Thursday, July 9, 2020
Preseason Update: Mixed Signals
The Giants preseason camp seemed to take a new step forward with a simulated game(I guess it was technically a Modified Live Batting Practice, but it all still comes down to pitching, hitting and catching a little white ball) while questions swirled around absent players.
Per Maria Guardado of sfgiants.com, Kevin Gausman and Drew Smyly looked especially sharp with Gausman striking out 4 of 7 batters he faced in 2 innings while Smyly struck out 3 in 2 inning while allowing 1 hit.
Speaking of that one hit off Smyly, it was by Donovan Solano who had 3 hits in 4 AB's plus reached on an error. Solano spent time at both SS and 2B while in the field.
Buster Posey, whose intermittent absences from camp along with less than enthusiastic language about playing the season at all, is becoming increasingly mysterious. Only explanation we have comes from Gabe Kapler who only says Buster is working through some personal issues, but the implication seems to be that those personal issues involve a decision whether to proceed with the season or opt out.
In Buster's absence, Joey Bart, Patrick Bailey and Chadwick Tromp handled the catching duties in the sim game with Tromp reportedly throwing out Brandon Crawford on a SB attempt.
Brandon Belt remains in a walking boot for a bad case of heel pain. We are 14 days until Opening Day, so Belt's foot is going to have to get well very soon to start the season. If Belt is on the shelf, it may open up a role for Darren Ruf who hit two doubles in the sim game. I could be wrong, but I really don't see a defensive role for Pabs based on photo evidence.
LHP Jarlin Garcia and OF Billy Hamilton who have been missing from camp, presumably for COVID-related issues were placed on the medical IL today. Again, they better get well soon if they want to start the season on the 30 man active roster. I had high hopes for Jarlin Garcia before the shutdown and was really looking forward to seeing him pitch for the Giants. I am less enthusiastic about BHam. I'm OK with a novelty role in a 30 man roster but do not want to see him take a roster spot or playing time away from guys like Mauricio Dubon, Jaylin Davis and Austin Slater who need enough AB's to allow the Giants to make an informed decision about their longterm futures with the team.
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And Steve Duggar...
ReplyDelete(Regarding Giants' longterm futures with the team)
Has his ship sailed?
Duggar's ship has probably sailed, but hey! He hits LH and plays a mean CF so anything is possible.
DeleteBuster just opted out of 2020 due his family adopting twin girls born premature. He's my favorite Giants player and this is a smart decision on his part. All the best to him and his family.
ReplyDeletePosey just opted out..adopted twins who were born prematurely and doesn't want to risk it. Can't say I blame him
ReplyDeleteBilly Baseball
No Posey is not good news for Bart, but, a lesser good mentor is still available: Russell Martin.
ReplyDeletePlay Joey but if he hits a rut, Martin can help. The veteran SP's are good for him also.
Buster definitely did the right thing for his family.
Now that Buster is officially out, who do you think should take regular catcher duties? You can save the reply if there is an upcoming dedicated post.
ReplyDeleteIf the Giants don't think Bart is ready, I think they should start the season with Brantly and Heineman then bring Bart up if they turn into the catching equivalent of Conner Joe and Can't Remember His Name.
DeleteMichael Reed, 0-8, 0/0/0/0 slash as a Giant.
DeleteMarch 23, 2019 San Francisco Giants traded OF John Andreoli and cash to Minnesota Twins for CF Michael Reed.
churn churn churn
For everything, churn, churn, churn
DeleteThere is a season, churn, churn, churn....
Giants could reunite Dodgers Russell Martin and Yasiel Puig﹘except, for all their years in LA, oddly, they were never there at the same time!
Delete