Logan Webb RHP pitched essentially the same game as Johnny Cueto RHP the night before. The difference was Cueto got excellent run support while Webb got none. Game Notes:
In addition to the standard line, Webb had a 9/1 GO/AO.
I mentioned in the preview yesterday that I wanted the Giants to sign Chris Flexen RHP. Well, now that you all want to know who Chris Flexen, let's take a deeper dive into why I wanted him to be a Giant. Flexen came up through the Mets organization after being drafted out of HS in 2012:
He had 3 seasons of experience at AAA and pitched really well there. In 2019 he went 5-3, 4.46, 10.53 K/9, 2.40 BB/9, FIP= 3.98, xFIP= 3.88. Short stints with the Mets did not go as well with ERA's of 7.88, 12.79, 6.59, but in a total of 68 IP over 3 seasons. What caught my eye was an average FB velocity of 94.3 mph in the 2019 MLB cameo.
He pitched for the KBO in 2020 and put up really good numbers: 8-4, 3.01, 10.18 K/9, 2.31 BB/9, FIP= 2.74.
So to recap, we had a solid minor league track record, strong FB velocity for a SP and experience in Asia which often forces a pitcher to polish up their game. Oh, and he's still just 26 yo. The Mariners must have been looking at the same things because they gave him a 2-year contract for $4.75 M with a club option for 2023.
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The Giants have Easter Sunday off before heading to San Diego for an early 3-game test against the Padres. Anthony DeSclafani RHP faces Adrian Morejon LHP in Game 1 Monday evening.
The good news is that LaStella and Yaz showed some life while Slater is moving in the wrong direction seemingly unable to even contact the ball after his solo HR in game 1 with 7 Ks in 12 ABs.
ReplyDeleteOTOH Tatis Jr is similarly 1-12 for the Padres but the Giant killer — Wil Myers — plus Hosmer and Croneworth are hitting very well. The 3-0 Padres as a team look good hitting and pitching (19-9 composite score).
Winning 1 of 3 in San Diego perhaps would make a OK series for the Giants. Coming home for the Rockies and Reds might be good for the home team!
Webb will be an interesting pitcher to follow. He's working on that change up which by all reports has a chance to be an outstanding pitch for him. Kap seemed to be ok with his outing, saying his pitching line was similar to a few outings last year, but he continued to make adjustments with his changeup, attacked the strike zone, and kept the team in the game. I'd like to see how he does with Buster catching him, who I'll happily say may not be done yet! I don't know if Webb will breakthrough like you asked in an earlier post, but he could be an improved pitcher this season.
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