AAA Sacramento River Cats outscored the Reno Aces 7-6:
Steven Duggar CF- 1 for 2, 4 BB. BA= .300.
Chris Shaw LF- 2 for 5, 3B. BA= .256.
Will Smith LHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
Manny Parra LHP- 2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.50.
Will we see Will Smith in the Padres series? Manny Parra has kicked around awhile. He missed the entire 2016 season and most of 2017. Is he working his way up the Giants lefty reliever depth chart?
*********************************************************************************
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels edged out the Hartford Yard Goats 3-2:
Ronnie Jebavy CF- 4 for 4. BA= .185.
Aramis Garcia C- 2 for 4. BA= .235.
Dylan Davis LF- 1 for 3, HR(5), BB. BA= .269.
Shaun Anderson RHP- 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 2.57.
Ray Black RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.50.
Shaun Anderson is a horse! He also doubled in 2 AB's at the plate. Ready or not, can we please see Ray Black pitch in the majors at least once before his arm completely falls off?!
*********************************************************************************
A+ San Jose Giants cracked the Modesto Nuts 5-4:
Wander Franco 3B- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .271.
Heath Quinn DH- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .300.
Sandro Fabian RF- 3 for 5. BA= .244.
Jacob Heyward LF- 2 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .292.
Johneshwy Fargas CF- 2 for 4, SB(7). BA= .400.
Mac Marshall LHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Sandro Cabrera LHP- 4.2 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 2.91.
Patrick Ruotolo RHP- 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(2). ERA= 0.87.
Heath Quinn seems to be getting some serious traction at the plate. Does Johneshwy finally make it over the hump in SJ? Mac Marshall seems to be on the same 3-inning per Start plan as Logan Webb. He's now had 4 Starts and 12 IP without allowing a run. Sandro Cabrera allowed just 1 run in 4 IP, before running into trouble in his 5'th inning of work.
*********************************************************************************
Low A Augusta Greenjackets blanked the Columbia Fireflies 2-0:
Logan Baldwin RF- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .176.
Ryan Kirby 1B- 1 for 3, HR(3), BB. BA= .230.
Malique Ziegler LF- 1 for 2, HBP, SB(5). BA= .275.
Garrett Cave RHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 3.50.
John Russell RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.87.
Camilo Doval RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 9.39.
Franklin Van Gurp RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(3). ERA= 0.00.
We'll start referring to Ryan Kirby as the Mayor of Augusta. Logan Baldwin has a 4-game hit streak in which he is 5 for 15. GJ's pitching is dominating the SAL, but some of these college draftees from last year might need more of a challenge of SJ. After a disastrous start to the season, Camilo Doval has not allowed a run in his last 5 appearances with 6.1 IP. Franklin Van Gurp has not pitched less than 2 innings in any of his 5 appearances. He has 15 K's against 1 BB in 12 IP.
Sunday, April 29, 2018
Game Wrap 4/29/2018: Giants 4 Dodgers 2
A very smart manager name Earl Weaver once famously said the secret to winning in baseball is great pitching and 3-run home runs. In recent memory, the Giants have mostly gotten great pitching but not so many 3-run dingers. They've been getting a few more this spring. Today it was Evan Longoria in the first inning. Ty Blach and the bullpen made is stand up as the Giants won their 3'rd and final game of the 4 games series agains the Hated Ones. Key Lines:
Gregor Blanco LF- 2 for 4, 3B. BA= .327. Blanco had a find day at the plate but did not figure into the scoring, maybe partly because he got picked off 1B after the single.
Buster Posey C- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .271. Buster started the first inning rally with a 2-out double.
Brandon Belt 1B- 1 for 2, 2B, 2 BB. BA= .317. You can't hit 3-run HR's without baserunners. Belt drew a walk behind Buster Posey in the first inning and scored one of those 3 runs. In the 3'rd inning, he drove in Buster who had drawn a walk with a double to CF.
Evan Longoria 3B- 1 for 4, HR(6). BA= .247. Again, take out the first 4 games of the season when he went 0 for 15 and Longoria has had a darn good season so far and a huge upgrade on the black hole the Giants had at 3B last year.
Austin Slater RF- 1 for 1, 2 BB. BA= .286. Slater got the start in RF to give Andrew McCutchen a rest and had an OBP of 1.000 on the day. With Mac out on Concussion DL, Slater should get more chances in LF. As for Cutch, historically April is his weakest month, but a pretty big margin, so expect him to heat up in the near future.
Ty Blach LHP- 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 8/3. ERA= 4.10. Blach continued his mastery of the Dodgers with a QS. He faced 1 batter in the 7'th giving up a IF single to Max Muncy. Sam Dyson allowed Muncy to score on a double by Joc Pederson. The run, of course was charged to Blach. Oh, and Blach came within 3 batters of facing the Dodgers lineup 3 times.
Hunter Strickland RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(7). ERA= 1.32. Strick fell behind all 3 batters he faced and got 2 of his outs on line drive outs to the OF. Strick, if you can pitch that well from behind, think of how much easier it would be if you threw a strike or two early in count! Oh well, a good closer will get it done without his best stuff or best command and Strick did that. This was his 3'rd consecutive day of appearances because Boch had to use him proactively with a 5-run lead in yesterday's game.
*********************************************************************************
With the Win, the Giants reached the .500 mark and gained a full game on the entire division as all 4 division rivals lost. Arizona finishes the day still in first place, 5 games ahead of the Rockies, 5.5 games ahead of the Giants, 7 games ahead of the Dodgers and 10 games up on the Pathetic Padres.
The Giants win their 3'rd series in a row and are 7-3 in that stretch.
*********************************************************************************
The Giants finish out the 10 game homestand and will try to keep the Pathetic Padres from transforming into the Pesky Padres. Jeff Samardzija faces lefty Eric Lauer in game 1 tomorrow evening.
*********************************************************************************
Tough news on Joe Panik and his thumb sprain which is apparently much worse than it originally seemed. Joe is reportedly getting a second opinion on whether he should have surgery to repair the thumb which implies some torn ligaments. No word on whether the first opinion recommended surgery or rehab. Either way, Joe is likely to be out for an extended period, possibly 6-8 weeks.
2B duties will likely be shared between Kelby Tomlinson and Alen Hanson, possibly a platoon with the RH hitting Kelby facing LHP's and the switch-hitting Hanson facing RHP's. This is tough as Hanson my have more upside than Kelby, but IMO, Kelby has earned the right to make it his job to lose.
Gregor Blanco LF- 2 for 4, 3B. BA= .327. Blanco had a find day at the plate but did not figure into the scoring, maybe partly because he got picked off 1B after the single.
Buster Posey C- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .271. Buster started the first inning rally with a 2-out double.
Brandon Belt 1B- 1 for 2, 2B, 2 BB. BA= .317. You can't hit 3-run HR's without baserunners. Belt drew a walk behind Buster Posey in the first inning and scored one of those 3 runs. In the 3'rd inning, he drove in Buster who had drawn a walk with a double to CF.
Evan Longoria 3B- 1 for 4, HR(6). BA= .247. Again, take out the first 4 games of the season when he went 0 for 15 and Longoria has had a darn good season so far and a huge upgrade on the black hole the Giants had at 3B last year.
Austin Slater RF- 1 for 1, 2 BB. BA= .286. Slater got the start in RF to give Andrew McCutchen a rest and had an OBP of 1.000 on the day. With Mac out on Concussion DL, Slater should get more chances in LF. As for Cutch, historically April is his weakest month, but a pretty big margin, so expect him to heat up in the near future.
Ty Blach LHP- 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 8/3. ERA= 4.10. Blach continued his mastery of the Dodgers with a QS. He faced 1 batter in the 7'th giving up a IF single to Max Muncy. Sam Dyson allowed Muncy to score on a double by Joc Pederson. The run, of course was charged to Blach. Oh, and Blach came within 3 batters of facing the Dodgers lineup 3 times.
Hunter Strickland RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(7). ERA= 1.32. Strick fell behind all 3 batters he faced and got 2 of his outs on line drive outs to the OF. Strick, if you can pitch that well from behind, think of how much easier it would be if you threw a strike or two early in count! Oh well, a good closer will get it done without his best stuff or best command and Strick did that. This was his 3'rd consecutive day of appearances because Boch had to use him proactively with a 5-run lead in yesterday's game.
*********************************************************************************
With the Win, the Giants reached the .500 mark and gained a full game on the entire division as all 4 division rivals lost. Arizona finishes the day still in first place, 5 games ahead of the Rockies, 5.5 games ahead of the Giants, 7 games ahead of the Dodgers and 10 games up on the Pathetic Padres.
The Giants win their 3'rd series in a row and are 7-3 in that stretch.
*********************************************************************************
The Giants finish out the 10 game homestand and will try to keep the Pathetic Padres from transforming into the Pesky Padres. Jeff Samardzija faces lefty Eric Lauer in game 1 tomorrow evening.
*********************************************************************************
Tough news on Joe Panik and his thumb sprain which is apparently much worse than it originally seemed. Joe is reportedly getting a second opinion on whether he should have surgery to repair the thumb which implies some torn ligaments. No word on whether the first opinion recommended surgery or rehab. Either way, Joe is likely to be out for an extended period, possibly 6-8 weeks.
2B duties will likely be shared between Kelby Tomlinson and Alen Hanson, possibly a platoon with the RH hitting Kelby facing LHP's and the switch-hitting Hanson facing RHP's. This is tough as Hanson my have more upside than Kelby, but IMO, Kelby has earned the right to make it his job to lose.
Down on the Farm: 4/28/2018
AAA Reno Aces trumped the Sacramento River Cats 10-7:
Steven Duggar CF- 3 for 5, HR(2). BA= .295.
Ryder Jones 3B- 1 for 4, HR(1), HBP. BA= .254.
Casey Kelly RHP- 5 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 3 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 11.29.
Steven Duggar and Ryder Jones say "Hey! Don't forget about me!" Kelly looked pretty good for 3 innings then fell apart.
*********************************************************************************
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels pounded the Hartford Yard Goats 9-4:
Luigi Rodriguez RF- 3 for 4, HR(2), BB, SB(4). BA= .378.
Jonah Arenado 3B- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .232.
Dylan Davis LF- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .266.
Jonah Arenado extends his hit streak to 5 games in which he is 7 for 15. 4 of those 7 hits are XBH's with 2 doubles and 2 dingers.
*********************************************************************************
A+ Modesto Nuts topped the San Jose Giants 9-4:
Bryce Johnson CF- 1 for 3, BB. BA= .302.
Jalen Miller 2B- 0 for 2, 2 BB. BA= .286.
Jacob Heyward DH- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .274.
Gio Brusa 1B- 1 for 3, SF, SB(1). BA= .253.
Conner Menez LHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 0.45.
Menez is dominating in his second tour of the Cal League.
*********************************************************************************
Low A Augusta Greenjackets edged out the Columbia Fireflies 3-2:
Jacob Gonzalez 3B- 3 for 4, SB(2). BA= .272.
Jeffry Parra C- 0 for 1, 2 BB, Sac. BA= .143.
Malique Ziegler RF- 1 for 2, HR(4), BB. BA= .269.
Jason Bahr RHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 1.52.
CJ Gettman RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.38.
Frank Rubio RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's, Save(4). ERA= 1.46.
GJ's pitching continues to dominate the SAL.
Steven Duggar CF- 3 for 5, HR(2). BA= .295.
Ryder Jones 3B- 1 for 4, HR(1), HBP. BA= .254.
Casey Kelly RHP- 5 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 3 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 11.29.
Steven Duggar and Ryder Jones say "Hey! Don't forget about me!" Kelly looked pretty good for 3 innings then fell apart.
*********************************************************************************
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels pounded the Hartford Yard Goats 9-4:
Luigi Rodriguez RF- 3 for 4, HR(2), BB, SB(4). BA= .378.
Jonah Arenado 3B- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .232.
Dylan Davis LF- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .266.
Jonah Arenado extends his hit streak to 5 games in which he is 7 for 15. 4 of those 7 hits are XBH's with 2 doubles and 2 dingers.
*********************************************************************************
A+ Modesto Nuts topped the San Jose Giants 9-4:
Bryce Johnson CF- 1 for 3, BB. BA= .302.
Jalen Miller 2B- 0 for 2, 2 BB. BA= .286.
Jacob Heyward DH- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .274.
Gio Brusa 1B- 1 for 3, SF, SB(1). BA= .253.
Conner Menez LHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 0.45.
Menez is dominating in his second tour of the Cal League.
*********************************************************************************
Low A Augusta Greenjackets edged out the Columbia Fireflies 3-2:
Jacob Gonzalez 3B- 3 for 4, SB(2). BA= .272.
Jeffry Parra C- 0 for 1, 2 BB, Sac. BA= .143.
Malique Ziegler RF- 1 for 2, HR(4), BB. BA= .269.
Jason Bahr RHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 1.52.
CJ Gettman RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.38.
Frank Rubio RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's, Save(4). ERA= 1.46.
GJ's pitching continues to dominate the SAL.
Game Wrap 4/28/2018: Giants 8 Dodgers 3
Johnny Cueto fell behind in the first inning, but the Giants offense woke up in the 5'th inning and kept adding on to give Johnny a QS and Win and themselves a split in the day/night doubleheader against their archrivals. Key Lines:
Evan Longoria 3B- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .247. Longoria went 0 for 11 in March. He's slashing .282/.317/.577 in April.
Brandon Belt 1B- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .313. Belt went 3 for 13 in his first 4 games. Since April 1 he is 20 for 57 or .351.
Kelby Tomlinson 2B- 2 for 4. BA= .306. Kelby is 4 for 9 in this series and hitting .389 over his last 7 games, .323 over his last 15.
Austin Jackson CF- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .214. Jackson picked a great time to come out of his slump with a 1-out bases loaded double in the 5'th inning. Had he made an out and stayed out of the GIDP, Bochy probably would have sent Nick Hundley up to PH for Johnny Cueto which would have deprived Johnny of a QS and possibly a Win depending on the outcome of Hundley's AB. Instead, Jackson's bases-loaded double drove in 3 runs to give the Giants their first runs of the game and a 3-2 lead they never relinquished.
Johnny Cueto RHP- 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO= 9/3. ERA= 0.84. Cueto gave up all 3 of his Hits Allowed to the first 3 batters of the game: Ground rule double, HR, single. After that he settled down and was lights out for 6 innings.
Sam Dyson RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 3.86. Reyes Moronta started the 7'th inning and put 3 runners on base and had a 1-0 count on the 4'th batter when Bruce Bochy changed pitchers in the middle of an AB. Now, Sam Dyson does not seem like the best pitcher to throw into that situation and things were not looking good when his first pitch was ball 2. The move ultimately paid off when Dyson got a GIDP and a K to get out of the inning with just 1 run allowed and the lead intact at 4-3.
DJ Snelton LHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00. Not sure, but I think Snelton was the 26'th man for game 2, replacing Derek Law on the roster between games. He looked great in the 8'th inning keeping the Dodger batters off balance with an odd tempo and perky-jerky over-the-top delivery. Snelton get the sign with with his hands separated at his sides. He starts his delivery by lifting his front leg and rocking back the instant he grasps the ball. How he gets the right grip while doing that is a bit of a mystery, but every pitch is a quick pitch! That may explain why things seemed to go south as soon as he allowed a baserunner which ultimately led to Bochy lifting him in the middle of an AB in the 9'th.
Hunter Strickland RHP- 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.42. It wasn't a Save situation but give Bochy credit for not letting it get to that point. For the second time in the game, Bochy lifted a pitcher in the middle of an AB when Snelton got to a 2-0 count with 1 out and runners on first and second. Strickland was a bad%&# and shut it down with a pinpoint FB and a haaard sharp breaking slide piece and an impressive game-face. You can tell Strick's confidence is sky high right now.
*********************************************************************************
With the doubleheader split, the Giants remained in 3'rd place in the NL West but slipped a half game farther behind the Dangerous D'Backs who secured their 9'th consecutive series win to begin the season, something that has not been done for over 100 years. The Giants are 6.5 games behind the leaders while the 4'th place Dodgers are 7 games off the pace. The Rockies lost to the Marlins and are 5 games behinds. The Last Place Padres pounded the Mets to remain 10 games behind.
*********************************************************************************
The Giants try to get to .500 and for a series win today with Ty Blach facing Kenta Maeda.
Evan Longoria 3B- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .247. Longoria went 0 for 11 in March. He's slashing .282/.317/.577 in April.
Brandon Belt 1B- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .313. Belt went 3 for 13 in his first 4 games. Since April 1 he is 20 for 57 or .351.
Kelby Tomlinson 2B- 2 for 4. BA= .306. Kelby is 4 for 9 in this series and hitting .389 over his last 7 games, .323 over his last 15.
Austin Jackson CF- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .214. Jackson picked a great time to come out of his slump with a 1-out bases loaded double in the 5'th inning. Had he made an out and stayed out of the GIDP, Bochy probably would have sent Nick Hundley up to PH for Johnny Cueto which would have deprived Johnny of a QS and possibly a Win depending on the outcome of Hundley's AB. Instead, Jackson's bases-loaded double drove in 3 runs to give the Giants their first runs of the game and a 3-2 lead they never relinquished.
Johnny Cueto RHP- 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO= 9/3. ERA= 0.84. Cueto gave up all 3 of his Hits Allowed to the first 3 batters of the game: Ground rule double, HR, single. After that he settled down and was lights out for 6 innings.
Sam Dyson RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 3.86. Reyes Moronta started the 7'th inning and put 3 runners on base and had a 1-0 count on the 4'th batter when Bruce Bochy changed pitchers in the middle of an AB. Now, Sam Dyson does not seem like the best pitcher to throw into that situation and things were not looking good when his first pitch was ball 2. The move ultimately paid off when Dyson got a GIDP and a K to get out of the inning with just 1 run allowed and the lead intact at 4-3.
DJ Snelton LHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00. Not sure, but I think Snelton was the 26'th man for game 2, replacing Derek Law on the roster between games. He looked great in the 8'th inning keeping the Dodger batters off balance with an odd tempo and perky-jerky over-the-top delivery. Snelton get the sign with with his hands separated at his sides. He starts his delivery by lifting his front leg and rocking back the instant he grasps the ball. How he gets the right grip while doing that is a bit of a mystery, but every pitch is a quick pitch! That may explain why things seemed to go south as soon as he allowed a baserunner which ultimately led to Bochy lifting him in the middle of an AB in the 9'th.
Hunter Strickland RHP- 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.42. It wasn't a Save situation but give Bochy credit for not letting it get to that point. For the second time in the game, Bochy lifted a pitcher in the middle of an AB when Snelton got to a 2-0 count with 1 out and runners on first and second. Strickland was a bad%&# and shut it down with a pinpoint FB and a haaard sharp breaking slide piece and an impressive game-face. You can tell Strick's confidence is sky high right now.
*********************************************************************************
With the doubleheader split, the Giants remained in 3'rd place in the NL West but slipped a half game farther behind the Dangerous D'Backs who secured their 9'th consecutive series win to begin the season, something that has not been done for over 100 years. The Giants are 6.5 games behind the leaders while the 4'th place Dodgers are 7 games off the pace. The Rockies lost to the Marlins and are 5 games behinds. The Last Place Padres pounded the Mets to remain 10 games behind.
*********************************************************************************
The Giants try to get to .500 and for a series win today with Ty Blach facing Kenta Maeda.
Saturday, April 28, 2018
Game Wrap 4/28/2018: Dodgers 15 Giants 6(Game 1 of Split Doubleheader)
Chris Stratton picked a helluva game to get blown out early, the first game of a doubleheader. Not good for the old bullpen! The Giants offense showed some life, but it was too little, too late. Key Lines:
Gregor Blanco CF- 3 for 5, SB(2), E(2). BA= .313. Blanco continues to have a fine offensive start to the season. Defensively, his best days seem to be behind him.
Alen Hanson 2B- 1 for 2, HR(1). BA= .500. Hanson has been tearing it up in AAA. He made a statement that it's not a fluke with a 3-run jack to the deepest part of the ballpark and up top of the high brick wall. Tough to hit them out there. Kelby Tomlinson started at 2B but moved over to SS to replace Brandon Crawford when the game got out of hand which gave Hanson his opening.
Nick Hundley C- 2 for 4, HR(2). BA= .250. Hundley continues to provide solid offense as a sub-catcher.
Chris Stratton RHP- 1.1 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 4 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.90. This was Stratton's first disaster start going back to July of last season and beyond. Let's hope it's just a hiccup, Every pitcher has them. You just hope it isn't in the first game of a DH.
Pablo Sandoval RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 0.00. Yeah, you're reading that right. 3 groundball outs to finish out the 9'th inning and spare the bullpen. Since Pabs is a bench player anyway, maybe there is a dual role for him going forward? Watch out, Shohei!
*********************************************************************************
We'll sort our where the standings are after Game 2.
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Johnny Cueto tries for a DH split facing LHP Alex Wood in Game 2.
*********************************************************************************
Let's sort out the roster moves:
1. Mac Williamson went on the 7 day concussion DL, but retroactive. He could come off on Tuesday, May 1. Concussions are notoriously unpredictable though.
2. Joe Panik goes on the 10 day DL with a sprained thumb.
3. Chris Stratton was reinstated from the Paternity list which may explain his disaster start.
2. Alen Hanson is called up from Sacramento to take Panik's place.
3. Mark Melancon was moved to the 60 day DL to make room for Hanson on the 40 man roster.
4. Derek Law was called up to be the 26'th man on the roster for the DH. He'll undoubtedly go back to Sacramento after Game 2. Q: Can they option him out after Game 1 and add someone else for Game 2?
5. Austin Slater was called back From Sacramento after being sent down after Friday night's game.
Got all that? Don't ask me who exactly is replacing who!
Gregor Blanco CF- 3 for 5, SB(2), E(2). BA= .313. Blanco continues to have a fine offensive start to the season. Defensively, his best days seem to be behind him.
Alen Hanson 2B- 1 for 2, HR(1). BA= .500. Hanson has been tearing it up in AAA. He made a statement that it's not a fluke with a 3-run jack to the deepest part of the ballpark and up top of the high brick wall. Tough to hit them out there. Kelby Tomlinson started at 2B but moved over to SS to replace Brandon Crawford when the game got out of hand which gave Hanson his opening.
Nick Hundley C- 2 for 4, HR(2). BA= .250. Hundley continues to provide solid offense as a sub-catcher.
Chris Stratton RHP- 1.1 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 4 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.90. This was Stratton's first disaster start going back to July of last season and beyond. Let's hope it's just a hiccup, Every pitcher has them. You just hope it isn't in the first game of a DH.
Pablo Sandoval RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 0.00. Yeah, you're reading that right. 3 groundball outs to finish out the 9'th inning and spare the bullpen. Since Pabs is a bench player anyway, maybe there is a dual role for him going forward? Watch out, Shohei!
*********************************************************************************
We'll sort our where the standings are after Game 2.
*********************************************************************************
Johnny Cueto tries for a DH split facing LHP Alex Wood in Game 2.
*********************************************************************************
Let's sort out the roster moves:
1. Mac Williamson went on the 7 day concussion DL, but retroactive. He could come off on Tuesday, May 1. Concussions are notoriously unpredictable though.
2. Joe Panik goes on the 10 day DL with a sprained thumb.
3. Chris Stratton was reinstated from the Paternity list which may explain his disaster start.
2. Alen Hanson is called up from Sacramento to take Panik's place.
3. Mark Melancon was moved to the 60 day DL to make room for Hanson on the 40 man roster.
4. Derek Law was called up to be the 26'th man on the roster for the DH. He'll undoubtedly go back to Sacramento after Game 2. Q: Can they option him out after Game 1 and add someone else for Game 2?
5. Austin Slater was called back From Sacramento after being sent down after Friday night's game.
Got all that? Don't ask me who exactly is replacing who!
Down on the Farm: 4/27/2018
AAA Sacramento River Cats defeated the Reno Aces 6-4:
Steven Duggar CF- 1 for 4, HR(1). BA= .274.
Chris Shaw LF- 1 for 4, HR(5). BA= .247.
Hunter Pence RF- 0 for 3, HBP. BA= .000.
Dereck Rodriguez RHP- 6.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 4.66.
Tyler Rogers RHP- 1.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 3.65.
Manny Parra LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's, Save(1). ERA= 2.25.
Hunter Pence starts his rehab assignment.
*********************************************************************************
AA Hartford Yard Goats edged out the Richmond Flying Squirrels 5-4:
Jonah Arenado 3B/1B- 2 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .215.
Dylan Davis LF- 2 for 3. BA= .250.
Garrett Williams LHP- 5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 4 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO= 11/0. ERA= 4.96
Jonah Arenado has a 4-game hit streak and is 5 for 15 in that stretch.
*********************************************************************************
A+ Modesto Nuts topped the San Jose Giants 6-5:
Bryce Johnson CF- 1 for 4, 3B. BA= .301.
Jalen Miller 2B- 1 for 3, BB. BA= .293.
Wander Franco 3B- 2 for 4. BA= .263.
Matt Winn C- 2 for 4, 3B. BA= .283.
Brandon Van Horn SS- 2 for 4. BA= .231.
Logan Webb RHP- 3 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.38.
DJ Myers RHP- 4 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 7.79.
Webb seems to still be on his 3-inning limit, but threw 57 pitches.
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Low A Augusta Greenjackets blanked the Columbia Fireflies 6-0:
Logan Baldwin RF- 2 for 4, 2B, 3B. BA= .164.
Orlando Garcia SS- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .247.
Jeffry Parra C- 1 for 3, HR(1), BB. BA= .147.
Joey Marciano LHP- 6 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 0.78.
Peter Lannoo RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.23.
John Russell RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.08.
Steven Duggar CF- 1 for 4, HR(1). BA= .274.
Chris Shaw LF- 1 for 4, HR(5). BA= .247.
Hunter Pence RF- 0 for 3, HBP. BA= .000.
Dereck Rodriguez RHP- 6.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 4.66.
Tyler Rogers RHP- 1.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 3.65.
Manny Parra LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's, Save(1). ERA= 2.25.
Hunter Pence starts his rehab assignment.
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AA Hartford Yard Goats edged out the Richmond Flying Squirrels 5-4:
Jonah Arenado 3B/1B- 2 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .215.
Dylan Davis LF- 2 for 3. BA= .250.
Garrett Williams LHP- 5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 4 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO= 11/0. ERA= 4.96
Jonah Arenado has a 4-game hit streak and is 5 for 15 in that stretch.
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A+ Modesto Nuts topped the San Jose Giants 6-5:
Bryce Johnson CF- 1 for 4, 3B. BA= .301.
Jalen Miller 2B- 1 for 3, BB. BA= .293.
Wander Franco 3B- 2 for 4. BA= .263.
Matt Winn C- 2 for 4, 3B. BA= .283.
Brandon Van Horn SS- 2 for 4. BA= .231.
Logan Webb RHP- 3 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.38.
DJ Myers RHP- 4 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 7.79.
Webb seems to still be on his 3-inning limit, but threw 57 pitches.
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Low A Augusta Greenjackets blanked the Columbia Fireflies 6-0:
Logan Baldwin RF- 2 for 4, 2B, 3B. BA= .164.
Orlando Garcia SS- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .247.
Jeffry Parra C- 1 for 3, HR(1), BB. BA= .147.
Joey Marciano LHP- 6 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 0.78.
Peter Lannoo RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.23.
John Russell RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.08.
Game Wrap 4/27/2018: Giants 6 Dodgers 4
The Giants scored 4 runs in the 7'th inning leading to a come-from-behind win over the Dodgers to open their 4 game series in AT&T Park. Key Lines:
Evan Longoria 3B- 2 for 4, HR(5). BA= .235. Longoria is hitting .250 over his last 7 games, but .302 over his last 15. He's settling in as a reliable bat in the middle of the Giants batting order.
Brandon Belt 1B- 2 for 4. BA= .315. Belt's leadoff bunt single in the 7'th started the 4 run rally, and that's why people who say he should not bunt to beat the shift are wrong. If the opposing team is going to give you an almost certain hit and more importantly put you on base, you take it. Had Belt not reached base there, Austin Jackson's groundball would have been Out #2 and the winning rally would likely have never happened. The Dodgers shift essentially gave this game away, but only because Belt took what they gave him.
Brandon Crawford SS- 1 for 3, HR(2), BB. BA= .205. Crawford has faced a lot of LHP's this season, but his BA is .205 against both RHP's and LHP's. Both of his HR's have come off LHP's. This HR came in the 2'nd inning after Longoria's 2 batters earlier to give the Giants an early 2-0 lead.
Gorkys Hernandez LF- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .321. Hernandez drove in the first run of the Giants 4-run rally with a groundball single to left and eventually came around to score the go-ahead run. Later, he forgot how many outs there were on a flyout he caught in LF, but no harm, no foul, right?
Kelby Tomlinson PH- 1 for 1, 2B. BA= .286. Kelby is the Giants PH deluxe. He drove a hard groundball through the hole into LF which ran deep enough for a double and drove in the tying run. He later scored an insurance run to end the Giants scoring for the night. And that is why Kelby Tomlinson is currently my favorite Giant!
Derek Holland LHP- 3.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 5.76. Holland managed to get through 3 innings with 3 baserunners allowed, but the wheels came off in the 4'th as he allowed 2 walks and 3 doubles, the last to opposing pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu. Gotta think Holland's days in the Giants rotation are very limited.
Pierce Johnson RHP- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 2.77. Johnson put out the fire in the 4'th inning and gave the Giants another shutout inning.
Hunter Strickland RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(6). ERA= 1.50. Strick seems to be settling into the Closer role. I picked him up for my fantasy team on Opening Day and he's done good for me.
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The Win enabled the Giants to hop over the Dodgers into 3'rd place in the NL West, but still trail the Dangerous D'Backs by 6 games. The 2'nd place Rockies blanked the Marlins 1-0 to remain 4 games behind the D'Backs. The 4'th place Dodgers are 6.5 games behind the leaders while the Pathetic Padres slipped to 10 games off the pace. The Padres are 7 games behind in the Wild Card race so we won't write them out of contention quite yet.
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The Giants and Dodgers play a split doubleheader today to make up for the rainout in their first series in SF. Chris Stratton and Johnny Cueto go for the Giants against Rookie Walker Buehler and lefty Alex Wood.
Evan Longoria 3B- 2 for 4, HR(5). BA= .235. Longoria is hitting .250 over his last 7 games, but .302 over his last 15. He's settling in as a reliable bat in the middle of the Giants batting order.
Brandon Belt 1B- 2 for 4. BA= .315. Belt's leadoff bunt single in the 7'th started the 4 run rally, and that's why people who say he should not bunt to beat the shift are wrong. If the opposing team is going to give you an almost certain hit and more importantly put you on base, you take it. Had Belt not reached base there, Austin Jackson's groundball would have been Out #2 and the winning rally would likely have never happened. The Dodgers shift essentially gave this game away, but only because Belt took what they gave him.
Brandon Crawford SS- 1 for 3, HR(2), BB. BA= .205. Crawford has faced a lot of LHP's this season, but his BA is .205 against both RHP's and LHP's. Both of his HR's have come off LHP's. This HR came in the 2'nd inning after Longoria's 2 batters earlier to give the Giants an early 2-0 lead.
Gorkys Hernandez LF- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .321. Hernandez drove in the first run of the Giants 4-run rally with a groundball single to left and eventually came around to score the go-ahead run. Later, he forgot how many outs there were on a flyout he caught in LF, but no harm, no foul, right?
Kelby Tomlinson PH- 1 for 1, 2B. BA= .286. Kelby is the Giants PH deluxe. He drove a hard groundball through the hole into LF which ran deep enough for a double and drove in the tying run. He later scored an insurance run to end the Giants scoring for the night. And that is why Kelby Tomlinson is currently my favorite Giant!
Derek Holland LHP- 3.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 5.76. Holland managed to get through 3 innings with 3 baserunners allowed, but the wheels came off in the 4'th as he allowed 2 walks and 3 doubles, the last to opposing pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu. Gotta think Holland's days in the Giants rotation are very limited.
Pierce Johnson RHP- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 2.77. Johnson put out the fire in the 4'th inning and gave the Giants another shutout inning.
Hunter Strickland RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(6). ERA= 1.50. Strick seems to be settling into the Closer role. I picked him up for my fantasy team on Opening Day and he's done good for me.
*********************************************************************************
The Win enabled the Giants to hop over the Dodgers into 3'rd place in the NL West, but still trail the Dangerous D'Backs by 6 games. The 2'nd place Rockies blanked the Marlins 1-0 to remain 4 games behind the D'Backs. The 4'th place Dodgers are 6.5 games behind the leaders while the Pathetic Padres slipped to 10 games off the pace. The Padres are 7 games behind in the Wild Card race so we won't write them out of contention quite yet.
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The Giants and Dodgers play a split doubleheader today to make up for the rainout in their first series in SF. Chris Stratton and Johnny Cueto go for the Giants against Rookie Walker Buehler and lefty Alex Wood.
Friday, April 27, 2018
Scouting the 2018 Draft: Rumors and Tea Leaves
We're starting to hear rumors about specific draft targets for specific teams. While Casey Mize has emerged as a consensus Best Player Available for the Tigers at 1-1, the second tier is still unsettled, though there seems to be a strong trend toward college hitters as the draft approaches which happens almost every year. Aside from Mize, the other highly ranked college pitchers seem to have faded for a variety of reasons. Brady Singer has had a so-so senior season and questions about his delivery and ability to stick as a SP have gotten louder. Logan Gilbert and Shane McClanahan who were red hot early on the college season have cooled off a bit in the middle.
On the HS side of the pitching class, RHP Carter Stewart has emerged as the top prospect with Matthew Liberatore slipping just a hair and Kumar Rocker coming more in the 10-15 range for reasons that are unclear as reports of his stuff continue to be positive.
On the hitting side, as reports on Nander De Sedas have soured a bit, Jarred Kelenic seems to be left as the lone HS hitter in the top 2 tiers.
That leaves openings for 4 college bats: Travis Swaggerty, Nick Madrigal, Alec Bohm and Joey Bart. All but Madrigal are having terrific junior seasons while Madrigal seems to have actually benefitted from an early season hand injury which has kept him out of most of his season.
All of the rumors coming out of the Giants camp point to them taking a college bat at #2 overall. If I recall correctly, Kiley McDaniel of Fangraphs sniffed out the Giants plan to draft Christian Arroyo several years ago. He's saying the Giants will not draft Madrigal and are most interested in Swaggerty or Bart, with Swaggerty being the most likely pick.
So, let's break this down: The Giants strongest draft tendency is to take up-the-middle players in Round 1. MI, P, CF, C. Conventional wisdom is they tend to draft college, but that is a much weaker trend than the up-the-middle trend. They used to draft exclusively pitching in Round 1, but since John Barr took over as Scouting Director, it's been closer to 50-50 and actually leans more toward hitting.
While you expect to get a star player with the second overall pick, there is also a ton of pressure to not swing and miss, so floor becomes a significant factor which strongly favors college talent. There is also the draft bonus pool to consider. The second pick comes with a slot bonus allotment of over $7 M. If there was a clearcut BPA at #2, you would just pony up the full slot bonus, but there isn't, which means it may be smarter to draft a player you can cut an underslot deal with and take your chances on projectable HS talent later in a deep draft.
All of this lends strong credence that Swaggerty and Bart are the Giants top 2 targets. Swaggerty would seem to have the highest floor of the two although Bart has positional scarcity on his side and the Giants have to be thinking about the end of the catching part of Buster Posey's career.
So, let's take a closer look at Travis Swaggerty and Joey Bart:
Travis Swaggerty, OF, College(Univ. of South Alabama). B-L, T-L. 5'11", 180 lbs.
2016: .303/.431/.422, 4 HR, 20 SB, 42 BB, 49 K, 218 AB.
2017: .356/.484/.571, 11 HR, 19 SB, 49 BB, 45 K, 219 AB.
2018: .305/.476/.576, 10 HR, 6 SB, 41 BB, 27 K, 141 AB.
Swags is more of a gap power guy, although I've read that he generates impressive exit velocities for his size, and he is not a huge base stealing threat. He does have enough speed to stick in CF. His main attraction is his incredible command of the strike zone. The obvious MLB comp would be Andrew Benintendi, who would be more than worthy of a #2 overall pick.
Joey Bart, C, College(Georgia Tech). B-R, T-R. 6'3", 225 lbs.
2016: .299/.351/.382, 1 HR, 8 BB, 34 K, 157 AB.
2017: .296/.370/.575, 13 HR, 16 BB, 50 K, 186 AB.
2018: .356/.470/.626, 12 HR, 30 BB, 40 K, 163 AB.
Bart is getting very high marks for his catching defense. The power is obvious. He has become a more well-rounded hitter in his junior season, but still has high K rates. My comp is Mike Zunino. That's not terrible, but a huge risk for #2 overall, IMO.
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DrB's Updated 2018 Draft Board:
1. Casey Mize, RHP, College(Auburn). Emerging consensus top 2018 draft prospect. Given their draft history of taking college pitchers in round 1, the Tigers will almost certainly draft him 1-1, barring injury of course.
2. Travis Swaggerty, OF, College(Univ. of South Alabama). I'm not thrilled with his ceiling, but the obvious Benintendi comp is nothing to scoff at. He has the highest floor in the draft and that's important too.
3. Jarred Kelenic, OF, HS. Very similar player to Swaggerty. Possibly a bit more power potential, but college experience gives Swags a significantly higher floor.
4. Kumar Rocker, RHP, HS. Rocker is still my personal top HS pitcher in the draft. That physicality is just not available every year. Committed to Vanderbilt. Expected bonus demands are taking him off a lot of draft boards.
5. Carter Stewart, RHP, HS. Seems to be the best combination of present performance and projectability amongst HS draft prospects.
6. Matthew Liberatore, LHP, HS. Does not quite have the velocity of Rocker or Stewart, but has some projection and seems to have more advanced current pitchability, plus he's a LHP. Could be the fastest mover among the HS pitchers. The comp to Madison Bumgarner might be too obvious.
On the HS side of the pitching class, RHP Carter Stewart has emerged as the top prospect with Matthew Liberatore slipping just a hair and Kumar Rocker coming more in the 10-15 range for reasons that are unclear as reports of his stuff continue to be positive.
On the hitting side, as reports on Nander De Sedas have soured a bit, Jarred Kelenic seems to be left as the lone HS hitter in the top 2 tiers.
That leaves openings for 4 college bats: Travis Swaggerty, Nick Madrigal, Alec Bohm and Joey Bart. All but Madrigal are having terrific junior seasons while Madrigal seems to have actually benefitted from an early season hand injury which has kept him out of most of his season.
All of the rumors coming out of the Giants camp point to them taking a college bat at #2 overall. If I recall correctly, Kiley McDaniel of Fangraphs sniffed out the Giants plan to draft Christian Arroyo several years ago. He's saying the Giants will not draft Madrigal and are most interested in Swaggerty or Bart, with Swaggerty being the most likely pick.
So, let's break this down: The Giants strongest draft tendency is to take up-the-middle players in Round 1. MI, P, CF, C. Conventional wisdom is they tend to draft college, but that is a much weaker trend than the up-the-middle trend. They used to draft exclusively pitching in Round 1, but since John Barr took over as Scouting Director, it's been closer to 50-50 and actually leans more toward hitting.
While you expect to get a star player with the second overall pick, there is also a ton of pressure to not swing and miss, so floor becomes a significant factor which strongly favors college talent. There is also the draft bonus pool to consider. The second pick comes with a slot bonus allotment of over $7 M. If there was a clearcut BPA at #2, you would just pony up the full slot bonus, but there isn't, which means it may be smarter to draft a player you can cut an underslot deal with and take your chances on projectable HS talent later in a deep draft.
All of this lends strong credence that Swaggerty and Bart are the Giants top 2 targets. Swaggerty would seem to have the highest floor of the two although Bart has positional scarcity on his side and the Giants have to be thinking about the end of the catching part of Buster Posey's career.
So, let's take a closer look at Travis Swaggerty and Joey Bart:
Travis Swaggerty, OF, College(Univ. of South Alabama). B-L, T-L. 5'11", 180 lbs.
2016: .303/.431/.422, 4 HR, 20 SB, 42 BB, 49 K, 218 AB.
2017: .356/.484/.571, 11 HR, 19 SB, 49 BB, 45 K, 219 AB.
2018: .305/.476/.576, 10 HR, 6 SB, 41 BB, 27 K, 141 AB.
Swags is more of a gap power guy, although I've read that he generates impressive exit velocities for his size, and he is not a huge base stealing threat. He does have enough speed to stick in CF. His main attraction is his incredible command of the strike zone. The obvious MLB comp would be Andrew Benintendi, who would be more than worthy of a #2 overall pick.
Joey Bart, C, College(Georgia Tech). B-R, T-R. 6'3", 225 lbs.
2016: .299/.351/.382, 1 HR, 8 BB, 34 K, 157 AB.
2017: .296/.370/.575, 13 HR, 16 BB, 50 K, 186 AB.
2018: .356/.470/.626, 12 HR, 30 BB, 40 K, 163 AB.
Bart is getting very high marks for his catching defense. The power is obvious. He has become a more well-rounded hitter in his junior season, but still has high K rates. My comp is Mike Zunino. That's not terrible, but a huge risk for #2 overall, IMO.
*********************************************************************************
DrB's Updated 2018 Draft Board:
1. Casey Mize, RHP, College(Auburn). Emerging consensus top 2018 draft prospect. Given their draft history of taking college pitchers in round 1, the Tigers will almost certainly draft him 1-1, barring injury of course.
2. Travis Swaggerty, OF, College(Univ. of South Alabama). I'm not thrilled with his ceiling, but the obvious Benintendi comp is nothing to scoff at. He has the highest floor in the draft and that's important too.
3. Jarred Kelenic, OF, HS. Very similar player to Swaggerty. Possibly a bit more power potential, but college experience gives Swags a significantly higher floor.
4. Kumar Rocker, RHP, HS. Rocker is still my personal top HS pitcher in the draft. That physicality is just not available every year. Committed to Vanderbilt. Expected bonus demands are taking him off a lot of draft boards.
5. Carter Stewart, RHP, HS. Seems to be the best combination of present performance and projectability amongst HS draft prospects.
6. Matthew Liberatore, LHP, HS. Does not quite have the velocity of Rocker or Stewart, but has some projection and seems to have more advanced current pitchability, plus he's a LHP. Could be the fastest mover among the HS pitchers. The comp to Madison Bumgarner might be too obvious.
Down on the Farm: 4/26/2018
AAA Sacramento River Cats pounded the Reno Aces 8-3:
Alen Hanson 2B- 1 for 3, HR(3), BB. BA= .424.
Chris Shaw LF- 2 for 3, HR(4), BB. BA= .247.
Austin Slater RF- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(1). BA= .358.
Kyle Jensen 1B- 2 for 4, HR(2). BA= .197.
Jeff Arnold C- 2 for 4. BA= .133.
Andrew Suarez LHP- 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 9 K. ERA= 1.08.
Alen Hanson is dangerously close to being a AAAA player, so some caution about his future may be in order. Dilemma for the Giants: Austin Slater is much more ready for a promotion than Steven Duggar, but their potential opening is in CF. Slater played CF in AAA last year, but Duggar is playing there this year. Duggar is clearly the better defensive CF but maybe Slater would be passable or like the Pirates last year maybe the Giants accept Cutch's defensive shortcomings in CF to make room for Slater in RF?
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AA Richmond Flying Squirrels were idle.
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A+ San Jose Giants were idle.
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Low A Augusta Greenjackets outscored the Greenville Drive 8-7:
Heliot Ramos CF- 1 for 4, BB. BA= .274.
Jacob Gonzalez 3B- 3 for 4, HR(2), BB. BA= .243.
John Riley C- 1 for 2, 3B, 2 BB. BA= .400.
Aaron Phillips RHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 3.60.
Olbis Parra RHP- 2.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, Save(2). ERA= 3.09.
Gonzalez slumped to .214 coming into this game.
Alen Hanson 2B- 1 for 3, HR(3), BB. BA= .424.
Chris Shaw LF- 2 for 3, HR(4), BB. BA= .247.
Austin Slater RF- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(1). BA= .358.
Kyle Jensen 1B- 2 for 4, HR(2). BA= .197.
Jeff Arnold C- 2 for 4. BA= .133.
Andrew Suarez LHP- 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 9 K. ERA= 1.08.
Alen Hanson is dangerously close to being a AAAA player, so some caution about his future may be in order. Dilemma for the Giants: Austin Slater is much more ready for a promotion than Steven Duggar, but their potential opening is in CF. Slater played CF in AAA last year, but Duggar is playing there this year. Duggar is clearly the better defensive CF but maybe Slater would be passable or like the Pirates last year maybe the Giants accept Cutch's defensive shortcomings in CF to make room for Slater in RF?
*********************************************************************************
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels were idle.
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A+ San Jose Giants were idle.
*********************************************************************************
Low A Augusta Greenjackets outscored the Greenville Drive 8-7:
Heliot Ramos CF- 1 for 4, BB. BA= .274.
Jacob Gonzalez 3B- 3 for 4, HR(2), BB. BA= .243.
John Riley C- 1 for 2, 3B, 2 BB. BA= .400.
Aaron Phillips RHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 3.60.
Olbis Parra RHP- 2.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, Save(2). ERA= 3.09.
Gonzalez slumped to .214 coming into this game.
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Down on the Farm: 4/25/2018
AAA Sacramento River Cats defeated the Reno Aces 5-3:
Alen Hanson 2B- 2 for 3, HR(2), HBP. BA= .429.
Austin Slater RF- 1 for 2, BB, HBP, SB(1). BA= 327.
Tyler Beede RHP- 6 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, 2 HBP. ERA= 3.75.
DJ Snelton LHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 4.00.
Will Smith LHP- 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 0.00.
Derek Law RHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's, Save(2). ERA= 8.44.
Beede allowed 5 baserunners by walk or HBP.
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AA Bowie Baysox edged out the Richmond Flying Squirrels 3-2:
Ali Castillo 3B- 2 for 4, HR(1). BA= .280.
Jonah Arenado 1B- 1 for 4, HR(3). BA= .194.
Matt Gage LHP- 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.18.
Ray Black RHP= 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.80
A Ray Black sighting!
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A+ San Jose Giants quieted the Lake Elsinore Storm 4-3 in 10 innings:
Heath Quinn LF- 2 for 4, HR(2). BA= .309.
Johneshwy Fargas CF- 2 for 2, BB, SB(5). BA= .381.
Melvin Adon RHP- 6 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 9 K's. ERA= 4.74.
Patrick Ruotolo RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 1.00.
This was Adon's best appearance of the season so far.
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Augusta Greenjackets crushed the Greenville Drive 9-2 in Game 1 of a Doubleheader(7 innings):
Heliot Ramos CF- 1 for 3, HR(2), BB. BA= .273.
Manuel Geraldo SS- 0 for 2, 2 BB. BA= .237.
John Riley DH- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(1). BA= .389.
Rob Calabrese C- 1 for 2, HR(2). BA= .200.
John Gavin LHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 1.37.
Camilo Doval RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 10.80.
Ramos showing he can hang in full season ball. Camilo Doval has pitched 5.1 scoreless frames in his last 4 appearances after failing to complete an inning in his first 3 appearances of the season.
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Augusta Greenjackets blanked the Greenville Drive 3-0 in Game 2 of the Doubleheader(7 innings):
Heliot Ramos CF- 1 for 3, HBP. BA= .275.
Manuel Geraldo SS- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .258.
Malique Ziegler LF- 3 for 3, HR(3). BA= .276.
Jose Marte RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 2.84.
Frank Rubio RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.74.
More goodness from Heliot.
Alen Hanson 2B- 2 for 3, HR(2), HBP. BA= .429.
Austin Slater RF- 1 for 2, BB, HBP, SB(1). BA= 327.
Tyler Beede RHP- 6 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, 2 HBP. ERA= 3.75.
DJ Snelton LHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 4.00.
Will Smith LHP- 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 0.00.
Derek Law RHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's, Save(2). ERA= 8.44.
Beede allowed 5 baserunners by walk or HBP.
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AA Bowie Baysox edged out the Richmond Flying Squirrels 3-2:
Ali Castillo 3B- 2 for 4, HR(1). BA= .280.
Jonah Arenado 1B- 1 for 4, HR(3). BA= .194.
Matt Gage LHP- 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.18.
Ray Black RHP= 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.80
A Ray Black sighting!
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A+ San Jose Giants quieted the Lake Elsinore Storm 4-3 in 10 innings:
Heath Quinn LF- 2 for 4, HR(2). BA= .309.
Johneshwy Fargas CF- 2 for 2, BB, SB(5). BA= .381.
Melvin Adon RHP- 6 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 9 K's. ERA= 4.74.
Patrick Ruotolo RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 1.00.
This was Adon's best appearance of the season so far.
*********************************************************************************
Augusta Greenjackets crushed the Greenville Drive 9-2 in Game 1 of a Doubleheader(7 innings):
Heliot Ramos CF- 1 for 3, HR(2), BB. BA= .273.
Manuel Geraldo SS- 0 for 2, 2 BB. BA= .237.
John Riley DH- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(1). BA= .389.
Rob Calabrese C- 1 for 2, HR(2). BA= .200.
John Gavin LHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 1.37.
Camilo Doval RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 10.80.
Ramos showing he can hang in full season ball. Camilo Doval has pitched 5.1 scoreless frames in his last 4 appearances after failing to complete an inning in his first 3 appearances of the season.
*********************************************************************************
Augusta Greenjackets blanked the Greenville Drive 3-0 in Game 2 of the Doubleheader(7 innings):
Heliot Ramos CF- 1 for 3, HBP. BA= .275.
Manuel Geraldo SS- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .258.
Malique Ziegler LF- 3 for 3, HR(3). BA= .276.
Jose Marte RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 2.84.
Frank Rubio RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.74.
More goodness from Heliot.
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Game Wrap 4/25/2018: Nationals 15 Giants 2
The Nationals jumped on Jeff Samardzija early and never looked back in a blowout win as the Giants avoided sweeping the series. If you are looking for a silver lining to this game, here it is: It only counts as 1 loss in the standings. Key Lines:
Brandon Belt 1B- 2 for 4 3B. BA= .304. Belt's triple set up the Giants second run of the game as Pablo Sandoval followed with a double.
Pablo Sandoval 3B- 2 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .242. Sandoval's double drove in Brandon Belt for the Giants second run.
Brandon Crawford and Nick Hundley hit B2B doubles in the second inning for the Giants first run.
Jeff Samardzija RHP- 3.2 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 3 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 6.23. There are some days when Shark just doesn't have it, and this was one of them. Not sure what else to say.
Josh Osich LHP- 1.2 IP, 4 H 4 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 8.10. Seems like Will Smith is just about ready. expect Osich to be gone as soon as Smith is activated.
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The D'Backs lost to the Phillies so the Giants remain 5.5 games behind the NL West leaders in 4'th place. The Rockies topped the Pathetic Padres and are 3.5 games behind the D'Backs in 2'nd place. The Dodgers were outscored by the Marlins 8-6 to remain 5 games behind in 3'rd place. The Last Place Padres bring up the rear, 8.5 games off the pace.
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The Giants get tomorrow off at home before starting a 4 game series including a Saturday doubleheader against the Dodgers. The Derek Holland kicks the series off Friday night facing Hyun-Jin Ryu.
Down on the Farm: 4/24/2018
AAA Sacramento River Cats were idle.
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AA Richmond Flying Squirrels vs Bowie Baysox postponed due to inclement weather.
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A+ Lake Elsinore Storm defeated the San Jose Giants 5-2:
Bryce Johnson CF- 2 for 4. BA= .304.
Raffi Viziano RHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.38.
Michael Cederoth RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.04.
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Low A Augusta Greenjackets outdistanced the Greenville Drive 5-2:
Heliot Ramos CF- 2 for 5. BA= .270.
Jean Angomas LF- 3 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .310.
John Riley 1B- 2 for 4. BA= .357.
Garrett Cave RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 7/1. ERA= 4.50.
CJ Gettman RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.64.
Franklin Van Gurp RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's, Save(2). ERA= 0.00.
Heliot Ramos has been CS 5 times, but .270 is a very respectable BA at this stage. Does Jean Angomas get over the Augusta hump this year? Van Gurp's scoreless string gets to 10 IP with 13 K's and 1 BB.
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AA Richmond Flying Squirrels vs Bowie Baysox postponed due to inclement weather.
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A+ Lake Elsinore Storm defeated the San Jose Giants 5-2:
Bryce Johnson CF- 2 for 4. BA= .304.
Raffi Viziano RHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.38.
Michael Cederoth RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.04.
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Low A Augusta Greenjackets outdistanced the Greenville Drive 5-2:
Heliot Ramos CF- 2 for 5. BA= .270.
Jean Angomas LF- 3 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .310.
John Riley 1B- 2 for 4. BA= .357.
Garrett Cave RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 7/1. ERA= 4.50.
CJ Gettman RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.64.
Franklin Van Gurp RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's, Save(2). ERA= 0.00.
Heliot Ramos has been CS 5 times, but .270 is a very respectable BA at this stage. Does Jean Angomas get over the Augusta hump this year? Van Gurp's scoreless string gets to 10 IP with 13 K's and 1 BB.
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
Game Wrap 4/24/2018: Giants 4 Nationals 3
Mac Williamson broke a 3-3 tie in the 6'th inning with his 3'rd HR in 5 games since being called up from Sacramento. The bullpen made it hold up. Key Lines:
Joe Panik 2B- 3 for 4. BA= .286. I watched almost the entire game on TV and did not notice that Panik got on base even once. Shows how close I watch the game! His teammates helped him turn that into 2 runs scored. Panik is now 6 for 13 over his last 3 games.
Brandon Belt 1B- 1 for 3, HR(6), BB. BA= .292. Belt hits his 5'th HR in his last 6 games. This one was extra good because it came with 2 outs and a runner on 3B, a situation that has not been kind to the Giants in the early season.
Mac Williamson LF- 2 for 4, HR(3). BA= .316. This was more of an ordinary HR as his Exit Velocity was only 104+ MPH on a drive that came off a hanging breaking ball. Oh, and this one also came with 2 outs in the inning. Mac had earlier singled on a smoked groundball off the glove of 3B Adrian Sanchez. One thing about Mac's groundballs is they are often hit so hard, they bounce off gloves which results in a hit or safe on error. Oh, and Mac escaped serious injury when he stumbled head first into the padded wall down the LF line when he tried to catch a foul pop in the bullpen area. The Giants have now won 4 of 5 games since Mac was called up. Gotta think it's going to be awfully tough to send Mac back to Sacramento when Hunter Pence is ready to come off the DL.
Ty Blach LHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO= 11/0. ERA= 4.31. Blach sailed through 3.2 IP, but then gave up a 2-out walk to Ryan Zimmerman. Moises Sierra then BABIP'd a ball through the RF hole and Michael Taylor poked one down the RF line that landed on the metal flashing at the top of the brick wall for a 3-run dinger. That was the only scoring for the Nationals all evening. Blach came back out and got through the 5'th inning without anymore damage.
Reyes Moronta RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.64. Another terrific job of middle relief by Moronta which earned him the W for this game.
Sam Dyson RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K. ERA= 4.66. Dyson looked sharper than the line would indicate. The hit was a seeing-eye ball that just got past Crawford, then split the gap in left-CF for a double. Bochy held up 4 fingers to get past Bryce Harper and Ryan Zimmerman made it pay off with a GIDP. Dyson had a 93 MPH sinker pounding the bottom of the strike zone.
Hunter Strickland RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(5). ERA= 1.64. Strickland was way sharper tonight than yesterday. He had much better command of the FB and a sharp, biting slider. The slider he struck out Michal Taylor on was downright Romoesque. Taylor swung at a pitch that came in looking like it could be a strike and ended up almost 2 feet outside. Strick threw just 8 pitches in the frame.
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The D'Backs and Rockies both won so the Giants remain 5.5 games behind the NL West leading D'Backs who lead the Rockies by 4.5. The Dodgers lost to the Marlins 3-2 and now lead the Giants for 3'rd place by just 0.5 games. The Pathetic Padres lost to the Rockies 8-0 and are 8.5 games off the pace.
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Jeff Samardzija tries for the Giants first series sweep of the season tomorrow afternoon facing Mighty Max Scherzer.
Joe Panik 2B- 3 for 4. BA= .286. I watched almost the entire game on TV and did not notice that Panik got on base even once. Shows how close I watch the game! His teammates helped him turn that into 2 runs scored. Panik is now 6 for 13 over his last 3 games.
Brandon Belt 1B- 1 for 3, HR(6), BB. BA= .292. Belt hits his 5'th HR in his last 6 games. This one was extra good because it came with 2 outs and a runner on 3B, a situation that has not been kind to the Giants in the early season.
Mac Williamson LF- 2 for 4, HR(3). BA= .316. This was more of an ordinary HR as his Exit Velocity was only 104+ MPH on a drive that came off a hanging breaking ball. Oh, and this one also came with 2 outs in the inning. Mac had earlier singled on a smoked groundball off the glove of 3B Adrian Sanchez. One thing about Mac's groundballs is they are often hit so hard, they bounce off gloves which results in a hit or safe on error. Oh, and Mac escaped serious injury when he stumbled head first into the padded wall down the LF line when he tried to catch a foul pop in the bullpen area. The Giants have now won 4 of 5 games since Mac was called up. Gotta think it's going to be awfully tough to send Mac back to Sacramento when Hunter Pence is ready to come off the DL.
Ty Blach LHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO= 11/0. ERA= 4.31. Blach sailed through 3.2 IP, but then gave up a 2-out walk to Ryan Zimmerman. Moises Sierra then BABIP'd a ball through the RF hole and Michael Taylor poked one down the RF line that landed on the metal flashing at the top of the brick wall for a 3-run dinger. That was the only scoring for the Nationals all evening. Blach came back out and got through the 5'th inning without anymore damage.
Reyes Moronta RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.64. Another terrific job of middle relief by Moronta which earned him the W for this game.
Sam Dyson RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K. ERA= 4.66. Dyson looked sharper than the line would indicate. The hit was a seeing-eye ball that just got past Crawford, then split the gap in left-CF for a double. Bochy held up 4 fingers to get past Bryce Harper and Ryan Zimmerman made it pay off with a GIDP. Dyson had a 93 MPH sinker pounding the bottom of the strike zone.
Hunter Strickland RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(5). ERA= 1.64. Strickland was way sharper tonight than yesterday. He had much better command of the FB and a sharp, biting slider. The slider he struck out Michal Taylor on was downright Romoesque. Taylor swung at a pitch that came in looking like it could be a strike and ended up almost 2 feet outside. Strick threw just 8 pitches in the frame.
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The D'Backs and Rockies both won so the Giants remain 5.5 games behind the NL West leading D'Backs who lead the Rockies by 4.5. The Dodgers lost to the Marlins 3-2 and now lead the Giants for 3'rd place by just 0.5 games. The Pathetic Padres lost to the Rockies 8-0 and are 8.5 games off the pace.
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Jeff Samardzija tries for the Giants first series sweep of the season tomorrow afternoon facing Mighty Max Scherzer.
Down on the Farm: 4/23/2018
AAA Tacoma Rainiers topped the Sacramento River Cats 4-1:
Ryder Jones 3B- 3 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .271.
Tyler Herb RHP- 5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 5.59.
Tyler Rogers RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 4.09.
After a very slow start, Ryder Jones is 10 for 23 over his last 5 games to raise is BA from .167.
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AA Bowie Baysox defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels 4-2:
Miguel Gomez 2B- 2 for 4. BA= .325.
Dylan Davis LF- 1 for 4, HR(4). BA= .241.
Jordan Johnson RHP- 6 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.22.
Miguel Gomez can hit!
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A+ San Jose Giants blanked the Lake Elsinore Storm 2-0:
Mac Marshall LHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Sandro Cabrera LHP- 4.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 1.59.
Dylan Rheault RHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(1). ERA= 1.93.
Marshall seems to be on the same 3 inning limit as Logan Webb. Marshall has 10 K's in 9 shutout innings but walked a total of 6 batters in his first 2 starts. He seems to be in a tandem starting partnership with Sandro Cabrera who is terrific so far: 17 K's in 17 IP. He still needs to work on his walk rate with 7 BB's. Two more young Giants pitching prospects to get excited about.
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Low A Augusta Greenjackets vs Greenville Drive postponed by rain.
Ryder Jones 3B- 3 for 4, 2 2B. BA= .271.
Tyler Herb RHP- 5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 5.59.
Tyler Rogers RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 4.09.
After a very slow start, Ryder Jones is 10 for 23 over his last 5 games to raise is BA from .167.
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AA Bowie Baysox defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels 4-2:
Miguel Gomez 2B- 2 for 4. BA= .325.
Dylan Davis LF- 1 for 4, HR(4). BA= .241.
Jordan Johnson RHP- 6 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.22.
Miguel Gomez can hit!
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A+ San Jose Giants blanked the Lake Elsinore Storm 2-0:
Mac Marshall LHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Sandro Cabrera LHP- 4.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 1.59.
Dylan Rheault RHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(1). ERA= 1.93.
Marshall seems to be on the same 3 inning limit as Logan Webb. Marshall has 10 K's in 9 shutout innings but walked a total of 6 batters in his first 2 starts. He seems to be in a tandem starting partnership with Sandro Cabrera who is terrific so far: 17 K's in 17 IP. He still needs to work on his walk rate with 7 BB's. Two more young Giants pitching prospects to get excited about.
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Low A Augusta Greenjackets vs Greenville Drive postponed by rain.
Game Wrap 4/23/2018: Giants 4 Nationals 2
The Giants got toonder from Mac Williamson's bat and a gritty Start from Chris Stratton to top the Nationals in AT&T Park. Key Lines:
Buster Posey C- 2 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .282. Buster has always worked his way out of slumps by hitting the ball to RF, and that's what he did twice tonight with clear intent.
Brandon Belt 1B- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .290. I gotta admit, I find Brandon Belt to be a frustrating hitter to watch even though I admit numbers don't lie and he's much more valuable than he appears to a lot of fans. What drives me nuts about Belt is here is a guy with long arms, who uses a long handled bat who insists on standing over the plate in the batter's box while gripping the bat down on the knob. Now, Barry Bonds used to stand over the plate too, but he used a shorter bat AND he choked up on it! The barrel of the bat was right over the plate. Belt covers the plate with his hands and bat handle! Anyway, I was happy to see him turn on a pitch and drive it down into the RF corner to set up the Giants first run with a double in the 4'th inning that put runners on 2'nd and 3'rd.
Mac Williamson LF- 1 for 4, HR(2). BA= .267. Mac Daddy did a good job of putting the ball in play after Belt's 4'th inning double, driving in the run when Wilmer Difo's Fielder's Choice went awry at home plate. He came up again in the 6'th after a Brandon Belt walk and greeted Shawn Kelly with a monster shot to R-CF that cleared the 421 ft sign with 43 feet to spare. Just to show you how hard Mad hit it, Bryce Harper thought he hit one out to LF later in the game only to watch it die on the warning track. His exit velocity on the HR in Anaheim on Friday night was 114 MPH. This one was 111 MPH. Mac could be seen later in the dugout having a long conversation with Hunter Pence.
Chris Stratton RHP- 6.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 2.32. Stratton once again threw darts with his FB mixing in just enough curveballs and changeups to keep the Nationals' batters off balance. He was put to the test in the 6'th inning when he was already showing signs of tiring. Evan Longoria dropped a pop-up in foul territory to prolong Bryce Harper's AB which ended with a BB. The next batter, Ryan Zimmerman hit a line drive right at Andrew McCutchen that hit off the edge of his glove for a 2-base error to put runners at 2'nd and 3'rd with 1 out. Stratton proceeded to strike out Matt Adams and got Matt Wieters on a routine flyout to CF to get out of the jam. The look of relief on Cutch's face was amazing to see and Longoria was all smiles with a pat on the back on the way to the dugout. Man, talk about ARRIVING in the major leagues! For some reason, Bochy thought it was a good idea to send Stratton back out to start the 7'th inning. He was clearly gassed, but gutted his way to 2 outs while Michael Taylor worked his way around the bases after drawing a leadoff walk. Boch finally came and got Stratton after Trea Turner's 2-out single through the left side hole.
Tony Watson LHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.84. Watson was helped by the park when the first batter he faced, Bryce Harper, hit what he thought was a HR to LF only to see it die on the warning track. He then gave up a hard single to Ryan Zimmerman, struck out Matt Adams and got Matt Wieters on a hard liner to Mac in LF.
Hunter Strickland RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's, Save(4). ERA= 1.80. Strickland came in for the Save and could not find home plate. With Bryce Harper looming as the 6'th batter of the inning, Strick fell behind the next 3 batters but managed to come back for a ground-out and 2 K's for his 4'th Save.
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The Win allowed the Giants to gain a half game on the NL West leading D'backs. They remain in 4'th place, 5.5 games behind the leaders. The Dodgers edged out the Marlins 2-1 to jump over the Reeling Rockies who were crushed by the Padres 13-5. The Dodgers trail the D'Backs by 4 games while the Rockies drop into 4'th place, 4.5 games behind. The Last Place Padres gained a half game and are 7.5 games out.
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Ty Blach tries to clinch the Giants second series win tonight facing RHP Tanner Roark.
Buster Posey C- 2 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .282. Buster has always worked his way out of slumps by hitting the ball to RF, and that's what he did twice tonight with clear intent.
Brandon Belt 1B- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .290. I gotta admit, I find Brandon Belt to be a frustrating hitter to watch even though I admit numbers don't lie and he's much more valuable than he appears to a lot of fans. What drives me nuts about Belt is here is a guy with long arms, who uses a long handled bat who insists on standing over the plate in the batter's box while gripping the bat down on the knob. Now, Barry Bonds used to stand over the plate too, but he used a shorter bat AND he choked up on it! The barrel of the bat was right over the plate. Belt covers the plate with his hands and bat handle! Anyway, I was happy to see him turn on a pitch and drive it down into the RF corner to set up the Giants first run with a double in the 4'th inning that put runners on 2'nd and 3'rd.
Mac Williamson LF- 1 for 4, HR(2). BA= .267. Mac Daddy did a good job of putting the ball in play after Belt's 4'th inning double, driving in the run when Wilmer Difo's Fielder's Choice went awry at home plate. He came up again in the 6'th after a Brandon Belt walk and greeted Shawn Kelly with a monster shot to R-CF that cleared the 421 ft sign with 43 feet to spare. Just to show you how hard Mad hit it, Bryce Harper thought he hit one out to LF later in the game only to watch it die on the warning track. His exit velocity on the HR in Anaheim on Friday night was 114 MPH. This one was 111 MPH. Mac could be seen later in the dugout having a long conversation with Hunter Pence.
Chris Stratton RHP- 6.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 2.32. Stratton once again threw darts with his FB mixing in just enough curveballs and changeups to keep the Nationals' batters off balance. He was put to the test in the 6'th inning when he was already showing signs of tiring. Evan Longoria dropped a pop-up in foul territory to prolong Bryce Harper's AB which ended with a BB. The next batter, Ryan Zimmerman hit a line drive right at Andrew McCutchen that hit off the edge of his glove for a 2-base error to put runners at 2'nd and 3'rd with 1 out. Stratton proceeded to strike out Matt Adams and got Matt Wieters on a routine flyout to CF to get out of the jam. The look of relief on Cutch's face was amazing to see and Longoria was all smiles with a pat on the back on the way to the dugout. Man, talk about ARRIVING in the major leagues! For some reason, Bochy thought it was a good idea to send Stratton back out to start the 7'th inning. He was clearly gassed, but gutted his way to 2 outs while Michael Taylor worked his way around the bases after drawing a leadoff walk. Boch finally came and got Stratton after Trea Turner's 2-out single through the left side hole.
Tony Watson LHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.84. Watson was helped by the park when the first batter he faced, Bryce Harper, hit what he thought was a HR to LF only to see it die on the warning track. He then gave up a hard single to Ryan Zimmerman, struck out Matt Adams and got Matt Wieters on a hard liner to Mac in LF.
Hunter Strickland RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's, Save(4). ERA= 1.80. Strickland came in for the Save and could not find home plate. With Bryce Harper looming as the 6'th batter of the inning, Strick fell behind the next 3 batters but managed to come back for a ground-out and 2 K's for his 4'th Save.
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The Win allowed the Giants to gain a half game on the NL West leading D'backs. They remain in 4'th place, 5.5 games behind the leaders. The Dodgers edged out the Marlins 2-1 to jump over the Reeling Rockies who were crushed by the Padres 13-5. The Dodgers trail the D'Backs by 4 games while the Rockies drop into 4'th place, 4.5 games behind. The Last Place Padres gained a half game and are 7.5 games out.
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Ty Blach tries to clinch the Giants second series win tonight facing RHP Tanner Roark.
Monday, April 23, 2018
Down on the Farm: 4/22/2018
AAA Tacoma Rainiers pounded the Sacramento River Cats 12-5:
Steven Duggar CF- 2 for 4, 2B, BB. BA= .298.
Chase d'Arnaud 2B- 0 for 2, 3 BB, SB(3). BA= .275.
Casey Kelly RHP- 0.2 IP, 2 H, 6 R, 5 BB, 0 K. ERA= 10.80.
Jose Flores RHP- 4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 5.84.
Will Smith LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Derek Law RHP- 1 IP, 4 H 4 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 11.25.
Gotta wonder about Casey Kelly's health after a start like this. Will Smith must be close to coming off the DL. He's turned in identical 2 K clean innings with 1 day off in between.
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AA Richmond Flying Squirrels edged out the Altoona Curve 5-4:
Ryan Howard SS= 1 for 3, BB. BA= .333.
Jonah Arenado 3B- 1 for 4, HR(2). BA= .185.
Ronnie Jebavy CF- 1 for 4, 3B. BA= .157.
Shaun Anderson RHP- 1 for 2, 2B. BA= .250.
Shaun Anderson RHP- 5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 2.86.
Ryan Halstead RHP- 2.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.80.
Caleb Simpson RHP- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's, Save(4). ERA= 0.00.
Not much to say about this one.
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A+ San Jose Giants cracked the Modesto Nuts 5-2:
Bryce Johnson CF- 1 for 4, BB, SB(3). BA= .306.
Jalen Miller 2B- 1 for 3, SF. BA= .306.
Heath Quinn RF- 3 for 4. BA= .316.
Johneshwy Fargas RF- 1 for 1, BB, SF, HBP, 2 SB(4). BA= .316.
Conner Menez LHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 2.37.
Nolan Riggs RHP- 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 2.25.
Carlos Diaz LHP- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 0.82.
Patrick Ruotolo RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(1). ERA= 1.29.
Menez has had 3 very good starts and 1 bad one where he gave up 4 runs in 4 IP. This was Ruotolo's first Save. The SJ Giants have 3 Saves on the season with Rodolfo Martinez holding the other 2.
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Low A Augusta Greenjackets vs Rome Braves postponed due to rain.
Steven Duggar CF- 2 for 4, 2B, BB. BA= .298.
Chase d'Arnaud 2B- 0 for 2, 3 BB, SB(3). BA= .275.
Casey Kelly RHP- 0.2 IP, 2 H, 6 R, 5 BB, 0 K. ERA= 10.80.
Jose Flores RHP- 4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 5.84.
Will Smith LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Derek Law RHP- 1 IP, 4 H 4 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 11.25.
Gotta wonder about Casey Kelly's health after a start like this. Will Smith must be close to coming off the DL. He's turned in identical 2 K clean innings with 1 day off in between.
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AA Richmond Flying Squirrels edged out the Altoona Curve 5-4:
Ryan Howard SS= 1 for 3, BB. BA= .333.
Jonah Arenado 3B- 1 for 4, HR(2). BA= .185.
Ronnie Jebavy CF- 1 for 4, 3B. BA= .157.
Shaun Anderson RHP- 1 for 2, 2B. BA= .250.
Shaun Anderson RHP- 5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 2.86.
Ryan Halstead RHP- 2.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.80.
Caleb Simpson RHP- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's, Save(4). ERA= 0.00.
Not much to say about this one.
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A+ San Jose Giants cracked the Modesto Nuts 5-2:
Bryce Johnson CF- 1 for 4, BB, SB(3). BA= .306.
Jalen Miller 2B- 1 for 3, SF. BA= .306.
Heath Quinn RF- 3 for 4. BA= .316.
Johneshwy Fargas RF- 1 for 1, BB, SF, HBP, 2 SB(4). BA= .316.
Conner Menez LHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 2.37.
Nolan Riggs RHP- 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 2.25.
Carlos Diaz LHP- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 0.82.
Patrick Ruotolo RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(1). ERA= 1.29.
Menez has had 3 very good starts and 1 bad one where he gave up 4 runs in 4 IP. This was Ruotolo's first Save. The SJ Giants have 3 Saves on the season with Rodolfo Martinez holding the other 2.
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Low A Augusta Greenjackets vs Rome Braves postponed due to rain.
Sunday, April 22, 2018
Game Wrap 4/22/2018: Giants 4 Angels 2
The Giants got an epic, record-setting AB from Brandon Belt, among other things, and a scintillating pitching performance by Johnny Cueto and hung on to beat the Angels for their first series win of the season. Key Lines:
Joe Panik 2B- 3 for 5. BA= .276. Panik had been slumping. In fact, he was just 1 for his last 19 coming into the game.
Brandon Belt 1B- 3 for 5, HR(5). BA= .288. OK, here we go. in the first inning, Brandon Belt set a major league record for Pitches Seen in 1 AB, 21. That's right, he had a 21-pitch AB! It ended with an out, but it was a lineout, so he made solid contact after that battle. He also had an 8 pitch AB later in the game. Oh, and he hit a dinger in his 4'th consecutive game. Belt is hitting .360 in his last 7 games and .308 over his last 15. I think it's time to stop carping about his caught looking episodes!
Evan Longoria 3B- 1 for 5, HR(4). BA= .243. OK, here's the deal. The Giants loaded the bases in the 3'rd inning with no outs. Buster Posey hit into a GIDP and it looked like they might come away with just one run to show for it. Up stepped Longoria and picked up Buster big time with a 2-run blast which enabled the Giants to come away with a 3-run inning which is a whole heckuva lot better than 1. Longoria is hitting .407 over his last 7 games and .305 over his last 15.
Johnny Cueto RHP- 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 0.35. As I said, another scintillating performance by Johnny C. A 0.35 ERA!
Reyes Moronta RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.75. Future Closer?
Cory Gearrin RHP- 0.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 6.43. Gearrin is just not an effective pitcher right now. Maybe he needs to cut his hair and and beard?
Tony Watson LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.93. Watson has looked like a major bargain so far.
Hunter Strickland RHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(3). ERA= 2.00. It was a roller-coaster ride with a 1-out single, a very loud out to RF by Kole Calhoun, another single and finally a flyout by Ian Kinsler to end the game and the Save.
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With the Win, the Giants remained in 4'th place, 6 games behind the NL West leading D'Backs who topped the Padres 4-2. The Rockies lost to fall 4 games behind the Snakes in 2'nd place. The Dodgers edged out the Nationals 4-3 and remain 4.5 games behind in 3'rd place. The Padres bring up the rear, 8 games back.
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The Giants come home from the 3 city road trip to a 3-game series against the Nationals starting tomorrow night with Chris Stratton facing Gio Gonzalez.
Joe Panik 2B- 3 for 5. BA= .276. Panik had been slumping. In fact, he was just 1 for his last 19 coming into the game.
Brandon Belt 1B- 3 for 5, HR(5). BA= .288. OK, here we go. in the first inning, Brandon Belt set a major league record for Pitches Seen in 1 AB, 21. That's right, he had a 21-pitch AB! It ended with an out, but it was a lineout, so he made solid contact after that battle. He also had an 8 pitch AB later in the game. Oh, and he hit a dinger in his 4'th consecutive game. Belt is hitting .360 in his last 7 games and .308 over his last 15. I think it's time to stop carping about his caught looking episodes!
Evan Longoria 3B- 1 for 5, HR(4). BA= .243. OK, here's the deal. The Giants loaded the bases in the 3'rd inning with no outs. Buster Posey hit into a GIDP and it looked like they might come away with just one run to show for it. Up stepped Longoria and picked up Buster big time with a 2-run blast which enabled the Giants to come away with a 3-run inning which is a whole heckuva lot better than 1. Longoria is hitting .407 over his last 7 games and .305 over his last 15.
Johnny Cueto RHP- 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 0.35. As I said, another scintillating performance by Johnny C. A 0.35 ERA!
Reyes Moronta RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.75. Future Closer?
Cory Gearrin RHP- 0.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 6.43. Gearrin is just not an effective pitcher right now. Maybe he needs to cut his hair and and beard?
Tony Watson LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.93. Watson has looked like a major bargain so far.
Hunter Strickland RHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(3). ERA= 2.00. It was a roller-coaster ride with a 1-out single, a very loud out to RF by Kole Calhoun, another single and finally a flyout by Ian Kinsler to end the game and the Save.
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With the Win, the Giants remained in 4'th place, 6 games behind the NL West leading D'Backs who topped the Padres 4-2. The Rockies lost to fall 4 games behind the Snakes in 2'nd place. The Dodgers edged out the Nationals 4-3 and remain 4.5 games behind in 3'rd place. The Padres bring up the rear, 8 games back.
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The Giants come home from the 3 city road trip to a 3-game series against the Nationals starting tomorrow night with Chris Stratton facing Gio Gonzalez.
Down on the Farm: 4/21/2018
AAA Sacramento River Cats defeated the Tacoma Rainiers 8-4:
Steven Duggar CF- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .283.
Alen Hanson 2B- 2 for 5, SB(6). BA= .449.
Austin Slater RF- 2 for 5. BA= .385.
Myles Schroder 1B- 1 for 4, HR(2), BB, SB(1). BA= .400.
Andrew Suarez LHP- 5.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 0.93.
After a slow start to the season, Duggar has a 6 game hit streak and is batting .341 over his last 10 games. Austin Slater continues his strong season. Can we please have an OF of Mac, Duggar and Slater by next season?
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AA Altoona Curve outscored the Richmond Flying Squirrels 7-6:
Ryan Howard SS- 2 for 5. BA= .333.
Miguel Gomez 2B- 2 for 5. BA= .306.
Jerry Sands 1B- 1 for 4, HR(2). BA= .149.
Dillon Dobson 3B- 2 for 3, HR(1), BB. BA= .200.
Matt Lipka LF- 2 for 3, HR(2), SB(7). BA= .235.
Jake McCasland RHP- 3.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.48.
Tyler Cyr RHP- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K. ERA= 4.76.
Not sure where Matt Lipka came from. He seems to have some speed.
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A+ San Jose Giants cracked the Modesto Nuts 6-5:
Bryce Johnson CF- 4 for 5, 2B. BA= .309.
Jacob Heyward LF- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .277.
Gio Brusa 1B- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .273.
Sandro Fabian RF- 1 for 2, SF, Sac. BA= .250.
Matt Winn C- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .250.
Logan Webb RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.90.
Bryce Johnson has 10 hits in 19 AB's over his last 4 games. Not sure why Webb came out after just 3 IP. He threw just 32 pitches so it was not pitch count. Probably not a good sign.
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Low A Augusta Greenjackets topped the Rome Braves 5-4:
Manuel Geraldo SS- 3 for 4, 2B. BA= .250.
Jason Bahr RHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.96.
Frank Rubio RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(2). ERA= 1.93.
I think if Manuel can get over the Augusta hurdle, he will be a viable MLB SS prospect. Bahr was obviously not as sharp as his first 3 starts but was still effective.
Steven Duggar CF- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .283.
Alen Hanson 2B- 2 for 5, SB(6). BA= .449.
Austin Slater RF- 2 for 5. BA= .385.
Myles Schroder 1B- 1 for 4, HR(2), BB, SB(1). BA= .400.
Andrew Suarez LHP- 5.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 0.93.
After a slow start to the season, Duggar has a 6 game hit streak and is batting .341 over his last 10 games. Austin Slater continues his strong season. Can we please have an OF of Mac, Duggar and Slater by next season?
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AA Altoona Curve outscored the Richmond Flying Squirrels 7-6:
Ryan Howard SS- 2 for 5. BA= .333.
Miguel Gomez 2B- 2 for 5. BA= .306.
Jerry Sands 1B- 1 for 4, HR(2). BA= .149.
Dillon Dobson 3B- 2 for 3, HR(1), BB. BA= .200.
Matt Lipka LF- 2 for 3, HR(2), SB(7). BA= .235.
Jake McCasland RHP- 3.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.48.
Tyler Cyr RHP- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K. ERA= 4.76.
Not sure where Matt Lipka came from. He seems to have some speed.
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A+ San Jose Giants cracked the Modesto Nuts 6-5:
Bryce Johnson CF- 4 for 5, 2B. BA= .309.
Jacob Heyward LF- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .277.
Gio Brusa 1B- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .273.
Sandro Fabian RF- 1 for 2, SF, Sac. BA= .250.
Matt Winn C- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .250.
Logan Webb RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.90.
Bryce Johnson has 10 hits in 19 AB's over his last 4 games. Not sure why Webb came out after just 3 IP. He threw just 32 pitches so it was not pitch count. Probably not a good sign.
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Low A Augusta Greenjackets topped the Rome Braves 5-4:
Manuel Geraldo SS- 3 for 4, 2B. BA= .250.
Jason Bahr RHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.96.
Frank Rubio RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(2). ERA= 1.93.
I think if Manuel can get over the Augusta hurdle, he will be a viable MLB SS prospect. Bahr was obviously not as sharp as his first 3 starts but was still effective.
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Game Wrap 4/21/2018: Angels 4 Giants 3
The Giants could not overcome 3 longballs by the Angels. Key Lines:
Brandon Belt 1B- 1 for 3, HR(4), BB. BA= .259. Belt gave the Giants an early lead with a 2-run blast in the 2'nd inning. That would be the last we heard from the Giants offense until the 8'th inning. The Giants offense fanned 17 times against Garrett Richards and 4 Angels relievers.
Derek Holland LHP- 6 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 4.98. Take away the big flies to Jefry Marte, Mike Trout and Albert Pujols, Holland pitched a great game. He gave up a whopping 31 in 135 IP last year, so it's not a 1 game blip.
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The top 3 teams in the NL West all won so the Giants slip to 6 games behind the D'Backs while the Rockies and Dodgers trail the leaders by 3 and 4.5 games respectively. The losing Padres fell to 7 games off the pace.
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Johnny Cueto tries for the Giants first series win tomorrow facing Jaime Barria.
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Buster Posey was supposed to DH this game for the Giants, but was a late scratch due to a stiff back.
Brandon Belt 1B- 1 for 3, HR(4), BB. BA= .259. Belt gave the Giants an early lead with a 2-run blast in the 2'nd inning. That would be the last we heard from the Giants offense until the 8'th inning. The Giants offense fanned 17 times against Garrett Richards and 4 Angels relievers.
Derek Holland LHP- 6 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 4.98. Take away the big flies to Jefry Marte, Mike Trout and Albert Pujols, Holland pitched a great game. He gave up a whopping 31 in 135 IP last year, so it's not a 1 game blip.
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The top 3 teams in the NL West all won so the Giants slip to 6 games behind the D'Backs while the Rockies and Dodgers trail the leaders by 3 and 4.5 games respectively. The losing Padres fell to 7 games off the pace.
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Johnny Cueto tries for the Giants first series win tomorrow facing Jaime Barria.
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Buster Posey was supposed to DH this game for the Giants, but was a late scratch due to a stiff back.
Down on the Farm: 4/20/2018
AAA Salt Lake City Bees stung the Sacramento River Cats 4-3:
Eury Perez CF- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .375.
Chase d'Arnaud SS- 1 for 3, HR(3), SB(2), BB. BA= .295.
Tyler Beede RHP- 6 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 6.00.
Will Smith LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Typical Beede line. Most of the damage came on a 3-run dinger by Jabari Blash. In addition to the walks, 2 HBP's led to 2 runs for the Bees which proved to be the difference in the game.
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AA Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the Altoona Curve 6-3:
Ryan Howard SS- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .327.
Miguel Gomez 2B- 2 for 4. BA= .290.
Aramis Garcia C- 1 for 4, HR(1). BA= .265.
Dylan Davis LF- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(3). BA= .267.
Garrett Williams LHP- 2.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 5.56.
Dusten Knight RHP- 3.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 5.56.
Mike Connolly RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
Caleb Simpson RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(4). ERA= 0.00.
Not much to say about this one. Can Ryan Howard go wire-to-wire with a .300+ BA again this year?
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A+ San Jose Giants outscored the Modesto Nuts 9-8:
Bryce Johnson CF- 2 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .270.
Heath Quinn LF- 3 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .283.
Wander Franco 3B- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .250.
Matt Winn C- 1 for 4, HR(1), BB. BA= .219.
Johneshwy Fargas RF- 3 for 5, 2B, SB(2). BA= .278.
Melvin Adon RHP- 4 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 5.30.
Connor Overton 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Nice game to pad the stat line. Great to see Heath Quinn hitting well early this season. Does Johneshwy finally get over the SJ hump? Overton is a newbie to the organization. Don't know much about him. Looks like he pitched sparingly in the Blue Jays organization in the past.
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Low A Rome Braves topped the Augusta Greenjackets 5-4:
Heliot Ramos CF- 1 for 2, 2B. BA= .259.
Jean Angomas DH- 1 for 3, 3B, BB. BA= .273.
Joey Marciano LHP- 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 11 K's. ERA= 1.06.
Ramos was lifted for a PR after a HBP in the 5'th inning. Hopefully no serious injury. Ugh!
Eury Perez CF- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .375.
Chase d'Arnaud SS- 1 for 3, HR(3), SB(2), BB. BA= .295.
Tyler Beede RHP- 6 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 6.00.
Will Smith LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Typical Beede line. Most of the damage came on a 3-run dinger by Jabari Blash. In addition to the walks, 2 HBP's led to 2 runs for the Bees which proved to be the difference in the game.
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AA Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the Altoona Curve 6-3:
Ryan Howard SS- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .327.
Miguel Gomez 2B- 2 for 4. BA= .290.
Aramis Garcia C- 1 for 4, HR(1). BA= .265.
Dylan Davis LF- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(3). BA= .267.
Garrett Williams LHP- 2.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 5.56.
Dusten Knight RHP- 3.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 5.56.
Mike Connolly RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
Caleb Simpson RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(4). ERA= 0.00.
Not much to say about this one. Can Ryan Howard go wire-to-wire with a .300+ BA again this year?
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A+ San Jose Giants outscored the Modesto Nuts 9-8:
Bryce Johnson CF- 2 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .270.
Heath Quinn LF- 3 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .283.
Wander Franco 3B- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .250.
Matt Winn C- 1 for 4, HR(1), BB. BA= .219.
Johneshwy Fargas RF- 3 for 5, 2B, SB(2). BA= .278.
Melvin Adon RHP- 4 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 5.30.
Connor Overton 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Nice game to pad the stat line. Great to see Heath Quinn hitting well early this season. Does Johneshwy finally get over the SJ hump? Overton is a newbie to the organization. Don't know much about him. Looks like he pitched sparingly in the Blue Jays organization in the past.
*********************************************************************************
Low A Rome Braves topped the Augusta Greenjackets 5-4:
Heliot Ramos CF- 1 for 2, 2B. BA= .259.
Jean Angomas DH- 1 for 3, 3B, BB. BA= .273.
Joey Marciano LHP- 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 11 K's. ERA= 1.06.
Ramos was lifted for a PR after a HBP in the 5'th inning. Hopefully no serious injury. Ugh!
Game Wrap 4/20/2018: Giants 8 Angels 1
Mac Williamson's promotion paid immediate dividends for the Giants as his 2-run HR in the 5'th inning sparked a 6-run rally that turned a close game into a cakewalk. Key Lines:
Andrew McCutchen RF- 1 for 4, HR(3). BA= .213. Cutch's 3- run blast capped the 6-run outburst.
Nick Hundley C- 2 for 4, HR(1), 2B. BB. BA= .222. Hundley had a great night driving in the first run of the game with a solo HR halfway up the RF bleachers in the 2'nd inning. His leadoff walk ahead of Williamson's dinger started the 5'th inning rally and he later doubled in Evan Longoria to drive in the final run of the game.
Mac Williamson LF- 1 for 4, HR(1). BA= .250. His other AB's were not too impressive, but the dinger came at a great time in the game and was a laser shot to the opposite field. I was at the game so did not hear Kruk and Kuip's call, but a commenter last night said the ball left the bat at 114 MPH. It definitely looked like it!
Kelby Tomlinson SS- 2 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .269. The thing I love about Kelby Tomlinson is he gives you a battle every single AB. He needs to be starting either SS or 2B against all LHP's, IMO.
Jeff Samardzija RHP- 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 0.00. There were some loud outs and the 4 walks, but Shark got the outs he needed including a very loud FB out by Upton to end the 5'th inning after Shark walked the bases full.
Reyes Moronta RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.82. Dominant 2 innings from Moronta.
Shohei Ohtani DH(Angels)- 2 for 4. BA= .342. I'll say this about Ohtani: The kid sure looks good in a baseball uniform!
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The D'Backs, Rockies and Dodgers all lost so the Giants gained a game on the pack and are now 5 games out of first place, but still in 4'th place in the NL West. The D'Backs continue to lead the Rockies by 3 games and the Dodgers by 4.5. The Padres bring up the rear at 6 games off the pace.
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Derek Holland tries to secure the Giants first series win of the season tonight facing RHP Garrett Richards.
Andrew McCutchen RF- 1 for 4, HR(3). BA= .213. Cutch's 3- run blast capped the 6-run outburst.
Nick Hundley C- 2 for 4, HR(1), 2B. BB. BA= .222. Hundley had a great night driving in the first run of the game with a solo HR halfway up the RF bleachers in the 2'nd inning. His leadoff walk ahead of Williamson's dinger started the 5'th inning rally and he later doubled in Evan Longoria to drive in the final run of the game.
Mac Williamson LF- 1 for 4, HR(1). BA= .250. His other AB's were not too impressive, but the dinger came at a great time in the game and was a laser shot to the opposite field. I was at the game so did not hear Kruk and Kuip's call, but a commenter last night said the ball left the bat at 114 MPH. It definitely looked like it!
Kelby Tomlinson SS- 2 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .269. The thing I love about Kelby Tomlinson is he gives you a battle every single AB. He needs to be starting either SS or 2B against all LHP's, IMO.
Jeff Samardzija RHP- 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 0.00. There were some loud outs and the 4 walks, but Shark got the outs he needed including a very loud FB out by Upton to end the 5'th inning after Shark walked the bases full.
Reyes Moronta RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.82. Dominant 2 innings from Moronta.
Shohei Ohtani DH(Angels)- 2 for 4. BA= .342. I'll say this about Ohtani: The kid sure looks good in a baseball uniform!
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The D'Backs, Rockies and Dodgers all lost so the Giants gained a game on the pack and are now 5 games out of first place, but still in 4'th place in the NL West. The D'Backs continue to lead the Rockies by 3 games and the Dodgers by 4.5. The Padres bring up the rear at 6 games off the pace.
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Derek Holland tries to secure the Giants first series win of the season tonight facing RHP Garrett Richards.
Friday, April 20, 2018
Down on the Farm: 4/19/2018
AAA Salt Lake City Bees outscored the Sacramento River Cats by a field goal 10-7:
Alen Hanson 2B- 4 for 5, 2 2B, 1 3B. BA= .463.
Austin Slater RF- 2 for 4, 2B, 3B, SF. BA= .433.
Ryder Jones 3B- 2 for 5. BA= .244.
Hector Sanchez C- 2 for 3, 2B, HR(1). BA= .296.
Jose Valdez RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 4.00.
Mac Williamson did not play. Is that a sign he could be on his way to Anaheim? Gotta wonder if Austin Slater could play a passable CF for the Giants.
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AA Bowie Baysox defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels 6-1:
Ryan Halstead RHP- 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.17.
Nothing else to see here.
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A+ Modesto Nuts topped the San Jose Giants by a touchdown 13-6:
Bryce Johnson CF- 2 for 6. BA= .259.
Jalen Miller 2B- 2 for 5, BB. BA= .333.
Sandro Fabian RF- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .241.
Wander Franco 3B- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .231.
Brandon Van Horn SS- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .259.
Raffi Vizcaino RHP- 2 IP, 6 H, 8 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.27.
Michael Cederoth RHP- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Nolan Riggs RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.74.
I'm really excited about Jalen Miller and Sandro Fabian's performances so far. Brandon Van Horn is becoming an interesting prospect as a field-first SS. Rough start for Raffi in many ways.
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Low A Augusta Greenjackets stung the Rome Braves 6-1:
Heliot Ramos CF- 2 for 5. BA= .250.
Jean Angomas LF- 0 for 2, 3 BB. BA= .267.
Jacob Gonzalez 3B- 1 for 3, SF. BA= .235.
Jose Marte RHP- 4.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 3.86.
Peter Lannoo RHP- 3.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.54.
Camilo Doval RHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 15.43.
Marte is one of the higher ceiling pitching prospects in the Giants system. After a rough first start, he has allow just 1 ER in 10.1 IP, with 13 K's and 2 BB's in his last 2 Starts. Doval is unscored on in his last 3 appearances, 3.1 IP.
Alen Hanson 2B- 4 for 5, 2 2B, 1 3B. BA= .463.
Austin Slater RF- 2 for 4, 2B, 3B, SF. BA= .433.
Ryder Jones 3B- 2 for 5. BA= .244.
Hector Sanchez C- 2 for 3, 2B, HR(1). BA= .296.
Jose Valdez RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 4.00.
Mac Williamson did not play. Is that a sign he could be on his way to Anaheim? Gotta wonder if Austin Slater could play a passable CF for the Giants.
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AA Bowie Baysox defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels 6-1:
Ryan Halstead RHP- 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.17.
Nothing else to see here.
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A+ Modesto Nuts topped the San Jose Giants by a touchdown 13-6:
Bryce Johnson CF- 2 for 6. BA= .259.
Jalen Miller 2B- 2 for 5, BB. BA= .333.
Sandro Fabian RF- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .241.
Wander Franco 3B- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .231.
Brandon Van Horn SS- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .259.
Raffi Vizcaino RHP- 2 IP, 6 H, 8 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.27.
Michael Cederoth RHP- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Nolan Riggs RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.74.
I'm really excited about Jalen Miller and Sandro Fabian's performances so far. Brandon Van Horn is becoming an interesting prospect as a field-first SS. Rough start for Raffi in many ways.
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Low A Augusta Greenjackets stung the Rome Braves 6-1:
Heliot Ramos CF- 2 for 5. BA= .250.
Jean Angomas LF- 0 for 2, 3 BB. BA= .267.
Jacob Gonzalez 3B- 1 for 3, SF. BA= .235.
Jose Marte RHP- 4.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 3.86.
Peter Lannoo RHP- 3.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.54.
Camilo Doval RHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 15.43.
Marte is one of the higher ceiling pitching prospects in the Giants system. After a rough first start, he has allow just 1 ER in 10.1 IP, with 13 K's and 2 BB's in his last 2 Starts. Doval is unscored on in his last 3 appearances, 3.1 IP.
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Game Wrap 4/19/2018: D'backs 3 Giants 1
Ty Blach gave the Giants a Quality Start, but the bats went quiet again as the Giants dropped the rubber match of the 3 game series. Key Lines:
Brandon Belt 1B= 1 for 4, HR(3). BA= .255. Belt homers for the second consecutive game and produced the only run they scored all evening.
Ty Blach LHP- 6 IP. 6 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 8/4. ERA= 4.10. Typical Blach game with unimpressive peripheral numbers but enough soft contact for the QS.
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The Loss dropped the 4'th place Giants to 6 games behind the NL West leading D'Backs. The rest of the division was idle with Colorado in second place, 3 games behind the Snakes. The Dodgers are 4.5 games back and the last place Padres are 7 off the pace.
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The Giants move on to LA to face the Angels on the last leg of their 3-city road trip. Jeff Samardzija comes off the DL to start game 1 facing lefty Andrew Heaney. I plan to attend this game with family members.
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Lots of speculation about the roster with Shark coming off the DL. Hunter Pence sat out tonight's game with a sore thumb and is expected to take Shark's place on the DL, but Baggs is reporting "informed speculation" that Mac Williamson will be added to the 25-man roster which means someone else would have to go on the DL or be DFA'd to make room. We'll see. The Giants offense desperately needs a spark and Mac is the obvious guy most likely to give them one. I like both Gregor Blanco and Gorkys Hernandez, but neither of them should stand in the way of a Mac promotion if Pence indeed goes on the DL.
Brandon Belt 1B= 1 for 4, HR(3). BA= .255. Belt homers for the second consecutive game and produced the only run they scored all evening.
Ty Blach LHP- 6 IP. 6 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 8/4. ERA= 4.10. Typical Blach game with unimpressive peripheral numbers but enough soft contact for the QS.
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The Loss dropped the 4'th place Giants to 6 games behind the NL West leading D'Backs. The rest of the division was idle with Colorado in second place, 3 games behind the Snakes. The Dodgers are 4.5 games back and the last place Padres are 7 off the pace.
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The Giants move on to LA to face the Angels on the last leg of their 3-city road trip. Jeff Samardzija comes off the DL to start game 1 facing lefty Andrew Heaney. I plan to attend this game with family members.
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Lots of speculation about the roster with Shark coming off the DL. Hunter Pence sat out tonight's game with a sore thumb and is expected to take Shark's place on the DL, but Baggs is reporting "informed speculation" that Mac Williamson will be added to the 25-man roster which means someone else would have to go on the DL or be DFA'd to make room. We'll see. The Giants offense desperately needs a spark and Mac is the obvious guy most likely to give them one. I like both Gregor Blanco and Gorkys Hernandez, but neither of them should stand in the way of a Mac promotion if Pence indeed goes on the DL.
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Game Wrap 4/19/2018: Giants 4 D'Backs 3 in 10 Innings
Brandon Belt saved the Giants from a crushing loss when he hit a 2-run HR in the top of the 10'th inning and the Giants hung on for the desperately needed Win. Key Lines:
Andrew McCutchen RF- 2 for 5, SB(3). BA= .209. Maybe Cutch's bat is coming to life? His hits were both solid LD's.
Evan Longoria 3B- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(3), BB. BA= .241. Longoria has been the Giants hottest hitter over the last 10 games.
Brandon Belt 1B- 1 for 4, HR(2), HBP. BA= .255. Belt hadn't done much before the 10'th inning, but his drive off D'Backs Closer Brad Boxberger was the game winner giving the Giants a 2-run cushion they needed to hold off the Snakes.
Chris Stratton RHP- 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 2.22. Let's not overlook Chris Stratton who looked like he might pitch a CG shutout before giving up a double and triple to start the 8'th inning. Stratton is pitching like an ace right now.
Tony Watson LHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 1.04. Watson inherited a tough situation with a runner on 3B and 0 outs. He got Chris Owings to pop out. David Peralta got an IF single but Dyson failed to score from 3B for some reason. Ketel Marte then grounded one back to Watson who started a difficult DP with Crawford making his usual magical moves on the relay to 1B.
Hunter Strickland RHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 2.25. I guess there is no shame in giving up B2B doubles to Goldschmidt and AJ Pollack, but it's still disappointing that Strick blew the Save here. I'll give him credit for pitching his way out of it without giving up another run and giving Belt a chance to win it.
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The Win narrowed the gap between the 4'th place Giants and the NL West leading D'backs to 5 games. The Rockies are 2.5 games behind after a loss to the Pirates. And here come the Dodgers who pounded the Padres and are 4 games behind in 3'rd place. The Padres bring up the rear at 6.5 games off the pace.
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Ty Blach tries for a series win tomorrow facing Zack Greinke.
Andrew McCutchen RF- 2 for 5, SB(3). BA= .209. Maybe Cutch's bat is coming to life? His hits were both solid LD's.
Evan Longoria 3B- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(3), BB. BA= .241. Longoria has been the Giants hottest hitter over the last 10 games.
Brandon Belt 1B- 1 for 4, HR(2), HBP. BA= .255. Belt hadn't done much before the 10'th inning, but his drive off D'Backs Closer Brad Boxberger was the game winner giving the Giants a 2-run cushion they needed to hold off the Snakes.
Chris Stratton RHP- 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 2.22. Let's not overlook Chris Stratton who looked like he might pitch a CG shutout before giving up a double and triple to start the 8'th inning. Stratton is pitching like an ace right now.
Tony Watson LHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 1.04. Watson inherited a tough situation with a runner on 3B and 0 outs. He got Chris Owings to pop out. David Peralta got an IF single but Dyson failed to score from 3B for some reason. Ketel Marte then grounded one back to Watson who started a difficult DP with Crawford making his usual magical moves on the relay to 1B.
Hunter Strickland RHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 2.25. I guess there is no shame in giving up B2B doubles to Goldschmidt and AJ Pollack, but it's still disappointing that Strick blew the Save here. I'll give him credit for pitching his way out of it without giving up another run and giving Belt a chance to win it.
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The Win narrowed the gap between the 4'th place Giants and the NL West leading D'backs to 5 games. The Rockies are 2.5 games behind after a loss to the Pirates. And here come the Dodgers who pounded the Padres and are 4 games behind in 3'rd place. The Padres bring up the rear at 6.5 games off the pace.
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Ty Blach tries for a series win tomorrow facing Zack Greinke.
Down on the Farm: 4/18/2018
AAA Sacramento River Cats tamed the Salt Lake City Bees 5-3:
Alen Hanson 2B- 1 for 3, 2 BB, SB(5). BA= .417.
Ryder Jones 3B- 3 for 4, 2B. BA= .225.
Tyler Herb RHP- 5.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 5.65.
Tyler Rogers RHP- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 4.50.
Roberto Gomez RHP- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(1). ERA= 1.93.
Decent start for Herb. Gomez gets the 5-out Save.
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AA Richmond Flying Squirrels blanked the Bowie Baysox 1-0:
Luigi Rodriguez RF- 2 for 3, HR(1). BA= .357.
Jordan Johnson RHP- 7 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 10/1. ERA= 2.20.
Tyler Cyr RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(3). ERA= 6.23.
Jordan Johnson has allowed 0 R with 10 K's and 1 BB in 13 IP over his last 2 Starts.
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A+ Visalia Rawhide outscored the San Jose Giants 9-6:
Bryce Johnson CF- 2 for 3, 2B, BB, SB(3). BA= .250.
Jalen Miller 2B- 2 for 5, HR(3), SB(3). BA= .327.
Brandon Van Horn SS- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .245.
Miller is showing his tools with 3 SB and 3 dingers in 58 PA so far.
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Low A Augusta Greenjackets defeated the Kannapolis Intimidators 5-1:
Heliot Ramos CF- 1 for 5, HR(1). BA= .235.
Shane Matheny 3B- 2 for 3, 3B, BB. BA= .370.
Manuel Geraldo SS- 3 for 4. BA= .225.
John Gavin LHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 0.61.
Frank Rubio RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.16.
Franklin Van Gurp RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Heliot Ramos hits his first dinger of the season. Strong pitching out of the 2017 draft class. Gavin has 19 K's and 4 BB's in 14.2 IP. Rubio has 11 K's, 2 BB's in 8.1 IP. Van Gurp has 10 K's and 1 BB in 8 IP.
Alen Hanson 2B- 1 for 3, 2 BB, SB(5). BA= .417.
Ryder Jones 3B- 3 for 4, 2B. BA= .225.
Tyler Herb RHP- 5.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 5.65.
Tyler Rogers RHP- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 4.50.
Roberto Gomez RHP- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(1). ERA= 1.93.
Decent start for Herb. Gomez gets the 5-out Save.
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AA Richmond Flying Squirrels blanked the Bowie Baysox 1-0:
Luigi Rodriguez RF- 2 for 3, HR(1). BA= .357.
Jordan Johnson RHP- 7 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 10/1. ERA= 2.20.
Tyler Cyr RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(3). ERA= 6.23.
Jordan Johnson has allowed 0 R with 10 K's and 1 BB in 13 IP over his last 2 Starts.
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A+ Visalia Rawhide outscored the San Jose Giants 9-6:
Bryce Johnson CF- 2 for 3, 2B, BB, SB(3). BA= .250.
Jalen Miller 2B- 2 for 5, HR(3), SB(3). BA= .327.
Brandon Van Horn SS- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .245.
Miller is showing his tools with 3 SB and 3 dingers in 58 PA so far.
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Low A Augusta Greenjackets defeated the Kannapolis Intimidators 5-1:
Heliot Ramos CF- 1 for 5, HR(1). BA= .235.
Shane Matheny 3B- 2 for 3, 3B, BB. BA= .370.
Manuel Geraldo SS- 3 for 4. BA= .225.
John Gavin LHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 0.61.
Frank Rubio RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.16.
Franklin Van Gurp RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Heliot Ramos hits his first dinger of the season. Strong pitching out of the 2017 draft class. Gavin has 19 K's and 4 BB's in 14.2 IP. Rubio has 11 K's, 2 BB's in 8.1 IP. Van Gurp has 10 K's and 1 BB in 8 IP.
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Down on the Farm: 4/17/2018
AAA Salt Lake City Bees swarmed over the Sacramento River Cats 12-3:
Steven Duggar CF- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .256.
Alen Hanson 2B- 2 for 4, SB(4). BA= .424.
Mac Williamson DH- 1 for 4, HR(6). BA= .514.
Casey Kelly RHP- 3.2 IP, 11 H, 9 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 7.11.
Will Smith LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Mac continues to assault PCL pitching. Welp! Maybe Casey Kelly is not ready to help out the MLB club after all? Will Smith appears to be getting close to a return to MLB after losing a year to Tommy John surgery.
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AA Richmond Flying Squirrels blanked the Bowie Baysox 1-0:
Miguel Gomez 2B- 2 for 4. BA= .350.
Shaun Anderson RHP- 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 9/1. ERA= 2.12.
Mike Connolly RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Caleb Simpson RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K, Save(3). ERA= 0.00.
Shaun Anderson is a horse!
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A+ Visalia Rawhide whipped the San Jose Giants 4-1:
Jalen Miller 2B- 0 for 2, 2 BB. BA= .320.
Brandon Van Horn SS- 0 for 2, 2 BB. BA= .222.
Conner Menez LHP- 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Menez has 15 K's against 3 BB's in 10 IP in 2 starts for SJ. His one start for Sacramento did not go as well.
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Low A Augusta Greenjackets edged out the Kannapolis Intimidators 6-5:
Heliot Ramos CF- 0 for 2, 2 BB. BA= .239.
Shane Matheny 2B- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .333.
Jean Angomas LF- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .292.
Garrett Cave RHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 6 BB, 1 K. ERA= 5.00.
John Russell RHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.42.
Camilo Doval RHP- 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 19.64.
Rough Start for Cave. Doval records his second consecutive scoreless appearance. Yay!
Steven Duggar CF- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .256.
Alen Hanson 2B- 2 for 4, SB(4). BA= .424.
Mac Williamson DH- 1 for 4, HR(6). BA= .514.
Casey Kelly RHP- 3.2 IP, 11 H, 9 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 7.11.
Will Smith LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Mac continues to assault PCL pitching. Welp! Maybe Casey Kelly is not ready to help out the MLB club after all? Will Smith appears to be getting close to a return to MLB after losing a year to Tommy John surgery.
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AA Richmond Flying Squirrels blanked the Bowie Baysox 1-0:
Miguel Gomez 2B- 2 for 4. BA= .350.
Shaun Anderson RHP- 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 9/1. ERA= 2.12.
Mike Connolly RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Caleb Simpson RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K, Save(3). ERA= 0.00.
Shaun Anderson is a horse!
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A+ Visalia Rawhide whipped the San Jose Giants 4-1:
Jalen Miller 2B- 0 for 2, 2 BB. BA= .320.
Brandon Van Horn SS- 0 for 2, 2 BB. BA= .222.
Conner Menez LHP- 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Menez has 15 K's against 3 BB's in 10 IP in 2 starts for SJ. His one start for Sacramento did not go as well.
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Low A Augusta Greenjackets edged out the Kannapolis Intimidators 6-5:
Heliot Ramos CF- 0 for 2, 2 BB. BA= .239.
Shane Matheny 2B- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .333.
Jean Angomas LF- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .292.
Garrett Cave RHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 6 BB, 1 K. ERA= 5.00.
John Russell RHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.42.
Camilo Doval RHP- 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 19.64.
Rough Start for Cave. Doval records his second consecutive scoreless appearance. Yay!
Game Wrap 4/17/2018: D'Backs 1 Giants 0
Johnny Cueto was electric for 7 innings, but the Giants lineup found a new low against lefty Patrick Corbin and the Snakes edged out a win after scoring a run on reliever Tony Watson in the bottom of the 8'th inning. Key Lines:
Brandon Belt 1B- 1 for 3. BA= .256. Belt broke up the no-hitter in the top of the 8'th inning with a purposeful check swing grounder to beat the shift. That's it! A walk to Joe Panik was the only other baserunner Corbin allowed.
Johnny Cueto RHP- 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 11 K's. ERA= 0.45. It was Cueto at his best. This loss is on the hitters.
Tony Watson LHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.17. Watson relieved Cueto after 97 pitches in the 8'th. A 1 out walk to Jarrod Dyson, a sac bunt by Corbin and a basehit single up the middle to Peralta and that was the ballgame.
Patrick Corbin LHP(D'Backs)- 9 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K's. ERA= 1.65. One way pitchers are combatting the launch angle revolution is by throwing more breaking balls. In fact, we are already starting to hear talk of a breaking ball revolution! Patrick Corbin is leading that charge and getting results. Here are Corbin's percentage of fastballs over the past 3 seasons: 63.5%, 53.4 %, 48.6%. Here are his percentages of sliders: 26.5%, 38.0%, 46.8%. Here are Corbin's cumulative Pitch Values over his career(per Fangraphs): FB -43.8. SL 34.6.
One last point: IDK what the Giants are doing with launch angles. I know they are working with at least some of their hitters to increase them. We do know the Giants are not very good at hitting breaking balls. The word has obviously gotten out and they have seen a steady diet of breaking balls in the early going this season which partly explains their anemic offense.
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With the Loss, the Giants fall to 6 games below he NL West leading D'Backs. They will probably avoid falling into last place because the Dodgers are leading the Padres late in their game.
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Chris Stratton tries to stop the losing streak tomorrow night facing another lefty, Robbie Ray.
Fantasy Focus: All Free Agent Team
I thought I would post a list of my top players currently available in my 10 team league that rosters 26 players per team. These players may not be available in your league.
C: Francisco Cervelli, Pirates- .286/.379/.551, 6 R, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 0 SB. Won't hit many HR's in the long run, but will likely hit for average and give you some non-HR counting stats.
1B: Justin Bour, Marlins- .232/.306/.464, 5 R, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 0 SB. Doesn't have much help around him in the lineup so R and RBI may lag.
2B: Jed Lowrie, A's- .343/.403/.557, 8 R, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 0 SB. No nobody's radar, but has a steady job in the A's IF.
3B: Christian Villanueva, Padres- .333/.423/.822, 8 R, 6 HR, 13 RBI, 0 SB. Folks are still trying to figure out what to make of him, but has a significant track record in the minors.
SS: Marcus Semien, A's- .260/.321/.370, 11 R, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 0 SB. Injured for much of last season, he hit 27 dingers in 2016.
OF: Jose Pirela, Padres- .308/.333/.449, 12 R, 0 HR, 10 RBI, 2 SB. Breakout watch!
OF: Mallex Smith, Rays- .409/.458/.545, 6 R, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 2 SB. With Kiermeier's injury, should start daily until at least mid-season and should be a strong source of SB's.
OF: David Peralta, D'Backs- .340/.471/.540, 11 R, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 1 SB. No outstanding category but contributes across the board. Platoon risk.
SP: Bartolo Colon, Rangers- 0 W, 1.45 ERA, 0.70 WHIP, 17 K, 0 SV, 18.2 IP. The K-rate won't keep up but usually puts up a nice WHIP and can rack up W's.
SP: Andrew Cashner, Orioles- 1 W, 2.50 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 16 K, 0 SV, 18 IP. Had a solid season last year with the Rangers so knows how to put up good numbers in a hitter's ballpark.
SP: Tyler Skaggs, Angels- 2 W, 1.69 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 17 K, 0 SV, 16 IP. Breakout watch!
RP: Chris Devenski, Astros- 1 W, 1.13 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, 10 K, 1 SV, 8 IP. Multi-inning reliever who got a Save this week. Could wind up being the Closer in an unsettled situation in Houston. I actually picked him up today!
C: Francisco Cervelli, Pirates- .286/.379/.551, 6 R, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 0 SB. Won't hit many HR's in the long run, but will likely hit for average and give you some non-HR counting stats.
1B: Justin Bour, Marlins- .232/.306/.464, 5 R, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 0 SB. Doesn't have much help around him in the lineup so R and RBI may lag.
2B: Jed Lowrie, A's- .343/.403/.557, 8 R, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 0 SB. No nobody's radar, but has a steady job in the A's IF.
3B: Christian Villanueva, Padres- .333/.423/.822, 8 R, 6 HR, 13 RBI, 0 SB. Folks are still trying to figure out what to make of him, but has a significant track record in the minors.
SS: Marcus Semien, A's- .260/.321/.370, 11 R, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 0 SB. Injured for much of last season, he hit 27 dingers in 2016.
OF: Jose Pirela, Padres- .308/.333/.449, 12 R, 0 HR, 10 RBI, 2 SB. Breakout watch!
OF: Mallex Smith, Rays- .409/.458/.545, 6 R, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 2 SB. With Kiermeier's injury, should start daily until at least mid-season and should be a strong source of SB's.
OF: David Peralta, D'Backs- .340/.471/.540, 11 R, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 1 SB. No outstanding category but contributes across the board. Platoon risk.
SP: Bartolo Colon, Rangers- 0 W, 1.45 ERA, 0.70 WHIP, 17 K, 0 SV, 18.2 IP. The K-rate won't keep up but usually puts up a nice WHIP and can rack up W's.
SP: Andrew Cashner, Orioles- 1 W, 2.50 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 16 K, 0 SV, 18 IP. Had a solid season last year with the Rangers so knows how to put up good numbers in a hitter's ballpark.
SP: Tyler Skaggs, Angels- 2 W, 1.69 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 17 K, 0 SV, 16 IP. Breakout watch!
RP: Chris Devenski, Astros- 1 W, 1.13 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, 10 K, 1 SV, 8 IP. Multi-inning reliever who got a Save this week. Could wind up being the Closer in an unsettled situation in Houston. I actually picked him up today!
Down on the Farm: 4/16/2018
AAA Tacoma Rainiers vs Sacramento River Cats postponed by rain.
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AA Richmond Flying Squirrels downed he Bowie Baysox 4-2:
Ali Castillo SS- 3 for 4, SB(3). BA= .219.
Luigi Rodriguez RF- 2 for 4, SB(1). BA= .320.
Cory Taylor RHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.07.
Ray Black RHP- 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Tyler Cyr RHP- 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 8.10.
Ray Black makes an appearance and go credit for a Hold, but needed help from Tyler Cyr to finish the game.
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A+ San Jose Giants beat the Visalia Rawhide 4-2 in 10 innings:
Jalen Miller 2B- 2 for 5, SB(2). BA= .333.
Gio Brusa 1B- 2 for 5. BA= .289.
Brandon Van Horn SS- 2 for 4, SB(2). BA= .233.
Andrew Suarez LHP- 6.2 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 1.35.
Logan Webb RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.29.
Andrew Suarez escaped the rain in Sacramento to make the start a bit farther south in Visalia stealing Logan Webb's start. I would say this means we could see Suarez back in SF for a spot start or two in the near future.
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Low A Kannapolis Intimidators defeated the Augusta Greenjackets 4-2:
Heliot Ramos CF- 1 for 4. BA= .250.
Shane Matheny 2B- 2 for 4. BA= .333.
Rob Calabrese C- 2 for 4, HR(1). BA= .235.
Orlando Garcia DH- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .286.
Jason Bahr RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 9 K's. ERA= 0.66.
Sleeper alert on Rob Calabrese. Jason Bahr might need more of a challenge than the SAL is giving him right now.
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AA Richmond Flying Squirrels downed he Bowie Baysox 4-2:
Ali Castillo SS- 3 for 4, SB(3). BA= .219.
Luigi Rodriguez RF- 2 for 4, SB(1). BA= .320.
Cory Taylor RHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 3.07.
Ray Black RHP- 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Tyler Cyr RHP- 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 8.10.
Ray Black makes an appearance and go credit for a Hold, but needed help from Tyler Cyr to finish the game.
*********************************************************************************
A+ San Jose Giants beat the Visalia Rawhide 4-2 in 10 innings:
Jalen Miller 2B- 2 for 5, SB(2). BA= .333.
Gio Brusa 1B- 2 for 5. BA= .289.
Brandon Van Horn SS- 2 for 4, SB(2). BA= .233.
Andrew Suarez LHP- 6.2 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 1.35.
Logan Webb RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.29.
Andrew Suarez escaped the rain in Sacramento to make the start a bit farther south in Visalia stealing Logan Webb's start. I would say this means we could see Suarez back in SF for a spot start or two in the near future.
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Low A Kannapolis Intimidators defeated the Augusta Greenjackets 4-2:
Heliot Ramos CF- 1 for 4. BA= .250.
Shane Matheny 2B- 2 for 4. BA= .333.
Rob Calabrese C- 2 for 4, HR(1). BA= .235.
Orlando Garcia DH- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .286.
Jason Bahr RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 9 K's. ERA= 0.66.
Sleeper alert on Rob Calabrese. Jason Bahr might need more of a challenge than the SAL is giving him right now.
Monday, April 16, 2018
Scouting The 2018 Draft: Bren Spillane
Bren Spillane, OF/1B, College(Illinois). B-R, T-R. 6'5", 210 lbs.
2018: .457/.540/.1.038, 15 2B, 2 3B, 14 HR, 12 SB, 17 BB, 37 K, 105 AB.
2017: .295/.378/.500, 6 2B, 1 BB, 5 HR, 14 BB, 32 K, 112 AB.
Bren Spillane is a story as he is the first-half NCAA Player of the Year due to a huge breakout for University of Illinois. He did not come completely out of nowhere as he was a star in HS and drafted in Round 34 in 2015 by the Pirates. He's a late bloomer in college as power hitters sometimes are. Strictly a corner player and mainly a 1B in college, he shows enough speed to possibly play LF in the pros. Warning signs are a lack of a multi-season track record in college and a high K rate. The obvious comp is Brent Rooker who as drafted in the Competitive Balance Round by the Twins last year, got off to a hot start to his pro career, but is struggling early in AA this season. The Giants like to draft corner mashers in round 2 and 3. Spillane is someone they may want to take a chance on as high as round 2.
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DrB's Updated 2018 Draft Board(top tier):
1. Casey Mize, RHP, College(Auburn).
2. Matthew Liberatore, LHP, HS.
3. Travis Swaggerty, OF, College(Univ. of South Alabama).
4. Kumar Rocker RHP, HS.
5. Jarred Kelenic, OF, HS.
6. Brice Turang, SS, HS.
Comments: I've seen reports that Nander De Sedas has thickened up and is not looking like a SS while I've seen positive reviews of Turang's overall game and his ability to stick at SS. The only thing keeping me from ranking Turang higher is a puzzling lack of hard information on him for such a highly ranked draft prospect. Where are the radar gun readings and 60 yd dash times? I know we are not selling jeans here, but those numbers do mean something.
I am hesitant to rank pitchers so high, but the 2018 crop of hitters is weak. Mize is the obvious and safest pick at 1-1 for the Tigers. The Giants are rumored to be in on Liberatore and he does seem like a very Giantsy pick. He's a high ceiling lefty with advanced skills who should move fast and can be compared to Madison Bumgarner. I love Kumar Rocker's physicality, but I see Liberatore as being a more Giants type guy.
The wild card in all of this is John Barr and whether he's identified a hitter he is confident enough in to take at #2 overall. I could see that being Turang who checks off quite a few boxes the Giants historically like in a player.
2018: .457/.540/.1.038, 15 2B, 2 3B, 14 HR, 12 SB, 17 BB, 37 K, 105 AB.
2017: .295/.378/.500, 6 2B, 1 BB, 5 HR, 14 BB, 32 K, 112 AB.
Bren Spillane is a story as he is the first-half NCAA Player of the Year due to a huge breakout for University of Illinois. He did not come completely out of nowhere as he was a star in HS and drafted in Round 34 in 2015 by the Pirates. He's a late bloomer in college as power hitters sometimes are. Strictly a corner player and mainly a 1B in college, he shows enough speed to possibly play LF in the pros. Warning signs are a lack of a multi-season track record in college and a high K rate. The obvious comp is Brent Rooker who as drafted in the Competitive Balance Round by the Twins last year, got off to a hot start to his pro career, but is struggling early in AA this season. The Giants like to draft corner mashers in round 2 and 3. Spillane is someone they may want to take a chance on as high as round 2.
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DrB's Updated 2018 Draft Board(top tier):
1. Casey Mize, RHP, College(Auburn).
2. Matthew Liberatore, LHP, HS.
3. Travis Swaggerty, OF, College(Univ. of South Alabama).
4. Kumar Rocker RHP, HS.
5. Jarred Kelenic, OF, HS.
6. Brice Turang, SS, HS.
Comments: I've seen reports that Nander De Sedas has thickened up and is not looking like a SS while I've seen positive reviews of Turang's overall game and his ability to stick at SS. The only thing keeping me from ranking Turang higher is a puzzling lack of hard information on him for such a highly ranked draft prospect. Where are the radar gun readings and 60 yd dash times? I know we are not selling jeans here, but those numbers do mean something.
I am hesitant to rank pitchers so high, but the 2018 crop of hitters is weak. Mize is the obvious and safest pick at 1-1 for the Tigers. The Giants are rumored to be in on Liberatore and he does seem like a very Giantsy pick. He's a high ceiling lefty with advanced skills who should move fast and can be compared to Madison Bumgarner. I love Kumar Rocker's physicality, but I see Liberatore as being a more Giants type guy.
The wild card in all of this is John Barr and whether he's identified a hitter he is confident enough in to take at #2 overall. I could see that being Turang who checks off quite a few boxes the Giants historically like in a player.
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Down on the Farm: 4/15/2018
AAA Tacoma Rainiers buried the Sacramento River Cats 15-5:
Austin Slater RF- 3 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .423.
Mac Williamson LF- 3 for 3, 2 BB. BA= .548.
Myles Schroder 3B/P- 2 for 4, 3B. BA= .625.
Alen Hanson PH/2B- 2 for 3, HR(1). BA= .414.
Myles Schroder 3B/P- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
Austin Slater and Mac Williamson are both raking. Mac had been playing RF, but moves over to LF today. Hmm...... Myles Schroder can pitch too?
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AA Richmond Flying Squirrels outscored the Reading Fightin' Phils 7-6:
Ryan Howard SS- 1 for 3, 2B, HBP. BA= .368.
Jonah Arenado 3B- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .219.
Garrett Williams LHP- 4 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 4.00.
Jake McCasland RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 4.50.
Not much to say here. Howard stays hot. Saw a link on Minor Lines over at MCC that the Squirrels are off to their best start in team history.
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A+ San Jose Giants topped the Stockton Ports 5-4 in 10 innings:
Gio Brusa 1B- 1 for 5, HR(3). BA= .275.
Heath Quinn LF- 4 for 4, 2B. BA= .286.
Jacob Heyward DH- 1 for 3, BB. BA= .344.
Brandon Van Horn SS- 2 for 3, SF. BA= .205.
Melvin Adon RHP- 6 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.68.
Will Smith LHP- 0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 10.80.
Brusa had the walk-off 2-run HR today.
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Low A Augusta Greenjackets vs Lexington Legends postponed due to rain.
Austin Slater RF- 3 for 5, 2 2B. BA= .423.
Mac Williamson LF- 3 for 3, 2 BB. BA= .548.
Myles Schroder 3B/P- 2 for 4, 3B. BA= .625.
Alen Hanson PH/2B- 2 for 3, HR(1). BA= .414.
Myles Schroder 3B/P- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
Austin Slater and Mac Williamson are both raking. Mac had been playing RF, but moves over to LF today. Hmm...... Myles Schroder can pitch too?
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AA Richmond Flying Squirrels outscored the Reading Fightin' Phils 7-6:
Ryan Howard SS- 1 for 3, 2B, HBP. BA= .368.
Jonah Arenado 3B- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .219.
Garrett Williams LHP- 4 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 4.00.
Jake McCasland RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 4.50.
Not much to say here. Howard stays hot. Saw a link on Minor Lines over at MCC that the Squirrels are off to their best start in team history.
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A+ San Jose Giants topped the Stockton Ports 5-4 in 10 innings:
Gio Brusa 1B- 1 for 5, HR(3). BA= .275.
Heath Quinn LF- 4 for 4, 2B. BA= .286.
Jacob Heyward DH- 1 for 3, BB. BA= .344.
Brandon Van Horn SS- 2 for 3, SF. BA= .205.
Melvin Adon RHP- 6 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.68.
Will Smith LHP- 0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 10.80.
Brusa had the walk-off 2-run HR today.
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Low A Augusta Greenjackets vs Lexington Legends postponed due to rain.
Game Wrap 4/15/2018: Padres 10 Giants 1
The Giants broke down in all facets of the game, hitting, defense, starting pitching, relief pitching, in a lopsided loss to the Padres. Key Lines:
Evan Longoria 3B- 1 for 3, 2B. BA= .204. Longoria's bat seems to be coming to life. That is a good thing.
Tyler Beede RHP- 3.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 3 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 8.22. Beede clearly needs more salt, but we'll focus on the 6 K's and say the stuff is there if it can be further refined. Control/command continues to be an issue.
Josh Osich LHP- 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 6.14. Osich was on fire in spring training and it seems to carry over into his first appearance of the season, but now it's the same old Josh Osich. Hard to comprehend why he is not more effective with a FB that averages almost 96 MPH, but the numbers don't seem to lie.
Derek Law RHP- 1.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 5.40. Another frustrating guy who runs hot and cold and seems to have the stuff to be much better.
Hunter Strickland RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K. ERA= 1.29. Strick just needed some work. At least he turned in a scoreless frame.
*********************************************************************************
The Loss dropped the Giants into 5'th place in the NL West, percentage points behind the Padres at 5 games behind the D'Backs who lost to the Dodgers today. The 2'nd place Rockies topped the Nationals 6-5 to gain a game and now trail the Snakes by 3. The Last Place Dodgers(not sure how much longer I can write that, but love it!) are just 0.5 games behind the Giants.
*********************************************************************************
The Giants have a day off on the road before starting a 3 game series in Arizona on Tuesday with Johnny Cueto scheduled to start against Patrick Corbin.
Evan Longoria 3B- 1 for 3, 2B. BA= .204. Longoria's bat seems to be coming to life. That is a good thing.
Tyler Beede RHP- 3.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 3 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 8.22. Beede clearly needs more salt, but we'll focus on the 6 K's and say the stuff is there if it can be further refined. Control/command continues to be an issue.
Josh Osich LHP- 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 6.14. Osich was on fire in spring training and it seems to carry over into his first appearance of the season, but now it's the same old Josh Osich. Hard to comprehend why he is not more effective with a FB that averages almost 96 MPH, but the numbers don't seem to lie.
Derek Law RHP- 1.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 5.40. Another frustrating guy who runs hot and cold and seems to have the stuff to be much better.
Hunter Strickland RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K. ERA= 1.29. Strick just needed some work. At least he turned in a scoreless frame.
*********************************************************************************
The Loss dropped the Giants into 5'th place in the NL West, percentage points behind the Padres at 5 games behind the D'Backs who lost to the Dodgers today. The 2'nd place Rockies topped the Nationals 6-5 to gain a game and now trail the Snakes by 3. The Last Place Dodgers(not sure how much longer I can write that, but love it!) are just 0.5 games behind the Giants.
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The Giants have a day off on the road before starting a 3 game series in Arizona on Tuesday with Johnny Cueto scheduled to start against Patrick Corbin.
Down on the Farm: 4/14/2018
AAA Sacramento River Cats pounded the Tacoma Rainiers 12-7:
Steven Duggar CF- 2 for 3, 3 BB. BA= .258.
Alen Hanson 2B- 2 for 5, BB, SB(3). BA= .385.
Mac Williamson RF- 2 for 3, HR(5), BB. BA= .500.
Chase d'Arnaud 3B- 3 for 5, 2B, 3B. BA= .345.
Myles Schroder 1B- 2 for 3, HR(1), BB, SF. BA= .750.
Dereck Rodriguez RHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 4.70.
Joan Gregorio RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 4.50.
Another game to pad the stat line. Mac continues to rake if for Sacramento. In response to a comment in yesterday's Down on the Farm, I am a big Austin Slater fan, but Mac is the one player in the organization who has the physical tools to hit 40 dingers in a season. Whether he'll ever do it? I don't know. The Giants owe to themselves to give him that chance at some point.
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AA Richmond Flying Squirrels topped the Reading Fightin' Phils 5-4:
Ronnie Jebavy CF- 1 for 2, 2 BB, SB(4). BA= .148.
Ryan Howard SS- 2 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .371.
Matt Gage LHP- 6 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 2.45.
Mike Connolly RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
Tyler Cyr RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(1). ERA= 9.00.
So far, Howard is the best hitter, by far, on this team. Whether by WHIP or by K/BB, 1 ER looks like the real result from Gage's pitching line.
*********************************************************************************
A+ San Jose Giants overcame a horrible rehab start by Jeff Samardzija to outlast the Stockton Ports 7-7 in 11 innings:
Bryce Johnson CF- 2 for 6. BA= .275.
Jalen Miller 2B- 1 for 4, HR(2), BB. BA= .342.
Gio Brusa 1B- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .286.
Jacob Heyward LF- 2 for 4, HR(2), BB. BA= .345.
Jeff Samardzija RHP- 2.2 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 2 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 20.25.
Raffi Vizcaino RHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Patrick Ruotolo RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.25.
Miller's dinger was a 2-run walkoff job. I know MadBum and Cueto have had ugly rehab starts that didn't mean a thing but my goodness! The meltdown occurred in the first inning after 2 flyball outs and went single single(2 throwing errors), double, walk, walk, Grand Slam HR. After that he seemed to settle down and finished with 5 K's. Raffi Vizcaino has pitched 9 shutout innings this season with 10 K's.
*********************************************************************************
Low A Lexington Legends edged out the Augusta Greenjackets 2-1:
Joey Marciano LHP- 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 0.82.
Peter Lannoo RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.25.
Camilo Doval RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 30.86.
Let's all cheer for Camilo Doval who finally completed an inning and did not allow any runs to boot!. Hopefully this is what gets this high-ceiling prospect going.
Steven Duggar CF- 2 for 3, 3 BB. BA= .258.
Alen Hanson 2B- 2 for 5, BB, SB(3). BA= .385.
Mac Williamson RF- 2 for 3, HR(5), BB. BA= .500.
Chase d'Arnaud 3B- 3 for 5, 2B, 3B. BA= .345.
Myles Schroder 1B- 2 for 3, HR(1), BB, SF. BA= .750.
Dereck Rodriguez RHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 4.70.
Joan Gregorio RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 4.50.
Another game to pad the stat line. Mac continues to rake if for Sacramento. In response to a comment in yesterday's Down on the Farm, I am a big Austin Slater fan, but Mac is the one player in the organization who has the physical tools to hit 40 dingers in a season. Whether he'll ever do it? I don't know. The Giants owe to themselves to give him that chance at some point.
*********************************************************************************
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels topped the Reading Fightin' Phils 5-4:
Ronnie Jebavy CF- 1 for 2, 2 BB, SB(4). BA= .148.
Ryan Howard SS- 2 for 3, 2B, BB. BA= .371.
Matt Gage LHP- 6 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 2.45.
Mike Connolly RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.
Tyler Cyr RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(1). ERA= 9.00.
So far, Howard is the best hitter, by far, on this team. Whether by WHIP or by K/BB, 1 ER looks like the real result from Gage's pitching line.
*********************************************************************************
A+ San Jose Giants overcame a horrible rehab start by Jeff Samardzija to outlast the Stockton Ports 7-7 in 11 innings:
Bryce Johnson CF- 2 for 6. BA= .275.
Jalen Miller 2B- 1 for 4, HR(2), BB. BA= .342.
Gio Brusa 1B- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .286.
Jacob Heyward LF- 2 for 4, HR(2), BB. BA= .345.
Jeff Samardzija RHP- 2.2 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 2 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 20.25.
Raffi Vizcaino RHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Patrick Ruotolo RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.25.
Miller's dinger was a 2-run walkoff job. I know MadBum and Cueto have had ugly rehab starts that didn't mean a thing but my goodness! The meltdown occurred in the first inning after 2 flyball outs and went single single(2 throwing errors), double, walk, walk, Grand Slam HR. After that he seemed to settle down and finished with 5 K's. Raffi Vizcaino has pitched 9 shutout innings this season with 10 K's.
*********************************************************************************
Low A Lexington Legends edged out the Augusta Greenjackets 2-1:
Joey Marciano LHP- 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 0.82.
Peter Lannoo RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.25.
Camilo Doval RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 30.86.
Let's all cheer for Camilo Doval who finally completed an inning and did not allow any runs to boot!. Hopefully this is what gets this high-ceiling prospect going.
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Game Wrap 4/14/2018: Padres 5 Giants 4
The Giants offense came to life but the pitching faltered and a bad replay call may have cost them the game. Key Lines:
Joe Panik 2B- 2 for 4, 3B. BA= .327. OK, here we go. With the Giants leading 4-3 in the top of the 7'th, Joe Panik hit a 1-out triple. McCutchen then hit a liner to RF that did not give Panik much time to tag up. The relay throw home appeared to be in plenty of time to get Panik but the replay clearly showed his foot hitting home plate well before any tag and it was questionable whether he ever got tagged at all! Maybe the replay officials had a better angle, but it looked like he was safe. Kruk and Kuip sure thought so! That call turned out to be the difference in the ballgame.
Andrew McCutchen RF- 1 for 3, HR(2), 2 BB. BA= .214. Cutch's blast was a bomb that hit in well back in the upper deck in left-CF which is an enormous distance away in Petco Park.
Evan Longoria- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(2). BA= .176. Longoria finally got the Giants on the board in the 4'th inning with a 2-run blast which also found the second deck in LF. He doubled later in the game. Hopefully this is a breakout from his early season slump.
Brandon Crawford SS- 1 for 3, 3B, BB. BA= .277. Crawford's triple in the 4'th inning led to a 3'rd run and gave the Giants a temporary lead.
Derek Holland LHP- 4.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.60. Holland gave up his obligatory 2 runs in the first inning, then seemed to settle down. He lost control of the strike zone in the 5'th inning as his pitch count soared above 80 pitches. He finished with 86.
Reyes Maronta RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00. Kruk gave a nice demonstration of Maronta's drop and drive delivery with the help of slo-mo video. Maronta looked great, but made the mistake of walking AJ Ellis with 2 outs in the 6'th. Bochy went for the lefty-lefty matchup with Josh Osich and Carlos Asuaje and.....
Josh Osich LHP- 0.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 4.76. Osich hung a fastball(can you hang a fastball?) to Asuaje who is not exactly Eric Hosmer. Asauje spanked it up the middle for a hit sending AJ Ellis to 3B and that was it for Osich.
Cory Gearrin RHP- 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 3.60. Gearring struck out the dangerous Joe Pirela to end the 6'th inning, but started the 7'th giving up a single to Freddy Galvis followed by a laser shot HR to Hunter Renfroe. After he walked the next batter, he was done.
Tony Watson LHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00. Watson relieved Gearrin and promptly allowed 2 singles to load the bases with 0 outs. He pulled himself together and pitched his way out of the jam without allowing any further runs.
Pierce Johnson RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.00. Johnson continues to put together quality innings. He has a nice arsenal of pitches and I saw one FB that reached 96 MPH on the TV radar gun.
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The Loss dropped the Giants record to 6-8, 5 games behind the NL West Leading D'Backs who destroyed the Dodgers 9-1. The Rockies lost to the Nationals 6-2 and are in 2'nd place, 4 games behind the D'Backs. The Padres move ahead of the Dodgers and are 6 games behind the leaders while the Dodgers drop into last place, 6.5 games off the pace.
*********************************************************************************
Tyler Beede tries to improve on his first MLB start and salvage a series tie tomorrow facing another rookie, LHP Joey Lucchesi who is hot stuff on the fantasy baseball circuit.
Joe Panik 2B- 2 for 4, 3B. BA= .327. OK, here we go. With the Giants leading 4-3 in the top of the 7'th, Joe Panik hit a 1-out triple. McCutchen then hit a liner to RF that did not give Panik much time to tag up. The relay throw home appeared to be in plenty of time to get Panik but the replay clearly showed his foot hitting home plate well before any tag and it was questionable whether he ever got tagged at all! Maybe the replay officials had a better angle, but it looked like he was safe. Kruk and Kuip sure thought so! That call turned out to be the difference in the ballgame.
Andrew McCutchen RF- 1 for 3, HR(2), 2 BB. BA= .214. Cutch's blast was a bomb that hit in well back in the upper deck in left-CF which is an enormous distance away in Petco Park.
Evan Longoria- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(2). BA= .176. Longoria finally got the Giants on the board in the 4'th inning with a 2-run blast which also found the second deck in LF. He doubled later in the game. Hopefully this is a breakout from his early season slump.
Brandon Crawford SS- 1 for 3, 3B, BB. BA= .277. Crawford's triple in the 4'th inning led to a 3'rd run and gave the Giants a temporary lead.
Derek Holland LHP- 4.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.60. Holland gave up his obligatory 2 runs in the first inning, then seemed to settle down. He lost control of the strike zone in the 5'th inning as his pitch count soared above 80 pitches. He finished with 86.
Reyes Maronta RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00. Kruk gave a nice demonstration of Maronta's drop and drive delivery with the help of slo-mo video. Maronta looked great, but made the mistake of walking AJ Ellis with 2 outs in the 6'th. Bochy went for the lefty-lefty matchup with Josh Osich and Carlos Asuaje and.....
Josh Osich LHP- 0.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 4.76. Osich hung a fastball(can you hang a fastball?) to Asuaje who is not exactly Eric Hosmer. Asauje spanked it up the middle for a hit sending AJ Ellis to 3B and that was it for Osich.
Cory Gearrin RHP- 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 3.60. Gearring struck out the dangerous Joe Pirela to end the 6'th inning, but started the 7'th giving up a single to Freddy Galvis followed by a laser shot HR to Hunter Renfroe. After he walked the next batter, he was done.
Tony Watson LHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00. Watson relieved Gearrin and promptly allowed 2 singles to load the bases with 0 outs. He pulled himself together and pitched his way out of the jam without allowing any further runs.
Pierce Johnson RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.00. Johnson continues to put together quality innings. He has a nice arsenal of pitches and I saw one FB that reached 96 MPH on the TV radar gun.
*********************************************************************************
The Loss dropped the Giants record to 6-8, 5 games behind the NL West Leading D'Backs who destroyed the Dodgers 9-1. The Rockies lost to the Nationals 6-2 and are in 2'nd place, 4 games behind the D'Backs. The Padres move ahead of the Dodgers and are 6 games behind the leaders while the Dodgers drop into last place, 6.5 games off the pace.
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Tyler Beede tries to improve on his first MLB start and salvage a series tie tomorrow facing another rookie, LHP Joey Lucchesi who is hot stuff on the fantasy baseball circuit.
Down on the Farm: 4/13/2018
AAA Tacoma Rainiers edged out the Sacramento River Cats 3-2:
Alen Hanson 2B- 2 for 4, SB(2). BA= .381.
Mac Williamson RF- 1 for 3, HR(4), BB. BA= .480.
Tyler Herb RHP- 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 7.00.
It's tough to see Mac destroying he PCL while Hunter Pence flails for the Giants. They'll both have to do that a bit longer for Mac to get the call. Herb has a QS to follow up a rough first start.
*********************************************************************************
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels topped the Reading Fightin' Phils 3-1:
Ronnie Jebavy CF- 2 for 4, 3B. BA= .120.
Ryan Howard SS- 1 for 3, BB, SB)5). BA= .344.
Jordan Johnson RHP- 1 for 2, HR(1). BA= .500.
Jordan Johnson RHP- 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.86.
Johnson was kind of a 1-man team as he pitched shutout ball for 6 innings and helped himself with a dinger. He needs to find consistency this season. It will be interesting to see if Ryan Howard's SB surge continues. Although not a base-clogger, he has not been a big base-stealer in the past.
*********************************************************************************
A+ San Jose Giants blanked the Stockton Ports 3-0:
Frandy De La Rosa DH- 1 for 3, HR(3), BB. BA= .267.
Sandro Fabian RF- 1 for 3, 2B. BA= .290.
Mac Marshall LHP- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Sandro Cabrera LHP- 3.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Nice to see Sandro Fabian sitting at .290. Sandro Cabrera has 9 K's in 7.1 IP after 2 Appearances.
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Low A Augusta Greenjackets defeated the Lexington Legends 2-1:
Heliot Ramos CF- 2 for 4. BA= .250.
Jose Marte RHP- 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 5.59.
Franklin Van Gurp RHP- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Nice rebound from a rough first start for Marte who has one of the higher ceilings among pitchers in the organization. Van Gurp has 8 Ks against 1 BB in 6 hitless innings over 2 Appearances.
Alen Hanson 2B- 2 for 4, SB(2). BA= .381.
Mac Williamson RF- 1 for 3, HR(4), BB. BA= .480.
Tyler Herb RHP- 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 7.00.
It's tough to see Mac destroying he PCL while Hunter Pence flails for the Giants. They'll both have to do that a bit longer for Mac to get the call. Herb has a QS to follow up a rough first start.
*********************************************************************************
AA Richmond Flying Squirrels topped the Reading Fightin' Phils 3-1:
Ronnie Jebavy CF- 2 for 4, 3B. BA= .120.
Ryan Howard SS- 1 for 3, BB, SB)5). BA= .344.
Jordan Johnson RHP- 1 for 2, HR(1). BA= .500.
Jordan Johnson RHP- 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 3.86.
Johnson was kind of a 1-man team as he pitched shutout ball for 6 innings and helped himself with a dinger. He needs to find consistency this season. It will be interesting to see if Ryan Howard's SB surge continues. Although not a base-clogger, he has not been a big base-stealer in the past.
*********************************************************************************
A+ San Jose Giants blanked the Stockton Ports 3-0:
Frandy De La Rosa DH- 1 for 3, HR(3), BB. BA= .267.
Sandro Fabian RF- 1 for 3, 2B. BA= .290.
Mac Marshall LHP- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Sandro Cabrera LHP- 3.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Nice to see Sandro Fabian sitting at .290. Sandro Cabrera has 9 K's in 7.1 IP after 2 Appearances.
*********************************************************************************
Low A Augusta Greenjackets defeated the Lexington Legends 2-1:
Heliot Ramos CF- 2 for 4. BA= .250.
Jose Marte RHP- 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 5.59.
Franklin Van Gurp RHP- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 0.00.
Nice rebound from a rough first start for Marte who has one of the higher ceilings among pitchers in the organization. Van Gurp has 8 Ks against 1 BB in 6 hitless innings over 2 Appearances.
Game Wrap 4/13/2018: Padres 5 Giants 1
The Giants offense went back into sputter mode, Ty Blach faltered after 4 no-hit innings and the Giants lost quietly. Key Lines:
Joe Panik 2B- 2 for 4. BA= .313.
Brandon Belt 1B- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .270.
Brandon Crawford SS- 3 for 4. BA= .273.
Gregor Blanco CF- 2 for 4. BA= .391.
These 4 players all had multi-hit games. Unfortunately, they were all singles and McCutchen(.204), Posey(.341), Longoria(.149) and Pence(.200) all went 0 for 4 and failed in multiple RBI opportunities. McCutchen in particular left 7 runners on base although in 1 AB he hit the ball hard but right at the SS.
Ty Blach LHP- 5 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 4.43. Blach sailed through 4 innings allowing just 1 BB. He started to falter in the 5'th but should have been out of it with just 1 run allowed but for an error by Brandon Belt which allowed Carlos Asauaje reach base on a replay call. For some reason, Bochy thought it was a good idea to send him back out in the 6'th to face the Padres order for the 3'rd time with predictable results: 2B, 2B, 1B. Boom! The score was 4-0 and you kind of knew the game was over at that point.
Pierce Johnson RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.13. Johnson continues to impress in the chances he gets.
Sam Dyson RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 7.11. Franchy Cordero greeted Dyson with a bomb. He then settled down to retire the last 6 Padres batters in the game. Still would not trust him in any situation where the outcome of the game is in doubt.
*********************************************************************************
The Loss dropped the Giants into 3'rd place in the NL West, 4 games behind the D'Backs who outscored the Dodgers 8-7. The Rockies topped the the Nationals 2-1 to remain 3 games off the lead in 2'nd place. The 4'th place Dodgers are 5.5 games behind while the Padres still bring up the rear at 6 games off the pace.
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Derek Holland tries to get the Giants back to .500 facing Clayton Richard who always seems to be tough on the Giants.
Joe Panik 2B- 2 for 4. BA= .313.
Brandon Belt 1B- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .270.
Brandon Crawford SS- 3 for 4. BA= .273.
Gregor Blanco CF- 2 for 4. BA= .391.
These 4 players all had multi-hit games. Unfortunately, they were all singles and McCutchen(.204), Posey(.341), Longoria(.149) and Pence(.200) all went 0 for 4 and failed in multiple RBI opportunities. McCutchen in particular left 7 runners on base although in 1 AB he hit the ball hard but right at the SS.
Ty Blach LHP- 5 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 4.43. Blach sailed through 4 innings allowing just 1 BB. He started to falter in the 5'th but should have been out of it with just 1 run allowed but for an error by Brandon Belt which allowed Carlos Asauaje reach base on a replay call. For some reason, Bochy thought it was a good idea to send him back out in the 6'th to face the Padres order for the 3'rd time with predictable results: 2B, 2B, 1B. Boom! The score was 4-0 and you kind of knew the game was over at that point.
Pierce Johnson RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 1.13. Johnson continues to impress in the chances he gets.
Sam Dyson RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 7.11. Franchy Cordero greeted Dyson with a bomb. He then settled down to retire the last 6 Padres batters in the game. Still would not trust him in any situation where the outcome of the game is in doubt.
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The Loss dropped the Giants into 3'rd place in the NL West, 4 games behind the D'Backs who outscored the Dodgers 8-7. The Rockies topped the the Nationals 2-1 to remain 3 games off the lead in 2'nd place. The 4'th place Dodgers are 5.5 games behind while the Padres still bring up the rear at 6 games off the pace.
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Derek Holland tries to get the Giants back to .500 facing Clayton Richard who always seems to be tough on the Giants.
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