The Giants played another crisp game, this time on the road against the BrewCrew. Hey! Who needs Bryce Harper? Key Lines:
Drew Ferguson CF- 1 for 1, BB, SB(2). BA= .111. Ferguson hasn't hit much in the early going but he's made some nice defensive plays and stolen a couple of bases. Maybe his all around skills will keep him in the running long enough for the bat to wake up?
Mac Williamson LF- 1 for 3, HR(1). BA= .111. Mac gets his first hit of the spring and it's a dinger! Go Mac!
Austin Slater RF- 1 for 3, 3B. BA= .333. Slater is kind of the forgotten man in this mix but he's off to a pretty good start to the spring.
Levi Michael 2B- 1 for 1, HR(1), BB. BA= .600. Michael seems like a long shot to win a roster spot but he's quietly been on fire.
Chris Stratton RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO= 4/1. ERA= 4.50. Much better results in his second spring start for Stratton who is out of options.
Ty Blach LHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 4.50. Blach pitched well again except for that walk and dinger in his second inning of work.
Melvin Adon RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 4.50. Adon is apparently hopping onto the fast track and will be pitching in a relief role this season.
Sam Coonrod RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 0.00. Always nice to strike out the side even if it's in the 8'th inning of a spring training game.
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Next up, Madison Bumgarner makes his second start of the spring against the Reds in Scottsdale in the first night game of the spring. Steven Duggar and Buster Posey are expected to make their spring debuts.
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We can stop waiting for Bryce. He signed with the Phillies for 13 yr/$330 M. Yeah, you read that right, 13 years! The Giants reportedly offered ONLY 12 yrs/$310 M which is actually a slightly higher AAV. So yeah, all that speculation that he wanted to be on the west coast and closer to his family and wasn't diggin' Philly? It was all BS. He was going to the highest bidder, period. Wish Bryce the best, especially when those Philly fans decide he's not living up to his price.
As for the Giants, Farhan Zaidi has always hinted more than strongly that he has a few other options up his sleeve. Let's see what those are. Personally I'm OK with seeing if he and Bochy can cobble together a California Dreaming team out of the Motley Crew that's in camp, but Farhan will still be a chump if his promises of rabbits up his sleeve prove to be empty.
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Spring Training Game Wrap 2/27/2019: Giants 15 Royals 2
The Giants did lots of good things on the field today in a lopsided win over the Royals in Scottsdale. Key Lines:
Gerardo Parra LF- 2 for 2, 2B, HR(1), HBP, SB(1). BA= .333. I wasn't a big fan of the Giants signing Parra, but maybe he's better than the shiny new toys Farhan Zaidi found in the dumpster?
John Andreoli LF- 1 for 2. BA= .667. Amdreoli is 2 for 3 on the spring with 2 BB's for an OBP of .800. His hit today came in a 9-run 9'th inning with a bases-loaded single to drive in 2 then came home on a triple by Breyvic Valera.
Yangervis Solarte, 2B. 2 for 3, 3B. BA= 500. I've always liked Yangervis Solarte a lot, in no small part for his name which I would grade as at least a 60. Gotta say, as much as I liked Alen Hanson last year, Solarte is almost certainly an upgrade despite his down year with Toronto last season.
Evan Longoria 3B- 1 for 1, HR(1), SF. BA= .750. Longoria is acting like he has something to prove.
Breyvic Valera 3B- 1 for 3, 3B. BA= .375. Valera could give Solarte a battle, but I tend to think Solarte has the inside track.
Chris Shaw PH/DH- 1 for 2, HR(1). BA= .250. Shaw hit the first of 3 consecutive dingers for the Giants in the 9'th inning blowout rally. On the video, he looks slimmer than I remember him.
Joey Bart C- 2 for 3, 2B, HR(1). BA= .571. Bart led off the big 9'th with a loud double then hit the second round tripper of the B2B2B sequence. Woo Hoo!!! I wonder if he could get assigned to AA out of spring training?
Zach Green 1B- 2 for 3, HR(1). BA= .429. Green had the last of the 3 dingers in the 9'th inning run.
Mike Gerber CF- 2 for 2. BA= .667. Gerber has been playing some CF in Steven Duggar's absence and making the most of the opportunity.
Jeff Samardzija RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00. Shark reportedly hit 94 MPH on the FB and showed a sharp slider. He pitched like he has something to prove.
Andrew Suarez LHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00. Solid spring debut for Suarez who may find himself in Sacramento to start the season due to options.
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Brandon Belt has missed 3 games with an illness, because of course he has! He is scheduled to play tomorrow against the BrewCrew in Phoenix. Chris Stratton gets his second spring start which Ty Blach and Melvin Adon are also scheduled to pitch.
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Still waiting for Bryce. The Giants may actually be in this thing for real if MLBTR is to be believed. The Larry Baer went beck to Las Vegas to try for deal and the Giants are reportedly now fully invested in a 10 year deal for at least $300 M. Bryce seems to really, really not want to go to Philly and the Dodgers are still rumored to be only interested in a shorter term deal. Come on, Larry, prove me wrong and get this done!
Gerardo Parra LF- 2 for 2, 2B, HR(1), HBP, SB(1). BA= .333. I wasn't a big fan of the Giants signing Parra, but maybe he's better than the shiny new toys Farhan Zaidi found in the dumpster?
John Andreoli LF- 1 for 2. BA= .667. Amdreoli is 2 for 3 on the spring with 2 BB's for an OBP of .800. His hit today came in a 9-run 9'th inning with a bases-loaded single to drive in 2 then came home on a triple by Breyvic Valera.
Yangervis Solarte, 2B. 2 for 3, 3B. BA= 500. I've always liked Yangervis Solarte a lot, in no small part for his name which I would grade as at least a 60. Gotta say, as much as I liked Alen Hanson last year, Solarte is almost certainly an upgrade despite his down year with Toronto last season.
Evan Longoria 3B- 1 for 1, HR(1), SF. BA= .750. Longoria is acting like he has something to prove.
Breyvic Valera 3B- 1 for 3, 3B. BA= .375. Valera could give Solarte a battle, but I tend to think Solarte has the inside track.
Chris Shaw PH/DH- 1 for 2, HR(1). BA= .250. Shaw hit the first of 3 consecutive dingers for the Giants in the 9'th inning blowout rally. On the video, he looks slimmer than I remember him.
Joey Bart C- 2 for 3, 2B, HR(1). BA= .571. Bart led off the big 9'th with a loud double then hit the second round tripper of the B2B2B sequence. Woo Hoo!!! I wonder if he could get assigned to AA out of spring training?
Zach Green 1B- 2 for 3, HR(1). BA= .429. Green had the last of the 3 dingers in the 9'th inning run.
Mike Gerber CF- 2 for 2. BA= .667. Gerber has been playing some CF in Steven Duggar's absence and making the most of the opportunity.
Jeff Samardzija RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00. Shark reportedly hit 94 MPH on the FB and showed a sharp slider. He pitched like he has something to prove.
Andrew Suarez LHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00. Solid spring debut for Suarez who may find himself in Sacramento to start the season due to options.
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Brandon Belt has missed 3 games with an illness, because of course he has! He is scheduled to play tomorrow against the BrewCrew in Phoenix. Chris Stratton gets his second spring start which Ty Blach and Melvin Adon are also scheduled to pitch.
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Still waiting for Bryce. The Giants may actually be in this thing for real if MLBTR is to be believed. The Larry Baer went beck to Las Vegas to try for deal and the Giants are reportedly now fully invested in a 10 year deal for at least $300 M. Bryce seems to really, really not want to go to Philly and the Dodgers are still rumored to be only interested in a shorter term deal. Come on, Larry, prove me wrong and get this done!
Scouting the 2019 Draft: Will Wilson
Will Wilson, SS, College(North Carolina). DOB: B-R, T-R. 6'0", 175 lbs.
2018: .307/.376/.588, 16 2B, 3 3B, 15 HR, 9.93 BB%, 15.07 K%, 272 PA.
Will Wilson is a college SS projected to remain in the position in the pros. He's on the small side but packs some punch in his swing. Physically, he reminds me of Matt Duffy, wiry strong. Concern would be that his size might force him to sell out for power at higher levels. He's off to a hot start to his junior season hitting .400 with 3 HR's in his first 35 PA's. MLB Pipeline ranks him #28 on their draft board. Fangraphs has him at #21.
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I don't remember if I mentioned this in a previous post but C Shea Langeliers, College(Baylor) suffered a hamate fracture and is out for 6-8 weeks which could impact his draft stock.
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DrB's updated 2019 Draft Board:
1. Bobby Witt, Jr., SS, HS. 5-tool athlete with MLB bloodline who can stick at SS.
2. Adley Rutcschman, C, College(Oregon St). Excellent catching prospect whose bat had a huge sophomore breakout. Hot start to 2019 college season.
3. CJ Abrams, SS, HS. 4+ tool prospect with best wheels in draft. Power lags a bit. Early reports on his senior season positive.
4. Andrew Vaughn, 1B, College(Cal). Top college power bat in draft. Numbers guys will like him better than scouts. Off to a hot start to his junior season hitting .402 with 3 HR's in 35 PA's.
5. Kameron Misner, OF, College(Missouri). Best all around tools among college draft prospects. Off to a great start in his junior season hitting .433 with 2 dingers and 5 SB's in 39 PA's.
6. Bryson Stott, SS, College(UNLV). Solid College bat who can stick at SS. Hitting 424 with 4 HR in 43 PA early in junior season.
7. Spencer Jones, 1B/LHP, HS. Tall angular 2-way player who looks physically similar to Christian Yelich. Plays 1B in HS but has speed to play OF and obviously the arm. Might be a tough sign as he is committed to Vanderbilt where he would be more likely to continue both pitching and hitting.
8. Corbin Carroll, OF, HS. Undersized, speedy, athletic OF with a strong hit tool in the mold of Ellsbury and Benintendi. Hit tool seems solid enough to take a chance on drafting him with a high pick. Projects as a CF.
9. Rece Hinds, 3B, HS. HS SS with tremendous size and strength in his frame. Projects to have tremendous power. Reminds me a lot of how I felt about Jo Adell a couple of years ago.
10. Josh Jung, 3B, College(Texas Tech). Disciplined bat with power potential. Has arm to play 3B at highest level. Stock has slipped a bit as he is hitting .333 with no dingers in first 35 PA this season.
I also like JJ Bleday, OF, College(Vanderbilt) and Matt Wallner, OF, College(Southern Mississippi). Michael Busch, 1B, College(UNC) could be a consideration if the Giants think the NL will bring in the DH within the next few seasons.
2018: .307/.376/.588, 16 2B, 3 3B, 15 HR, 9.93 BB%, 15.07 K%, 272 PA.
Will Wilson is a college SS projected to remain in the position in the pros. He's on the small side but packs some punch in his swing. Physically, he reminds me of Matt Duffy, wiry strong. Concern would be that his size might force him to sell out for power at higher levels. He's off to a hot start to his junior season hitting .400 with 3 HR's in his first 35 PA's. MLB Pipeline ranks him #28 on their draft board. Fangraphs has him at #21.
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I don't remember if I mentioned this in a previous post but C Shea Langeliers, College(Baylor) suffered a hamate fracture and is out for 6-8 weeks which could impact his draft stock.
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DrB's updated 2019 Draft Board:
1. Bobby Witt, Jr., SS, HS. 5-tool athlete with MLB bloodline who can stick at SS.
2. Adley Rutcschman, C, College(Oregon St). Excellent catching prospect whose bat had a huge sophomore breakout. Hot start to 2019 college season.
3. CJ Abrams, SS, HS. 4+ tool prospect with best wheels in draft. Power lags a bit. Early reports on his senior season positive.
4. Andrew Vaughn, 1B, College(Cal). Top college power bat in draft. Numbers guys will like him better than scouts. Off to a hot start to his junior season hitting .402 with 3 HR's in 35 PA's.
5. Kameron Misner, OF, College(Missouri). Best all around tools among college draft prospects. Off to a great start in his junior season hitting .433 with 2 dingers and 5 SB's in 39 PA's.
6. Bryson Stott, SS, College(UNLV). Solid College bat who can stick at SS. Hitting 424 with 4 HR in 43 PA early in junior season.
7. Spencer Jones, 1B/LHP, HS. Tall angular 2-way player who looks physically similar to Christian Yelich. Plays 1B in HS but has speed to play OF and obviously the arm. Might be a tough sign as he is committed to Vanderbilt where he would be more likely to continue both pitching and hitting.
8. Corbin Carroll, OF, HS. Undersized, speedy, athletic OF with a strong hit tool in the mold of Ellsbury and Benintendi. Hit tool seems solid enough to take a chance on drafting him with a high pick. Projects as a CF.
9. Rece Hinds, 3B, HS. HS SS with tremendous size and strength in his frame. Projects to have tremendous power. Reminds me a lot of how I felt about Jo Adell a couple of years ago.
10. Josh Jung, 3B, College(Texas Tech). Disciplined bat with power potential. Has arm to play 3B at highest level. Stock has slipped a bit as he is hitting .333 with no dingers in first 35 PA this season.
I also like JJ Bleday, OF, College(Vanderbilt) and Matt Wallner, OF, College(Southern Mississippi). Michael Busch, 1B, College(UNC) could be a consideration if the Giants think the NL will bring in the DH within the next few seasons.
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Spring Training Game Wrap 2/16/2019: Giants 4 Reds 3
The Giants played a crisp game to gain their first win of spring training. Key Lines:
Hamlett Marte, C- 1 for 2, 3B. BA= .500. Minor league FA with an uneven minor league resume. Has hit well at times. His triple in this game drove in a run and he then scored on a double by Zach Green.
Anthony Garcia DH- 1 for 2, HR(1). BA= .222. LF is probably Mac's to lose, but he's still batting .000 while Garcia gets his first dinger.
Dereck Rodriguez, RHP- 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 1 K. ERA= 5.40. Not a great line but the best by a SP this spring.
Travis Bergen LHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. 0.00. Travis Bergen is the Giants antidote for Bryce Harper signing with the Dodgers.
Jose Lopez RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 0.00. Waiver wire pickup when the Reds tried to sneak him through. Lopez is a sleeper who has a 3.63 career ERA in the minors and a 4.47 ERA in AAA last year.
Shaun Anderson RHP- 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, GO/AO= 4/1. The first batter Anderson faced reached on a throwing error by Ryan Howard. 2 singles and a groundout resulted in 2 unearned runs. He also gave up a double in the 9'th to Conner Joe but got 3 outs on a K, pop up and groundout.
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Giants are back in Scottsdale tomorrow facing the Royals with Jeff Samardzija making his spring debut and Andrew Suarez also slated to pitch.
Hamlett Marte, C- 1 for 2, 3B. BA= .500. Minor league FA with an uneven minor league resume. Has hit well at times. His triple in this game drove in a run and he then scored on a double by Zach Green.
Anthony Garcia DH- 1 for 2, HR(1). BA= .222. LF is probably Mac's to lose, but he's still batting .000 while Garcia gets his first dinger.
Dereck Rodriguez, RHP- 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 1 K. ERA= 5.40. Not a great line but the best by a SP this spring.
Travis Bergen LHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. 0.00. Travis Bergen is the Giants antidote for Bryce Harper signing with the Dodgers.
Jose Lopez RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 0.00. Waiver wire pickup when the Reds tried to sneak him through. Lopez is a sleeper who has a 3.63 career ERA in the minors and a 4.47 ERA in AAA last year.
Shaun Anderson RHP- 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, GO/AO= 4/1. The first batter Anderson faced reached on a throwing error by Ryan Howard. 2 singles and a groundout resulted in 2 unearned runs. He also gave up a double in the 9'th to Conner Joe but got 3 outs on a K, pop up and groundout.
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Giants are back in Scottsdale tomorrow facing the Royals with Jeff Samardzija making his spring debut and Andrew Suarez also slated to pitch.
Spring Training Game Wrap 2/15/2019: Giants 4 White Sox 4
Yangervis Solarte was the hitting star as the Giants battled the White Sox to a 4-4 tie in Scottsdale. Hey! It's better than a loss. Key Lines:
Yangervis Solarte 2B- 2 for 3, HR(1). BA= .400. Batting RH, Solarte stroked a HR to left that looked like it might not have gone out in Oracle Park. He later poked a groundball single through the right side.
Evan Longoria DH- 2 for 2. BA= .667. Longoria drew 2 BB's in 3 PA's yesterday so has an OBP of .800 after 2 games.
Derek Holland LHP- 1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 27.00. Holland had an uneventful first inning but then gave up 3 straight hits to open the 2'nd inning.
Drew Pomeranz LHP- Pomeranz gave up a run in his first inning(3'rd) on a single and 1-out triple by Yoan Moncada. He struck out Preston Tucker to end the inning then retired the side in order on the 4'th inning with 3 GB outs.
Conner Menez LHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO- 2/0. ERA= 0.00. Very nice appearance by Conner Menez. He won't make the team, but it's important for prospects to leave a positive impression w/hen they get the chance.
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The Giants go on the road for a game against the Reds in Goodyear today with Dereck Rodriguez getting the start and Shaun Anderson slated to make an appearance.
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Still waiting for Bryce. The Dodgers seem to be back in the mix now, but reportedly are still offering only a short term deal. One guy who might be secretly rooting for the Dodgers to sign Bryce is Travis Bergen. The tea leaves say Philly is the only team offering a 10 year deal and Bryce doesn't want to go to Philly. He's holding out hoping the Giants or Dodgers crack or another "mystery team" emerges.
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Clayton Kershaw tried to throw again and it didn't go well.
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While the Giants waited for Bryce, Marwin Gonzalez quietly signed with the Twins for 2 years/$21 M.
Yangervis Solarte 2B- 2 for 3, HR(1). BA= .400. Batting RH, Solarte stroked a HR to left that looked like it might not have gone out in Oracle Park. He later poked a groundball single through the right side.
Evan Longoria DH- 2 for 2. BA= .667. Longoria drew 2 BB's in 3 PA's yesterday so has an OBP of .800 after 2 games.
Derek Holland LHP- 1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 27.00. Holland had an uneventful first inning but then gave up 3 straight hits to open the 2'nd inning.
Drew Pomeranz LHP- Pomeranz gave up a run in his first inning(3'rd) on a single and 1-out triple by Yoan Moncada. He struck out Preston Tucker to end the inning then retired the side in order on the 4'th inning with 3 GB outs.
Conner Menez LHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO- 2/0. ERA= 0.00. Very nice appearance by Conner Menez. He won't make the team, but it's important for prospects to leave a positive impression w/hen they get the chance.
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The Giants go on the road for a game against the Reds in Goodyear today with Dereck Rodriguez getting the start and Shaun Anderson slated to make an appearance.
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Still waiting for Bryce. The Dodgers seem to be back in the mix now, but reportedly are still offering only a short term deal. One guy who might be secretly rooting for the Dodgers to sign Bryce is Travis Bergen. The tea leaves say Philly is the only team offering a 10 year deal and Bryce doesn't want to go to Philly. He's holding out hoping the Giants or Dodgers crack or another "mystery team" emerges.
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Clayton Kershaw tried to throw again and it didn't go well.
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While the Giants waited for Bryce, Marwin Gonzalez quietly signed with the Twins for 2 years/$21 M.
Monday, February 25, 2019
Scouting the 2019 Draft: Maurice Hampton
Maurice Hampton, OF, HS. DOB: 8/1/2001. B-R, T-R. 6'0", 195 lbs.
Maurice Hampton is a 5 tool player out of Memphis, TN. He's another 2-way player who plays cornerback which gives you some idea of his speed. He is committed to LSU where he could continue playing both sports. By the Perfect Game numbers, he runs a 6.44 60 yd dash and shows 91 MPH velocity on OF throws with a 96 MPH exit velocity off the bat which is enough to produce a lot of dingers. On video, he's got a strong, muscular build and has a quick, fluid swing that generates power at the point of contact. Despite being one of the youngest draft prospects, there is not much projection in the body, but who needs projection when you're already a stud? MLB Pipeline has him ranked #27 while Fangraphs has him at #20.
Maurice Hampton is a 5 tool player out of Memphis, TN. He's another 2-way player who plays cornerback which gives you some idea of his speed. He is committed to LSU where he could continue playing both sports. By the Perfect Game numbers, he runs a 6.44 60 yd dash and shows 91 MPH velocity on OF throws with a 96 MPH exit velocity off the bat which is enough to produce a lot of dingers. On video, he's got a strong, muscular build and has a quick, fluid swing that generates power at the point of contact. Despite being one of the youngest draft prospects, there is not much projection in the body, but who needs projection when you're already a stud? MLB Pipeline has him ranked #27 while Fangraphs has him at #20.
Sunday, February 24, 2019
Spring Training Game Wrap 2/25/2019: Cubs 9 Giants 5
The Giants showed up for Game 2 of spring training and would have won the game except for that 8-spot in the 2'nd inning. Key Lines:
Joe Panik 2B- 3 for 3, HR(1). BA= 1.000. Panik is coming off a down season plagued by injuries. He's in his final year before hitting free agency. Bet on a big bounceback!
Brandon Belt 1B- 1 for 2, HR(1), BA= .500. Belt struggled with a bout of appendicitis and later a knee injury last season. Is this the season he finally stays healthy and hits 30 dingers? or at least 25? His 2 run dinger in the first inning got the Giants off to a temporary lead.
Alen Hanson SS- 1 for 2, HR(1). BA= .500. Hanson has kind of been forgotten with all the late dumpster dives. He's got a long row to hoe to make this team, but he helped his cause today.
Joey Bart C- 1 for 2. BA= .500. Bart gets his first work behind the plate and singles on a grounder up the middle for his first hit to get past the IF.
Madison Bumgarner LHP- 1 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 54.00. Bummy sailed through he first inning on 8 pitches then did not record an out in the 2'nd. the last 3 hits were grounders and the last 2 were infield hits, so there was a bit of BABIP luck going on here. Perhaps the most important note from his start comes from Maria Guardado of sfgiants.com who reports that a scout got a 93 on his gun on one of Bummy's FB's.
Tyler Beede RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, GO/AO= 3/1. ERA= 0.00. Beede unveiled his scaled back pitch mix and new grips and it went well. Hopefully this is the start of a big bounceback season for him.
Logan Webb RHP- 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 2 K's, GO/AO= 2/0. ERA= 0.00. Mixed bag spring debut for Webb, but the 2 K's and 2 GB outs are positives.
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The Giants stay in Scottsdale to take on the White Sox tomorrow afternoon with Derek Holland getting the start.
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Still Waiting for Bryce. Inneresting that Phillies owner, John Middleton, was determined to not leave Las Vegas without Bryce Harper's signature on a contract. Well, it's being reported that he did, in fact, fly back home to Philly alone and without a signature. Weird!
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Clayton Kershaw has been shut down with shoulder pain which is being blamed on attempts to increase his velocity over the winter. Hmmm.....
Joe Panik 2B- 3 for 3, HR(1). BA= 1.000. Panik is coming off a down season plagued by injuries. He's in his final year before hitting free agency. Bet on a big bounceback!
Brandon Belt 1B- 1 for 2, HR(1), BA= .500. Belt struggled with a bout of appendicitis and later a knee injury last season. Is this the season he finally stays healthy and hits 30 dingers? or at least 25? His 2 run dinger in the first inning got the Giants off to a temporary lead.
Alen Hanson SS- 1 for 2, HR(1). BA= .500. Hanson has kind of been forgotten with all the late dumpster dives. He's got a long row to hoe to make this team, but he helped his cause today.
Joey Bart C- 1 for 2. BA= .500. Bart gets his first work behind the plate and singles on a grounder up the middle for his first hit to get past the IF.
Madison Bumgarner LHP- 1 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 54.00. Bummy sailed through he first inning on 8 pitches then did not record an out in the 2'nd. the last 3 hits were grounders and the last 2 were infield hits, so there was a bit of BABIP luck going on here. Perhaps the most important note from his start comes from Maria Guardado of sfgiants.com who reports that a scout got a 93 on his gun on one of Bummy's FB's.
Tyler Beede RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, GO/AO= 3/1. ERA= 0.00. Beede unveiled his scaled back pitch mix and new grips and it went well. Hopefully this is the start of a big bounceback season for him.
Logan Webb RHP- 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 2 K's, GO/AO= 2/0. ERA= 0.00. Mixed bag spring debut for Webb, but the 2 K's and 2 GB outs are positives.
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The Giants stay in Scottsdale to take on the White Sox tomorrow afternoon with Derek Holland getting the start.
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Still Waiting for Bryce. Inneresting that Phillies owner, John Middleton, was determined to not leave Las Vegas without Bryce Harper's signature on a contract. Well, it's being reported that he did, in fact, fly back home to Philly alone and without a signature. Weird!
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Clayton Kershaw has been shut down with shoulder pain which is being blamed on attempts to increase his velocity over the winter. Hmmm.....
Scouting the 2019 Draft: Matt Wallner
Matt Wallner, OF, College(Southern Mississippi). DOB: 12/12/1997. B-L, T-R. 6'5", 220 lbs.
2017(College): .336/.463/.655, 14 2B, 2 3B, 19 HR, 4 SB, 15.25 BB%, 16.95 K%, 295 PA.
2018(College): .351/.474/618, 13 2B, 16 HR, 16.44 BB%, 18.15 K%, 292 PA.
2018(Cape Cod League): 250/.343/.417, 2 2B, 4 HR, 4 SB, 8.08 BB%, 24.24 K%, 99 PA.
Matt Wallner is another big, strong, college power hitter. Has played CF in college but profiles as a RF with an arm that can hit 96 on the mound. Has pitched some in college but wants to be a position player per MLB Pipeline scouting report. You always worry about swing length in guys over about 6'3" and his K rate jumped a bit in the CCL. Still tough to pass on that kind of power. So far he is hitting .313 with a dinger in 4 games in 2019. My comp is Jay Bruce. MLB Pipeline has him ranked #26. Fangraphs has him at #27.
2017(College): .336/.463/.655, 14 2B, 2 3B, 19 HR, 4 SB, 15.25 BB%, 16.95 K%, 295 PA.
2018(College): .351/.474/618, 13 2B, 16 HR, 16.44 BB%, 18.15 K%, 292 PA.
2018(Cape Cod League): 250/.343/.417, 2 2B, 4 HR, 4 SB, 8.08 BB%, 24.24 K%, 99 PA.
Matt Wallner is another big, strong, college power hitter. Has played CF in college but profiles as a RF with an arm that can hit 96 on the mound. Has pitched some in college but wants to be a position player per MLB Pipeline scouting report. You always worry about swing length in guys over about 6'3" and his K rate jumped a bit in the CCL. Still tough to pass on that kind of power. So far he is hitting .313 with a dinger in 4 games in 2019. My comp is Jay Bruce. MLB Pipeline has him ranked #26. Fangraphs has him at #27.
Saturday, February 23, 2019
Spring Training Game Wrap 2/24/2019: Angels 10 Giants 3
We got the first look at the Motley Crew of castoffs and pickups assembled by Farhan Zaidi and well....it didn't go well. Now, 1 game does not a season make and spring training games and stats don't count or mean anything, but one team came ready to play today and it wasn't the Giants. Key Lines:
Ryan Howard SS- 1 for 2, 2B. Howard subbed in for starting SS Abiatal Avelino and finally got the Giants on the scoreboard with a scalded double to the left-centerfield alley in the 8'th inning. Howard was also involved in 2 DP's on defense. Nothing against the Rule 5's and minor league FA's but I root harder for the kids who have worked their way up in the organization. Howard looks like a hitter to me.
Mike Gerber CF- 1 for 1, 2B, SF. Gerber doubled and scored ahead of Howard's double. He later drove in a run in the 9'th with a SF.
Joey Bart PH/DH- 1 for 2. Bart gets his first AB and first hit wearing a Giants uniform even if it didn't count. Bochy wanted to get that first AB out of the way early so put Bart in the game as a PH/DH. The IF hit contributed to the run in the 9'th.
Chris Stratton RHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 K. Stratton faced 6 batters in the inning and threw 27 pitches. He was helped out by a running, diving catch by starting CF Drew Ferguson on a blooper.
Ty Blach LHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. Tyler Beede is junking his slider and Ty Blach is adding one. He helped himself out by starting a DP.
Travis Bergen LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K. The Rule 5 pick passes his first test by throwing 1 of just 4 scoreless innings for the Giants on the day.
Pat Venditte RHP/LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. The switch-pitcher threw RH to the 3 RH batters he faced for a perfect inning.
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This was an "away" spring training game so none of the "core" regulars appeared. Madison Bumgarner makes his first start of the spring tomorrow facing the Cubs in Scottsdale. Brandon Belt, Joe Panik, Brandon Crawford and Evan Longoria are all expected to play.
Ryan Howard SS- 1 for 2, 2B. Howard subbed in for starting SS Abiatal Avelino and finally got the Giants on the scoreboard with a scalded double to the left-centerfield alley in the 8'th inning. Howard was also involved in 2 DP's on defense. Nothing against the Rule 5's and minor league FA's but I root harder for the kids who have worked their way up in the organization. Howard looks like a hitter to me.
Mike Gerber CF- 1 for 1, 2B, SF. Gerber doubled and scored ahead of Howard's double. He later drove in a run in the 9'th with a SF.
Joey Bart PH/DH- 1 for 2. Bart gets his first AB and first hit wearing a Giants uniform even if it didn't count. Bochy wanted to get that first AB out of the way early so put Bart in the game as a PH/DH. The IF hit contributed to the run in the 9'th.
Chris Stratton RHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 K. Stratton faced 6 batters in the inning and threw 27 pitches. He was helped out by a running, diving catch by starting CF Drew Ferguson on a blooper.
Ty Blach LHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. Tyler Beede is junking his slider and Ty Blach is adding one. He helped himself out by starting a DP.
Travis Bergen LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K. The Rule 5 pick passes his first test by throwing 1 of just 4 scoreless innings for the Giants on the day.
Pat Venditte RHP/LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. The switch-pitcher threw RH to the 3 RH batters he faced for a perfect inning.
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This was an "away" spring training game so none of the "core" regulars appeared. Madison Bumgarner makes his first start of the spring tomorrow facing the Cubs in Scottsdale. Brandon Belt, Joe Panik, Brandon Crawford and Evan Longoria are all expected to play.
Scouting the 2019 Draft: Michael Busch
Michael Busch, 1B, College(North Carolina). B- L, T- R. 5'11", 200 lbs.
2018 College: .317/.465/.521, 10 2B, 13 HR, 8 SB, 17.74 BB%, 9.68 K%, 310 PA.
2018 Cape Cod League: .322/450/.567, 4 2B, 6 HR, 3 SB, 17.12 BB%, 15.32 K%, 111 PA.
The stat lines speak for themselves. Michael Busch has one of the very best bats in the 2019 draft: Power, plate discipline, contact. He has it all. What keeps him from being ranked higher is a lack of position. He does not fit a classic 1B profile and doesn't have a lot of speed or arm. 2B or LF are possibilities per MLB Pipeline scouting report. MLB Pipeline has him ranked #25. Fangraphs has him all the way up at #9 and thinks he can play corner OF.
2018 College: .317/.465/.521, 10 2B, 13 HR, 8 SB, 17.74 BB%, 9.68 K%, 310 PA.
2018 Cape Cod League: .322/450/.567, 4 2B, 6 HR, 3 SB, 17.12 BB%, 15.32 K%, 111 PA.
The stat lines speak for themselves. Michael Busch has one of the very best bats in the 2019 draft: Power, plate discipline, contact. He has it all. What keeps him from being ranked higher is a lack of position. He does not fit a classic 1B profile and doesn't have a lot of speed or arm. 2B or LF are possibilities per MLB Pipeline scouting report. MLB Pipeline has him ranked #25. Fangraphs has him all the way up at #9 and thinks he can play corner OF.
Spring Training Update: Burning Questions
Spring training games start today and there are several interesting story lines to watch. Here are burning questions to be answered on the field:
1. Can Buster Posey continue his catching career after hip surgery? The plan is for him to start playing in games after March 1. That's 6 days away. I've never figured out how much difference 6 days makes in a 7 month rehab, but spring training is too long anyway. It's a bad sign if we haven't seen Buster in games by March 15.
2. Can Madison Bumgarner get his mojo back? Last year, he looked terrific and in the best shape of his life until he broke his hand in his final tuneup start. Let's hope we see that same MadBum in spring games this year. It's a bad sign if he has to skip any starts.
3. Will Farhan Zaidi make any major additions between now and Opening Day? It was a very late breaking FA market with Bryce Harper still out there. Zaidi keeps insisting that once Harper signs, wherever, the trade market will open up. It's getting awfully late for big trades. It's a bad sign if Farhan is still inviting people to camp on March 15.
4. Can Bruce Bochy put together a league average or better OF from the cast of characters he currently has in camp? This one partly depends on the answer to #3, but if it's no, it will sure be fun to watch who roams the grass in Petco Park on Opening Day. It's a bad sign if 2 of the 3 starting OF's are Gerardo Parra and Cameron Maybin.
5. How does the starting rotation shake out? While individual stats don't mean anything in spring training, it's a good sign if the rotation stays intact through the spring and dominates games, especially in late March. Lots of question marks here. Besides Madison Bumgarner, it is critically important for Jeff Samardzija and Drew Pomeranz to be throwing well as the season approaches.
What are your burning questions for spring training?
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Saw an interview with Tyler Beede who did exactly what I recommended and pared down his repertoire. He's going back to his basic 4-seam fastball, curve and change he came out of college with. Gone are the 2-seam, cutter and slider. He's also tweaked his grips for more life on the fastball and better spin on the curveball. That's a story to follow in camp and in the minors, which is almost certainly where he will be after the season starts.
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Still waiting for Bryce. Hot rumor is that Philly owner John Middleton's private jet was spotted at the airport in Las Vegas. On the other hand, it appears to be a solo trip with no deal expected during the visit. I feel like the longer this impasse continues, the more likely some team nobody is talking about swoops in and signs him.
1. Can Buster Posey continue his catching career after hip surgery? The plan is for him to start playing in games after March 1. That's 6 days away. I've never figured out how much difference 6 days makes in a 7 month rehab, but spring training is too long anyway. It's a bad sign if we haven't seen Buster in games by March 15.
2. Can Madison Bumgarner get his mojo back? Last year, he looked terrific and in the best shape of his life until he broke his hand in his final tuneup start. Let's hope we see that same MadBum in spring games this year. It's a bad sign if he has to skip any starts.
3. Will Farhan Zaidi make any major additions between now and Opening Day? It was a very late breaking FA market with Bryce Harper still out there. Zaidi keeps insisting that once Harper signs, wherever, the trade market will open up. It's getting awfully late for big trades. It's a bad sign if Farhan is still inviting people to camp on March 15.
4. Can Bruce Bochy put together a league average or better OF from the cast of characters he currently has in camp? This one partly depends on the answer to #3, but if it's no, it will sure be fun to watch who roams the grass in Petco Park on Opening Day. It's a bad sign if 2 of the 3 starting OF's are Gerardo Parra and Cameron Maybin.
5. How does the starting rotation shake out? While individual stats don't mean anything in spring training, it's a good sign if the rotation stays intact through the spring and dominates games, especially in late March. Lots of question marks here. Besides Madison Bumgarner, it is critically important for Jeff Samardzija and Drew Pomeranz to be throwing well as the season approaches.
What are your burning questions for spring training?
*********************************************************************************
Saw an interview with Tyler Beede who did exactly what I recommended and pared down his repertoire. He's going back to his basic 4-seam fastball, curve and change he came out of college with. Gone are the 2-seam, cutter and slider. He's also tweaked his grips for more life on the fastball and better spin on the curveball. That's a story to follow in camp and in the minors, which is almost certainly where he will be after the season starts.
*********************************************************************************
Still waiting for Bryce. Hot rumor is that Philly owner John Middleton's private jet was spotted at the airport in Las Vegas. On the other hand, it appears to be a solo trip with no deal expected during the visit. I feel like the longer this impasse continues, the more likely some team nobody is talking about swoops in and signs him.
Friday, February 22, 2019
All Questions Answered
Hey team! Wrapping up the Top 50 Prospects series and the day before spring training games start seems like a good time to have a Q/A. I'll answer any reasonable question related to baseball, Giants prospects, draft, spring training, state of the Giants, fantasy baseball. Fire away! Feel free to chime in with your own opinions. I may not get to answers until later in the day.
Scouting the 2019 Draft: JJ Bleday
JJ Bleday, OF, College(Vanderbilt). DOB: 11/10/1997. B-L, T-L. 6'3", 205 lbs.
2017(Vanderbilt): .256/.384/.341, 8 2B, 2 HR, 17.17 BB%, 13.13 K%, 198 PA.
2017(New England Collegiate League): .232/.376/.449, 16.47 BB%, 20.00 K%, 85 PA.
2018(Vanderbilt): .368/.494/.511, 5 2B, 3B, 4 HR, 18.67 BB%, 13.86 K%, 166 PA.
2018(Cape Cod League): .311/.374/.500, 9 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 7.93 BB%, 12.20 K%, 164 PA.
MLB Pipeline scouting report on JJ Bleday is pure hitter who drives the ball to all fields with authority. Has hit for more power with wood bats. He was named Top Prospect in the CCL. Missed part of sophomore season due to oblique strain. Strong arm which plays in RF, but a bit on the slow side which would make him less than ideal for RF at Oracle Park. Off to a great start to his junior season hitting .417 over the first 2 games. MLB Pipeline has him ranked #24. Fangraphs has him at #32.
2017(Vanderbilt): .256/.384/.341, 8 2B, 2 HR, 17.17 BB%, 13.13 K%, 198 PA.
2017(New England Collegiate League): .232/.376/.449, 16.47 BB%, 20.00 K%, 85 PA.
2018(Vanderbilt): .368/.494/.511, 5 2B, 3B, 4 HR, 18.67 BB%, 13.86 K%, 166 PA.
2018(Cape Cod League): .311/.374/.500, 9 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 7.93 BB%, 12.20 K%, 164 PA.
MLB Pipeline scouting report on JJ Bleday is pure hitter who drives the ball to all fields with authority. Has hit for more power with wood bats. He was named Top Prospect in the CCL. Missed part of sophomore season due to oblique strain. Strong arm which plays in RF, but a bit on the slow side which would make him less than ideal for RF at Oracle Park. Off to a great start to his junior season hitting .417 over the first 2 games. MLB Pipeline has him ranked #24. Fangraphs has him at #32.
Thursday, February 21, 2019
DrB's 2019 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Dominican Dandies- Hitters
Rodolfo Bone, C. DOB: 3/22/2000. B-R, T-R. 5'1", 170 lbs. International FA 2017.
2018: .317/.416/.429, 3 2B, 2 3B, SB, 11.7 BB%, 15.6 K%, 77 PA.
Impressive numbers in a limited sample size. As we have said several times, dude has an 80 name.
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Luis Toribio, 3B. DOB: 9/28/2000. B-L, T-R. 6'1", 165 lbs. International FA, 2017.
2018: .270/.423/.479, 13 2B, 3B, 10 HR, 4 SB, 18.6 BB%, 22.6 K%, 1.02 GB/FB, 274 PA.
Toribio had one of the best power-hitting seasons for a DSL Giant player I can remember and at age 17. He did tail off in the second half, particularly August, but finished strong with a .297 BA over his last 10 games.
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Ghordy Santos, SS. DOB: 9/2/1999. B-S, T-R. 6'1", 177 lbs. International FA, 2016.
2018: .220/.393/.330, 10 2B, 3B, 3 HR, 18 SB, 21 BB%, 19.8 K%, 0.69 GB/FB, 248 PA.
Is it possible to be an enigma at age 18? Santos is a toolsy SS prospect who had an almost identical 2018 to his pro debut in 2017, batting under .200 for the first 2 months then busting out for a .301 BA for the month of August. The K and BB numbers look great as he maintains an extremely high walk rate while keeping his K's below 20%. I say bring him to Arizona!
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Richgelon Juliana, OF. DOB: 5/30/2000. B-R, T-R. 6'0", 170 lbs. International FA, 2017.
2018: .261/.372/.412, 9 2B, 7 3B, 3 HR, 9 SB, 13.9 BB%, 26.7 K%, 0.87 GB/FB, 251 PA.
Starting CF for the DSL Giants. Dynamic looking numbers. Hails from Curacao.
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Jairo Pomares, OF. DOB: 8/4/2000. B-L, T-R. 6'1", 186 lbs. International FA 2018.
Pomares is from Cuba. He signed July 2 of 2018 so could not play until 2019. I have seen reports of him playing in Arizona this fall and winter. Very toolsy, very fast. Power coming along more slowly, but should develop. On video, you can see a solid muscular frame and a nascent power stroke.
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Luis Matos, OF. DOB: 1/28/2002. B-R, T-R. 6'0", 170 lbs. International FA, 2018.
The 3'rd "big name" international FA the Giants signed in 2018. Has more corner OF tools. Will have to grown into his power.
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Whew! Made it! That's a wrap on the 2019 Giants Top 50 Prospects project. Just in time for spring training games to begin. Hopefully you've found some names to follow in the upcoming minor league season.
2018: .317/.416/.429, 3 2B, 2 3B, SB, 11.7 BB%, 15.6 K%, 77 PA.
Impressive numbers in a limited sample size. As we have said several times, dude has an 80 name.
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Luis Toribio, 3B. DOB: 9/28/2000. B-L, T-R. 6'1", 165 lbs. International FA, 2017.
2018: .270/.423/.479, 13 2B, 3B, 10 HR, 4 SB, 18.6 BB%, 22.6 K%, 1.02 GB/FB, 274 PA.
Toribio had one of the best power-hitting seasons for a DSL Giant player I can remember and at age 17. He did tail off in the second half, particularly August, but finished strong with a .297 BA over his last 10 games.
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Ghordy Santos, SS. DOB: 9/2/1999. B-S, T-R. 6'1", 177 lbs. International FA, 2016.
2018: .220/.393/.330, 10 2B, 3B, 3 HR, 18 SB, 21 BB%, 19.8 K%, 0.69 GB/FB, 248 PA.
Is it possible to be an enigma at age 18? Santos is a toolsy SS prospect who had an almost identical 2018 to his pro debut in 2017, batting under .200 for the first 2 months then busting out for a .301 BA for the month of August. The K and BB numbers look great as he maintains an extremely high walk rate while keeping his K's below 20%. I say bring him to Arizona!
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Richgelon Juliana, OF. DOB: 5/30/2000. B-R, T-R. 6'0", 170 lbs. International FA, 2017.
2018: .261/.372/.412, 9 2B, 7 3B, 3 HR, 9 SB, 13.9 BB%, 26.7 K%, 0.87 GB/FB, 251 PA.
Starting CF for the DSL Giants. Dynamic looking numbers. Hails from Curacao.
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Jairo Pomares, OF. DOB: 8/4/2000. B-L, T-R. 6'1", 186 lbs. International FA 2018.
Pomares is from Cuba. He signed July 2 of 2018 so could not play until 2019. I have seen reports of him playing in Arizona this fall and winter. Very toolsy, very fast. Power coming along more slowly, but should develop. On video, you can see a solid muscular frame and a nascent power stroke.
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Luis Matos, OF. DOB: 1/28/2002. B-R, T-R. 6'0", 170 lbs. International FA, 2018.
The 3'rd "big name" international FA the Giants signed in 2018. Has more corner OF tools. Will have to grown into his power.
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Whew! Made it! That's a wrap on the 2019 Giants Top 50 Prospects project. Just in time for spring training games to begin. Hopefully you've found some names to follow in the upcoming minor league season.
DrB's 2019 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Dominican Dandies- Pitchers
Is is just me, or are the Bryce Harper rumors getting more confusing by the day? 2018 was a big year for LHP's in the DSL.
Ivan Armstrong, RHP. DOB: 7/27/2000. 6'5", 247 lbs. International FA, 2017.
2018: 3-3, 3.38 ERA, 56 IP, 7.55 K/9, 5.14 BB/9, 1.71 GB/FB.
Already jumbo sized at age 17. Allowed 0 hits in one 5 inning start and 1 hit in another, but was inconsistent. Gotta think there's some upside here, though.
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Jesus Gomez, LHP. DOB: 4/1/2001. 6'2", 180 lbs. International FA 2017.
2018: 5-0, 2.68 ERA, 43.2 IP, 12.37 K/9, 5.15 BB/9, 3 Saves.
Decent size, nice K numbers. 4 Starts out of 17 Appearances(last 3 Appearances were Starts). Struck out 15 batters in 8 IP over his last 2 Starts.
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Josdeiker Marcano, RHP. DOB: 8/20/1999. 6'2", 170 lbs. International FA, 2017.
2018: 2-0, 1.76 ERA, 30.2 IP, 8.51 K/9, 2.35 BB/9, 3 Saves.
Inneresting name. Pitched exclusively in relief. ERA was better than his secondary stats.
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Samuel Quintana, LHP. DOB: 11/29/2000. 6'5", 215 lbs. International FA, 2017.
1-2, 4.74 ERA, 24.2 IP, 10.58 K/9, 3.28 BB/9, .404 BABIP, 1.94 GB/FB.
Big time sleeper alert! Love this kid's size and his secondary stats.
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Juan Sanchez, LHP. DOB: 11/12/2000. 6'2", 165 lbs. International FA, 2017.
2018: 4-6, 3.39 ERA, 61 IP, 9.30 K/9, 1.92 BB/9, 3.19 FIP, 2.66 xFIP.
Got off to a hot start with 20 K's and 1 BB in 20 IP over his first 3 Starts. Seemed to tire a bit at the end of the season.
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Sonny Vargas, LHP. DOB: 11/8/2000. 6'2", 180 lbs. International FA, 2017.
2018: 4-2, 3.12 ERA, 57.2 IP, 7.49 K/9, 2.18 BB/9, 2.16 GB/FB.
Started out the season on the bullpen but quickly moved into SP role. Seemed to get stronger as the season went along. Had 5 Starts with at least 5 IP and 0 ER including 4 in a row from 7/27-8/14.
I am excited over this year's class of DSL pitchers. I am hopeful they will collectively increase the overall pitching depth in the organization.
Ivan Armstrong, RHP. DOB: 7/27/2000. 6'5", 247 lbs. International FA, 2017.
2018: 3-3, 3.38 ERA, 56 IP, 7.55 K/9, 5.14 BB/9, 1.71 GB/FB.
Already jumbo sized at age 17. Allowed 0 hits in one 5 inning start and 1 hit in another, but was inconsistent. Gotta think there's some upside here, though.
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Jesus Gomez, LHP. DOB: 4/1/2001. 6'2", 180 lbs. International FA 2017.
2018: 5-0, 2.68 ERA, 43.2 IP, 12.37 K/9, 5.15 BB/9, 3 Saves.
Decent size, nice K numbers. 4 Starts out of 17 Appearances(last 3 Appearances were Starts). Struck out 15 batters in 8 IP over his last 2 Starts.
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Josdeiker Marcano, RHP. DOB: 8/20/1999. 6'2", 170 lbs. International FA, 2017.
2018: 2-0, 1.76 ERA, 30.2 IP, 8.51 K/9, 2.35 BB/9, 3 Saves.
Inneresting name. Pitched exclusively in relief. ERA was better than his secondary stats.
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Samuel Quintana, LHP. DOB: 11/29/2000. 6'5", 215 lbs. International FA, 2017.
1-2, 4.74 ERA, 24.2 IP, 10.58 K/9, 3.28 BB/9, .404 BABIP, 1.94 GB/FB.
Big time sleeper alert! Love this kid's size and his secondary stats.
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Juan Sanchez, LHP. DOB: 11/12/2000. 6'2", 165 lbs. International FA, 2017.
2018: 4-6, 3.39 ERA, 61 IP, 9.30 K/9, 1.92 BB/9, 3.19 FIP, 2.66 xFIP.
Got off to a hot start with 20 K's and 1 BB in 20 IP over his first 3 Starts. Seemed to tire a bit at the end of the season.
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Sonny Vargas, LHP. DOB: 11/8/2000. 6'2", 180 lbs. International FA, 2017.
2018: 4-2, 3.12 ERA, 57.2 IP, 7.49 K/9, 2.18 BB/9, 2.16 GB/FB.
Started out the season on the bullpen but quickly moved into SP role. Seemed to get stronger as the season went along. Had 5 Starts with at least 5 IP and 0 ER including 4 in a row from 7/27-8/14.
I am excited over this year's class of DSL pitchers. I am hopeful they will collectively increase the overall pitching depth in the organization.
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
DrB's 2019 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Honorable Mention Part 8
Let's wrap up the HM's here before diving into the Dominican Dandies.
Fabian Pena, C. DOB: 10/18/1996. B-R, T-R. 5'11", 205 lbs. Drafted 2018, Round 25.
2018 R(AZL): .309/.376/.588, 10 2B, 3B, 5 HR, 10.0 BB%, 18.2 K%, 0.73 GB/FB, 110 PA.
College draftee from very small program. Strong numbers across the board, but in Arizona.
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Aynesber Sivira, 2B. DOB: 1/9/2000. B-R, T-R. 5'9", 155 lbs. International FA, 2016.
2018 R(AZL): .267/.367/.354, 11 2B, HR, 2 SB, 5.3 BB%, 16.5 K%, 1.18 GB/FB, 188 PA.
Small, but dynamic player. Hit better in Arizona than the DSL but SB's dropped off from 20 to 2.
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Beicker Mendoza, 1B. DOB: 2/14/1998. B-R, T-R. 6'2", 185 lbs. International FA, 2014.
2018 R(AZL): .301/.330/.462, 16 2B, 4 HR, 5 SB, 4.3 BB%, 29.3 K%, 0.84 GB/FB, 188 PA.
Mixed bag. Strong hit tool with some power, but playing 1B in 4'th rookie ball season does not bode particularly well. Extremely high K/BB is a red flag too.
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Austin Edgette, OF/1B. DOB: 7/6/1995. B-L, T-L. 6'2", 185 lbs. Drafted 2018, Round 33.
2018 R(AZL): .286/.402/.329, 3 2B, 4 SB, 17.2 BB%, 17.2 K%, 87 PA.
Older senior draftee from small college program. Intriguing K/BB in SSS....and Arizona.
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Patrick Hilson, OF. DOB: 8/5/2000. B-R, T-R. 5'11", 175 lbs. Drafted 2018, Round 6.
2018 R(AZL): .186/.280/.335, 6 2B, 3 3B, 4 HR, 5 SB, 7.7 BB%, 36.8 K%, 0.68 GB/FB, 182 PA.
Patrick Hilson might be the most tooled up player in the organization but is extremely raw and a project. Some things to really like here, though: Flashes of both power and speed and already gets the ball in the air. K rate obviously has to come down.
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Bryan Hernandez, OF. DOB: 12/24/1999. B-R, T-R. 6'2", 178 lbs. Drafted 2018, Round 18.
2018 R(AZL): .138/.342/.190, 3 2B, 3 SB, 21.1 BB%, 38.2 K%, 76 PA.
Gotta love the walk rate, but probably needs to swing more and earlier to bring the K rate down.
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Tyler Flores, OF. DOB: 1/24/1996. B-L, T-L. 6'2", 185 lbs. Undrafted FA, 2018.
2018 R(AZL): .296/.392/.390, 7 2B, 3B, HR, 3 SB, 13.8 BB%, 15.3 K%, 0.89 GB/FB, 189 PA.
Nice pro debut, but too old for AZL.
Fabian Pena, C. DOB: 10/18/1996. B-R, T-R. 5'11", 205 lbs. Drafted 2018, Round 25.
2018 R(AZL): .309/.376/.588, 10 2B, 3B, 5 HR, 10.0 BB%, 18.2 K%, 0.73 GB/FB, 110 PA.
College draftee from very small program. Strong numbers across the board, but in Arizona.
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Aynesber Sivira, 2B. DOB: 1/9/2000. B-R, T-R. 5'9", 155 lbs. International FA, 2016.
2018 R(AZL): .267/.367/.354, 11 2B, HR, 2 SB, 5.3 BB%, 16.5 K%, 1.18 GB/FB, 188 PA.
Small, but dynamic player. Hit better in Arizona than the DSL but SB's dropped off from 20 to 2.
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Beicker Mendoza, 1B. DOB: 2/14/1998. B-R, T-R. 6'2", 185 lbs. International FA, 2014.
2018 R(AZL): .301/.330/.462, 16 2B, 4 HR, 5 SB, 4.3 BB%, 29.3 K%, 0.84 GB/FB, 188 PA.
Mixed bag. Strong hit tool with some power, but playing 1B in 4'th rookie ball season does not bode particularly well. Extremely high K/BB is a red flag too.
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Austin Edgette, OF/1B. DOB: 7/6/1995. B-L, T-L. 6'2", 185 lbs. Drafted 2018, Round 33.
2018 R(AZL): .286/.402/.329, 3 2B, 4 SB, 17.2 BB%, 17.2 K%, 87 PA.
Older senior draftee from small college program. Intriguing K/BB in SSS....and Arizona.
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Patrick Hilson, OF. DOB: 8/5/2000. B-R, T-R. 5'11", 175 lbs. Drafted 2018, Round 6.
2018 R(AZL): .186/.280/.335, 6 2B, 3 3B, 4 HR, 5 SB, 7.7 BB%, 36.8 K%, 0.68 GB/FB, 182 PA.
Patrick Hilson might be the most tooled up player in the organization but is extremely raw and a project. Some things to really like here, though: Flashes of both power and speed and already gets the ball in the air. K rate obviously has to come down.
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Bryan Hernandez, OF. DOB: 12/24/1999. B-R, T-R. 6'2", 178 lbs. Drafted 2018, Round 18.
2018 R(AZL): .138/.342/.190, 3 2B, 3 SB, 21.1 BB%, 38.2 K%, 76 PA.
Gotta love the walk rate, but probably needs to swing more and earlier to bring the K rate down.
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Tyler Flores, OF. DOB: 1/24/1996. B-L, T-L. 6'2", 185 lbs. Undrafted FA, 2018.
2018 R(AZL): .296/.392/.390, 7 2B, 3B, HR, 3 SB, 13.8 BB%, 15.3 K%, 0.89 GB/FB, 189 PA.
Nice pro debut, but too old for AZL.
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Hot Stove Update: Padres Reel In Machado; Still Waiting for Bryce
Wow! The Padres did it! They landed one of the two premier free agents on the market this year, SS/3B Manny Machado. The deal is the largest in free agent history(Giancarlo Stanton's was bigger, but it was a contract extension) at 10 yrs/$300 M. Hopefully this will quiet talk of collusion. I mean, it's the largest FA contract in history! Machado is a perfect fit for the Padres who were seen as somewhat weak at SS and 3B. I would say he should play 3B for them as he is a much better 3B than SS and the bat is obviously good enough that it doesn't matter. I wasn't thrilled with Machado's hot dog act in the 2018 postseason, but in the overall picture, that is probably a minor concern.
Not only is Machado a perfect fit for the Padres current needs, there is a good chance he will ultimately be a terrific value despite the enormity of his contract and the checkered history of other very large contracts. Not only has Machado average 4.8 fWAR over the past 6 seasons despite a couple of serious injuries, he's had 3 seasons of 6+ fWAR and 4 of 5+. Conservatively, market value for wins is $8 M/fWAR. 4.8 X $8 M= $38.4 M. Machado is only 26 yo and still has at least 6 years of close to peak performance left. It is my own belief that Machado will age pretty well and has a good chance to maintain solid production to his mid-30's when this contract finally runs out.
The big challenge for the Padres now is to build a pitching staff. I took a peak at their SP depth chart and it is ugly. Their bullpen is better, but don't forget they traded away their best pitcher, Brad Hand. So, the Padres are a much better team with Manny Machado, but I'm still not ready to proclaim them a contender unless they find a way to add a couple of good SP's
The Padres were also rumored to be interested in Bryce Harper, but word is that they won't be signing both players which seems to take them out of the running for Bryce, who....well....we are still waiting for. I would say it is almost certain that Bryce will now seek more than $300 M which many observers believe he will get. I am not so sure. For one thing, Bryce Harper's market just shrunk by one team. It is quite possible he is down to just two interested teams, the Phillies and Giants. The Phillies are almost certainly offering more total money, but the Giants may be offering a higher Average Annual Value(AAV). The picture that seems to be emerging from the rumor mill is Bryce wanting the higher total money, but not liking the situation in Philly. On the other hand, he loves San Francisco and the Giants but doesn't want to accept less total money even for a higher AAV which is understandable. At this point, it seems likely that Bryce will make us wait awhile longer while Scott Boras tries to drum up another "mystery team." Another reason I am skeptical of Harper getting a bigger contract than Machado is I don't think I am the only person who thinks he won't age as well as Machado which becomes a big issue when you are handing out 10 year contracts.
Not only is Machado a perfect fit for the Padres current needs, there is a good chance he will ultimately be a terrific value despite the enormity of his contract and the checkered history of other very large contracts. Not only has Machado average 4.8 fWAR over the past 6 seasons despite a couple of serious injuries, he's had 3 seasons of 6+ fWAR and 4 of 5+. Conservatively, market value for wins is $8 M/fWAR. 4.8 X $8 M= $38.4 M. Machado is only 26 yo and still has at least 6 years of close to peak performance left. It is my own belief that Machado will age pretty well and has a good chance to maintain solid production to his mid-30's when this contract finally runs out.
The big challenge for the Padres now is to build a pitching staff. I took a peak at their SP depth chart and it is ugly. Their bullpen is better, but don't forget they traded away their best pitcher, Brad Hand. So, the Padres are a much better team with Manny Machado, but I'm still not ready to proclaim them a contender unless they find a way to add a couple of good SP's
The Padres were also rumored to be interested in Bryce Harper, but word is that they won't be signing both players which seems to take them out of the running for Bryce, who....well....we are still waiting for. I would say it is almost certain that Bryce will now seek more than $300 M which many observers believe he will get. I am not so sure. For one thing, Bryce Harper's market just shrunk by one team. It is quite possible he is down to just two interested teams, the Phillies and Giants. The Phillies are almost certainly offering more total money, but the Giants may be offering a higher Average Annual Value(AAV). The picture that seems to be emerging from the rumor mill is Bryce wanting the higher total money, but not liking the situation in Philly. On the other hand, he loves San Francisco and the Giants but doesn't want to accept less total money even for a higher AAV which is understandable. At this point, it seems likely that Bryce will make us wait awhile longer while Scott Boras tries to drum up another "mystery team." Another reason I am skeptical of Harper getting a bigger contract than Machado is I don't think I am the only person who thinks he won't age as well as Machado which becomes a big issue when you are handing out 10 year contracts.
DrB's 2019 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Honorable Mention Part 7
Bruce Bochy announced 2019 will be his last as a field manager. No big surprise there. I'll offer my thoughts later. While we continue to wait for Bryce, let's plow on through the HM's.
Marco Gonzalez, LHP. DOB: 12/8/1997. 6'1", 180 lbs. International FA, 2015.
2018 R(AZL): 3-7, 6.28 ERA, 57.1 IP, 8.63 K/9, 2.20 BB/9, 4.35 FIP, 3.87 xFIP.
Peripherals enough to keep him going.
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Jasier Herrera, RHP. DOB: 1/1/1998. 6'5", 190 lbs. International FA, 2014.
2018(AZL): 1-4, 3.88 ERA, 55.2 IP, 7.92 K/9, 2.43 BB/9, 1.38 GB/FB.
Decent numbers. Intriguing height.
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Jacob Lopez, LHP. DOB: 3/11/1998. 6'4", 220 lbs. Drafted 2018 Round 26.
2018 R(AZL): 1-1, 1.42 ERA, 25.1 IP, 12.08 K/9, 2.13 BB/9. 1.67 GB/FB.
Nice pro debut for JC draftee.
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Ben Madison, RHP. DOB: 9/15/1997. 6'3", 205 lbs. Drafted 2018, Round 9.
2018 R(AZL): 0-0, 3.38 ERA, 16 IP, 12.94 K/9, 5.06 BB/9, 3.86 GB/FB.
Terrific K and GB rate but too many BB's in a SSS.
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Chris Roberts, RHP. DOB: 7/3/1997. 6'0", 210 lbs. Drafted 2018 Round 35.
2018 R(AZL): 2-1, 2.45 ERA, 22 IP, 13.91 K/9, 5.73 BB/9, 4 Saves.
Intriguing K/9 at a low level.
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Julio Rodriguez, RHP. DOB: 2/10/200. 6'3", 180 lbs. International FA 2017.
2018 R(AZL): 3-1, 2.20 ERA, 16.1 IP, 8.27 K/9, 6.06 BB/9, 2.56 GB/FB.
National attention for spin rate on curveball. Interesting to see how that translates at higher levels and larger samples sizes.
Marco Gonzalez, LHP. DOB: 12/8/1997. 6'1", 180 lbs. International FA, 2015.
2018 R(AZL): 3-7, 6.28 ERA, 57.1 IP, 8.63 K/9, 2.20 BB/9, 4.35 FIP, 3.87 xFIP.
Peripherals enough to keep him going.
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Jasier Herrera, RHP. DOB: 1/1/1998. 6'5", 190 lbs. International FA, 2014.
2018(AZL): 1-4, 3.88 ERA, 55.2 IP, 7.92 K/9, 2.43 BB/9, 1.38 GB/FB.
Decent numbers. Intriguing height.
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Jacob Lopez, LHP. DOB: 3/11/1998. 6'4", 220 lbs. Drafted 2018 Round 26.
2018 R(AZL): 1-1, 1.42 ERA, 25.1 IP, 12.08 K/9, 2.13 BB/9. 1.67 GB/FB.
Nice pro debut for JC draftee.
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Ben Madison, RHP. DOB: 9/15/1997. 6'3", 205 lbs. Drafted 2018, Round 9.
2018 R(AZL): 0-0, 3.38 ERA, 16 IP, 12.94 K/9, 5.06 BB/9, 3.86 GB/FB.
Terrific K and GB rate but too many BB's in a SSS.
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Chris Roberts, RHP. DOB: 7/3/1997. 6'0", 210 lbs. Drafted 2018 Round 35.
2018 R(AZL): 2-1, 2.45 ERA, 22 IP, 13.91 K/9, 5.73 BB/9, 4 Saves.
Intriguing K/9 at a low level.
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Julio Rodriguez, RHP. DOB: 2/10/200. 6'3", 180 lbs. International FA 2017.
2018 R(AZL): 3-1, 2.20 ERA, 16.1 IP, 8.27 K/9, 6.06 BB/9, 2.56 GB/FB.
National attention for spin rate on curveball. Interesting to see how that translates at higher levels and larger samples sizes.
Monday, February 18, 2019
DrB's 2019 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Part 6
Francis Pena, RHP. DOB: 6/2/1997. 6'3", 175 lbs. International FA, 2016.
2018 R(AZL): 3-0, 3.17 ERA, 54 IP, 6.50 K/9, 3.33 BB/9, 2.04 GB/FB.
No scouting report. Stat line looks like a sinkerballer. Those guys are having more trouble at higher levels in the launch angle era.
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Ricardo Genoves, C. DOB: 5/14/1999. B-R, T-R. 6'2", 190 lbs. International FA 2015.
2018 Short Season: .243/.328/.311, 9 2B, HR, 6.9 BB%, 19.3 K%, 1.27 GB/FB, 22.9 IFFB%, 202 PA.
Former 6-figure bonus baby. Not a terrible season at Salem-Keizer against mostly older competition. Strong defensive reputation. Maybe starting C for Augusta at age 20 in 2019?
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Nico Giarratano, SS. DOB: 12/15/1994. B-S, T-R. 5'11", 172 lbs. Drafted 2017, Round 24.
2018 Short Season: .269/.337/.421, 11 2B, 5 HR, 9.3 BB%, 21.2 K%, 0.79 GB/FB. 193 PA.
No-hit SS drafted out of USF. Solid numbers with some pop in Salem-Keizer, but the NWL was extremely hitter-friendly in 2018. On the other hand, his GB/FB dropped from over 3.00 to under 1.00 from 2018(SSS) so maybe he's joined the launch angle revolution? Guessing he'll be assigned to Augusta where we will find out if his newfound bat is for real.
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Randy Norris, OF. DOB: 8/8/1997. B-R, T-R. 6'1", 190 lbs. Drafted 2018, Round 19.
2018 R(AZL): .262/.329/.312, 3 2B, 2 3B, 10 SB, 7.7 BB%, 21.3 K%, 155 PA.
Decent numbers in his pro debut, albeit at a low level.
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Logan Harasta, RHP. DOB: 8/29/1996. 6'6", 235 lbs. Drafted 2017 Round 7.
2018 R(AZL): 1-1, 1.10 ERA, 16.1 IP, 15.43 K/9, 2.76 BB/9, 1.75 GB/FB.
Huge RHP missed most of season presumably due to injury. 2019 could be a breakout season for him.
2018 R(AZL): 3-0, 3.17 ERA, 54 IP, 6.50 K/9, 3.33 BB/9, 2.04 GB/FB.
No scouting report. Stat line looks like a sinkerballer. Those guys are having more trouble at higher levels in the launch angle era.
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Ricardo Genoves, C. DOB: 5/14/1999. B-R, T-R. 6'2", 190 lbs. International FA 2015.
2018 Short Season: .243/.328/.311, 9 2B, HR, 6.9 BB%, 19.3 K%, 1.27 GB/FB, 22.9 IFFB%, 202 PA.
Former 6-figure bonus baby. Not a terrible season at Salem-Keizer against mostly older competition. Strong defensive reputation. Maybe starting C for Augusta at age 20 in 2019?
*********************************************************************************
Nico Giarratano, SS. DOB: 12/15/1994. B-S, T-R. 5'11", 172 lbs. Drafted 2017, Round 24.
2018 Short Season: .269/.337/.421, 11 2B, 5 HR, 9.3 BB%, 21.2 K%, 0.79 GB/FB. 193 PA.
No-hit SS drafted out of USF. Solid numbers with some pop in Salem-Keizer, but the NWL was extremely hitter-friendly in 2018. On the other hand, his GB/FB dropped from over 3.00 to under 1.00 from 2018(SSS) so maybe he's joined the launch angle revolution? Guessing he'll be assigned to Augusta where we will find out if his newfound bat is for real.
*********************************************************************************
Randy Norris, OF. DOB: 8/8/1997. B-R, T-R. 6'1", 190 lbs. Drafted 2018, Round 19.
2018 R(AZL): .262/.329/.312, 3 2B, 2 3B, 10 SB, 7.7 BB%, 21.3 K%, 155 PA.
Decent numbers in his pro debut, albeit at a low level.
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Logan Harasta, RHP. DOB: 8/29/1996. 6'6", 235 lbs. Drafted 2017 Round 7.
2018 R(AZL): 1-1, 1.10 ERA, 16.1 IP, 15.43 K/9, 2.76 BB/9, 1.75 GB/FB.
Huge RHP missed most of season presumably due to injury. 2019 could be a breakout season for him.
Hot Stove Update: Giants Sign Cameron Maybin; Still Waiting For Bryce
Cameron Maybin, OF. DOB: 4/4/1987. B-R, T-R. 6'3", 215 lbs. Drafted 2005, Round 1, Pick 10(Tigers).
2018(2 Teams): .249/.326/.335, 14 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR, 10 SB, 9.9 BB%, 19.5 K%, 1.76 GB/FB, 0.5 fWAR, 384 PA.
Cameron Maybin was once one of the very top prospects in baseball. He lost traction on his career a long time ago due to multiple ill-timed injuries and a pernicious groundball tendency which robbed him of power opportunities. He has become a decent utility guy and played all 3 OF positions for 2 teams last year. He says he's been working with a hitting instructor this winter and hopes that will lead to one last chance for a breakout season.
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Meanwhile, no word from Bryce Harper about where he is going to sign. From the rumors, it sounds like Scott Boras is up to his old tricks and now has at least 3 teams bidding up the price. Remember that random Twitter user who spotted Larry Baer in the Bellagio in Vegas? You gotta wonder if he works for Scott Boras.
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Here is a list of outfielders currently in camp in one capacity or another. I've tried to break it down into categories:
40 Man Roster: Steven Duggar, Drew Ferguson(Rule 5), Chris Shaw, Austin Slater, Mac Williamson(out of options).
Non-Roster Invitee(MLB Experience): Cameron Maybin, Gerardo Parra, Craig Gentry, Mike Gerber
Non-Roster Invitee(No MLB Experience): John Andreoli, Anthony Garcia, Henry Ramos.
As it stands now, barring trades or additional FA signings, Duggar seems like a lock to be at least the strong side of a CF platoon. Slater and Shaw have options. Duggar, Ferguson and Mac seem likely to make the Opening Day 25-man Opening Day Roster Gotta think at least 1 or 2 out of Maybin, Parra and Gentry make the team for "veteran presence" if nothing else. The Giants seem more likely to carry 4 OF's than 5, so that may be the roster right there with everybody else being cut loose or going to the minors. Farhan Zaidi seems to be obsessed with preserving depth, so having an option or a minor league contract without an opt-out is a big handicap toward making the 25-man roster.
Q: Would a starting OF of Maybin, Parra and Gentry be an upgrade on the 2018 OF?
2018(2 Teams): .249/.326/.335, 14 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR, 10 SB, 9.9 BB%, 19.5 K%, 1.76 GB/FB, 0.5 fWAR, 384 PA.
Cameron Maybin was once one of the very top prospects in baseball. He lost traction on his career a long time ago due to multiple ill-timed injuries and a pernicious groundball tendency which robbed him of power opportunities. He has become a decent utility guy and played all 3 OF positions for 2 teams last year. He says he's been working with a hitting instructor this winter and hopes that will lead to one last chance for a breakout season.
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Meanwhile, no word from Bryce Harper about where he is going to sign. From the rumors, it sounds like Scott Boras is up to his old tricks and now has at least 3 teams bidding up the price. Remember that random Twitter user who spotted Larry Baer in the Bellagio in Vegas? You gotta wonder if he works for Scott Boras.
*********************************************************************************
Here is a list of outfielders currently in camp in one capacity or another. I've tried to break it down into categories:
40 Man Roster: Steven Duggar, Drew Ferguson(Rule 5), Chris Shaw, Austin Slater, Mac Williamson(out of options).
Non-Roster Invitee(MLB Experience): Cameron Maybin, Gerardo Parra, Craig Gentry, Mike Gerber
Non-Roster Invitee(No MLB Experience): John Andreoli, Anthony Garcia, Henry Ramos.
As it stands now, barring trades or additional FA signings, Duggar seems like a lock to be at least the strong side of a CF platoon. Slater and Shaw have options. Duggar, Ferguson and Mac seem likely to make the Opening Day 25-man Opening Day Roster Gotta think at least 1 or 2 out of Maybin, Parra and Gentry make the team for "veteran presence" if nothing else. The Giants seem more likely to carry 4 OF's than 5, so that may be the roster right there with everybody else being cut loose or going to the minors. Farhan Zaidi seems to be obsessed with preserving depth, so having an option or a minor league contract without an opt-out is a big handicap toward making the 25-man roster.
Q: Would a starting OF of Maybin, Parra and Gentry be an upgrade on the 2018 OF?
Sunday, February 17, 2019
DrB's 2019 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Part 5
Logan Baldwin, OF. DOB: 4/9/1996. B-L, T-L. 6'0", 170 lbs. Drafted 2017, Round 21.
2018: Low A: .249/.310/.389, 22 2B, 10 3B, 6 HR, 26 SB, 5.9 BB%, 31.4 K%, 1.52 GB/FB, 23.3 IFFB%, 474 PA.
Aaron Bond gets ranked higher due to his size and impressive numbers in Salem-Keizer, but Bond washed out of Augusta while Baldwin stuck it out for a full season, so maybe Baldwin should be ranked higher? Baldwin has a nice full stat line. The double digits in triples and SB's really catch my eye. He needs to cut down the K's which drag down his BA and OBP. He developed a reputation for making highlight reel catches in the OF in college and clearly has the speed to cover CF, but mostly ceded CF to Heliot Ramos in Augusta. Let's move him up and see what he can do in San Jose.
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Luis Moreno, RHP. DOB: 8/3/1998. 6'2", 174 lbs. International FA, 2016.
2018 Rookie(AZL): 4-2, 2.91 ERA, 58.2 IP, 8.90 K/9, 1.99 BB/9, 1.44 GB/FB.
Moreno came to Arizona after just 1 season in the DSL. He improved his K rate and BB rate while maintaining a strong GB tendency. Should move up to Augusta in 2019.
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Jesus Tona, RHP. DOB: 3/30/1996. 5'10", 170 lbs. International FA, 2014.
2018 Short Season: 0-1, 0.87 ERA, 31 IP, 11.90 K/9, 2.32 BB/9, 0.45 GB/FB, 35.0 IFFB%, 12 Saves.
Converted Catcher. Move right into a Closer role for Salem-Keizer with impressive results. Could he be the Closer for San Jose in 2019?
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Trent Toplikar, RHP. DOB: 5/21/1996. 6'4", 210 lbs. Drafted 2018, Round 16.
2018 College(UCR): 6-3, 4.07 ERA, 84 IP, 6.64 K/9, 2.04 BB/9.
2018 Short Season: 1-2, 1.23 ERA, 36.2 IP, 6.14 K/9, 2.45 BB/9, 1.77 GB/FB.
Toplikar found success in his pro debut despite an unimpressive K rates. A strong GB tendency helped. That should continue to work if he can keep his walk rate down.
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Keaton Winn, RHP. DOB: 2/20/1998. 6'4", 205 lbs. Drafted 2018, Round 5.
2018 Short Season: 3-1, 4.81 ERA, 43 IP, 7.53 K/9, 2.72 BB/9, 1.65 GB/FB.
Another guy the Giants drafted twice. Improved his stock from a low round in 2017 to round 5 in 2018. Uses his height and a "tall and fall" overhand delivery to get a strong downward plane on a FB that reaches 94. Can succeed if he keeps his walk rate under 3.00 and his GB rate up.
2018: Low A: .249/.310/.389, 22 2B, 10 3B, 6 HR, 26 SB, 5.9 BB%, 31.4 K%, 1.52 GB/FB, 23.3 IFFB%, 474 PA.
Aaron Bond gets ranked higher due to his size and impressive numbers in Salem-Keizer, but Bond washed out of Augusta while Baldwin stuck it out for a full season, so maybe Baldwin should be ranked higher? Baldwin has a nice full stat line. The double digits in triples and SB's really catch my eye. He needs to cut down the K's which drag down his BA and OBP. He developed a reputation for making highlight reel catches in the OF in college and clearly has the speed to cover CF, but mostly ceded CF to Heliot Ramos in Augusta. Let's move him up and see what he can do in San Jose.
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Luis Moreno, RHP. DOB: 8/3/1998. 6'2", 174 lbs. International FA, 2016.
2018 Rookie(AZL): 4-2, 2.91 ERA, 58.2 IP, 8.90 K/9, 1.99 BB/9, 1.44 GB/FB.
Moreno came to Arizona after just 1 season in the DSL. He improved his K rate and BB rate while maintaining a strong GB tendency. Should move up to Augusta in 2019.
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Jesus Tona, RHP. DOB: 3/30/1996. 5'10", 170 lbs. International FA, 2014.
2018 Short Season: 0-1, 0.87 ERA, 31 IP, 11.90 K/9, 2.32 BB/9, 0.45 GB/FB, 35.0 IFFB%, 12 Saves.
Converted Catcher. Move right into a Closer role for Salem-Keizer with impressive results. Could he be the Closer for San Jose in 2019?
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Trent Toplikar, RHP. DOB: 5/21/1996. 6'4", 210 lbs. Drafted 2018, Round 16.
2018 College(UCR): 6-3, 4.07 ERA, 84 IP, 6.64 K/9, 2.04 BB/9.
2018 Short Season: 1-2, 1.23 ERA, 36.2 IP, 6.14 K/9, 2.45 BB/9, 1.77 GB/FB.
Toplikar found success in his pro debut despite an unimpressive K rates. A strong GB tendency helped. That should continue to work if he can keep his walk rate down.
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Keaton Winn, RHP. DOB: 2/20/1998. 6'4", 205 lbs. Drafted 2018, Round 5.
2018 Short Season: 3-1, 4.81 ERA, 43 IP, 7.53 K/9, 2.72 BB/9, 1.65 GB/FB.
Another guy the Giants drafted twice. Improved his stock from a low round in 2017 to round 5 in 2018. Uses his height and a "tall and fall" overhand delivery to get a strong downward plane on a FB that reaches 94. Can succeed if he keeps his walk rate under 3.00 and his GB rate up.
Saturday, February 16, 2019
DrB's 2019 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Honorable Mention Part 4
Jonah Arenado, 3B/1B. DOB: 2/3/1995. B-R, T-R. 6'4", 240 lbs. Drafted 2013, Round 16.
AA: .200/.244/.303, 20 2B, 5 HR, 5.2 BB%, 19.7 K%, .236 BABIP, 29.8 IFFB%, 365 PA.
Jonah Arenado's lost some traction on his pro career with a very rough AA campaign. Although he remains a potent XBH force, his usable power is limited by an persistent extremely high IFFB rate. I am not sure what causes lots of pop ups but it is likely due to issues with swing mechanics and pitch selection. Hopefully he took a look as those things during this offseason, because he is running out of time. Oh, and I've seen him play third base, and he's a first baseman.
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Norwith Gudino, RHP. DOB: 11/22/1995. 6'2", 200 lbs. International FA, 2014.
2018 Short Season: 4-4, 5.36 ERA, 45.1 IP, 8.14 K/9, 1.19 BB/9, 3.71 FIP, 3.76 xFIP.
2018 Low A: 4-2, 3.45 ERA, 31.1 IP, 9.48 K/9, 2.01 BB/9, 2.96 FIP, 3.71 xFIP.
Norwith Gudino took awhile to get off the island, but he seemed to find a bit of traction in Augusta lat last season. Could we see him in San Jose in 2019?
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Jeffry Parra, C. DOB: 1/24/1998. B-R, T-R. 6'0", 195 lbs. Drafted 2016, Round 24.
2018 Low A: .190/.293/.330, 10 2B, 7 HR, 10.0 BB%, 30.4 K%
Jeffry Parra was always a project and still is. Augusta is a tough place for young hitters. Parra showed some pop in his bat and a nice walk rate. The K rate of 30% took it's toll on his BA.
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Ismael Munguia, OF. DOB: 10/19/1998. B-L, T-L. 5'10", 158 lbs. International FA, 2015.
Rookie: .345/.397/.552, 6 2B, 3 3B, 6.3 BB%, 9.5 K%, 63 PA.
Low A: .226/.261/.301, 2B, 3 3B, HR, 2 SB, 4.1 BB%, 15.0 K%, 147 PA.
Ismael Mungia is a small slap and boogie kid who doesn't have quite enough boogie. He is a high energy scrapper so don't count him out quite yes.
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Malique Ziegler, OF. DOB: 9/8/1996. B-R, T-R. 6'2", 170 lbs. Drafted 2016, Round 22.
2018 Rookie: .250/.417/.357, 3 2B, SB, 22.2 BB%, 22.2 K%, 36 PA.
2018 Low A: .235/.327/.372, 9 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR, 7 SB, 9.3 BB%, 28 K%, 214 PA.
At his best, Malique Ziegler has some of the best tools in the organization, but his thin build seems to wear down dramatically as the season progresses. He might be better in a platoon or utility situation.
AA: .200/.244/.303, 20 2B, 5 HR, 5.2 BB%, 19.7 K%, .236 BABIP, 29.8 IFFB%, 365 PA.
Jonah Arenado's lost some traction on his pro career with a very rough AA campaign. Although he remains a potent XBH force, his usable power is limited by an persistent extremely high IFFB rate. I am not sure what causes lots of pop ups but it is likely due to issues with swing mechanics and pitch selection. Hopefully he took a look as those things during this offseason, because he is running out of time. Oh, and I've seen him play third base, and he's a first baseman.
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Norwith Gudino, RHP. DOB: 11/22/1995. 6'2", 200 lbs. International FA, 2014.
2018 Short Season: 4-4, 5.36 ERA, 45.1 IP, 8.14 K/9, 1.19 BB/9, 3.71 FIP, 3.76 xFIP.
2018 Low A: 4-2, 3.45 ERA, 31.1 IP, 9.48 K/9, 2.01 BB/9, 2.96 FIP, 3.71 xFIP.
Norwith Gudino took awhile to get off the island, but he seemed to find a bit of traction in Augusta lat last season. Could we see him in San Jose in 2019?
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Jeffry Parra, C. DOB: 1/24/1998. B-R, T-R. 6'0", 195 lbs. Drafted 2016, Round 24.
2018 Low A: .190/.293/.330, 10 2B, 7 HR, 10.0 BB%, 30.4 K%
Jeffry Parra was always a project and still is. Augusta is a tough place for young hitters. Parra showed some pop in his bat and a nice walk rate. The K rate of 30% took it's toll on his BA.
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Ismael Munguia, OF. DOB: 10/19/1998. B-L, T-L. 5'10", 158 lbs. International FA, 2015.
Rookie: .345/.397/.552, 6 2B, 3 3B, 6.3 BB%, 9.5 K%, 63 PA.
Low A: .226/.261/.301, 2B, 3 3B, HR, 2 SB, 4.1 BB%, 15.0 K%, 147 PA.
Ismael Mungia is a small slap and boogie kid who doesn't have quite enough boogie. He is a high energy scrapper so don't count him out quite yes.
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Malique Ziegler, OF. DOB: 9/8/1996. B-R, T-R. 6'2", 170 lbs. Drafted 2016, Round 22.
2018 Rookie: .250/.417/.357, 3 2B, SB, 22.2 BB%, 22.2 K%, 36 PA.
2018 Low A: .235/.327/.372, 9 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR, 7 SB, 9.3 BB%, 28 K%, 214 PA.
At his best, Malique Ziegler has some of the best tools in the organization, but his thin build seems to wear down dramatically as the season progresses. He might be better in a platoon or utility situation.
Scouting the 2019 Draft: Rece Hinds
Rece Hinds, SS/3B. DOB: 9/5/2000. B-R, T-R. 6'4", 210 lbs.
Rece Hinds has as much raw and potential power as anyone in the 2019 draft class. He's a Florida HS prospect who not only put on power displays in batting practice on the showcase circuit, but hit dingers in games too. The rap on him is strikeouts and pitch recognition leading some scouts to worry about the future usability of his power. He also is likely not a pro SS due to ranges issues, but has the arm to make 3B his most likely destination(98 MPH on IF throws). He'll get drafted by a team that believes in the usability of his power. MLB Pipeline has him ranked #23. Fangraphs is not so high on him at #45. He looks like this year's Jo Adell to me. Giancarlo Stanton would be another comp. I would place him near my top 10 if not within it and would not be disappointed if the Giants drafted him at #10.
Rece Hinds has as much raw and potential power as anyone in the 2019 draft class. He's a Florida HS prospect who not only put on power displays in batting practice on the showcase circuit, but hit dingers in games too. The rap on him is strikeouts and pitch recognition leading some scouts to worry about the future usability of his power. He also is likely not a pro SS due to ranges issues, but has the arm to make 3B his most likely destination(98 MPH on IF throws). He'll get drafted by a team that believes in the usability of his power. MLB Pipeline has him ranked #23. Fangraphs is not so high on him at #45. He looks like this year's Jo Adell to me. Giancarlo Stanton would be another comp. I would place him near my top 10 if not within it and would not be disappointed if the Giants drafted him at #10.
Friday, February 15, 2019
Hot Stove Update: Giants Sign Solarte and Gentry, Waiting For Bryce
Farhan Zaidi continued to, ahem, deepen his bench with two more acquisitions today. First was word of a deal with utility infielder Yangervis Solarte followed quickly by another deal with utility outfielder Craig Gentry. We'll take this one at a time:
Yangervis Solarte, IF. DOB: 7/3/1987. B-S, T-R. 5'11", 205 lbs.
2018(Blue Jays): .226/.277/.378, 20 2B, 17 HR, 6.1 BB%, 14.2 K%, .233 BABIP, 506 PA.
I don't think we need much of an introduction to Solarte who spent 2014-17 with the Padres. I actually wanted the Giants to trade for him last season to play 3B. He went to the Blue Jays instead and did a faceplant with an fWAR of -1.3. At first glance, his BABIP makes him look like a nice bounceback candidate until you notice that his career BABIP is just .270. Another alarming trend that may explain the BABIP is his IFFB rate over the past 4 seasons has progressed steadily from 10.9% in 2015 to 19.2% last season. He can play all IF positions so might make a nice utility player if he can reverse the pop-up trend.
Craig Gentry, OF. DOB: 11/29/1983. B-R, T-R. 6'2", 190 lbs. Drafted 2006, Round 10(Rangers).
2018(Orioles): .269/.321/.346, 5 2B, 2 3B, HR, 12 SB, 6.5 BB%, 18.3 K%, 169 PA.
Gentry has kicked around awhile. Earlier in his career he was the darling of the defensive metric crowd and put up some impressive fWAR's in part time play for the Rangers. He's never been able to parlay that into a starting gig. He did play for the A's in 2014 which was Zaidi's last season as Assistant GM there, so once again we see a Dodgers/A's connection to many of his moves. I could see him being a 5'th OF and spelling Steven Duggar in CF against certain southpaw pitchers.
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So, now comes word that the Giants are literally, yes literally, waiting for Bryce.... to make a decision before making any "big" moves. I read this from 2 different beat writers who seemed to get it from Zaidi himself. Whether it's because they think Harper might actually choose the Giants or they think he's a domino that needs to fall to open up the trade market for OF's is not clear. For what it's worth, a sports talk radio guy from Washington DC claims to have a source inside the Harper camp who says he's been consulting with his family in Las Vegas and has made a decision which he could make known in the next 24 hours. This same radio guy says the Giants are the "mystery team" and predicts Harper will sign with them, but does not say he has inside info on that. Stay tuned. I'll believe it when I see it.
Yangervis Solarte, IF. DOB: 7/3/1987. B-S, T-R. 5'11", 205 lbs.
2018(Blue Jays): .226/.277/.378, 20 2B, 17 HR, 6.1 BB%, 14.2 K%, .233 BABIP, 506 PA.
I don't think we need much of an introduction to Solarte who spent 2014-17 with the Padres. I actually wanted the Giants to trade for him last season to play 3B. He went to the Blue Jays instead and did a faceplant with an fWAR of -1.3. At first glance, his BABIP makes him look like a nice bounceback candidate until you notice that his career BABIP is just .270. Another alarming trend that may explain the BABIP is his IFFB rate over the past 4 seasons has progressed steadily from 10.9% in 2015 to 19.2% last season. He can play all IF positions so might make a nice utility player if he can reverse the pop-up trend.
Craig Gentry, OF. DOB: 11/29/1983. B-R, T-R. 6'2", 190 lbs. Drafted 2006, Round 10(Rangers).
2018(Orioles): .269/.321/.346, 5 2B, 2 3B, HR, 12 SB, 6.5 BB%, 18.3 K%, 169 PA.
Gentry has kicked around awhile. Earlier in his career he was the darling of the defensive metric crowd and put up some impressive fWAR's in part time play for the Rangers. He's never been able to parlay that into a starting gig. He did play for the A's in 2014 which was Zaidi's last season as Assistant GM there, so once again we see a Dodgers/A's connection to many of his moves. I could see him being a 5'th OF and spelling Steven Duggar in CF against certain southpaw pitchers.
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So, now comes word that the Giants are literally, yes literally, waiting for Bryce.... to make a decision before making any "big" moves. I read this from 2 different beat writers who seemed to get it from Zaidi himself. Whether it's because they think Harper might actually choose the Giants or they think he's a domino that needs to fall to open up the trade market for OF's is not clear. For what it's worth, a sports talk radio guy from Washington DC claims to have a source inside the Harper camp who says he's been consulting with his family in Las Vegas and has made a decision which he could make known in the next 24 hours. This same radio guy says the Giants are the "mystery team" and predicts Harper will sign with them, but does not say he has inside info on that. Stay tuned. I'll believe it when I see it.
DrB's 2019 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Honorable Mention Part 3
Kelvin Beltre, IF. DOB: 9/25/1996. B-R, T-R. 5'11", 170 lbs. International FA 2013.
2018 A+: .236/.321/.335, 4 2B, 5 HR, SB, 10.2 BB%, 33 K%, 215 PA.
Athletic infielder who has been around awhile. Biggest problem is he has missed huge amounts of time to injuries and 2018 was no exception as he missed the first 2 months. Nice plate discipline but needs to bring the K rate down.
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Peter Maris, IF. DOB: 9/16/1993. B-L, T-R. 5'10", 175 lbs. Undrafted FA 2015(Rays).
2018 A+(Rays): .320/.405/.600, 7 2B, 3 3B, 5 HR, 12.1 BB%, 16.4 K%, 116 PA.
2018 AA(Rays): .248/.337/.444, 10 2B, 3B, 6 HR, 5 SB, 11.7 BB%, 21.8 K%, 179 PA.
Smallish versatile infielder selected in the AAA phase of the Rule 5 Draft from the Rays. Played 3 IF positions and a bit of LF last season. Shows gap power with strong peripherals.
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John Russell, RHP. DOB: 10/17/1995. 6'3", 170 lbs. Drafted 2017 Round 16.
2018 Low A: 8-5, 2.49 ERA, 61.1 IP, 10.57 K/9, 2.79 BB/9, 7 Saves.
Thin RHP drafted out of UConn. Moved up to San Jose late last season and pitched a few innings of shutout ball. Potential fast mover on the reliever track.
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Jordan Johnson, RHP. DOB: 9/15/1993. 6'3", 200 lbs. Drafted 2014 Round 23.
2018 AA: 6-7, 3.63 ERA, 79.1 IP, 8.74 K/9, 3.52 BB/9.
2018 AAA: 1-6, 4.66 ERA, 58 IP, 5.74 K/9, 5.12 BB/9.
It's been two steps forward and 1 back on a long slow climb up the minor league ladder. Needs to improve on his AAA numbers to get a shot.
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Matt Winn, C. DOB: 8/5/1992. B-R, T-R. 6'1", 210 lbs. Drafted 2015, Round 14.
2018 A+: .233/.303/.419, 15 2B, 3 3B, 9 HR, 8.8 BB%, 37.9 K%, 285 PA.
2018: AA: .255/.333/.431, 6 2B, HR, 10.3 BB%, 36.2 K%, 58 PA.
2018 AFL: .122/.321/.317, 3B, 2 HR, 12 BB, 20 K, 41 AB.
Winn has some pop in his bat with a reputation for defense and leadership behind the plate. The K rate is horrific.
2018 A+: .236/.321/.335, 4 2B, 5 HR, SB, 10.2 BB%, 33 K%, 215 PA.
Athletic infielder who has been around awhile. Biggest problem is he has missed huge amounts of time to injuries and 2018 was no exception as he missed the first 2 months. Nice plate discipline but needs to bring the K rate down.
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Peter Maris, IF. DOB: 9/16/1993. B-L, T-R. 5'10", 175 lbs. Undrafted FA 2015(Rays).
2018 A+(Rays): .320/.405/.600, 7 2B, 3 3B, 5 HR, 12.1 BB%, 16.4 K%, 116 PA.
2018 AA(Rays): .248/.337/.444, 10 2B, 3B, 6 HR, 5 SB, 11.7 BB%, 21.8 K%, 179 PA.
Smallish versatile infielder selected in the AAA phase of the Rule 5 Draft from the Rays. Played 3 IF positions and a bit of LF last season. Shows gap power with strong peripherals.
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John Russell, RHP. DOB: 10/17/1995. 6'3", 170 lbs. Drafted 2017 Round 16.
2018 Low A: 8-5, 2.49 ERA, 61.1 IP, 10.57 K/9, 2.79 BB/9, 7 Saves.
Thin RHP drafted out of UConn. Moved up to San Jose late last season and pitched a few innings of shutout ball. Potential fast mover on the reliever track.
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Jordan Johnson, RHP. DOB: 9/15/1993. 6'3", 200 lbs. Drafted 2014 Round 23.
2018 AA: 6-7, 3.63 ERA, 79.1 IP, 8.74 K/9, 3.52 BB/9.
2018 AAA: 1-6, 4.66 ERA, 58 IP, 5.74 K/9, 5.12 BB/9.
It's been two steps forward and 1 back on a long slow climb up the minor league ladder. Needs to improve on his AAA numbers to get a shot.
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Matt Winn, C. DOB: 8/5/1992. B-R, T-R. 6'1", 210 lbs. Drafted 2015, Round 14.
2018 A+: .233/.303/.419, 15 2B, 3 3B, 9 HR, 8.8 BB%, 37.9 K%, 285 PA.
2018: AA: .255/.333/.431, 6 2B, HR, 10.3 BB%, 36.2 K%, 58 PA.
2018 AFL: .122/.321/.317, 3B, 2 HR, 12 BB, 20 K, 41 AB.
Winn has some pop in his bat with a reputation for defense and leadership behind the plate. The K rate is horrific.
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Scouting the 2019 Draft: Will Holland
Will Holland, SS. DOB: 4/18/1998. B-R, T-R. 5'10", 180 lbs.
2018 College(Auburn): .313/.406/.530, 18 2B, 12 HR, 9.46 BB%, 16.55 K%, 296 PA.
2018 Cape Cod League: .341/.431/.432, 2 2B, 3B, 7.48 BB%, 27.45 K%, 51 PA.
Will Holland is a relatively rare college shortstop who is definitely projected to stick a the position which may be his strongest selling point. His offense took a big jump up from the .209 he hit as a freshman at Auburn. He has an unorthodox batting style with an exaggerated spread stance, minimal front foot movement, minimal body rotation. Power comes pretty much all from arm strength but you have to question whether it projects to wood bats in the pros. He's got plus speed but has yet to translate it into SB's. Scouts are intrigued by his power and speed. They don't like his inconsistency. MLB Pipeline has him ranked #22 while Fangraphs has him at #20. His final draft position will likely depend on how well he builds on his sophomore success.
2018 College(Auburn): .313/.406/.530, 18 2B, 12 HR, 9.46 BB%, 16.55 K%, 296 PA.
2018 Cape Cod League: .341/.431/.432, 2 2B, 3B, 7.48 BB%, 27.45 K%, 51 PA.
Will Holland is a relatively rare college shortstop who is definitely projected to stick a the position which may be his strongest selling point. His offense took a big jump up from the .209 he hit as a freshman at Auburn. He has an unorthodox batting style with an exaggerated spread stance, minimal front foot movement, minimal body rotation. Power comes pretty much all from arm strength but you have to question whether it projects to wood bats in the pros. He's got plus speed but has yet to translate it into SB's. Scouts are intrigued by his power and speed. They don't like his inconsistency. MLB Pipeline has him ranked #22 while Fangraphs has him at #20. His final draft position will likely depend on how well he builds on his sophomore success.
Thoughts on "Openers": The Boys of Summer
I can assure you that Sergio Romo is not the first relief pitcher to "open" a game. I honestly don't know who might deserve that designation, but it was either Bill Henry on June 16, 1968 or someone who came before. I was 11 years old and school was out. Living in the mountains of Napa County, I didn't have a lot to do except listen to games on an old electric radio my grandfather gave me and throw balls at a pitchback in our yard. If a game wasn't on, I might take a bat and ball down to the open field near our house and hit balls fungo style. I would pretend I was the hitters in the Giants lineup and play a simulated game in my head batting right-handed for, say, Willie Mays and left-handed for Willie McCovey and so on down the lineup. After each hit, I would chase the ball down, bring it back and pretend I was the next batter.
This was a game day and a doubleheader against the Mets. I liked doubleheaders because it gave me something to do for almost a whole day. The Giants won Game 1, 4-1, behind the pitching of Ray Sadecki who pitched a complete game and struck out 11 Mets batters and a pair of solo home runs by Willie Mays and Jack Hiatt. I am sure I listened to at least parts of that game, although I have no recollection of ever listening to a Ray Sadecki game, ever. What I never forgot about that day was the way Game 2 started. There was an air of secrecy around who the Giants starting pitcher would be. When it was announced between games, the big surprise was the name Bill Henry, a very little used lefty reliever. My mind ran wild. Was it possible the Giants had been sitting on the next Sandy Koufax all this time and this was his breakout game? My memory of major league baseball was just a bit over 2 years old at the time, so little did I know that Henry had been pitching in the majors since 1952 and was 41 years old!
Giants radio announcers Russ Hodges and Lon Simmons hinted that some type of gamesmanship was going on between Giants Manager Herman Franks and Mets Manager Gil Hodges. My memory of how the game went down is supplemented by the boxscore I found in Baseball Reference. Henry started the game allowing a leadoff walk to the switch-hitting Don Bosch and a flyball out to the lefty hitting Ken Boswell. Herman Franks then summoned the fireballing righty Bobby Bolin from the bullpen to face the RH hitting Cleon Jones. Jones greeted him with an RBI double. Bolin then threw 2 wild pitches allowing Jones to score. Russ and Lon seemed to have a lot of fun explaining that Giants Manager Herman Franks was trying to deke Mets Manager Gil Hodges into putting up a more right-handed lineup before bringing in the real starter, Bolin angling for a matchup advantage. For his part, Bolin settled down and only allowed one more run over the next 6 innings with 8 K's, but the damage was done. It seemed to me the strategy had backfired. Bolin was a swingman who should have been able to enter a game with runners on base, but his control was always tenuous at best and all the skullduggery, as Lon called it, seemed to get into his head. The Giants went on to lose the game 3-1.
I still don't know if Herman Franks wanted to deke Gil Hodges or if he just wanted Henry to face the first two batters who hit switch and lefty. In any case, the whole thing was a spectacular failure in my mind. I don't recall ever seeing or hearing of it happening again until last year when Sergio Romo "opened" for the Rays.
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This is the first post in a series. Not sure how many installments yet. I'll just keep writing about "Openers" until I stop.
This was a game day and a doubleheader against the Mets. I liked doubleheaders because it gave me something to do for almost a whole day. The Giants won Game 1, 4-1, behind the pitching of Ray Sadecki who pitched a complete game and struck out 11 Mets batters and a pair of solo home runs by Willie Mays and Jack Hiatt. I am sure I listened to at least parts of that game, although I have no recollection of ever listening to a Ray Sadecki game, ever. What I never forgot about that day was the way Game 2 started. There was an air of secrecy around who the Giants starting pitcher would be. When it was announced between games, the big surprise was the name Bill Henry, a very little used lefty reliever. My mind ran wild. Was it possible the Giants had been sitting on the next Sandy Koufax all this time and this was his breakout game? My memory of major league baseball was just a bit over 2 years old at the time, so little did I know that Henry had been pitching in the majors since 1952 and was 41 years old!
Giants radio announcers Russ Hodges and Lon Simmons hinted that some type of gamesmanship was going on between Giants Manager Herman Franks and Mets Manager Gil Hodges. My memory of how the game went down is supplemented by the boxscore I found in Baseball Reference. Henry started the game allowing a leadoff walk to the switch-hitting Don Bosch and a flyball out to the lefty hitting Ken Boswell. Herman Franks then summoned the fireballing righty Bobby Bolin from the bullpen to face the RH hitting Cleon Jones. Jones greeted him with an RBI double. Bolin then threw 2 wild pitches allowing Jones to score. Russ and Lon seemed to have a lot of fun explaining that Giants Manager Herman Franks was trying to deke Mets Manager Gil Hodges into putting up a more right-handed lineup before bringing in the real starter, Bolin angling for a matchup advantage. For his part, Bolin settled down and only allowed one more run over the next 6 innings with 8 K's, but the damage was done. It seemed to me the strategy had backfired. Bolin was a swingman who should have been able to enter a game with runners on base, but his control was always tenuous at best and all the skullduggery, as Lon called it, seemed to get into his head. The Giants went on to lose the game 3-1.
I still don't know if Herman Franks wanted to deke Gil Hodges or if he just wanted Henry to face the first two batters who hit switch and lefty. In any case, the whole thing was a spectacular failure in my mind. I don't recall ever seeing or hearing of it happening again until last year when Sergio Romo "opened" for the Rays.
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This is the first post in a series. Not sure how many installments yet. I'll just keep writing about "Openers" until I stop.
DrB's 2019 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Honorable Mention Part 2
Dalton Combs, OF/1B. DOB: 10/29/1994. B-L, T-L. 6'3", 200 lbs. Drafted 2017 Round 35.
2017 Short Season: .208/.309/.313, 2 2B, HR, SB, 10.9 BB%, 18.2 K%, 2.00 GB/FB, 55 PA.
2018 Short Season: .318/.375/.512, 8 2B, 3B, 5 HR, SB, 5.6 BB%, 24.3 K%, 0.65 GB/FB, 144 PA.
Dalton Combs was a late round draftee who put up big numbers at an NAIA school in Indiana. 2017 was a SSS, but he seemed to retool his approach for 2018(more aggressive, more fly balls) and showed he really can hit. No word on his D, but I'm guessing it's not great. Maybe there will be room for him in San Jose or Augusta in 2019?
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Sam Moll, LHP. DOB: 1/3/1992. 5'10", 185 lbs. Drafted 2013, Round 3(Rockies).
2018 AAA(Blue Jays): 1-3, 5.30 ERA, 18.2 IP, 9.16 K/9, 2.41 BB/9, 1 Save.
Giants picked Sam Moll up in the AAA phase of the Rule 5 Draft which means they can keep him all season in the minors and see if he's worth adding to the 40 man roster. Lefty reliever whose secondary stats were much better than is ERA in 2018.
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Kyle McPherson, 2B/SS. DOB: 2/9/1996. B-R, T-R. 5'11", 180 lbs. Drafted 2017, Round 26.
2018 Short Season: .314/.370/.493, 23 2B, 3 3B, 7 HR, 2 SB, 7.4 BB%, 14.1 K%, 1.00 GB/FB, 311 PA.
Kyle McPherson hit well for a minor conference(James Madison) in college. Didn't show much in Arizona after the draft, but blossomed in Salem-Keizer. NWL was a bit of a launching pad in 2018, so he'll have to keep it going at higher levels. There will be competition for 2B jobs in Augusta and San Jose in 2019.
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John Gavin, LHP. DOB: 10/10/1995. 6'6", 230 lbs. Drafted 2017 Round 8.
2018 Low A: 5-5, 2.08 ERA, 95 IP, 10.52 K/9, 3.51 BB/9, 0.73 GB/FB.
2018 A+: 1-2, 5.60 ERA, 27.1 IP, 9.22 K/9, 3.29 BB/9, 0.60 GB/FB.
Big lefty drafted out of a major college program. Dominant for Augusta, not so much for San Jose. A bit of a soft tosser despite his size with a strong flyball tendency. That's not the greatest combination for a pitching prospect.
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Olbis Parra, RHP. DOB: 10/1/1994. 6'2", 180 lbs. International Free Agent 2012.
2018 Low A: 4-6, 2.24 ERA, 68.1 IP, 6.59 K/9, 1.19 BB/9, 1.29 GB/FB, 3 Saves.
2018 AA: 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 4 IP, 2.25 K/9, 2.25 BB/9.
2018 was Olbis Parra's first full season experience after spending 4 seasons in rookie ball(he missed the 2015 season). Numbers profile him as a contact/control pitcher. Not the profile that gets you to the majors these days.
2017 Short Season: .208/.309/.313, 2 2B, HR, SB, 10.9 BB%, 18.2 K%, 2.00 GB/FB, 55 PA.
2018 Short Season: .318/.375/.512, 8 2B, 3B, 5 HR, SB, 5.6 BB%, 24.3 K%, 0.65 GB/FB, 144 PA.
Dalton Combs was a late round draftee who put up big numbers at an NAIA school in Indiana. 2017 was a SSS, but he seemed to retool his approach for 2018(more aggressive, more fly balls) and showed he really can hit. No word on his D, but I'm guessing it's not great. Maybe there will be room for him in San Jose or Augusta in 2019?
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Sam Moll, LHP. DOB: 1/3/1992. 5'10", 185 lbs. Drafted 2013, Round 3(Rockies).
2018 AAA(Blue Jays): 1-3, 5.30 ERA, 18.2 IP, 9.16 K/9, 2.41 BB/9, 1 Save.
Giants picked Sam Moll up in the AAA phase of the Rule 5 Draft which means they can keep him all season in the minors and see if he's worth adding to the 40 man roster. Lefty reliever whose secondary stats were much better than is ERA in 2018.
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Kyle McPherson, 2B/SS. DOB: 2/9/1996. B-R, T-R. 5'11", 180 lbs. Drafted 2017, Round 26.
2018 Short Season: .314/.370/.493, 23 2B, 3 3B, 7 HR, 2 SB, 7.4 BB%, 14.1 K%, 1.00 GB/FB, 311 PA.
Kyle McPherson hit well for a minor conference(James Madison) in college. Didn't show much in Arizona after the draft, but blossomed in Salem-Keizer. NWL was a bit of a launching pad in 2018, so he'll have to keep it going at higher levels. There will be competition for 2B jobs in Augusta and San Jose in 2019.
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John Gavin, LHP. DOB: 10/10/1995. 6'6", 230 lbs. Drafted 2017 Round 8.
2018 Low A: 5-5, 2.08 ERA, 95 IP, 10.52 K/9, 3.51 BB/9, 0.73 GB/FB.
2018 A+: 1-2, 5.60 ERA, 27.1 IP, 9.22 K/9, 3.29 BB/9, 0.60 GB/FB.
Big lefty drafted out of a major college program. Dominant for Augusta, not so much for San Jose. A bit of a soft tosser despite his size with a strong flyball tendency. That's not the greatest combination for a pitching prospect.
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Olbis Parra, RHP. DOB: 10/1/1994. 6'2", 180 lbs. International Free Agent 2012.
2018 Low A: 4-6, 2.24 ERA, 68.1 IP, 6.59 K/9, 1.19 BB/9, 1.29 GB/FB, 3 Saves.
2018 AA: 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 4 IP, 2.25 K/9, 2.25 BB/9.
2018 was Olbis Parra's first full season experience after spending 4 seasons in rookie ball(he missed the 2015 season). Numbers profile him as a contact/control pitcher. Not the profile that gets you to the majors these days.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Hot Stove Update: Harper Nixes Short Term Deal; Giants Continue Bottom Feeding Frenzy
No sooner had the Giants leaked out that they are not interested in signing Bryce Harper to a long term deal, Harper's camp responded that he is not even considering a short term deal. So where does that leave us? Well, if you hear Taylor Swift singing We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together in the background, well, there's probably a reason. My experience with these things is once the team and player start negotiating in the press it's all over.
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Meanwhile, the Giants continued their bottom-feeding frenzy with 3 more signings and another DFA that needed to happen anyway.
Steven Vogt C. DOB: 11/1/1984. B-L, T-R. 6'0", 225 lbs. Drafted 2007 Round 12(Rays).
Vogt missed all of 2018 except for 9 minor league PA's due to a shoulder blowout and subsequent surgery. There are serious questions about whether Vogt will ever fully recover from this injury, so expect him and the Giants to take it slowly and for him to start his season late and in the minors. Oh, and this was a minor league deal. When healthy, Vogt is a good hitter who bats LH which is a very valuable commodity in a catcher, so worth taking a small chance on.
Gerardo Parra OF. DOB: 5/6/1987. B-L, T-L. 5'11", 210 lbs.
2018 MLB(Rockies): .284/.342/.372, 17 2B, 6 HR, 11 SB, 7.2 BB%, 16.9 K%, 443 PA, 0.0 fWAR.
Can't say I'm at all excited by this one even though it's a minor league deal. Parra is coming off a 3 year contract with the Rockies in which he posted a cumulative fWAR of -1.1. Yeah, it's a minor league deal but we all know what Bruce Bochy will do when it comes down to a choice between a 32 year old veteran who will give you a nice safe 0 fWAR and, say, Anthony Garcia, who might give you 30 dingers. Might as well have just kept Gregor Blanco.
Jose Lopez, RHP. DOB: 9/1/1993. 6'1", 205 lbs. Drafted 2014, Round 6(Reds).
2018 AAA(Reds): 5-13, 4.47 ERA, 141 IP, 7.47 K/9, 2.62 BB/9, 0.63 GB/FB.
When I saw the name, I thought the Giants might have picked up the former Mariners 2B of the same name who last played in 2012, but this Jose Lopez is an actual prospect. The Reds tried to sneak him through waivers and the Giants claimed him while DFA'ing Josh Osich. Lopez seemed to be rising start in the Reds system after posting sub-3.00 ERA's at two stops in 2017, but his 2018 AAA season was disappointing. He throws 4 fairly average pitches. Fangraphs had him ranked as the #25 prospect in the Reds system. He has 2 options so the Giants can easily send him to AAA for more seasoning and for depth. As for Osich, I still think there is hope for him, but he desperately needs a change of scenery so I hope another organization gives him a chance.
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Meanwhile, the Giants continued their bottom-feeding frenzy with 3 more signings and another DFA that needed to happen anyway.
Steven Vogt C. DOB: 11/1/1984. B-L, T-R. 6'0", 225 lbs. Drafted 2007 Round 12(Rays).
Vogt missed all of 2018 except for 9 minor league PA's due to a shoulder blowout and subsequent surgery. There are serious questions about whether Vogt will ever fully recover from this injury, so expect him and the Giants to take it slowly and for him to start his season late and in the minors. Oh, and this was a minor league deal. When healthy, Vogt is a good hitter who bats LH which is a very valuable commodity in a catcher, so worth taking a small chance on.
Gerardo Parra OF. DOB: 5/6/1987. B-L, T-L. 5'11", 210 lbs.
2018 MLB(Rockies): .284/.342/.372, 17 2B, 6 HR, 11 SB, 7.2 BB%, 16.9 K%, 443 PA, 0.0 fWAR.
Can't say I'm at all excited by this one even though it's a minor league deal. Parra is coming off a 3 year contract with the Rockies in which he posted a cumulative fWAR of -1.1. Yeah, it's a minor league deal but we all know what Bruce Bochy will do when it comes down to a choice between a 32 year old veteran who will give you a nice safe 0 fWAR and, say, Anthony Garcia, who might give you 30 dingers. Might as well have just kept Gregor Blanco.
Jose Lopez, RHP. DOB: 9/1/1993. 6'1", 205 lbs. Drafted 2014, Round 6(Reds).
2018 AAA(Reds): 5-13, 4.47 ERA, 141 IP, 7.47 K/9, 2.62 BB/9, 0.63 GB/FB.
When I saw the name, I thought the Giants might have picked up the former Mariners 2B of the same name who last played in 2012, but this Jose Lopez is an actual prospect. The Reds tried to sneak him through waivers and the Giants claimed him while DFA'ing Josh Osich. Lopez seemed to be rising start in the Reds system after posting sub-3.00 ERA's at two stops in 2017, but his 2018 AAA season was disappointing. He throws 4 fairly average pitches. Fangraphs had him ranked as the #25 prospect in the Reds system. He has 2 options so the Giants can easily send him to AAA for more seasoning and for depth. As for Osich, I still think there is hope for him, but he desperately needs a change of scenery so I hope another organization gives him a chance.
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
DrB's 2019 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Honorable Mention Part 1
We will review a lengthy HM list 5 names at a time, in no particular order.
Brandon Van Horn, SS. DOB: 12/18/1993. B-R, T-R. 6'2", 180 lbs. Drafted 2016, Round 19(College).
2018 A+: .211/.269/.350, 19 2B, 10 HR, 8 SB, 7.2 BB%, 26.7 K%, 405 PA. Reputed as a defense-first SS, Van Horn showed some flashes of power but not a whole lot else in an overall rough season on San Jose. Clay Davenport has him as a minus defender to boot. Comp is Cody Ransom. Extreme long shot to ever make the major leagues.
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Sean Roby, 3B. DOB: 7/8/1998. B-R, T-R. 6'2", 215 lbs. Drafted 2018 Round 12(JC).
2018 R: .281/.352/.438, 8 2B, 5 HR, 8.8 BB%, 19.8 K%, 182 PA. Giants went heavy for JC players in the 2018 draft. Tough to place JC draftees as they tend to be too advanced for rookie ball but not quite ready for Short Season A ball. Roby did well in rookie ball. 3B is crowded in the Giants lower minors. We may see Roby in Salem-Keizer this year.
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Frankie Tostado, 1B. DOB: 3/31/1998. B-L, T-L. 6'2", 205 lbs. Drafted 2017 Round 19(JC).
2018 Rookie: .281/.332/.415, 12 2B, 3B, 3 HR, 2 SB, 7.0 BB%, 12.3 K%, 187 PA. A JC draftee from 2017, Tostado did not make his pro debut until 2018 due to an injury. Nice combination of contact and power. Name is at least a 70. Next stop Salem-Keizer or Augusta.
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Jose Layer, OF. DOB: 5/28/1997. B-R, T-R. 6'0", 160 lbs. Drafted 2016 Round 13(HS).
2018 Short Season: .280/.354/.446, 7 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 4 SB, 9.0 BB%, 25.3 K%, 178 PA. Layer has hit whenever he's played but missed a lot of time his first two pro seasons. Got in most of a short season in 2018. Career minor league slash line: .296/.373/.436. Can he get past Augusta at age 22?
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Abdiel Layer, 3B/SS. DOB: 8/9/1998. B-S, T-R. 6'2", 170 lbs. Drafted 2918 Round 40(JC).
2018 Rookie: .289/.358/.428, 9 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 9 SB, 8.47 BB%, 24.29 K%, 177 PA. Jose Layer's brother. Drafted as a SS, played 27 games at 3B and 17 at SS after turning pro. Next stop S-K vs Augusta. Did get 11 PA in Augusta at the end of 2018 but did not get a hit.
Monday, February 11, 2019
Scouting the 2019 Draft: Braden Shewmake
Braden Shewmake, SS, College(Texas A&M). DOB: 11/19/1997. B-L, T-R. 6'4", 190 lbs.
2018: .325/.395/.450, 7 2B, 4 3B, 5 HR, 12 SB, 7.72 BB%, 7.72 K%.
Shewmake is a tall college shortstop who has hit well for Texas A&M for the first 2 seasons of his college career. His sophomore season was not quite as impressive as his freshman season, but was still solid. Scouts see an excellent hit tool although he may be sacrificing some power for contact. The main rap on him is he may not be a shortstop at higher levels in the pros due to fringy arm strength. He could move over to 2B, but his height is more problematic for the keystone bag than for SS. This all means he may be a future corner OF or 1B where his power would have to develop more than for a MI position.
Love what I see on video swinging the bat. It's a short, simple swing without much pre-swing movement. He is physically well proportioned with room to fill out. He will be valued on draft day by teams who think he can stick at SS and/or who think his power will develop. MLB Pipeline has him ranked as the #21 Draft prospect. Fangraphs has him at #17.
2018: .325/.395/.450, 7 2B, 4 3B, 5 HR, 12 SB, 7.72 BB%, 7.72 K%.
Shewmake is a tall college shortstop who has hit well for Texas A&M for the first 2 seasons of his college career. His sophomore season was not quite as impressive as his freshman season, but was still solid. Scouts see an excellent hit tool although he may be sacrificing some power for contact. The main rap on him is he may not be a shortstop at higher levels in the pros due to fringy arm strength. He could move over to 2B, but his height is more problematic for the keystone bag than for SS. This all means he may be a future corner OF or 1B where his power would have to develop more than for a MI position.
Love what I see on video swinging the bat. It's a short, simple swing without much pre-swing movement. He is physically well proportioned with room to fill out. He will be valued on draft day by teams who think he can stick at SS and/or who think his power will develop. MLB Pipeline has him ranked as the #21 Draft prospect. Fangraphs has him at #17.
DrB's 2019 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #50 Yorlis Rodriguez
Yorlis Rodriguez, 3B. DOB: 7/20/1999. 6'0", 187 lbs. International Free Agent 2017(Cuba).
2018 R: .323/.409/.445, 9 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 6 SB, 10.4 BB%, 13.7 K%, 1.25 GB/FB.
Yorlis Rodriguez(can we call him YoRod?) was a year older than most international free agents when he signed was assigned to Arizona for his pro debut, an aggressive assignment. He definitely justified it with an outstanding offensive season even by Arizona League standards. What's most exciting about his stat line is the outstanding K/BB showing that relatively rare combination of plate discipline and contact skill. Not sure where we'll see him to open 2019 as 3B is a crowded position in the lower levels of the Giants system, but Augusta would be a reasonable bet.
2018 R: .323/.409/.445, 9 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 6 SB, 10.4 BB%, 13.7 K%, 1.25 GB/FB.
Yorlis Rodriguez(can we call him YoRod?) was a year older than most international free agents when he signed was assigned to Arizona for his pro debut, an aggressive assignment. He definitely justified it with an outstanding offensive season even by Arizona League standards. What's most exciting about his stat line is the outstanding K/BB showing that relatively rare combination of plate discipline and contact skill. Not sure where we'll see him to open 2019 as 3B is a crowded position in the lower levels of the Giants system, but Augusta would be a reasonable bet.
Sunday, February 10, 2019
DrB's 2019 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #49 Conner Nurse
Conner Nurse, RHP. DOB: 7/31/1999. 6'6", 210 lbs. Drafted 2017, Round 34.
2018 R: 1-1, 3.23 ERA, 53 IP, 9.51 K/9, 4.42 BB/9, 1.69 GB/FB.
I generally reserve the last couple of slots on the Top 50 for lottery ticket, high ceiling/high risk type prospects. I am cautiously optimistic the Giants found themselves a gem in the late rounds of the 2017 draft in Conner Nurse. He signed for $250 K which is approximately 6'th round money. The Giants put him to work at their complex after the draft but he did not appear in any official AZL games in 2017. MCC has a link to a Reddit chat he hosted during that time. It sounds like he has a good head on his shoulders and is approaching his pro career with a mature perspective.
Other reason for optimism is his pre-draft PG scouting report. Here are a few excerpts: FB up to 92 MPH. "Extra-large, athletic frame with broad shoulders and long limbs, leaner build with room to fill out but also has present strength throughout."....shows balance and ability to repeat, leading to lots of strikes." "...near over-the-top release point, does a nice job of working on top of the ball to generate nice angle on fastball." "Curveball shows hammer depth at 79 MPH from similar release point..." "Has confidence and feel in his changeup.." "Nice feel for a full arsenal and throws off speed pitches for strikes regularly." Video confirms those comments. His arms are long and thin, but the shoulders are broad. He has some muscular bulk in the upper legs, hips and butt.
He worked as SP in games in his second summer at the complex with encouraging results. Even though it was his second pro season, his birthdate made it just his age 18 season. The Giants have a choice between sending him to Augusta to start 2019 or keep him in camp for 2.5 months then send him to Salem-Keizer. I'd like to see him in Augusta where the environment is a lot more pitcher-friendly than S-K. He's got a long way to go, but I see a ton of upside with at least #3 SP potential.
2018 R: 1-1, 3.23 ERA, 53 IP, 9.51 K/9, 4.42 BB/9, 1.69 GB/FB.
I generally reserve the last couple of slots on the Top 50 for lottery ticket, high ceiling/high risk type prospects. I am cautiously optimistic the Giants found themselves a gem in the late rounds of the 2017 draft in Conner Nurse. He signed for $250 K which is approximately 6'th round money. The Giants put him to work at their complex after the draft but he did not appear in any official AZL games in 2017. MCC has a link to a Reddit chat he hosted during that time. It sounds like he has a good head on his shoulders and is approaching his pro career with a mature perspective.
Other reason for optimism is his pre-draft PG scouting report. Here are a few excerpts: FB up to 92 MPH. "Extra-large, athletic frame with broad shoulders and long limbs, leaner build with room to fill out but also has present strength throughout."....shows balance and ability to repeat, leading to lots of strikes." "...near over-the-top release point, does a nice job of working on top of the ball to generate nice angle on fastball." "Curveball shows hammer depth at 79 MPH from similar release point..." "Has confidence and feel in his changeup.." "Nice feel for a full arsenal and throws off speed pitches for strikes regularly." Video confirms those comments. His arms are long and thin, but the shoulders are broad. He has some muscular bulk in the upper legs, hips and butt.
He worked as SP in games in his second summer at the complex with encouraging results. Even though it was his second pro season, his birthdate made it just his age 18 season. The Giants have a choice between sending him to Augusta to start 2019 or keep him in camp for 2.5 months then send him to Salem-Keizer. I'd like to see him in Augusta where the environment is a lot more pitcher-friendly than S-K. He's got a long way to go, but I see a ton of upside with at least #3 SP potential.
Hot Stove Update: Larry Baer Confesses Love for Bryce Harper
Well, THAT cat's out of the bag! Some random guy on Twitter saw Larry Baer at the Bellagio in Vegas and put 2+2 together. Yeah, Larry Baer was part of a contingent that met with Bryce Harper and Scott Boras last week. With the rain pouring down on one of the saddest sack Fanfests in recent memory, expectations of a surprise signing announcement reached a level of irrational exuberance. Farhan Zaidi cracked first. Yeah, it's hard to keep a secret when your CEO "gets made" in the casino. Ha ha! Wink wink! That kind of forced Larry Baer to say...well... something. Larry blushed, looked at his feet and stammered out something along the lines of yeah, we had a date. One thing led to another. Two hours turned into 4. We fell in love! Oh, BTW, Bryce just LOVES Buster! Ha, ha! Does that sound a lot like another "business man" with questionable negotiating skills turned leader we've heard from recently? Yup, it does!
You know what, Larry? Just ST*U! If you really think you have a chance to sign Bryce Harper AND have the money, or are willing to spend the money, you wouldn't be here at Fanfest yucking it up with Farhan and Boch. You'd have spent the rest of the week hammering out a deal and had Bryce here at Fanfest with you, or else you would be skipping Fanfest to be back down there getting him signed. This is like the high school kid who comes back from the prom bragging about getting to second base after the girl tells him to get the **** lost.
Man, I hope I am wrong! Look, I am OK with the Giants not signing Bryce Harper. He's not a great fit for the ballpark and the back end of that contract is going to get ugly. But I've seen this movie a few too many times. If they aren't going to sign him, that's fine, but don't go getting our hopes up trying to pacify us with yet another story about how we were this close, but dang it, we just didn't get that rose! Yeah, I'm calling you out on this one, Larry. Get it done now or I'm calling a great huge steaming pile of BS!
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BTW, isn't Fanfest supposed to mark the official end of the Hot Stove League? Why does it feel like that ol' boiler is still just warming up?
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Madison Bumgarner doesn't like Openers. No, Bum didn't show for Fanfest, but Bochy told how he got a text from Bum saying if Boch used an opener in his game he'd walk right out of the ballpark! Maybe I'll write a post about Openers. I have some thoughts on the subject and they probably fall somewhere between Bumgarner's and Zaidi's. That's all I'll say on that subject for now.
You know what, Larry? Just ST*U! If you really think you have a chance to sign Bryce Harper AND have the money, or are willing to spend the money, you wouldn't be here at Fanfest yucking it up with Farhan and Boch. You'd have spent the rest of the week hammering out a deal and had Bryce here at Fanfest with you, or else you would be skipping Fanfest to be back down there getting him signed. This is like the high school kid who comes back from the prom bragging about getting to second base after the girl tells him to get the **** lost.
Man, I hope I am wrong! Look, I am OK with the Giants not signing Bryce Harper. He's not a great fit for the ballpark and the back end of that contract is going to get ugly. But I've seen this movie a few too many times. If they aren't going to sign him, that's fine, but don't go getting our hopes up trying to pacify us with yet another story about how we were this close, but dang it, we just didn't get that rose! Yeah, I'm calling you out on this one, Larry. Get it done now or I'm calling a great huge steaming pile of BS!
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BTW, isn't Fanfest supposed to mark the official end of the Hot Stove League? Why does it feel like that ol' boiler is still just warming up?
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Madison Bumgarner doesn't like Openers. No, Bum didn't show for Fanfest, but Bochy told how he got a text from Bum saying if Boch used an opener in his game he'd walk right out of the ballpark! Maybe I'll write a post about Openers. I have some thoughts on the subject and they probably fall somewhere between Bumgarner's and Zaidi's. That's all I'll say on that subject for now.
Saturday, February 9, 2019
DrB's 2019 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #48 Blake Rivera
Blake Rivera, RHP. DOB: 1/9/1998. 6'4", 205 lbs. Drafted 2018, Round 4.
2018 JC: 10-0, 1.75 ERA, 67 IP, 13.16 K/9, 3.76 BB/9.
2018 Short Season: 0-0, 6.16 ERA, 19 IP, 6.63 K/9, 5.21 BB/9.
I think the biggest reason why I place Blake Rivera in the Top 50 is his draft position. It definitely was not due to a great pro debut. In his defense, Salem-Keizer is an aggressive placement for a JC draftee and it's very hitter-friendly league to boot. BTW, without looking it up, can you guess where Wallace St Community College is? Hint: I'm pretty sure it's named after a former governor and presidential candidate who held some divisive political views.
Anyway, Blake Rivera pitched worked as a swingman for Wallace St CC for 2 seasons making just 5 starts in 25 total appearances but still averaged close to 5 innings per appearance. He has close to an ideal pitcher's frame. He works with a low 90's FB and a breaking ball with late downward movement. He profiles as a future back-end, innings eating SP or long reliever/swingman. Augusta seems like an appropriate placement for him to start 2019.
BTW, the Giants also drafted Rivera in 2017 Round 32. I found several references stating he was drafted out of HS but the 2017 draft actually came at the end of his first JC season.
2018 JC: 10-0, 1.75 ERA, 67 IP, 13.16 K/9, 3.76 BB/9.
2018 Short Season: 0-0, 6.16 ERA, 19 IP, 6.63 K/9, 5.21 BB/9.
I think the biggest reason why I place Blake Rivera in the Top 50 is his draft position. It definitely was not due to a great pro debut. In his defense, Salem-Keizer is an aggressive placement for a JC draftee and it's very hitter-friendly league to boot. BTW, without looking it up, can you guess where Wallace St Community College is? Hint: I'm pretty sure it's named after a former governor and presidential candidate who held some divisive political views.
Anyway, Blake Rivera pitched worked as a swingman for Wallace St CC for 2 seasons making just 5 starts in 25 total appearances but still averaged close to 5 innings per appearance. He has close to an ideal pitcher's frame. He works with a low 90's FB and a breaking ball with late downward movement. He profiles as a future back-end, innings eating SP or long reliever/swingman. Augusta seems like an appropriate placement for him to start 2019.
BTW, the Giants also drafted Rivera in 2017 Round 32. I found several references stating he was drafted out of HS but the 2017 draft actually came at the end of his first JC season.
Scouting the 2019 Draft: Jack Leiter
Jack Leiter RHP, HS. 6'1", 195 lbs.
Jack Leiter is the son of former MLB LHP Al Leiter and the nephew of former Giant Mark Leiter, so it is not surprising scouting reports have him as the most advanced HS pitcher in the 2019 draft class. Per PG scouting report, his FB reaches 94 MPH and he spots it to all 4 quadrants. He backs that up with 3 quality secondary pitches he can throw anytime. He is committed to Vanderbilt and draws comps to Sonny Gray both from his body type and stuff. MLB Pipeline ranks him the #20 draft prospect for 2019 with Fangraphs rating him lower at #47.
Jack Leiter is the son of former MLB LHP Al Leiter and the nephew of former Giant Mark Leiter, so it is not surprising scouting reports have him as the most advanced HS pitcher in the 2019 draft class. Per PG scouting report, his FB reaches 94 MPH and he spots it to all 4 quadrants. He backs that up with 3 quality secondary pitches he can throw anytime. He is committed to Vanderbilt and draws comps to Sonny Gray both from his body type and stuff. MLB Pipeline ranks him the #20 draft prospect for 2019 with Fangraphs rating him lower at #47.
DrB's 2019 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #47 Conner Menez
Conner Menez, LHP. DOB: 5/29/1995. 6'3", 205 lbs. Drafted 2016, Round 14.
2018 A+: 2-5, 4.83, 50.1 IP, 12.52 K/9, 3.75 BB/9, l.51 GB/FB, 2.86 FIP, 3.20 xFIP.
2018 AA: 6-4, 4.38, 74 IP, 11.19 K/9, 4.14 BB/9, 0.96 GB/FB, 2.68 FIP, 3.60 xFIP.
2018 AAA: 1-1, 3.27, 11 IP, 7.36 K/9, 4.09, BB/9, 1.40 GB/FB, 4.29 FIP, 5.48 xFIP.
I think I might have overlooked Conner Menez when I made up my list. It sure seems like a guy who moved up 3 levels in 1 season and made it to AAA should be ranked a lot higher. Menez is a lefty drafted out of an NAIA school in 2016. Since then, he's been putting up really strong K rates. As you can see from his FIP's and xFIP's, his secondary stats have been consistently better than his ERA. The walk rates remain just a bit higher than ideal.
Per a Giants Potential scouting report and interview, Menez throws a 2-seam FB with lots of movement. His best secondary pitch is the slider. He also throws a curveball and changeup. He's worked as a SP so far in the pros, but I could see him eventually moving into a longer relief role. He's the type of lefty pitcher who could greatly benefit from a rule change forcing a pitcher to face at least 3 batters.
He has an invitation to spring training. I would think we'll most likely see him open the season in AAA Sacramento with a chance for a callup if the need arises.
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I originally had Blake Rivera in this spot but after researching him, moved him down a notch and jumped Menez up from #50 where I had moved him earlier from the HM list.
2018 A+: 2-5, 4.83, 50.1 IP, 12.52 K/9, 3.75 BB/9, l.51 GB/FB, 2.86 FIP, 3.20 xFIP.
2018 AA: 6-4, 4.38, 74 IP, 11.19 K/9, 4.14 BB/9, 0.96 GB/FB, 2.68 FIP, 3.60 xFIP.
2018 AAA: 1-1, 3.27, 11 IP, 7.36 K/9, 4.09, BB/9, 1.40 GB/FB, 4.29 FIP, 5.48 xFIP.
I think I might have overlooked Conner Menez when I made up my list. It sure seems like a guy who moved up 3 levels in 1 season and made it to AAA should be ranked a lot higher. Menez is a lefty drafted out of an NAIA school in 2016. Since then, he's been putting up really strong K rates. As you can see from his FIP's and xFIP's, his secondary stats have been consistently better than his ERA. The walk rates remain just a bit higher than ideal.
Per a Giants Potential scouting report and interview, Menez throws a 2-seam FB with lots of movement. His best secondary pitch is the slider. He also throws a curveball and changeup. He's worked as a SP so far in the pros, but I could see him eventually moving into a longer relief role. He's the type of lefty pitcher who could greatly benefit from a rule change forcing a pitcher to face at least 3 batters.
He has an invitation to spring training. I would think we'll most likely see him open the season in AAA Sacramento with a chance for a callup if the need arises.
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I originally had Blake Rivera in this spot but after researching him, moved him down a notch and jumped Menez up from #50 where I had moved him earlier from the HM list.
Friday, February 8, 2019
DrB's 2019 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #46 Solomon Bates
Solomon Bates, RHP. DOB: 3/16/1997. 6'2", 210 lbs. Drafted 2018, Round 8.
2018 College(USC): 6-3, 3.14, 77 IP, 9.19 K/9, 2.44 BB/9.
2018 Short Season: 6-0, 4.88, 27.2 IP, 14.64 K/9, 4.55 BB/9.
Solomon Bates is a big, strong, athletic looking pitcher out of USC who put up an eye-popping K rate in his pro debut. Regarding his athleticism, it looks like he put up some pretty good offensive numbers in the California Collegiate Summer League in 2017. His scouting report does not sound all that optimistic with a FB that sits 89-92 and touches 95 with a slurvy breaking ball. Physically he reminds me of Jerome Williams. Like Williams, it looks like he will need to watch his weigh going forward. Despite a small sample size, his numbers from Salem-Keizer are enough to make me want the Giants to challenge him with a placement in San Jose for 2019.
2018 College(USC): 6-3, 3.14, 77 IP, 9.19 K/9, 2.44 BB/9.
2018 Short Season: 6-0, 4.88, 27.2 IP, 14.64 K/9, 4.55 BB/9.
Solomon Bates is a big, strong, athletic looking pitcher out of USC who put up an eye-popping K rate in his pro debut. Regarding his athleticism, it looks like he put up some pretty good offensive numbers in the California Collegiate Summer League in 2017. His scouting report does not sound all that optimistic with a FB that sits 89-92 and touches 95 with a slurvy breaking ball. Physically he reminds me of Jerome Williams. Like Williams, it looks like he will need to watch his weigh going forward. Despite a small sample size, his numbers from Salem-Keizer are enough to make me want the Giants to challenge him with a placement in San Jose for 2019.
Hot Stove Update: Giants Sign Rene Rivera; Phillies Win Realmuto Sweepstakes
Rene Rivera, C. DOB: 7/31/1983. B-R, T-R. 5'10", 215 lbs. Drafted 2001 Round 2(Mariners).
2018(2 teams): .233/.275/.419, 4 2B, 4 HR, 4.4 BB%, 38.5 K%, 91 PA.
In a very predictable move, the Giants signed FA C, Rene Rivera, to a minor league deal creating added competition for the back up catcher role and depth in case Buster Posey's return from hip surgery is delayed. Rivera is the patron saint of the pitch framing enthusiasts. He also occasionally swings a mean bat, especially against the Giants. I hold him personally responsible for destroying Matt Moore's career with a couple of dingers that sure looked like he knew the exact pitch and location long before he started his swing.
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The TJ Realmuto drama finally ended with the Phillies acquiring him for C Jorge Alfaro, RHP Sixto Sanchez, LHP Will Stewart and $250 K additional International bonus Pool allotment. Realmuto dramatically upgrades Catcher for the Phils for at least the next 2 seasons. The Marlins get a decent MLB catcher to replace him with for more years of control. Sanchez was the Phillies #1 ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline prior to the trade. He is 20 yo and pitched AA last year, but missed time with a balky elbow. Stewart is an interesting prospect drafted out of HS in 2015 Round 20:
2018 Low A: 8-1, 2.06, 113.2 IP, 7.13 K/9, 1.66 BB/9, 2.79 GB/FB.
As you can see, not a big strikeout guy but excellent command and a dominant GB rate.
Conclusion: Both teams got what they wanted and needed.
The best part is Realmuto won't be upgrading the Dodgers catching situation.
2018(2 teams): .233/.275/.419, 4 2B, 4 HR, 4.4 BB%, 38.5 K%, 91 PA.
In a very predictable move, the Giants signed FA C, Rene Rivera, to a minor league deal creating added competition for the back up catcher role and depth in case Buster Posey's return from hip surgery is delayed. Rivera is the patron saint of the pitch framing enthusiasts. He also occasionally swings a mean bat, especially against the Giants. I hold him personally responsible for destroying Matt Moore's career with a couple of dingers that sure looked like he knew the exact pitch and location long before he started his swing.
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The TJ Realmuto drama finally ended with the Phillies acquiring him for C Jorge Alfaro, RHP Sixto Sanchez, LHP Will Stewart and $250 K additional International bonus Pool allotment. Realmuto dramatically upgrades Catcher for the Phils for at least the next 2 seasons. The Marlins get a decent MLB catcher to replace him with for more years of control. Sanchez was the Phillies #1 ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline prior to the trade. He is 20 yo and pitched AA last year, but missed time with a balky elbow. Stewart is an interesting prospect drafted out of HS in 2015 Round 20:
2018 Low A: 8-1, 2.06, 113.2 IP, 7.13 K/9, 1.66 BB/9, 2.79 GB/FB.
As you can see, not a big strikeout guy but excellent command and a dominant GB rate.
Conclusion: Both teams got what they wanted and needed.
The best part is Realmuto won't be upgrading the Dodgers catching situation.
RIP Frank Robinson
I started following major league baseball in earnest in 1966 when I was 9 years old. I picked up on the excited talk in our rural community about the bitter pennant race between the Giants and Dodgers in 1965. I knew Willie Mays hit 52 HR's and was the MVP. I knew about Juan Marichal and the Roseboro Incident. Willie McCovey always seemed to get mentioned in the same sentence as Willie Mays. I heard and read about the legendary left arm of Sandy Koufax and how he soaked his elbow in ice after every game he pitched. I think I listened to part of one game between the Reds and the Giants. The Reds seemed to have a some good players, Pete Rose, Vada Pinson, Deron Johnson and a player named Frank Robinson. I started to hang out at the magazine rack when my mom was grocery shopping and read as much of the Sporting News as I could, so I knew Robinson was traded to the Orioles for Milt Pappas.
There were some legendarily lopsided trades back in those days: Lou Brock for Ernie Broglio, Orlando Cepeda for Ray Sadecki and of course Frank Robinson for Milt Pappas. The Reds GM thought the 30 year old Robinson was starting on the downside of his career and the Reds needed pitching. Much like Ray Sadecki, Pappas actually pitched pretty well after the trade, but Frank Robinson's career exploded. He won what was known as baseball's Triple Crown by leading the AL with a .316 BA, 49 HR's and 122 RBI's. He also scored 122 Runs. The Orioles swept to the AL Pennant then destroyed the Dodgers in 4 games in the World Series.
Among his many career accomplishments Frank Robinson was Rookie of the Year in 1956. He was the first player to be MVP in both leagues having won in the NL in 1961. He retired with the 4'th most career HR's up to that point with 568. Robinson was part of a golden age of baseball when the game was dominated by several African-American players who got the opportunity after Jackie Robinson(no relation as far as I know) "broke the color barrier." To me, Mays, McCovey, Hank Aaron, Robinson, Bob Gibson, Lou Brock and Bob Gibson will always be the greatest group of players the game has seen.
Robinson let it be known early on that he intended to break another color barrier and become the first African-American Manager, and he prepared himself. While playing for the Reds, he took college classes in the offseasons at Xavier University. Later, he started managing winter league teams in the Dominican Republic. Toward the end of his career he openly lobbied for a manager's job. He was traded to the Cleveland Indians in 1974 and they made him a player-manager in 1975. He held the job until he was fired on June 19, 1977.
Frank Robinson's connection to the Giants came in 1981 when they named him manager. That made him the first African-American Manager in the NL. He held the position through 1984. I was in medical school and residency during that time and didn't have a lot of time to watch or listen to ballgames. I recall Robinson having a reputation as an old-school, hard-guy manager who wasn't afraid to challenge players or other teams on the field. The one incident I recall was when he made a gesture to his nose in the dugout which the Dodgers interpreted as a reference to Steve Howe and cocaine. That sparked a typical baseball brawl on the field in front of the Giants dugout. I happened to be watching that game on TV. This was during the Lasorda Years and I was all about anything that could annoy the Dodgers that much, so I loved it! He went on the manage the Orioles and Expos/Nationals and won Manager of the Year with the Orioles in 1989.
Robinson's other connection to the Bay Area is he grew up in Oakland, CA and was HS teammates with Bill Russell(Robinson played basketball and football too), Vada Pinson and Curt Flood. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame when that still meant something in 1982, elected on the first ballot. Frank Robinson died from complications of cancer at the age of 83 on February 7, 2019. RIP Frank Robinson.
There were some legendarily lopsided trades back in those days: Lou Brock for Ernie Broglio, Orlando Cepeda for Ray Sadecki and of course Frank Robinson for Milt Pappas. The Reds GM thought the 30 year old Robinson was starting on the downside of his career and the Reds needed pitching. Much like Ray Sadecki, Pappas actually pitched pretty well after the trade, but Frank Robinson's career exploded. He won what was known as baseball's Triple Crown by leading the AL with a .316 BA, 49 HR's and 122 RBI's. He also scored 122 Runs. The Orioles swept to the AL Pennant then destroyed the Dodgers in 4 games in the World Series.
Among his many career accomplishments Frank Robinson was Rookie of the Year in 1956. He was the first player to be MVP in both leagues having won in the NL in 1961. He retired with the 4'th most career HR's up to that point with 568. Robinson was part of a golden age of baseball when the game was dominated by several African-American players who got the opportunity after Jackie Robinson(no relation as far as I know) "broke the color barrier." To me, Mays, McCovey, Hank Aaron, Robinson, Bob Gibson, Lou Brock and Bob Gibson will always be the greatest group of players the game has seen.
Robinson let it be known early on that he intended to break another color barrier and become the first African-American Manager, and he prepared himself. While playing for the Reds, he took college classes in the offseasons at Xavier University. Later, he started managing winter league teams in the Dominican Republic. Toward the end of his career he openly lobbied for a manager's job. He was traded to the Cleveland Indians in 1974 and they made him a player-manager in 1975. He held the job until he was fired on June 19, 1977.
Frank Robinson's connection to the Giants came in 1981 when they named him manager. That made him the first African-American Manager in the NL. He held the position through 1984. I was in medical school and residency during that time and didn't have a lot of time to watch or listen to ballgames. I recall Robinson having a reputation as an old-school, hard-guy manager who wasn't afraid to challenge players or other teams on the field. The one incident I recall was when he made a gesture to his nose in the dugout which the Dodgers interpreted as a reference to Steve Howe and cocaine. That sparked a typical baseball brawl on the field in front of the Giants dugout. I happened to be watching that game on TV. This was during the Lasorda Years and I was all about anything that could annoy the Dodgers that much, so I loved it! He went on the manage the Orioles and Expos/Nationals and won Manager of the Year with the Orioles in 1989.
Robinson's other connection to the Bay Area is he grew up in Oakland, CA and was HS teammates with Bill Russell(Robinson played basketball and football too), Vada Pinson and Curt Flood. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame when that still meant something in 1982, elected on the first ballot. Frank Robinson died from complications of cancer at the age of 83 on February 7, 2019. RIP Frank Robinson.
Thursday, February 7, 2019
DrB's 2019 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #45 Garrett Cave
Garrett Cave, RHP. DOB: 7/18/1996. 6'4", 200 lbs. Drafted 2017 Round 4.
2018 Low A: 6-10, 5.20, 116 IP, 9.16 K/9, 5.20 BB/9, 1.77 GB/FB.
Garrett Cave was drafted out of a NCAA division II school. He has an ideal pitchers frame and size with a FB that reaches 96 MPH. His 5 pitch mix, 4-Seam FB, 2-Seam FB, Curveball, Changeup and Cutter, makes him a SP candidate, but the persistently high BB rate makes other analysts peg him as a RP. He's got an upright "tall and fall" type delivery which helps give his pitches a downward plan producing strong groundball rates. The combination of high K and GB rate is a relatively rare, highly sought after combination. Personally, I would not be in a rush to move him to the bullpen. That can come late in the development process and is an easier transition than the other way around. I am not sure if the Giants will place him back in Augusta or move him up to San Jose. He'll be someone to go out to the ballpark for if he comes to SoCal with the little Giants.
2018 Low A: 6-10, 5.20, 116 IP, 9.16 K/9, 5.20 BB/9, 1.77 GB/FB.
Garrett Cave was drafted out of a NCAA division II school. He has an ideal pitchers frame and size with a FB that reaches 96 MPH. His 5 pitch mix, 4-Seam FB, 2-Seam FB, Curveball, Changeup and Cutter, makes him a SP candidate, but the persistently high BB rate makes other analysts peg him as a RP. He's got an upright "tall and fall" type delivery which helps give his pitches a downward plan producing strong groundball rates. The combination of high K and GB rate is a relatively rare, highly sought after combination. Personally, I would not be in a rush to move him to the bullpen. That can come late in the development process and is an easier transition than the other way around. I am not sure if the Giants will place him back in Augusta or move him up to San Jose. He'll be someone to go out to the ballpark for if he comes to SoCal with the little Giants.
State of the Game: NL DH in 2019?
MLBTR and other sources report the MLBPA and Commissioner's Office are discussing some rather dramatic changes, including adding the DH to the NL, as soon as the 2019 season. The DH to NL, along with expanding the active rosters to 26, is something the MLBPA wants and is seen a deal inducer for additional changes the players may not be so thrilled about including a proposed rule limiting pitchers to a minimum of 3 batters faced unless in injury is involved. Presumably there would be mandatory DL stints for claims of injury. In addition to expanding regular active rosters to 26, MLB wants to limit September rosters to 28. To put it in economic terms, the players want more, higher paying jobs while the league wants a faster paced game and more offense.
MLB and the MLBPA are also proposing to collaborate on a study to look at lowering the mound or even moving it back from the plate(no, 60 ft, 6" was apparently not handed down on a tablet from the baseball gods). The study would also look at possibly changing the size and configuration of the strike zone. These proposed changes are seen as a needed adjustment to both average velocity increases and rising strikeout rates. I would also add that barrel velocities are also increasing and something needs to be done to protect pitchers before someone gets killed out there. Moving the mound and rubber back might help with player safety too. This study would go on for the duration of the 2019 season with an target for implementation in 2020. I wonder if we could see some of these changes in the minor leagues where the leagues don't have to negotiate with the players?
According to Jayson Stark of the Athletic, other proposals out there include awarding additional "reward" draft picks for revenue sharing teams that make or almost make the postseason which would be an incentive to compete and possibly a disincentive to tank. These proposals would inevitably produce winners and losers but would hopefully have an end result of making the game more enjoyable for more people. Let's break down the winners and losers:
WINNERS:
Hitters: Most of the proposed changes are designed to favor offense. The DH would almost surely provide instant offense for NL teams. Strike zone and mound changes would also favor hitters as would the 3 batter minimum rule. Roster size expansion would almost certainly be used to carry an additional pitcher and might balance out the 3 batter rule.
Pitchers: While most of the rule changes should favor offense, pitchers will most likely get the lion's share of extra roster space. They may not realize it, but pitchers desperately need protection from line drive comebackers. Moving the mound/rubber back may save a life or two.
AL Fans: They will get to keep the DH in postseason games played in NL ballparks. I have grudgingly come to believe NL fans will also benefit by not having to watch rally after rally fizzle at the bottom of the lineup.
Players: Roster increase gives the players 30 additional jobs and the universal DH may give them better paying jobs. More offense will presumably attract more fans which benefits everybody.
Small Market Teams that Compete: Compensation for revenue sharing teams that compete at long last changes the draft away from rewarding losing. Small market teams are not the only ones who sometimes tank so more draft changes may be coming.
LOSERS:
LOOGY's: The 3 batter minimum rule would all but eliminate the LOOGY(Lefty One Out Guys). While the extra roster space would likely be used to add pitching, several current pitchers may suddenly find their services not needed.
Diehard NL Fans: There are a lot of NL fans, especially older ones, who will absolutely hate the DH. I was one of those until recently, but I have grown weary of watching rallies get killed by pitchers. Bring on the DH! I know we'll hear from the haters, but guys, I'll let you in on something. The DH is coming to the NL. It's inevitable. Might as well accept it and get it over with.
WINNERS:
Fans: Aside from making the overall game more enjoyable to watch, this collaboration between MLB and the MLBPA may be the start of working together to avoid a looming strike. We all win from that!
MLB and the MLBPA are also proposing to collaborate on a study to look at lowering the mound or even moving it back from the plate(no, 60 ft, 6" was apparently not handed down on a tablet from the baseball gods). The study would also look at possibly changing the size and configuration of the strike zone. These proposed changes are seen as a needed adjustment to both average velocity increases and rising strikeout rates. I would also add that barrel velocities are also increasing and something needs to be done to protect pitchers before someone gets killed out there. Moving the mound and rubber back might help with player safety too. This study would go on for the duration of the 2019 season with an target for implementation in 2020. I wonder if we could see some of these changes in the minor leagues where the leagues don't have to negotiate with the players?
According to Jayson Stark of the Athletic, other proposals out there include awarding additional "reward" draft picks for revenue sharing teams that make or almost make the postseason which would be an incentive to compete and possibly a disincentive to tank. These proposals would inevitably produce winners and losers but would hopefully have an end result of making the game more enjoyable for more people. Let's break down the winners and losers:
WINNERS:
Hitters: Most of the proposed changes are designed to favor offense. The DH would almost surely provide instant offense for NL teams. Strike zone and mound changes would also favor hitters as would the 3 batter minimum rule. Roster size expansion would almost certainly be used to carry an additional pitcher and might balance out the 3 batter rule.
Pitchers: While most of the rule changes should favor offense, pitchers will most likely get the lion's share of extra roster space. They may not realize it, but pitchers desperately need protection from line drive comebackers. Moving the mound/rubber back may save a life or two.
AL Fans: They will get to keep the DH in postseason games played in NL ballparks. I have grudgingly come to believe NL fans will also benefit by not having to watch rally after rally fizzle at the bottom of the lineup.
Players: Roster increase gives the players 30 additional jobs and the universal DH may give them better paying jobs. More offense will presumably attract more fans which benefits everybody.
Small Market Teams that Compete: Compensation for revenue sharing teams that compete at long last changes the draft away from rewarding losing. Small market teams are not the only ones who sometimes tank so more draft changes may be coming.
LOSERS:
LOOGY's: The 3 batter minimum rule would all but eliminate the LOOGY(Lefty One Out Guys). While the extra roster space would likely be used to add pitching, several current pitchers may suddenly find their services not needed.
Diehard NL Fans: There are a lot of NL fans, especially older ones, who will absolutely hate the DH. I was one of those until recently, but I have grown weary of watching rallies get killed by pitchers. Bring on the DH! I know we'll hear from the haters, but guys, I'll let you in on something. The DH is coming to the NL. It's inevitable. Might as well accept it and get it over with.
WINNERS:
Fans: Aside from making the overall game more enjoyable to watch, this collaboration between MLB and the MLBPA may be the start of working together to avoid a looming strike. We all win from that!
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Hot Stove Update: Giants Have Talked to Bryce Harper
On New Year's Day, I wrote an addendum to the the post about Kikuchi signing and said I had a hunch the reason why the Giants were not spending on the free agent market is they were keeping their powder dry for Bryce Harper. You can find that post in the Archives linked to the left. As for whether signing with the Giants would be a good thing, I wrote up a Scouting The Free Agent Market: Bryce Harper on 10/6/2018. You can also find that post in the archives to the left. Let's just say it's mixed bag. Bottom line, a 10 yr/$300+ M contract would likely be good for the team for the first 5-7 years and bad for the last 3-5. I don't expect Harper to age particularly well, but he's just 26 years old now, so likely has at least 5-7 good years in him.
What do all you readers and commenters think of an out-of-the-box offer? There has been recent speculation about Harper accepting a 1 year contract. What if the Giants offered him the highest guarantee ever for one season but with a series of mutual options that repeat the process for years? 1 yr/$40 M with a succeeding series of mutual options for $40 M with a $10 M buyout? His salary each season would be $40 M but would guarantee him another $10 M, and if another 1 year/$40 M was not to his liking, he could always opt out. Such a contract offers Harper both opportunity and security while it limits the risk for the team.
Of course, all this is probably just Scott Boras trying to goose his market, but how about it?
*********************************************************************************
The Nationals agreed to terms with RHP Jeremy Hellickson. I wrote up a scouting report on Hellickson on 10/27/2018 which you can find in the Archives linked to the left. The contract is similar to what the Giants signed Drew Pomeranz for. Base of $1.3 M with incentives up to $4 M. Oracle Park and the NL West would have been a perfect environment for Hell Boy to make good on this contract. Nationals? Maybe not so much.
What do all you readers and commenters think of an out-of-the-box offer? There has been recent speculation about Harper accepting a 1 year contract. What if the Giants offered him the highest guarantee ever for one season but with a series of mutual options that repeat the process for years? 1 yr/$40 M with a succeeding series of mutual options for $40 M with a $10 M buyout? His salary each season would be $40 M but would guarantee him another $10 M, and if another 1 year/$40 M was not to his liking, he could always opt out. Such a contract offers Harper both opportunity and security while it limits the risk for the team.
Of course, all this is probably just Scott Boras trying to goose his market, but how about it?
*********************************************************************************
The Nationals agreed to terms with RHP Jeremy Hellickson. I wrote up a scouting report on Hellickson on 10/27/2018 which you can find in the Archives linked to the left. The contract is similar to what the Giants signed Drew Pomeranz for. Base of $1.3 M with incentives up to $4 M. Oracle Park and the NL West would have been a perfect environment for Hell Boy to make good on this contract. Nationals? Maybe not so much.
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