Down on the Farm: What We Learned From Week One

Week one was also a short week for most of the minor league levels with AAA being the only level to get in a full week's worth of games.  Here a few takeaways from the first week and weekend:

1.  The Giants can expect to get help when needed from the AAA Sacramento River Cats.  Heliot Ramos OF already got the call up and already contributed to a Win.  David Villar 3B's HR power that emerged last year in AA seems to be carrying over to AAA.  Sean Hjelle RHP had a nice start in a tough pitching environment and multiple relievers look ready to step up if the need arises.

2.  Brett Auerbach C/UT might be the best Giant utility player prospect in their history.  Auerbach had a great spring with the MLB club while playing multiple position including catcher.  He's already played at least 3 positions for the AA Richmond Flying Squirrels while OPS'ing .875, albeit in a tiny sample size.  Utility players who can play catcher are incredibly valuable.

3.  Jake Dahlberg LHP might be another significant reclamation project for the Giants development team.  Dahlberg was picked up in the middle of last year.  Despite a 5.53 ERA, he struck out 71 batters and walked just 9 in 55.1 IP.  In his first start for AA Richmond this year he struck out 8 and walked 1 in 4.1 IP.  Tuck that name away for future reference.

4. Kyle Harrison LHP might be on the fast track to the major leagues.  We kind of already knew this too.  After a sensational low A season last year in San Jose, Harrison's first start for A+ Eugene this year was every bit as good:  4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K's.  

5.  College pitching draftees are dominating the low A Cal League.  The hitters on the San Jose roster are very young and and it shows in their struggles to hit so far, but the pitching is dominated by college draftees from 2021 who are feasting on very conservative placements.  First round pick Will Bednar RHP had some control/command issues in his first start but Mason Black RHP(rd 3), Seth Lonsway LHP(rd 6), Landen Roupp RHP(rd 12) and Nick Sinacola RHP(Rd 7) combined for 22 K's against just 3 BB's in 14 IP over the opening weekend. Expect fairly early promotions for some of these guys.