Down on the Farm: 6/30/2022

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats beat the Reno Aces 6-1.

Heliot Ramos RF- 1 for 4, 3B, BB.  BA= .222.

Jason Vosler 1B- 3 for 5, 2 HR(7).  BA= .203.

David Villar 3B- 2 for 3, 2B, 2 BB.  BA= .274. 

Willie Calhoun LF- 3 for 5.  BA= .250.

Bryce Johnson CF- 2 for 5, HR(4).  BA= .288.

Tristan Beck RHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 7.11.

R. J. Dabovich RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 0.00.

Mauricio Llovera RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 0.00. 

R. J. Dabovich gets promoted to AAA.

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AA:  Bowie Baysox destroyed the Richmond Flying Squirrels 15-5.

Shane Matheny 3B- 2 for 5, HR(9).  BA= .300.

Brett Auerbach 2B- 2 for 5, HR(8).  BA= .202.

Diego Rincones DH- 1 for 4, HR(5).  BA= .243.

Ryan Murphy RHP- 3.2 IP, 9 H, 9 R, 5 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 22.09.

Ryan Murphy gets a rough greeting to AA.  The Baysox have crushed the Squirrels 3 games in a row.

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A+:  Everett Aquasox topped the Eugene Emeralds 4-3.

Luis Matos CF- 1 for 2, HR(2), 2 BB.  BA= .176.

Jairo Pomares DH- 1 for 4, HR(9).  BA= .215.

Keaton Winn RHP- 3.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 3 K.  ERA= 7.36.

Keaton Winn gets a rough welcome to A+ ball.  Hey!  It's a higher level for a reason!

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A:  San Jose Giants cracked the Modesto Nuts 3-1.

Aeverson Arteaga SS- 2 for 4, 2B, SB(6).  BA= .281.

Carter Williams LF- 1 for 3, HR(5), SF.  BA= .479.

Seth Lonsway LHP- 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K, GO/AO= 11/2.  ERA= 3.21.

Jose Cruz RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 2.82.

Jose Cruz has 43 K in 22.1 IP.  I am impressed with his stat line, video clips and in-person observation.  Very loose, live arm.

Down on the Farm: 6/29/2022

 AAA:  Reno Aces downed the Sacramento River Cats 5-3.

Heliot Ramos RF- 2 for 4.  BA= .221.

Isan Diaz SS- 3 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .265.

Willie Calhoun DH- 1 for 4, HR(6).  BA= .232.

Raynel Espinal RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.35.

Shelby Miller RHP- 0.2 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 2 K.  ERA= 5.59.

The River Cats lineup reads like a who's who of ex-prospects.  Speaking of which, we might want to pump the brakes a bit on that Shelby Miller call up.

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AA:  Bowie Baysox crushed the Richmond Flying Squirrels 12-1.

Nothing to see here.

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A+:  Eugene Emeralds pounded the Everett Aquasox 10-3.

Vaun Brown DH- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .533.

Hunter Bishop RF- 2 for 4.  BA= .236.

Carter Aldrete 3B- 2 for 4, 2 HR(13).  BA= 284.

Jake Wong RHP- 5 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 4.09.

Abel Adames RHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 4.80.

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A:  Modesto Nuts topped the San Jose Giants 3-1.

Nick Sinacola RHP- 4 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 3.75.

Hunter Dula RHP- 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.59.

Game Wrap 6/29/2022: Tigers 3 Giants 2

 Alex Wood LHP gave up a two-run HR with 2 outs in the 6'th inning on his 93'rd and last pitch of the game.  The Giants struggling offense could not overcome the 3-1 deficit.

Evan Longoria 3B- 2 for 3, HR(8), BB.  BA= .256.  Longo is hitting .435 over his last 7 games and is really the only hot hitter in the Giants lineup right now.

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With the loss, the Giants go 2-3 at home against the worst team in the NL and the third worst in the AL.  They sit 1 game behind in the NL Wild Card race.  

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

The Giants get another home day off before starting a weekend series against a so far disappointing White Sox team with Alex Cobb RHP facing Lance Lynn RHP on Orange Friday.

Down on the Farm: 6/28/2022

 AAA:  Sacramento River Cats outscored the Reno Aces 9-7.

Isan Diaz 3B- 3 for 4, 2B, SB(3).  BA= .248.

Heliot Ramos RF- 3 for 5.  BA= .216.

Joey Bart C- 2 fo 5.  BA= .375.

Jason Krizan 1B- 3 for 5, 2 2B.  BA= .248.

Arquimedes Gambo SS- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .265.

Maybe the Giants told Joey Bart to just make contact and let the power come on it's own?  Maybe Ramos' terrible BABIP luck is turning?

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AA:  Bowie Baysox downed the Richmond Flying Squirrels 9-3.

Diego Rincones DH- 4 for 4.  BA= .243.

Shane Matheny SS- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .292.

Diego Rincones is hitting .379 in June.

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A+:  Eugene Emeralds topped the Everett Aquasox 5-1.

Vaun Brown LF- 3 for 4, HR(1), SB(3).  BA= .545.

Hunter Bishop RF- 1 for 4, HR(10).  BA= .231.

Patrick Bailey C- 1 for 3, HR(7).  BA= .207.

Luis Toribio 1B- 1 for 3, HR(10).  BA= .199.

Mason Black RHP- 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 3.00.

Right now, Mason Black selected in Round 3, ooks like he might be the top prospect in the 2021 draft. Vaun Brown might have something to say about that as he has not needed any adjustment time after promotion to A+.  

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A:  Modesto Nuts smothered the San Jose Giants 11-2.

Garrett Frechette 1B- 2 for 2, 2 BB.  BA= .303.  

Frechette has the sweet swing going but doubles power is not going to win him any fast-tracking from FZ.

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Complex Watch:  

Roberto Monegro RHP(ACL)- 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 10 K.  ERA= 2.95.  Monegro is a converted SS.  First season ACL after playing 2019 as a SS in the DSL and 2021 as a RHP.  He is 20 yo.

Game Wrap 6/28/2022: Giants 4 Tigers 3

The Giants offense built a 4-0 lead behind Carlos Rodon LHP, but then the Tigers chipped away until Camilo Doval RHP was summoned to get the final out of the 8'th inning with the bases loaded and went on to record a 4-out Save. 

Carlos Rodon LHP- 6 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 6/2.  ERA= 2.62.  Rodon's composite pitching line for June:  3-0, 1.25, 36 IP, 8 BB, 41 K over 6 Starts.  

Evan Longoria 3B- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .246.  Longo is hitting .375 over his last 7 games.

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Alex Wood LHP tries to bounceback from a disaster start looking for a swweeeepp of the two-game series tomorrow afternoon facing Rony Garcia RHP.

DrB's 2022 Giants Top 50 Prospects Midseason Stock Review(#10-1).

#10.  Aeverson Arteaga SS.  A:  .279/.339/.447, 7 HR, 5 SB, 6.6 BB%, 26.9 K%, 286 PA.  Elite SS glove.  Had surprising offensive breakout in Arizona last summer.  Backing that up with a solid campaign in SJ.  Stock Up. 

#9.  Hunter Bishop OF.  A+:  .231/.323/.412, 9 HR, 16 SB, 9.9 BB%, 33.6 K%, 253 PA.  Bishop was seriously flirting with bust territory but after a reported swing adjustment(his 4'th since turning pro) his bat has heated up in June:  .279/.392/.535.  Still very true outcomes with alarmingly high K rates but maybe a sliver of hope?  Stock Stable(Looked like Way Down a month ago).

#8.  Patrick Bailey C.  A+:  .204/.323/.372, 6 HR, 15.2 BB%, 24.4 K%, 164 PA.  The slash line looks terrible but a BABIP of .237 should positively regress and the K/BB rates look solid.  Stock Stable.

#7.  Jairo Pomares OF.  A+:  .222/.293/.415, 8 HR, 8.4 BB%, 30.9 K%.  Got off to slow start but bat seems to be warming up with weather.  Weather very tough in Pacific Northwest this spring.  Stock Stable.

#6.  Will Bednar RHP.  A:  1-3, 4.19, 43 IP, 4.60 BB/9, 10.67 K/9.  Those numbers are not good for a first round draft pick out of a major college program with a conservative assignment.  The FIP and xFIP are even worse!  Not sure I remember a more disappointing pro debut for a first round draft pick unless it was Hunter Bishop or Patrick Bailey(sorry, I couldn't resist).  Bednar has disappeared from the SJ rotation since his last disaster start.  No word of an IL stint so he may just be working on some things in the bullpen.  Stock Way Down.

#5.  Kyle Harrison LHP.  A+:  0-1, 1.55, 29 IP, 3.10 BB/9, 18.31 K/9.  AA:  2-1, 4.02, 31.1 IP, 4.60 BB/9, 14.36 K/9.  Harrison dominated A ball last year and backed that up with an even more dominating start in A+.  Took a couple of games to adjust to AA but dominant in last two starts.  This kid is on a rocket ship to the majors and could get there by late this season.  Stock Way Up.

#4.  Heliot Ramos OF.  AAA:  .208/.301/.319, 6 HR, 2 SB, 9.4 BB%, 21.4 K%, 256 PA.  MLB:  .154/.214/.154, 7.1 BB%, 21.4 K%, 14 PA.  The slash line looks terrible but his BB% is up and K% is down from last season.  BABIP is way down which should positively regress.  Stock Stable.

#3.  Joey Bart C.  MLB:  .156/.296/.300, 4 HR, 13.9 BB%, 45.4 K%, 108 PA.  AAA:  .364/.462/.364, 15.4 BB%, 15.4 K%, 13 PA.  Not sure what to make of Bart's struggles.  The most disturbing thing to me is it looked like he was swinging at good pitches to hit and whiffing...over and over!  Not sure that's fixable.  Hopefully he and the Giants braintrust can figure something out during a breather in AAA.  Stock Down.

#2.  Luis Matos OF.  A+:  .181/.253/.232, HR, 3 SB, 7.8 BB%, 20.1 K%, 154 PA.  High hopes after a breakout season in SJ last year faceplanted so far in A+ ball.  Weather has been terrible in Pacific Northwest so maybe that's part of the problem.  Peripherals are not that bad and a .222 BABIP should positively regress(but it seems like every batter in the entire organization is having terrible BABIP luck).  Stock Down(not a hopeless situation but we're obviously off the fast track to the major leagues).  

#1.  Marco Luciano SS.  A+:  .288/.360/.507, 8 HR, 9.1 BB%, 23.2 K%, 164 PA.  Strong start in fairly aggressive placement.  Currently on IL with a back issue.  Stock Stable(which is a good thing when you start out as the #1 prospect in the system).

DrB's 2022 Giants Top 50 Prospects Midseason Stock Report(#20-11)

 #20.  Will Wilson SS.  AA:  .233/.347/.505, 8 HR, 14.9 BB%, 25.6 K%, 121 PA.  Former first round draft pick by Angels who FZ famously paid $12 M in the form of taking on Zack Cozart's salary to acquire. Second try at AA successful to get promotion to AAA where he got off to a slow start.  Currently on 7-day IL.  Stock Up(but only relatively speaking).

#19.  Nick Swiney LHP.  A+:  3-2, 3.04, 3.42 BB/9, 11.60 K/9.  Polished college lefty.  Solid numbers but low BABIP and HR/FB may be warning signs.  Could we see midseason promotion to AA?  Stock Up.

#18.  Matt Mikulski LHP.  A:  2-2, 5.53, 57 IP, 3.00 BB/9, 10.11 K/9.  Peripheral stats look OK and I've read some glowing reports about his FB, but I saw him pitch in person and was throwing a mix of low-90's cutters, sliders and changeups with inconsistent command.  I believe that is reflected in the results.  Tough to see that playing at higher levels. Stock Stable.

#17.  Diego Rincones OF.  AA:  .225/.283/.329, 4 HR, 3.7 BB%, 13.6 K%.  Repeating AA for some reason after strong numbers in 2021.  Reportedly slowed by a wrist injury early but has hit better in last couple of weeks.  Stock Stable. 

#16.  David Villar 3B.  AAA:  .274/.402/.630, 20 HR, 15.4 BB%, 28.3 K%.  Backing up a strong AA season in 2021 with an even stronger AAA.  Hard to believe he was left off the 40 man roster and not Rule 5 drafted.  Stock Way Up.

#15.  Ricardo Genoves C.  AAA:  .233/.320/.349, 3 HR, 10.9 BB%, 26.5 K%, 147 PA.  AA:  .348/.400/.435, 8.0 BB%, 32 K%, 25 PA.  Has been in the organization seemingly forever.  Seemed to be on threshold of being called up as a back up C but then the Giants started Churning AAAA catcher types through Sacramento and he got sent down to AA for more regular work.  Stock Stable.

#14.  Ryan Murphy RHP.  A+:  1-0, 2.90, 31 IP, 3.48 BB/9, 13.65 K/9.  Got a late start to season due to injury which is probably why he's back in Eugene.  Picked up where he left off.  Hard to argue with the stats but based on what I've read I wonder if he has the raw stuff to play at higher levels.   Time will tell.  Stock Up.

#13.  Sean Hjelle RHP.  AAA:  4-3, 4.50, 54 IP, 2.50 BB%, 7.67 K%, GB/FB= 2.02.  MLB:  0-0, 4.50, 4 IP, 4.50 BB/9, 13.5 K/9, GB/FB= 3.00.  Several prospect analysts all but wrote him off after he struggled in a midseason promotion to AAA last year.  He's done much better this year and even impressed in a couple of cups of coffee in the majors.  Unique height and release point produce steep downward plane and elite groundball ratios.  Could be vulnerable to the BABIP gods.  Stock Up.

#12.  Camilo Doval RHP.  MLB:  2-3, 3.09, 32 IP, 3.38 BB/9, 10.69 K/9, 11 Saves.  Still showing growing pains but undoubtedly in the major league to stay.  Still the presumptive Closer going forward.  Stock Up.

#11.  Ryan Reckley SS.  Rookie(DSL):  .095/.345/.143, 2 SB, 24.1 BB%, 27.6 K%, 29 PA.  International bonus baby signed in Jan 2022.  Still  just 17 yo.  A longterm project just getting started.  Stock Stable.

DrB's 2022 Giants Top 50 Prospects Midseason Stock Report(#30-21)

 #30.  Alexander Suarez OF.  A:  .232/.285/.406, 8 HR, 7 SB, 4.1 BB%, 32.6 K%, 172 PA.  Luis Matos' cousin but bigger and possibly faster.  Slow start to season but slashing ..290/.301/.449.  Low BB/high K rates will have to improve but has time to develop plate discipline. Stock Up.

#29.  Garrett Frechette 1B.  A:  .296/.353/.413, 3 HR, 6.4 BB%, 22.4 K%, 219 PA.  Sweet swing and plus hit tool but power will have to develop.  Stock Stable.

#28.  Adrian Sugastey C.  A:  .240/.325/.360, 3 HR, 8.9 BB%, 18.3 K%, 169 PA.  19 yo catching prospect.  Overall numbers not impressive but BA .327 over his last 13 games before going on IL.  Stock Up.

#27.  Tyler Fitzgerald SS.  AA:  .185/.296/.356, 9 HR, 6 SB, 8.7 BB%, 37.2 K%, 253 PA.  Seems to have hit the AA wall.  Stock Down.

#26.  Armani Smith OF.  A+:  .233/.378/.438, 4 HR, 17.8 BB%, 26.7%, 90 PA.  AA:  .250/.324/.359, HR, 8.8 BB%, 32.4 K%, 102 PA.  Midseason promotions are tough because the players at the higher level have gained experience since start of season too.  A+ to AA is biggest jump after AAA to MLB.  Smith holding his own so far.  Stock Up.

#25.  Gregory Santos RHP.  AAA:  0-0, 3.72, 19.1 IP, 5.59 BB%, 8.84 K%.  Still throwing 100 MPH.  Still working on command.  Stock Stable.

#24.  Kervin Castro RHP.  AAA:  0-3, 5.09, 23 IP, 8.61 BB%, 9.00 K%.  Still throwing hard, still working on command. Stock Down.

#23.  R. J. Dabovich. RHP.  AA:  4-1, 2.70, 26.2 IP, 2.03 BB%, 12.83 K%, 5 Saves.  Possible future Closer.  Test will come in AAA.  Stock Up.

#22. Kai-Wei Teng RHP.  AA:  4-5, 4.79, 67.2 IP, 5.05 BB%, 9.98 K%.  Jumbo sized SP prospect.  Overall numbers not impressive but 19 K's in 12.1 IP over his last two starts.  Stock Stable.

#21.  Luis Toribio 3B/1B.  A+:  .196/.325/.411, 9 HR, 15.2 BB%, 31.9 K%.  True outcomes guy but is going to have to improve contact rate to get to higher levels.  Stock Down.

DrB's 2022 Giants Top 50 Prospects Midseason Stock Report(#40-31)

#40.  Sean Roby 1B/3B.  AA:  .211/.281/.507, 19 HR, 8.1 BB%, 41.7 K%, 235 PA.  Light tower power but crippling K rates probably doom him at higher levels.  Stock Stable.

#39.  Ismael Munguia OF.  Nice season for A+ Eugene last year.  Has not played in 2022 due to wrist injury/surgery.  Not expected to play this season.  Stock Down.

#38.  Conner Nurse RHP.  Has not pitched in 2022.  Listed as injured for full season.  TJ?  Stock Down.

#37.  Seth Corry LHP.  A+:  0-0, 3.66, 2.1 IP, 11.57 BB/9, 3.86 K/9.  Corry's problems with wildness worse than ever in tiny sample size.  He underwent season-ending shoulder surgery after just two appearances.  Stock Way Down.

#36.  Eric Silva RHP.  A:  2-5, 5.64, 52.2 IP, 3.93 BB/9, 10.25 K/9, xFIP 4.78.  Overslot bonus baby from 2021 draft.  Has held his own and then some at age 19 in tough pitching environment(Cal League).  Stock Up.

#35.  Manuel Mercedes RHP.  A:  1-0, 3.82, 35.1 IP, 8.15 BB/9, 9.68 K/9, GB/FB= 2.27.  Mixed results pitching out of bullpen age 19 season in A-ball.  Walk rate obvious issue.  Stock Stable.

#34.  Prelander Berroa RHP.  A+(Giants):  0-0, 0.68, 13.1 IP, 4.05 BB/9, 10.80 K/9.  A+(Mariners):  2-2, 2.20, 32.2 IP, 5.23 BB/9, 13.22 K/9.  Traded to feed The Churn.  Decent numbers but per Eric Longenhagan of Fangraphs, small frame, violent delivery, subpar command, two pitches.  Probably future reliever at best. Overall Stock Stable but out of Giants organization.

#33.  Carson Ragsdale RHP.  Has not played in 2022.  Thoracic Outlet Surgery. Stock Down.

#32.  Esmerlin Vinicio LHP.  A:  3-0, 5.63, 24 IP, 6.00 BB/9, 8.63 K/9.  Low Velocity/High Spin lefty.  Mixed results in tough pitching environment.  Stock Stable.

#31.  Mauricio Pierre OF.  Rookie(ACL):  .324/.378/.382, 5.4 BB%, 32.4 K%.  18 yo.  Size alone(6'3", 180 lbs) makes him a legit prospect in my mind.  High ceiling but a long way to go.  Stock Stable.

DrB's 2022 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Midseason Stock Report

 Since it's an off day for both the Giants and  the full season minor leagues, I thought it might be a chance to fore midseaon review of the top prospects.  All Star week would also be an opportunity, but we'll probably be focused on the draft then.  We'll start at the bottom and work up with estimates for whether the player's stock is up, down or stable.

Bonus Picks:  

Jason Krizan IF.  AAA:  .234/.307/.371.  MLB:  .125/.300/.125, 10 PA, 140 PA.  Krizan finally got his cup of coffee but it was short lived.  He's clearly been passed on the 2B/UT depth chart by multiple players acquired in The Churn.  He was placed on Temporarily Inactive list on June 16.  Stock Down.

Brett Auerbach C/UT.   AA:  .205/.323/.349, 7 HR, 5 SB, 230 PA.  Auerbach impressed with versatility and hustle in spring training.  He got off to a hot start in AA but the reality of the aggressive placement and tough hitting environment soon set in.  I retrospect I should have put him somewhere in my Top 50.  Stock Stable.

Randy Rodriguez RHP.   A+:  2-3, 3.86, 44.1 IP, 23 BB, 57 K.  Added to 40-man roster over offseason to protect him from Rule 5 draft after a terrific age 21 season in San Jose.  Good but not great at next level.  Can Giants keep him on 40-man roster long enough for him to reach majors?  Stock Stable.

#50-41:

#50.  Matt Frisbee RHP.  AA:  3-4, 4.04, 62.1 IP, 48 K, 17 BB.  Similar AA numbers as last season.  Didn't translate to AAA last year. Will he get another shot?  Low K's and flyball tendency probably not a combination FZ is looking for in a prospect.  Stock Down.

#49.  Casey Schmitt 3B.  A+:  .299/.371/.516, 12 HR, 9.3 BB%, 22.2 K%, 248 PA.  We knew the glove, especially the arm, would play at 3B but the bat has been a revelation.  The AA hump is looming.  Stock Way Up!

#48.  Simon Whiteman IF.  AA:  .165/.260/.212, 5 SB, 96 PA.  A+:  .143/.323/.143, 6 SB, 62 PA.  Undersized, scrappy Ivy League guy.  Flopped in AAA.  Demotion to A+ in early June has not helped turn his season around.  Probably just doesn't have the physicality to compete at higher pro levels.  Stock Down.

#47.  Norwith Gudino RHP.  AAA:  0-3, 13.19, 14.1 IP, 18 BB, 18 K.  Had a better than decent season last year at two levels.  2022 a disaster so far.  Stock Down.

#46.  Trevor McDonald RHP.  A:  2-2, 2.98, 42.1 IP, 10 BB, 54 K, GO/AO= 1.36.  11'th round draft out of HS in 2019 with modest overslot bonus.  A ball numbers encouraging for age 21 season.  Stock Up.

#45.  Grant McCray OF.  A:  .300/.381/.538, 10 HR, 21 SB, 11.1 BB%, 29.4 K%, 289 PA.  Drafted in 2019 round 3 out of HS as a raw project with a high ceiling.  That project is starting to pay off with a breakout age 21 A-ball season.  K-rate is still a concern and my own observation backs up a concern with his arm strength but checks all the other boxes.  Stock Way Up!

#44.  Logan Wyatt 1B.  Has not played(listed on IL with AA Richmond).   Was already looking a bit busty.  Missing at least half a season of development doesn't help.  Stock Down.

#43.  Cole Waites RHP.  A+:  1-1, 3.55, 12.2 IP, 4 BB, 27 K, 1 Save.  AA:  1-1, 4.50, 6 IP, 6 BB, 9 K's.  Hard throwing relief prospect.  Dominated A+ batters.  Adjusting to AA in SSS.  Stock Up.

#42.  Chris Wright LHP.  AA:  1-0, 2.51, 28.2 IP, 24 BB, 40 K, 6 Saves.  Dominated as Closer for A+ Eugene last year.  Holding his own in AA, but walks have been a problem.  Stock Stable.

#41.  Frankie Tostado 1B.  AA:  .298/.346/.492, 10 HR, 6.2 BB%, 22.2 K%, 257 PA.  Sustained success at AA in a tough hitting environment should at least get him a look at the next level.  Stock Up.

Down on the Farm: 6/26/2022

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats defeated the El Paso Chihuahuas 5-3.

Austin Dean 1B/LF- 1 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .251.

Willie Calhoun DH- 3 for 4.  BA= .233.

Sean Hjelle RHP- 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K. ERA= 4.50.

Sean Hjelle's composite pitching line over his last 5 appearances:  2-1, 1.17, 23 IP, 7 BB, 23 K.   Several prospect rankers all but wrote him off this offseason due to struggles after his promotion to AAA midseason last year.  Well, he's not struggling this season and he's pitched well in a couple of MLB cameos to boot.  Stock is way up.

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AA: Richmond Flying Squirrels beat the Portland Sea Dogs 7-2.

Michael Gigliotti CF- 2 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .244.

Frankie Tostado 1B- 2 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .298.

Sean Roby 3B- 2 for 3, HR(19), BB.  BA= .211.

Shane Matheny SS- 1 for 1, 2B, 3 BB, SB(3).  BA= .291.

Kyle Harrison LHP- 7 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 11 K. ERA= 4.02.

Harrison seems to have found his footing after promotion to AA.  His composite pitching line over his last three starts is 2-0, 1.50, 18 IP, 8 BB, 27 K.  

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A+:  Eugene Emeralds broke up the Tri-City Dust Devils 9-4.

Vaun Brown RF- 1 for 3, 2 BB, SB(2).  BA= .429.

Hunter Bishop CF- 2 for 4, 3B, BB.  BA= .231.

Wil Jensen RHP- 5.2 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.92.

Vaun Brown picking up where he left off on San Jose.  Hunter Bishop continues his June resurgence slashing .279/.392/.535 in the month so far.  

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A:  San Jose Giants came from behind to top the Stockton Ports 7-6.

Grant McCray CF- 1 for 4, BB.  BA= .300.

Carter Williams LF- 4 for 4, 2B, HR(4), SF, SB(2).  BA= .553.

Riley Mahan 2B- 1 for 4, HR(7), BB.  BA= .274.

Garrett Frechette 1B- 2 for 5.  BA= .296.

Ronaldo Flores C- 2 for 4, HR(3), BB, SB(1).  BA= .261.

Again, not sure why Williams was sent down to SJ from Eugene, but he's too good for this level.

Game Wrap 6/26/2022: Reds 10 Giants 3

 Anthony DeSclafani RHP got off to a promising start in this one, recording 6 groundball outs around a groundball single over the first 2 innings.  I remember thinking to myself, though, that when you live by the groundball you can't placate the BABIP gods forever.  Things were still looking OK with a runner on(infield single) and two outs in the third when the Reds went triple, single for two runs.  It still looked like limited damage when Joey Votto hit a bouncer down the first base line that Brandon Belt appeared to grab well within the baseline and stepped on first, except 1B ump Gabe Morales, yes THAT Gabe Morales, ruled it a foul ball.  After some discussion on an unfortunately unreviewable play, Votto lined the next pitch to the RF wall.  It seemed YtY had a chance to get Tommy Pham at home on a relay but threw to 2B too late to prevent a double for Votto and the route was on.  The next three batters went walk, GR double(on a ball Austin Slater CF broke in on), Single.  Kap finally went to the bullpen and brought in my man Yunior Marte RHP who gave up two more singles before Aramis Garcia C was thrown out trying to steal 2B.  

Granted, DeSclafani gave up several very loud hits and the way he was pitching there's no guarantee the Reds would not have run up a big score on him anyway, but he ran into a harmonic convergence of BABIP luck, questionable to poor fielding and a terrible umpiring call by an ump who may well have a chip on his shoulder after an offseason of blowback to his terrible non-check swing call on the Giants last play of last season.

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The Giants get a much-needed day off at home before starting a two game set against the Tigers with Carlos Rodon LHP facing Tarik Skubal RHP Tuesday night.

Down on the Farm: 6/25/2022

 AAA:  Sacramento River Cats edged out the El Paso Chihuahuas 3-2(10 innings).  

Lamonte Wade Jr DH- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .268.

Isan Diaz 2B- 2 for 4, HR(14).  BA= .232.

Willie Calhoun LF made his Giants organizational debut and went 0 for 3, HBP.  

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AA:  Portland Sea Dogs topped the Richmond Flying Squirrels 2-1.

Michael Gigliotti CF- 1 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .237.

Brett Auerbach C- 1 for 2, 2 BB.  BA= .208.

Bryan Brickhouse RHP- 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 11 K.  ERA= 4.37.

After a hot start, Brett Auerbach has kind of struggled most of the season at AA.  It was a fairly aggressive placement.

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

A+:  Tri-City Dust Devils outscored the Eugene Emeralds 8-6.

Vaun Brown LF- 2 for 4, 2B, SB(1).  BA= .500.

Casey Schmitt DH- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(12).  BA= .301.

Patrick Bailey C- 1 for 3, HR(6).  BA= .201.

Luis Toribio 1B- 1 for 3, HR(9), BB.  BA= .199.

Ty Weber RHP- 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 4.15.

Vaun Brown has a successful first A+ game.  Wonder if Schmitt might get bumped up to AA before the end of the season?

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

A: San Jose Giants crushed the Stockton Ports 9-3.

Grant McCray CF- 4 for 6, 3 2B, HR(10).  BA= .301.

Carter Williams LF- 3 for 5, 2 2B, HR(3).  BA= .500.

Riley Mahan 2B- 3 for 5, HR(6).  BA= .275.

Alexander Suarez RF- 3 for 5, HR(8).  BA= .232.

Landon Roupp RHP- 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 2.59.

Grant McCray is exploding!  Not sure why Carter Williams got sent down to SJ but he's too good for the Cal League.  Major sleeper alert for Suarez who is finding serious traction after a slow start.  Here are his monthly splits so far:

April:  .122/.234/.195.

May:  .244/.308/.533.

June:  .292/.304/.462.

Game Wrap 6/25/2022: Giants 9 Reds 2

Logan Webb RHP went 6 strong innings and the Giants offense exploded for 4 HR's in a runaway win. 

The HR's were hit by Wilmer Flores(9), Joc Pederson(17), Evan Longoria(7) and Thairo Estrada(6).  Flores and Pederson had 2 hits each.  Every member of the starting lineup except a badly slumping YtY reached base at least once.

Webb seems to be hitting his stride as he has allowed just 1 run in 20 IP over his last three starts with 22 K's and 5 BB's.  He improved his W-L record to 7-2.

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

Anthony DeSclafani RHP tries to reset his season tomorrow afternoon facing Tyler Mahle RHP.

Down on the Farm: 6/24/2022

AAA:  El Paso Chihuahuas outscored the Sacramento River Cats 11-8.

Lamonte Wade Jr LF- 1 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .243.

Heliot Ramos CF- 2 for 5, 2B, BB.  BA= .217.

David Villar 2B- 0 for 1, 4 BB.  BA= .272.

Bryce Johnson RF- 1 for 2, HR(3), 2 BB.  BA= .293. 

Mauricio Llovera RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 0.00.

Shelby Miller RHP- 2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.00.

Kap thinks Wade Jr needs a few more games in AAA to have confidence coming back from IL.  Think AAA pitchers might be avoiding David Villar?

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

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels beat the Portland Sea Dogs 6-1.

Michael Gigliotti CF- 1 for 2, HR(6), 2 BB.  BA= .235.

Frankie Tostado 1B- 1 for 4, HR(10).  BA= .294.

Kai-Wei Teng RHP- 6.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 11 K's.  ERA= 4.79.

Frankie Tostado has been one of the more consistent hitters for Richmond this season.  Kai-Wei has been inconsistent but this might be his best start of the season.

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

A+:  Eugene Emeralds defeated the Tri-City Dust Devils 5-3.

Hunter Bishop RF- 2 for 3, HR(9), BB.  BA= .226.

Nick Swiney LHP- 6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 12 K. ERA= 3.04.

Bishop's HR was a grand slam.  I believe this was Swiney's best pro start.  He has allowed just 1 run in 17 IP over his last 3 start with 25 K and 3 BB's.  

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

A:  San Jose Giants obliterated the Stockton Ports 16-4.

Grant McCray DH- 3 for 6, HR(9), HBP, SB(21).  BA= .292.

Carter Williams LF- 3 for 4, 2 BB.  BA= .483.

Garrett Frechette 1B- 3 for 4, 2 2B, HBP, SF.  BA= .290.

Alexander Suarez CF- 4 for 6.  BA= .219.

Trevor McDonald RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.98.

Game Wrap 6/24/2022: Reds 4 Giants 2

Graham Ashcraft RHP shut down the Giants offense for the second time this season while Alex Cobb RHP suffered a mixture of bad BABIP luck and poor fielding behind him.  Not much else to say about this game.

Who the heck is Graham Ashcraft and why has he shut down the Giants twice this season?  6'th round draft pick by the Reds out of Alabama-Birmingham in 2019.  Solid minor league record.  Impressive early including his first MLB start against the Giants, but gave up 10 runs in 9.2 IP over his last two starts so it seemed hopeful coming in the Giants might have a book on him.  His FB sat at 99 MPH and he backed that up with a nasty looking fading changeup. That's pretty tough to hit, book or no book, so give him credit.

Tommy La Stella DH is an asset when he can platoon start at 2B and help out at other positions in a pinch, but he's only played 33 innings in the field this season while appearing in 21 games as a DH including 20 starts in that role.  Tommy La Stella is not an asset if he is the strong half of your DH platoon.  Add in Darin Ruf LF facing a tough RHP and Donovan Walton 2B with a .155 BA and that's not a lineup that's going to put the fear into many opposing pitchers. Those three went a combined 0 for 10.  The top 5 batters in the lineup went a combined 1 for 20.  That's not a lack of situational hitting.  That is a lack of all types of hitting!

Silver Lining:  My man Yunior Marte RHP- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, GO/AO= 6/0.  Love the name, love the pitcher.  BTW, Yunior replaced Zack Littell RHP on the active roster as Littell was optioned out to AAA Sacramento.

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

Logan Webb RHP tries to get the Giants back on track tomorrow evening facing Mike Minor LHP in a 4:15 game that might be tough for hitters, especially in the late innings.

Down on the Farm: 6/23/2022

AAA:  El Paso Chihuahuas beat the Sacramento River Cats 8-3.

Jason Vosler 1B- 2 for 4, HR(5).  BA= .220.

Joey Bart C- 2 for 4.  BA= .500.

Isan Diaz 3B- 1 for 3, HR(13), BB.  BA= .222.

Yermin Mercedes DH- 1 for 3, BB.  BA= .375.

Hey!  A Joey Bart sighting!  Steven Duggar is gone to the Rangers.  Willie Calhoun has not arrived from the Rangers.  Lamonte Wade Jr is will presumably get activated off the IL to replace Luis Gonzalez as early as tonight.

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

AA:  Portland Sea Dogs topped the Richmond Flying Squirrels 4-3(Game 1 of doubleheader, 7 innings).

Frankie Tostado 1B- 2 for 3, HR(9).  BA= .299.

Jake Dahlberg LHP- 5.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 3.77.

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

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the Portland Sea Dogs 4-2(Game 2 of doubleheader, 7 innings).

Sean Roby 3B- 2 for 2, 2 HR(18), BB.  BA= .210.

Matt Frisbee RHP- 7 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.04.

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

A+:  Tri-City Dust Devils shaded the Eugene Emeralds 6-5.

Jake Wong RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 4.34.

Juan Sanchez LHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 4.78.

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

A: San Jose Giants doubled up the Stockton Ports 8-4.

Grant McCray CF- 2 for 6, HR(8), SB(20).  BA= .287.

Aeverson Arteaga SS- 2 for 6, 2B.  BA= .280.

Carter Williams LF- 2 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .440.

Riley Mahan 2B- 1 for 4, HR(5), BB.  BA= .263.

Raynor Santana C- 1 for 5, HR(4).  BA= .189.

Garrett Frechette 1B- 2 for 5.  BA= .280.

Keaton Winn RHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 4.87.

Nick Sinacola RHP- 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 3.69.

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

Complex Watch:

Here's a name to remember:

Lazaro Morales OF.  DOB:  4/16/2004.  B-R, T-R.  5'11", 160 lbs.  From Cuba.

5 for 5, 2B.  .378/.472/.533, 3 2B, 2 3B, 2 SB, 53 PA.

Here's another:  

Estanlin Cassiani CF.  DOB:  12/30/2002.  B-L, T-L.  5'11", 155 lbs.  From Venezuela.

3 for 4, BB, SB(1).  .361/.425/.361, SB.

Game Wrap 6/23/2022: Braves 7 Giants 6

 A persistent Giants offense fell just short of a comeback win after a disaster start by Alex Wood LHP.  

Wood failed to record an out in the 5-run second inning and was charged with 6 ER in 1 IP in what might be his worst start as a Giant.  Although Wood dug his own hole in the fifth with 2 walks and a HBP, he can claim some bad BABIP luck as all 3 of the hits he gave up in the inning were on groundballs.

Joc Pederson LF(16) and Austin Slater CF(5) hit solo HR's with Slater getting a rare start vs a RHP with Luis Gonzalez on the IL.

Wilmer Flores 2B(.241), Darin Ruf 1B(.229), Evan Longoria 3B(.225), Tommy La Stella DH(.267 and Austin Slater CF(.260) had two hits each.  YtY was the only member of the starting lineup without a hit and who did not reach base.

The Giants might have completed the comeback were it not for 4, that's right 4, rally killing GIDP's.  

Zack Littell RHP, Jarlin Garcia LHP and Sam Long LHP allowed just 1 run over the last 8 innings.

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

The Giants start a homestand against the Reds tomorrow night with Alex Cobb RHP facing Rookie Graham Ashcraft RHP who shut down the Giants on 5/27 in just his second MLB game.  He has given up 10 ER in 9.2 IP over his last two starts.

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

As mentioned in the Game Wrap, Luis Gonzalez OF went on the IL with a back strain.  Donovan Walton UT was called up to take his place on the active roster.  Meanwhile, the Giants traded Steven Duggar OF to the Rangers for Willie Calhoun OF and cash considerations.  Calhoun was not on the Rangers 40-man roster so the Giants can assign him outright to AAA.  It's not clear if Duggar had options or not.  He's listed in Fangraphs as having an option and a report I read today said the Giants could have activated him off the 60-day IL and then optioned him, although he still would have taken up space on the 40-man roster.  The Giants also could have called him up to replace Luis Gonzalez on the active roster but again that might have meant dropping someone else from the 40 man. Whooo!  That makes my head hurt!  

At any rate, The Grave Dugger, as one blogger likes to call him, is on to hopefully greener pastures in the Rangers organization and the Giants have acquired a very FZ-type player in Willie Calhoun.  As you may recall, Calhoun was once ranked as one of the very best prospects in baseball in the Dodgers organization before he was traded to the Rangers to acquire Yu Darvish RHP.  Calhoun has had trouble finding traction on his MLB career due to injuries.  He is considered a poor fielder and his hitting prowess has not consistently translated to the MLB level.  He's the type of player FZ and Kap think they can help get to that level.

Down on the Farm: 6/22/2022

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats pounded the El Paso Chihuahuas 13-5.

Lamonte Wade Jr DH- 2 for 5, 2B, HR(2).  BA= .242.

David Villar 3B- 2 for 3, 2 HR(20), 2 BB.  BA= .279.

Yermin Mercedes 1B- 2 for 5.  BA= .400.

Arquemedes Gamboa PH/SS- 2 for 2, HR(4), BB.  BA= .262.

Jhonny Pereda C- 2 for 4, 2 HR(2), BB.  BA= .271.

Emmanuel De Jesus LHP- 5 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 4.27.

Shelby Miller RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 1.29.

Seems like that RH bat the Giants need might be sitting right under their nose in the form of David Villar.

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

AA  Portland Sea Dogs vs Richmond Flying Squirrels postponed.

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

A+:  Eugene Emeralds blanked the Tri-City Dust Devils 2-0(Game 1 of doubleheader, 7 innings).

Hunter Bishop RF- 3 for 3, HR(8).  BA= .227.

Ryan Murphy RHP- 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 2.90.

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

A+:  Eugene Emeralds edged out the Tri-City Dust Devils 3-2(Game 2 of doubleheader, 7 innings).

Carter Aldrete 3B- 2 for 3, HR(11).  BA= .291.

Najee Gaskins RF/LF- 2 for 3, 2B.  BA= .367.

Mason Black RHP- 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 3 K, GO/AO= 10/4.  ERA= 3.33.

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

A:  San Jose Giants outscored the Stockton Ports 10-8(10 innings).

HR's by Mahan(4), Frechette(3), Suarez(7), Bericoto(7) and Brown(14).  

Eric Silva RHP- 3.2 IP, 4 H, 7 R, 5 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 5.64.

Manuel Mercedes RHP- 4 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 3.82.

Game Wrap 6/22/2022: Braves 4 Giants 3

Carlos Rodon LHP once again pitched like an ace but another bullpen failure led to another walkoff loss. 

Rodon's pitching line:  7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 10 K.  ERA= 2.70.   Rodon outpitched Charlie Morton RHP who also allowed just 3 hits in 7 IP with 11 K's but was touched for solo HR's by Mike Yastrzemski CF/RF(7) and Darin Ruf RF/LF(6).   

The Giants added an insurance run in the top of the 9'th inning and looked to be on good shape with a 3-1 lead.  Jake McGee LHP came in to close it out but went HR, Single, FO(runner advances to 2B), single, single.  That brought in Tyler Rogers RHP who struck out the first batter but gave up a SB.  Adam Duvall(yes him) then singled in the walk-off game winner. 

I looked up MLB rankings for appearances and IP for relievers over on Fangraphs to see if overuse and fatigue might be a factor in recent failures.  Rogers and Doval are tied for the lead in Appearances at 32 with John Brebbia RHP has 30 so the Giants have 3 of the top 30.  Dominic Leone is #46 at 28.  IP is a bit less clear as Tyler Rogers leads Giants relievers with 32.1 IP tied for #13.  Next comes John Brebbia RHP tied for #54 with 27.2.  Conclusion:  Giants have used their relievers a lot but not dramatically more than other organizations.

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

It's up to Alex Wood LHP to give the Giants a chance to split the series against Kyle Wright RHP who finally seems to have turned the corner on his career, which is not good news for the Giants.

Down on the Farm: 6/21/2022

 AAA:  El Paso Chihuahuas mauled the Sacramento River Cats 8-2.

Steven Duggar CF- 1 for 4.  BA= .204.

Lamonte Wade Jr 1B- 0 for 2.  BA= .214.

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

AA:  Portland Sea Dogs defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels 5-2.

Diego Rincones LF- 1 for 4, HR(4).  BA= .230.

Kyle Harrison LHP- 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 9 K's.  ERA= 4.44.

Blake Rivera RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 3.19.

R. J. Dabovich RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.92.

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

A+:  Eugene Emeralds beat the Tri-City Dust Devils 5-2.

Casey Schmitt SS- 2 for 4.  BA= .308.

Will Jensen RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 9 K's.  ERA= 3.30.

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

A:  San Jose Giants blanked the Stockton Ports 4-0.

Grant McCray CF- 2 for 4, HR(7), SF.  BA= .292.

Vaun Brown DH- 2 for 5, 2 2B.  BA= .344.

Carter Williams LF- 1 for 2, 2B, 2 BB.  BA= .412.

Matt Mikulski LHP- 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 5.03.

Evan Gates RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 0.79.

Jose Cruz RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.45.  

This might be Mikulski's best start of the season.  Jose Cruz has 35 K's in 18.1 IP, over 17 appearances.

Game Wrap 6/21/2022: Giants 12 Braves 10

 Austin Wynns C had what is probably the best game of his career to spark the Giants offense on a night when they needed a lot of it.  

Austin Wynns C- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(1).  BA= .320.  His 3-run HR in the second inning, the first non-solo HR for the Giants since something like June 7, was a big key to the game which turned into a see-saw slugging contest.  After going 5 for 12 in his first 4 games as a Giant, Wynns was 0 for 9 in his next 5 games until tonight.  He raised his BA from .238.  So it's hardly a trend but how he performs over the next month may determine whether the Giants need to make an aggressive trade for......say....Willson Contreras at the trade deadline or not.

Joc Pederson LF added a solo HR, his 15'th of the season.  Joc is currently the 3'rd leading vote-getter in All-Star OF voting.

Every member of the Giants lineup, starter or sub, who had a PA in the game reached base at least once. The only one to not have a hit was Luis Gonzalez RF/LF and he drew a walk and had a Sac Fly.

Brandon Crawford SS hurt his leg on an awkward slide into home plate(he scored).  Postgame report is a contusion and he is DTD.  

This was obviously not a good game for most of the pitchers.  The key to the game on the pitching side for the Giants was 2 shutout innings from Tyler Rogers RHP.

Anthony DeSclafani RHP in his first start since coming off the IL had good velocity but was not effective giving up 5 runs on a pair of HR's.

Camilo Doval RHP had another rough appearance in a non-save situation allowing a 2-run HR to Matt Olson 1B in the 9'th.  He showed some rare emotion by throwing his glove but managed to get the final out without further damage.

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

Carlos Rodon LHP tries to clinch at least a split tomorrow evening facing Charlie Morton RHP.

Game Wrap 6/20/2022: Braves 2 Giants 1

 Logan Webb RHP battled Max Fried LHP even for 7 innings, but for the second game in a row, the Giants lost on a walkoff after tying the game late.  

Logan Webb RHP- 7 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 7 K's, GO/AO= 9/3.  ERA= 3.26.  

Max Fried LHP(Braves)- 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 8 K's.  ERA= 2.77.

You can't get much better than that and you are not going to see many more evenly matched SP's. 

The Giants had no XBH's in the game.  Luis Gonzalez LF was the only batter in the Giants lineup to get 2 hits.  One of them was a bunt single that led to the only run of the game.

Max Fried is a very good pitcher who probably qualifies as the Braves ace so it's understandable that the Giants offense was quiet but there's no denying it is struggling right now and needs to get better and soon.

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

The Giants offense may need to get better by tomorrow as Anthony DeSclafani RHP comes off the IL to face rookie Spencer Strider RHP, who has a 2.45 ERA in 44 IP, 15 games, 4 starts.

Down on the Farm: 6/19/2022

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats pounded the Tacoma Rainiers 12-1.

Steven Duggar DH- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(1), BB, HBP, SB(2).  BA= .200.

Lamonte Wade Jr 1B- 1 for 2, BB.  BA= .231.

Joey Bart C- 2 for 4, BB.   BA= .500.

Isan Diaz 2B- 1 for 2, 3 BB.  BA= .229.

Will Wilson SS- 2 for 4 2B, HBP.  BA= .278.

Ka'ai Tom RF- 1 for 4, HR(7), BB.  BA= .270.

Tristan Beck RHP- 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's,  ERA= 7.19.

Big game for Steven Duggar has he breaks out of his rehab offensive doldrums.  Joey Bart has a successful first game in his remedial assignment.  

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

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the Harrisburg Senators 6-3.

Shane Matheny SS- 0 for 3, 2 BB, SB(2).  BA= .299.

Ricardo Genoves C- 2 for 4, 3B.  BA= .400.

Robert Emery 1B- 1 for 3, HR(4), BB.  BA= .245.

Bryan Brickhouse RHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 4.50. 

Brickhouse has a 2.05 ERA in 4 starts in June and has allowed just 1 ER in 16 IP over his last 3 starts.

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

A+: Vancouver Canadians beat the Eugene Emeralds 6-3.

Casey Schmitt 3B- 2 for 5, HR(11).  BA= .304.

Carter Aldrete DH(.286), Najee Gaskins LF(.333) and Max Wright C(.500) had 2 hits each.

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

A:  San Jose Giants outscored the Fresno Grizzlies 9-6.

Grant McCray CF- 3 for 4, BB, 2 SB(19).  BA= .288.

Yorlis Rodriguez 3B- 3 for 4, HR(6).  BA= .254.

Ronaldo Flores C- 1 for 3, HR(2), BB.  BA= .182.

Landon Roupp RHP- 5.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 K, GO/AO= 7/2.  ERA= 2.95.

Will Bednar RHP did not pitch in this series.  His last start was Sunday, June 12 against Lake Elsinore.

Game Wrap 6/19/2022: Pirates 4 Giants 3

 Four solo HR's by the Pirates, including a walkoff by rookie Jack Suwinski LF, his third of the game, prevented the Giants from sweeping their 3-game weekend series.  

The Giants jumped in front in the first inning when Joc Pederson LF delivered a bases loaded single with no outs. The Giants were not able to add on to that until Thairo Estrada 2B's solo HR in the top of the 9'th inning tied the game at 3.

A silver lining was Alex Cobb RHP completing his pitch-limit of 60 coming off the IL while giving up 2 runs on two solo HR's in 4 innings of work.  

If you are wondering what the corresponding roster move to activate Cobb was, well, Mauricio Llovera RHP got optioned back to AAA Sacramento.

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

The Giants head to ATL for a 4-game series against the surging Braves with Logan Webb RHP facing Max Fried LHP in game one tomorrow evening.

Down on the Farm: 6/18/2022

 AAA:  Sacramento River Cats defeated the Tacoma Rainiers 5-2.

Steven Duggar CF- 0 for 3, BB.  BA= .171.

Lamonte Wade Jr DH- 0 for 3.  BA= .208.

David Villar 3B- 1 for 4, HR(18).  BA= .280.

Jason Vosler 1B- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(4).  BA= .212.

Isan Diaz 2B- 1 for 4, HR(12).  BA= .224.

Ka'ai Tom RF- 1 for 3, HR(6).  BA= .271.

Raynel Espinal RHP- 5 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 3.93.

Shelby Miller RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 1.50.

Joey Marciano LHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, Save(4).  ERA= 2.28.

Some interesting stuff going on here.  Duggar's bat shows no signs of being ready for MLB level pitching.  Wade Jr. begins his rehab assignment.  A SP who can keep their ERA under 4 in the PCL probably at least equal that in the major leagues.  Isn't Shelby Miller the guy who once upon a time Dave Stewart bet his entire career as a GM on?  Keep an eye on him.  Joey Marciano seems to be getting in position for a callup in the not-to-distant future.

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

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels pounded the Harrisburg Senators 10-2.

Shane Matheny SS- 1 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .305.

Diego Rincones LF- 2 for 4, HR(3).  BA= .230.

Frankie Tostado DH- 1 for 4, HR(8), BB.  BA= .297.

Tyler Fitzgerald 2B- 2 for 3, HR(9), 2 BB.  BA= .195.

Robert Emery 1B- 1 for 2, 2B, 2 BB.  BA= .242.

Kai-Wei Teng RHP- 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 8 K's, GO/AO= 8/1.  ERA= 5.28.

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

A+:  Eugene Emeralds crushed the Vancouver Canadians 13-0.

Luis Matos CF- 5 for 5, 2 2B, BB, SB(3).  BA= .196.

Casey Schmitt SS- 2 for 5, HR(10), BB.  BA= .302.'

Luis Toribio 1B- 2 for 4, 2 BB.  BA= .191.

Carter Aldrete(.280), Najee Gaskins(.300) and Rodolfo Bone(.135) had 1 double and 2 hits each.

Nick Swiney LHP- 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.   ERA= 3.48.

Mat Olsen RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 3.63.

Luis Matos has struggled to adjust to A+.  Hopefully this is a breakout game for him.

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

A:  San Jose Giants pounded the Fresno Grizzlies 11-3.  

Grant McCray DH- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .280.

Aeverson Arteaga SS- 3 for 5, 2 2B.  BA= .282.

Victor Bericoto RF- 3 for 5, HR(6).  BA= .255.

Carter Williams LF- 1 for 3, HR(2), BB, SF.   BA= .462.

Garrett Frechette 1B- 3 for 5, 2B.  BA= .278.

Alexander Suarez CF- 1 for 2, BB, SF.  BA= .194.

Seth Lonsway LHP- 5.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 6 K.  ERA= 3.18.

Hunter Dula RHP- 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 1.83.

Jose Cruz RHP- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.60.

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

Complex Watch:

Nomar Medina(AZ) LHP(19 yo)- 5 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 10 K.  ERA= 2.77.

Mikell Manzano(AZ) RHP(19 yo)- 5 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 3.21.

Jedial Maduro(DSL) 1B(18 yo)- 4 for 4, HR(2).  BA= .438.

Game Wrap 6/18/2022: Giants 7 Pirates 5

 it wasn't the cleanest of games for the Giants as the Giants threatened to break the game open all afternoon only to leave a whole lot of runners on base but they eventually pushed across enough runs to outscore the Bucs.  Hey!  A win is a win!

Wilmer Flores 1B came into the game just 1 for his last 25 but got the Giants on the scoreboard first with a long solo HR in the top of the first inning.  He added another hit to go 2 for 5.  

Austin Slater CF added his 4'th HR of the season in the 5'th inning, another solo shot.

Luis Gonzalez LF/RF- 2 for 5, 2B, 2 SB(7).  BA= .306.  Not seeing how Gonzalez can be the odd man out when the roster crunch comes.  He's been too good and one of the few bright spots in an otherwise underwhelming Giants offense.

Brandon Crawford SS- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .223.  Crawford has had a disappointing season at the plate but delivered two key hits and RBI's today.

In all, the Giants got 19 runners on base, 10 hits and 9 walks.  7 of them scored.

Alex Wood LHP- 5.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.32.  Alex Wood pitched pretty well and got credit for the W.  His big mistake was a 2-out, 3-run HR to Diego Castillo in the 3'rd inning that temporarily gave the Pirates a 4-2 lead. He tried to bust the RH batter on the hands and got too much of the plate.  Wood got through 2.1 more innings without giving up any more damage.

Camilo Doval RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(11).  ERA= 2.45.  Last time I said Doval was settling into the Closer role he had a couple of rough outings but I'll say it again.  He's not only settling into the role,  he's making it look easy.  He seems to be gaining confidence and command of that triple digit bad boy which he is throwing more often and makes the slider nearly unhittable. 

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Alex Cobb RHP comes off the IL tomorrow and goes for the sweep against Mitch Keller RHP

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Churn on!  Remember a dude named Yermin Mercedes who had a huge April last year for the White Sox?  He turned out to be a bit of a flash in the pan and opened this season in the minors.  He was DFA'd by the Chisox and the Giants claimed him off waivers.  He as options so the Giants sent him to AAA.  Remember Mike Papierski C?  The Giants DFA's him to make room on the 40-man roster for Mercedes.  If you don't remember any of that, it's just another day in The Churn.

Down on the Farm: 6/17/2022

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats buried the Tacoma Rainiers 7-1.

Heliot Ramos CF- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .223.

David Villar 2B- 2 for 5, HR(17).  BA= .280.

Norwith Gudino RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K.  ERA= 16.52.

Emmanuel De Jesus LHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 4.33.

Yunior Marte RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 3.78. 

Heliot Ramos is slashing .298/.340/.468 in June so far. His AAA season BA hit a nadir of .176 on May 25 and has been gradually rising since.

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AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels quieted the Harrisburg Senators 5-1.

Diego Rincones LF- 2 for 3, HR(2), SF.  BA= .223.

Matt Frisbee RHP- 7.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K.  ERA= 4.23.

After a disastrous first two months of the season, Rincones is slashing .368/.422/.605 in June so far.

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A+:  Vancouver Canadians blanked the Eugene Emeralds 2-0(first game of doubleheader, 7 innings).

Ghordy Santos RF- 2 for 4.  BA= .284.

Mason Black RHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 3.84.

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A+:  Eugene Emeralds topped the Vancouver Canadians 6-0(game 2 of doubleheader, 7 innings).

Luis Matos CF- 1 for 3, HR(1), BB.  BA= .159.

Max Wright C- 1 for 3, HR(1).  BA= .333.

Jake Wong RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 4.43.

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A:  San Jose Giants beat the Fresno Grizzlies 3-1.

Grant McCray CF- 0 for 2, 2 BB, SB(17).  BA= .276.

Yorlis Rodriquez 3B- 1 for 3, HR(5).  BA= .243.

Hayden Cantrelle 2B- 1 for 2, 3B, SB(2).  BA= .357.

Evan Gates RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, GO/AO= 8/1.  ERA= 0.87.

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Complex Watch:

Onil Perez C(AZ)- 2 for 3, 2B.  BA= .320.

Anthony Rodriguez SS(AZ)- 1 for 4, HR(3).  BA= .290.

Mauricio Pierre CF(AZ)- 2 for 3.  BA= .364.

Joe Kemlage LHP(AZ)- 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K.  ERA= 0.00.

Jairo Pomares DH(AZ)- 2 for 5, HR(3).  BA= .538.

Onil Perez hit .297 in the DSL last year.  Joe Kemlage is 23 yo.  It looks like he was signed as an undrafted FA in August last year.  We might see him at a higher level after the draft.  Rodriguez and Pierre look like high ceiling prospects to me.  Pomares gets more BP in Arizona while his teammates are in Canada.

Game Wrap 6/17/2022: Giants 2 Pirates 0

Luis Gonzalez RF/LF led off the game with a massive HR that cleared PNC Park landing on the walkway beyond the RF bleachers.  Although Joc Pederson LF added an insurance run in the fourth inning with another solo blast, the leadoff HR was all Carlos Rodon LHP needed as he cut through the Pirates lineup like a hot knife through butter.  Camilo Doval RHP cruised through the 9'th inning  for his 10'th Save and that was the ballgame.

Gonzalez has emerged as one of the best hitters on this Giants team with a slash line of .303/.366/.444 with 3 HR and 5 SB, but he has options and with Steven Duggar and Lamonte Wade Jr nearing returns from the IL, Gonzalez could yet find himself back in Sacramento due to a numbers crunch.  I'm thinking FZ might need to trade another OF to keep Gonzalez on the active roster.

Carlos Rodon threw exactly 98 pitches for the fourth game in a row.  This was his longest start of the season by innings.  He has an ERA of 1.17 in 23 IP over those last 4 starts all this month.  He has pitched 14 scoreless innings over his last 2 starts.  

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Alex Wood LHP tries to clinch a series win tomorrow afternoon facing former Giant Jose Quintana LHP.

Down on the Farm: 6/16/2022

AAA:  Tacoma Rainiers 6  Giants 5 

Steven Duggar DH- 0 for 5.  BA= .184.

Heliot Ramos RF- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .218.

Mike Papierski C- 2 for 4, HR(3).  BA= .214.

Anthony DeSclafani RHP- 2.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 4.76.

So, who ya got, Steven Duggar or Luis Gonzalez?  Anthony DeSclafani or Sean Hjelle?

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AA:  Harrisburg Senators shut down the Richmond Flying Squirrels 2-1.

Armani Smith LF/RF- 2 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .313.

Armani Smith would seem to have an up arrow next to his name.

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A+:  Eugene Emeralds pounded the Vancouver Canadians 10-5.

Ghordy Santos RF- 2 for 5, HR(6), BB.  BA= .280.

Luis Matos CF- 2 for 6.  BA= .158.

Hunter Bishop DH- 2 for 2, HR(7), 2 BB, SB(15).  BA= .219.

Carter Aldrete 3B- 3 for 5.  BA= .270.

Luis Toribio 1B- 1 for 3, HR(8), 2 BB.  BA= .192.

Ryan Murphy RHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 2.60.

Brooks Crawford RHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 1.75.

Hunter Bishop is slashing .271/.417/.542 in June.

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A:  San Jose Giants tamed the Fresno Grizzlies 6-5.

Grant McCray CF- 2 for 4, 2B, 3B, BB, SB(16).  BA= .278.

Carter Williams DH- 2 for 3, BB, SB(1).  BA= .667.

Eric Silva RHP- 6 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.78.

Manuel Mercedes RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.31.

Silva had a 4-run hiccup in the second inning but went on to pitch 4 more shutout innings through 6.  Wouldn't want him pitching like that every start but a game like this every once in awhile builds character.

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Complex Watch:

Jairo Pomares DH- 3 for 4, 2 2B, HR(2).  BA= .714.

Patrick Hilson CF- 2 for 4, HR(1), SF.  BA= .240.

Cesar Perdomo LHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

Pomares taking batting practice while waiting for his team, the Emeralds, get back from Canada.  Patrick Hilson has long been considered one of the toolsiest Giants prospects.  This is probably a make-or-break year for him.  Perdomo is a 20 yo from Venezuela.  I do not see any prior pro experience on his resume.

Down on the Farm: 6/15/2022

 AAA:  Tacoma Rainiers defeated the Sacramento River Cats 4-1.

Sean Hjelle RHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.96.

Hjelle has allowed just 3 ER in 18 IP over his last 4 starts.  He would seem to be next in line for a call up.

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AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels downed the Harrisburg Senators 3-1.

Michael Gigliotti CF- 2 for 3, 3 SB(15).  BA= .239.

Shane Matheny SS- 1 for 2, HR(7), 2 BB.  BA= .309.

Kyle Harrison LHP- 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 8 K's.  ERA= 5.12.

Cole Waites RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's, Save(1).  ERA= 2.25.

This was Kyle Harrison's best start since his promotion to AA.  Walk rate needs to improve but otherwise a dominant start.

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A+:  Vancouver Canadians outscored the Eugene Emeralds 9-8.

Ghordy Santos SS- 3 for 5, 2B.  BA= .277.

Luis Matos CF- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .147.

Casey Schmitt 3B- 2 for 4, HR(9), BB.  BA= .303.

Carter Aldrete 1B/RF- 2 for 4, HR(10), BB.  BA= .259.

Nick Morreale RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.74.

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A: San Jose Giants crushed the Fresno Grizzlies 12-6.

Aeverson Arteaga SS- 1 for 4, HR(7), BB.  BA= .280.

Vaun Brown DH- 3 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .347.

Hayden Cantrelle 2B- 3 for 5, 2B, 3B.  BA= .333.

Carter Williams LF- 2 for 3, HR(1), BB.  BA= .667.

Ronaldo Flores C- 1 for 4, HR(1).  BA= .250.

Lots of roster shuffling in the minors this week.  Almost a whole new lineup in San Jose.

Game Wrap 6/15/2022: Royals 3 Giants 2

 A game Giants bullpen could not overcome the lack of hitting and sloppy fielding as they fell short of completing a sweep of the Royals.

Brandon Belt DH returned to the lineup and homered in the 4'th inning for the Giants first run.

Sammy Long LHP did not allow an earned run for his third consecutive 3-inning appearance.  The leadoff batter, Whit Merrifield led off the game with a single on a bunt pop to Thairo Estrada 2B.  After a double put runners at 2'nd and 3'rd with one out, Brandon Crawford SS's throwing error led to 2 unearned runs scoring.  

After the Giants 2-run rally in the 4'th inning, the game remained tied until the 8'th inning when John Brebbia RHP, who has been excellent, allowed a leadoff double that scored after a sac bunt and sac fly.

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The Giants have a travel day and head to Pittsburgh where I am sure it is going to be nice a steamy for a weekend series.  Carlos Rodon LHP faces Zach Thompson RHP in the opener on Friday evening.

Down on the Farm: 6/14/2022

 AAA:  Tacoma Rainiers defeated the Sacramento River Cats 3-1.

Heliot Ramos LF- 2 for 4.  BA= .218.

Will Wilson 2B- 1 for 4.  BA= .282.

Shelby Miller RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K.  ERA= 2.25.

Will Wilson gets the promo from AA.  Giants signed the former first round draft pick pitcher Miller last week.

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AA:  Harrisburg Senators edged out the Richmond Flying Squirrels 2-1.

Michael Gigliotti CF- 1 for 4, HR(5).  BA= .229.

Bryan Brickhouse RHP- 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 5.05.

Taylor Rashi RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K.  ERA= 3.28.

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A+: Eugene Emeralds pounded the Vancouver Canadians 9-4.

Carter Aldrete 1B- 3 for 4, SB(1).  BA= .252.

Luis Toribio DH- 3 for 5, 2 HR(7).  BA= .197.

Very odd timing for the Giants to send Jairo Pomares OF down to Arizona......to make room for Najee Gaskins OF?

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A:  Fresno Grizzlies beat the San Jose Giants 7-4.

Aeverson Arteaga SS= 3 for 4, 2B.  BA= .280.

Raynor Santana C- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .218.

Alexander Suarez RF- 2 for 3, 2B.  BA= .195.

Game Wrap 6/14/2022: Giants 4 Royals 2

A pair of sac flies by Tommy La Stella PH/DH was the difference in the game as the Giants overcame a sluggish start against Kris Bubic LHP to extend their win streak to 5 games.

La Stella entered the game as a PH for starting DH, Evan Longoria.  His first Sac Fly capped a 3-run Giants rally in the 6'th inning.  The second got them an insurance run in the 8'th inning.   

Per a tweet I saw, Wilmer Flores 3B saw 28 pitches in 4 PA and reached base 3 times.  He drove in a run and scored in the middle of the Giants 3-run rally.

Luis Gonzalez RF continued to state his case for sticking around after everybody comes off the IL.  His double was just the Giants second hit of the evening and started the 3-run rally.  He also threw out a runner at home plate to preserve Logan Webb RHP's scoreless start in the 7'th.

Logan Webb RHP was excellent, pitching 7 shutout innings while striking out 9.  

Tyler Rogers RHP had one of his crazy BABIPy innings in the 8'th but got out of it with the lead intact, if just barely.

Camilo Doval RHP hit 103 on the radar gun and sat 101.  The slider was a bit on the wild side but a devastating pitch when he got it where he wanted.  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's, Save(9).  ERA= 2.63.

I don't know who let the secret out because I told y'all not to tell anyone about Kris Bubic LHP's 9+ ERA.  He ended up no-hitting the Giants through 4 innings and taking a shutout into the 6'th inning.

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Giants go for their second consecutive series sweep tomorrow afternoon with TBD on the mound facing Jonathan Heasley RHP.  I'm thinking Sam Long LHP can probably go 3 innings again on 3 days rest.