Spring Training Game Wrap: Giants 13 Rockies 2

 Wow! Once the Giants offense got rolling a few games ago, they haven't stopped!  Today they dominated division rival Rockies from beginning to end and in all phases of the game for a runaway spring training win.

Tommy La Stella 2B started the game at 2B and went 2 for 2 with a HR.  

Brandon Crawford SS came into the game 0 for the spring but broke out falling a triple short of a cycle.

Joc Pederson RF had a hit and a walk and stole 2 bases.  

What's going on with Luis Gonzalez LF?  He was already red hot and went 3 for 3 with a HR and a walk.  Does he have a shot at a roster spot?    If he was a RH batter I think he would be a shoe-in.

Then there is Mauricio Dubon CF.  He doubled and hit a 3-run HR, his second round-tripper of the spring.  Dubon has always been a kid to dream on.  Does he still have breakout in his future?

Alex Wood LHP gave up a couple of runs but had another solid start going 4.1 IP with 4 K's and 1 BB.  

Jakob Junis RHP pitched 3 scoreless frames with 2 K's, 0 BB and a GO/AO= 4/0.  Junis could be a multi-inning relief dude and spot starter, especially with expanded rosters to start the season.

*************************************************************************************

Alex Cobb RHP gets his second spring start tomorrow afternoon agains the Rangers in Scottsdale.

Spring Training Game Wrap: Giants 9 Royals 5

 Anthony DeSclafani RHP had a solid start that took him into the 5'th inning and the Giants offense got encouraging production from several players for their second consecutive spring training win.

DeSclafani took a shutout into the 5'th inning and left the game with 2 outs and a runner on 2B.  Tyler Rogers RHP came in and gave up 3 consecutive hits to to drive in the inherited runner plus two more.  Gotta say, of the Giants projected late-inning relievers, Rogers is the one I think is most likely to regress.  He has always been vulnerable to the BABIP gods and there is a risk opposing hitters will adjust to his unorthodox arm angle.

Austin Slater CF(2 for 4), Steven Duggar RF(1 for 4) and Thairo Estrada 2B(2 for 4) went a combined 5 for 12 at the top of the batting order with Estrada adding 2 SB's.  

Luke Williams 3B seems to have a flair for making good first impressions.  He hit a walkoff HR in his first MLB start with the Phillies.  Today he hit a 2-run HR in his first AB to make his statement that he should be Evan Longoria's injury replacement. Not saying he should be, just that he is stating his case on the field.

Alex Blandino 1B hit his second spring HR and his batting .412 Blandino's primary position is listed as 2B but he can also play 3B.

Arquemedes Gamboa SS went 2 for 4 with his third spring HR and is stating his case for remaining in the roster mix.  

*************************************************************************************

Alex Wood LHP gets the start tomorrow afternoon in Scottsdale facing the Rockies and Chad Kuhl RHP.

*************************************************************************************

Some good news on the injury front.  YtY OF's quad reportedly felt a lot better today we may see him back in games this weekend.  Tommy La Stella 2B is scheduled to play in the field for the first time tomorrow.

Spring Training Game Wrap: Giants 11 Padres 6

 This was a good news/bad news day.  Good news:  Carlos Rodon LHP was nearly perfect for 4 innings and the offense broke out against Mike Clevinger RHP and the Padres.  Bad news:  The injuries keep piling up.  

Rodon allowed just 1 hit in 4 IP, 4 K's, 0 BB.  If he stays healthy he's at least a co-ace with Logan Webb RHP.  

YtY reached base twice and stole a base but left the game early with "quad tightness" in a move that was termed as "precautionary".  Hope that's right because quad strains can be tough and long.

Tommy La Stella DH made his spring first spring appearance as the DH and delivered a 3-run double in the second inning. He also drew a walk in 3 PA's.  After the game, La Stella was still not making any guarantees about Opening Day indicating  he is still experiencing significant pain in the Achilles tendon area.

Darin Ruf  1B hit two hard doubles to raise his spring BA to .333.

Joc Pederson RF hit his first spring HR.

And what about Joey Bart C?  He went 2 for 4 with a 2-run HR and is hitting .333 on the spring.  I could be way off base but I think Joey Bart is going to surprise a lot of people who aren't expecting much from him.  I say just plug him into the #7 hole in the batting order and give him 400 PA's.  I think he'd deliver about 25 HR's and who cares about the rest of his batting line? He might be capable of a lot more than that!

What's going on with Luis Gonzalez LF?  He's a non-roster invitee but he's getting a lot of playing time and making the most of it.  3 for 3 with a double today.  .417 BA on spring.  At the rate injuries are happening, he might just make the Opening Day roster!

*************************************************************************************

The Giants travel to Surprise AZ tomorrow where Anthony DeSclafani RHP will face the Royals and Carlos Hernandez RHP

*************************************************************************************

Word on LaMonte Wade Jr OF/1B is he has inflammation and a bone bruise on his knee and will be re-evaluated in 10 days.  That's better than a torn anything but per Kap, he'll start the season on the IL along with Evan Longoria 3B creating a couple of(hopefully) temporary holes in the lineup.  Barring further injuries, the Giants can probably fill in with players already on the 40 man roster.  

Spring Training Game Wrap: Brewers 5 Giants 2

The biggest Giants news of the day occurred off the field but they played another spring training game and lost another spring training game.  

Logan Webb RHP- 4 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 6.2.  

Webb's peripherals looked good but he was touched for two 2-run HR's off the bats of Willy Adames SS and Rowdy Tellez 1B.  When you are facing Corbin Burnes RHP, that's not going to get it done.   Kap named Webb his Opening Day SP after the game.

Lamont Wade Jr led off the game with a double and scored the first run but did not take the field in the bottom of the inning.  There were ominous reports on Twitter about him leaving the stadium and requiring assistance to climb a stairs.  My first thought was a hammy which can mean a prolonged IL stint but postgame reports had him tweaking his knee and the outlook is favorable.  This is not the way we want the Giants to resolve their roster dilemmas!

Arquemides Gamboa 2B hit his second HR of the spring for the Giants other run.  The Giants seem to be giving him a long look.  Could he be competing for a roster spot?  Maybe showcased for a trade?  He's hitting just .154.

*************************************************************************************

Carlos Rodon LHP makes his second spring start tomorrow afternoon facing Mike Clevinger RHP and the Padres in Scottsdale.

*************************************************************************************

Now for the really bad news.  I had a bad feeling when I learned that Evan Longoria's absence from the lineup was due to a lingering finger injury from last season.  Turns out that feeling was well founded and he will undergo surgery to repair a tendon in the finger.  Yikes!  That does not sound like something likely to heal quickly.  Kris Bryant would sure look mighty fine in a Giants uniform right about now!  

Potential replacements currently on the 40-man roster include Wilmer Flores, Mauricio Dubon, Thairo Estrada, Jason Vosler, Luke Williams and Tommy La Stella who has injury issues of his own.  At least La Stella is scheduled to see his first spring training action as DH tomorrow.  Non-roster options might include David Villar and Alex Blandino who has had an impressive spring so far.

Down on the Farm: Sleeper Pitching Prospects

Hey team!  There is a Twitter account out there called SFGProspects.  Not sure who is behind it.  Over the past few days they posted several short videos of pitching prospects nobody has heard of.  If you are on Twitter, be sure to check them out.  I am going to do short profiles on several that caught my eye.

Jose Cruz RHP.  DOB:  5/18/2000.  6'1", 178 lbs.  

2021(AZ Complex):  3-1, 4.44, 24.1 IP, 15.53 K/9, 3.33 BB/9, 5 Saves, 2.37 FIP, 3.06 xFIP.

The video caption says he was throwing 97 MPH in a AA camp game vs Cubs striking out the side.  Looks like a strong lower half with long arms and a loose delivery.  Delivery and follow through similar to Camilo Doval.   Could be fast mover as a relief prospect. 

Jake Wong RHP.  DOB:  9/3/1996.  6'2", 218 lbs.  

2019(A):  2-1, 1.99, 40.2 IP, 7.52 K/9, 2.43 BB/9, 1.56 GB/FB.

2019(A+):  3-2, 4.98, 72.1 IP, 8.34 K/9, 2.99 BB/9, 1.08 GB/FB.

You may remember Jake Wong as the Giants third round draft pick in 2018.  He was off to fairly solid start to his pro career.  My impression at the time was his FB was a sinker in the low 90's and he projected as a pitch to contact groundball innings eater.  He missed the last two seasons due to arm problems(I assume TJ surgery was involved but can't confirm on that).  The video posted by SFGProspects shows him throwing a pitch they report as 97 MPH up in the zone and recording 3 K's in 2 IP in the AA camp game against the Cubs. The other two K's came on a curve that dropped into the upper zone and a FB on the outside corner at the knees to a LH batter.

Roberto Monegro RHP.  DOB:  11/15/2001.  5'10", 145 lbs.  

2021(DSL):  2-2, 4.19, 19.1 IP, 10.24 K/9, 1.40 BB/9, 1.47 GB/FB.

Played SS on the DSL in 2019.  The SFGProspects video posted on Twitter shows him striking out 4 Cubs batters in a single A game.  All 3 K's come on breaking balls of varying looks.  

Mat Olsen RHP.  DOB:  7/8/2000.  5'11", 185 lbs.  

2021(AZ Complex):  0-0, 0.00, 3 IP, 15 K/9, 0 BB/9.

9'th round draft pick last year with minimal pro experience.  The video posted by SFGProspects shows him striking out 5 in 2 scoreless innings of a high A game against.....yep, the Cubs.  Reportedly hitting 97 MPH with the FB. Most of the K's came on riding FB's up in the zone.  One came on what looked like a sinker or splitter on the outside corner to a RH batter.  Oh, and he spells his last name correctly!

Scouting The Churn: Taylor Williams RHP; Luke Williams

 The Churn is active and FZ apparently likes players named Williams as the two most recent adds sport the same last name.  Taylor Williams RHP signed a minor league contract with spring training invitation.  Luke Williams UT came over from the Phillies with Will Toffey 3B going the other way.  Toffey was previously acquired from the Mets last year so The Churn flows on.

Taylor Williams RHP.   DOB:  7/21/1991.  5'11", 185 lbs.  

2021 MLB(2 teams):  0-0, 4.63, 11.2 IP, 6.94 K/9, 6.17 BB/9

2021 AAA(Padres):  2-0, 6.75, 13.1 IP, 10.80 K/9, 5.40 BB/9.

Williams has played parts of 5 seasons at MLB level,  mostly with the Brewers.  His best season was 2020 when he recorded a 12.27 K/9.  As you can see, walks have been is undoing.  Fangraphs Pitch Type spread sheet has him throwing a 94-95 MPH FB with approximately equal slider usage.  He pitched the 9'th inning of yesterday's spring training game for the Giants and made quick work of the three batters he faced with 2 K's.  He's on a minor league deal so will likely start the season in AAA as bullpen depth assuming he is not washed along in The Churn.

Luke Williams UT.  DOB:  8/9/1996.  B-R, T-R.  6'1", 186 lbs.

2021 MLB(Phillies):  .245/.315/.316, 9.3 BB%, 21.3 K%, 108 PA.

2021 AAA(Phillies):  .270/.329/.341, 8.4 BB%, 20.3 K%, 143 PA.  

Williams is listed as an OF by Fangraphs bio but played every position but C and P at both MLB and AAA levels last year.  His first MLB hit was a walkoff HR, his only MLB round-tripper.  He hit 11 HR's at AA in 2019 but just one at two levels in 2021.  He has options so will likely start the season in AAA as utility depth.

Spring Training Game Wrap: Giants 6 Angels 1

 Alex Cobb RHP gave Giants fans another reason to be optimistic about the Giants starting rotation with 3.1 shutout IP against his former teammates.  

Cobb struck out 3 batters and got 5 GB outs.  3 walks was the only indication of rustiness.  Cobb generally has low WHIPs so this is not a big concern going forward.

Camilo Doval RHP wowed the Angels announcing team with a blazing fastball.  Doval gave up a leadoff double to David Fletcher then struck out the side around a WP to leave the runner stranded at 3B.  IMO, key to Doval taking the next step to greatness is trusting the FB, which he appeared to do in this appearance.

Mauricio Dubon 2B/SS drove in the Giants first two runs with a bomb to LF after putting a beautiful swing on the ball.  Swings like that are what excited Giants fans in 2020.  We didn't see too many of those last year.  

Heliot Ramos OF continued to impress with a double and walk in two PA's.  He's hitting .500 on the spring.

Got a look at Frankie Tostado 1B who came up inches short of a HR on a ball that went just over the RF glove to hit off the top of the OF wall.  Tostado looked like he has a little speed rounding 2B on the telecast.

Sean Hjelle RHP was impressive in two innings of work.  He got 2 K's and 3 GB outs.  His over-the-top delivery from a 6'11" frame produces extreme downward plane and his pitches have extra sink as they approach home plate.  He did give up a triple that scored on another GB out, overall an impressive performance.  He looked like he could pitch in the majors sometime this season.

New acquistion Taylor Williams RHP breezed through the 9'th inning. with 2 K's.

*************************************************************************************

Logan Webb RHP makes his third spring start tomorrow afternoon against the Brewers and Corbin Burnes  RHP in Phoenix.  Those two might be 2 of the 3 best "stuff" guys in all of baseball(Jake DeGrom being the other).

Spring Training Game Wrap: Reds 2 Giants 1

 Alex Wood LHP had another strong spring start but the Giants bats remained quiet in a low scoring loss. Watched this one on TV.

Wood pitched into the 4'th inning can finally came out as his pitch count crept toward 45.  He now has 6 K's againts 0 BB's in 5.2 shutout IP in 2 spring starts.  Overall, pitchers projected to be in the Opening Day starting rotation are sporting a combined 1.08 ERA with 21 K's and 4 BB's in 16.1 IP.

Pitching prospect Nick Avila RHP came in to get the last out of the 4'th inning in relief of Alex Wood.  Avila has impressively long limbs and showed a nice FB/Curve combo out of an over-the-top delivery.  FB hit 96 MPH per Kruk and Flem.

Jake McGee LHP pitched his second scoreless frame of the spring.  Perhaps more importantly he broke off several sharp looking sliders.  If he can add a credible slider to his FB he could have an amazing season.

Tyler Rogers RHP got BABIP'd for both Reds runs in the 6'th inning without recording an out.  Rogers induces a lot of soft contact but sometimes it's too soft and those swinging bunts cause chaos.  

Pitching Prospect Taylor Rashi RHP relieved Rogers with the bases loaded, no outs and 2 runs in.  He struck out the first batter he faced and got the second to GIDP.  Fire extinguished!

Jakob Junis RHP made his spring debut after after signing late.  He threw several sliders with Romoesque breaks.  The way the hitters reacted made you think he may have a "no-dot" slide piece like Romo.  The tremendous break drew extra attention from the substance police at the end of the inning.

Speaking of substances, Kruk and Flem went on and on about the new policy of the umps checking pitchers hands.  Apparently after an initial sharp decline in spin rates after the substance checking started last year, they started to climb again indicating the pitchers found alternate places to hide the substance.  Now they are checking the pitchers hands at the end of innings which Kruk and Flem both seem to think will have a strong deterrent effect.

*************************************************************************************

Alex Cobb RHP makes his first spring start tomorrow against the Angels in Tempe, AZ

Spring Training Game Wrap: Guardians 10 Giants 2

Anthony DeSclafani RHP opened the game with 3 shutout innings and Mike Yastrzemski OF hit a 2-run HR.  The rest of the game was quite forgettable.  

Tyler Beede RHP made his second spring appearance.  His first inning was perfect and he reportedly sat at 97-98 MPH on his fastball.  The second inning of work did not go so well and he ended up allowing 4 ER in 1.2 IP. 

Sammy Long LHP may have earned himself a little more rope with 4 K's in 2 shutout IP.  

*************************************************************************************

Alex Wood LHP makes his second spring start tomorrow afternoon in Scottsdale facing the Reds and young flamethrower Hunter Greene RHP.

Spring Training Game Wrap: Giants 9 White Sox 6

It got a bit ragged in the later innings but this was the Giants best game of the spring so far as they blasted 5 HR's to overpower a strong ChiSox team.

Thairo Estrada SS- 2 for 3, HR, SB.  A lot of Giants fans are bullish on Estrada and I am one of them.  Hoping he gets a chance to build on his success last season.   

Armani Smith RF- 1 for 2, HR(2).  Smith hits his second HR of the spring.  

Patrick Bailey C- 2 for 2, 2B, HR.  Subbed in for Curt Casali.  Encouraging game for the 2020 first round draft pick.

Alex Blandino 3B- 2 for 3, HR.  Local kid who played college ball at Stanford.  First round draft pick by the Reds in 2014.  Never hit much in Reds organization.  Is he another Giants coaching success story or the latest reincarnation of ?

Carlos Rodon LHP- 2.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  Rodon makes his spring training game debut.  Reportedly hit 98 MPH on the gun.  Exciting stuff!

Camilo Doval RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K.  Doval makes his spring training game debut and pitches a scoreless inning.

*************************************************************************************

Anthony DeSclafani  RHP makes his first in-game appearance of the spring tomorrow facing the Cleveland Guardians in Scottsdale.  

Spring Training Game Wrap: D'Backs 5 Giants 3

 Logan Webb RHP extended to 3 IP and Joey Bart C hit his first spring HR, but the Giants hitters continued to struggle in another spring loss.  

Logan Webb RHP allowed a run in the first inning but struck out 5 batters in 3 IP.

Joey Bart C 's two run bomb was the Giants first hit of the game in the 5'th inning.  Here's hoping it's the first of many this season.

Jake McGee LHP, Tyler Rogers RHP and Dominic Leone RHP made their first appearances of the spring with Rogers and Leone allowing a run in 1 IP each.

*************************************************************************************

Carlos Rodon LHP makes his spring training game debut today against the White Sox in Camelback Ranch, AZ

*************************************************************************************

New developments in the CBA:

Much to the outrage of many fans who thought they were done with the extra-inning "ghost runner" rule, it's baaaaccck!  It's apparently quite popular with the players.  While it takes some getting used to, I think it is actually good for the game.  Marathon games of 14-18 innings have become more common.  They are exhausting for both players and fans.  I am one of the most dedicated baseball fans you will ever see and 18 inning games are excruciating to watch, even in a postseason game.  The "ghost runner" rule is proven to end extra-inning games more quickly which is a huge positive by itself.  It also creates interesting strategies.  People who like the double-switch should love the "ghost runner" rule!

Rosters will expand to 28 players for at least the first month of the season with no limits on number of pitchers. Expanded rosters will likely give the Giants an advantage because their system is so matchup based.  I would like to see permanent 28-man rosters but with a limit of 14 pitchers.

Lastly, we have the "Ohtani Rule".  If the pitcher is in the lineup, they can continue as DH when they come out of the game.  Good rule!

Arbitration Wrap: Giants Avoid Arbitration

Ever since the AJ Pierzynski debacle, the Giants have been cognizant of the deleterious effects of arbitration battles on clubhouse chemistry.  I'm pretty sure I can count on one hand the number of cases they have taken to a hearing since and all of those have been kept under the radar.  That strategy does not seem to have changed in the FZ era as the Giants came to terms with the last four of their arbitration eligible players today, the deadline for both sides to submit salary proposals.  This is all obviously good for the Giants, but I am going to focus on how this is good for the players too and the difference it will make in their lives.  Here is a a list of the Giants arbitration eligible players with their 2022 salaries and their estimated career cumulative salaries to date(salary information based on MLBTR reports + Cot's Baseball Contracts website.  Estimates for partial seasons and for minimum wage seasons not listed):

Austin Slater OF:  $1.85 M.  $5.228 M.(includes prorated approximate minimum wage for partial rookie season 2017 and 200 K signing bonus in 2014 draft).

Curt Casali C:  $2.6 M.  $7.7845 M.

Darin Ruf OF/1B:  $6.25 M(2 years at $3 M each with $3.4 M option for 2024 with $250 K buyout).  $11.267 M( includes estimated salary for 3 years in Korea).

Dominic Leone RHP:  $2.245 M.  $6.324 M.

Jarlin Garcia LHP:  $1.725 M.  $4.86 M.

John Brebbia RHP:  $.8375  M.  $4.3914 M.

Mike Yastrzemski OF:  $3.7 M.  $5.41975 M

What this shows is even if you are a fringe player, if you can hang around long enough and take care of your money wisely, you can set yourself up for future financial security.  I am happy for every penny these guys get out of this. They are warriors for the game.  The game would not be as good without them.  The least the game can give them is future financial security.

Spring Training Game Wrap: Brewers 13 Giants 6

 The Giants lost a game that got ragged in the late innings but had enough interesting developments to make it worth watching from my computer on streaming on mlb-tv.

Alex Wood LHP looked terrific in 2 IP allowing 0 baserunners while striking out 3.

The Giants starting lineup for the game struggled again as the first 12 batters failed to reach base against Adrian Houser RHP  and Josh Hader LHP while striking out 8 times. They finally broke through and scored in the 5'th inning off former Giant Trevor Gott RHP.

Grant McCray LF went 2 for 2 including a loud HR to RF in the 9'th inning. He also dropped a pop fly in short LF earlier in the game.

Luis Matos CF showed tremendous range in CF with two highlight reel catches in the top of the 9'th inning.

Armani Smith RF showed a compact swing with easy power out to RF with a homer to lead off the bottom of the 8'th inning.  He also made a sliding backhanded catch and easily doubled up the runner at 2B who didn't think he had a chance to catch it.

Raynel Espinal RHP looked sharp for the second time this spring with a scoreless frame in the 7'th inning.  the hit he gave up was the ball McCray dropped.  I guess it counted as a hit because McCray had to run a long way to get to it, but it was a definitely a ball he should have caught even is most LF's probably would not have gotten to it.

Still no sign of Joey Bart C but he's apparently catching sim games on the back-fields.  Hope he's getting some sim AB's too.

We also have yet to see any pitchers expected to be members of the bullpen on Opening Day.

*************************************************************************************

Logan Webb RHP makes his second spring start tomorrow against the D'Backs in Scottsdale.  We still have not seen Carlos Rodon LHP, Anthony DeSclafani RHP or Alex Cobb RHP.

*************************************************************************************

We are down to what?  17 days until Opening Day?  You would never know it from the way Kap is deploying his players.  I rest my case that spring training is way too long.  The one and only excuse is to ramp up the starting pitchers.  The solution to that is make expanded rosters for the first month permanent.  

*************************************************************************************

Be sure to follow Roger Munter's Twitter feed for developments in minor league camp.  Hearing good things about Diego Velasquez SS.  Looking forward to seeing some exciting prospects when the San Jose Giants come to San Bernardino in May.

Hot Stove Update: Wrap Up

 I am calling the Hot Stove League officially done for 2021-2022.  Michael Conforto OF is the only major position player still on the market, but the signing of Joc Pederson OF made it all but certain Conforto is not coming to the Giants.  So how did FZ and company do in the Hot Stove League?  They did very well, thank you, despite the widespread disappointment of Giants fans at the failure to land a higher ranked hitter.  

To recap the Giants needs going into Opening Day of the Hot Stove League:

1.  Rebuild the starting rotation which had just one holdover, Logan Webb RHP.  

2.  A hitter, preferably a RH hitter and preferably an OF.

Here's a list of major league signings(minor league signings were too numerous to count):

Brandon Belt 1B(accepted QO):  1 yr/$18.4 M Total/$18.4 AAV.

Matthew Boyd LHP:  1 yr/$5.2 M total/$5.2 M AAV(will start season on IL.  Expected return midseason)

Alex Cobb RHP:  2 yr/$20 M total/$10 M AAV(club option for 2024).

Anthony DeSclafani RHP:  3 yr/$35 M total/$12 M AAV.

Jakob Junis RHP:  1 yr/$1.75 M total/$1.75 M AAV.

Carlos Martinez RHP(minor league contract with salary contingent on making active roster):  1 yr/$2.5 M + incentives to $4 M/AAV TBD.

Joc Pederson OF:  1 yr/$6 M total/$6 M AAV.

Carlos Rodon LHP:  2 yr/$44 M total/$22 M AAV(Opt out after 1 yr).

Alex Wood LHP:  2 yr/$25 M total/$12.5 M AAV.

That all adds up to $156.35 m total investment in players with $87.85 M for 2022.  Per Cot's, the Giants Opening Day 26-man roster payroll is currently a projected $150.38 M($166.30 CBT Payroll, $63.71 M under threshold). For comparison, last year's Opening Day 26-man roster payroll was $149.5 M).  So the Giants spent money, and a lot of it.  But did they spend well?  Did they spend enough?  I think we all agree they did a nice job rebuilding the starting rotation.  The added an ace level pitcher as well as deep depth with the additions of Junis, Martinez and Boyd.  The big question mark is if they did enough on the hitting side.

First of all, there is a myth out there that the Giants needed to replace Buster Posey's offense through the free agent market.  Granted, Buster Posey's offense will likely be missed, but it's impossible to replace Buster Posey's offense through another position.  There is one and only one player who can "replace" Buster Posey's offense and that's Joey Bart.  That's not a great position for Young Joey to find himself in but that's the reality.

Let's take a look at some of the hitting options the Giants were rumored to be in on and who Giants fans had their hopes set on:

Seiya Suzuki OF:  Signed with Cubs.  5 yr/$85 M + $14.625 M posting fee).  Suzuki did seem like a perfect fit for several reasons.  I can't honestly advocate that the Giants should have exceeded or even matched the contract he got from the Cubs.  

Kris Bryant OF/3B:  Signed with Rockies.  7 yr/$182 M.  A lot of people were down on Kris Bryant.  I think he would be a great fit for the Giants, but not at the price or length he signed for with the Rockies.

Nick Castellanos OF:  Signed with the Phillies.  5 yr/$100 M.  This does not seem like an overpay for the Phillies, but it's also not a significant underpay.  Not sure if Giants were involved or if he would have signed with the Giants at any price.

Trevor Story SS/2B:  Signed with Red Sox.  6 yr/$140 M.  No thank you at that price.

Michael Conforto OF:  Still on the market but seems like another Joc Pederson at a higher price.

So there you have it.  While it is definitely disappointing to not land a higher ranked hitter than Joc Pederson, and it's not clear Joc is an upgrade over the 3 LH hitting OF's the Giants already had, it's probably the best deal they could have made given how hot the hitting market got as well as the possible residual aversion to the ballpark despite the Giants leading the league in HR's last year.

DrB's Final Hot Stove League Grade for FZ:  B+.

Don't forget there is still a trade market out there.  I'll just throw out one possible scenario:  Marlins desperately need a CF.  Giants need a RH bat.  Steven Duggar is out of options.  Marlins have a surplus of corner OF/1B/DH types.   A Steven Duggar for Garrett Cooper trade makes a lot of sense for both teams.

Spring Training Game Wrap: Reds 9 Giants 4

 Not a whole lot to make note of in this stinker of a spring training game.  I hear bus rides out to Goodyear are brutal!  

Wilmer Flores 3B homered in 2 AB.  

Joc Pederson RF makes his Giants debut and goes 0 for 2.  

Heliot Ramos DH doubles and walks in 2 PA's.

Sammy Long LHP gets roughed up for 5 ER in 1.2 IP.  

Sean Hjelle RHP pitches a scoreless 9'th inning with 2 K's.

Gotta say, Kap must have a whole lot of confidence in Joey Bart C as we haven't seen him since the 3'rd inning Friday night.  With the shortened spring training you would think he would be getting as many PA's crammed in as possible.  Hope he's getting in some good work in simulated games.

*************************************************************************************

Alex Wood LHP gets the start tomorrow evening against the Brewers facing Adrian Houser RHP.

*************************************************************************************

Don't forget, there's still a trade market out there and it's likely to heat up as Opening Day approaches and rosters get crunched.  I hear Kim Ng is looking for a CF for the Marlins.  She wants Bryan Reynolds OF but so does everyone including the Pirates.  I'm thinking a Steven Duggar CF for Garrett Cooper OF/1B is a great match.

Spring Training Game Wrap: Giants 8 Rockies 5

 Tyler Beede's first spring test produced mixed results but the offense scored early and often to secure the Giants first spring win.  

Tyler Beede RHP gave up a leadoff HR to Garrett Hampson and a total of 2 runs on 5 hits in 2 IP.   On the plus side, he reportedly sat 95-96 MPH on the FB and got 6 swinging strikes.  Beede is out of options, fighting for a roster spot and hoping for expanded rosters to start the season, an eventuality the Giants seems to be confident in.

Brett Auerbach's stock is catching serious helium as he moved from catcher to 2B and recorded his second triple in two games.

LaMonte Wade Jr LF stated his case early leading off the game with a double and following that up with a HR.  Just a quick reminder that Wade Jr. had a fWAR of 1.6 last year while Joc Pederson's was 0.6.

Steven Duggar CF hit a HR and made a sensational throw to nab a runner at 3B.  Just a quick reminder Duggar recorded an fWAR of 2.1 last year.  Is there room on the roster for 4 LH hitting OF's?  Maybe with the DH and an expanded roster?

Ricardo Genoves C homered in 2 AB's.  

Alex Blandino 3B went 2 for 2.  

Wyatt Mathisen 1B went 2 for 2 with a 3-run HR.  He signed last last year as a minor league FA.  He may have been one of several the Giants signed to 2 year contracts near the end of last season.  Mathisen hit 23 HR's for the D'Backs organization in 2019, but mostly in Reno, an extreme hitter-friendly environment.

Emmanuel De Jesus LHP pitched a pair of scoreless frames.  The Giants had a LHP prospect named Emmanuel De Jesus a few years ago but I believe this is a different dude.  This guy came up through the Red Sox organization.

Mauricio Llovera RHP struck out 3 batters in 2 IP.  Llovera is a minor league FA signed out of the Phillies Organization.  He recorded a 3.46 ERA for their AAA team last year.

*************************************************************************************

Sammy Long LHP takes the mound today against the Reds in Goodyear, AZ.  Joc Pederson OF makes his spring debut while Heliot Ramos OF is slated to hit cleanup as the DH.

************************************************************************************

Check out Roger Munter's Twitter feed for comments and video on Mason Black RHP, the Giants 3'rd round draft pick last year.  Reportedly hit 98 MPH with a nasty breaking ball.  The video shows a perfect pitcher's frame with long, loose arm action.

Spring Training Game Wrap: Cubs 7 Giants 3

I'm not going to hold myself to writing a wrap after every game, but I watched last night's spring opener on mlb-tv streaming for free.  Here are some of the highlights(and a lowlight or two):

Highlight:  Logan Webb RHP was sensational.  5 K's in 2 IP.  Does any pitcher in baseball get more movement on their pitches right now?  FB, slider, changeup, three devastating pitches. Pray for him to stay healthy.  Cy Young Award potential.

Lowlight:  Giants offense did not get a hit until the 8'th inning and didn't look like they were ready to play.  Top four hitters in the starting lineup went a combined 0 for 6 with YtY reaching base with a walk.

Highlight:  Joey Bart C handled Webb's crazy pitches with ease and made reasonably hard contact on a flyout to RF on a night when the ball did not appear to have much carry except maybe down the LF line.

Lowlight:  Bryan Brickhouse RHP and Jhonny Pareda C had a rough night.  Brickhouse gets hard downward plane on the ball but kept spiking it in the dirt around home plate.  Poor Pareda was overmatched.  Krukow seemed to be more critical of Pareda than Brickhouse but Brick got charged with 3 WP's and Pareda no PB's.  Kruk did fill us in nicely on how the Giants teach their catchers to keep one knee on the ground as apparently this creates better framing angles, but it sacrifices lateral mobility.

Highlight:  Raynel Espinal RHP pitched two scoreless frames and was the most impressive of the non-roster pitchers.

Highlight:  Heliot Ramos OF is still built like a stack of bricks but looked like he is in good shape, maybe the best of his life.  He also looked fast on the bases.  

Highlight:  Brett Auerbach C looked agile behind the plate, smoked one into the L-CF gap and ran out a triple on the bases.  

Highlight:  Diego Rincones OF hit the ball hard twice, a GB single up the middle and a smash/carom back at the pitcher for another hit.

Highlight:  Bryce Johnson OF stroked the first hit of the night for the Giants and looked fast on the bases running out a double.

*************************************************************************************

Big day for Tyler Beede RHP as he gets the start for the Giants at Talking Stick against the Rockies.

*************************************************************************************

Oh, I'm on Twitter now.  My handle is DrBGiantsFan.

Hot Stove Update: Giants Sign Another Starting Pitcher

 We'll start off this post with a mea culpa.  After doing some research, I am not able to verify that FZ ever said a RH bat was a Hot Stove priority.  So there's that.

The Giants apparently finished up their Hot Stove League season with another signing which on the surface does not make much sense but there's a twist.  Matthew Boyd LHP is coming off flexor tendon surgery in late September.  His goal is to be ready to pitch again by June 2022.  This means he can be placed on the 60-day IL to start the season and won't be counted as on the 40-man roster.  Of course, this means there will likely be a window sometime midseason when he is ready to pitch and has to be added back on the 40-man and 26 man active roster or be traded or released.  

Matthew Boyd LHP.  DOB:  2/2/1991.  6'3", 234 lbs.  1 yr/$5.2 M with additional $2.3 M in incentives.

2021(Tigers):  3-8, 3.89, 78.2 IP, 7.7 K/9, 2.6 BB/9.

His best season was probably 2019 when he posted a 11.6 K/9 with a 2.4 BB/9.  His effectiveness has been limited by giving up a lot of gofer balls, 39 in 2019.  Comerica Park is generally known to be fairly pitcher-friendly so we can't blame the HR's on home park factors.  With this signing the Giants bank a future option for the starting rotation, perhaps setting up a possible midseason trade of another pitcher.  How the roster maneuvering plays out once Boyd is physically ready may be tricky, though.

*************************************************************************************

Remember Jose Godoy?  He's the LH hitting catcher the Giants claimed off waivers from the Mariners just last week.  Well, he got washed along in The Churn with the signing of Joc Pederson.  The Twins immediately claimed him off waivers.  Nice knowin' ya.  Churn on!  

*************************************************************************************

Although FZ did not rule out future roster additions if there is a fit, he indicated the Giants Hot Stove season is likely over.  Whether or not FZ ever made a RH bat a priority of if we were all projecting our own analysis onto him, his Hot Stove season feels like it came up just short.  The report that Brandon Crawford reached out to Joc by text message just before he signed is a bit unsettling and seems to imply that FZ and the Giants brass were frustrated with the market.  There are several explanations for why they appeared to come up short in hitting market:

1.  Maybe adding a bat was never the priority we assumed?

2.  The 2021-2022 Hot Stove season turned out to be more of a buyer's market than predicted by many.  Maybe the market was just too hot for FZ's comfort level?

3.  Crawford's outreach to Joc feels like maybe FZ was gunshy about getting turned down again?  Maybe the reputation of the ballpark is too much and hitters just don't want to play their home games in Oracle Park?

If the solution is the trade market, expanded playoffs make it less imperative to win the division which makes getting off to a fast start less of a priority and creates a rationale for delaying a trade until needs become clear as the season progresses.  For example, maybe Joey Bart and Heliot Ramos come on like gangbusters and fill the RH bat need from within?  Maybe Marco Luciano explodes and is ready to launch is MLB career by midseason?

Hot Stove Update: Giants Sign.......Joc Pederson?

 Let's for the sake of this discussion ignore the fact that FZ proclaimed back when the ol' hot stove fired up that one of his priorities was finding a RH OF bat, and we'll ignore that two of those potential RH OF bat targets, Kris Bryant and Seiya Suzuki signed with other teams within the last 24 hours or that Freddie Freeman just signed with the Dodgers.  Let's just take a look at the Joc Pederson deal.

Joc Pederson OF.  DOB:  4/21/1992.  B- L, T-L.  6'1", 220 lbs.  1 yr/$6 M.

2021:  .238/310/.422, 18 HR, 0.6 fWAR, 481 PA.

2022(ZIPS):  .240/.318/..466, 23 HR, 1.4 fWAR, 468 PA.

As I have pointed out in previous posts, yes, the Giants already had 3 LH hitting OF's but I also pointed out there is room for an upgrade in that group thus opening the door to a possible LH hitting OF as an upgrade(it's pretty tough to see how the Giants carry 4 LH hitting OF's on the active roster).  So, let's take a look:

YtY:

2021:  .224/.311/.457, 25 HR, 2.2 fWAR, 532 PA.

2022(ZIPS):  .242/.320/.459, 22HR, 1.9 fWAR, 520 PA.

Steven Duggar:

2021:  .257/.330/.437, 8 HR, 7 SB, 2.1 fWAR, 297 PA.

2022(ZIPS):  .243/.310/.387, 8 HR, 10 SB, 1.2 fWAR, 390 PA.

Lamonte Wade Jr:

2021:  .253/.326/.482, 18 HR, 6 SB, 1.6 fWAR, 381 PA.

2022(ZIPS):  .242/.326/.442, 17 HR, 6 SB, 1.0 fWAR, 436 PA.

I just have one question:  Which of these LH hitting OF's already on the team is Joc Pederson a clear upgrade over?

Hot Stove Update: Giants Sign Jakob Junis

 The Giants signed Jakob Junis RHP to a major league contract today(1 yr/$1.75 M) but don't have to keep him on the MLB Active Roster because he has an option so they can stash him in AAA until/unless a need arises on the rotation.  He can also be a multi-inning reliever if a need arises for that role.  

Jakob Junis RHP.  DOB:  9/16/1992.  6'3", 220 lbs.  

2021(Royals):  2-4, 5.26, 39.1 IP, 9.38 K/9, 2.75 BB/9, FIP= 4.31, xFIP= 3.88.

I have liked Jakob Junis for awhile now.  I added him to my fantasy baseball team in 2017 and 2018 because of his low WHIP(1.28 and 1.27) combined with adequate K's a W here and there.  His stock dropped off since then mostly due to a high HR/FB.  His peripheral stats were actually quite good last year, a fact I am sure was not lost on FZ's army of number crunchers.  If any coaching staff can help him limit HR's, I would bet on the Giants.  Love the signing.  At worst he can eat some innings if needed during the dog days.

*************************************************************************************

Giants DFA'd two pitchers to make room on the 40-man roster for Carlos Rodon LHP and Junis, Hunter Harvey RHP and Caleb Baragar LHP.  Hey!  I'll take that trade off!

*************************************************************************************

Tea leaves are starting to read San Diego for Seiya Suzuki OF although he denies having made a decision.  Seems likely no accident FZ is suddenly saying he was never focused on only a RH bat and a feature on Michael Conforto OF appears in Pavs' column.  How about Conforto and Tommy Pham OF?

Hot Stove Update: Giants Sign Carlos Martinez to Minor League Deal

Hey team!  Did I call this one or not?  Don't believe it?  Go to Archives listed on the left and review my post from January 24, 2022.  The Giants signed Carlos Martinez RHP to a minor league deal today in a low risk/high upside move that is pure FZ.  The deal calls for $2.5 M if he makes the team and an additional $1.5 M in inventives.  I'm guessing there is also an opt-out clause and date if it looks like he's not going to make the team out of spring training.  

Martinez was once one of the elite young starting pitchers in the league for the Cardinals, then moved into the Closer role in 2019 and recorded 24 Saves.  He's coming off two disaster seasons marred by injury but a big chunk of his high ERA was inflated by a single disaster start on 6/2/2021 in which he was scorched for 10 ER in 0.2 IP.  He's an extreme groundball pitcher who can also get strikeouts.  If he is fully healthy, there is every reason to expect a nice bounceback season from him.

But, you say, the 5 man rotation is already set with Webb, Rodon, Wood, DeSclafani and Cobb.  Martinez gives them depth in case of injury and has been equally effective out of the bullpen including the Closer Role in the past.  This move does appear to put more pressure on Tyler Beede RHP who is competing for a similar swing role and is out of options.

*************************************************************************************

The Giants also claimed Jose Godoy C off waivers from the Mariners.  

Jose Godoy C.  DOB:  10/13/1994.  B-L, T-R.  5'11", 200 lbs.  

2021 AAA:  .285/.330/.413, 7 HR, 5.8 BB%, 17.5 K%, 325 PA.

2021 MLB:  .162/.225/.189, 7.5 BB%, 35 K%, 40 PA.

The Giants bolster their catching depth.  Godoy bats left which is a valuable trait in a catcher.  It's possible rosters will expand to 28 for the first month or two of the season due to the shortened spring training and compression of the schedule which could create opportunity for the Giants to carry 3 catchers.  Barring that, Godoy has 2 options so they can park him in Sacramento as insurance against injury or a meltdown by Joey Bart.

*************************************************************************************

Reyes Moronta RHP switched sides and signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers where he will try to bounceback from a series of injuries and get some traction back on his career.

*************************************************************************************

Still waiting for the Giants to drop the hammer on a big bat.

Hot Stove Update: Giants Sign Carlos Rodon

The Giants moved quickly once the lockout ended to fill the last slot in their starting rotation, except they filled one of the top two slots and bumped everyone else down a slot.  On paper, Carlos Rodon was the best available free agent SP and by a large margin, but comes with significant injury concerns which is probably what enabled them to sign him to a short-term deal.  The reported contract calls for 2 years/$44 M with an opt out for Rodon after the first season.  The $44 M is split as $21.5 M this season and $22.5 M in 2023.  That difference is unlikely to impact his decision on whether to opt out.  So, what are the Giants getting here?  Let's break it down:

Carlos Rodon LHP.  DOB:  12/10/1992.  6'3", 245 lbs.

2021(White Sox):  13-5, 2.37, 132.2 IP, 12.55 K/9, 2.44 BB/9.

Carlos Rodon was the #3 overall draft pick by the White Sox in 2014.  He was known for having an above average FB and a killer slider in college.  He pitched 139.1 innings the following season.  On the surface, there is nothing to detract from his 2021 performance which would ordinarily get him to a 9-figure contract similar to what Kevin Gausman got from the Blue Jays.  There are two issues with Rodon that limited his value:  1.  A history of injuries limiting his innings and effectiveness in 2017-2020.  2.  A dramatic and sustained drop in FB velocity after a midseason start 7/18/2021.  Was this velocity drop due to expected fatigue of a full season after several seasons of low IP, or was it a harbinger of injury?  He did come back from a 12 day layoff to throw 96 MPH FB's in a playoff start but lasted just 2.2 innings.  

If he is fully healthy, Rodon gives the Giants a much needed co-ace and someone who can take the pressure off Logan Webb.  He seems to carry a significant risk of recurrent injury but the worst case scenario is the Giants are only on the hook for 2 years.  FZ has never shied away from pitchers with injury histories apparently viewing them as undervalued commodities.  He also appears to hate anything longer than a 3-year commitment for any pitcher, so he's willing to take the injury risk in return for a shorter window of risk.  I, for one, can't wait to see Rodon twirl that slider in a Giants uniform.

Down on the Farm: Potential Midseason Rookies

The Lockout is finally over and a new CBA ratified.  Organizations can resume transactions immediately. A few things are settled.  NL and the Giants add a DH.  Other items are still under negotiation including a possible temporary roster expansion and several other rule changes.  MLB has a 45 day window to implement certain rule changes for 2023 including pitch clock, limitations on defensive positioning, increase in base size and....get this....automated ball/strike calling.  Hmm.....seems like the umps union might have a say in the ball/strike thing.  There is a big change in the draft with all 18 non-playoff teams entering a lottery for the top 6 picks.  The old "draft and follow" system will return.  This year's Rule 5 draft is cancelled(whew!).  The two sides have an extended window until June 25 to negotiate an international draft and elimination of the Qualifying Offer starting in 2024.  If they fail to reach an agreement, current rules for both will remain in place.  Got all that?  Good!  While we wait for the Hot Stove to explode,  let's take a look at some Giants prospects who have a chance for a midseason promotion to The Show:

Heliot Ramos OF-  Ramos is just starting his age 22 season and is just starting his option clock so there is no rush but if a need arises and Ramos breaks out in AAA, he should be in line for an early promotion which is more likely if the Giants fail to sign another RH hitter such as Kris Bryant, Nick Castellanos or Seiya Suzuki in the free agent rush.

Kervin Castro RHP- We mentioned him as a longshot to be on the Opening Day roster.  Renewed roster limit of 13 pitchers makes that less likely so he will likely open in Sacramento and be in line for an early call back.

David Villar 3B- Villar quietly had a great season for AA Richmond last year.  He definitely stays in the organization since the Rule 5 Draft is cancelled.  But he's not currenly on the 40 man roster so is unlikely to open the season in the major leagues.  He should be considered as soon as Evan Longoria suffers his annual extended injury.  Villar could also be trade bait.

Diego Rincones OF- Another Rule 5 Draft eligible who isn't going anywhere.  Could be an option for adding a RH OF bat if Heliot Ramos fails to gain traction in his AAA season.

Will Bednar RHP- It would be aggressive promoting, but I see Bednar in a similar mold as other college pitchers from elite programs who have pitched in the majors their first full pro season.

Sean Hjelle RHP- Hjelle is on the 40 man roster so may be in line in front of Bednar, but despite his carnival side-show size, he does not have Bednar's velocity or command.

RJ Dabovitch RHP- Dabovich has elite velocity and even more elite K rates last season.  He could jump to the head of the reliever pack when it comes time to replenish the bullpen midseason.

Late-season callups are now limited by limitations on September roster expansion.

Down On The Farm: Opening Day Rookies

Let's break down the Giants top prospects by ETA to the major leagues.  This is not an exhaustive list but we'll try to include as many of the top prospects as possible.  We'll list them by ETA and give a short scenario of why they may arrive in The Show when we estimate.  As always, E stands for Estimate not Prediction. We'll start with prospects who we think will be on there on Opening Day 2022.

Joey Bart C- There are several reasons why Joey Bart is almost a certainty to be on the Giants 26 man Active Roster on Opening Day and probably the starting catcher that day.  1.  There are very few, if any, reasonable options.  The free agent market is dismal.  The minor league free agent market is full of guys who are in that situation for a reason.  They might be OK as fallback plans but they aren't going to be your Opening Day catcher.  There are a couple of intriguing options on the trade market but does FZ really want to pay the trade cost in prospects for Willson Contreras?  2.  FZ came right out and stated at the beginning of the Hot Stove season that Joey Bart is "ready".  So far, at least, FZ is like Brian Sabean in that he may not give a straight answer often, but when he does, he's not lying.  3.  While Joey Bart could probably stand a little more salt in AAA, ultimately he's going to have to adjust to MLB pitching.  Why not let him get a head start on that by putting him out there Opening Day? Of course, the corollary to that is the Giants need to prepare to be patients as rookie slumps are almost inevitable.  This is the dawning of the age of Joey Bart!

Camilo Doval RHP- Doval was the Giants Closer at the end of last season and into the postseason.  He may not be on Opening Day but barring a massive loss of command in spring training, he's a lock to be on the Opening Day Roster and will likely close a significant number of games over the course of the season, although look for Gabe Kapler to not get too dependent on any one reliever as his Closer.

Kervin Castro RHP-  Let's take a look at two pitching lines from 2021:

Player 1:  

AAA:  6-1, 2.86, 44 IP, 12.27 K/9, 4.50 BB/9.

MLB:  1-1, 0.00, 13.1 IP, 8.78 K/9, 2.70 BB/9.

Player 2:

AAA:  3-0, 4.99, 30.2 IP, 12.91 K/9, 7.04 BB/9.

MLB:  5-1, 3.00, 27 IP, 12.33 K/9, 3.00 BB/9. 

Player 1 is Kervin Castro.  Player 2 is Camilo Doval.  Doval may have the edge based on stuff and velocity, but Castro actually pitched better at both AAA and MLB levels and in not a tiny sample size. Castro may not be there Opening Day due to options and numbers but it's also not impossible he could outpitch Doval in spring training by enough of a margin to send Doval down in favor of Castro.

Jason Krizan 2B/UT-  Krizan is really a post-prospect but he has yet to play a MLB game.  He's here purely for depth, but that may work in his favor if Tommy La Stella is not ready by Opening Day.  Krizan is a very similar player who bats from the same side of the plate.  It's unlikely the Giants will sign a LH batting 2B or trade for one if they think La Stella will be ready anytime before the All-Star Break.

Heliot Ramos OF- There is an outside chance that if the Giants fail to sign or trade for a RH OF bat post-lockout, that Ramos could win the role in Spring Training.  More likely he starts the season in AAA and waits for an opening.

Prospect Retrospective: Ehire Adrianza

 One of our readers commented in a previous post that Ehire Adrianza carved a remarkable and surprisingly lucrative professional baseball career out of the last roster spot of every team he's been a member of.  Once upon a time, I had high hopes for Adrianza as a prospect in the Giants minor league system.  While he never became the player I hoped for, he managed to spend time on a MLB active roster for nine straight seasons starting in 2013, a remarkable record for longevity.  On top of that, he has signed contracts paying at least $1 M in each of the last four seasons.  Let's take a look back at his professional career and see how it developed.

Adrianza was an international free agent from Venezuela signed by the Giants in 2006.  He was a lean-framed SS who made his professional debut at at 16 the same year and hit just .156 but with a 15.5 BB%.  He repeated the DSL in 2007 and improved his slash line to .241/.351/.325.  What got my attention, though was another strong walk rate of 13.6% while halving his K rate to 10.3%.  He also stole 23 bases and hit 17 doubles in 302 PA.  Hey!  A SS who can get on base, steal a base and play great defense is a valuable commodity.  I also felt like he could develop future power.

His "breakout" season was 2010 with A+ San Jose.  His .256 BA was not so impressive, but walked 9.3% with 17.1% K's and stole 33 bases.  Scouting reports said he had excellent range at SS with an adequate arm. I again envisioned a player who could at least provide great defense at SS while getting on base and stealing bases at the top of the batting order.  I still felt the power might come as the body matured.  John Sickels at Minor League Ball had positive things to say about him in some notes from 2013 but was quite bearish on any future power development, which is what I kept hoping for.  While praising his defense, Sickels called Adrianza "a switch-hitter, he has better-than-average speed and is an effective stealer.  He also controls the strike zone reasonably well, doesn't strike out that much, will take a walk and is a good bunter, all positive traits of course.  The problem is lack of power:  he doesn't have any and even when he makes solid contact the ball doesn't go very far."  

Unfortunately, the power never developed and the SB's dropped off at higher levels.  The numbers were good enough to stay in the organization but not enough to project a significant MLB career.  By the time he made his MLB debut in 2013, Brandon Crawford was firmly ensconced as the Giants SS.  Adrianza rode the shuttle to Fresno for the next 4 seasons.

His time with the Giants ran out in 2017 and he hit the waiver wire landing with the Twins where he found more playing time.  His first 7 digit contract was for $1 M in 2018 and he earned an estimated combined $7 M in 6+ years of service time.  He is currently a free agent and was by MLBTR as being in the mix for an open starting SS position with the Twins.

Adrianza's stat lines have been remarkably consistent throughout his minor and major league career.  His career slash line of .244/.313/.379 with 8.0 BB% and 19 K% is pretty much what he was doing in the low minors back in the 2000's.  

So, what held the power back?  I think the answer is in his approach.  If you look at his GB/FB ratios through the minors, they were up and down but mostly up in the 1.5 range.  I'm pretty sure the Giants coaches, like me, envisioned him as a potential leadoff batter with on-base/SB skills and taught him to slap down on the ball and let the magic of BABIP combined with his better than average walk rate get him on base where his speed would be a plus.  Unfortunately that skill set doesn't play in today's major leagues and the SB's disappeared anyway.

Ehire Adrianza's career is remarkable for it's longevity.  He has now been a professional baseball player for 15 years.  He's shown that a fringe player can have a long professional baseball career and make a comfortable living while doing it.