that curtain call and watching Jarrett Parker set a record be his final memory of his terrific career.
Ryan Vogelsong- 1.1 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 4.81. Vogie was definitely snakebit in this appearance. He got out of Huddy's jam with a GIDP, but then in the 3'rd inning, was victimized by a broken bat single through the left side, a bloop double into no-man's land down the RF line, a seeing-eye double over the 3B bag and a flyball double that Jarrett Parker, yes, that Jarrett Parker, lost in the sun.
Cody Hall- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K. ERA= 5.06. Hall did not look like he was going to be around long when he walked to the first 2 batters he faced to load the bases in the 3'rd inning. But then, he got out of the inning with a K and retired the side in order in the 4'th. I'm sure Bochy made mental note of how he handled that adversity.
Josh Osich- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.75. Jarrett Parker was not the only Giants rookie to make a statement in this game. Osich dominated in his 2 inning stint. With Jeremy Affeldt's continued struggles, Osich's future as a left reliever who can go more than one inning and face both left and right handed batters is becoming more secure.
Chris Heston tries for series win and tries to make a statement of his own tomorrow.
Down on the Farm: DrB's 2015 Giants Top 50 Prospects Review #11-20
Once again, this is a REVIEW of the 2015 DrB's Giants Top 50 Prospects, not a new list:
11. Tyler Horan, OF. High A: .215/.311/.392, 13 HR in 344 AB's.
After hitting .284 with 25 HR's across 2 levels in 2014, Horan kind of did a faceplant in 2015. Mitigating factors include an early season injury that may have disrupted timing, 13 HR's is nothing to be ashamed of and the field in San Jose is notoriously tough on LH power. Even so, he'll need to get back on track in 2016 to remain a serious prospect. Stock- Down.
12. Luis Ysla, LHP. High A: 3-6, 6.21, 79.2 IP, 41 BB, 95 K's.
Ysla was dominant in some games and terrible in others. He seemed to do better out of the bullpen. He was traded after the minor league season ended to Boston for De Aza. Stock- Traded.
13. Ray Black, RHP. High A: 2-1, 2.88, 25 IP, 25 BB, 51 K's.
Black continued to register triple digits on the radar gun with regularity and was often dominant. On the other hand, a walk per IP is an issue and he continues to lose innings due to injuries. Stock- Stable.
14. Adalberto Mejia, LHP. AA: 5-2, 2.45, 51.1 IP, 18 BB, 38 K's.
Mejia missed the first 2 months due to a suspension. He pitched successfully upon return albeit with limited innings and unexciting K and BB numbers. Breakout candidate for next year. Needs to avoid another suspension and stay in shape. Stock- Stable.
15. Gustavo Cabrera, OF. Rookie AZL: .286/.375/.571 in 7 AB.
Coming off a career threatening hand injury that cost his a full season of development, Cabrera hit a triple in the second game of the short rookie league season and immediately left the game, never to return. Gotta assume either a torn hammy or another hand injury on a headfirst slide. We'll just have to wait and see where or if he turns up in 2016. Stock- Down, due to apparent injury proneness and lost development time. Still has that high ceiling, though.
16. Steven Okert, LHP. AAA: 5-3, 3.82, 61.1 IP, 29 BB, 69 K's, 3 Saves, 6 SvO.
At the beginning of the season, Okert seemed poised to be the first reliever called up. Instead, he struggled in the PCL and was passed on the LH reliever depth chart by Josh Osich. Still, that line is not terrible considering the PCL environment. Will probably start 2016 back in Sacramento with a chance for a midseason callup. Stock- Down.
17. Hunter Strickland, RHP. MLB: 2-3, 2.59, 48.2 IP, 10 BB, 49 K's.
Strickland added two new pitches to his repertoire, a 2 seam FB and a Cutter which helped him attack LH batters more effectively. Over the season, he established himself as a mainstay of the bullpen and should now be considered part of the core. Stock- Graduated/Up.
18. Ty Blach, LHP. AAA: 11-12, 4.46, 165 IP, 31 BB, 93 K's, GO/AO= 1.46. Blach was plagued by inconsistency mixing dominant starts with disasters. Had his ERA down to 4.05 after consecutive dominant starts as late as 8/22, but followed up with 2 disaster starts to end the season. He does not have a L-R split, so it's back of the rotation or bust for Blach. Very borderline prospect at this point. Stock- Down.
19. Cody Hall, RHP. AAA: 1-3, 3.46, 67.2 IP, 26 BB, 55 K's. MLB: 0-0, 6.75, 4 IP, 1 BB, 3 K's. September roster add after a solid AAA campaign. Stuff looks impressive at the MLB level and has made some good pitches, but MLB hitters punish mistakes. Stock- Stable.
20. Derek Law, RHP. AA: 0-1, 4.56, 25.2 IP, 8 BB, 32 K's, 13 Saves. Came back mid-season from TJ surgery and pitched well if not spectacularly. Acid test will be 2016. Stock-Stable.
11. Tyler Horan, OF. High A: .215/.311/.392, 13 HR in 344 AB's.
After hitting .284 with 25 HR's across 2 levels in 2014, Horan kind of did a faceplant in 2015. Mitigating factors include an early season injury that may have disrupted timing, 13 HR's is nothing to be ashamed of and the field in San Jose is notoriously tough on LH power. Even so, he'll need to get back on track in 2016 to remain a serious prospect. Stock- Down.
12. Luis Ysla, LHP. High A: 3-6, 6.21, 79.2 IP, 41 BB, 95 K's.
Ysla was dominant in some games and terrible in others. He seemed to do better out of the bullpen. He was traded after the minor league season ended to Boston for De Aza. Stock- Traded.
13. Ray Black, RHP. High A: 2-1, 2.88, 25 IP, 25 BB, 51 K's.
Black continued to register triple digits on the radar gun with regularity and was often dominant. On the other hand, a walk per IP is an issue and he continues to lose innings due to injuries. Stock- Stable.
14. Adalberto Mejia, LHP. AA: 5-2, 2.45, 51.1 IP, 18 BB, 38 K's.
Mejia missed the first 2 months due to a suspension. He pitched successfully upon return albeit with limited innings and unexciting K and BB numbers. Breakout candidate for next year. Needs to avoid another suspension and stay in shape. Stock- Stable.
15. Gustavo Cabrera, OF. Rookie AZL: .286/.375/.571 in 7 AB.
Coming off a career threatening hand injury that cost his a full season of development, Cabrera hit a triple in the second game of the short rookie league season and immediately left the game, never to return. Gotta assume either a torn hammy or another hand injury on a headfirst slide. We'll just have to wait and see where or if he turns up in 2016. Stock- Down, due to apparent injury proneness and lost development time. Still has that high ceiling, though.
16. Steven Okert, LHP. AAA: 5-3, 3.82, 61.1 IP, 29 BB, 69 K's, 3 Saves, 6 SvO.
At the beginning of the season, Okert seemed poised to be the first reliever called up. Instead, he struggled in the PCL and was passed on the LH reliever depth chart by Josh Osich. Still, that line is not terrible considering the PCL environment. Will probably start 2016 back in Sacramento with a chance for a midseason callup. Stock- Down.
17. Hunter Strickland, RHP. MLB: 2-3, 2.59, 48.2 IP, 10 BB, 49 K's.
Strickland added two new pitches to his repertoire, a 2 seam FB and a Cutter which helped him attack LH batters more effectively. Over the season, he established himself as a mainstay of the bullpen and should now be considered part of the core. Stock- Graduated/Up.
18. Ty Blach, LHP. AAA: 11-12, 4.46, 165 IP, 31 BB, 93 K's, GO/AO= 1.46. Blach was plagued by inconsistency mixing dominant starts with disasters. Had his ERA down to 4.05 after consecutive dominant starts as late as 8/22, but followed up with 2 disaster starts to end the season. He does not have a L-R split, so it's back of the rotation or bust for Blach. Very borderline prospect at this point. Stock- Down.
19. Cody Hall, RHP. AAA: 1-3, 3.46, 67.2 IP, 26 BB, 55 K's. MLB: 0-0, 6.75, 4 IP, 1 BB, 3 K's. September roster add after a solid AAA campaign. Stuff looks impressive at the MLB level and has made some good pitches, but MLB hitters punish mistakes. Stock- Stable.
20. Derek Law, RHP. AA: 0-1, 4.56, 25.2 IP, 8 BB, 32 K's, 13 Saves. Came back mid-season from TJ surgery and pitched well if not spectacularly. Acid test will be 2016. Stock-Stable.
Game Wrap 9/25/2015: A's 5 Giants 4
It was a big night for some of the Giants younger players, but Mike Leake scuffled again and the Giants fell a run short against their crossbay rivals. Key Lines:
Matt Duffy- 1 for 4, HR(11). BA= .299. The Duffman is keeping the pedal to the metal as he nears the end of his rookie season. .300 is an arbitrary number, but it would be nice if he hit that mark or better for the season. He's my choice for the Willie Mac Award, although Crawford, Posey and Bumgarner have cases too.
Jarrett Parker- 1 for 3, HR(3), BB. BA= .318. Parker's 3 dingers have come in just 22 AB. He also had a double in AT&T that would have been out of most ballparks. This shot was measured at 451 ft by the official tracking system, making hit the longest HR by a Giant this season. Bruce Bochy seems impressed. He's gotta be making the Giants at least consider not picking up some options on veterans or even trading some veterans in the offseason.
Mac Williamson- 2 for 4. BA= .400. Big Mac had a couple of singles and they were not bloopers or dribblers. The first was a line drive over the head of the SS which was tracked at 113 MPH off the bat. The second was smoked to LF too. He did look a bit lost in RF on a couple of balls hit off the wall behind him, and he popped up with the bases loaded late in the game off Sean Doolittle, but at least he took his hacks.
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .259. Crawford is 7 for 14 with 2 2B and a HR in his last 4 games.
Mike Leake- 6 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO= 8/2. ERA= 3.89. Another scuffling start for Leake who did manage to hang in there for 6 innings. Gotta wonder if the Giants are reconsidering their intent on re-signing him after the season. They have a history of moving on from players they acquire by trade who, for whatever reason, don't get it done with the Giants. Whether it's bad luck with an injury, regression to the mean, late season fatigue or just a small sample size, Leake did not do what the Giants were hoping he would do for them. Will a long history of admiration overcome that?
It's nostalgia day in Oakland as Tim Hudson takes the mound against Barry Zito with Mark Mulder in attendance today.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Down on the Farm: DrB's 2015 Giants Top 50 Prospects Review 1-10
It's accountability time at When the Giants Come To Town as we start our reviews of DrB's 2015 Giants Top 50 Prospects. Remember, this is a REVIEW of the 2015 list, not a new list for next season! We will give the season stat line and a brief capsule summary of each player's season and then a verdict of whether their stock is up, down or stable. Today's post starts with the Top 10:
1. Tyler Beede, RHP. High A: 2-2, 2.24, 57.1 IP, 9 BB, 37 K's, GO/AO= 2.44. AA: 3-8, 5.23, 79.1 IP, 35 BB, 49 K's, GO/AO= 1.87.
The Giants gave Tyler Beede a relatively aggressive, but expected assignment to San Jose at the start of his first full pro season. Then they reportedly limited him to 2-seam FB's and cutters for the first several starts. That formula seemed to help his command issues and he became a high contact/groundball machine. I caught his last High A start in San Bernardino where he seemed to be using his full arsenal of pitches and he was absolutely dominant. After his promotion to Richmond, he returned to his high contact/GB ways, but his command gradually deteriorated as the season wore on. In the game I watched, his command deteriorated late in the game as he had to use more effort to maintain velocity. Remember this was Beede's first full pro season and the first time he's had to take the ball every 5'th or 6'th day for 5 months. I'm going to chalk his late season ebb to fatigue and watch next spring with great anticipation. Stock- Stable.
2. Andrew Susac, Catcher. MLB: .218/.297/.368, 3 HR in 133 AB.
Susac hurt his wrist at the beginning of the season and never fully recovered. He had his moments, particularly early in the season, but finally shut it down and recently underwent surgery on the wrist. He is expected to be ready for spring training. Wrist injuries can be problematic long term, though. He will likely be the backup catcher next year if he is healthy. Stock- Graduated/Stable.
Susac hurt his wrist at the beginning of the season and never fully recovered. He had his moments, particularly early in the season, but finally shut it down and recently underwent surgery on the wrist. He is expected to be ready for spring training. Wrist injuries can be problematic long term, though. He will likely be the backup catcher next year if he is healthy. Stock- Graduated/Stable.
3. Kyle Crick, RHP. AA: 3-4, 3.29, 63 IP, 66 BB, 73 K's.
Crick was once again plagued by extreme wildness and moved to the bullpen. He had more success there, but the BB ratios were still ugly. Stock- Down.
Crick was once again plagued by extreme wildness and moved to the bullpen. He had more success there, but the BB ratios were still ugly. Stock- Down.
4. Christian Arroyo, SS. High A: .304/.344/.459, 9 HR, 5 SB in 381 AB's.
Arroyo, the Giants somewhat polarizing draft pick from 2013, struggled in his full season debut in Augusta in 2014. He recovered after being sent to short season ball in Salem-Keizer after recovering from a hand injury. So, there were questions about how ready he was for High A ball at age 20. He answered those questions by hitting, hitting and hitting some more. Just a highly successful, consistent season. Stock- Up!
Arroyo, the Giants somewhat polarizing draft pick from 2013, struggled in his full season debut in Augusta in 2014. He recovered after being sent to short season ball in Salem-Keizer after recovering from a hand injury. So, there were questions about how ready he was for High A ball at age 20. He answered those questions by hitting, hitting and hitting some more. Just a highly successful, consistent season. Stock- Up!
5. Mac Williamson, OF. AA: .293/.366/.429, 5 HR in 259 AB. AAA: .249/.370/.439, 8 HR in 189 AB.
Big Mac had no trouble with the AA Eastern League after missing most of 2014 with TJ surgery. While his BA slipped after a promotion to AAA Sacramento, he maintained his OBP and his IsoP was up significantly. The Giants OF is going to be tough to break into next season, but I expect Mac to destroy the PCL and force the issue before the season is over. Stock- Up.
Big Mac had no trouble with the AA Eastern League after missing most of 2014 with TJ surgery. While his BA slipped after a promotion to AAA Sacramento, he maintained his OBP and his IsoP was up significantly. The Giants OF is going to be tough to break into next season, but I expect Mac to destroy the PCL and force the issue before the season is over. Stock- Up.
6. Mikey Edie, OF. Rookie AZL: .290/.369/.319, 10 SB in 138 AB.
In a season where the Giants had trouble keeping their young international position prospects healthy, just completing the AZL season was a big plus for Edie. That he was able to hit .290 is a plus. He's not a big kid, but I think he has some power potential. Stock- Stable.
In a season where the Giants had trouble keeping their young international position prospects healthy, just completing the AZL season was a big plus for Edie. That he was able to hit .290 is a plus. He's not a big kid, but I think he has some power potential. Stock- Stable.
7. Keury Mella, RHP. High A: 5-3, 3.31, 81.2 IP, 26 BB, 83 K's.
Mella was having a reasonably successful season for San Jose when he was traded to Cincinnati for Maike Leake. He's a promising arm to lose, but has a high effort delivery that some observers feel might make him susceptible to injury. Stock- Traded.
Mella was having a reasonably successful season for San Jose when he was traded to Cincinnati for Maike Leake. He's a promising arm to lose, but has a high effort delivery that some observers feel might make him susceptible to injury. Stock- Traded.
8. Clayton Blackburn, RHP. AAA: 10-4, 2.85, 123 IP, 32 BB, 99 K, GO/AO= 1.59.
Blackburn got himself into noticeably better shape and had a tremendous season for Sacramento winning the PCL ERA title in one of the toughest pitching environments in all of baseball. Finished the season with 2 dominant starts. His velocity remains borderline for a MLB pitcher and he depends on command and keeping the ball on the ground. The Giants are likely to have a rotation filled with veterans next spring, so Blackburn will likely have to start the season back in Sacramento and wait for an opportunity, but he has little left to prove in the minors. Stock- Up.
Blackburn got himself into noticeably better shape and had a tremendous season for Sacramento winning the PCL ERA title in one of the toughest pitching environments in all of baseball. Finished the season with 2 dominant starts. His velocity remains borderline for a MLB pitcher and he depends on command and keeping the ball on the ground. The Giants are likely to have a rotation filled with veterans next spring, so Blackburn will likely have to start the season back in Sacramento and wait for an opportunity, but he has little left to prove in the minors. Stock- Up.
9. Daniel Carbonell, OF. AA: .146/.173/.194 in 106 AB. High A: .279/.327/.419, 6 HR in 258 AB.
Carbonell just couldn't get any traction in Richmond and was sent down to San Jose where he improved his numbers as the season went along. He was recently DFA'd off the 40 man roster and cleared waivers, so he's still in the organization. Stock-Down.
Carbonell just couldn't get any traction in Richmond and was sent down to San Jose where he improved his numbers as the season went along. He was recently DFA'd off the 40 man roster and cleared waivers, so he's still in the organization. Stock-Down.
10. Matt Duffy!, 3B. MLB: .299/.339/.429, 10 HR, 11 SB in 531 AB.
These numbers are not complete as the MLB season continues. Matt Duffy is one of the great stories of 2015. He won a job as a utility IF out of spring training, but when starting 3B Casey McGehee got injured and struggled, Duffy got to play 3B because, well, the Giants didn't have anyone else to play it! He hit, and kept hitting with rapidly improving defense at the position and finally forced the Giants to give him the starting job and to release McGehee. It looks like in the Duffman, the Giants have their starting 3B for the next few seasons at least. Stock- Graduated/Up! Way Up!
These numbers are not complete as the MLB season continues. Matt Duffy is one of the great stories of 2015. He won a job as a utility IF out of spring training, but when starting 3B Casey McGehee got injured and struggled, Duffy got to play 3B because, well, the Giants didn't have anyone else to play it! He hit, and kept hitting with rapidly improving defense at the position and finally forced the Giants to give him the starting job and to release McGehee. It looks like in the Duffman, the Giants have their starting 3B for the next few seasons at least. Stock- Graduated/Up! Way Up!
Game Wrap 9/24/2015: Padres 5 Giants 4
For the second game in a row, a Giants starting pitcher handed a lead to the bullpen in the late innings and once again the bullpen failed to hold it. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 2 for 4, 2 2B, BB, SB(11). BA= .267. Maybe Pagan will stay healthy for a full season in his walk year, 2016? What a tremendous player when he's healthy!
Alejandro De Aza- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .263. Giants don't have room for all 3 of De Aza, Byrd and Aoki next year. Who is the odd man out? De Aza is the only FA of the 3, but it does not seem like it would be too expensive to re-sign him.
Buster Posey- 0 for 5. BA= .321. Buster made the outs the Padres needed in this game. It seems like he is pretty beat up, yet he was behind the dish for Bummy in this game. He probably should not be out there at all, but what are they going to do?
Matt Duffy- 3 for 5, 2B, 2 SB(11). BA= .299. I've been thinking of who might win the Willie Mac Award and Duffy has a heckuva case.
Brandon Crawford- 1 for 2, HR(20), 2 BB. BA= .257. Speaking of Willie Mac Awards…. Crawford reaches the 20 HR milestone in what has been a breakout season for him. Crawford is also going to have a heckuva case to make in an arbitration hearing this offseason. He is going to get paid!
Marlon Byrd- 2 for 4. BA= .250. Byrd seems to be morphing into a line-drive, spray hitter in front of our very eyes.
Kelby Tomlinson- 2 for 4. BA= .278. Tomlinson has been scuffling, so it's good to see him fight back with a 2-hit game.
Madison Bumgarner- 7 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 9 K. BA= 2.88. Bummy gave up a 3 run dinger to Derek Norris early then settled down and handed the game to the bullpen in the 8'th with a 4-3 lead. In a sideshow, Bummy and Home Plate Umpire Joe West were trading stankeyes throughout the game. There was one prolonged staredown in the 6'th where West seemed to be almost begging Bummy to say one more word so he could throw him out and Bummy just kept staring back. Then when Bummy started to go into his motion, West threw up his hands and called timeout for no apparent reason except West wasn't in position to call the pitch. Maybe the batter asked for time after the prolonged staredown, but it sure looked like it was West who wasn't ready. The pitch that seemed to precipitate the staredown was clearly a strike and it registered as such on PitchFx according to Jon Miller who was doing the PBP on the TV side that inning.
The Giants start a 3 game series against the A's in Oakland tonight with Mike Leake taking the mound.
Angel Pagan- 2 for 4, 2 2B, BB, SB(11). BA= .267. Maybe Pagan will stay healthy for a full season in his walk year, 2016? What a tremendous player when he's healthy!
Alejandro De Aza- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .263. Giants don't have room for all 3 of De Aza, Byrd and Aoki next year. Who is the odd man out? De Aza is the only FA of the 3, but it does not seem like it would be too expensive to re-sign him.
Buster Posey- 0 for 5. BA= .321. Buster made the outs the Padres needed in this game. It seems like he is pretty beat up, yet he was behind the dish for Bummy in this game. He probably should not be out there at all, but what are they going to do?
Matt Duffy- 3 for 5, 2B, 2 SB(11). BA= .299. I've been thinking of who might win the Willie Mac Award and Duffy has a heckuva case.
Brandon Crawford- 1 for 2, HR(20), 2 BB. BA= .257. Speaking of Willie Mac Awards…. Crawford reaches the 20 HR milestone in what has been a breakout season for him. Crawford is also going to have a heckuva case to make in an arbitration hearing this offseason. He is going to get paid!
Marlon Byrd- 2 for 4. BA= .250. Byrd seems to be morphing into a line-drive, spray hitter in front of our very eyes.
Kelby Tomlinson- 2 for 4. BA= .278. Tomlinson has been scuffling, so it's good to see him fight back with a 2-hit game.
Madison Bumgarner- 7 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 9 K. BA= 2.88. Bummy gave up a 3 run dinger to Derek Norris early then settled down and handed the game to the bullpen in the 8'th with a 4-3 lead. In a sideshow, Bummy and Home Plate Umpire Joe West were trading stankeyes throughout the game. There was one prolonged staredown in the 6'th where West seemed to be almost begging Bummy to say one more word so he could throw him out and Bummy just kept staring back. Then when Bummy started to go into his motion, West threw up his hands and called timeout for no apparent reason except West wasn't in position to call the pitch. Maybe the batter asked for time after the prolonged staredown, but it sure looked like it was West who wasn't ready. The pitch that seemed to precipitate the staredown was clearly a strike and it registered as such on PitchFx according to Jon Miller who was doing the PBP on the TV side that inning.
The Giants start a 3 game series against the A's in Oakland tonight with Mike Leake taking the mound.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Game Wrap 9/23/2015: Padres 5 Giants 4
The Giants bullpen could not finish off a sparkling performance by Jake Peavy who started the game with 6 shutout innings. Key Lines:
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .256. Crawford's 2'nd 2-hit game in a row after a 4 for 49 slump.
Jarrett Parker- 1 for 1, HR(2). BA= .316. This was Parker's second PH HR. This one went opposite field down the LF line.
Jake Peavy- 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 8/2. ERA= 3.83. The Giants have won something like 9 of Peavy's last 13 starts and he certainly pitched well enough for them to win this one. He has allowed just 3 ER in 19 IP over his last 3 starts with 14 K's and just 2 BB's. Whatever was ailing his back at the beginning of the season seems to be resolved giving more confidence that he can hold down a rotation spot next season.
Madison Bumgarner tries to win the rubber game of the 3 game series tonight.
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .256. Crawford's 2'nd 2-hit game in a row after a 4 for 49 slump.
Jarrett Parker- 1 for 1, HR(2). BA= .316. This was Parker's second PH HR. This one went opposite field down the LF line.
Jake Peavy- 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 8/2. ERA= 3.83. The Giants have won something like 9 of Peavy's last 13 starts and he certainly pitched well enough for them to win this one. He has allowed just 3 ER in 19 IP over his last 3 starts with 14 K's and just 2 BB's. Whatever was ailing his back at the beginning of the season seems to be resolved giving more confidence that he can hold down a rotation spot next season.
Madison Bumgarner tries to win the rubber game of the 3 game series tonight.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Game Wrap 9/22/2015: Giants 4 Padres 2
The Giants got some timely hits and Bruce Bochy juggled the pitching staff to hold the Padres at bay. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 1 for 4, HR(3). BA= .266. All 3 of Pagan's HR's have come in September since coming off the DL.
Alejandro De Aza- 2 for 4, SB(7). BA= .262. De Aza's single and SB set up the Giants second run on Crawford's RBI single in the 6'th inning.
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 4, SB(5). BA= .259. Buster Posey was a late scratch due to hip and back soreness. Crawford, who came into the game 4 for his last 49, batted cleanup and hey, it worked out!
Ehire Adrianza- 0 for 1, 3 BB, SB(3). BA= .186. Adrianza played 1B for the first time in his career and did a fine job. The Padres pitched him like he was Buster Posey or Brandon Belt. His 2-out walk and SB set up the Giants first run on Trevor Brown's double.
Trevor Brown- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .222. Brown's first MLB hit was a good one as he sent a 2-out double over the head of CF Travis Jankowski to drive in the Giants first run.
Chris Heston- 4.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 3.51. Sometimes your stuff is just too good! There was nothing wrong with Heston's stuff as evidenced by the 7 K's in 4.1 IP, but the between the tremendous movement on his pitches and a highly variable strike zone, the walks finally caught up with him after 94 pitches. He left the game with the bases loaded in the 5'th but George Kontos somehow got Matt Kemp and Justin Upton without giving up any of the inherited runners, something Kontos has been doing all season.
Jake Peavy takes the mound tonight facing Andrew Cashner. And yes, the Giants gained a game on the Dodgers and are now 6 back with 12 to play.
Angel Pagan- 1 for 4, HR(3). BA= .266. All 3 of Pagan's HR's have come in September since coming off the DL.
Alejandro De Aza- 2 for 4, SB(7). BA= .262. De Aza's single and SB set up the Giants second run on Crawford's RBI single in the 6'th inning.
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 4, SB(5). BA= .259. Buster Posey was a late scratch due to hip and back soreness. Crawford, who came into the game 4 for his last 49, batted cleanup and hey, it worked out!
Ehire Adrianza- 0 for 1, 3 BB, SB(3). BA= .186. Adrianza played 1B for the first time in his career and did a fine job. The Padres pitched him like he was Buster Posey or Brandon Belt. His 2-out walk and SB set up the Giants first run on Trevor Brown's double.
Trevor Brown- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .222. Brown's first MLB hit was a good one as he sent a 2-out double over the head of CF Travis Jankowski to drive in the Giants first run.
Chris Heston- 4.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 3.51. Sometimes your stuff is just too good! There was nothing wrong with Heston's stuff as evidenced by the 7 K's in 4.1 IP, but the between the tremendous movement on his pitches and a highly variable strike zone, the walks finally caught up with him after 94 pitches. He left the game with the bases loaded in the 5'th but George Kontos somehow got Matt Kemp and Justin Upton without giving up any of the inherited runners, something Kontos has been doing all season.
Jake Peavy takes the mound tonight facing Andrew Cashner. And yes, the Giants gained a game on the Dodgers and are now 6 back with 12 to play.
Monday, September 21, 2015
Game Wrap 9/20/2015: Giants 5 D'Backs 1
The Giants backed a strong start by Tim Hudson with a 4-run 6'th inning and held on to avoid a sweep of their weekend series. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .266. Pagan is slashing .310/.372/.451 since returning to the lineup on 9/1.
Alejandro De Aza- 1 for 3, 2B. BA= .259. De Aza is hitting just .244 but with a .340 OBP since joining the Giants.
Matt Duffy- 1 for 2, 2 BB, SB(9). BA= .301. Duffy has not been caught stealing.
Buster Posey- 1 for 4, HR(19). BA= .327. The dinger was a 3-run job giving Buster 93 RBI's on the season.
Tim Hudson- 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO= 8/2. ERA= 4.20. Second strong start for Huddy after coming off the DL. He could start two more times, once in Oakland and once at AT&T. He should get nice ovations at both places.
The Giants get a day off before heading out to face the Padres on Tuesday with Chris Heston taking the mound for game 1.
Angel Pagan- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .266. Pagan is slashing .310/.372/.451 since returning to the lineup on 9/1.
Alejandro De Aza- 1 for 3, 2B. BA= .259. De Aza is hitting just .244 but with a .340 OBP since joining the Giants.
Matt Duffy- 1 for 2, 2 BB, SB(9). BA= .301. Duffy has not been caught stealing.
Buster Posey- 1 for 4, HR(19). BA= .327. The dinger was a 3-run job giving Buster 93 RBI's on the season.
Tim Hudson- 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO= 8/2. ERA= 4.20. Second strong start for Huddy after coming off the DL. He could start two more times, once in Oakland and once at AT&T. He should get nice ovations at both places.
The Giants get a day off before heading out to face the Padres on Tuesday with Chris Heston taking the mound for game 1.
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Down on the Farm: 9/19/2015
High A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes completed a sweep of their best of 5 series with the San Jose Giants 5-0:
Brandon Bednar(2B)- 2 for 4. BA= .262.
Steven Duggar(RF)- 2 for 4. BA= .286.
Christian Jones(LHP)- 4.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 0.96.
All stats are for the postseason only. I had not noticed Steven Duggar's name in the SJ boxscores, but he held his own in a promo for the playoffs. Jones was perfect through 4 IP with 7 K's. He didn't get completely stretched out from being a long reliever, but has pitched well enough in a starter role to be someone to watch for next season.
This concludes the minor league season. I hope you have enjoyed reading Down on the Farm. I'll probably take a day or two to figure out where to take the minor league coverage into and through the offseason. There are so many places to get information nowadays, it's hard to think of new and original things to say and different ways of looking at the minor league system.
Game Wrap 9/19/2015: D'Backs 6 Giants 0
The D'Backs jumped out to an early lead against Giants starter Mike Leake and the offense never got untracked against Patrick Corbin. Key Lines:
Mike Leake- 3 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 0 K's. ERA= 3.81. Gotta wonder why Leake came out after not allowing a run in the 3'rd inning. Whether it's end-of-season fatigue or if he's never completely recovered from the hammy, he he has not been himself over the last 3 starts.
Trevor Brown- 0 for 3. BA= .000. Another interesting development. With Belt out with concussion symptoms, the plan is for Posey to play almost exclusively 1B with Brown getting the lion's share of the catching rather than Jackson Williams. From a statistical standpoint, I like Ben Turner's bat better than Brown's, but maybe the Giants see a better defensive catcher in Brown. Bochy mentioned his agility and athleticism in his comments.
Tim Hudson tries to salvage a game out of the series today.
This season is over!
Mike Leake- 3 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 0 K's. ERA= 3.81. Gotta wonder why Leake came out after not allowing a run in the 3'rd inning. Whether it's end-of-season fatigue or if he's never completely recovered from the hammy, he he has not been himself over the last 3 starts.
Trevor Brown- 0 for 3. BA= .000. Another interesting development. With Belt out with concussion symptoms, the plan is for Posey to play almost exclusively 1B with Brown getting the lion's share of the catching rather than Jackson Williams. From a statistical standpoint, I like Ben Turner's bat better than Brown's, but maybe the Giants see a better defensive catcher in Brown. Bochy mentioned his agility and athleticism in his comments.
Tim Hudson tries to salvage a game out of the series today.
This season is over!
Saturday, September 19, 2015
Down on the Farm: 9/18/2015
High A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes held off the San Jose Giants 4-3 to take a 2-0 lead in their best of 5 Cal League Championship series:
Angel Villalona(1B)- 2 for 4. BA= .302.
Brian Ragira(DH)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .387.
Jordan Johnson(RHP)- 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 K's. ERA= 3.00.
All stats are for postseason only. This was Johnson's most dominant start since his promotion to SJ. Great jumping off point for next season!
The series moves to San Jose with 3 elimination games standing between the Little Giants and a Cal League championship. Christian Jones takes the mound tonight.
Angel Villalona(1B)- 2 for 4. BA= .302.
Brian Ragira(DH)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .387.
Jordan Johnson(RHP)- 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 K's. ERA= 3.00.
All stats are for postseason only. This was Johnson's most dominant start since his promotion to SJ. Great jumping off point for next season!
The series moves to San Jose with 3 elimination games standing between the Little Giants and a Cal League championship. Christian Jones takes the mound tonight.
Game Wrap 9/18/2015: D'Backs 2 Giants 0
Madison Bumgarner pitched well enough to win his 19'th game of the season, but the Giants offense mustered just 2 hits against Rubby De La Rosa and the D'Backs bullpen. Key Lines:
Madison Bumgarner- 8 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 2.84. This game illustrates why Wins are a terrible measure of pitching effectiveness. Ironically, winning 20 games is probably Bummy's only hope for winning the Cy Young, which he probably would not win anyway due to increased savviness by the people who vote on such things.
Mike Leake takes the mound today facing the D'Backs in game 2 of the weekend series.
Madison Bumgarner- 8 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 2.84. This game illustrates why Wins are a terrible measure of pitching effectiveness. Ironically, winning 20 games is probably Bummy's only hope for winning the Cy Young, which he probably would not win anyway due to increased savviness by the people who vote on such things.
Mike Leake takes the mound today facing the D'Backs in game 2 of the weekend series.
Friday, September 18, 2015
Down on the Farm: 9/17/2015
High A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes crushed the San Jose Giants 12-3 in game 1 of the Cal League Championship series:
Chuckie Jones(LF)- 2 for 3, HR(1), BB. BA= .268.
Martin Agosta(RHP)- 5.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 7 K's, 2 HR. ERA= 6.48.
We again see the pattern of terrific K and BB numbers but also lots of dingers from Agosta. Jose Reyes came in to relieve and got shelled, effectively putting this one out of reach.
Jordan Johnson takes the mound for game 2 tonight.
Chuckie Jones(LF)- 2 for 3, HR(1), BB. BA= .268.
Martin Agosta(RHP)- 5.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 7 K's, 2 HR. ERA= 6.48.
We again see the pattern of terrific K and BB numbers but also lots of dingers from Agosta. Jose Reyes came in to relieve and got shelled, effectively putting this one out of reach.
Jordan Johnson takes the mound for game 2 tonight.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Down on the Farm: 9/16/2015
High A San Jose Giants won the deciding game of the Cal League Semifinal playoff series over the Visalia Rawhide 6-5 in 11 innings:
Brandon Bednar(2B)- 3 for 3, HR(1), HBP, Sac. BA= .267.
Angel Villalona(1B)- 1 for 5, HR(4). BA= .278.
Brian Ragira(DH)- 3 for 5, HR(2). BA= .417.
Sam Coonrod(RHP)- 5.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 2.79.
Jake Smith(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.29.
Ray Black(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Little Giants win their 4'th elimination game of the Cal League postseason. 3 of those wins have been extra-inning games. They now bus down to Rancho Cucamonga to take on the Dodgers affiliate with Martin Agosta getting the start in Game 1 tonight. The Championship round is a best of 5 series.
Brandon Bednar(2B)- 3 for 3, HR(1), HBP, Sac. BA= .267.
Angel Villalona(1B)- 1 for 5, HR(4). BA= .278.
Brian Ragira(DH)- 3 for 5, HR(2). BA= .417.
Sam Coonrod(RHP)- 5.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 2.79.
Jake Smith(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.29.
Ray Black(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Little Giants win their 4'th elimination game of the Cal League postseason. 3 of those wins have been extra-inning games. They now bus down to Rancho Cucamonga to take on the Dodgers affiliate with Martin Agosta getting the start in Game 1 tonight. The Championship round is a best of 5 series.
Game Wrap 9/16/2015: Giants 5 Reds 3
The Giants got a strong start from Jake Peavy who also got in on the pitcher HR act they have going. Key Lines:
Alejandro De Aza- 2 for 3, 2B, 2 BB, SB(6). BA= .261. Is it possible the Giants might try to quickly re-sign De Aza and then not pick up Aoki's option?
Marlon Byrd- 2 for 4, 2B, 3B. BA= .252. Byrd is hitting .306 as a Giant. His $8 M option is almost certainly going to vest and the Giants might well pick it up even if it doesn't. Having him in LF and batting in the same lineup as Hunter Pence is definitely intriguing.
Kelby Tomlinson- 2 for 4, SB(5). BA= .307. After some early defensive miscues, Kelby has been a 100% fill in for the loss of Joe Panik.
Ehire Adrianza- 2 for 4, 2B, 3B. BA= .180. Adrianza is 6 for 24 over his last 5 games. Not Brandon Crawford at the plate, but not a black hole either and he's every bit as good as Crawford on defense, maybe even a bit better. If I am a MLB GM in need of a starting SS, the Giants are the first team I'm calling and asking for Adrianza.
Jake Peavy- 1 for 3, HR(1). BA= .226. I do believe the Giants pitchers have watched and learned from Bummy and were maybe motivated by Max Scherzer's comments. They are all getting in on the hitting act, and how is Jake Peavy not able to see the catcher's fingers but can hit .226 in this league?
Jake Peavy- 6 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 4.08. If Peavy can stay healthy for a full season next year…….
The Giants get a day off at home before starting a weekend home series against the D'Backs with Madison Bumgarner trying for Win #19 on Friday night.
Alejandro De Aza- 2 for 3, 2B, 2 BB, SB(6). BA= .261. Is it possible the Giants might try to quickly re-sign De Aza and then not pick up Aoki's option?
Marlon Byrd- 2 for 4, 2B, 3B. BA= .252. Byrd is hitting .306 as a Giant. His $8 M option is almost certainly going to vest and the Giants might well pick it up even if it doesn't. Having him in LF and batting in the same lineup as Hunter Pence is definitely intriguing.
Kelby Tomlinson- 2 for 4, SB(5). BA= .307. After some early defensive miscues, Kelby has been a 100% fill in for the loss of Joe Panik.
Ehire Adrianza- 2 for 4, 2B, 3B. BA= .180. Adrianza is 6 for 24 over his last 5 games. Not Brandon Crawford at the plate, but not a black hole either and he's every bit as good as Crawford on defense, maybe even a bit better. If I am a MLB GM in need of a starting SS, the Giants are the first team I'm calling and asking for Adrianza.
Jake Peavy- 1 for 3, HR(1). BA= .226. I do believe the Giants pitchers have watched and learned from Bummy and were maybe motivated by Max Scherzer's comments. They are all getting in on the hitting act, and how is Jake Peavy not able to see the catcher's fingers but can hit .226 in this league?
Jake Peavy- 6 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 4.08. If Peavy can stay healthy for a full season next year…….
The Giants get a day off at home before starting a weekend home series against the D'Backs with Madison Bumgarner trying for Win #19 on Friday night.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Down on the Farm: 9/15/2015
High A San Jose Giants outlasted the Visalia Rawhide 5-4 in 13 innings:
Chuckie Jones(RF-CF)- 2 for 6. BA= .242.
Angel Villalona(1B)- 1 for 4, HR(3), 2 BB. BA= .290.
Aramis Garcia(Catcher)- 2 for 4, HR(2), Sac. BA= .346.
Andrew Suarez(LHP)- 6 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 3.00.
Bullpen- 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 8 K's.
All stats are for postseason play only. Hopefully, Villalona will take this late season success as motivation to get into better shape for next season. It is not too late for him, but he needs to be in better shape! Garcia has really stepped up in the postseason. Suarez is getting a great jump on next year which will be his first full pro season with this postseason experience. Gotta mention the fantastic bullpen work that has been true all season for SJ.
The Giants were able to extend the playoff series to a 5'th and deciding game tonight. Sam Coonrod gets the start.
Chuckie Jones(RF-CF)- 2 for 6. BA= .242.
Angel Villalona(1B)- 1 for 4, HR(3), 2 BB. BA= .290.
Aramis Garcia(Catcher)- 2 for 4, HR(2), Sac. BA= .346.
Andrew Suarez(LHP)- 6 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 3.00.
Bullpen- 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 8 K's.
All stats are for postseason play only. Hopefully, Villalona will take this late season success as motivation to get into better shape for next season. It is not too late for him, but he needs to be in better shape! Garcia has really stepped up in the postseason. Suarez is getting a great jump on next year which will be his first full pro season with this postseason experience. Gotta mention the fantastic bullpen work that has been true all season for SJ.
The Giants were able to extend the playoff series to a 5'th and deciding game tonight. Sam Coonrod gets the start.
Game Wrap 9/15/2015: Reds 9 Giants 8
This was a wild ragged affair with the lead see-sawing back and forth. The key inning was a bullpen and defensive meltdown in the 7'th inning that gave the Reds 5 runs. Key Lines:
Kelby Tomlinson- 2 for 5. BA= .300. Tomlinson and Duffy were hitting back-to-back in this lineup. They are so similar in their history and approach, it is fun to watch.
Matt Duffy- 3 for 5. BA= .304. Article by Duffman about breaking into the major leagues is getting national attention. Good read!
Buster Posey- 2 for 4, HR(18), BB. BA= .329. Buster's 3-run dinger with Tomlinson and Duffy on board tied the game at 3 runs each. It was on a two strike pitch.
Brandon Belt- 2 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .282. Belt hit his head on the fielder's leg getting back to 2B on one of the doubles when the throw was unexpectedly cut off. He seemed shaken up on the play, but stayed in the game. His error in the 7'th was a pivotal play in allowing the 5 runs to score. Gotta wonder if he was still feeling the effects of the trauma. Near as I can tell from the boxscore, it looks like he finished the game, though.
Jarrett Parker- 1 for 1, HR(1). BA= .273. In Parker's last 2 AB's, he has hit 2 absolute bombs. A couple of games ago, he hit a towering ground-rule double into Triples Alley. This time, he cleared the RF wall just to the right of Triples Alley. Blasts like those, especially in PH roles will get you noticed by the manager!
Chris Heston- 5 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 4 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 3.61. Heston had a wild hair up his nose in the first inning, but then settled down and pitched very well over the next 4 innings. He was lifted for the PH Parker who made the most of that move. Heston was in line for the W until the 7'th inning meltdown.
Mike Broadway- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 4.73. Broadway has been unscored upon in his last 3 appearances with 4 K's against 0 BB's covering 2.1 IP. His upside is tremendous with the mid-upper 90's velocity. Maybe he is starting to settle in as a MLB reliever?
Jake Peavy tries for a series win facing Michael Lorenzen tonight. The Reds have an all-rookie starting rotation right now. Props to them for that!
Kelby Tomlinson- 2 for 5. BA= .300. Tomlinson and Duffy were hitting back-to-back in this lineup. They are so similar in their history and approach, it is fun to watch.
Matt Duffy- 3 for 5. BA= .304. Article by Duffman about breaking into the major leagues is getting national attention. Good read!
Buster Posey- 2 for 4, HR(18), BB. BA= .329. Buster's 3-run dinger with Tomlinson and Duffy on board tied the game at 3 runs each. It was on a two strike pitch.
Brandon Belt- 2 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .282. Belt hit his head on the fielder's leg getting back to 2B on one of the doubles when the throw was unexpectedly cut off. He seemed shaken up on the play, but stayed in the game. His error in the 7'th was a pivotal play in allowing the 5 runs to score. Gotta wonder if he was still feeling the effects of the trauma. Near as I can tell from the boxscore, it looks like he finished the game, though.
Jarrett Parker- 1 for 1, HR(1). BA= .273. In Parker's last 2 AB's, he has hit 2 absolute bombs. A couple of games ago, he hit a towering ground-rule double into Triples Alley. This time, he cleared the RF wall just to the right of Triples Alley. Blasts like those, especially in PH roles will get you noticed by the manager!
Chris Heston- 5 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 4 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 3.61. Heston had a wild hair up his nose in the first inning, but then settled down and pitched very well over the next 4 innings. He was lifted for the PH Parker who made the most of that move. Heston was in line for the W until the 7'th inning meltdown.
Mike Broadway- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 4.73. Broadway has been unscored upon in his last 3 appearances with 4 K's against 0 BB's covering 2.1 IP. His upside is tremendous with the mid-upper 90's velocity. Maybe he is starting to settle in as a MLB reliever?
Jake Peavy tries for a series win facing Michael Lorenzen tonight. The Reds have an all-rookie starting rotation right now. Props to them for that!
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Down on the Farm: 9/14/2015
High A San Jose Giants stayed alive with a 5-4 win over the Visalia Rawhide:
Christian Arroyo(SS)- 1 for 4, BB. BA= .296.
Aramis Garcia(Catcher)- 2 for 5. BA= .318.
Seth Harrison(LF)- 3 for 4, 2B. BA= .400.
Brian Ragira(DH)- 1 for 2, BB, SF, HBP. BA= .412.
Jason Forjet(RHP)- 5 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 4.50.
Dan Slania(RHP)- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Ian Gardeck(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
The Bullpen is fabulous once again.
Christian Arroyo(SS)- 1 for 4, BB. BA= .296.
Aramis Garcia(Catcher)- 2 for 5. BA= .318.
Seth Harrison(LF)- 3 for 4, 2B. BA= .400.
Brian Ragira(DH)- 1 for 2, BB, SF, HBP. BA= .412.
Jason Forjet(RHP)- 5 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 4.50.
Dan Slania(RHP)- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Ian Gardeck(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
The Bullpen is fabulous once again.
Game Wrap 9/14/2015: Giants 5 Reds 3
The Giants jumped out to a 4-0 lead then hung on for the win. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 2 for 4. BA= .267. 3'rd 2-hit game in a row for Pagan. He's hitting .323 over his last 7 games and .305 over his last 15.
Matt Duffy- 2 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .301. Tough to look beyond Bumgarner and Posey for team MVP, but Duffy has to be getting some consideration too. Has hit over .300 every month by April, although September is still up in the air at .301.
Brandon Belt- 2 for 3, 3B, SF. BA= .281. Brandon Belt is on a sustained hot streak too. .328 over his last 15 games and .312 over his last 30.
Marlon Byrd- 1 for 4, 2B. BA= .252. Love the way Byrd kind of just flicks his bat and the ball jumps. Also like how quickly the current lineup has jelled into an effective run-scoring unit.
Tim Hudson- 4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 1 K. ERA= 4.42. Huddy's hip flared up again. Gotta think this is about it for his career. Maybe they give him a ceremonial start at the end of the season? Like 1 batter or 1 inning? Can we please call up Blackburn and give him a start or two?
Chris Heston tries to keep the wining streak alive tonight facing lefty John Lamb.
Angel Pagan- 2 for 4. BA= .267. 3'rd 2-hit game in a row for Pagan. He's hitting .323 over his last 7 games and .305 over his last 15.
Matt Duffy- 2 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .301. Tough to look beyond Bumgarner and Posey for team MVP, but Duffy has to be getting some consideration too. Has hit over .300 every month by April, although September is still up in the air at .301.
Brandon Belt- 2 for 3, 3B, SF. BA= .281. Brandon Belt is on a sustained hot streak too. .328 over his last 15 games and .312 over his last 30.
Marlon Byrd- 1 for 4, 2B. BA= .252. Love the way Byrd kind of just flicks his bat and the ball jumps. Also like how quickly the current lineup has jelled into an effective run-scoring unit.
Tim Hudson- 4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 1 K. ERA= 4.42. Huddy's hip flared up again. Gotta think this is about it for his career. Maybe they give him a ceremonial start at the end of the season? Like 1 batter or 1 inning? Can we please call up Blackburn and give him a start or two?
Chris Heston tries to keep the wining streak alive tonight facing lefty John Lamb.
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Down on the Farm: 9/13/2015
High A Visalia Rawhide blanked the San Jose Giants 1-0:
Christian Arroyo(SS)- 2 for 4. BA= .304.
Christian Jones(LHP)- 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Very nice start for Christian Jones who slowly built up his innings per appearance at the end of the season. He looks poised for a possible breakout season next year. Rawhide starter Luke Irvine pitched a CG shutout with 12 K's. He is 26 yo and it looks like he has not played affiliated ball since 2011. He had just 12 IP this season prior to last night. Oh well, the Giants play games with their minor league playoff rosters too. I think this is a 5 games series so the Giants return to SJ facing elimination. They have their current "ace" Jason Forjet on the mound for game 3.
Christian Arroyo(SS)- 2 for 4. BA= .304.
Christian Jones(LHP)- 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Very nice start for Christian Jones who slowly built up his innings per appearance at the end of the season. He looks poised for a possible breakout season next year. Rawhide starter Luke Irvine pitched a CG shutout with 12 K's. He is 26 yo and it looks like he has not played affiliated ball since 2011. He had just 12 IP this season prior to last night. Oh well, the Giants play games with their minor league playoff rosters too. I think this is a 5 games series so the Giants return to SJ facing elimination. They have their current "ace" Jason Forjet on the mound for game 3.
Game Wrap 9/13/2015: Giants 10 Padres 3
Mike Leake fell behind early but picked himself up with a 3-run HR in the second inning. It seemed like the Padres kind of gave up after that and did not play well as the Giants cruised to the win going away to complete the sweep of the weekend series. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 2 for 4, BB, 3 SB(9). BA= .265. Baggs pointed out the history between Pagan and Padres catcher Derek Norris. Maybe Pagan was showing him up or maybe Pagan is just finally feeling good is playing with requisite enthusiasm?
Matt Duffy- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .299. Just when you think Duffy might be going into a slump out of exhaustion, you look up and he has 2 more hits. He continues to play scintillating defense at 3B to boot.
Buster Posey- 2 for 3, 2B, 2 BB. BA= .329. I like it that Buster is playing within himself ignoring calls for more power.
Ehire Adrianza- 1 for 3, BB. BA= .178. Adrianza had another nice day at the plate with an additional hard hit ball that went for a groundout to 2B. He had 1 defensive lapse dropping an ill-advised throw from Brandon Belt that should have gotten the lead runner but otherwise made several more quietly spectacular plays on defense, particularly a hurry up jump throw from deep in the hole that showed off an arm that does not take a backseat to Brandon Crawford.
Mike Leake- 1 for 3, HR(2). BA= .125. This was Leake's first HR as a Giant. It is just me or was Bummy's high 5 not quite as enthusiastic as the rest in the dugout? Just kidding, Bummy!
Mike Leake- 6 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.72. Leake got off to a rocky start allowing 2 triples in the first inning and 3 runs in the first 2 innings. He settled down after his dinger gave the Giants the lead with the help of some fine defensive work by several Giants fielders, most notably Adrianza and Duffy.
The Cincinnati Reds come to town starting tomorrow night with Tim Hudson facing Keyvius Sampson.
Angel Pagan- 2 for 4, BB, 3 SB(9). BA= .265. Baggs pointed out the history between Pagan and Padres catcher Derek Norris. Maybe Pagan was showing him up or maybe Pagan is just finally feeling good is playing with requisite enthusiasm?
Matt Duffy- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .299. Just when you think Duffy might be going into a slump out of exhaustion, you look up and he has 2 more hits. He continues to play scintillating defense at 3B to boot.
Buster Posey- 2 for 3, 2B, 2 BB. BA= .329. I like it that Buster is playing within himself ignoring calls for more power.
Ehire Adrianza- 1 for 3, BB. BA= .178. Adrianza had another nice day at the plate with an additional hard hit ball that went for a groundout to 2B. He had 1 defensive lapse dropping an ill-advised throw from Brandon Belt that should have gotten the lead runner but otherwise made several more quietly spectacular plays on defense, particularly a hurry up jump throw from deep in the hole that showed off an arm that does not take a backseat to Brandon Crawford.
Mike Leake- 1 for 3, HR(2). BA= .125. This was Leake's first HR as a Giant. It is just me or was Bummy's high 5 not quite as enthusiastic as the rest in the dugout? Just kidding, Bummy!
Mike Leake- 6 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.72. Leake got off to a rocky start allowing 2 triples in the first inning and 3 runs in the first 2 innings. He settled down after his dinger gave the Giants the lead with the help of some fine defensive work by several Giants fielders, most notably Adrianza and Duffy.
The Cincinnati Reds come to town starting tomorrow night with Tim Hudson facing Keyvius Sampson.
Down on the Farm: 9/12/2015
High A Visalia Rawhide topped the San Jose Giants 6-5:
Chuckie Jones(RF)- 2 for 4, 2B, Sac. BA= .278.
Christian Arroyo(SS)- 2 for 3, 2B, BB, SF. BA= .263.
Jordan Johnson(RHP)- 6 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 6.00.
Ray Black(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
This was another tight game on the heels of a long extra-inning game the night before. It came down to the SJ Giants not having most of their best relief pitchers available for this one. Johnson's challenge for next season is to turn his stuff into more effective results. I don't completely understand why Ray Black is still stuck in San Jose. If he can stay healthy, a big if with him, I would hope to see him in SF sometime next season. Just hoping he can help the Giants with that triple digit FB before his arm falls off completely.
Chuckie Jones(RF)- 2 for 4, 2B, Sac. BA= .278.
Christian Arroyo(SS)- 2 for 3, 2B, BB, SF. BA= .263.
Jordan Johnson(RHP)- 6 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 6.00.
Ray Black(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
This was another tight game on the heels of a long extra-inning game the night before. It came down to the SJ Giants not having most of their best relief pitchers available for this one. Johnson's challenge for next season is to turn his stuff into more effective results. I don't completely understand why Ray Black is still stuck in San Jose. If he can stay healthy, a big if with him, I would hope to see him in SF sometime next season. Just hoping he can help the Giants with that triple digit FB before his arm falls off completely.
Game Wrap 9/12/2015: Giants 8 Padres 0
Madison Bumgarner took a perfect game into the 8'th inning and finished with a 1-hit shutout as the Giants hitters mounted a sustained attack for the second game in a row. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 2 for 5, HR(2). BA= .262. Pagan is slashing .302/.348/.488 since his return from the DL on 9/1.
Alejandro De Aza- 2 for 5, 3B. BA= .263. De Aza is hitting .286 as a Giant and should get plenty of PT with both Aoki and Blanco on the shelf for now.
Brandon Belt- 1 for 3, HR(18), BB. BA= .279. If you are going to pitch Belt down in the zone, it better be off the outside corner or off the plate at the back foot. He's playing golf with low stuff in the zone.
Marlon Byrd- 3 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .253. Byrd is 8 for 11 with 2 BB's in his last 3 games. Has Byrd already become a hitter for average since joining the Giants or is he just on a random hot streak? I think ogc did some research awhile back and found that on average hitters who get traded to a Bruce Bochy managed team improve their BA significantly. So, is it the Bochy Effect or does Hensley Meulens get the credit? Some of both? Random chance? I think this is fascinating and will be fun to watch the rest of the season.
Kelby Tomlinson- 2 for 4, 3B. BA= .306. Joe Panik better come to camp fully healthy next spring. Kelby is shooting for a starting job!
Ehire Adrianza- 1 for 3, BB. BA= .173. Adrianza has looked more confident at the plate the last couple of games. ogc did a nice writeup taking on the Adrianza haters of on his site linked to the left. I noted that despite his anemic BA, he was walking at approximately a 7% rate while striking out just 14% of the time with a BABIP of .187. Now, Adrianza probably does not make as much hard contact as most of your better hitters, but nobody sustains a .187 BABIP. Nobody! There is a ton of bad luck involved there! He certainly plays a scintillating defensive SS and makes it look easy.
Madison Bumgarner- 9 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 9 K's. ERA= 2.91. Bummy barely broke a sweat for the first 7 innings. It looked like he was playing a nice easy game of catch with Buster Posey. His first real tough out was Justin Upton to lead off the 8'th and then it looked like he got frustrated and grooved one to Melvin Upton who was pinch-hitting for the pitcher with 2 outs in the inning. Bummy had made the last out of the 7'th inning at the plate, so I wonder if that might have had something to do with his less than perfect 8'th inning. He came back out and breezed through the 9'th for the 1-hit shutout. I think this was his 3'rd 1-hitter of his career.
Mike Leake goes for the series sweep today facing Odrisamer Despaigne who seems to be only good against the Giants.
Angel Pagan- 2 for 5, HR(2). BA= .262. Pagan is slashing .302/.348/.488 since his return from the DL on 9/1.
Alejandro De Aza- 2 for 5, 3B. BA= .263. De Aza is hitting .286 as a Giant and should get plenty of PT with both Aoki and Blanco on the shelf for now.
Brandon Belt- 1 for 3, HR(18), BB. BA= .279. If you are going to pitch Belt down in the zone, it better be off the outside corner or off the plate at the back foot. He's playing golf with low stuff in the zone.
Marlon Byrd- 3 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .253. Byrd is 8 for 11 with 2 BB's in his last 3 games. Has Byrd already become a hitter for average since joining the Giants or is he just on a random hot streak? I think ogc did some research awhile back and found that on average hitters who get traded to a Bruce Bochy managed team improve their BA significantly. So, is it the Bochy Effect or does Hensley Meulens get the credit? Some of both? Random chance? I think this is fascinating and will be fun to watch the rest of the season.
Kelby Tomlinson- 2 for 4, 3B. BA= .306. Joe Panik better come to camp fully healthy next spring. Kelby is shooting for a starting job!
Ehire Adrianza- 1 for 3, BB. BA= .173. Adrianza has looked more confident at the plate the last couple of games. ogc did a nice writeup taking on the Adrianza haters of on his site linked to the left. I noted that despite his anemic BA, he was walking at approximately a 7% rate while striking out just 14% of the time with a BABIP of .187. Now, Adrianza probably does not make as much hard contact as most of your better hitters, but nobody sustains a .187 BABIP. Nobody! There is a ton of bad luck involved there! He certainly plays a scintillating defensive SS and makes it look easy.
Madison Bumgarner- 9 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 9 K's. ERA= 2.91. Bummy barely broke a sweat for the first 7 innings. It looked like he was playing a nice easy game of catch with Buster Posey. His first real tough out was Justin Upton to lead off the 8'th and then it looked like he got frustrated and grooved one to Melvin Upton who was pinch-hitting for the pitcher with 2 outs in the inning. Bummy had made the last out of the 7'th inning at the plate, so I wonder if that might have had something to do with his less than perfect 8'th inning. He came back out and breezed through the 9'th for the 1-hit shutout. I think this was his 3'rd 1-hitter of his career.
Mike Leake goes for the series sweep today facing Odrisamer Despaigne who seems to be only good against the Giants.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Down on the Farm: 9/11/2015
High A San Jose Giants outlasted the Stockton Ports 5-3 in 15 innings to win their 3 game playoff series:
Brian Ragira(DH)- 3 for 7, HR(1). BA= .429.
Aramis Garcia(Catcher)- 2 for 7, HR(1). BA= .286.
Chuckie Jones(RF-CF)- 1 for 5, 2 BB. BA= .214.
Arroyo, Villalona, Bednar, Arenado- 2 hits each.
Martin Agosta(RHP)- 3 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 2 K's, 3 HR's allowed. ERA= 9.00.
Sam Coonrod(RHP)- 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's, GO/AO= 7/2. ERA= 0.00.
Ian Gardeck(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
Jake Smith(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Dan Slania(RHP)- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Tyler Rogers(RHP)- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Agosta gets bit by the dingers again. Strong high A debut from Coonrod! Yeoman work from the SJ bullpen as always. The team has to bus down to Visalia to start the semifinal playoff series today. Hope whoever is the SP is prepared to go deep into the game.
Brian Ragira(DH)- 3 for 7, HR(1). BA= .429.
Aramis Garcia(Catcher)- 2 for 7, HR(1). BA= .286.
Chuckie Jones(RF-CF)- 1 for 5, 2 BB. BA= .214.
Arroyo, Villalona, Bednar, Arenado- 2 hits each.
Martin Agosta(RHP)- 3 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 2 K's, 3 HR's allowed. ERA= 9.00.
Sam Coonrod(RHP)- 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's, GO/AO= 7/2. ERA= 0.00.
Ian Gardeck(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
Jake Smith(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Dan Slania(RHP)- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Tyler Rogers(RHP)- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Agosta gets bit by the dingers again. Strong high A debut from Coonrod! Yeoman work from the SJ bullpen as always. The team has to bus down to Visalia to start the semifinal playoff series today. Hope whoever is the SP is prepared to go deep into the game.
Game Wrap 9/11/2015: Giants 9 Padres 1
What a difference a day off at home makes! The Giants returned from a 10 game road trip with their tails between their legs. After a day off, they showed up at AT&T Park all bright eyed and busy tailed again and took it to the Padres with nice pitching from Jake Peavy, solid defense and a persistent offensive attack that wore down Padres starter Andrew Cashner. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 1 for 5. BA= .261. Pagan had just one hit in the game, but it drove in the first run. He also made a spectacular catch above the CF wall to rob Matt Kemp of a HR. Pagan is a bit of a polarizing player, especially when it comes to measuring his defense, but when he is fully healthy, which he finally appears to be, he can make spectacular plays. Look up the video on this one!
Matt Duffy- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .300. Nobody grinds out AB's like the Duffman and he uses the entire field. In this one, he pulled a single through the hole between 3'rd and short and another where he poked one into RF. After Cashner opened the game with two quick K's on Pagan and De Aza, Duffy worked him for the first of 2 walks which pushed up his pitch count and set the stage for the grind down.
Marlon Byrd- 3 for 4, BB. BA= .248. Has Byrd already bought into the Giants hitting philosophy? He certainly has been keeping the line moving lately.
Kelby Tomlinson- 1 for 5, 2 SB(4). BA= .298. Tomlinson hit into 3 FC's but stole 2 bases and scored 3 runs. He has multiple ways to beat you.
Ehire Adrianza- 2 for 3, 2 BB. BA= .168. Nice game at the plate for Adrianza who might have done more to take down Cashner than any other hitter in the lineup. He also made several tough plays at SS look very easy.
Jarrett Parker- 1 for 1, 2B. BA= .200. Parker came up late as a PH and hit a bomb to the warning track in Triples Alley that bounced way up into the stands for a ground rule double. That might have been the loudest double I've ever seen! Fun to watch!
Jake Peavy- 7 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 4.15. I was surprised to see just 2 K's in his boxscore line. It seemed like he pitched better than that. His stuff looked crisp and he was locating well. Nice rhythm. He did benefit from some nice fielding plays including Pagan's catch, but got mostly weak contact and kept his pitch count way down.
Cory Gearrin- 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00. Gearrin looked absolutely fierce against the 2 batters he faced. Very nasty looking slider. He's pitching to stay on the 40 man roster through the offseason and the opportunity to win a bullpen spot in the spring.
Brett Bochy- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00. Young Boch got to pitch the 9'th inning. He showed a below average FB but with good command and good secondary stuff. He got a visit to the mound from his pop after allowing a single to Matt Kemp and HBP to Upton. The crowd had some fun with it chanting Bochy! Bochy! Bochy! as he struck out the final batter of the game.
Madison Bumgarner faces Ian Kennedy today in game 2 of the series.
Angel Pagan- 1 for 5. BA= .261. Pagan had just one hit in the game, but it drove in the first run. He also made a spectacular catch above the CF wall to rob Matt Kemp of a HR. Pagan is a bit of a polarizing player, especially when it comes to measuring his defense, but when he is fully healthy, which he finally appears to be, he can make spectacular plays. Look up the video on this one!
Matt Duffy- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .300. Nobody grinds out AB's like the Duffman and he uses the entire field. In this one, he pulled a single through the hole between 3'rd and short and another where he poked one into RF. After Cashner opened the game with two quick K's on Pagan and De Aza, Duffy worked him for the first of 2 walks which pushed up his pitch count and set the stage for the grind down.
Marlon Byrd- 3 for 4, BB. BA= .248. Has Byrd already bought into the Giants hitting philosophy? He certainly has been keeping the line moving lately.
Kelby Tomlinson- 1 for 5, 2 SB(4). BA= .298. Tomlinson hit into 3 FC's but stole 2 bases and scored 3 runs. He has multiple ways to beat you.
Ehire Adrianza- 2 for 3, 2 BB. BA= .168. Nice game at the plate for Adrianza who might have done more to take down Cashner than any other hitter in the lineup. He also made several tough plays at SS look very easy.
Jarrett Parker- 1 for 1, 2B. BA= .200. Parker came up late as a PH and hit a bomb to the warning track in Triples Alley that bounced way up into the stands for a ground rule double. That might have been the loudest double I've ever seen! Fun to watch!
Jake Peavy- 7 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 4.15. I was surprised to see just 2 K's in his boxscore line. It seemed like he pitched better than that. His stuff looked crisp and he was locating well. Nice rhythm. He did benefit from some nice fielding plays including Pagan's catch, but got mostly weak contact and kept his pitch count way down.
Cory Gearrin- 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00. Gearrin looked absolutely fierce against the 2 batters he faced. Very nasty looking slider. He's pitching to stay on the 40 man roster through the offseason and the opportunity to win a bullpen spot in the spring.
Brett Bochy- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00. Young Boch got to pitch the 9'th inning. He showed a below average FB but with good command and good secondary stuff. He got a visit to the mound from his pop after allowing a single to Matt Kemp and HBP to Upton. The crowd had some fun with it chanting Bochy! Bochy! Bochy! as he struck out the final batter of the game.
Madison Bumgarner faces Ian Kennedy today in game 2 of the series.
Friday, September 11, 2015
Thoughts on the 2020 Giants
Someone requested a post on a projection of what the Giants might look like 5 years down the road based on current talent in the organization. With the minor league season all but over and an off day for the MLB club yesterday, I have an opening to throw something up here pretty much off the top of my head.
First of all, I'll just say these types of projections are incredibly difficult to make as some of the better prospects at some position may be in the deep lower minors and not quite ready by 2020, as incredible as that may seem. Other very good prospects may be blocked by incumbents at the MLB level. Just one example: Buster Posey will almost certainly be playing 1B by then, so what do you do with a prospect like Chris Shaw? And of course, and exercise like this does not account for possible future trades and FA signings. With that out of the way, here's my projected 2020 Giants roster:
Catcher: Aramis Garcia
First Base: Buster Posey
Second Base: Joe Panik
Third Base: Matt Duffy
Shortstop: Christian Arroyo
Left Field: Chris Shaw
Center Field: Mikey Edie
Right Field: Mac Williamson
Bench: Miguel Gomez, Austin Slater, Hunter Cole, Johneshwy Fargas, Rando Moreno
Starting Pitchers: 1. Madison Bumgarner. 2. Mike Leake. 3. Tyler Beede. 4. Phil Bickford. 5. Andrew Suarez.
Closer: Chase Johnson.
Bullpen: Sam Coonrod, Jake Smith, Martin Agosta, Josh Osich, Rodolfo Martinez, Adalberto Mejia.
Notice the lineup is way too heavy on the RH side. Bummy's contract is up on 2019. I think the Giants will find a way to extend it. I think Leake will sign a 5 year contract this offseason which would put him in the final year in 2020.
First of all, I'll just say these types of projections are incredibly difficult to make as some of the better prospects at some position may be in the deep lower minors and not quite ready by 2020, as incredible as that may seem. Other very good prospects may be blocked by incumbents at the MLB level. Just one example: Buster Posey will almost certainly be playing 1B by then, so what do you do with a prospect like Chris Shaw? And of course, and exercise like this does not account for possible future trades and FA signings. With that out of the way, here's my projected 2020 Giants roster:
Catcher: Aramis Garcia
First Base: Buster Posey
Second Base: Joe Panik
Third Base: Matt Duffy
Shortstop: Christian Arroyo
Left Field: Chris Shaw
Center Field: Mikey Edie
Right Field: Mac Williamson
Bench: Miguel Gomez, Austin Slater, Hunter Cole, Johneshwy Fargas, Rando Moreno
Starting Pitchers: 1. Madison Bumgarner. 2. Mike Leake. 3. Tyler Beede. 4. Phil Bickford. 5. Andrew Suarez.
Closer: Chase Johnson.
Bullpen: Sam Coonrod, Jake Smith, Martin Agosta, Josh Osich, Rodolfo Martinez, Adalberto Mejia.
Notice the lineup is way too heavy on the RH side. Bummy's contract is up on 2019. I think the Giants will find a way to extend it. I think Leake will sign a 5 year contract this offseason which would put him in the final year in 2020.
Down on the Farm: 9/10/2015
Stockton Ports defeated the San Jose Giants 4-2 to even their 3 game playoff series:
Daniel Carbonell(LF)- 1 for 4, HR(1). BA= .250.
Angel Villalona(1B)- 1 for 4, HR(2). BA= .500.
Andrew Suarez(LHP)- 3 IP, 7 H, 1 R 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 3.00.
Jose Reyes(RHP)- 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, GO/AO= 11/2. ERA= 0.00.
Stats are for postseason only. Martin Agosta is the starter for the deciding game tonight.
Daniel Carbonell(LF)- 1 for 4, HR(1). BA= .250.
Angel Villalona(1B)- 1 for 4, HR(2). BA= .500.
Andrew Suarez(LHP)- 3 IP, 7 H, 1 R 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 3.00.
Jose Reyes(RHP)- 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, GO/AO= 11/2. ERA= 0.00.
Stats are for postseason only. Martin Agosta is the starter for the deciding game tonight.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Game Wrap 9/9/2015: D'Backs 2 Giants 1
Injuries continued to mount for the Giants as they fielded a makeshift lineup for seemingly the umpteenth time on this road trip. That lineup failed to mount any kind of sustained offense and they lost their 4'th 2-1 game of the 10 game road trip. Key Lines:
Chris Heston- 4.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.55. Heston cruised through the first 3 innings looking really good. He started elevating pitches in the 4'th inning and gave up a 2-run dinger to Jarrod Saltalamacchia. In the 5'th with a runner at 2B and Paul Goldschmidt and David Peralta coming up, Bochy elected to have Heston walk Goldy intentionally then bring in Jeremy Affeldt to face the LH hitting Peralta. You have the luxury of being able to do that in September. Not a terrible start for Heston, but not a convincing one either.
The Giants now get a much needed day off before starting a long homestand Friday with Jake Peavy facing Andrew Cashner.
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The Hillsboro Hops topped the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes 6-5 in 13 innings to take their 3 game playoff series:
Ronnie Jebavy(CF)- 1 for 5, HR(1), BB. BA= .154.
Miguel Gomez(DH)- 3 for 6, HR(1). BA= .385.
Chris Shaw(1B)- 2 for 5, HR(1). BA= .308.
Logan Webb(RHP)- 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 6 K's, GO/AO= 8/0. ERA= 3.60.
Stats are for the postseason only. Can't wait to see how Gomez and Shaw hit next year and where. Very nice age 18 season for Logan Webb in a hitter friendly league against mostly older competition. BTW, remember Dansby Swanson? He hit the game winning hit in this game.
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San Jose Giants pounded the Stockton Ports 7-2 to win game 1 of their 3 game Cal League playoff series:
Chuckie Jones(RF)- 2 for 5. BA= .400.
Angel Villalona(1B)- 3 for 4, HR(1). BA= .750.
Aramis Garcia(Catcher)- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .667.
Jason Forjet(RHP)- 5 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 1.80.
Tyler Rogers(RHP)- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Jake Smith(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Chris Heston- 4.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.55. Heston cruised through the first 3 innings looking really good. He started elevating pitches in the 4'th inning and gave up a 2-run dinger to Jarrod Saltalamacchia. In the 5'th with a runner at 2B and Paul Goldschmidt and David Peralta coming up, Bochy elected to have Heston walk Goldy intentionally then bring in Jeremy Affeldt to face the LH hitting Peralta. You have the luxury of being able to do that in September. Not a terrible start for Heston, but not a convincing one either.
The Giants now get a much needed day off before starting a long homestand Friday with Jake Peavy facing Andrew Cashner.
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The Hillsboro Hops topped the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes 6-5 in 13 innings to take their 3 game playoff series:
Ronnie Jebavy(CF)- 1 for 5, HR(1), BB. BA= .154.
Miguel Gomez(DH)- 3 for 6, HR(1). BA= .385.
Chris Shaw(1B)- 2 for 5, HR(1). BA= .308.
Logan Webb(RHP)- 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 6 K's, GO/AO= 8/0. ERA= 3.60.
Stats are for the postseason only. Can't wait to see how Gomez and Shaw hit next year and where. Very nice age 18 season for Logan Webb in a hitter friendly league against mostly older competition. BTW, remember Dansby Swanson? He hit the game winning hit in this game.
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San Jose Giants pounded the Stockton Ports 7-2 to win game 1 of their 3 game Cal League playoff series:
Chuckie Jones(RF)- 2 for 5. BA= .400.
Angel Villalona(1B)- 3 for 4, HR(1). BA= .750.
Aramis Garcia(Catcher)- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .667.
Jason Forjet(RHP)- 5 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 1.80.
Tyler Rogers(RHP)- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Jake Smith(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Game Wrap 9/8/2015: Giants 6 D'Backs 2
Tim Hudson came off the DL to pitch 6 strong innings and helped his own cause with a solo HR in the pivotal 5 run 3'rd inning. Key Lines:
Joe Panik- 2 for 3, 2B, HR(8), BB, HBP. BA= .314. No offense to Kelby Tomlinson who was terrific filling in when Panik was injured, but what a remarkable player Panik has become! Big scare in this one as he collided with Paul Goldschmidt who was running from first to second on a groundball play. Fortunately, Goldy held up and minimized the force of the contact. Panik was clearly shaken up and appeared to be on considerable pain, mostly trying to shake it out of his hand. He stayed in the game and appeared to be fine, later hitting a long HR that cleared the swimming pool in right-centerfield.
Gregor Blanco- 1 for 4, HR(5). BA= .291. Blanco broke up a scoreless tie with a leadoff HR in the 3'rd inning that started a 5 run rally and chased starter Chase Anderson.
Tim Hudson- 2 for 3, HR(1). BA= .200. Huddy looked rejuvenated after a prolonged stay on the DL. Maybe a new undervalued commodity would be signing 2 older pitchers on the cheap and then setting them up in a platoon where they each alternate pitching and going on the DL for a month at a time?
Tim Hudson- 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.51. A vintage Huddy start except for the coming out after 6 IP part.
Chris Heston faces Zack Godley in the rubber match of the series and the finale of this loooong road trip.
According to Baggs reporting on Extra Baggs, Bochy was pretty emphatic that the Giants need to have a younger and better pitching staff next season.
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In the minors, the Hillsboro Hops crushed the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes 8-0 in game 2 of their 3 game playoff series. Nothing to see in the boxscore.
Joe Panik- 2 for 3, 2B, HR(8), BB, HBP. BA= .314. No offense to Kelby Tomlinson who was terrific filling in when Panik was injured, but what a remarkable player Panik has become! Big scare in this one as he collided with Paul Goldschmidt who was running from first to second on a groundball play. Fortunately, Goldy held up and minimized the force of the contact. Panik was clearly shaken up and appeared to be on considerable pain, mostly trying to shake it out of his hand. He stayed in the game and appeared to be fine, later hitting a long HR that cleared the swimming pool in right-centerfield.
Gregor Blanco- 1 for 4, HR(5). BA= .291. Blanco broke up a scoreless tie with a leadoff HR in the 3'rd inning that started a 5 run rally and chased starter Chase Anderson.
Tim Hudson- 2 for 3, HR(1). BA= .200. Huddy looked rejuvenated after a prolonged stay on the DL. Maybe a new undervalued commodity would be signing 2 older pitchers on the cheap and then setting them up in a platoon where they each alternate pitching and going on the DL for a month at a time?
Tim Hudson- 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.51. A vintage Huddy start except for the coming out after 6 IP part.
Chris Heston faces Zack Godley in the rubber match of the series and the finale of this loooong road trip.
According to Baggs reporting on Extra Baggs, Bochy was pretty emphatic that the Giants need to have a younger and better pitching staff next season.
*********************************************************************************
In the minors, the Hillsboro Hops crushed the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes 8-0 in game 2 of their 3 game playoff series. Nothing to see in the boxscore.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Down on the Farm: 9/7/2015
AAA Sacramento River Cats destroyed the Albuquerque Isotopes 11-0:
Kevin Frandsen(3B-SS)- 3 for 5. BA= .280.
Jarrett Parker(RF)- 1 for 3, HR(23), 2 BB. BA= .283.
Mac Williamson(LF)- 2 for 3, 2 HR(8), 2 BB. BA= .249.
Nik Turley(LHP)- 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 4.56.
Matt Cain(RHP)- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.20.
What a season finale for Big Mac! He probably needs another half season in AAA but should be given an opportunity to win a MLB job out of spring training. The roster numbers may work against him on that though. Matt Cain will obviously activated as soon as eligible. Unclear what his role will be the rest of this season.
*********************************************************************************
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels edged out the Reading Fightin' Phils 2-1:
Matt Lujan(LHP)- 6 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.18.
Pedro Rodriguez(RHP)- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 2.21.
*********************************************************************************
High A Bakersfield Blaze downed the San Jose Giants 4-2:
John Polonius(SS)- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(3). BA= .204.
Daniel Carbonell(LF)- 1 for 4, 3B. BA= .279.
Giants used 7 relievers in this game. They start a 3 game playoff series with the Stockton Ports on Wednesday, Sept 9.
*********************************************************************************
Low A Charleston River Dogs outlasted the Augusta Greenjackets 2-1 in 10 innings:
Richard Rodriguez(2B)- 2 for 5. BA= .330.
Jonah Arenado(3B)- 2 for 5, SB(1). BA= .264.
Pat Young(RHP)- 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.39.
*********************************************************************************
Short Season Salem-Keizer Volcanoes topped the Hillsboro Hops 4-2:
Miguel Gomez(3B)- 1 for 3, SF. BA= .333.
Chris Shaw(1B)- 2 for 4. BA= .500.
Jose Vizcaino, JR(SS)- 2 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .667.
Michael Connolly(RHP)- 6 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.00.
Caleb Smith(RHP)- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Ryan Halstead(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(1). ERA= 0.00.
This was the first game of a 3 game playoff series. All stats are for postseason only.
*********************************************************************************
This concludes the 2015 minor league regular season. The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes and San Jose Giants made the playoffs in their respective leagues. Sacramento River Cats, Richmond Flying Squirrela and Augusta Greenjackets seasons are completed.
*********************************************************************************
What is your quick take on the organization's 2015 minor league season. Is it stronger than last year at this time? I think it is. Although there were a few disappointments like Kyle Crick, Daniel Carbonell and Tyler Horan, there were many more pleasant surprises like The Johnsons and Sam Coonrod and the draft class looks great so far.
Kevin Frandsen(3B-SS)- 3 for 5. BA= .280.
Jarrett Parker(RF)- 1 for 3, HR(23), 2 BB. BA= .283.
Mac Williamson(LF)- 2 for 3, 2 HR(8), 2 BB. BA= .249.
Nik Turley(LHP)- 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 4.56.
Matt Cain(RHP)- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.20.
What a season finale for Big Mac! He probably needs another half season in AAA but should be given an opportunity to win a MLB job out of spring training. The roster numbers may work against him on that though. Matt Cain will obviously activated as soon as eligible. Unclear what his role will be the rest of this season.
*********************************************************************************
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels edged out the Reading Fightin' Phils 2-1:
Matt Lujan(LHP)- 6 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.18.
Pedro Rodriguez(RHP)- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 2.21.
*********************************************************************************
High A Bakersfield Blaze downed the San Jose Giants 4-2:
John Polonius(SS)- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(3). BA= .204.
Daniel Carbonell(LF)- 1 for 4, 3B. BA= .279.
Giants used 7 relievers in this game. They start a 3 game playoff series with the Stockton Ports on Wednesday, Sept 9.
*********************************************************************************
Low A Charleston River Dogs outlasted the Augusta Greenjackets 2-1 in 10 innings:
Richard Rodriguez(2B)- 2 for 5. BA= .330.
Jonah Arenado(3B)- 2 for 5, SB(1). BA= .264.
Pat Young(RHP)- 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.39.
*********************************************************************************
Short Season Salem-Keizer Volcanoes topped the Hillsboro Hops 4-2:
Miguel Gomez(3B)- 1 for 3, SF. BA= .333.
Chris Shaw(1B)- 2 for 4. BA= .500.
Jose Vizcaino, JR(SS)- 2 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .667.
Michael Connolly(RHP)- 6 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.00.
Caleb Smith(RHP)- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Ryan Halstead(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(1). ERA= 0.00.
This was the first game of a 3 game playoff series. All stats are for postseason only.
*********************************************************************************
This concludes the 2015 minor league regular season. The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes and San Jose Giants made the playoffs in their respective leagues. Sacramento River Cats, Richmond Flying Squirrela and Augusta Greenjackets seasons are completed.
*********************************************************************************
What is your quick take on the organization's 2015 minor league season. Is it stronger than last year at this time? I think it is. Although there were a few disappointments like Kyle Crick, Daniel Carbonell and Tyler Horan, there were many more pleasant surprises like The Johnsons and Sam Coonrod and the draft class looks great so far.
Monday, September 7, 2015
Game Wrap 9/7/2015: D'Backs 6 Giants 1
The Giants failed to extend the momentum from the two wins to close out the Rockies' series, as the D'Backs jumped on Mike Leake early and the Giants offense was not able to mount a response against Patrick Corbin. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .264. Pagan is hitting .360 in 7 games since coming off the DL.
Joe Panik- 1 for 1, 2B. BA= .311. Panik did not start against the LHP, but came up as a PH in the 8'th and drove a double over the head of the CF, then scored on Buster Posey's single to RF.
Buster Posey- 3 for 4, 2B. BA= .330. Buster is hitting .500 over his last 7 games and .414 over his last 15. Kruk and Kuip pointed out over and over that he is driving the ball to the opposite field with great success.
Mike Leake- 5.2 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 3 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.70. Leake's sinker wasn't sinking and his breaking ball were not breaking. Not good! Yeah, there were some grounders and liners that found holes, but most of them were hit HARD! This was his first poorly pitched game for the Giants, but his tenure so far has been plagued by tough luck, first with the injury and then with the pitching matchups.
Tim Hudson gets his first start in awhile tomorrow facing Chase Anderson. Hudson has not pitched more than 2 innings at a time since coming off the DL, so the bullpen may have to strap it on early.
Angel Pagan- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .264. Pagan is hitting .360 in 7 games since coming off the DL.
Joe Panik- 1 for 1, 2B. BA= .311. Panik did not start against the LHP, but came up as a PH in the 8'th and drove a double over the head of the CF, then scored on Buster Posey's single to RF.
Buster Posey- 3 for 4, 2B. BA= .330. Buster is hitting .500 over his last 7 games and .414 over his last 15. Kruk and Kuip pointed out over and over that he is driving the ball to the opposite field with great success.
Mike Leake- 5.2 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 3 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.70. Leake's sinker wasn't sinking and his breaking ball were not breaking. Not good! Yeah, there were some grounders and liners that found holes, but most of them were hit HARD! This was his first poorly pitched game for the Giants, but his tenure so far has been plagued by tough luck, first with the injury and then with the pitching matchups.
Tim Hudson gets his first start in awhile tomorrow facing Chase Anderson. Hudson has not pitched more than 2 innings at a time since coming off the DL, so the bullpen may have to strap it on early.
Down on the Farm: 9/6/2015
AAA Sacramento River Cats defeated the Albuquerque Isotopes 5-2:
Ben Turner(Catcher)- 1 for 2, 2B, 2 BB. BA= .286.
Clayton Blackburn(RHP)- 2 for 2, Sac. BA= .296.
Clayton Blackburn(RHP)- 7 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 12/3. ERA= 2.85.
Clayton Blackburn turned in his second dominant, scoreless start in a row to end his season. In the process, he took over the PCL lead in ERA among qualified pitchers. In those last two starts he went a total of 14.1 IP, with 1 BB, and 14 K's. Gotta think the Giants are taking a close look at the way he finished up the season. One thing I noticed that may be the key to Blackburn's success is if you look at pictures of him now and compare them from last season in Richmond, he is in MUCH better shape! Oh, and he seems to be able to help himself with the bat too. Imagine him and Bummy in the same dugout discussing each other's hitting prowess! LOL! Ben Turner continues to be one of my sleeper hitters in the system. He had just 13 K's in 102 PA's this season.
*********************************************************************************
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels edged out the Reading Fightin' Phils 2-1:
Kelvin Marte(LHP)- 6 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 2.63.
Kyle Crick(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K. ERA= 3.29.
Derek Law(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(13). ERA= 4.56.
Law ran hot and cold but now has 5 consecutive scoreless appearances. Next year should be a telling year in his recovery from TJ.
*********************************************************************************
High A Bakersfield Blaze outscored the San Jose Giants 8-6:
Daniel Carbonell(LF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .280.
Tyler Horan(RF)- 1 for 2, 2B, 2 BB. BA= .217.
Brian Ragira(DH)- 1 for 4, HR(10). BA= .251.
Jordan Johnson(RHP)- 4.2 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 10 K's. ERA= 4.31.
Ian Gardeck(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.59.
Carbonell is hitting .381 over his last 10 games. Johnson was dominant with the K's.
*********************************************************************************
Low A Augusta Greenjackets beat the Charleston River Dogs 4-2:
Richard Rodriguez(2B)- 2 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .326.
Andrew Cain(RF)- 1 for 2, BB, SB(9). BA= .216.
Sam Coonrod(RHP)- 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 9 K's. ERA= 3.14.
Nice start from Coonrod to finish up the season after a rough patch.
*********************************************************************************
Short Season Boise Hawks buried the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes 9-1:
Steven Duggar(RF)- 3 for 4, 2B. BA= .293.
*********************************************************************************
Rookie AZL Season is complete.
*********************************************************************************
DSL Season is complete. Giants won the DSL championship.
*********************************************************************************
Final games of the minor league regular season today.
Ben Turner(Catcher)- 1 for 2, 2B, 2 BB. BA= .286.
Clayton Blackburn(RHP)- 2 for 2, Sac. BA= .296.
Clayton Blackburn(RHP)- 7 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 12/3. ERA= 2.85.
Clayton Blackburn turned in his second dominant, scoreless start in a row to end his season. In the process, he took over the PCL lead in ERA among qualified pitchers. In those last two starts he went a total of 14.1 IP, with 1 BB, and 14 K's. Gotta think the Giants are taking a close look at the way he finished up the season. One thing I noticed that may be the key to Blackburn's success is if you look at pictures of him now and compare them from last season in Richmond, he is in MUCH better shape! Oh, and he seems to be able to help himself with the bat too. Imagine him and Bummy in the same dugout discussing each other's hitting prowess! LOL! Ben Turner continues to be one of my sleeper hitters in the system. He had just 13 K's in 102 PA's this season.
*********************************************************************************
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels edged out the Reading Fightin' Phils 2-1:
Kelvin Marte(LHP)- 6 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 2.63.
Kyle Crick(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K. ERA= 3.29.
Derek Law(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(13). ERA= 4.56.
Law ran hot and cold but now has 5 consecutive scoreless appearances. Next year should be a telling year in his recovery from TJ.
*********************************************************************************
High A Bakersfield Blaze outscored the San Jose Giants 8-6:
Daniel Carbonell(LF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .280.
Tyler Horan(RF)- 1 for 2, 2B, 2 BB. BA= .217.
Brian Ragira(DH)- 1 for 4, HR(10). BA= .251.
Jordan Johnson(RHP)- 4.2 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 10 K's. ERA= 4.31.
Ian Gardeck(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.59.
Carbonell is hitting .381 over his last 10 games. Johnson was dominant with the K's.
*********************************************************************************
Low A Augusta Greenjackets beat the Charleston River Dogs 4-2:
Richard Rodriguez(2B)- 2 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .326.
Andrew Cain(RF)- 1 for 2, BB, SB(9). BA= .216.
Sam Coonrod(RHP)- 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 9 K's. ERA= 3.14.
Nice start from Coonrod to finish up the season after a rough patch.
*********************************************************************************
Short Season Boise Hawks buried the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes 9-1:
Steven Duggar(RF)- 3 for 4, 2B. BA= .293.
*********************************************************************************
Rookie AZL Season is complete.
*********************************************************************************
DSL Season is complete. Giants won the DSL championship.
*********************************************************************************
Final games of the minor league regular season today.
Game Wrap 9/6/2015: Giants 7 Rockies 4
The Giants broke open a 2-2 tie with a 5-run 5'th inning and held on in Coors Field for a win and a series split with the Rockies. Key Lines:
Kelby Tomlinson- 2 for 5. BA= .306. It will be good to have Joe Panik back, but Tomlinson has been a very able fill in. Certainly he held up his end of the bargain on offense and his defense improved over time. Kruk and Kuip were mentioning a lot of defensive work with coach Ron Wotus that seems to have paid off. At worst, the Giants seem to have their utility IF in place for next season.
Matt Duffy- 1 for 5, 3B. BA= .303. Just one hit in the game for Duffman, but it was a triple to drive in the first 2 runs of the 5'th inning rally. Tuned into the game just in time to see it. Everybody says Duffy is running on fumes, but he doesn't show it.
Buster Posey- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(17), BB. BA= .326. Buster's HR was the 100'th of his career, which is great, but also serves as a reminder of how stupendously difficult it is to hit 500 let alone 660 or 750+. Anyway, Buster has been beat up, but looked like he was feeling better in this game.
Marlon Byrd- 4 for 5, 2B. BA= .241. Byrd had just 1 hit in his last 17 AB's before this game.
Brandon Crawford- 1 for 5, 2B. BA= .259. Crawford capped off the rally with a 2-run double up the alley in right-CF. He still seems to be slowed a bit by the sore calf as he was late on a couple of first steps on defense.
Madison Bumgarner- 6 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.05. Maybe Bummy didn't have his best stuff or maybe it's just Coor's Field. He was fortunate to get out of the bottom of the 5'th without more damage than 2 runs scored. That frame came on the heels of the 5 run rally in which Bummy had to sit on the bench for a long time.
Santiago Casilla- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(32). ERA= 3.19. Casilla was on fire and seems to have put his midseason struggles behind him. One pitch registered 97 MPH on whatever gun Kruk and Kuip were watching. That woke them up a bit!
The Giants remain 7.5 games behind the Dodgers and 8 behind the Cubs in the playoff race.
The Giants move on to Arizona where Mike Leake faces Patrick Corbin in game 1.
Kelby Tomlinson- 2 for 5. BA= .306. It will be good to have Joe Panik back, but Tomlinson has been a very able fill in. Certainly he held up his end of the bargain on offense and his defense improved over time. Kruk and Kuip were mentioning a lot of defensive work with coach Ron Wotus that seems to have paid off. At worst, the Giants seem to have their utility IF in place for next season.
Matt Duffy- 1 for 5, 3B. BA= .303. Just one hit in the game for Duffman, but it was a triple to drive in the first 2 runs of the 5'th inning rally. Tuned into the game just in time to see it. Everybody says Duffy is running on fumes, but he doesn't show it.
Buster Posey- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(17), BB. BA= .326. Buster's HR was the 100'th of his career, which is great, but also serves as a reminder of how stupendously difficult it is to hit 500 let alone 660 or 750+. Anyway, Buster has been beat up, but looked like he was feeling better in this game.
Marlon Byrd- 4 for 5, 2B. BA= .241. Byrd had just 1 hit in his last 17 AB's before this game.
Brandon Crawford- 1 for 5, 2B. BA= .259. Crawford capped off the rally with a 2-run double up the alley in right-CF. He still seems to be slowed a bit by the sore calf as he was late on a couple of first steps on defense.
Madison Bumgarner- 6 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.05. Maybe Bummy didn't have his best stuff or maybe it's just Coor's Field. He was fortunate to get out of the bottom of the 5'th without more damage than 2 runs scored. That frame came on the heels of the 5 run rally in which Bummy had to sit on the bench for a long time.
Santiago Casilla- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(32). ERA= 3.19. Casilla was on fire and seems to have put his midseason struggles behind him. One pitch registered 97 MPH on whatever gun Kruk and Kuip were watching. That woke them up a bit!
The Giants remain 7.5 games behind the Dodgers and 8 behind the Cubs in the playoff race.
The Giants move on to Arizona where Mike Leake faces Patrick Corbin in game 1.
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Down on the Farm: 9/5/2015
AAA Albuquerque Isotopes defeated the Sacramento River Cats 5-3:
Darren Ford(CF)- 1 for 3, BB, 2 SB(33). BA= .257.
Tommy Hanson(RHP)- 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 5.60.
*********************************************************************************
AA Reading Fightin' Phils blanked the Richmond Flying Squirrels 2-1:
Joe Biagini(RHP)- 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 2.42.
*********************************************************************************
High A Bakersfield Blaze edged out the San Jose Giants 3-2:
Aramis Garcia(Catcher)- 2 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .236.
Tyler Horan(RF)- 1 for 3, HR(13). BA= .215.
Christian Jones(LHP)- 4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.50.
Tyler Rogers(RHP)- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.40.
*********************************************************************************
Low A Charleston River Dogs outlasted the Augusta Greenjackets 4-3 in 11 innings:
Matt Winn(Catcher)- 3 for 4, 2B. BA= .273.
Chase Compton(DH)- 1 for 5, HR(1). BA= .231.
Michael Santos(RHP)- 3 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K. ERA= 3.44.
Connor Kaden(RHP)- 4.1 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.81.
Carlos Diaz(LHP)- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.63.
*********************************************************************************
Short Season Salem-Keizer Volcanoes topped the Boise Hawks 2-1:
Chris Shaw(1B)- 1 for 4, HR(12). BA= .286.
Andrew Leenhouts(LHP)- 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.37.
Ryan Halstead(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(8). ERA= 2.33.
*********************************************************************************
Rookie AZL Season is complete.
*********************************************************************************
DSL Season is complete. Giants won the 2015 DSL championship.
Darren Ford(CF)- 1 for 3, BB, 2 SB(33). BA= .257.
Tommy Hanson(RHP)- 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 5.60.
*********************************************************************************
AA Reading Fightin' Phils blanked the Richmond Flying Squirrels 2-1:
Joe Biagini(RHP)- 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 2.42.
*********************************************************************************
High A Bakersfield Blaze edged out the San Jose Giants 3-2:
Aramis Garcia(Catcher)- 2 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .236.
Tyler Horan(RF)- 1 for 3, HR(13). BA= .215.
Christian Jones(LHP)- 4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.50.
Tyler Rogers(RHP)- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.40.
*********************************************************************************
Low A Charleston River Dogs outlasted the Augusta Greenjackets 4-3 in 11 innings:
Matt Winn(Catcher)- 3 for 4, 2B. BA= .273.
Chase Compton(DH)- 1 for 5, HR(1). BA= .231.
Michael Santos(RHP)- 3 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K. ERA= 3.44.
Connor Kaden(RHP)- 4.1 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.81.
Carlos Diaz(LHP)- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.63.
*********************************************************************************
Short Season Salem-Keizer Volcanoes topped the Boise Hawks 2-1:
Chris Shaw(1B)- 1 for 4, HR(12). BA= .286.
Andrew Leenhouts(LHP)- 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.37.
Ryan Halstead(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(8). ERA= 2.33.
*********************************************************************************
Rookie AZL Season is complete.
*********************************************************************************
DSL Season is complete. Giants won the 2015 DSL championship.
Game Wrap 9/5/0215: Giants 7 Rockies 3
The Giants Hall of Fame Manager, Bruce Bochy, ran out what looked suspiciously like a white flag lineup for this game, but instead got the best offensive performance of the last couple of weeks to break their 7 game losing streak. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 2 for 5, 2B, HR(1). BA= .263. Pagan is 7 for 20(.350) since coming off the DL. He continues to be a terrific player when fully healthy, which like Baggs, I strongly suspect he has not been all season until now. He did have a brain cramp on a ball that CarGo probably trapped but was ruled a catch. Instead of hustling back to 2B, Pagan wasted time pointing and yelling at the ump that the ball was trapped. Angel, that is what the review coaches are for. Your job is to get back to 2B if that's what the call on the field tells you to do.
Gregor Blanco- 2 for 4, HR(4), BB. BA= .294. Blanco has 2.3 fWAR in 358 PA so far this season, which projects to 3.8 fWAR in 600 PA. He his under contract for next season. The Giants opening day starter in LF, whoever that may be and it probably won't be Blanco, will most likely not be as good a player.
Matt Duffy- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .304. The Duffman's season just keep rolling along. The first 3 batters in the lineup got on base 8 times in 15 PA's. They added 2 doubles and 2 HR's
Alejandro De Aza- 2 for 5. BA= .260. When I saw De Aza's name in the cleanup spot, I said to myself, this is a white flag lineup. No Posey, no Belt. Sanchez in the squaaat and Nick Noonan at 1B, a position he has never played as a professional. As I like to say, there's a reason why they play the games. De Aza is a FA after the season. Do the Giants try to re-sign him, pick up Aoki's contract or both?
Hector Sanchez- 1 for 1, 2B, Sac. BA= .179. Sanchez was having a fine game when he sprained his ankle stepping on 1B on the sacrifice forcing Buster Posey, who is banged up himself into the game. I love Hector Sanchez, but the guy just can't seem to stay healthy!
Nick Noonan- 1 for 4, 2B. BA= .250. Noonan was brought up to spell Duffy at 3B. Duffy just keeps doing the Energizer Bunny thing and Noonan got the start at 1B even though he has never played the position as a pro. He drove in 2 runs with the double.
Jake Peavy- 2 for 3, 2 2B. BA= .192. Lots of jokes about why Peavy can't seem to see the catcher's signs but can hit .192.
Jake Peavy- 5.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 4.41. Like Hesto Presto yesterday, Peavy fell 1 out short of a QS. It's probably a good start from Peavy if you get 5 innings or more out of him at this stage of he career.
We'll dispense with the reports of how many games behind the Giants are until/unless they work their way closer. Right now they are 7.5 games back with 26 games to play.
Andrew Susac will have his wrist immobilized for 3 months to try to heal a ligament that has bothered him since spring training. With Hector Sanchez also out with the ankle sprain, Susac was placed on the 60-day DL to make room on the 40 man roster for Jackson Williams who will be the backup catcher for now.
Madison Bumgarner tries for a second win in a row today facing left Yohan Flande.
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Down on the Farm: 9/4/2015
AAA Sacramento River Cats cooled off the Albuquerque Isotopes 6-1:
Darren Ford(CF)- 2 for 5, 3B. BA= .256.
Joe Panik(2B)- 1 for 3. BA= .200.
Kevin Frandsen(1B)- 4 for 4, HR(4). BA= .279.
Trevor Brown(Catcher)- 2 for 4. BA= .268.
Chris Stratton(RHP)- 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 3.57.
Matt Cain(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.57.
Panik also made a spectacular acrobatic play at 2B. Stratton has had his ups and downs this season. He finishes up with one of his better starts. Smooth rehab outing for Cain although he did throw 32 pitches. We'll just have to hope Cainer gets everything working right by next season.
*********************************************************************************
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels downed the Reading Fightin' Phils 5-4:
Hunter Cole(RF)- 2 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .292.
Ricky Oropesa(1B)- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .253.
Joan Gregorio(RHP)- 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 3.09.
Kyle Crick(RHP)- 0.1 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 3.34.
Gregorio has a strong final start after an up and down season. Crick had a K, BB and HBP. The 2 baserunners scored in a hit given up by Jose Casilla.
*********************************************************************************
High A Bakersfield Blaze blanked the San Jose Giants 2-0:
Daniel Carbonell(LF)- 2 for 4. BA= .280.
Martin Agosta(RHP)- 6 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 9 K's. ERA= 4.25.
Ray Black(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.00.
Second start in a row without allowing an ER for Agosta. He has 18 K's in 13 IP in those two starts. Again, I am predicting a breakout season for him in Richmond next year.
*********************************************************************************
Low A Charleston River Dogs beat the Augusta Greenjackets 3-0:
DJ Snelton(LHP)- 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 6 K's, GO/AO= 10/1. ERA= 2.86.
Strong final start for Snelton after 2 subpar ones. Overall, he had a strong season for Augusta after washing out in SJ early on.
*********************************************************************************
Short Season Salem-Keizer Volcanoes topped the Boise Hawks 8-3:
Ronnie Jebavy(CF)- 2 for 5, 2B, 3B. BA= .266.
Steven Duggar(RF)- 1 for 3, 2 BB. BA= .279.
Chris Shaw(1B)- 2 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .287.
Luis Pino(RHP)- 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.43.
Dominic Mazza(LHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
Darren Ford(CF)- 2 for 5, 3B. BA= .256.
Joe Panik(2B)- 1 for 3. BA= .200.
Kevin Frandsen(1B)- 4 for 4, HR(4). BA= .279.
Trevor Brown(Catcher)- 2 for 4. BA= .268.
Chris Stratton(RHP)- 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 3.57.
Matt Cain(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.57.
Panik also made a spectacular acrobatic play at 2B. Stratton has had his ups and downs this season. He finishes up with one of his better starts. Smooth rehab outing for Cain although he did throw 32 pitches. We'll just have to hope Cainer gets everything working right by next season.
*********************************************************************************
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels downed the Reading Fightin' Phils 5-4:
Hunter Cole(RF)- 2 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .292.
Ricky Oropesa(1B)- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .253.
Joan Gregorio(RHP)- 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 3.09.
Kyle Crick(RHP)- 0.1 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 3.34.
Gregorio has a strong final start after an up and down season. Crick had a K, BB and HBP. The 2 baserunners scored in a hit given up by Jose Casilla.
*********************************************************************************
High A Bakersfield Blaze blanked the San Jose Giants 2-0:
Daniel Carbonell(LF)- 2 for 4. BA= .280.
Martin Agosta(RHP)- 6 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 9 K's. ERA= 4.25.
Ray Black(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.00.
Second start in a row without allowing an ER for Agosta. He has 18 K's in 13 IP in those two starts. Again, I am predicting a breakout season for him in Richmond next year.
*********************************************************************************
Low A Charleston River Dogs beat the Augusta Greenjackets 3-0:
DJ Snelton(LHP)- 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 6 K's, GO/AO= 10/1. ERA= 2.86.
Strong final start for Snelton after 2 subpar ones. Overall, he had a strong season for Augusta after washing out in SJ early on.
*********************************************************************************
Short Season Salem-Keizer Volcanoes topped the Boise Hawks 8-3:
Ronnie Jebavy(CF)- 2 for 5, 2B, 3B. BA= .266.
Steven Duggar(RF)- 1 for 3, 2 BB. BA= .279.
Chris Shaw(1B)- 2 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .287.
Luis Pino(RHP)- 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.43.
Dominic Mazza(LHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
Game Wrap 9/4/2015: Rockies 2 Giants 1
Chris Heston settled down after allowing B2B first inning solo HR's to Carlos Gonzalez and Nolan Arenado, ending up 1 out short of a Quality Start. Meanwhile, the Giants failed to sustain and offense against veteran LHP Jorge De La Rosa and the Giants suffered their 4'th 1-run loss in 5 games and 7'th loss in a row. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 2 for 4. BA= .261. Pagan and Matt Duffy were the only Giants with 2 hits. Pagan drove in the only Giants run of the game in the 6'th inning.
Chris Heston- 5.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 10/1. ERA= 3.54. Heston got off to a rough start allowing the 2 dingers in the first inning, but he settled down nicely, kept the ball on the ground and ended up 1 out short of a QS. This loss is on the offense.
The Loss dropped the Giants to 7.5 games behind the NL West leading Dodgers with 23 games to play. The Giants had a run early in the season of 9 losses in 10 games and now this 7 game skid. They go .500 in those games and they are just 0.5 games behind the Bad Guys.
Jake Peavy tries to be the stopper today facing Chad Bettis.
Andrew Susac flew back to SF to have his wrist examined. It has bothered him all season.
Angel Pagan- 2 for 4. BA= .261. Pagan and Matt Duffy were the only Giants with 2 hits. Pagan drove in the only Giants run of the game in the 6'th inning.
Chris Heston- 5.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 10/1. ERA= 3.54. Heston got off to a rough start allowing the 2 dingers in the first inning, but he settled down nicely, kept the ball on the ground and ended up 1 out short of a QS. This loss is on the offense.
The Loss dropped the Giants to 7.5 games behind the NL West leading Dodgers with 23 games to play. The Giants had a run early in the season of 9 losses in 10 games and now this 7 game skid. They go .500 in those games and they are just 0.5 games behind the Bad Guys.
Jake Peavy tries to be the stopper today facing Chad Bettis.
Andrew Susac flew back to SF to have his wrist examined. It has bothered him all season.
Friday, September 4, 2015
Down on the Farm: 9/3/2015
AAA Reno Aces trumped the Sacramento River Cats 9-4:
Jarrett Parker(CF)- 2 for 4, HR(22). BA= .284.
Ty Blach got shelled.
*********************************************************************************
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the Harrisburg Senators 4-2:
Hunter Cole(RF)- 1 for 3, 3B, BB. BA= .287.
Devin Harris(LF)- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(13). BA= .242.
Matt Gage(LHP)- 5.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.66.
Will Matt Gage be back in Richmond to start next season or will he get bumped down to San Jose which is one level above where he started this season?
*********************************************************************************
High A San Jose Giants pounded the Harrisburg Senators 8-2:
Christian Arroyo(SS)- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .309.
Daniel Carbonell(LF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .277.
Tyler Horan(RF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .214.
Ty Ross(Catcher)- 3 for 4. BA= .248.
Jose Reyes(RHP)- 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 5.82.
Seems like if the national prospect watchers have learned anything from Panik, Duffy and Tomlinson, Arroyo should be in the top 100 after what he has done at age 20 in SJ this year. Jose Reyes struggled after his promotion to SJ from Augusta, but seems to have figured it out in his last two starts: 1 R allowed in 15 IP with 13 K's and 1 BB.
*********************************************************************************
Low A Augusta Greenjackets stung the Charleston River Dogs 7-2:
Jonah Arenado(3B)- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .265.
Skyler Ewing(1B)- 2 for 3, BB, HBP. BA= .233.
Chase Compton(DH)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .243.
Chuckie Jones(LF)- 2 for 4. BA= .254.
Mark Reyes(LHP)- 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.13.
Rodolfo Martinez(RHP)- 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 2.58.
I'm going to give props to Jonah Arenado for hanging in there all season in a fairly extreme hitter-unfriendly environment. There were several times when it looked like his season may be going over a cliff, but he kept battling back from every mini-slump and ended up with a respectable average with some power. Terrific season from Mark Reyes, but does he have enough stuff to succeed at higher levels. Martinez does have the stuff and I think this was his longest and most dominant appearance on the season. Any chance the Giants stretch him out next season and make him a starter?
*********************************************************************************
Short Season Eugene Emeralds topped the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes 5-1:
Julio Pena(RF)- 1 for 3, HR(6). BA= .235.
Logan Webb(RHP)- 7 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 4.92.
Webb's short season campaign does not look so hot on the surface but he was just 18 years old and hung in there through some rough starts against mostly older competition. I would think it was a great learning experience, certainly with lessons on how to bounce back from adversity.
*********************************************************************************
Rookie AZL Season is complete.
*********************************************************************************
DSL Season is complete. Giants are DSL champions for 2015.
Jarrett Parker(CF)- 2 for 4, HR(22). BA= .284.
Ty Blach got shelled.
*********************************************************************************
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the Harrisburg Senators 4-2:
Hunter Cole(RF)- 1 for 3, 3B, BB. BA= .287.
Devin Harris(LF)- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(13). BA= .242.
Matt Gage(LHP)- 5.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.66.
Will Matt Gage be back in Richmond to start next season or will he get bumped down to San Jose which is one level above where he started this season?
*********************************************************************************
High A San Jose Giants pounded the Harrisburg Senators 8-2:
Christian Arroyo(SS)- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .309.
Daniel Carbonell(LF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .277.
Tyler Horan(RF)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .214.
Ty Ross(Catcher)- 3 for 4. BA= .248.
Jose Reyes(RHP)- 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 5.82.
Seems like if the national prospect watchers have learned anything from Panik, Duffy and Tomlinson, Arroyo should be in the top 100 after what he has done at age 20 in SJ this year. Jose Reyes struggled after his promotion to SJ from Augusta, but seems to have figured it out in his last two starts: 1 R allowed in 15 IP with 13 K's and 1 BB.
*********************************************************************************
Low A Augusta Greenjackets stung the Charleston River Dogs 7-2:
Jonah Arenado(3B)- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .265.
Skyler Ewing(1B)- 2 for 3, BB, HBP. BA= .233.
Chase Compton(DH)- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .243.
Chuckie Jones(LF)- 2 for 4. BA= .254.
Mark Reyes(LHP)- 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.13.
Rodolfo Martinez(RHP)- 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 2.58.
I'm going to give props to Jonah Arenado for hanging in there all season in a fairly extreme hitter-unfriendly environment. There were several times when it looked like his season may be going over a cliff, but he kept battling back from every mini-slump and ended up with a respectable average with some power. Terrific season from Mark Reyes, but does he have enough stuff to succeed at higher levels. Martinez does have the stuff and I think this was his longest and most dominant appearance on the season. Any chance the Giants stretch him out next season and make him a starter?
*********************************************************************************
Short Season Eugene Emeralds topped the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes 5-1:
Julio Pena(RF)- 1 for 3, HR(6). BA= .235.
Logan Webb(RHP)- 7 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 4.92.
Webb's short season campaign does not look so hot on the surface but he was just 18 years old and hung in there through some rough starts against mostly older competition. I would think it was a great learning experience, certainly with lessons on how to bounce back from adversity.
*********************************************************************************
Rookie AZL Season is complete.
*********************************************************************************
DSL Season is complete. Giants are DSL champions for 2015.
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Game Wrap 9/3/2015: Rockies 11 Giants 3
Ryan Vogelsong hit his first MLB HR, but it was not enough to make up for the batting practice he served up to the Rockies' hitters in a blowout loss for that extended the Giants losing streak to 5 games. Key Lines:
Kelby Tomlinson- 2 for 4. BA= .315. Kelby was the only Giant to get more than 1 hit in the game.
Ryan Vogelsong- 3 IP, 11 H 8 R, 7 ER, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 4.58. Vogey has had his moments this season, but appears to be completely out of gas at this point as his longest start out of his last 3 is 4.2 IP.
Tim Hudson- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 4.69. Huddy looked sharp in his 2 innings of work, albeit in mop-up time. Look for him to get the start the next time Vogey's turn comes up.
Cody Hall- 1.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 10.80. Hall appeared to have decent enough stuff, but not much of an idea where it was going. In addition to the 5 hits he gave up, several of his outs were on hard hit balls. He should get more chances before the season is over.
The Loss dropped the Giants to 7 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West pending the outcome of the Dodgers game against the Padres.
Chris Heston gets the start tomorrow. For a guy who has been having trouble getting his sinker to sink, Coors Field would not seem to be promising place to get it back on track.
Kelby Tomlinson- 2 for 4. BA= .315. Kelby was the only Giant to get more than 1 hit in the game.
Ryan Vogelsong- 3 IP, 11 H 8 R, 7 ER, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 4.58. Vogey has had his moments this season, but appears to be completely out of gas at this point as his longest start out of his last 3 is 4.2 IP.
Tim Hudson- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 4.69. Huddy looked sharp in his 2 innings of work, albeit in mop-up time. Look for him to get the start the next time Vogey's turn comes up.
Cody Hall- 1.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 10.80. Hall appeared to have decent enough stuff, but not much of an idea where it was going. In addition to the 5 hits he gave up, several of his outs were on hard hit balls. He should get more chances before the season is over.
The Loss dropped the Giants to 7 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West pending the outcome of the Dodgers game against the Padres.
Chris Heston gets the start tomorrow. For a guy who has been having trouble getting his sinker to sink, Coors Field would not seem to be promising place to get it back on track.
Down on the Farm: 9/2/2015
AAA Sacramenton River Cats defeated the Reno Aces 5-4:
Mac Williamson(LF)- 1 for 4, HR(6). BA= .260.
Trevor Brown(PH)- 1 for 1, HR(2). BA= .260.
*********************************************************************************
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels beat the Harrisburg Senators 3-2:
Chase Johnson(RHP)- 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 5.93.
Adalberto Mejia(LHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 2.37.
Derek Law(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(11). ERA= 4.94.
*********************************************************************************
High A San Jose Giants edged out the Modesto Nuts 3-2:
Daniel Carbonell(LF)- 2 for 4, HR(6). BA= .273.
Tyler Horan(RF)- 2 for 4, HR(12). BA= .210.
Andrew Suarez(LHP)- 5 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 1.80.
Tyler Rogers(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.43.
Ian Gardeck(RHP)- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.63.
Carbonell is hitting .317 over his last 10 games. I would expect Suarez to be pitching in AA by the end of next season.
*********************************************************************************
Low A Augusta Greenjackets vs Savannah Sand Gnats PPD(Rain).
*********************************************************************************
Short Season Salem-Keizer Volcanoes topped the Eugene Emeralds 3-2:
Byron Murray(LF)- 1 for 4, 3B. BA= .125.
Chris Shaw(1B)- 1 for 3, HR(11). BA= .284.
Grant Watson(LHP)- 3 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.50.
Nathanael Santiago(RHP)- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 3.15.
Ryan Halstead(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(7). ERA= 2.42.
*********************************************************************************
Rookie AZL Season completed.
*********************************************************************************
DSL Season completed. Giants won league championship.
Mac Williamson(LF)- 1 for 4, HR(6). BA= .260.
Trevor Brown(PH)- 1 for 1, HR(2). BA= .260.
*********************************************************************************
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels beat the Harrisburg Senators 3-2:
Chase Johnson(RHP)- 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 5.93.
Adalberto Mejia(LHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 2.37.
Derek Law(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(11). ERA= 4.94.
*********************************************************************************
High A San Jose Giants edged out the Modesto Nuts 3-2:
Daniel Carbonell(LF)- 2 for 4, HR(6). BA= .273.
Tyler Horan(RF)- 2 for 4, HR(12). BA= .210.
Andrew Suarez(LHP)- 5 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 1.80.
Tyler Rogers(RHP)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.43.
Ian Gardeck(RHP)- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.63.
Carbonell is hitting .317 over his last 10 games. I would expect Suarez to be pitching in AA by the end of next season.
*********************************************************************************
Low A Augusta Greenjackets vs Savannah Sand Gnats PPD(Rain).
*********************************************************************************
Short Season Salem-Keizer Volcanoes topped the Eugene Emeralds 3-2:
Byron Murray(LF)- 1 for 4, 3B. BA= .125.
Chris Shaw(1B)- 1 for 3, HR(11). BA= .284.
Grant Watson(LHP)- 3 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.50.
Nathanael Santiago(RHP)- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 3.15.
Ryan Halstead(RHP)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(7). ERA= 2.42.
*********************************************************************************
Rookie AZL Season completed.
*********************************************************************************
DSL Season completed. Giants won league championship.
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