Thoughts on Spring Training and the Opening Day Roster

Just a few random thoughts from a very long spring training and the Opening Day Roster.

After all that, I am pretty sure there was only one player in camp who significantly changed their place or role on the roster:  Logan Webb RHP.  At the beginning of camp, Webb was all but ticketed for Sacramento but was by far the most effective SP of the spring and breaks camp as the #3.  Everything else could have been determined and ramped up in 2 or at the most 3 weeks.  

Based on performance, roster spots should have been awarded to Heliot Ramos OF, Joey Bart C, Jason Vosler IF, Conner Menez LHP and Dominic Leone RHP.  Nice to know the Giants will have some serious depth to start the season but gotta feel bad for those guys who could not have done more to earn their spot.

Given FZ's obssession with inventory maintenance, you have to wonder who gets sent out when Alex Wood comes off the IL.  I suppose chances are injuries and performance will make it a problem that takes care of itself, which I am pretty sure is the basis for FZ's thinking.  If it doesn't, oh well.  Churn on!

I haven't figured out what's going on between Joey Bart and Johnny Cueto but it's gone on long enough that you have to be concerned.  Even if Cueto has a legitimate gripe, he needs to not show it on the field, but if it is and is still an issue, then we've got to be concerned about future ability to be a MLB catcher.  That's bizarre because my understanding is a big part of why he was drafted so high is his leadership qualities behind the dish.  You also have to wonder about Kap letting Cueto continue to show up the kid on the field like that.  Apart from that kerfuffle, I'm excited as heck to dream about Joey Bart's bat in future lineups most days, which tells you something about my faith in Buster Posey's future right now.

What about Heliot Ramos?  Wow! Can that kid hit or what?  He's going to have to watch the body going forward but the bat looks legit and more.  I could see him producing a 40 HR season or two before his career is done.  It will be great if he can play CF, but the bat will play anywhere.

Marco Luciano SS appeared overmatched early in the spring but seemed much more comfortable by the last week of camp.  That is an argument for the prolonged spring, to give prospects like him a chance to get comfortable in a MLB environment.  Just a bit more salt and Luciano looks like another future star if not superstar.

Will Wilson IF showed flashes of power at the plate, but struggled all spring in the field.  Needs more seasoning in the minors and needs to find a place where he's comfortable in the field.

Gotta be excited to think about a future bullpen with Camilo Doval RHP and Kervin Castro RHP in it.  Doval in particular got sent out of camp earlier than I would think based on the electricity of his appearances.  Wow! Now that's some serious stuff!

Can't wait for Opening Day!

Spring Training Game Wrap: Giants 7 A's 2

The Giants ended their 2021 spring training on a high note as they dominated the A's from start to finish to gain a split in the desertized version of the Bay Bridge Series.  Game Notes:

YtY gave everybody a scare when he was hit by a pitch on the hand.  Apparently X-rays are OK and he'll be DTD.  

Will Wilson PH/2B hit a solo HR in 3 AB's, his second HR of the spring.  Wilson showed flashes of pop in his bat but overall hit just .160 and really struggled in the field.  More salt for him!

Jason Vosler PR/3B went 2 for 2 ending his spring on a positive note with a BA of .304.  We may see him in SF before the season is over.

Mauricio Dubon CF recorded an assist from CF throwing out Tony Kemp at the plate.  Kemp is a pretty fast runner, so...impressive!  He also singled and ended his spring with a respectable .270 BA.

Logan Webb RHP would have had a reasonable excuse if he suffered a letdown in his final spring tuneup start, but he powered across the finish line with 6 full innings of 1-run ball with 5 K's and 1 BB.  

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The Giants now have a 2-day layoff before starting the season on Thursday, April 1 in Seattle against the Mariners.  Kevin Gausman RHP is slated to go against Marco Gonzalez LHP on Opening Day.  I can hardly wait!

Spring Training Game Wrap: A's 9 Giants 3

The A's turned a close game into a route with 5 runs in the 9'th inning.  Game Notes:

Conner Menez LHP got the start after Johnny Cueto RHP was transitioned to a simulated game.   Menez pitched two scoreless frames and finishes his Cactus League campaign with a 2.70 ERA.  He won't start the season on the active roster, but keep him in mind as needs will inevitably arise.  Menez is versatile and could fill in as a starter, long or middle reliever.  

Heliot Ramos PH/RF doubled in one plate appearance to raise his BA to .417.  6 of his 15 hits went for XBH with 3 doubles and 3 HR's.  He raked from the beginning of spring to the end and was awarded the Barney Nugent Award for the top newcomer to spring training.  Gotta think we'll see Heliot in a Giants uniform in Oracle Park before the season is over and we should all be excited as heck about that!

Mike Yastrzemski RF hit his 4'th HR of the spring, a solo shot in the 5'th inning.  His spring BA is .308 and he looks poised for an All-Star caliber season.

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Logan Webb RHP make the final Cactus League start tomorrow against the A's.  He has had a tremendous spring and is set to start the 3'rd game of the season in Seattle on Saturday, April 3.

Spring Training Game Wrap: Mariners 5 Giants 0

 The Giants mustered just 3 hits off James Paxton and 5 Mariners relievers with 20 of their 27 outs recorded as K's.  Meanwhile, Scott Kazmir LHP scuffled through 4 innings of work giving up 2 hits and 4 RBI's to a lefty hitter, Taylor Trammell CF.   Game Notes:

Evan Longoria 3B played 3B for the first time this spring and is expected to be ready to go nine on Opening Day.

Kazmir may need some more seasoning after a 4 year layoff from facing MLB hitters, or he may be done.  He would seem to have not earned an Opening Day roster spot with a spring ERA ballooning to 9.35. 

Shun Yamaguchi RHP is kind of the forgotten man this spring.  He looked sharp in 2 innings of shutout work and sports a spring ERA of 1.50.  Tonights innings came against the scrubs, though.  I could see him being a nice 2-3 inning guy out of the bullpen.

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The Giants will get another shot at Paxton in the opening series in Seattle.  In contrast, the Giants held out their Opening Day Starter, Kevin Gausman RHP to keep Mariners hitters from getting practice swings against him.  We'll see if that as well as the practice swings off Paxton, futile as they were, pays off on Opening Day.

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The "Bay Bridge Series" will be played in Arizona with Johnny Cueto RHP starting Game 1 in Scottsdale tomorrow afternoon.

Spring Training Game Wrap: Giants 5 Cubs 5

The Giants came from behind to tie the Cubs in Mesa, AZ.  Game Notes:

Austin Slater CF homered in his third consecutive game and also Started in CF for his second consecutive game.  It seems pretty clear the Giants are looking for ways to get Slater's bat into the lineup more. With Dubi just 2 for his last 12, it would not be surprising to see Slater start the season as the primary CF, moving over to LF against LHP's.  

Brandon Crawford had 2 doubles and has his BA up to .303.  A strong season from BCraw would be a welcome development.  Finding adequate backup so as to not wear him down might be the biggest roster challenge right now.

Nick Tropeano RHP gave up a 2-run HR to Joc Pederson in the first inning but otherwise looked sharp and seems to have nailed down a long-relief/swingman role on the roster.

Matt Wisler RHP and Tyler Rogers RHP threw a scoreless frame each.  Wandy Peralta LHP worked 1.1 scoreless IP, but probably will start the season in Alternative Camp.  Ditto Caleb Baragar LHP who allowed a run in 2 IP.

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Scott Kasmir LHP will start a road game against the Mariners this evening while projected Opening Day starter, Kevin Gausman RHP, works a simulated game in Scottsdale because the Mariners are the Giants Opening Day opponent.

Spring Training Game Wrap: Giants 2 Brewers 2

Brett Anderson LHP has a career ERA against the Giants of 4.57 so my impression of his ownage of the them was off base.  I wonder what is spring training team split is?  He kind of owned the Giants last night, except for LaMonte Wade Jr OF/1B in a game that ended in a 2-2 tie.   Game Notes:

The Giants offense was quiet except for the aforementioned Wade Jr CF/1B who homered with Brandon Belt 1B on base in the 4'th inning.  Talk is Wade Jr may have a path to the Opening Day Roster if Belt isn't ready to go but Belt is coming on fast after missing most of the spring recovering from illness and injury(heel surgery), more evidence that 6 weeks of spring training is way too long.

Aaron Sanchez RHP was reportedly working on his curveball which the Giants want him to throw way more of.  He came out early in the second inning after giving up a couple of runs but went back out and worked a 1, 2, 3 third inning and finally left the game with 2 outs in the 4'th and two runners on base.  Hey, he's "rounding into form!"  

No videos available but Dubi reportedly made a highlight reel catch at the wall in CF.

Jarlin Garcia LHP, Zack Littell RHP, Dominic Leone RHP, Sam Selman LHP and Matt Frisbee RHP all worked scoreless frames with Leone striking out the side.  Garcia is likely a lock for the Opening Day Roster with Littell and Leone on the bubble.

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Nick Tropeano RHP, who appears to be closing in on a long relief/swingman role, makes the start against the Cubs this afternoon.

Spring Training Game Wrap: Giants 7 Padres 3

The Giants got more good pitching and hitting and generally looked like they are almost ready to start the season as they dominated the mighty Padres in Scottsdale.  Game Notes:

YtY RF and Donnie Barrels 2B both hit their third HR's of the spring.  As good as those two have been over the past two seasons, I think they may both have another level they can reach this season.  

Austin Slater CF also hit his third HR of the spring. It looks like health maintenance is the only factor standing between him and a breakout season.  If everyone stays healthy, Kap is going to have some tough decisions to make about playing time between Slater, Dubon and Dickerson.

Joey Bart C hit his 2'nd spring HR and his hitting .455 in the Cactus League.  At least the bat looks ready to take over as primary C by next spring.  Hopefully he can work out whatever the pitchers aren't diggin'  about his style behind the plate.

Brandon Belt PH made his first appearance of the spring with a PH AB in the 6'th inning.  He struck out, but at least it was swinging.

Anthony DeSclafani RHP went a strong 4+ innings while throwing 76 pitches.  He appears to be on track to be ready for his turn in the rotation opening week.  Kruk and Kuip mentioned that he tends to be a flyball pitchers who is comfortable working up in the zone and the impact the change in home ballpark from Cincinnati to San Francisco will likely have on the number of HR's he gives up.

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Aaron Sanchez RHP makes his second start of the Cactus League tonight facing the Brewers and the omnipresent Brett Anderson LHP in Scottsdale.

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The Giants optioned Jason Vosler IF with Sam Selman LHP, Silvino Bracho RHP, Rico Garcia RHP, Phil Pfeifer LHP and Joe McCarthy OF/1B also cut.  Garcia is out for the season with TJ surgery.  Vosler would seem to be the biggest surprise here and maybe the Giants want to try to ramp Belt up quickly and have him ready to start the season on Opening Day?

Spring Training Game Wrap: Giants 7 Indians 0

Logan Webb RHP was crazy dominant for 5 innings and the Giants peppered the grass seats beyond the OF wall with a hailstorm of HR's.  Game Notes:

Logan Webb RHP allowed just 1 hit while striking out 7 against 0 BB's in a dominant 5 innings.  Kid has all but earned a spot in the rotation.  If a vet has to go to the pen or the IR, so be it.  Webb's hard work to improve his change up in the offseason should be rewarded.

The following batters hit dingers:  Tommy La Stella 3B, Donovan Solano 2B, Brandon Crawford SS, Austin Slater LF, Will Wilson PH/3B.  Donnie Barrels and BCraw each had a runner on base ahead of them.  Those 5 longballs accounted for the Giants 7 runs.

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Anthony DeSclafani RHP tries to stretch it out tomorrow evening against the Padres in Scottsdale. 

Spring Training Game Wrap: White Sox 7 Giants 2

Apparently dominating the Dodgers in that must-win game yesterday burned up too much emotion and adrenaline causing the inevitable letdown against an AL opponent.  The Giants barely showed up for this one.  Game Notes:

Kevin Gausman RHP making his third spring start had 3 K's and no walks in 3.2 IP but got knocked around for 7 hits including 2 HR's and 4 runs.  That's it, folks!  There were only two other Giants pitchers to record 3 outs and just one, Wandy Peralta LHP, kept runs off the board. 

Just not a good look for the Giants and we've seen enough of these to start worrying about a very ugly season.

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The Giants play their 3'rd consecutive road game tomorrow in Goodyear with Logan Webb RHP making his fourth Cactus League start.  So far, Webb has a 0.00 ERA in 6 IP with 10 K's.  

Spring Training Game Wrap: Giants 10 Dodgers 4

It may be just spring exhibition game but it always feels good to beat the Dodgers.  Game Notes:

YtY RF drove in 4 runs with a homer and a triple. Both hits came with two outs and runners on base, a situation that has been a longstanding challenge for the Giants for several years, like seemingly forever!

Evan Longoria DH hit a solo HR and added a double.   Longo has yet to play in the field due to lingering plantar fasciitis but he and the Giants don't seem to be too concerned about his readiness for Opening Day.  The bat is definitely ready!

Chadwick Tromp C hit a grand slam HR to ice the game in the 7'th inning.  He entered the game after Buster Posey C worked 3 innings and said his hip felt fine.

Mauricio Dubon CF reached base twice on a walk and a single and stole two bases.  Austin Slater LF added a SB of his own.  Giants are tied with the Mariners for most team SB's on the spring at 22.

Scott Kazmir LHP worked a full 3 innings.  The line does not look that great but he threw some really good pitches and seemed to find a rhythm by the 3'rd inning.  

Zack Littell RHP, Jimmie Sherfy RHP and Nick Tropeano RHP struck out 11 batters in a combined 4 shutout IP with Tropeano working two getting 5 K's.  

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Kevin Gausman RHP makes his third spring start tomorrow afternoon against the White Sox at Camelback.

Spring Training Game Wrap: Reds 6 Giants 2

Giants bats were mostly quiet while Aaron Sanchez RHP made his first spring appearance and several prospective Giants relievers looked sharp.  Game Notes:

Just getting through 2.1 IP was probably a big win for Sanchez and the Giants but he gave up 3 runs on 5 hits while striking out 2.

Jarlin Garcia LHP, Jake McGee LHP, Tyler Rogers RHP, Jose Alvarez LHP and Caleb Baragar LHP threw scoreless frames while racking up a total of 10 K's.  Those first four should be locks for the bullpen with McGee seemingly the frontrunner for Closing duties.

Reyes Moronta RHP's inning did no go as well as his last appearance as he gave up 2 runs on two walks and a hit in 0.2 IP. 

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The Giants have today off before taking on the Dodgers with Scott Kazmir LHP on the mound to start the game on Sunday.

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As we've mentioned, Dedniel Nunez RHP will undergo TJ surgery and is out for the full season.  The Giants will try to stash him on the 60-day IL and see if he can stick next year.  They will have to add him back to the 40 man roster before next year's Rule 5 Draft.

Spring Training Game Wrap: Mariners 6 Giants 3

This game came on MLB Channel at 8:00 PM PDT.  I gave it up for bedtime at about 9:15 in the 4'th inning after sleeping through at least 1 inning.  Turns out I didn't miss much as all the Giants runs scored on 3 walks and a double by Donnie Barrels in the 3'rd inning.  Game Notes:

 Joey Bart C went 2 for 2 to raise his spring BA to .400.  IDK what the fuss about his communication with pitchers is about, but I'm getting a bit concerned about it.  

Mauricio Dubon CF's SLG% is identical to his BA at .316 but he's drawn more walks than hits with 9 against 7.  He also stole his second base of the spring.

Anthony DeSclafani RHP made just is second spring start.  He looked a bit rusty while allowing a run on 3 hits and 2 BB's in 3.2 IP but got 7 GB outs against 0 flyouts.  

Dominic Leone RHP and Silvino Bracho RHP strengthened their cases for roster spots with a scoreless inning each.  Leone had 2 K's and Bracho had 3 K's in a perfect inning.

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Aaron Sanchez RHP makes his first spring start tonight against the Reds in Scottsdale.  Sanchez did pitch a 3-inning simulated game on Sunday 3/14 so maybe he's ready to go at least 3 tonight?

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The Churn still churns and turned up the guy we've been waiting for all this time, Ashton Goudeau RHP claimed from the Orioles.  Goudeau struggled in limited MLB action last year for the Rockies but was solid at AA in 2019.  Dedniel Nunez RHP went to the 60-day IL to make room on the 40-man roster.  I expect FZ to try to slip Goudeau through waivers as soon as he sees another shiny yellow glint in the sluice box.

Spring Training Game Wrap: Giants 11 Rockies 8

The Giants outscored the Rockies in a game that could have been played in Coors Field.  Game Notes:

Austin Slater CF continued to get time in CF and continued his hot hitting with a single and double in 4 AB's.  He is hitting .400 on the spring and seems like a lock to make the Opening Day roster barring any more injuries.

Alex Dickerson DH had a big day at the plate with 2 singles and a very long HR in 5 AB.  I have no doubt Dick will hit a ton as long as he can avoid injury. The big day brought his spring average up to .300.

Jason Vosler 3B singled and doubled in 4 AB's.  His spring BA is .333.  Longshot for Opening Day roster and only if Brandon Belt 1B is not ready to go by then.

You know who is very quietly having a fantastic spring?  Jason Krizan 2B!  He went 3 for 3 with his second HR of the spring and his batting .308.  I would say there is almost no chance of Krizan making the Opening Day roster but it won't be due to lack of production in spring games.

Kevin Gausman RHP made just his second spring appearance and ran into some trouble in the 2'nd inning partly due to a throwing error by Will Wilson SS.  Gausman was relieved in the second by Sam Wolff RHP but then went back out for a scoreless 3'rd inning.  I guess in the spring, all's well that ends well?

Jarlin Garcia LHP and Jimmie Sherfy RHP contributed scoreless innings which were tough to come by in this game.

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Anthony DeSclafani RHP makes just his second spring appearance and first since way back on May 7 against the Mariners in a night game in Scottsdale tomorrow.

Spring Training Game Wrap: Rangers 10 Giants 6

This game started out promising enough for the Giants but fell apart in the middle innings much to the dismay and frustration of Kruk and Kuip who were calling the TV broadcast from a studio in San Francisco.  Game Notes:

Johnny Cueto RHP got shelled in parts of 4 innings.  He was relieved in the 3'rd inning in which he was charges with 1 ER then came back out for the 4'th inning and did not record an out while giving up 5.  Wandy Peralta LHP relieved Cueto in the 4'th and was one strike away from getting out of a bases-loaded, no-out jam but gave up a grand slam HR to blow up Cueto's line which ended up showing 6 ER on 10 baserunners in 2.1 IP.  Good thing none of that counts!  BTW, Joey Bart was the catcher and communication issues with Cueto resurfaced.

Scott Kazmir LHP was not as sharp as his first appearance.  After giving up 2 runs in the 5'th inning, he loaded with bases with no outs in the 6'th but was rescued by Reyes Moronta RHP who looked impressive and had has FB up to 95 MPH while striking out the side.  BTW, it was pretty obvious why the the Giants are frustrated with Moronta's conditioning, or lack thereof. 

Jose Alvarez LHP, Caleb Baragar LHP and Matt Wisler RHP all pitched scoreless innings over the last 3 of the game.

YtY RF and Donnie Barrels 2B had 2 hits each.  

Evan Longoria DH was the hitting star with a pair of 2-run HR's.  

Brandon Crawford SS homered and walked in 3 PA's and is now hitting .313. 

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Kevin Gausman RHP makes his second spring start against the Rockies at Talking Stick today.

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Buster Posey C has a "tight hip" which does not sound great coming from a guy with hip surgery in his past.

Alex Wood LHP underwent an "ablation procedure" during a visit to a spine specialist which also does not sound great, but it's probably good for Logan Webb RHP.

Spring Training Game Wrap: Royals 6 Giants 1

An away game on March 15 in spring training seems like as good a time as any to go through the motions.  That it was also cutdown day probably did not help.  Game Notes:

There were no offensive performances worth noting.

Anthony Banda LHP seems like a random guy passing through The Churn.  He didn't do anything to dispel that notion today allowing 4 runs, 2 earned before he could record the third out of the first inning.  He was relieved by Luis Gonzalez LHP to finish the inning but then Banda came back out and managed to get through the 2'nd inning without further damage.

Remember Trevor Gott RHP?  He pitched a scoreless frame.

Nick Tropeano RHP went 2 shutout innings allowing 2 hits but got 2 K's.  His spring ERA is 1.50.

Dominic Leone RHP is stating a strong case to be on the Opening Day roster with another shutout inning.  His spring ERA is 1.80.

Shun Yamaguchi RHP allowed a run that scored on a WP.  His ERA is 2.25.

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Johnny Cueto RHP makes his third spring start tomorrow against the Rangers in Scottsdale. 

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Rule 5 draft pick Dedniel Nunez RHP, who impressed early in camp, was diagnosed with a UCL sprain.  He's looking at an extended absence and possibly surgery.

Alex Wood LHP is slated to see a spine specialist about a stiff back.  He missed most of 2019 with back issues with the Reds, so there could be an unexpected.....well not completely unexpected....opening in the starting rotation to open the season.

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It was cutdown day Joey Bart C and Marco Luciano SS were among 25 players either optioned or reassigned to minor league camp, which does not start until April 1.  I think the name that surprised me the most was Camilo Doval RHP who was among the optioned.  Heliot Ramos OF was spared.

Spring Training Game Wrap: Giants 6 D'Backs 3

 Mike "YtY" Yastrzemski CF hit his first HR of the spring to get the Giants offense going and the Giants pitching was (mostly) dominant in a spring win over the D'Backs.  Game Notes:

YtY CF his his 2-run HR off a lefty, Alex Young.  His success against same-handed pitchers keeps him out of platoon situations.

Evan Longoria DH had two hits to raise his spring BA to .455.  He has yet to play in the field due to a nasty bout of Plantar Fasciitis.

Brandon Crawford SS singled and doubled to raise his spring BA ot .286.  Hoping for more of that from. BCraw in the final season of his contract.

Conner Menez LHP recovered from has last rough start to post 3 K's in 2.2 shutout innings.  Both batters who reached base against him did so in the 3'rd inning but he K'd David Peralta to get the second out before departing.

Silvino Bracho RHP and Sam Selman LHP both worked 1.1 IP without allowing a run.

Jake McGee LHP, the presumptive Closer, struck out the side with one hit mixed in in the 5'th inning.

Camilo Doval RHP closed out the game in the 9'th inning with 2 K's.  He reportedly hit 98 MPH if you round up from 97.6 MPH on the gun.

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Anthony Banda LHP gets the road start tomorrow in Surprise against the Royals.

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Gotta say, either the Giants starting rotation is very uncertain to be ready for Opening Day or spring training is WAY too long.  I mean, Conner Menez starting today and Anthony Banda tomorrow?  We're getting darn close to 2 weeks until Opening Day!  

Also, I am not getting much clarity on the bullpen makeup.  Jake McGee seems like the odds-on favorite to be the Closer but beyond that, it's been up and down for most of the other relievers and new signee Jose Alvarado LHP has not appeared yet.  Wouldn't be too shocking to see bullpen spots go to Logan Webb RHP and Scott Kazmir LHP, but then again, with Alex Wood LHP slowed by a back issue(not a big surprise and when did Anthony DeSclafini RHP last pitch?), Maybe Webb and Kaz make the rotation?  Camilo Doval looks like a special pitcher and would not be too surprised to see him Closing before the end of the season. 

Spring Training Game Wrap: Giants 5 Indians 4

 Logan Webb RHP had a spectacular start with Austin Slater  RF and Curt Casali DH supplying the power on offense as the Giants came out on top of a close one.  Game Notes:

Austin Slater RF played in the field for the first time in a couple of weeks due to a hammy tweak.  He jumpstarted the Giants scoring with a drive over the R-CF fence for a 3-run HR in the second inning.  He could be poised for a breakout if he can stay healthy and find playing time.

Jason Vosler 3B is still hitting with 2 singles in 4 AB to keep his spring average up at .357.

Curt Casali DH hit the game-winning solo HR in the 5'th inning and added 2 BB's.  Casali is in line to be the backup catcher.  He and Buster Posey C represent the biggest upgrade from last year's team of any position.

The Giants did not have a SB for the first time in about 6 games.  Jason Krizan 2B/RF had a CS.

LaMonte Wade Jr CF had two hits and kept himself in the mix for an Opening Day roster spot.

Logan Webb RHP struck out 4 batters in the first inning and had a total of 6 in 3 scoreless frames to start the game.  Kap raved about his changeup which he worked on over the winter. 

Reyes Moronta RHP made his first appearance since that awful shoulder injury in 2019.  He pitched a perfect 8'th inning but his velocity topped out at around 92 MPH, something Kap seemed to be concerned about. 

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Not sure why Conner Menez LHP is still getting starts in MLB camp this spring but he faces the D'Backs at Talking Stick this afternoon.

Spring Training Game Wrap: Giants 9 Rockies 8

Two veteran pitchers had successful spring debuts but two young pitching phenoms ran into a serious doses of reality as the Giant outscored the Rockies in Scottsdale.  Game Notes:

Heliot Ramos RF continued his hot hitting with 2 singles in 2 AB's.  He added a SB but was also CS.  He is hitting .450 on the spring.

Joe McCarthy LF had a double and 3 BB's in 4 PA's scoring 3 runs.  He's hitting .250 on the spring.  McCarthy appears to have no chance of making the Opening Day roster but FZ must be keeping him around for a reason.

Steven "Grave" Duggar CF had a single and 2 BB's in 4 PA's as he and McCarthy combined to reach base 7 times in 8 PA's at the bottom on the Giants lineup.

Kevin Gausman RHP worked 2 scoreless frames to start the game getting 3 groundball outs and a K in the process.

Scott Kazmir LHP made his spring debut and allowed singles to the first two batters he faced but settled down to strike out the next two with a groundout to get out of the scoreless inning.

Sam Long LHP allowed 4 runs in the 4'th inning to explode his spring ERA from 0.00 to 10.80. 

Rule 5 draftee, Dedniel Nunez RHP walked 3 batters while recording just one out and left the game with some wrist pain.

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Logan Webb RHP makes his third start of the spring tomorrow agains the Indians in Scottsdale.

*Credit to the San Francisco Giants Blog for the Steven Duggar nickname.

Spring Training Game Wrap: Angels 5 Giants 4

Johnny Cueto RHP became the first Giants pitcher of the spring to go 3 innings. The Giants and Angels called it a day after 7 innings with the Angels logging the win.  Game Notes:

Will Wilson 3B was the hitting star for the Giants driving in 3 runs with a bases-clearing double in the second inning.  He added a HBP and SB later in the game.  Giants lead the majors with 15 SB's, 3 more than #2.  All have come within last 5 games against just 1 CS.

Mauricio Dubon SS/2B had a single and 2 BB's in 4 PA's and is 3 for 8 with 7 BB and 0 K's.  That ratio should warm FZ's heart.

Johnny Cueto RHP worked 3 innings giving up a 2-run HR to Mike Trout in the first inning.  He K'd Trout in the 3'rd inning.

Yunior Marte RHP, Silvino Bracho RHP and Jimmie Sherfy RHP worked a scoreless inning each with Sherfy striking out the side in perfect 7'th inning.

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Kevin Gausman RHP gets his first spring start tomorrow against the Rockies in Scottsdale with Scott Kazmir LHP also available to pitch later in the game.

Spring Training Game Wrap: Giants 7 Cubs 6

 The Giants held off a late rally by the Cubs to hang on for a 7-6 win.  Game Notes:

Donovan "Donnie Barrels" Solano 2B rapped out 3 hits and stole a base hitting third.

Wilmer Flores 3B hit is 2'nd HR of the spring for one of his two hits batting fourth.

Joey Bart PH/DH drew 2 walks and stole a base, his 2'nd SB of the spring.  Giants have now stolen 13 bases in their last 4 games. That's kind of odd.  Kap and his braintrust appear to be up to something with all the running.

Nick Tropeano RHP went 2 IP in his second start and 3'rd appearance.  He's allowed 1 ER in 4 IP for an ERA of 2.25.

Camilo Doval RHP allowed his first run of the spring in his 3'rd 1-inning appearance.

Sean Hjelle RHP threw a shutout inning and reportedly hit 95 MPH on the radar gun.

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Luis Alexander Basabe's injury was diagnosed as a wrist sprain.

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Johnny Cueto RHP makes his second spring start tomorrow against the Angels in Tempe, AZ.  Giants reassured nervous fans by saying both Kevin Gausman RHP and Aaron Sanchez  RHP are nearing their first spring starts.  Gausman  is expected to go on Friday.  Sanchez is starting late due to the late signing.  Both are still expected to be ready for Opening Day.  Thing spring training just might be a bit longer than necessary?

Spring Training Game Wrap: Brewers 13 Giants 7

 The wind was blowing out to LF at 14 MPH in Phoenix which goes a long way to explaining the football-like final score here.  Game Notes:

Alex Dickerson LF had a perfect day at the top of the Giants lineup going 2 for 2 with a BB and a SB.  Alex Dickerson can hit.  He just needs to stay healthy.

Heliot Ramos DH continued to show off freakish power with a HR and a double in 5 AB's.  The bomb to left-centerfield looked like it might have challenged The Glove in Oracle Park.  Ramos is 4 for 9 with 3 HR's and a double over his last 2 games and is hitting .412 overall on the spring.

Versatility continued to be the watchword as Mauricio Dubon started the game at 3B, singled, drew a walk, hit a SF and stole a base.

There is some reason why FZ just does not want to give up on Joe McCarthy RF.  He had 2 singles and is hitting .231 for the spring.

Steven Duggar CF is all of a sudden making his case for a role in CF.  He hit his second HR in 3 days/2 games, drew 2 BB's and stole a base to raise his spring BA to .250 but with an OPS of 1.188.

Guess which team leads all of MLB in SB's so far in spring training?  That would be the Giants and all 11 thefts have come in the last 3 games.  Luis Alexander Basabe RF had 2 SB's in this game before leaving with a wrist injury after a diving attempt at a catch in the 8'th inning.  Basabe had virtually not chance of making the Opening Day roster even before the injury.

Alex Wood LHP got his work in throwing 41 pitches in 2 innings but allowing 5 runners to reach base including a solo HR.  Tyler Rogers RHP pitched a scoreless 3'rd inning.  The rest of the Giants pitchers got lit up.

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Nick Tropeano RHP makes his second start and 3'rd spring appearance today against the Cubs in Scottsdale.  Kevin Gausman RHP, Scott Kazmir LHP and Aaron Sanchez RHP have yet to make an appearance.

Spring Training Game Wrap: GIants 2 D'Backs 2

 The Giants used a combination of power and speed for a come-from-behind tie in a game that went 9 full innings.  Game Notes:

Evan Longoria DH started the Giants scoring with a solo HR in the 7'th.  Arismendy Alcantara SS then drew a walk, stole 2B and came home on Lamonte Wade Jr's single.

Logan Webb RHP looked sharp in 2 innings of scoreless work with 3 K's and 0 BB's.  The Giants seem to be excited over his newfound command of the changeup.

Dedniel Nunez RHP worked a perfect 3'rd inning without any K's, but is drawing raves for a "wipeout" slider.

Shun Yamaguchi RHP seems to be on a good track for making the Opening Day roster as he struck out 2 in a scoreless 8'th inning. 

Jimmie Sherfy RHP.  His 3'rd appearance did not go as well as his first two as he allowed 2 runs on 2 hits and 2 BB's.  

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Alex Wood LHP makes his second spring start today against the Brewers in Phoenix.  We have yet to see Kevin Gausman RHP, Aaron Sanchez RHP or Scott Kazmir in game action.  Gausman and Kazmir reportedly looked sharp in live batting practice sessions yesterday.

Reyes Moronta RHP continues to labor in bullpen sessions.  Giants reportedly frustrated by his lack of conditioning and his velocity is not bouncing back to where it needs to be after his frightful shoulder injury and surgery.

Spring Training Game Wrap: Giants 9. Reds 4

The Giants broke out the home run ball and showed speed on the basepaths in a dominating win over the Reds in Goodyear, AZ.  Game Notes:

 LaMonte Wade Jr 1B started at 1B and had walk, HR and SB while scoring two runs.

Joey Bart C had a single, HR and SB and looked great behind the plate.

Jason Vosler 2B started at 2B and had two singles to raise his spring BA to .500.  He added a SB.

It was the best of times and the worst of times for Heliot Ramos LF/CF.  He hit two impressive HR's but had a brutal day defensively after moving from LF to CF mid-game with 2 drops and several very questionable routes.  In fairness, one of the drops came on glancing collision with RF Luis Alexander Basabe.  Not clear whose fault the miscommunication was.

The guys over at The San Francisco Giants Blog should be thrilled that Steven Duggar RF(Grave Duggar to them) hit an impressively long oppo field HR off Sean Doolittle LHP in the second inning.  Tough to see Duggar making the Opening Day roster, though.

Anthony DeSclafani RHP made his spring debut and worked the first two innings allowing 1 run on 1 hit.  His stuff looked good.

Sam Long LHP continued to impress coming in with the bases loaded and 2 outs to strike out Nicky Delmonico then cruise through the 8'th and final inning of the day recording 3 K's in 4 outs.  The signing of Jose Alvarez LHP to a $1.15 M major league deal probably sealed Long's trip to the minors to start the season but he's having a phenom spring so far.

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Logan Webb RHP makes his second spring start today against the D'Backs in Scottsdale.  We have yet to see Kevin Gausman RHP or Aaron Sanchez RHP among members of the projected Opening Day Starting Rotation.

Spring Training Game Wrap: Royals 8 Giants 6

Johnny Cueto had a successful spring debut and the Giants played a 9-inning game for the first time, but gave up 5 runs over the last 4 innings for the loss in Scottsdale.  Game Notes:

Johnny Cueto RHP became the first Giants pitcher to go 2 innings in a game.  He allowed one hit while striking out 4 with no walks.  His FB reportedly hit 94 MPH.  All encouraging signs.  

Sam Selman LHP, Matt Wisler RHP and Camilo Doval RHP also worked scoreless frames with Doval picking up 2 K's in a perfect inning.

Donovan Solano 2B hit a solo HR in 3 AB's.

Jason Vosler LF is positioning himself for the Randy Elliott phenom award with a HR being the only missing piece of a cycle in 3 AB's.  It's significant that he played LF here which increases his versatility.  

Jaylin Davis RF drove in Vosler after Vosler's 3B.  Davis has reportedly been dealing with a sore knee.

Evan Longoria DH has been out with plantar fasciitis.  He hit a bases-loaded double in 3 AB.  In the immortal words of Jeff Kent, "the money lies in the RBI's!"  

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The Giants signed Jose Alvarez LHP to a major league contract worth $1.15 M which pushed Jordan Humphreys RHP off the 40-man roster.  Humphreys was immediately picked up by the Padres.  The Padres have room on their 40-man roster for a guy like Humphreys?

Spring Training Game Wrap: Padres 9 Giants 3

 In what unfortunately may be a harbinger of things to come, the Padres pounded the Giants in Peoria led by the freakishly talented Fernando Tatis Jr.  Game Notes:

Curt Casali  C makes his 2021 spring debut with 3 innings behind the plate and double in 2 AB's.  He and Buster Posey C  should be a significant upgrade for the catching position over 2020.

The Giants once again did all their scoring in one inning led by IF Wilmer Flores' 2-run HR.

Prospects LaMonte Wade Jr OF, Heliot Ramos OF and Patrick Bailey C went a combined 0 for 8.

Conner Menez LHP allowed 2 hits and 2 walks in his second 1-inning start of the spring.

Nick Tropeano RHP pitched his second shutout inning in his second appearance.

Kervin Castro RHP now has 3 K's in 2 perfect innings.

Fernando Tatis Jr SS(Padres) went 2 for 3 and is now hitting .444 with a HR and SB in 9 AB's.  As a baseball fan, it's fun to hate on rival players but sometimes all you can do is tip your hat to amazing talent.  What's really scary for Giants fans is as good as Tatis Jr has been, and his career slash line is .301/.374/.582, he is likely just scratching the surface of how good he is going to be!

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Johnny Cueto RHP makes his first appearance today against the Royals in Scottsdale.  The Giants have 7 other pitchers on the scheduled list.  Hmm....maybe Kap is going to try to play a whole season with nothing but 1-inning appearances?

Spring Training Game Wrap: Giants 3 White Sox 1

The Giants finally broke out the home run ball in a 3-run 5'th inning to back more dominance on the pitching side.  Game Notes:

Darin Ruf 1B hit a 2-run HR and Joe McCarthy DH added a solo shot in the game-winning 5'th inning.

Heliot Ramos had two singles and is 3 for 5 on the spring.

The Giants have yet to let a pitcher go more than one inning per appearance.

Alex Wood LHP, Jake McGee LHP and Shun Yamaguchi RHP made their spring debut with scoreless innings.  Wood and McGee looked particularly sharp.

Jimmie Sherfy RHP, Yunior Marte RHP, Sam Wolff RHP and Zack Littell RHP all made their second spring appearances with scoreless appearances(Wolff 0.1 IP).  

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Jake McGee gets his second spring start tonight against the Padres in Peoria before Kevin Gausman RHP, Johnny Cueto RHP, Anthony DeSclafani RHP or Aaron Sanchez RHP get their first.

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Think Madison Bumgarner LHP might have been a bit stung by his performance last season?  Here's his pitching line from today:  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K's.  Take that!

Spring Training Game Wrap: Giants 1 Dodgers 1

 The old saying "the pitchers are ahead of the hitters" is definitely true for the Giants so far in 2021 spring training competition.  In the 3 games so far, they have scored a total of 4 runs but have played the last two to 1-1 ties in a total of 13 innings.  In this one, Giants hitters couldn't do much against one of the Dodgers many aces, Walker Beuhler RHP or Dustin May RHP over the first 4 innings but took a 1-0 lead into the bottom of the 7'th where the Dodgers evened the score against Dominic Leone RHP.  Key Lines:

Jason Vosler 3B- 2 for 2, 2 2B.  BA= .333.  Barring injury to a veteran player, Vosler has no chance to make the Opening Day roster, but was impressive here driving oppo field doubles off Beuhler and May who was reportedly hitting 100 MPH with some consistency.

Logan Webb RHP, Matt Wisler RHP, Tyler Rogers RHP, Sam Selman LHP, Wandy Peralta LHP, Camilo Doval RHP- 1 scoreless inning each.  Highlights were Webb's 1, 2, 3 inning vs Mookie Betts, Corey Seager and AJ Pollock, and Camilo Doval flashing a 97 MPH FB in his inning of work.

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Giants are reportedly nearing agreement with veteran lefty reliever Jose Alvarez.  Gotta think this must be for a minor league deal and I'm not sure how the Giants are going to have time to evaluate yet another pitcher in camp as they have already thrown 20 pitchers out there none of whom is particularly likely to make the Opening Day roster.

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The Giants have been linked to a 16 yo switch-hitting SS out of the Bahamas named Ryan Reckley for a projected bonus of $2 M which would become official on July 2 at the start of the next international signing cycle.

Spring Training Game Wrap: Giants 1 Rangers 1(6 innings)

The Giants and Rangers played to a 1-1 tie in Surprise.  I haven't found a reason for why it was stopped after 6.  Key Lines:

Tommy La Stella 2B- 1 for 1, 2B, BB.  La Stella led off the game with an 8-pitch walk.  Hitting coach Donnie Eppler said "this is your love language" to Kap.  Well, that's an inneresting way to put it!   Look for La Stella to bat leadoff a lot in 2021 with YtY hitting second.

Joey Bart C- 2 for 2.  Bart worked the first 3 innings behind the plate and hit two singles.

Nick Tropeano RHP, Caleb Baragar LHP, Dedniel Nunez RHP, Kervin Castro RHP, Silvino Bracho RHP- 1 scoreless inning each.  Anthony Banda LHP gave up the only run in one inning of work.  Kap comped Nunez favorably to last year's Rule 5 pick, Dany Jimenez.  Castro reportedly hit 97 MPH with the FB.

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Logan Webb RHP goes first against the Dodgers tonight.  Camilo Doval RHP is also slated to work.

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Brandon Belt seems to be slow bouncing back from a "non-COVID" illness.  His readiness for Opening Day was already in doubt due to offseason surgery for a right heel bone spur.