Most of the Giants pitchers for the day stunk it up and the Pathetic Padres took advantage. Key Lines:
Joe Panik 2B- 2 for 3, 2B. BA= .625. Panik does not seem to have any lingering effects from the concussion he suffered last season. He may be a big key to the season, .300 with 15 dingers anyone?
Chris Marrero 1B- 1 for 4. BA= .300. Marrero smoked a drive off the CF wall and ended up with single because he slipped and fell rounding 1B. The single drove in 2 runs, though.
Conor Gillaspie 3B- 1 for 2, BB. BA= .500. Another strong game for Gillaspie. Does anyone think he could end up being the starter at 3B? or at least the LH side of a platoon which gets about 75% of the starts?
Gordon Beckham LF- 1 for 2, SF. BA= .400. You read that right. Beckham played LF.
Madison Bumgarner LHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 12.00. 7 pitch first inning then gave up 2 in the 2'nd. Not a problem.
Mark Melancon RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00. Boring and good.
Clayton Blackburn RHP- 2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 6.75. Blackburn failed to build on his great first appearance.
Josh Osich LHP- 0.2 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K. ERA= 16.20. Not sure what's wrong with Osich, but he's just not getting it done. Still time to recover, but he's got to turn it around pretty soon or it's Sacramento for him to try to figure it out.
Bryan Morris RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 0.00. Sleeper to make the roster.
Ray Black RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00. Black seemed healthy. He was hitting 95-96 on the radar gun. Best part of the line is 0 BB.
*********************************************************************************
Tomorrow is an evening game with Matt Cain facing the Dodgers with Ty Blach also scheduled to pitch and Joan Gregorio slated to make his spring debut.
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Around the League:
Mitch Hanigar out of Cal Poly SLO and the D'Backs organization went 2 for 3, HR(1) for the Mariners and is hitting .375 in the early spring. Sleeper!
I hate to say this, but Addison Russell is going to have a massive breakout this season. He hit a 3-run dinger, his second of the spring, for the Cubbies today.
Another sleeper is RHP Seth Lugo of the Mets who pitched 3 scoreless innings today and has 5 shutout frames in his 2 spring starts with 5 K's.
Yet another sleeper: Greg Bird of the Yankees hit 2 dingers. He is tailor made for that short RF porch in Yankee Stadium.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Monday, February 27, 2017
Spring Training Game Wrap 2/17/2017: A's 5 Giants 4
The Giants came up short in their bid for a 4'th straight win to open the 2017 spring training exhibition season. Wouldn't you know it? The A's were the team to break up the win streak. Key Lines:
Christian Arroyo SS- 2 for 3. BA= .750. Arroyo won't make the team for Opening Day but look for a yuge season for Sacramento.
Brandon Belt 1B- 1 for 2, HR(1). BA= .286. Will this finally be Belt's breakout season after we've all stopped expecting it?
Ryder Jones 3B- 1 for 2. BA= .500. The hit tool is underrated, I tell you!
Michael Morse PH-DH- 2 for 2. BA= .400. I'm not sure whether to root for Morse to have a good spring or not.
Jeff Samardzija RHP- 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 18.00. Getting his work in.
Chris Stratton RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00. Darkhorse for the swingman role?
Sam Coonrod RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00. Successful spring debut for Coonrod.
Andrew Suarez LHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 1 K. ERA= 9.00. Silver lining is he pitched his way out of it with only 1 run allowed. He took the loss, though.
Jose Dominguez RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00. Dominguez is a flamethrower. Keep that in mind.
*********************************************************************************
Madison Bumgarner makes his second start of the spring tomorrow against the Padres in Peoria, AZ.
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Around the League:
Remember Lewis Brinson? We loved him in the 2012 draft when the Rangers made him the #29 overall selection. He's worked his way up the minors chain and was traded to the BrewCrew at the deadline last year. He proceeded to hit .382 with 4 HR and 4 SB's in 93 PA for the Colorado SkySox. Prior to that he hit .236 with 11 HR and 11 SB in 326 PA for the Rangers AA club. today he went 3 for 3 with a 2B while batting leadoff for the Brewers. He hit 2 dingers against Univ. of Western Michigan on Friday, but that game does not count as a Cactus League game.
Dansby Swanson who will almost certainly be the Braves starting SS went 3 for 3 with a 2B for ATL.
Christian Arroyo SS- 2 for 3. BA= .750. Arroyo won't make the team for Opening Day but look for a yuge season for Sacramento.
Brandon Belt 1B- 1 for 2, HR(1). BA= .286. Will this finally be Belt's breakout season after we've all stopped expecting it?
Ryder Jones 3B- 1 for 2. BA= .500. The hit tool is underrated, I tell you!
Michael Morse PH-DH- 2 for 2. BA= .400. I'm not sure whether to root for Morse to have a good spring or not.
Jeff Samardzija RHP- 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 18.00. Getting his work in.
Chris Stratton RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00. Darkhorse for the swingman role?
Sam Coonrod RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00. Successful spring debut for Coonrod.
Andrew Suarez LHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 1 K. ERA= 9.00. Silver lining is he pitched his way out of it with only 1 run allowed. He took the loss, though.
Jose Dominguez RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00. Dominguez is a flamethrower. Keep that in mind.
*********************************************************************************
Madison Bumgarner makes his second start of the spring tomorrow against the Padres in Peoria, AZ.
*********************************************************************************
Around the League:
Remember Lewis Brinson? We loved him in the 2012 draft when the Rangers made him the #29 overall selection. He's worked his way up the minors chain and was traded to the BrewCrew at the deadline last year. He proceeded to hit .382 with 4 HR and 4 SB's in 93 PA for the Colorado SkySox. Prior to that he hit .236 with 11 HR and 11 SB in 326 PA for the Rangers AA club. today he went 3 for 3 with a 2B while batting leadoff for the Brewers. He hit 2 dingers against Univ. of Western Michigan on Friday, but that game does not count as a Cactus League game.
Dansby Swanson who will almost certainly be the Braves starting SS went 3 for 3 with a 2B for ATL.
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Spring Training Game Wrap 2/26/2017: Giants 9 Reds 5
The Giants hit three 2-run dingers to outslug the Reds in Goodyear, AZ. Key Lines:
Jimmy Rollins SS- 1 for 2, BB. BA= .333. Rollins got on base twice and scored twice while batting leadoff.
Joe Panik 2B- 2 for 3, HR(1). BA= .600. One of the bigger keys to the Giants 2017 season is whether Joe Panik can bounce back from a disappointing season. He's looking great so far!
Jarrett Parker RF- 2 for 2, HR(1), 2 BB. BA= .500. Parker threw it down today. OK teaml, listen up! Here's the deal. If Parker and Williamson both have great springs, the guy who is out of options is going to get the LF job, so it's basically Parker's to lose. He certainly didn't lose it with today's performance!
Mac Williamson LF- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .400. Williamson had a day himself and added a sliding catch of a tailing liner in LF to prevent an XBH.
Conor Gillaspie 3B- 1 for 2, HR(1). BA= .500. Gillaspie served notice that he is not going to just give up his roster spot.
Miguel Gomez 3B- 1 for 2. BA= .333. Gotta mention good games from the rooks.
Jae-Gyun Hwang DH- 1 for 3. BA= .333. Hwang is hitting pretty well in the early going. If he keeps it up, it's going to be hard to keep him off the Opening Day roster.
Matt Moore LHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 6.75. The Run is a bit deceiving her as Moore walked the first batter of the second inning then left the game after striking out the next batter. Matt Reynolds replaced him and got lit up while the inherited runner scored.
Tyler Beede RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K. ERA= 0.00. Beede successfully negotiated 2 scoreless innings, ending the second on a GIDP.
Albert Suarez RHP- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00. Suarez is competing to keep his long relief/6'th starter role from last year.
Dan Slania RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 0.00. Scoreless inning for Big Dan.
*********************************************************************************
The Giants return to Scottsdale tomorrow for a game against the A's with Jeff Samardzija making his first spring appearance with Sonny Gray getting the start for the A's.
*********************************************************************************
Around the League: Tyler Glasnow, a phenom from last year who had a rough MLB debut late last year for the Pirates, struck out 6 batters while allowing 1 hit in 2 innings of work today.
Jimmy Rollins SS- 1 for 2, BB. BA= .333. Rollins got on base twice and scored twice while batting leadoff.
Joe Panik 2B- 2 for 3, HR(1). BA= .600. One of the bigger keys to the Giants 2017 season is whether Joe Panik can bounce back from a disappointing season. He's looking great so far!
Jarrett Parker RF- 2 for 2, HR(1), 2 BB. BA= .500. Parker threw it down today. OK teaml, listen up! Here's the deal. If Parker and Williamson both have great springs, the guy who is out of options is going to get the LF job, so it's basically Parker's to lose. He certainly didn't lose it with today's performance!
Mac Williamson LF- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .400. Williamson had a day himself and added a sliding catch of a tailing liner in LF to prevent an XBH.
Conor Gillaspie 3B- 1 for 2, HR(1). BA= .500. Gillaspie served notice that he is not going to just give up his roster spot.
Miguel Gomez 3B- 1 for 2. BA= .333. Gotta mention good games from the rooks.
Jae-Gyun Hwang DH- 1 for 3. BA= .333. Hwang is hitting pretty well in the early going. If he keeps it up, it's going to be hard to keep him off the Opening Day roster.
Matt Moore LHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 6.75. The Run is a bit deceiving her as Moore walked the first batter of the second inning then left the game after striking out the next batter. Matt Reynolds replaced him and got lit up while the inherited runner scored.
Tyler Beede RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K. ERA= 0.00. Beede successfully negotiated 2 scoreless innings, ending the second on a GIDP.
Albert Suarez RHP- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00. Suarez is competing to keep his long relief/6'th starter role from last year.
Dan Slania RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 0.00. Scoreless inning for Big Dan.
*********************************************************************************
The Giants return to Scottsdale tomorrow for a game against the A's with Jeff Samardzija making his first spring appearance with Sonny Gray getting the start for the A's.
*********************************************************************************
Around the League: Tyler Glasnow, a phenom from last year who had a rough MLB debut late last year for the Pirates, struck out 6 batters while allowing 1 hit in 2 innings of work today.
Scouting the 2017 Draft: Evan Skoug and Jake Burger
Evan Skoug, C, College(TCU). B-L, T-R. 5'11", 200 lbs.
2015: .285/.365/.426, 15 2B, 7 HR, 5 SB, 28 BB, 50 K, 256 AB.
2016: .301/.390/.502, 21 2B, 3B, 9 HR, 7 SB, 34 BB, 47 K, 249 AB.
2015 CCL: .258/.301/.351.
Skoug is a lefty batting college catcher whose best tool is the hit tool which he augments with strong plate discipline. Most scouts reportedly think he won't stick at catcher, but may not have enough power for 1B. Can he play corner OF? Comp is Matt Thaiss who was drafted in the first round by the Angels in 2016 and immediately moved to 1B. Skoug is a better receiver now than Thaiss was, but may not be able to develop his catching skills due to physical limitations. Skoug is off to a slow start to the 2017 college season hitting just over .100 in a handful of games.
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Jake Burger, 3B, College(Missouri State). B-R, T-R. 6'2", 220 lbs.
2015: .342/.390/.518, 22 2B, 3 3B, 4 HR, 4 SB, 13 BB, 29 K, 228 AB.
2016: .349/.420/.689, 13 2B, 2 3B, 21 HR, 3 SB, 23 BB, 35 K, 235 AB.
2017: .316/.417/.526, HR, 4 BB, 2 K, 19 AB.
Burger is a RH masher with enough range at 3B to stick there in the pros. The rap on him in two words: bad body! I know we are not selling jeans here, but that body conjures up visions of Pablo Sandoval, except Pablo looked a lot more athletic. Still, the Giants seem desperate enough for RH power that they might be tempted in round 1.
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DrB'S Updated 2017 Draft Board:
1. Jordan Adell, OF, HS.
2. Mark Vientos, SS, HS.
3. Hunter Greene, RHP, HS.
4. JB Bakauskas, RHP, College(North Carolina).
5. Jeren Kendall, OF, College(Vanderbilt).
6. Alex Faedo, RHP, College(Florida).
7. Alex Lange, RHP, College(LSU).
8. Brendan McKay, LHP/1B, College(Louisville).
9. Kyle Wright, RHP, College(Vanderbilt).
10. Seth Romero, LHP, College(Houston).
11. Tanner Houck, RHP, College(Missouri).
12. Brady McConnell, SS, HS.
13. Royce Lewis, SS/OF, HS.
14. Trevor Rogers, LHP, HS.
15. Alex Scherff, RHP, HS.
16. Hans Crouse, RHP, HS.
17. Jacob Heatherly, LHP, HS.
19. Calvin Mitchell, OF, HS.
20. Michael Gigliotti, OF, College(Lipscomb).
21. Conor Uselton, OF, HS.
22. Pavin Smith, 1B, College(Virginia).
23. JAKE BURGER, 3B, College(Missouri State).
24. Cole Brannen, OF, HS.
25. EVAN SKOUG, C, College(TCU).
26. JJ Schwarz, C, College(Florida).
27. Mackenzie Gore, LHP, HS.
28. Nick Allen, SS, HS.
29. Blayne Enlow, RHP, HS.
30. Hagen Danner, RHP, HS.
31. Alejandro Toral, 1B, HS.
32. Colton Hock, RHP, College(Stanford).
33. Corbin Martin, RHP, College(Texas A&M).
34. Tristan Beck, RHP, College(Stanford).
2015: .285/.365/.426, 15 2B, 7 HR, 5 SB, 28 BB, 50 K, 256 AB.
2016: .301/.390/.502, 21 2B, 3B, 9 HR, 7 SB, 34 BB, 47 K, 249 AB.
2015 CCL: .258/.301/.351.
Skoug is a lefty batting college catcher whose best tool is the hit tool which he augments with strong plate discipline. Most scouts reportedly think he won't stick at catcher, but may not have enough power for 1B. Can he play corner OF? Comp is Matt Thaiss who was drafted in the first round by the Angels in 2016 and immediately moved to 1B. Skoug is a better receiver now than Thaiss was, but may not be able to develop his catching skills due to physical limitations. Skoug is off to a slow start to the 2017 college season hitting just over .100 in a handful of games.
*********************************************************************************
Jake Burger, 3B, College(Missouri State). B-R, T-R. 6'2", 220 lbs.
2015: .342/.390/.518, 22 2B, 3 3B, 4 HR, 4 SB, 13 BB, 29 K, 228 AB.
2016: .349/.420/.689, 13 2B, 2 3B, 21 HR, 3 SB, 23 BB, 35 K, 235 AB.
2017: .316/.417/.526, HR, 4 BB, 2 K, 19 AB.
Burger is a RH masher with enough range at 3B to stick there in the pros. The rap on him in two words: bad body! I know we are not selling jeans here, but that body conjures up visions of Pablo Sandoval, except Pablo looked a lot more athletic. Still, the Giants seem desperate enough for RH power that they might be tempted in round 1.
*********************************************************************************
DrB'S Updated 2017 Draft Board:
1. Jordan Adell, OF, HS.
2. Mark Vientos, SS, HS.
3. Hunter Greene, RHP, HS.
4. JB Bakauskas, RHP, College(North Carolina).
5. Jeren Kendall, OF, College(Vanderbilt).
6. Alex Faedo, RHP, College(Florida).
7. Alex Lange, RHP, College(LSU).
8. Brendan McKay, LHP/1B, College(Louisville).
9. Kyle Wright, RHP, College(Vanderbilt).
10. Seth Romero, LHP, College(Houston).
11. Tanner Houck, RHP, College(Missouri).
12. Brady McConnell, SS, HS.
13. Royce Lewis, SS/OF, HS.
14. Trevor Rogers, LHP, HS.
15. Alex Scherff, RHP, HS.
16. Hans Crouse, RHP, HS.
17. Jacob Heatherly, LHP, HS.
19. Calvin Mitchell, OF, HS.
20. Michael Gigliotti, OF, College(Lipscomb).
21. Conor Uselton, OF, HS.
22. Pavin Smith, 1B, College(Virginia).
23. JAKE BURGER, 3B, College(Missouri State).
24. Cole Brannen, OF, HS.
25. EVAN SKOUG, C, College(TCU).
26. JJ Schwarz, C, College(Florida).
27. Mackenzie Gore, LHP, HS.
28. Nick Allen, SS, HS.
29. Blayne Enlow, RHP, HS.
30. Hagen Danner, RHP, HS.
31. Alejandro Toral, 1B, HS.
32. Colton Hock, RHP, College(Stanford).
33. Corbin Martin, RHP, College(Texas A&M).
34. Tristan Beck, RHP, College(Stanford).
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Spring Training Game Wrap 2/25/2017: Giants 8 Cubs 6
Well, then! Jae-Gyun Hwang followed up his rough spring opener with a 3-run dinger to lead the Giants to a come-from-behind win over the World Series Champion Cubs. Key Lines:
Orlando Calixte SS- 1 for 2. BA= .500. Calixte played 2B and SS yesterday and drew a walk. Look for him to play some OF too, but this may come down to whether the Giants think he can cover SS better than Tomlinson.
Austin Slater PR-RF- 1 for 2. BA= .250. Slater won't be on the Opening Day roster, but will get plenty of looks what with the long spring and all. He went 0 for 2 but with a SB yesterday.
Jae-Gyun Hwang 3B- 1 for 3, HR(1). BA= .333. Dingers will get you noticed! Hwang's 6'th inning opposite field blast broke open a game in which the Giants has just taken a 4-3 lead. Nice recovery from a rough first game!
Ryder Jones 3B- 1 for 1. BA= 1.000. I always make not of any good things the prospects in camp do. IMO, Jones has a very underrated hit tool.
Justin Ruggiano RF- 1 for 2, 2B. BA= .500. Ruggy's double fueled a 3-run rally to tie the score in the 5'th inning. He hit it off a RHP.
Kelby Tomlinson 2B- 1 for 2, SB(1). BA= .500. Kelby is kind of like the Energizer Bunny. Don't count him out!
Matt Cain RHP- 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, ERA= 4.50. Cain is not going to lose the #5 starter job in his first appearance of the spring, but at some point I would think he needs to prove he can get hitters out.
Mark Melancon RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, GO/AO= 2/1. ERA= 0.00. Melancon is boring and that is a good thing.
Ty Blach LHP- 2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 4.50. Cain and Blach went H2H in this one and I will call it a draw which is a win for Cainer. Blach got hit around a bit which is bad, but he pitched out of jams in both innings, which is good.
Josh Osich LHP- 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 18.00. Ouch! It's a long spring and this does not decide anything but not a good look for Osich.
*********************************************************************************
Giants travel to Goodyear, AZ to take on the Reds with lefty Matt Moore getting the start and Tyler Beede scheduled to appear later in the game.
Orlando Calixte SS- 1 for 2. BA= .500. Calixte played 2B and SS yesterday and drew a walk. Look for him to play some OF too, but this may come down to whether the Giants think he can cover SS better than Tomlinson.
Austin Slater PR-RF- 1 for 2. BA= .250. Slater won't be on the Opening Day roster, but will get plenty of looks what with the long spring and all. He went 0 for 2 but with a SB yesterday.
Jae-Gyun Hwang 3B- 1 for 3, HR(1). BA= .333. Dingers will get you noticed! Hwang's 6'th inning opposite field blast broke open a game in which the Giants has just taken a 4-3 lead. Nice recovery from a rough first game!
Ryder Jones 3B- 1 for 1. BA= 1.000. I always make not of any good things the prospects in camp do. IMO, Jones has a very underrated hit tool.
Justin Ruggiano RF- 1 for 2, 2B. BA= .500. Ruggy's double fueled a 3-run rally to tie the score in the 5'th inning. He hit it off a RHP.
Kelby Tomlinson 2B- 1 for 2, SB(1). BA= .500. Kelby is kind of like the Energizer Bunny. Don't count him out!
Matt Cain RHP- 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, ERA= 4.50. Cain is not going to lose the #5 starter job in his first appearance of the spring, but at some point I would think he needs to prove he can get hitters out.
Mark Melancon RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, GO/AO= 2/1. ERA= 0.00. Melancon is boring and that is a good thing.
Ty Blach LHP- 2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 4.50. Cain and Blach went H2H in this one and I will call it a draw which is a win for Cainer. Blach got hit around a bit which is bad, but he pitched out of jams in both innings, which is good.
Josh Osich LHP- 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 18.00. Ouch! It's a long spring and this does not decide anything but not a good look for Osich.
*********************************************************************************
Giants travel to Goodyear, AZ to take on the Reds with lefty Matt Moore getting the start and Tyler Beede scheduled to appear later in the game.
Friday, February 24, 2017
Spring Training Game Wrap: Giants 6 Reds 4
Madison Bumgarner got his work in. Clayton Blackburn got off to a sensational start to his spring. Minor league free agent and former first round draft pick Chris Marrero hit a walk-off 3 run HR. Giants win! Key Lines:
Brandon Crawford SS- 0 for 2. Denard Span will almost surely lead off when he plays, but what about when he doesn't? I'm pretty sure Bochy did not pencil Crawford's name in the leadoff spot by accident. Craw has always been a guy who battles and sees a lot of pitches.
Christian Arroyo SS- 1 for 1. Arroyo entered the game late and singled ahead of Marrero's bomb in the 9'th.
Chris Marrero 1B- 2 for 3, HR. The Giants targeted Marrero this offseason and called his agent within 5 minutes of him officially becoming a minor league FA, according to Alex P at CSN Bay Area. I have to admit the Marreo signing slipped under my radar, but he's an interesting story. Marrero was a first round draft pick, #15 overall, way back in 2006 by the Washington Nationals. If you look at his stat lines in the minors they are not bad at all. In fact, they are pretty good, but it was apparently never good enough for the Nationals to promote him as he languished in A+ ball for 3 seasons. The problem was he was an average to below average fielder at first base and just didn't hit quite enough to overcome that. The Giants scouts apparently feel he can play a passable 1B and LF and the Giants are giving him a hard look as a RH bat off the bench or maybe even a RH half of a platoon in LF. His stat line from AAA last year in the BoSox organization: .284/.344/494, 30 2B, 2 3B, 23 HR, 8.5 BB%, 15.6 K%, 544 PA.
Hunter Pence RF- 1 for 2, 2B. Pence was Full Throttle and hit one off the wall his first AB. Good news!
Jae-Gyun Hwang 3B- 0 for 2, 2 K, E. Rough start for Hwang who came into the game after Gillaspie took 2 AB. It's just one game and the first game of spring training, but first impressions can either help or haunt you.
Steven Duggar PR-LF- 1 for 2, 2B. Nice first game for Duggar who I think is almost criminally underrated by most prospect analysts.
Nick Hundley C- 1 for 1, BB. Speaking of first impressions, as reported by Alex P, Hundley asked for video of every pitcher on the 40 man roster when he signed including prospects on the 40 man. Bumgarner has insisted that Buster Posey catch him, but expressed admiration for Hundley's backstopping skills including a nice block of a scud with a runner at 3B. Even more impressively, he seemed to know how to bring out the best in Clayton Blackburn who lit up the park with a dominating 2-inning performance.
Madison Bumgarner LHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 0 K. A bit ragged, but Bummy has earned the right to ease himself into game shape and was undoubtedly just getting in his work here.
Clayton Blackburn RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO- 3/0. Terrific performance from Blackburn who had a disappointing season last year. A few more outings like this and he could move back up the depth chart.
Steven Okert LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K. Okert is probably competing with Josh Osich for the other lefty reliever roster spot behind Will Smith, unless Smith's injury turns out to be more serious than it seems right now.
Derek Law RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K. Law probably has the inside track on a bullpen spot, but the competition will be fierce.
*********************************************************************************
Matt Cain was supposed to follow Bumgarner today, but was moved to the starting gate for tomorrow's game against the Cubs in Scottsdale with Ty Blach getting bumped back to being the second pitcher in the game after Cain.
Brandon Crawford SS- 0 for 2. Denard Span will almost surely lead off when he plays, but what about when he doesn't? I'm pretty sure Bochy did not pencil Crawford's name in the leadoff spot by accident. Craw has always been a guy who battles and sees a lot of pitches.
Christian Arroyo SS- 1 for 1. Arroyo entered the game late and singled ahead of Marrero's bomb in the 9'th.
Chris Marrero 1B- 2 for 3, HR. The Giants targeted Marrero this offseason and called his agent within 5 minutes of him officially becoming a minor league FA, according to Alex P at CSN Bay Area. I have to admit the Marreo signing slipped under my radar, but he's an interesting story. Marrero was a first round draft pick, #15 overall, way back in 2006 by the Washington Nationals. If you look at his stat lines in the minors they are not bad at all. In fact, they are pretty good, but it was apparently never good enough for the Nationals to promote him as he languished in A+ ball for 3 seasons. The problem was he was an average to below average fielder at first base and just didn't hit quite enough to overcome that. The Giants scouts apparently feel he can play a passable 1B and LF and the Giants are giving him a hard look as a RH bat off the bench or maybe even a RH half of a platoon in LF. His stat line from AAA last year in the BoSox organization: .284/.344/494, 30 2B, 2 3B, 23 HR, 8.5 BB%, 15.6 K%, 544 PA.
Hunter Pence RF- 1 for 2, 2B. Pence was Full Throttle and hit one off the wall his first AB. Good news!
Jae-Gyun Hwang 3B- 0 for 2, 2 K, E. Rough start for Hwang who came into the game after Gillaspie took 2 AB. It's just one game and the first game of spring training, but first impressions can either help or haunt you.
Steven Duggar PR-LF- 1 for 2, 2B. Nice first game for Duggar who I think is almost criminally underrated by most prospect analysts.
Nick Hundley C- 1 for 1, BB. Speaking of first impressions, as reported by Alex P, Hundley asked for video of every pitcher on the 40 man roster when he signed including prospects on the 40 man. Bumgarner has insisted that Buster Posey catch him, but expressed admiration for Hundley's backstopping skills including a nice block of a scud with a runner at 3B. Even more impressively, he seemed to know how to bring out the best in Clayton Blackburn who lit up the park with a dominating 2-inning performance.
Madison Bumgarner LHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 0 K. A bit ragged, but Bummy has earned the right to ease himself into game shape and was undoubtedly just getting in his work here.
Clayton Blackburn RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO- 3/0. Terrific performance from Blackburn who had a disappointing season last year. A few more outings like this and he could move back up the depth chart.
Steven Okert LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K. Okert is probably competing with Josh Osich for the other lefty reliever roster spot behind Will Smith, unless Smith's injury turns out to be more serious than it seems right now.
Derek Law RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K. Law probably has the inside track on a bullpen spot, but the competition will be fierce.
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Matt Cain was supposed to follow Bumgarner today, but was moved to the starting gate for tomorrow's game against the Cubs in Scottsdale with Ty Blach getting bumped back to being the second pitcher in the game after Cain.
Scouting the Draft: Mackenzie Gore
Mackenzie Gore, LHP, HS. 6'2", 180 lbs.
Mackenzie Gore currently hits 89-94 with his FB which he is able to command on both sides of the plate. His second best pitch is a changeup with good fade and sink. The curveball is promising but needs work. Gore has a wiry, athletic body which is highly projectable with plenty of room for another 20 lbs. He works with a big leg kick reminiscent of Vida Blue. Current comp would be Tyler Jay another LHP who I think is in the Twins organization. He's ranked #28 by mlb.com in their draft prospects list.
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DrB's Updated 2017 Draft Board:
1. Jordan Adell, OF, HS.
2. Mark Vientos, SS, HS.
3. Hunter Greene, RHP, HS.
4. JB Bakauskas, RHP, College(North Carolina).
5. Brendan McKay, LHP, College(Louisville).
6. Jeren Kendall, OF, College(Vanderbilt).
7. Alex Lange, RHP, College(LSU).
8. Kyle Wright, RHP, College(Vanderbilt).
9. Seth Romero, LHP, College(Houston).
10. Tanner Houck, RHP, College(Missouri).
11. Brady McConnell, SS, HS.
12. Royce Lewis, SS/OF, HS.
13. Trevor Rogers, LHP, HS.
14. Alex Faedo, RHP, College(Florida).
15. Alex Scherff, RHP, HS.
16. Hans Crouse, RHP, HS.
17. DL Hall, LHP, HS.
18. Jacob Heatherly, LHP, HS.
19. Michael Gigliotti, OF, College(Lipscomb).
20. Calvin Mitchell, OF, HS.
21. Conor Uselton, OF, HS.
22. Pavin Smith, 1B, College(Virginia).
23. Cole Brannen, OF, HS.
24. JJ Schwarz, C, College(Florida).
25. MACKENZIE GORE, LHP, HS.
26. Nick Allen, SS, HS.
27. Blayne Enlow, RHP, HS.
28. Hagen Danner, RHP, HS.
29. Alejandro Toral, 1B, HS.
30. Colton Hock, RHP, College(Stanford).
31. Corbin Martin, RHP, College(Texas A&M).
32. Tristan Beck, RHP, College(Stanford).
Mackenzie Gore currently hits 89-94 with his FB which he is able to command on both sides of the plate. His second best pitch is a changeup with good fade and sink. The curveball is promising but needs work. Gore has a wiry, athletic body which is highly projectable with plenty of room for another 20 lbs. He works with a big leg kick reminiscent of Vida Blue. Current comp would be Tyler Jay another LHP who I think is in the Twins organization. He's ranked #28 by mlb.com in their draft prospects list.
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DrB's Updated 2017 Draft Board:
1. Jordan Adell, OF, HS.
2. Mark Vientos, SS, HS.
3. Hunter Greene, RHP, HS.
4. JB Bakauskas, RHP, College(North Carolina).
5. Brendan McKay, LHP, College(Louisville).
6. Jeren Kendall, OF, College(Vanderbilt).
7. Alex Lange, RHP, College(LSU).
8. Kyle Wright, RHP, College(Vanderbilt).
9. Seth Romero, LHP, College(Houston).
10. Tanner Houck, RHP, College(Missouri).
11. Brady McConnell, SS, HS.
12. Royce Lewis, SS/OF, HS.
13. Trevor Rogers, LHP, HS.
14. Alex Faedo, RHP, College(Florida).
15. Alex Scherff, RHP, HS.
16. Hans Crouse, RHP, HS.
17. DL Hall, LHP, HS.
18. Jacob Heatherly, LHP, HS.
19. Michael Gigliotti, OF, College(Lipscomb).
20. Calvin Mitchell, OF, HS.
21. Conor Uselton, OF, HS.
22. Pavin Smith, 1B, College(Virginia).
23. Cole Brannen, OF, HS.
24. JJ Schwarz, C, College(Florida).
25. MACKENZIE GORE, LHP, HS.
26. Nick Allen, SS, HS.
27. Blayne Enlow, RHP, HS.
28. Hagen Danner, RHP, HS.
29. Alejandro Toral, 1B, HS.
30. Colton Hock, RHP, College(Stanford).
31. Corbin Martin, RHP, College(Texas A&M).
32. Tristan Beck, RHP, College(Stanford).
Fantasy Focus: Impact Rookies- Amir Garrett
Amir Garrett, LHP, Reds. DOB: 5/3/1992. 6'5", 210 lbs. Drafted in 2011 Round 22 out of HS.
2016 AA: 5-3, 1.75, 77.0 IP, 3.27 BB/9, 9.12 K/9.
2016 AAA: 2-5, 3.46, 67.2 IP, 4.12 BB/9, 7.18 K/9.
Amir Garrett was a basketball player in HS who threw 96 MPH in a tryout setting. He played college basketball for St John's but the Reds drafted him in 2011 and signed him to a contract which allowed him to continue to play college basketball. He eventually migrated to exclusively playing pro baseball and is now on the cusp of graduating to the major leagues. He still has a mid-90's FB but like most tall pitchers, struggles with repeatability and with his secondary stuff at times. I've seen him pitch in the Futures Game a couple of times and love his size and athleticism on the mound. The physical comp is David Price. He'll probably start the season in AAA, but when you see that the Red's #3-5 SP's are Scott Feldman, Bronson Arroyo and Robert Stephenson, you've got to think Garrett will be pitching in the majors sooner than later, possibly as early as the first week of the season!
He'll be immediately rosterable in deeper leagues and has extra value in keeper leagues.
2016 AA: 5-3, 1.75, 77.0 IP, 3.27 BB/9, 9.12 K/9.
2016 AAA: 2-5, 3.46, 67.2 IP, 4.12 BB/9, 7.18 K/9.
Amir Garrett was a basketball player in HS who threw 96 MPH in a tryout setting. He played college basketball for St John's but the Reds drafted him in 2011 and signed him to a contract which allowed him to continue to play college basketball. He eventually migrated to exclusively playing pro baseball and is now on the cusp of graduating to the major leagues. He still has a mid-90's FB but like most tall pitchers, struggles with repeatability and with his secondary stuff at times. I've seen him pitch in the Futures Game a couple of times and love his size and athleticism on the mound. The physical comp is David Price. He'll probably start the season in AAA, but when you see that the Red's #3-5 SP's are Scott Feldman, Bronson Arroyo and Robert Stephenson, you've got to think Garrett will be pitching in the majors sooner than later, possibly as early as the first week of the season!
He'll be immediately rosterable in deeper leagues and has extra value in keeper leagues.
Thursday, February 23, 2017
College Corner: Week 1 Draft Prospect Performances
Here's some performances of some of the college players I have profiled so far in my Scouting the 2017 Draft series and how it may affect their draft stock:
Stock Up:
JB Bakauskas, RHP, North Carolina- 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 10 K's.
Seth Romero, LHP, Houston- 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 12 K's.
Brendon McKay, LHP, Louisville- 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 9 K's.(McKay is a 2-way player and also went 6 for 12 at the plate with 3 dingers. He might be the top college hitter in the draft as well as a highly ranked pitcher).
Stock Stable:
Colton Hock, RHP, Stanford- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K.
Corbin Martin, RHP, Texas A&M- 4 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 7 K's(2 appearances. Gave up both ER in his first appearance over 1 inning).
Jeren Kendall, OF, Vanderbilt- .316/.409/.526, 2 3B, 1 SB, 19 AB.
Alex Lange, RHP, LSU- 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K's.
Stock Down:
Tanner Houck, RHP, Missouri- 5.2 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 9 K's.
Kyle Wright, RHP, Vanderbilt- 5 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 2 K's.
Alex Faedo, RHP, Florida- 4.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 7 K's.
JJ Schwarz, C, Florida- .286/.389/.286, 14 AB.
Tristan Beck, RHP, Stanford- DNP(Beck is dealing with some kind of injury. He's a draft eligible sophomore. The longer he is out, the more likely he will stay in school another year).
Stock Up:
JB Bakauskas, RHP, North Carolina- 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 10 K's.
Seth Romero, LHP, Houston- 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 12 K's.
Brendon McKay, LHP, Louisville- 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 9 K's.(McKay is a 2-way player and also went 6 for 12 at the plate with 3 dingers. He might be the top college hitter in the draft as well as a highly ranked pitcher).
Stock Stable:
Colton Hock, RHP, Stanford- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K.
Corbin Martin, RHP, Texas A&M- 4 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 7 K's(2 appearances. Gave up both ER in his first appearance over 1 inning).
Jeren Kendall, OF, Vanderbilt- .316/.409/.526, 2 3B, 1 SB, 19 AB.
Alex Lange, RHP, LSU- 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K's.
Stock Down:
Tanner Houck, RHP, Missouri- 5.2 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 9 K's.
Kyle Wright, RHP, Vanderbilt- 5 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 2 K's.
Alex Faedo, RHP, Florida- 4.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 7 K's.
JJ Schwarz, C, Florida- .286/.389/.286, 14 AB.
Tristan Beck, RHP, Stanford- DNP(Beck is dealing with some kind of injury. He's a draft eligible sophomore. The longer he is out, the more likely he will stay in school another year).
Fantasy Focus: Impact Rookies- Austin Meadows
First a few bits of news out of Giants spring training camp:
LHP Will Smith is on the shelf for at least 7 days due to a sore elbow. MRI is reportedly negative for any structural damage.
Jae-Gyun Hwang reportedly hit a long HR of RHP Jose Dominguez during live batting practice on a minor league complex field.
Hunter Pence seems ready to go after an oblique scare. He hit a dinger over the berm in LF off a coach.
Madison Bumgarner is set to pitch 1 inning of the first exhibition game on Friday. Matt Cain will get his first spring look too. The early rotation is Bumgarner, Blach, Moore, Samardzija with Johnny Cueto taking Blach's place as #2 when he's ready to go.
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Austin Meadows, OF, Pirates. DOB: 5/3/1995. B-L, T-L. 6'2", 195 lbs. Drafted 2013 Round 1, #9 overall.
2016 AA: .311/.365/.611, 16 2B, 8 3B, 6 HR, 9 SB, 8.4 BB%, 16.8 K%, 190 PA.
2016 AAA: .214/.297/.460, 7 2B, 3 3B, 6 HR, 8 SB, 10.3 BB%, 23.4 K%, 145 PA.
If you are wondering why the Pirates seemed so anxious to trade Andrew McCutchen over the winter, look no further than this guy who looks like he's almost ready to go. He'll probably start the season in AAA where judging from his AAA stats, he could use a bit more salt. He should definitely be ready by midseason. The challenge for the Pirates is finding a place for him to play as they already have an OF of Marte, McCutchen and Polanco with Josh Bell set to take over 1B. The main rap on Meadows is a history of nagging injuries. He's not a lock to stay healthy for a full season.
Meadows should already be rostered in deep keeper leagues. He'll be worth adding when he's called up in 12 team leagues or larger.
LHP Will Smith is on the shelf for at least 7 days due to a sore elbow. MRI is reportedly negative for any structural damage.
Jae-Gyun Hwang reportedly hit a long HR of RHP Jose Dominguez during live batting practice on a minor league complex field.
Hunter Pence seems ready to go after an oblique scare. He hit a dinger over the berm in LF off a coach.
Madison Bumgarner is set to pitch 1 inning of the first exhibition game on Friday. Matt Cain will get his first spring look too. The early rotation is Bumgarner, Blach, Moore, Samardzija with Johnny Cueto taking Blach's place as #2 when he's ready to go.
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Austin Meadows, OF, Pirates. DOB: 5/3/1995. B-L, T-L. 6'2", 195 lbs. Drafted 2013 Round 1, #9 overall.
2016 AA: .311/.365/.611, 16 2B, 8 3B, 6 HR, 9 SB, 8.4 BB%, 16.8 K%, 190 PA.
2016 AAA: .214/.297/.460, 7 2B, 3 3B, 6 HR, 8 SB, 10.3 BB%, 23.4 K%, 145 PA.
If you are wondering why the Pirates seemed so anxious to trade Andrew McCutchen over the winter, look no further than this guy who looks like he's almost ready to go. He'll probably start the season in AAA where judging from his AAA stats, he could use a bit more salt. He should definitely be ready by midseason. The challenge for the Pirates is finding a place for him to play as they already have an OF of Marte, McCutchen and Polanco with Josh Bell set to take over 1B. The main rap on Meadows is a history of nagging injuries. He's not a lock to stay healthy for a full season.
Meadows should already be rostered in deep keeper leagues. He'll be worth adding when he's called up in 12 team leagues or larger.
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Scouting the 2017 Draft: Nick Allen
No news out of the Giants camp except endless speculation about when Johnny Cueto is going to arrive. That's a good thing. Back to scouting the draft……
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Nick Allen, SS, HS. B-R, T-R. 5'9", 155 lbs.
If you have not seen video of Nick Allen making some amazing plays at SS in showcase competition, please go look them up now. This kid is ready to play SS in the majors right now! Let's get to the PT stats: 6.73 60 yd dash which is a bit above average. 91 MPH on IF throws which is quite good. .140 Time to Impact which is….well, a bit slow. The other concern is is size which is diminutive by current MLB standards. But the kid can stick at SS, no doubt about it. Comp would be a more athletic and stronger armed version of David Eckstein. Committed to USC. We'll see if there is a team out there who believes in him enough to buy out his commitment.
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DrB's Updated 2017 Draft Board:
1. Jordan Adell, OF, HS.
2. Mark Vientos, SS, HS.
3. Hunter Greene, RHP, HS.
4. Tanner Houck, RHP, College(Missouri).
5. JB Backauskas, RHP, College(North Carolina).
6. Jeren Kendall, OF, College(Vanderbilt).
7. JJ Schwarz, C, College(Florida).
8. Alex Faedo, RHP, College(Florida).
9. Kyle Wright, RHP, College(Vanderbilt).
10. Alex Lange, RHP, College(LSU).
11. Brady McConnell, SS, HS.
12. Royce Lewis, SS/OF, HS.
13. Trevor Rogers, LHP, HS.
14. Brendan McKay, LHP, College(Louisville).
15. Seth Romero, LHP, College(Houston).
16. Alex Scherff, RHP, HS.
17. Hans Crouse, RHP, HS.
18. DL Hall, LHP, HS.
19. Jacob Heatherly, LHP, HS.
20. Michael Gigliotti, OF, College(Lipscomb).
21. Calvin Mitchell, OF, HS.
22. Conor Uselton, OF, HS.
23. Pavin Smith, 1B, College(Virginia).
24. Cole Brannen, OF, HS.
25. NICK ALLEN, SS, HS.
26. Blayne Enlow, RHP, HS.
27. Hagen Danner, RHP, HS.
28. Alejandro Toral, 1B, HS.
29. Tristan Beck, RHP, College(Stanford).
30. Colton Hock, RHP, College(Stanford).
31. Corbin Martin, RHP, College(Texas A&M).
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Nick Allen, SS, HS. B-R, T-R. 5'9", 155 lbs.
If you have not seen video of Nick Allen making some amazing plays at SS in showcase competition, please go look them up now. This kid is ready to play SS in the majors right now! Let's get to the PT stats: 6.73 60 yd dash which is a bit above average. 91 MPH on IF throws which is quite good. .140 Time to Impact which is….well, a bit slow. The other concern is is size which is diminutive by current MLB standards. But the kid can stick at SS, no doubt about it. Comp would be a more athletic and stronger armed version of David Eckstein. Committed to USC. We'll see if there is a team out there who believes in him enough to buy out his commitment.
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DrB's Updated 2017 Draft Board:
1. Jordan Adell, OF, HS.
2. Mark Vientos, SS, HS.
3. Hunter Greene, RHP, HS.
4. Tanner Houck, RHP, College(Missouri).
5. JB Backauskas, RHP, College(North Carolina).
6. Jeren Kendall, OF, College(Vanderbilt).
7. JJ Schwarz, C, College(Florida).
8. Alex Faedo, RHP, College(Florida).
9. Kyle Wright, RHP, College(Vanderbilt).
10. Alex Lange, RHP, College(LSU).
11. Brady McConnell, SS, HS.
12. Royce Lewis, SS/OF, HS.
13. Trevor Rogers, LHP, HS.
14. Brendan McKay, LHP, College(Louisville).
15. Seth Romero, LHP, College(Houston).
16. Alex Scherff, RHP, HS.
17. Hans Crouse, RHP, HS.
18. DL Hall, LHP, HS.
19. Jacob Heatherly, LHP, HS.
20. Michael Gigliotti, OF, College(Lipscomb).
21. Calvin Mitchell, OF, HS.
22. Conor Uselton, OF, HS.
23. Pavin Smith, 1B, College(Virginia).
24. Cole Brannen, OF, HS.
25. NICK ALLEN, SS, HS.
26. Blayne Enlow, RHP, HS.
27. Hagen Danner, RHP, HS.
28. Alejandro Toral, 1B, HS.
29. Tristan Beck, RHP, College(Stanford).
30. Colton Hock, RHP, College(Stanford).
31. Corbin Martin, RHP, College(Texas A&M).
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Fantasy Focus: Impact Rookies- Josh Bell
Josh Bell, 1B/OF, Pirates. DOB: 8/14/1992. B-S, T-R. 6'2", 240 lbs. Drafted 2011 Round 2.
2016 AAA: .295/.382/.468, 23 2B, 4 3B, 14 HR, 11.8 BB%, 15.3 K%, 484 PA.
2016 MLB: .273/.368/.406, 8 2B, 3 HR, 13.8 BB%, 12.5 K%, 152 PA.
I did some video scouting of Josh Bell before the 2011 draft and was very impressed. He's taken his time moving up the Pirates organizational ladder, but it looks like they have a very solid player to show for it. Bell is #1 on the Pirates 1B depth chart for 2017. As a switch-hitter, he should not have to platoon with anybody. His calling card is extraordinary plate discipline for a big hitter which makes him more valuable in real life than in fantasy baseball. He'll be more valuable in OBP leagues and as a CI/UT player in leagues that carry those extra roster spots. Definitely someone to be aware of as a fantasy draft progresses, but dingers reign supreme in standard fantasy baseball settings and he probably comes up a bit short in that category for a starting 1B.
2016 AAA: .295/.382/.468, 23 2B, 4 3B, 14 HR, 11.8 BB%, 15.3 K%, 484 PA.
2016 MLB: .273/.368/.406, 8 2B, 3 HR, 13.8 BB%, 12.5 K%, 152 PA.
I did some video scouting of Josh Bell before the 2011 draft and was very impressed. He's taken his time moving up the Pirates organizational ladder, but it looks like they have a very solid player to show for it. Bell is #1 on the Pirates 1B depth chart for 2017. As a switch-hitter, he should not have to platoon with anybody. His calling card is extraordinary plate discipline for a big hitter which makes him more valuable in real life than in fantasy baseball. He'll be more valuable in OBP leagues and as a CI/UT player in leagues that carry those extra roster spots. Definitely someone to be aware of as a fantasy draft progresses, but dingers reign supreme in standard fantasy baseball settings and he probably comes up a bit short in that category for a starting 1B.
Monday, February 20, 2017
Scouting the 2017 Draft: Seth Romero
Seth Romero, LHP, College(Houston). 6'3", 240 lbs.
2016: 6-4, 2.79, 94.1 IP, 28 BB, 113 K.
2017: 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 12 K's.
Seth Romero is a portly left-hander who put up some interesting numbers last year for Univ. of Houston. His repertoire includes a FB that goes 92-95 MPH, a slider that has the makings of a plus pitch and a changeup that he needs to develop and use more. He's off to a great start in in his draft season which may raise his stock considerably if he can maintain it. Concerns about the body will likely hold his stock down some. He was suspended at the beginning of his sophomore season for poor conditioning but has looked to be in much better shape to begin his junior season.
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DrB's Updated 2017 Draft Board:
1. Jordan Adell, OF, HS.
2. Mark Vientos, SS, HS.
3. Hunter Greene, RHP, HS.
4. Tanner Houck, RHP, College(Missouri).
5. JB Bakauskas, RHP, College(North Carolina).
6. Jeren Kendall, OF, College(Vanderbilt).
7. JJ Schwarz, C, College(Florida).
8. Alex Faedo, RHP, College(Florida).
9. Kyle Wright, RHP, College(Vanderbilt).
10. Alex Lange, RHP, College(LSU).
11. Brady McConnell, SS, HS.
12. Royce Lewis, SS/OF, HS.
13. Trevor Rogers, LHP, HS.
14. Brendan McKay, LHP, College(Louisville).
15. SETH ROMERO, LHP, College(Houston).
16. Alex Scherff, RHP, HS.
17. Hans Crouse, RHP, HS.
18. Jacob Heatherly, LHP, HS.
19. DL Hall, LHP, HS.
20. Michael Gigliotti, OF, College(Lipscomb).
21. Calvin Mitchell, OF, HS.
22. Conor Uselton, OF, HS.
23. Pavin Smith, 1B, College(Virginia).
24. Cole Brannen, OF, HS.
25. Blayne Enlow, RHP, HS.
26. Hagen Danner, RHP, HS.
27. Alexander Toral, 1B, HS.
28. Tristan Beck, RHP, College(Stanford).
29. Colton Hock, RHP, College(Stanford).
30. Corbin Martin, RHP, College(Texas A&M).
2016: 6-4, 2.79, 94.1 IP, 28 BB, 113 K.
2017: 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 12 K's.
Seth Romero is a portly left-hander who put up some interesting numbers last year for Univ. of Houston. His repertoire includes a FB that goes 92-95 MPH, a slider that has the makings of a plus pitch and a changeup that he needs to develop and use more. He's off to a great start in in his draft season which may raise his stock considerably if he can maintain it. Concerns about the body will likely hold his stock down some. He was suspended at the beginning of his sophomore season for poor conditioning but has looked to be in much better shape to begin his junior season.
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DrB's Updated 2017 Draft Board:
1. Jordan Adell, OF, HS.
2. Mark Vientos, SS, HS.
3. Hunter Greene, RHP, HS.
4. Tanner Houck, RHP, College(Missouri).
5. JB Bakauskas, RHP, College(North Carolina).
6. Jeren Kendall, OF, College(Vanderbilt).
7. JJ Schwarz, C, College(Florida).
8. Alex Faedo, RHP, College(Florida).
9. Kyle Wright, RHP, College(Vanderbilt).
10. Alex Lange, RHP, College(LSU).
11. Brady McConnell, SS, HS.
12. Royce Lewis, SS/OF, HS.
13. Trevor Rogers, LHP, HS.
14. Brendan McKay, LHP, College(Louisville).
15. SETH ROMERO, LHP, College(Houston).
16. Alex Scherff, RHP, HS.
17. Hans Crouse, RHP, HS.
18. Jacob Heatherly, LHP, HS.
19. DL Hall, LHP, HS.
20. Michael Gigliotti, OF, College(Lipscomb).
21. Calvin Mitchell, OF, HS.
22. Conor Uselton, OF, HS.
23. Pavin Smith, 1B, College(Virginia).
24. Cole Brannen, OF, HS.
25. Blayne Enlow, RHP, HS.
26. Hagen Danner, RHP, HS.
27. Alexander Toral, 1B, HS.
28. Tristan Beck, RHP, College(Stanford).
29. Colton Hock, RHP, College(Stanford).
30. Corbin Martin, RHP, College(Texas A&M).
Fantasy Focus: Impact Rookies- Luke Weaver
Luke Weaver, RHP, Cardinals. DOB: 8/21/1993. 6'2", 160 lbs. Drafted 2014 Round 1 out of Florida State.
2016 AA: 6-3, 1.40, 77.0 IP, 1.17 BB/9, 10.29 K/9.
2016 AAA: 1-0, 0.00, 6 IP, 3.00 BB/9, 6.00 K/9.
2016 MLB: 1-4, 5.70, 36.1 IP, 2.97 BB/9, 11.15 K/9.
Luke Weaver was a polished college pitcher for Florida St who has moved quickly through the Cardinals farm system while posting strong K rates and minuscule walk rates. His big problem after a big league callup in August of 2016 was the giving up the longball which had not been a particular problem in the minor leagues. He is definitely a flyball/strikeout pitcher whose 91-94 MPH FB is most effective up in the zone. He pairs that up with what looks like a split change that has both sink and tail which he uses as his put away pitch to both R and L handed batters. I think the HR/FB rate will drop once he learns better sequencing to MLB batters. He does also need to improve his breaking ball and use it more against RH batters.
He was likely ticketed for AAA until Alex Reyes went under the TJ knife. He will now likely compete for a rotation spot with the Cardinals. For fantasy purposes, although I believe he will lower his HR rate and thus his ERA, I would stay away in most leagues until he proves he can better keep the ball in the yard.
2016 AA: 6-3, 1.40, 77.0 IP, 1.17 BB/9, 10.29 K/9.
2016 AAA: 1-0, 0.00, 6 IP, 3.00 BB/9, 6.00 K/9.
2016 MLB: 1-4, 5.70, 36.1 IP, 2.97 BB/9, 11.15 K/9.
Luke Weaver was a polished college pitcher for Florida St who has moved quickly through the Cardinals farm system while posting strong K rates and minuscule walk rates. His big problem after a big league callup in August of 2016 was the giving up the longball which had not been a particular problem in the minor leagues. He is definitely a flyball/strikeout pitcher whose 91-94 MPH FB is most effective up in the zone. He pairs that up with what looks like a split change that has both sink and tail which he uses as his put away pitch to both R and L handed batters. I think the HR/FB rate will drop once he learns better sequencing to MLB batters. He does also need to improve his breaking ball and use it more against RH batters.
He was likely ticketed for AAA until Alex Reyes went under the TJ knife. He will now likely compete for a rotation spot with the Cardinals. For fantasy purposes, although I believe he will lower his HR rate and thus his ERA, I would stay away in most leagues until he proves he can better keep the ball in the yard.
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Scouting the 2017 Draft: Cole Brannen
Cole Brannen, OF, HS(Georgia). B-L, T-R. 6'1", 190 lbs.
Brannen is a 5 tool HS OF out of Georgia who is well known on the showcase circuit. His best tool is speed with a 6.18 60 yd dash under his belt which is elite or plus-plus speed. He has also been clocked at 90 MPH on an OF throw. He has current gap power with potential for HR power as he matures, although there is not a ton of projection in the body. His Time to Impact is an average .116 sec. which he may need to shorten up if he wants to catch up to pro fastballs. He has a quiet, smooth swing with gap power to all fields. He is committed to Georgia Southern but is likely signable if drafted in the first or supplemental first rounds, possibly even second round.
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DrB's Updated 2017 Draft Board:
1. Jordan Adell, OF, HS.
2. Mark Vientos, SS, HS.
3. Hunter Greene, RHP, HS.
4. Tanner Houck, RHP, College(Missouri).
5. JB Bakauskas, RHP, College(North Carolina).
6. Jeren Kendall, OF, College(Vanderbilt).
7. JJ Schwarz, C, College(Florida).
8. Alex Faedo, RHP, College(Florida).
9. Kyle Wright, RHP, College(Vanderbilt).
10. Alex Lange, RHP, College(LSU).
11. Brady McConnell, SS, HS.
12. Royce Lewis, SS/OF, HS.
13. Trevor Rogers, LHP, HS.
14. Alex Scherff, RHP, HS.
15. Hans Crouse, RHP, HS.
16. Jacob Heatherly, LHP, HS.
17. DL Hall, LHP, HS.
18. Michael Gigliotti, OF, College(Lipscomb).
19. Calvin Mitchell, OF, HS.
20. Conor Uselton, OF, HS.
21. Pavin Smith, 1B, College(Virginia).
22. Brendan McKay, LHP, Louisville.
23. Tristan Beck, RHP, College(Stanford).
24. COLE BRANNEN, OF, HS.
25. Blayne Enlow, RHP, HS.
26. Hagen Danner, RHP, HS.
27. Alejandro Toral, 1B, HS.
28. Colton Hock, RHP, College(Stanford).
29. Corbin Martin, RHP, College(Texas A&M).
Brannen is a 5 tool HS OF out of Georgia who is well known on the showcase circuit. His best tool is speed with a 6.18 60 yd dash under his belt which is elite or plus-plus speed. He has also been clocked at 90 MPH on an OF throw. He has current gap power with potential for HR power as he matures, although there is not a ton of projection in the body. His Time to Impact is an average .116 sec. which he may need to shorten up if he wants to catch up to pro fastballs. He has a quiet, smooth swing with gap power to all fields. He is committed to Georgia Southern but is likely signable if drafted in the first or supplemental first rounds, possibly even second round.
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DrB's Updated 2017 Draft Board:
1. Jordan Adell, OF, HS.
2. Mark Vientos, SS, HS.
3. Hunter Greene, RHP, HS.
4. Tanner Houck, RHP, College(Missouri).
5. JB Bakauskas, RHP, College(North Carolina).
6. Jeren Kendall, OF, College(Vanderbilt).
7. JJ Schwarz, C, College(Florida).
8. Alex Faedo, RHP, College(Florida).
9. Kyle Wright, RHP, College(Vanderbilt).
10. Alex Lange, RHP, College(LSU).
11. Brady McConnell, SS, HS.
12. Royce Lewis, SS/OF, HS.
13. Trevor Rogers, LHP, HS.
14. Alex Scherff, RHP, HS.
15. Hans Crouse, RHP, HS.
16. Jacob Heatherly, LHP, HS.
17. DL Hall, LHP, HS.
18. Michael Gigliotti, OF, College(Lipscomb).
19. Calvin Mitchell, OF, HS.
20. Conor Uselton, OF, HS.
21. Pavin Smith, 1B, College(Virginia).
22. Brendan McKay, LHP, Louisville.
23. Tristan Beck, RHP, College(Stanford).
24. COLE BRANNEN, OF, HS.
25. Blayne Enlow, RHP, HS.
26. Hagen Danner, RHP, HS.
27. Alejandro Toral, 1B, HS.
28. Colton Hock, RHP, College(Stanford).
29. Corbin Martin, RHP, College(Texas A&M).
Spring Training Update: Thoughts on a Crowded Roster
As the Giants signed player after player long after their offseason needs appeared to be met, we commented on the difficulty in sorting out the purpose of these transactions. Do the Giants just want bodies to put on the field when several regular players are away playing for Team USA in the WBC? Are they genuinely trying to create competition for regular season roster spots? Are they just being nice to guys they like by giving them a shot? Only Bobby Evans and Brian Sabean know for sure. The main purpose of this post is to express some things I don't want to see come out of this crowded spring training roster.
Before I get to the main point though, let me just say that the Giants have a strong track record of bringing in minor league free agents and having them make major contributions to championship teams. Andres Torres, Gregor Blanco and Ryan Vogelsong are all names that if we did not know them, the Giants probably don't win even one championship this decade, let alone 3. So, if the Giants want to bring in a minor league FA or two to compete for the last couple of spots on the roster, hey, something very good might come of it! On the other hand, when those guys were brought in, there really weren't any obviously better options or even ones as good. There were truly open spots on the rosters. Ryan Vogelsong even started out in AAA and only came up as an injury replacement.
So here are some things I don't want to see coming out of spring training:
1. I do not want to see Mac Williamson optioned back to AAA. Now, I admit Mac Williamson is not a sure thing. He's a big guy with a big swing and he may have too much swing and miss in his game. But Mac Williamson has potential to be something really special. His size and athleticism make him one of a very few hitters in the organization with the potential to hit 30 or more HR's while playing half his games in AT&T Park. Both Bobby Evans and Brian Sabean have talked about the difficulty in signing established power hitters because of the ballpark and of the need for the Giants to develop their own power from the farm system. It is now time to back up those words with actions. Give Mac his chance! Yes, I understand you have to have a backup plan, but there's a guy who will be playing in Sacramento named Austin Slater who will be ready to take his chance by midseason.
2. I do not want to see Kelby Tomlinson optioned back to AAA. Kelby may not be too impressive looking in an uniform, and he admittedly doesn't have a lot of pop in his bat, but Kelby has proven to be as tough an out as anyone on the roster over the past 2 seasons. If you need a pinch-hit to keep an inning alive late in the game, I can't think of anyone I'd rather see at the plate than Kelby. Plus, he can play multiple positions. We know enough about both Kelby and the guys who are competing for the reserve IF role to know the alternatives are not going to give you significantly more than what Kelby has to offer.
3. I do not want to see Conor Gillaspie released. It was not just the postseason last year. Conor Gillaspie made major contributions during the regular season too with a .262/.307/.440 slash line with 8 2B, 4 3B, 6 HR in 191 PA. He also upped his defensive game at 3B to become an asset there. Again, I don't see spring training performance as a legitimate reason to give away Conor's role to someone with a long enough track record to know that they are not going to be better and probably a lot worse over the course of a full season.
4. I do not want to see Gordon Beckham win a roster spot just to humor Buster Posey and I do not want to see Aaron Hill win it for, well, for Veteran Savvy! Jimmy Rollins? I'm not sure where to even start. No thank you!
So, barring injury, that sets 3 of a potential 5 non-pitching roster spots that are currently open. Here are some things I would be OK with:
1. Jae-Gyun Hwang wins the starting 3B job. Hwang is a potential game-changer that I could be happy with. The Giants obviously see something in Hwang. If he can provide what Jung-Ho Kang gives the Pirates(hopefully without the off-field drama), then by all means, put him out there. That could force Eduardo Nunez into Kelby Tomlinson's role and that kind of depth would not be a bad thing. I happen to think the Giants might get more out of Nunez by trading him in that scenario, but yeah, I could live with him moving to the bench.
2. Justin Ruggiano and Michael Morse win the 2 backup OF spots. This would make Gorkys Hernandez the odd man out and I really like Gorkys, especially the way he plays defense in CF. But if Ruggiano makes it through spring training fully healthy and shows he can play CF and hits 6 dingers and the Giants want his RH bat off the bench, I'm OK with it. Likewise, if they think they have room on the roster for Michael Morse to do nothing but PH, then I'm OK with that too. I just don't want to see Morse or Ruggiano displace Mac from what I think should be a starting gig in LF.
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Fantasy Focus: Impact Rookies- Manuel Margot and Hunter Renfroe
Manuel Margot, OF, Padres. DOB: 9/28/1994. B-R, T-R. 5'11", 180 lbs.
2016 AAA: .304/.351/.426, 21 2B, 12 3B, 6 HR, 30 SB, 6.4 BB%, 11.3 K%, 566 PA.
2016 MLB: .243/.243/.405, 4 2B, 3 B, 2 SB, 0.0 BB%, 18.9 K%, 37 PA.
2017 ZIPS: .257/.298/.375, 25 2B, 9 3B, 7 HR, 27 SB, 5.2 BB%, 14.3 K%, 581 PA.
Margot can fly and he'll get a chance to fly around the basepaths with the Padres in 2017 as they are rebuilding, have no expectations and have no reason to be cautious with their baserunning. Margot is a high contact guy with gap power. He's a nice cheap source of SB's in deeper fantasy leagues.
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Hunter Renfroe, OF, Padres. DOB: 1/28/1992. B-R, T-R. 6'1", 220 lbs.
2016 AAA: .306/.336/.557, 34 2B, 5 3B, 30 HR, 5 SB, 3.9 BB%, 20.4 K%, 563 PA.
2016 MLB: .371/.389/.800, 3 2B, 4 HR, 7.8 BB%, 13.9 K%, 36 PA.
2017 ZIPS: .240/.278/.426, 28 2B, 3 3B, 23 HR, 5 SB, 4.8 BB%, 27.6 K%, 586 PA.
Hunter Renfroe is a guy a lot of Giants prospect and draft watchers wanted them to draft back in 2013. Renfroe has worked his way up the Padres system and shown impressive power in the minor leagues albeit with a lot of K's and a relatively low BB%. He should start in RF on a rebuilding Padres team and as we all know the first step to fantasy baseball value is having a steady gig on the field. He's probably not for guys like me who play in 10 team mixed leagues, but should be a cheap source of power in deeper leagues.
2016 AAA: .304/.351/.426, 21 2B, 12 3B, 6 HR, 30 SB, 6.4 BB%, 11.3 K%, 566 PA.
2016 MLB: .243/.243/.405, 4 2B, 3 B, 2 SB, 0.0 BB%, 18.9 K%, 37 PA.
2017 ZIPS: .257/.298/.375, 25 2B, 9 3B, 7 HR, 27 SB, 5.2 BB%, 14.3 K%, 581 PA.
Margot can fly and he'll get a chance to fly around the basepaths with the Padres in 2017 as they are rebuilding, have no expectations and have no reason to be cautious with their baserunning. Margot is a high contact guy with gap power. He's a nice cheap source of SB's in deeper fantasy leagues.
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Hunter Renfroe, OF, Padres. DOB: 1/28/1992. B-R, T-R. 6'1", 220 lbs.
2016 AAA: .306/.336/.557, 34 2B, 5 3B, 30 HR, 5 SB, 3.9 BB%, 20.4 K%, 563 PA.
2016 MLB: .371/.389/.800, 3 2B, 4 HR, 7.8 BB%, 13.9 K%, 36 PA.
2017 ZIPS: .240/.278/.426, 28 2B, 3 3B, 23 HR, 5 SB, 4.8 BB%, 27.6 K%, 586 PA.
Hunter Renfroe is a guy a lot of Giants prospect and draft watchers wanted them to draft back in 2013. Renfroe has worked his way up the Padres system and shown impressive power in the minor leagues albeit with a lot of K's and a relatively low BB%. He should start in RF on a rebuilding Padres team and as we all know the first step to fantasy baseball value is having a steady gig on the field. He's probably not for guys like me who play in 10 team mixed leagues, but should be a cheap source of power in deeper leagues.
Friday, February 17, 2017
Hot Stove Update: Giants sign Slade Heathcott
Slade Heathcott, OF. DOB: 9/28/1990. B-L, T-L. 6'0", 195 lbs.
2016 AAA(Yankees): .230/.271/.310, 5 2B, 3B, 5.2 BB%, 32.0 K%, 97 PA.
2016 AAA(White Sox): .258/.407/.366, 2 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 18/5 BB%, 25.3 K%, 119 PA.
The Giants signed former Yankees first round draft pick Slade Heathcott for a minor league contract with a spring training invitation. Heathcott is a tremendous athlete who can play above average D in CF, but whose bat has never really developed. Heathcott has a history of substance and alcohol abuse problems as well as anger management issues, but reportedly is clean now with help from AA and finding religion.
Heathcott will be 4 OF's fighting for a bench role who can reasonably play CF, Gorkys Hernandez, Justin Ruggiano, Wynton Bernard and Heathcott.
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The Giants have signed Vince Coleman(yes, THAT Vince Coleman) to be a roving minor league baserunning instructor.
2016 AAA(Yankees): .230/.271/.310, 5 2B, 3B, 5.2 BB%, 32.0 K%, 97 PA.
2016 AAA(White Sox): .258/.407/.366, 2 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 18/5 BB%, 25.3 K%, 119 PA.
The Giants signed former Yankees first round draft pick Slade Heathcott for a minor league contract with a spring training invitation. Heathcott is a tremendous athlete who can play above average D in CF, but whose bat has never really developed. Heathcott has a history of substance and alcohol abuse problems as well as anger management issues, but reportedly is clean now with help from AA and finding religion.
Heathcott will be 4 OF's fighting for a bench role who can reasonably play CF, Gorkys Hernandez, Justin Ruggiano, Wynton Bernard and Heathcott.
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The Giants have signed Vince Coleman(yes, THAT Vince Coleman) to be a roving minor league baserunning instructor.
Hot Stove Update: Giants Sign Aaron Hill
Aaron Hill, 2B/3B. DOB: 3/21/1982. B-R, T-R. 5'11", 2015 lbs.
2016(2 Teams): .262/.336/.378, 14 2B, 10 HR, 4 SB, 9.6 BB%, 13.8 K%, 429 PA.
The Giants signed yet another veteran player to a conditional minor league contract with a spring training invitation as they promised to pay Aaron Hill $2 M if he makes the Opening Day 25 man roster. Now, I have to say Aaron Hill had kind of dropped off my radar screen, so I was surprised to see his Fangraphs stat line and find that he actually had a pretty good season last year. He was even a slightly plus defender while covering 2 positions.
So, I don't have a problem with bringing in a guy like Aaron Hill in isolation. The problem is the Giants have signed a whole lot of these kinds of deals this winter and it's becoming increasingly difficult to see how they sort it all out. I totally get that depth is a good thing and competition is a good thing, but this is starting to look like a train wreck waiting to happen. The Giants now have, what, 4 veteran players in camp whose primary position last year was 3B? Even after you factor in injury probability, option every player you can and complete the 25 man roster, you have at least 10-15 players left who are going to get released.
Spring training performance is already a dubious tool for making regular season roster decisions. The sample size is very small by baseball standards. The conditions, especially in Arizona, are not typical of regular season conditions and the level of competition for many of those innings is questionable at best. Add in the need to find innings for all of these players who are fighting for a job and you have high likelihood of making a bad decision based on inappropriate criteria.
2016(2 Teams): .262/.336/.378, 14 2B, 10 HR, 4 SB, 9.6 BB%, 13.8 K%, 429 PA.
The Giants signed yet another veteran player to a conditional minor league contract with a spring training invitation as they promised to pay Aaron Hill $2 M if he makes the Opening Day 25 man roster. Now, I have to say Aaron Hill had kind of dropped off my radar screen, so I was surprised to see his Fangraphs stat line and find that he actually had a pretty good season last year. He was even a slightly plus defender while covering 2 positions.
So, I don't have a problem with bringing in a guy like Aaron Hill in isolation. The problem is the Giants have signed a whole lot of these kinds of deals this winter and it's becoming increasingly difficult to see how they sort it all out. I totally get that depth is a good thing and competition is a good thing, but this is starting to look like a train wreck waiting to happen. The Giants now have, what, 4 veteran players in camp whose primary position last year was 3B? Even after you factor in injury probability, option every player you can and complete the 25 man roster, you have at least 10-15 players left who are going to get released.
Spring training performance is already a dubious tool for making regular season roster decisions. The sample size is very small by baseball standards. The conditions, especially in Arizona, are not typical of regular season conditions and the level of competition for many of those innings is questionable at best. Add in the need to find innings for all of these players who are fighting for a job and you have high likelihood of making a bad decision based on inappropriate criteria.
Scouting the 2017 Draft: Michael Gigliotti
Michael Gigliotti, OF, College(Lipscomb). B-L, T-L. 6'2", 175 lbs.
2015 Lipscomb: .336/.409/.448, 5 2B, 3 3B, 5 HR, 17 SB, 25 BB, 31 K, 232 AB.
2015 Valley League: .280/.349/.320, 2B, 3B, 9 SB, 9 BB, 9 K, 75 AB.
2016 Lipscomb: .301/.407/.461, 12 2B, 5 3B, 3 HR, 15 SB, 31 BB, 35 K, 193 AB.
2016 Cape Cod League: .310/.404/.426, 8 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 11 SB, 23 BB, 38 K, 155 AB.
Michael Gigliotti is a true CF with current gap power and lots of room to gain size and strength. He has shown elite on-base skills and has led all of college baseball in bunt hits over the last 2 years. As you can see, he has performed well in wood bat summer leagues although his K's spiked a bit in the CCL. He definitely has a lot of the qualities the Giants look for in a hitter, up-the-middle defense, contact and on-base skills and gap power. Given approximately equal talent, I think the Giants will and should favor pitching in the draft, but if they think Gigliotti is the BPA, they could grab him at #19.
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DrB's Updated 2017 Draft Board:
1. Jordan Adell, OF, HS.
2. Mark Vientos, SS, HS.
3. Hunter Greene, RHP, HS.
4. Tanner Houck, RHP, College(Missouri).
5. JB Bakauskas, RHP, College(North Carolina).
6. Jeren Kendall, OF, College(Vanderbilt).
7. JJ Schwarz, C, College(Florida).
8. Alex Faedo, RHP, College(Florida).
9. Kyle Wright, RHP, College(Vanderbilt).
10. Alex Lange, RHP, College(LSU).
11. Brady McConnell, SS, HS.
12. Royce Lewis, SS/OF, HS
13. Alex Scherff, RHP, HS.
14. Hans Crouse, RHP, HS.
15. Trevor Rogers, LHP, HS.
16. Jacob Heatherly, LHP, HS.
17. DL Hall, LHP, HS.
18. MICHAEL GIGLIOTTI, OF, College(Lipscomb).
19. Calvin Mitchell, OF, HS.
20. Conor Uselton, OF, HS.
21. Pavin Smith, 1B, College(Virginia).
22. Brandon McKay, LHP, College(Louisville).
23. Calvin Mitchell, OF, HS.
24. Tristan Beck, RHP, College(Stanford).
25. Blayne Enlow, RHP, HS.
26. Hagen Danner, RHP, HS.
27. Alejandro Toral, 1B, HS.
28. Colton Hock, RHP, College(Stanford).
29. Corbin Martin, RHP, College(Texas A&M).
2015 Lipscomb: .336/.409/.448, 5 2B, 3 3B, 5 HR, 17 SB, 25 BB, 31 K, 232 AB.
2015 Valley League: .280/.349/.320, 2B, 3B, 9 SB, 9 BB, 9 K, 75 AB.
2016 Lipscomb: .301/.407/.461, 12 2B, 5 3B, 3 HR, 15 SB, 31 BB, 35 K, 193 AB.
2016 Cape Cod League: .310/.404/.426, 8 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 11 SB, 23 BB, 38 K, 155 AB.
Michael Gigliotti is a true CF with current gap power and lots of room to gain size and strength. He has shown elite on-base skills and has led all of college baseball in bunt hits over the last 2 years. As you can see, he has performed well in wood bat summer leagues although his K's spiked a bit in the CCL. He definitely has a lot of the qualities the Giants look for in a hitter, up-the-middle defense, contact and on-base skills and gap power. Given approximately equal talent, I think the Giants will and should favor pitching in the draft, but if they think Gigliotti is the BPA, they could grab him at #19.
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DrB's Updated 2017 Draft Board:
1. Jordan Adell, OF, HS.
2. Mark Vientos, SS, HS.
3. Hunter Greene, RHP, HS.
4. Tanner Houck, RHP, College(Missouri).
5. JB Bakauskas, RHP, College(North Carolina).
6. Jeren Kendall, OF, College(Vanderbilt).
7. JJ Schwarz, C, College(Florida).
8. Alex Faedo, RHP, College(Florida).
9. Kyle Wright, RHP, College(Vanderbilt).
10. Alex Lange, RHP, College(LSU).
11. Brady McConnell, SS, HS.
12. Royce Lewis, SS/OF, HS
13. Alex Scherff, RHP, HS.
14. Hans Crouse, RHP, HS.
15. Trevor Rogers, LHP, HS.
16. Jacob Heatherly, LHP, HS.
17. DL Hall, LHP, HS.
18. MICHAEL GIGLIOTTI, OF, College(Lipscomb).
19. Calvin Mitchell, OF, HS.
20. Conor Uselton, OF, HS.
21. Pavin Smith, 1B, College(Virginia).
22. Brandon McKay, LHP, College(Louisville).
23. Calvin Mitchell, OF, HS.
24. Tristan Beck, RHP, College(Stanford).
25. Blayne Enlow, RHP, HS.
26. Hagen Danner, RHP, HS.
27. Alejandro Toral, 1B, HS.
28. Colton Hock, RHP, College(Stanford).
29. Corbin Martin, RHP, College(Texas A&M).
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Fantasy Focus: Impact Rookies- Yoan Moncada
Yoan Moncada, 2B/3B, White Sox. DOB: 5/27/1995. B-S, T-R. 6'2", 205 lbs.
2016 A+: .307/.427/.496, 25 2B, 3 3B, 4 HR, 36 SB, 15.8 BB%, 21.1 K%, 254 PA.
2016 AA: .277/.379/.531, 6 2B, 3 3B, 11 HR, 9 SB, 13.0 BB%, 30.9 K%, 217 PA.
2016 MLB: .211/.250/.263, 5.0 BB%, 60.0 K%, 20 PA.
2016 AFL: .292/.370/.458, 11.1 BB%, 37.0 K%, 27 PA.
2017 ZIPS: .276/.375/.384, 27 2B, 3 3B, 17 HR, 34 SB, 10.5 BB%, 25.7 K%, 650 PA.
Yoan Moncada is an elite prospect with even more elite athleticism. He was traded from the Red Sox to the White Sox over the winter in the Chris Sale trade. The major, and possibly only, current flaw in his game is the strikeout rate. The ChiSox will likely make him work on that in AAA to start the season. Their starters at 2B and 3B are Brett Lawrie and Todd Frazier. One or both of them will likely be traded by July 31. When they are, or may before, we'll see Moncada come up to stay. He will immediately be fantasy relevant. He may hurt you in the BA category but his ZIPS projection of 17 HR's and 34 SB over the course of a season is a pretty darn valuable fantasy player. You might want to wait on him in re-draft leagues, but if you are in a league with 6-12 keepers, he may still be available and you should think about drafting him aggressively.
2016 A+: .307/.427/.496, 25 2B, 3 3B, 4 HR, 36 SB, 15.8 BB%, 21.1 K%, 254 PA.
2016 AA: .277/.379/.531, 6 2B, 3 3B, 11 HR, 9 SB, 13.0 BB%, 30.9 K%, 217 PA.
2016 MLB: .211/.250/.263, 5.0 BB%, 60.0 K%, 20 PA.
2016 AFL: .292/.370/.458, 11.1 BB%, 37.0 K%, 27 PA.
2017 ZIPS: .276/.375/.384, 27 2B, 3 3B, 17 HR, 34 SB, 10.5 BB%, 25.7 K%, 650 PA.
Yoan Moncada is an elite prospect with even more elite athleticism. He was traded from the Red Sox to the White Sox over the winter in the Chris Sale trade. The major, and possibly only, current flaw in his game is the strikeout rate. The ChiSox will likely make him work on that in AAA to start the season. Their starters at 2B and 3B are Brett Lawrie and Todd Frazier. One or both of them will likely be traded by July 31. When they are, or may before, we'll see Moncada come up to stay. He will immediately be fantasy relevant. He may hurt you in the BA category but his ZIPS projection of 17 HR's and 34 SB over the course of a season is a pretty darn valuable fantasy player. You might want to wait on him in re-draft leagues, but if you are in a league with 6-12 keepers, he may still be available and you should think about drafting him aggressively.
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Hot Stove Update: Giants Sign David Hernandez
David Hernandez, RHP. DOB: 5/13/1985. 6'2", 230 lbs.
2016 Phillies: 3-4, 3.84, 72.2 IP, 3.96 BB/9, 9.91 K/9, 11 HR, 14.2 HR/FB.
The Giants kept fanning the dying embers of the hot stove even as spring training was getting underway in Arizona with yet another minor league deal with a spring training invitation and conditional MLB deal for 1.5 M which seems to be a popular number for these kind of contracts. Maybe that is the de-facto minimum wage for all non-pre-arbitration players these days? Anyway….
You may remember David Hernandez from his days as a Arizona Diamondback. His best season was 2012 when he posted a 2.50 ERA with a 12. 91 K/9 and a 2.90 BB/9. The next season his ERA ballooned to 4.48. Then he missed the 2014 season with Tommy John surgery. Last year he found himself in Philadelphia where he posted a 2.93 ERA in the second half of the season. His average FB velocity last year was 94 MPH so his arm is definitely healthy again. His big problem over the last 2 seasons has been a big tendency to give up dingers. AT&T Park should help with that. If he stays healthy, I think there is a high probability that David Hernandez will be on the Opening Day 25 man roster.
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The signing of Hernandez adds to the intrigue and competition for bullpen spots in addition to several position battles through spring training. I wonder if the Giants felt like some guys were feeling a bit too comfortable and entitled last year? Back to the bullpen. Barring injury, Mark Melancon is a lock to be the closer and Will Smith is close to a lock for lefty setup man. Strickland and Law are probably in. That leaves 3 spots open for competition if the Giants choose to carry 7 relievers which seems likely, although they carried 8 for much of last season.
The Giants usually carry a long relief/6'th starter type in their bullpen and the competition would seem to be among Albert Suarez, who had that role last year and the loser of the Matt Cain/Ty Blach battle for 5'th starter(Blach has options, so could be sent to Sacramento). That would leave 2-3 spots for the remaining competitors.
40 Man Roster players with MLB experience: Suarez, Blach, Steven Okert, Josh Osich, George Kontos, Cory Gearrin.
Minor League FA's with MLB experience and ST invitations: Jose Dominguez, Bryan Morris, Neil Ramirez, Matt Reynolds, David Hernandez.
How do you see the bullpen shaking out?
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MLBTR is reporting that RHP Alex Reyes of the Cardinals, who I recently profiled in a "Fantasy Focus: Impact Rookies" segment, will likely have to undergo "Tommy John" surgery to repair a torn UCL. If true, this is just one more example of an increasing direct correlation between velocity and probability of UCL injury in pitchers. Once again, only about 50% of pitchers who undergo TJ surgery ever make it all the way back to their previous level of velocity and performance.
2016 Phillies: 3-4, 3.84, 72.2 IP, 3.96 BB/9, 9.91 K/9, 11 HR, 14.2 HR/FB.
The Giants kept fanning the dying embers of the hot stove even as spring training was getting underway in Arizona with yet another minor league deal with a spring training invitation and conditional MLB deal for 1.5 M which seems to be a popular number for these kind of contracts. Maybe that is the de-facto minimum wage for all non-pre-arbitration players these days? Anyway….
You may remember David Hernandez from his days as a Arizona Diamondback. His best season was 2012 when he posted a 2.50 ERA with a 12. 91 K/9 and a 2.90 BB/9. The next season his ERA ballooned to 4.48. Then he missed the 2014 season with Tommy John surgery. Last year he found himself in Philadelphia where he posted a 2.93 ERA in the second half of the season. His average FB velocity last year was 94 MPH so his arm is definitely healthy again. His big problem over the last 2 seasons has been a big tendency to give up dingers. AT&T Park should help with that. If he stays healthy, I think there is a high probability that David Hernandez will be on the Opening Day 25 man roster.
*********************************************************************************
The signing of Hernandez adds to the intrigue and competition for bullpen spots in addition to several position battles through spring training. I wonder if the Giants felt like some guys were feeling a bit too comfortable and entitled last year? Back to the bullpen. Barring injury, Mark Melancon is a lock to be the closer and Will Smith is close to a lock for lefty setup man. Strickland and Law are probably in. That leaves 3 spots open for competition if the Giants choose to carry 7 relievers which seems likely, although they carried 8 for much of last season.
The Giants usually carry a long relief/6'th starter type in their bullpen and the competition would seem to be among Albert Suarez, who had that role last year and the loser of the Matt Cain/Ty Blach battle for 5'th starter(Blach has options, so could be sent to Sacramento). That would leave 2-3 spots for the remaining competitors.
40 Man Roster players with MLB experience: Suarez, Blach, Steven Okert, Josh Osich, George Kontos, Cory Gearrin.
Minor League FA's with MLB experience and ST invitations: Jose Dominguez, Bryan Morris, Neil Ramirez, Matt Reynolds, David Hernandez.
How do you see the bullpen shaking out?
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MLBTR is reporting that RHP Alex Reyes of the Cardinals, who I recently profiled in a "Fantasy Focus: Impact Rookies" segment, will likely have to undergo "Tommy John" surgery to repair a torn UCL. If true, this is just one more example of an increasing direct correlation between velocity and probability of UCL injury in pitchers. Once again, only about 50% of pitchers who undergo TJ surgery ever make it all the way back to their previous level of velocity and performance.
Monday, February 13, 2017
Spring Training Update: 5 Burning Questions
Pitchers and catchers reported today which means pretty much nothing happened that could be seen. Pitchers will start throwing to catchers tomorrow. It will be awhile before we see any live batting practice. So, let's take a look at 5 burning questions that need to be answered in Spring Training for the Giants:
1. Can an aging core avoid serious injuries in spring training? Serious injuries to Buster Posey, any of the top 4 SP or to Mark Melancon would likely be fatal to the Giants chances for an odd year championship run. They could probably survive extended absences from Brandon Crawford, Brandon Belt or Hunter Pence, but we've seen them struggle without Pence in the past.
2. Does Matt Cain have anything left? The ideal scenario for the Giants is for Cainer to win the #5 SP role which would allow them to use Ty Blach as a long reliever/swingman/3'rd lefty reliever or else stash him back in Sacramento for depth. If they have to use Blach as the #5 SP puts pressure on Tyler Beede and/or Andrew Suarez to be ready immediately in case of injury to a SP.
3. Who wins the starting LF job? Personally, I think if Mac Williamson is healthy, you give it to him and give him at least half a season to lose it. The Giants need another RH bat in the lineup in addition to power. Mac gives them both plus tremendous long term upside. I'm OK with bringing others into the mix, but only as insurance in case Mac gets injured.
4. Who has the inside track for bench jobs, homegrown veterans from the 40 man roster or veteran spring training invitees? Again, I don't mind having depth in case of injury, but it seems the Giants have gone way beyond that with multiple high profile players signed to minor league contracts with spring training invitations. You know those guys did not sign to play in Sacramento as organizational depth, which means for equal or near equal performance in Spring Training, the kids with options will be the ones packing their bags on cutdown day.
5. Is Eduardo Nunez the starting 3B or are the Giants angling to make him a super-utility guy? The Giants have insisted that Nunez is the starting 3B for 2017, but Conor Gillaspie has a case to be at least a platoon at the position. If Jae-Gyun Hwang shows he can hit MLB pitching in spring training, there will be pressure to make him the starter over both Gillaspie and Nunez.
What is your burning question for Spring Training?
1. Can an aging core avoid serious injuries in spring training? Serious injuries to Buster Posey, any of the top 4 SP or to Mark Melancon would likely be fatal to the Giants chances for an odd year championship run. They could probably survive extended absences from Brandon Crawford, Brandon Belt or Hunter Pence, but we've seen them struggle without Pence in the past.
2. Does Matt Cain have anything left? The ideal scenario for the Giants is for Cainer to win the #5 SP role which would allow them to use Ty Blach as a long reliever/swingman/3'rd lefty reliever or else stash him back in Sacramento for depth. If they have to use Blach as the #5 SP puts pressure on Tyler Beede and/or Andrew Suarez to be ready immediately in case of injury to a SP.
3. Who wins the starting LF job? Personally, I think if Mac Williamson is healthy, you give it to him and give him at least half a season to lose it. The Giants need another RH bat in the lineup in addition to power. Mac gives them both plus tremendous long term upside. I'm OK with bringing others into the mix, but only as insurance in case Mac gets injured.
4. Who has the inside track for bench jobs, homegrown veterans from the 40 man roster or veteran spring training invitees? Again, I don't mind having depth in case of injury, but it seems the Giants have gone way beyond that with multiple high profile players signed to minor league contracts with spring training invitations. You know those guys did not sign to play in Sacramento as organizational depth, which means for equal or near equal performance in Spring Training, the kids with options will be the ones packing their bags on cutdown day.
5. Is Eduardo Nunez the starting 3B or are the Giants angling to make him a super-utility guy? The Giants have insisted that Nunez is the starting 3B for 2017, but Conor Gillaspie has a case to be at least a platoon at the position. If Jae-Gyun Hwang shows he can hit MLB pitching in spring training, there will be pressure to make him the starter over both Gillaspie and Nunez.
What is your burning question for Spring Training?
Scouting the 2017 Draft: Corbin Martin
Corbin Martin, RHP, College(Texas A&M). 6'3", 200 lbs.
2015(College): 2-0, 2.95, 18.1 IP, 12 BB, 21 K.
2015(Alaska League): 1-1, 0.00, 21.2 IP, 12 BB, 27 K.
2016(College): 2-1, 5.47, 26.1 IP, 21 BB, 33 K.
2016(Cape Cod League): 0-1, 1.15, 15.2 IP, 3 BB, 22 K, 6 Saves.
mlb.com ranks Martin as their #22 draft prospect, which might represent the first big tier break in the rankings. Martin has premium stuff including a mid-high 90's FB and a sharp breaking curveball, but his innings for Texas A&M have been limited by severe command issues. Those seemed to go away as he dominated the CCL and we know how the Giants love them some CCL performers. I could see the Giants drafting Martin in one of 2 scenarios: 1. He builds on the CCL performance and dominates his junior college season and the Giants take him at #19 overall. 2. He regresses back to struggling with his command and falls into the 3'rd or 4'th round where the Giants are never shy about taking a chance on upside. Martin will be in interesting story line as the college season gets underway.
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DrB's Updated 2017 Draft Board"
1. Jordan Adell, OF, HS.
2. Mark Vientos, SS, HS.
3. Hunter Greene, RHP, HS.
4. Tanner Houck, RHP, College(Missouri).
5. JB Bakauskas, RHP, College(North Carolina).
6. Jeren Kendall, OF, College(Vanderbilt).
7. JJ Schwarz, C, College(Florida).
8. Alex Faedo, RHP, College(Florida).
9. Kyle Wright, RHP, College(Florida).
10. Alex Lange, RHP, College(LSU).
11. Brady McConnell, SS, HS.
12. Royce Lewis, SS/OF, HS.
13. Alex Scherff, RHP, HS.
14. Hans Crouse, RHP, HS.
15. Trevor Rogers, LHP, HS.
16. Jacob Heatherly, LHP, HS.
17. DL Hall, LHP, HS.
18. Conor Uselton, OF, HS.
19. Pavin Smith, 1B, College(Virginia).
20. Brandon McKay, LHP, College(Louisville).
21. Calvin Mitchell, OF, HS.
22. Tristan Beck, RHP, College(Stanford).
23. Blayne Enlow, RHP, HS.
24. Hagen Danner, RHP, HS.
25. Alejandro Toral, 1B, HS.
26. Colton Hock, RHP, College(Stanford).
27. CORBIN MARTIN, RHP, College(Texas A&M).
2015(College): 2-0, 2.95, 18.1 IP, 12 BB, 21 K.
2015(Alaska League): 1-1, 0.00, 21.2 IP, 12 BB, 27 K.
2016(College): 2-1, 5.47, 26.1 IP, 21 BB, 33 K.
2016(Cape Cod League): 0-1, 1.15, 15.2 IP, 3 BB, 22 K, 6 Saves.
mlb.com ranks Martin as their #22 draft prospect, which might represent the first big tier break in the rankings. Martin has premium stuff including a mid-high 90's FB and a sharp breaking curveball, but his innings for Texas A&M have been limited by severe command issues. Those seemed to go away as he dominated the CCL and we know how the Giants love them some CCL performers. I could see the Giants drafting Martin in one of 2 scenarios: 1. He builds on the CCL performance and dominates his junior college season and the Giants take him at #19 overall. 2. He regresses back to struggling with his command and falls into the 3'rd or 4'th round where the Giants are never shy about taking a chance on upside. Martin will be in interesting story line as the college season gets underway.
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DrB's Updated 2017 Draft Board"
1. Jordan Adell, OF, HS.
2. Mark Vientos, SS, HS.
3. Hunter Greene, RHP, HS.
4. Tanner Houck, RHP, College(Missouri).
5. JB Bakauskas, RHP, College(North Carolina).
6. Jeren Kendall, OF, College(Vanderbilt).
7. JJ Schwarz, C, College(Florida).
8. Alex Faedo, RHP, College(Florida).
9. Kyle Wright, RHP, College(Florida).
10. Alex Lange, RHP, College(LSU).
11. Brady McConnell, SS, HS.
12. Royce Lewis, SS/OF, HS.
13. Alex Scherff, RHP, HS.
14. Hans Crouse, RHP, HS.
15. Trevor Rogers, LHP, HS.
16. Jacob Heatherly, LHP, HS.
17. DL Hall, LHP, HS.
18. Conor Uselton, OF, HS.
19. Pavin Smith, 1B, College(Virginia).
20. Brandon McKay, LHP, College(Louisville).
21. Calvin Mitchell, OF, HS.
22. Tristan Beck, RHP, College(Stanford).
23. Blayne Enlow, RHP, HS.
24. Hagen Danner, RHP, HS.
25. Alejandro Toral, 1B, HS.
26. Colton Hock, RHP, College(Stanford).
27. CORBIN MARTIN, RHP, College(Texas A&M).
Sunday, February 12, 2017
Fantasy Focus: Impact Rookies- Charlie Tilson
Charles Tilson, CF, White Sox. DOB: 12/2/1992. B-L, T-L. 5'11", 175 lbs.
2015 AA: .295/.351/.388, 20 2B, 9 3B, 4 HR, 46 SB, 7.7 BB%, 12.1 K%, 594 PA.
2016 AAA: .282/.345/.407, 16 2B, 8 3B, 4 HR, 15 SB, 8.2 BB%, 12.9 K%, 395 PA.
Charlie Tilson was drafted in 2012 Round 2 out of HS by the Cardinals. All of his minor league numbers were put up in the Cardinals organization. He was traded to the White Sox last year for LHP Zack Duke and promptly tore a hammy in his first MLB game after 2 AB's. He is currently penciled in as the starting CF for the 2017 ChiSox. He's got plus-plus speed which he'll have to prove he still has after the hammy. Excellent contact and plate discipline skills increase his opportunities to run. He has some gap power but won't give you much in HR's. He could be a cheap source of steals in deeper fantasy baseball leagues and could eventually develop into a nice replacement for Adam Eaton.
2015 AA: .295/.351/.388, 20 2B, 9 3B, 4 HR, 46 SB, 7.7 BB%, 12.1 K%, 594 PA.
2016 AAA: .282/.345/.407, 16 2B, 8 3B, 4 HR, 15 SB, 8.2 BB%, 12.9 K%, 395 PA.
Charlie Tilson was drafted in 2012 Round 2 out of HS by the Cardinals. All of his minor league numbers were put up in the Cardinals organization. He was traded to the White Sox last year for LHP Zack Duke and promptly tore a hammy in his first MLB game after 2 AB's. He is currently penciled in as the starting CF for the 2017 ChiSox. He's got plus-plus speed which he'll have to prove he still has after the hammy. Excellent contact and plate discipline skills increase his opportunities to run. He has some gap power but won't give you much in HR's. He could be a cheap source of steals in deeper fantasy baseball leagues and could eventually develop into a nice replacement for Adam Eaton.
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Hot Stove Update: Giants Re-Sign Gordon Beckham
Hey team! I'm back from my journey.
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The Giants have signed infielder Gordon Beckham to a minor league contract with a provision that he will be paid $1.5 M for the season if he makes the 25 man roster out of spring training. As I am sure all of you know, Beckham was once considered an elite draft prospect. In fact, prior to the 2008 draft, some analysts were speculating that the Giants might like Beckham better than Buster Posey. Happily in the end, the Giants took Buster at #5 overall and Beckham went to the White Sox at #8. Buster went on to win a MVP and 3 Rings while Beckham's career sputtered and ultimately never took off. He was released last year by the Atlanta Braves and signed by the Giants who had run out of infield options. Beckham went 0 for 5 with the Giants but was credited with bringing some life to a very stale atmosphere in the clubhouse. In particular, it was reported that Beckham was able to bring Buster Posey out of his shell and loosen him up a bit. Alex Pavlovic of CSNBA also reports that at least one player took the trouble of contacting Giants management in the offseason to point out the contribution Beckham made to the clubhouse is such a short period of time.
Someone asked Keith Law in his last Klawchat why he thought Beckham's career never took off. Law's reply was interesting. He said that when he scouted Beckham as a sophomore in college, he noted a significant hitch in his swing that slowed his bat's path the the ball. His junior season was so great, though, that Law decided that he must have enough fast-twitch natural ability that the hitch did not matter and went ahead and raised his ranking to match the consensus. Law went on to say that Beckham was never able to remove the hitch from his swing and it slowed his bat down enough that he was never able to consistently handle MLB pitching. Just for the record, here is Gordon Beckham's stat line from last season for the Braves and Giants(again, only 5 of the PA's were with the Giants):
.212/.294/.347, 16 SB, 3B, 5 HR, 9.3 BB%, 18.6 K%, 279 PA.
The BB and K percents are excellent and there is a bit of pop there.
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Beckham's signing adds to an already enormous logjam of competitors for a relatively small number of roster spots in 2017. Just for review, there are 25 Active Roster spots. 8 Starting Postion Players, 5 SP's, 6-8 bullpen slots and 4-6 reserve position players. The most common distribution is 7 relief pitchers and 5 positional reserves. In the past 2 seasons, the Giants have often rostered 8 relief pitchers and just 4 positional reserves. One positional reserve slot has to be a backup catcher, who usually does not play any other position leaving just 3-4 non-catcher slots available. With that in mind, let's take a look at will be competing for those precious roster spots.
Barring injury, it appears the Giants have 7 of 8 starting position spots in place:
C Posey, 1B, Belt, 2B Panik, 3B Nunez, SS Crawford, CF Denard Span, RF Hunter Pence.
Left Field is open with Mac Williamson and Jarrett Parker identified by Giants management as the frontrunners, but you have to believe the job is open for other to challenge. Nick Hundley is the backup catcher so you can add that to the "taken" list. The bench has to include someone who can play CF and someone else who can play SS, unless one person is capable of playing both, an unusual circumstance.
In summary, the Giants appear to have 4 open non-pitching roster spots: LF and 4 bench players split between IF and OF, unless they carry 8 relief pitchers and it's just 3 positional bench players.
Now, let's finally take a look at who all will be competing for these 4-5 roster spots and what positions they are capable of playing:
Players on the 40 Man Roster:
Mac Williamson- RF, LF.
Jarrett Parker- RF, LF, CF?
Gorkys Hernandez- CF, LF, RF?
Conor Gillaspie- 3B, 1B, 2B?
Kelby Tomlinson- 2B, SS, 3B?, OF?
Orlando Calixte- SS, OF, 2B, 3B?
Minor League Contracts with Spring Training Invitations:
Jimmy Rollins- SS, 2B?, 3B?
Jae-Gyun Hwang- 3B, 1B?, LF?, SS?
Kyle Blanks- 1B.
Wynton Bernard- CF, RF, LF.
Michael Morse- 1B, LF?
Justin Ruggiano- RF, LF, CF?
Gordon Beckham- 2B, 3B, 1B, SS?
I did not include prospects who will almost certainly end up in the minor leagues, at at least to start the season including Christian Arroyo and Austin Slater. That leaves 13 players vying for 4-5 positional roster spots, and the Hot Stove has not been extinguished yet. How do you see it shaking out?
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The Giants have signed infielder Gordon Beckham to a minor league contract with a provision that he will be paid $1.5 M for the season if he makes the 25 man roster out of spring training. As I am sure all of you know, Beckham was once considered an elite draft prospect. In fact, prior to the 2008 draft, some analysts were speculating that the Giants might like Beckham better than Buster Posey. Happily in the end, the Giants took Buster at #5 overall and Beckham went to the White Sox at #8. Buster went on to win a MVP and 3 Rings while Beckham's career sputtered and ultimately never took off. He was released last year by the Atlanta Braves and signed by the Giants who had run out of infield options. Beckham went 0 for 5 with the Giants but was credited with bringing some life to a very stale atmosphere in the clubhouse. In particular, it was reported that Beckham was able to bring Buster Posey out of his shell and loosen him up a bit. Alex Pavlovic of CSNBA also reports that at least one player took the trouble of contacting Giants management in the offseason to point out the contribution Beckham made to the clubhouse is such a short period of time.
Someone asked Keith Law in his last Klawchat why he thought Beckham's career never took off. Law's reply was interesting. He said that when he scouted Beckham as a sophomore in college, he noted a significant hitch in his swing that slowed his bat's path the the ball. His junior season was so great, though, that Law decided that he must have enough fast-twitch natural ability that the hitch did not matter and went ahead and raised his ranking to match the consensus. Law went on to say that Beckham was never able to remove the hitch from his swing and it slowed his bat down enough that he was never able to consistently handle MLB pitching. Just for the record, here is Gordon Beckham's stat line from last season for the Braves and Giants(again, only 5 of the PA's were with the Giants):
.212/.294/.347, 16 SB, 3B, 5 HR, 9.3 BB%, 18.6 K%, 279 PA.
The BB and K percents are excellent and there is a bit of pop there.
*********************************************************************************
Beckham's signing adds to an already enormous logjam of competitors for a relatively small number of roster spots in 2017. Just for review, there are 25 Active Roster spots. 8 Starting Postion Players, 5 SP's, 6-8 bullpen slots and 4-6 reserve position players. The most common distribution is 7 relief pitchers and 5 positional reserves. In the past 2 seasons, the Giants have often rostered 8 relief pitchers and just 4 positional reserves. One positional reserve slot has to be a backup catcher, who usually does not play any other position leaving just 3-4 non-catcher slots available. With that in mind, let's take a look at will be competing for those precious roster spots.
Barring injury, it appears the Giants have 7 of 8 starting position spots in place:
C Posey, 1B, Belt, 2B Panik, 3B Nunez, SS Crawford, CF Denard Span, RF Hunter Pence.
Left Field is open with Mac Williamson and Jarrett Parker identified by Giants management as the frontrunners, but you have to believe the job is open for other to challenge. Nick Hundley is the backup catcher so you can add that to the "taken" list. The bench has to include someone who can play CF and someone else who can play SS, unless one person is capable of playing both, an unusual circumstance.
In summary, the Giants appear to have 4 open non-pitching roster spots: LF and 4 bench players split between IF and OF, unless they carry 8 relief pitchers and it's just 3 positional bench players.
Now, let's finally take a look at who all will be competing for these 4-5 roster spots and what positions they are capable of playing:
Players on the 40 Man Roster:
Mac Williamson- RF, LF.
Jarrett Parker- RF, LF, CF?
Gorkys Hernandez- CF, LF, RF?
Conor Gillaspie- 3B, 1B, 2B?
Kelby Tomlinson- 2B, SS, 3B?, OF?
Orlando Calixte- SS, OF, 2B, 3B?
Minor League Contracts with Spring Training Invitations:
Jimmy Rollins- SS, 2B?, 3B?
Jae-Gyun Hwang- 3B, 1B?, LF?, SS?
Kyle Blanks- 1B.
Wynton Bernard- CF, RF, LF.
Michael Morse- 1B, LF?
Justin Ruggiano- RF, LF, CF?
Gordon Beckham- 2B, 3B, 1B, SS?
I did not include prospects who will almost certainly end up in the minor leagues, at at least to start the season including Christian Arroyo and Austin Slater. That leaves 13 players vying for 4-5 positional roster spots, and the Hot Stove has not been extinguished yet. How do you see it shaking out?
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Scouting the 2017 Draft: Calvin Mitchell
Calvin Mitchell, OF, HS. B-L, T-L. 6'1", 200 lbs.
Calvin Mitchell hails from Rancho Bernardo, CA. He's a 5-tool athlete whose best tool is hit with some power with slightly above average arm and speed. He's got a smooth, powerful lefthanded swing with power to all fields with ability to pull the ball. His Perfect Game metrics show an 89 MPH throw from the OF and a 7.05 60 yd dash. His bat-to-ball time is .106 sec. which is 83 percentile.
Calvin is probably a LF all the way which means he'll have to hit, although the hit standard for LF is not what it used to be. His body type, tools and swing have been comped to former Angels LF Garrett Anderson, who had a pretty darn good MLB career.
Another factoid: Calvin is my cousin's wife's second nephew. OK, not real close there, but well within 6 degrees of separation, so there's a family rooting interest here.
mlb.com has him ranked at #21 on their list of 2017 draft prospects.
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DrB's Updated 2017 Draft Board:
1. Jordan Adell, OF, HS.
2. Mark Vientos, SS, HS.
3. Hunter Greene, RHP, HS.
4. Tanner Houck, RHP, College(Missouri).
5. JB Bakauskas, RHP, College(North Carolina).
6. Jeren Kendall, OF, College(Vanderbilt).
7. JJ Schwarz, C, College(Florida).
8. Alex Faedo, RHP, College(Florida).
9. Kyle Wright, RHP, College(Vanderbilt).
10. Alex Lange, RHP, College(LSU).
11. Brady McConnell, SS, HS.
12..Royce Lewis, SS/OF.
13. Alex Scherff, RHP, HS.
14. Hans Crouse, RHP, HS.
15. Trevor Rogers, RHP, HS.
16. Jacob Heatherley, LHP, HS.
17. DL Hall, LHP, HS.
18. Conor Uselton, OF, HS.
19. Pavin Smith, 1B, College(Virginia).
20.. Brandon McKay, LHP, College(Louisville).
21. CALVIN MITCHELL, OF, HS.
22. Tristan Beck, RHP, College(Stanford).
23. Blayne Enlow, RHP, HS.
24. Hagen Danner, RHP, HS.
25. Alejandro Toral, 1B, HS.
26. Colton Hock, RHP, College(Stanford).
Calvin Mitchell hails from Rancho Bernardo, CA. He's a 5-tool athlete whose best tool is hit with some power with slightly above average arm and speed. He's got a smooth, powerful lefthanded swing with power to all fields with ability to pull the ball. His Perfect Game metrics show an 89 MPH throw from the OF and a 7.05 60 yd dash. His bat-to-ball time is .106 sec. which is 83 percentile.
Calvin is probably a LF all the way which means he'll have to hit, although the hit standard for LF is not what it used to be. His body type, tools and swing have been comped to former Angels LF Garrett Anderson, who had a pretty darn good MLB career.
Another factoid: Calvin is my cousin's wife's second nephew. OK, not real close there, but well within 6 degrees of separation, so there's a family rooting interest here.
mlb.com has him ranked at #21 on their list of 2017 draft prospects.
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DrB's Updated 2017 Draft Board:
1. Jordan Adell, OF, HS.
2. Mark Vientos, SS, HS.
3. Hunter Greene, RHP, HS.
4. Tanner Houck, RHP, College(Missouri).
5. JB Bakauskas, RHP, College(North Carolina).
6. Jeren Kendall, OF, College(Vanderbilt).
7. JJ Schwarz, C, College(Florida).
8. Alex Faedo, RHP, College(Florida).
9. Kyle Wright, RHP, College(Vanderbilt).
10. Alex Lange, RHP, College(LSU).
11. Brady McConnell, SS, HS.
12..Royce Lewis, SS/OF.
13. Alex Scherff, RHP, HS.
14. Hans Crouse, RHP, HS.
15. Trevor Rogers, RHP, HS.
16. Jacob Heatherley, LHP, HS.
17. DL Hall, LHP, HS.
18. Conor Uselton, OF, HS.
19. Pavin Smith, 1B, College(Virginia).
20.. Brandon McKay, LHP, College(Louisville).
21. CALVIN MITCHELL, OF, HS.
22. Tristan Beck, RHP, College(Stanford).
23. Blayne Enlow, RHP, HS.
24. Hagen Danner, RHP, HS.
25. Alejandro Toral, 1B, HS.
26. Colton Hock, RHP, College(Stanford).
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Thoughts on Javier Lopez
Javier Lopez announced his retirement today at the age of 39(is he really that old?). Lopez was an indispensable part of the Giants amazing run of 3 World Series Championships from 2010-2014. He was acquired at the trade deadline from the Pittsburgh Pirates for Joe Martinez and John Bowker, a trade that was heavily criticized by certain parts of the Giants fanbase. It turned out to be one of the savviest trades of Brian Sabean's very savvy career.
Lopez was just breaking out as a lefty specialist reliever. Not only did he make significant contributions to the Giants first Championship in San Francisico, he stayed on to make major contributions to 2 more championships in 2012 and 2014. What Lopez gave the Giants was a second lefthanded option out of the bullpen to back up Jeremy Affeldt giving Bruce Bochy the ability to get favorable matchups against big lefthanded bats in multiple late inning situations. In today's game, you have to be able to neutralize the big lefty bats when the game is on the line late. Sabean and Bochy seemed to understand that long before most other GM's and managers caught on. Good lefty relievers not command much higher prices on the open market than what Sabes was criticized for paying back when he acquired Affeldt and Lopez.
One thing I did not realize, was Lopez and the Giants can probably thank Buck Showalter for Lopez' fine MLB career and for those 3 trophies that reside at 24 Willie Mays Plaza. Lopez was drafted as a conventional LHP and started his pro career as a starter. He struggled in that role, but Showalter instituted a D'Backs organizational policy that before releasing any pitcher from the organization, they would give them a second chance if they were willing to try throwing sidearm/submarine style. Lopez was one of those guys back in 2001. It took a few years and multiple organizations, but the conversion eventually paid off and the Giants were the main beneficiaries.
Javier Lopez, Good Giant. I do hope they will have a day for him this season and he gets a huge ovation. It will be well deserved.
Lopez was just breaking out as a lefty specialist reliever. Not only did he make significant contributions to the Giants first Championship in San Francisico, he stayed on to make major contributions to 2 more championships in 2012 and 2014. What Lopez gave the Giants was a second lefthanded option out of the bullpen to back up Jeremy Affeldt giving Bruce Bochy the ability to get favorable matchups against big lefthanded bats in multiple late inning situations. In today's game, you have to be able to neutralize the big lefty bats when the game is on the line late. Sabean and Bochy seemed to understand that long before most other GM's and managers caught on. Good lefty relievers not command much higher prices on the open market than what Sabes was criticized for paying back when he acquired Affeldt and Lopez.
One thing I did not realize, was Lopez and the Giants can probably thank Buck Showalter for Lopez' fine MLB career and for those 3 trophies that reside at 24 Willie Mays Plaza. Lopez was drafted as a conventional LHP and started his pro career as a starter. He struggled in that role, but Showalter instituted a D'Backs organizational policy that before releasing any pitcher from the organization, they would give them a second chance if they were willing to try throwing sidearm/submarine style. Lopez was one of those guys back in 2001. It took a few years and multiple organizations, but the conversion eventually paid off and the Giants were the main beneficiaries.
Javier Lopez, Good Giant. I do hope they will have a day for him this season and he gets a huge ovation. It will be well deserved.
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Fantasy Focus: Impact Rookies- Tyler Glasnow
Tyler Glasnow, RHP, Pirates. DOB: 8/23/1993. 6'7", 195 lbs.
2016 AAA: 8-3, 1.87, 110.2 IP, 5.04 BB/9, 10.92 K/9.
2016 MLB: 0-2, 4.24, 23.1 IP, 5.01 BB/9, 9.26 K/9.
Glasnow was on this list last year, but spent most of the season in AAA which left him still ROY eligible this year. The big problem for Glasnow was command as measured by a BB/9 of 5 which is at least 1 BB/9 above what he'll need to find consistent success in the majors. Glasnow has close to elite stuff. His FB averaged 93.5 which is a bit pedestrian by today's standards but he also has a killer curveball. According to Eric Longenhagen of Fangraphs, Glasnow has yet to develop any semblance of a changeup. That and the command thing would cause me to stay away from him in fantasy baseball drafts. He has a huge ceiling, but I would not spend a precious roster spot on him except in the deepest keeper leagues until he proves he can lower the walk rate and keep it down.
2016 AAA: 8-3, 1.87, 110.2 IP, 5.04 BB/9, 10.92 K/9.
2016 MLB: 0-2, 4.24, 23.1 IP, 5.01 BB/9, 9.26 K/9.
Glasnow was on this list last year, but spent most of the season in AAA which left him still ROY eligible this year. The big problem for Glasnow was command as measured by a BB/9 of 5 which is at least 1 BB/9 above what he'll need to find consistent success in the majors. Glasnow has close to elite stuff. His FB averaged 93.5 which is a bit pedestrian by today's standards but he also has a killer curveball. According to Eric Longenhagen of Fangraphs, Glasnow has yet to develop any semblance of a changeup. That and the command thing would cause me to stay away from him in fantasy baseball drafts. He has a huge ceiling, but I would not spend a precious roster spot on him except in the deepest keeper leagues until he proves he can lower the walk rate and keep it down.
Thoughts on Sergio Romo
Sergio Romo agreed on a contract to pitch for the Dodgers in 2017. It's not the end of the world. I mean I survived Juan Marichal pitching for the Dodgers at the end of his career. Sergio Romo is not Juan Marichal, but he had his share of iconic Giants moments. You all know the Sergio Romo story. The Boy from Brawley who grew up a Dodgers fan and helped bring 3 World Series Championships to the Giants. When Sergio left Brawley to go pitch college baseball, the locals told him "you'll be back, just like all the rest." Romo's reply was "I'll be back, but it won't be like all the rest." He kept his word and did he ever! Romo has earned a total of $29 M playing the game of baseball for a living and that does not count the money he made from TV ads and other endorsements. Even at that, he was a bargain for the Giants. If you convert his career fWAR into dollar value, he was worth $64 M. If you believe that fWAR undervalues relievers, he was worth even more. His stat lines from 2008 when he broke into the majors midseason through 2012 were astounding. He was one of the best setup relievers I have ever seen. He stood in the gap when the Giants needed a closer and he didn't complain when they took the job back. I'll say that Romo was not just a good Giant or even a great Giant. He was an iconic Giant who had moments that will be remembered as long as major league baseball is played. So, what was iconic about Sergio Romo? Let me count the ways:
1. The iconic pitch- that "no-dot" slider was one of a kind. Maybe someone else has thrown a pitch like that in MLB, but I don't know who. Very seldom in the history of MLB has one pitcher been associated with 1 pitch as effective as Romo's slider. The memory of that pitch will remain with all of us who had the privilege of watching Romo help win 3 championships.
2. The iconic moment- Ironically, Romo's iconic moment did not involve the slider, but a fastball, thrown right down the pipe to Miguel Cabrera, of all people who was looking for the slider outside and just froze on the fastball. It was the final pitch of the 2012 World Series and it might have been the gutsiest pitch ever thrown IN THE HISTORY OF BASEBALL! I mean, who intentionally throws a fastball middle in to Miguel Cabrera with the World Series on the line, let alone gets away with it? Everybody in the world knew that Cabrera was looking slider. Cabrera was so sure of himself he didn't try to hide what pitch he was looking for. Romo called him on it and won the bet. Just unforgettable!
OK, that's only 2 iconic things about Sergio Romo, but how many players can claim even 1? Other memorable things about him were the beard, the "I Only Look Illegal" T-shirt, the big smile and yes, the TV ads. I'll say this, I have come close to going out and buying a Mercedes for no other reason than Romo's ads more than once.
So yes, I will miss Sergio Romo. He may well do some damage to the Giants. Last year ended badly for him and the whole bullpen, but overall he pitched quite well, when he pitched. I'll be rooting for his tenure with the Dodgers to be short and unhappy. Like Juan Marichal, his baseball home will always be with the Giants.
1. The iconic pitch- that "no-dot" slider was one of a kind. Maybe someone else has thrown a pitch like that in MLB, but I don't know who. Very seldom in the history of MLB has one pitcher been associated with 1 pitch as effective as Romo's slider. The memory of that pitch will remain with all of us who had the privilege of watching Romo help win 3 championships.
2. The iconic moment- Ironically, Romo's iconic moment did not involve the slider, but a fastball, thrown right down the pipe to Miguel Cabrera, of all people who was looking for the slider outside and just froze on the fastball. It was the final pitch of the 2012 World Series and it might have been the gutsiest pitch ever thrown IN THE HISTORY OF BASEBALL! I mean, who intentionally throws a fastball middle in to Miguel Cabrera with the World Series on the line, let alone gets away with it? Everybody in the world knew that Cabrera was looking slider. Cabrera was so sure of himself he didn't try to hide what pitch he was looking for. Romo called him on it and won the bet. Just unforgettable!
OK, that's only 2 iconic things about Sergio Romo, but how many players can claim even 1? Other memorable things about him were the beard, the "I Only Look Illegal" T-shirt, the big smile and yes, the TV ads. I'll say this, I have come close to going out and buying a Mercedes for no other reason than Romo's ads more than once.
So yes, I will miss Sergio Romo. He may well do some damage to the Giants. Last year ended badly for him and the whole bullpen, but overall he pitched quite well, when he pitched. I'll be rooting for his tenure with the Dodgers to be short and unhappy. Like Juan Marichal, his baseball home will always be with the Giants.
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Blogger's Note
I will be away at a meeting for the next week. I may be able to write up a few posts, but internet connections my be iffy so bear with me. I will be back to regular posting next Saturday, Feb. 11.
Scouting the 2017 Draft: Jacob Heatherly
Jacob Heatherly LHP, HS. 6'3", 210 lbs.
Jacob Heatherly is a stout HS lefty who hails from Alabama. He doesn't throw in the high 90's, but commands a FB that sits 89-93 MPH and has hit 95 to both sides of the plate and adds 2 advanced secondary offerings that he delivers from a mid-high 3/4 arm slot. His size and stuff comp to Brett Anderson who is a pretty good pitcher when he's healthy.
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DrB's Updated 2017 Draft Board
1. Jordan Adell, OF, HS.
2. Mark Vientos, SS, HS.
3. Hunter Greene, RHP, HS.
4. Tanner Houck, RHP, College(Missouri).
5. JB Bakauskas, RHP, College(UNC)
6. Jeren Kendall, OF, College(Vanderbilt).
7. JJ Schwarz, C, College(Florida).
8. Alex Faedo, RHP, College(Florida).
9. Kyle Wright, RHP, College(Vanderbilt).
10. Alex Lange, RHP, College(LSU).
11. Brady McConnell, SS, HS.
12. Alex Scherff, RHP, HS.
13. Hans Crouse, RHP, HS.
14. Trevor Rogers, LHP, HS.
15. JACOB HEATHERLY, LHP, HS.
16. DJ Hall, LHP, HS.
17. Conor Uselton, OF, HS.
18. Tristan Beck, RHP, College(Stanford).
19. Pavin Smith, 1B, College(Virginia).
20. Brandon McKay, LHP, College(Louisville).
21. Blayne Enlow, RHP, HS.
22. Hagen Danner, RHP, HS.
23. Alejandro Toral, 1B, HS.
24. Colton Hock, RHP, College(Stanford).
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Update: I saw a report that Tristan Beck was having back problems and may not start the season on time for Stanford. A prolonged absence would likely lower his stock enough that the draft eligible sophomore would wait until next draft when he would still have a year of eligibility for leverage.
Jacob Heatherly is a stout HS lefty who hails from Alabama. He doesn't throw in the high 90's, but commands a FB that sits 89-93 MPH and has hit 95 to both sides of the plate and adds 2 advanced secondary offerings that he delivers from a mid-high 3/4 arm slot. His size and stuff comp to Brett Anderson who is a pretty good pitcher when he's healthy.
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DrB's Updated 2017 Draft Board
1. Jordan Adell, OF, HS.
2. Mark Vientos, SS, HS.
3. Hunter Greene, RHP, HS.
4. Tanner Houck, RHP, College(Missouri).
5. JB Bakauskas, RHP, College(UNC)
6. Jeren Kendall, OF, College(Vanderbilt).
7. JJ Schwarz, C, College(Florida).
8. Alex Faedo, RHP, College(Florida).
9. Kyle Wright, RHP, College(Vanderbilt).
10. Alex Lange, RHP, College(LSU).
11. Brady McConnell, SS, HS.
12. Alex Scherff, RHP, HS.
13. Hans Crouse, RHP, HS.
14. Trevor Rogers, LHP, HS.
15. JACOB HEATHERLY, LHP, HS.
16. DJ Hall, LHP, HS.
17. Conor Uselton, OF, HS.
18. Tristan Beck, RHP, College(Stanford).
19. Pavin Smith, 1B, College(Virginia).
20. Brandon McKay, LHP, College(Louisville).
21. Blayne Enlow, RHP, HS.
22. Hagen Danner, RHP, HS.
23. Alejandro Toral, 1B, HS.
24. Colton Hock, RHP, College(Stanford).
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Update: I saw a report that Tristan Beck was having back problems and may not start the season on time for Stanford. A prolonged absence would likely lower his stock enough that the draft eligible sophomore would wait until next draft when he would still have a year of eligibility for leverage.
Fantasy Focus: Impact Rookies- Alex Reyes
Alex Reyes RHP, Cardinals. DOB: 8/29/1994. 6'3", 175 lbs.
2016 AAA: 2-3, 4.96, 65.1 IP, 4.41 BB/9, 12.81 K/9.
2016 MLB: 4-1, 1.57, 46.0 IP, 4.50 BB/9, 10.17 K/9.
2017 ZIPS: 3.86 ERA, 121.3 IP, 4.67 BB/9, 10.39 K/9.
First of all, I've seen Alex Reyes pitch on TV and he ain't no 175 lbs! He's got a filled out wiry/muscular 6'3" frame which is almost a perfect pitcher size and body type. He also has premium stuff with a FB that averages 96.8 with 4 seams and 96.2 with 2 seams. He backs that up with a slightly plus changeup and a minimally below average curveball by Pitchfx pitch values. He continues to walk too many batters, but his strikeout stuff mitigates that. He's slated to start the season in the Cardinals rotation although I would expect they will be strict with his pitch counts which will suppress his IP and potential for Wins unless he cuts the BB's significantly. He will have more value in my league which is adding K/9 as a category and he will be of great interest in keeper leagues.
2016 AAA: 2-3, 4.96, 65.1 IP, 4.41 BB/9, 12.81 K/9.
2016 MLB: 4-1, 1.57, 46.0 IP, 4.50 BB/9, 10.17 K/9.
2017 ZIPS: 3.86 ERA, 121.3 IP, 4.67 BB/9, 10.39 K/9.
First of all, I've seen Alex Reyes pitch on TV and he ain't no 175 lbs! He's got a filled out wiry/muscular 6'3" frame which is almost a perfect pitcher size and body type. He also has premium stuff with a FB that averages 96.8 with 4 seams and 96.2 with 2 seams. He backs that up with a slightly plus changeup and a minimally below average curveball by Pitchfx pitch values. He continues to walk too many batters, but his strikeout stuff mitigates that. He's slated to start the season in the Cardinals rotation although I would expect they will be strict with his pitch counts which will suppress his IP and potential for Wins unless he cuts the BB's significantly. He will have more value in my league which is adding K/9 as a category and he will be of great interest in keeper leagues.
Friday, February 3, 2017
DrB's 2017 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Dominican Dandies
Angeddy Almanzar 1B. DOB: 6/30/1998. B-R, T-R. 6'2", 180 lbs.
2016 DSL: .294/.373/.438/.17 2B, 3B, 5 HR, 8.1 BB%, 17.7 K%, 271 AB.
5 dingers may not seem like a lot, but it tied him for 18'th in a league with 42 teams. Combine that with a strong BA and better than average BB and K percents and I think we have a hitter here.
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Ismael Munguia OF. DOB: 10/19/1998. B-L, T-L. 5'10", 158 lbs.
2016 DSL: .274/.359/.363, 13 2B, 4 3B, 8 SB, 11.0 BB%, 5.5 K%, 273 PA.
From Nicaragua. Very young, but already showing some gap power and look at that K/BB! 8 CS cause for concern that he may not be a SB threat going forward.
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Ricardo Genoves C/1B. DOB: 5/14/1999. B-R, T-R. 6'2", 190 lbs.
2016 DSL: .256/.342/.333, 13 2B, HR, 9.4 BB%, 14.5 K%, 235 PA.
$550 K bonus baby. Solid pro debut with strong peripherals. Represented the Giants in the DSL All-Star Game.
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Jesus Reyes RHP. DOB: 7/31/1996. 6'4", 176 lbs.
4-1, 1.51, 35.2 IP, 4.29 BB/9, 11.61 K/9, GO/AO= 2.00.
Giants pitching representative to the DSL All-Star Game.
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Jose Marte RHP. DOB: 6/14/1996. 6'3", 180 lbs.
1-1, 1.89, 19 IP, 4.74 BB/9, 8.53 K/9, GO/AO= 2.36.
Reported by Eric Longerhagen, who spotted him in Arizona, to throw in the mid-90's.
2016 DSL: .294/.373/.438/.17 2B, 3B, 5 HR, 8.1 BB%, 17.7 K%, 271 AB.
5 dingers may not seem like a lot, but it tied him for 18'th in a league with 42 teams. Combine that with a strong BA and better than average BB and K percents and I think we have a hitter here.
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Ismael Munguia OF. DOB: 10/19/1998. B-L, T-L. 5'10", 158 lbs.
2016 DSL: .274/.359/.363, 13 2B, 4 3B, 8 SB, 11.0 BB%, 5.5 K%, 273 PA.
From Nicaragua. Very young, but already showing some gap power and look at that K/BB! 8 CS cause for concern that he may not be a SB threat going forward.
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Ricardo Genoves C/1B. DOB: 5/14/1999. B-R, T-R. 6'2", 190 lbs.
2016 DSL: .256/.342/.333, 13 2B, HR, 9.4 BB%, 14.5 K%, 235 PA.
$550 K bonus baby. Solid pro debut with strong peripherals. Represented the Giants in the DSL All-Star Game.
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Jesus Reyes RHP. DOB: 7/31/1996. 6'4", 176 lbs.
4-1, 1.51, 35.2 IP, 4.29 BB/9, 11.61 K/9, GO/AO= 2.00.
Giants pitching representative to the DSL All-Star Game.
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Jose Marte RHP. DOB: 6/14/1996. 6'3", 180 lbs.
1-1, 1.89, 19 IP, 4.74 BB/9, 8.53 K/9, GO/AO= 2.36.
Reported by Eric Longerhagen, who spotted him in Arizona, to throw in the mid-90's.
Thursday, February 2, 2017
DrB's 2017 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Honorable Mention Part 9
Cameron Avila-Leeper LHP. DOB: 2/11/1996. 5'11", 150 lbs. Drafted 2015 Round 17.
2016 R: 0-0, 0.00, 3 IP, 0.00 BB/9, 12.00 K/9.
Coming off TJ surgery. Pitched well in 2 short late season appearances.
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Tyler Rogers RHP. DOB: 12/17/1990. 6'4", 190 lbs. Drafted 2013 Round 10.
2016 AA: 1-1, 0.77, 35 IP, 2.06 BB/9, 6.17 K/9, GO/AO= 5.15, 10 Saves.
2016 AAA: 1-1, 6.10, 31 IP, 4.65 BB/9, 6.39 K/9, GO/AO= 4.23, 1 Save.
2016 AFL: 0-1, 6.03, 8.2 IP, 2.08 BB/9, 9.35 K/9.
Sidearm/submariner. Stumbled in AAA and the AFL although he maintained his elite GB rate(I consider GO/AO= 2.00 or above elite). I was a bit surprised the Giants did not add him to the 40 man roster and also a bit surprised another organization did not take him in the Rule 5 draft. Looks like he is going to have to prove out at AAA which may be difficult as there are so many parks in the PCL where sinkers don't sink.
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Ian Gardeck RHP. DOB: 11/21/1990. 6'2", 220 lbs. Drafted 2012 Round 16.
2016: DNP.
Gardeck missed 2016 with TJ surgery. Serious reliever prospect prior to the injury. Giants usually start rehabbing pitchers at low levels and let them work their way back. Could he take the Hunter Strickland route to the majors?
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Stephen Woods RHP. DOB: 6/10/1995. 6'2", 200 lbs. Drafted in 2016 Round 8.
2016 R: 0-2, 2.67, 27.0 IP, 5.67 BB/9. 8.33 K/9.
2016 SS: 1-0, 5.63, 8 IP, 5.63 BB/9, 13.50 K/9.
I added him late. Seems to fit the profile of a hard thrower with a wild hair up his nose like many others in the Giants system.
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Up Next: Dominican Dandies
2016 R: 0-0, 0.00, 3 IP, 0.00 BB/9, 12.00 K/9.
Coming off TJ surgery. Pitched well in 2 short late season appearances.
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Tyler Rogers RHP. DOB: 12/17/1990. 6'4", 190 lbs. Drafted 2013 Round 10.
2016 AA: 1-1, 0.77, 35 IP, 2.06 BB/9, 6.17 K/9, GO/AO= 5.15, 10 Saves.
2016 AAA: 1-1, 6.10, 31 IP, 4.65 BB/9, 6.39 K/9, GO/AO= 4.23, 1 Save.
2016 AFL: 0-1, 6.03, 8.2 IP, 2.08 BB/9, 9.35 K/9.
Sidearm/submariner. Stumbled in AAA and the AFL although he maintained his elite GB rate(I consider GO/AO= 2.00 or above elite). I was a bit surprised the Giants did not add him to the 40 man roster and also a bit surprised another organization did not take him in the Rule 5 draft. Looks like he is going to have to prove out at AAA which may be difficult as there are so many parks in the PCL where sinkers don't sink.
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Ian Gardeck RHP. DOB: 11/21/1990. 6'2", 220 lbs. Drafted 2012 Round 16.
2016: DNP.
Gardeck missed 2016 with TJ surgery. Serious reliever prospect prior to the injury. Giants usually start rehabbing pitchers at low levels and let them work their way back. Could he take the Hunter Strickland route to the majors?
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Stephen Woods RHP. DOB: 6/10/1995. 6'2", 200 lbs. Drafted in 2016 Round 8.
2016 R: 0-2, 2.67, 27.0 IP, 5.67 BB/9. 8.33 K/9.
2016 SS: 1-0, 5.63, 8 IP, 5.63 BB/9, 13.50 K/9.
I added him late. Seems to fit the profile of a hard thrower with a wild hair up his nose like many others in the Giants system.
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Up Next: Dominican Dandies
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
DrB's 2017 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Honorable Mention Part 8
DJ Myers RHP. DOB: 12/24/1994. 6'5", 255 lbs. Drafted 2016 Round 15.
2016 R: 3-2, 1.70, 58.1 IP, 0.77 BB/9, 8.02 K/9.
2016 AAA: 0-0, 0.00, 1 IP, 0.00 BB/9, 9.00 K/9.
Big bodied RHP. Intriguing 1 IP in AAA at end of season.
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Caleb Baragar LHP. DOB: 4/9/1994. 6'3", 210 lbs. Drafted 2016 Round 9.
2016 R: 5-2, 2.28, 55.1 IP, 2.60 BB/9, 8.13 K/9.
2016 A+: 0-1, 4.76, 5.2 IP, 7.94 BB/9, 4.76 K/9.
Great size for a lefty. Small sample in San Jose at end of season not too encouraging.
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Alex Bostic LHP. DOB: 11/14/1994. 6'3", 215 lbs. Drafted 2016 Round 10.
2016 R: 2-4, 5.59, 46.2 IP, 5.21 BB/9, 7.52 K/9.
2016 A+: 0-0, 6.35, 5.2 IP, 6.35 BB/9, 11.12 K/9.
Another lefty with great size. Uninspiring pro debut.
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Reagan Bazar RHP. DOB: 6/27/1995. 6'7", 255 lbs. Drafted 2016 Round 17.
2016 R: 2-2, 4.91, 18.1 IP, 6.38 BB/9, 7.36 K/9.
Huge righty with a wild hair up his nose. Obviously a project like so many other current Giants minor league pitchers.
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Luis Amaya LHP. DOB: 8/26/1998. 5'11", 160 lbs. International FA.
2016 R: 1-0, 3.68, 7.1 IP, 3.68 BB/9, 8.59 K/9.
Very young. Age is intriguing, but diminutive size makes you wonder about ceiling.
2016 R: 3-2, 1.70, 58.1 IP, 0.77 BB/9, 8.02 K/9.
2016 AAA: 0-0, 0.00, 1 IP, 0.00 BB/9, 9.00 K/9.
Big bodied RHP. Intriguing 1 IP in AAA at end of season.
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Caleb Baragar LHP. DOB: 4/9/1994. 6'3", 210 lbs. Drafted 2016 Round 9.
2016 R: 5-2, 2.28, 55.1 IP, 2.60 BB/9, 8.13 K/9.
2016 A+: 0-1, 4.76, 5.2 IP, 7.94 BB/9, 4.76 K/9.
Great size for a lefty. Small sample in San Jose at end of season not too encouraging.
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Alex Bostic LHP. DOB: 11/14/1994. 6'3", 215 lbs. Drafted 2016 Round 10.
2016 R: 2-4, 5.59, 46.2 IP, 5.21 BB/9, 7.52 K/9.
2016 A+: 0-0, 6.35, 5.2 IP, 6.35 BB/9, 11.12 K/9.
Another lefty with great size. Uninspiring pro debut.
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Reagan Bazar RHP. DOB: 6/27/1995. 6'7", 255 lbs. Drafted 2016 Round 17.
2016 R: 2-2, 4.91, 18.1 IP, 6.38 BB/9, 7.36 K/9.
Huge righty with a wild hair up his nose. Obviously a project like so many other current Giants minor league pitchers.
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Luis Amaya LHP. DOB: 8/26/1998. 5'11", 160 lbs. International FA.
2016 R: 1-0, 3.68, 7.1 IP, 3.68 BB/9, 8.59 K/9.
Very young. Age is intriguing, but diminutive size makes you wonder about ceiling.
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