Spring Training Game Wrap 2/28/2023: Padres 7 Giants 5

Joey Bart rose to the challenge at hand but Alex Cobb's plans for using technology to outsmart the pitch clock ran into unanticipated consequences as the Padres spring travel squad topped the Giants.  Key Lines:

Joey Bart C- 2 for 2, 2B, HR.  BA= .750.  Wow!  Gabe Kapler threw down a challenge to Joey Bart at the start of spring training and Joey Bart is meeting it head on.  3 for 4 on the spring with all 3 XBH's. Oh!  And he also picked a runner off 2B with a throw Kap called a "rocket ship."  Go Joey Bart!

Brett Wisely SS- 1 for 3, HR.  BA= .400.  Don't sleep on Brett Wisely!  The Giants really, really need a lefty-hitting MI to be a utility guy even if they have to trade, say J. D. Davis, to make room on the roster.  The Giants must have traded for him for a reason and he's making his case so far.

Will Wilson SS- 1 for 3.  Speaking of not sleeping, barring in injury, Wilson probably won't make the Opening Day roster, but a strong spring and a strong start in AAA could put him at the head of the line for midseason call up.

Alex Cobb RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 2 K's.   Remember the talk about Alex Cobb using the two way pager to call his own pitches?  Turns out there are a lot of moving parts to that and he had trouble keeping up with the pitch clock and spoke out about it after.  Probably best to let your catcher call the pitches and just go with it.

Ross Stripling RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  I am surprised at how little we've heard about Ross Stripling since the Giants signed him.  Sean Manaea and his newfound velocity notwithstanding, I feel like Stripling could low-key be the Giants best signing of the offseason.

Taylor Rogers LHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  Apparently Tyler is dealing with a sore finger or cut or something so we only saw the lefty version of The Twins today.  So far, so good!

The Giants stay home in Scottsdale tomorrow afternoon for a game against the D'Backs with Jake Junis RHP drawing the start against Drey Jameson RHP.

Spring Training Game Wrap 2/27/2023: Giants 8 Angels 6

 The Giants outscored the Angels in Tempe, AZ as Logan Webb RHP made his first start of the spring against the Angels "A team".  

Logan Wyatt 1B probably had the most interesting line of the day.  He added to his reputation as the new god of walks with 3 in 3 PA's which led to him scoring 2 runs.  At some point, Wyatt is going to have to either start making more contact or showing some semblance of power.  He won't be able to walk his way to the major leagues.

Webb worked 2 innings.  After giving up singles to Mike Trout OF and Shohei Ohtani SH in the first inning, he got out of the inning on a GIDP by Gio Urshela 3B.  He then gave up a 2-run HR to Luis Rengifo 2B in the second inning.  After getting his work in, Webb said he was just trying to stay off Sportscenter.  Just a reminder that Webb does not have to win a spot on the roster or the rotation so at this point in the spring his goals are to not get hurt and get his work in, in that order.

The Giants got 10 hits from 10 different players but 6 of them went for doubles:  Lamonte Wade Jr 1B(.500), Thairo Estrada 2B(.333), Casey Schmitt 3B(.500), Tyler Fitzgerald SS(.167), Blake Sabol C(.600) and Michael Gigliotti RF(.750).  Heliot Ramos RF singled in 3 AB with an RBI and Run and stole a base.  He's hitting.333 in 6 AB.  Carter Williams LF also went 1 for 3 with an RBI and Run and is batting .500.

Keaton Winn RHP pitched a nice 3'rd inning getting Trout to ground into a force out the striking out Ohtani looking on a 3-2 pitch. That must have been a thrill.  

The Giants also got scoreless frames from Mauricio Llovera RHP, Sam Delaplane RHP and Aaron Fletcher LHP.  I vaguely remember them signing Fletcher but completely forgot he was even in the organization.

Steven Piscotty was HBP on the wrist/hand area but stayed on the game, although he left after 2 PA's instead of his schedule 3.

Speaking of injuries, I was watching the Dodgers-Padres game on TV when Gavin Lux took a bad tumble while running the bases.  It looked like he both turned his ankle and hyperextended his knee and was carted off the field.  Not to wish anything bad on any one player but it seemed like the Dodgers based a whole lot of their offseason decisions on the assumption that Lux would progress in his development and I'm pretty happy with anything that is a major setback to the Bums.  Just a reminder, the single most important thing for players to accomplish in spring training is to stay healthy.

Alex Cobb RHP makes his first spring start tomorrow vs the Padres in Scottsdale with Ross Stripling RHP and the Rogers Boys also scheduled to make their spring debuts.

Scouting the 2023 Draft: Tommy Troy

Tommy Troy SS.   DOB:  1/17/2002.  B-R, T-R.  5'10", 197 lbs.  

2022(Stanford):  .339/.371/.568, 7 HR, 5 SB, 9 BB, 38 K, 197 PA.

2022(Cape Cod League):  .310/.386/.531, 5 HR, 5 SB, 10 BB, 22 K, 127 PA.

2023(Stanford):  .333/.514/.667, 2 HR, 3 SB, 9 BB, 4 K, 37 PA.

 Whenever I see his name, the first image that comes to mind is the statue of Tommy Trojan on the USC campus, but Tommy Troy is a true 5-tool player for Stanford.  Ranked highly out of HS but not drafted on 2020 due to short draft and commitment to Stanford.  HS numbers from PG:  6.41 60-yard dash, 91 MPH IF/OF, 96 MPH exit velocity.  Most scouts see him as a 2B in MLB but from those numbers should have enough arm to play SS in the majors as well as the speed to play CF.

Elite contact skills but knock is low walk rates.  That looks improved so far this season but SSS.  Hit a HR against CS Fullerton last week that had an exit velocity of 111 MPH.  Would be a very Giantsy first round pick.

DrB's Updated 2023 Draft Board:

1.  Dylan Crews OF(College)

2.  Chase Dollander RHP(College)

3.  Wyatt Langford OF(College)

4.  Max Clark OF(HS)

5.  Jacob Gonzalez SS(College)

6.  Jacob Wilson SS(College)

7.  Paul Skenes RHP(College)

8.  Arjun Nimmala SS(HS)

9.  Aiden Miller 3B(HS)

10.  Hursten Waldrep RHP(College)

11.  Rhett Lowder RHP(College)

12.  Will Sanders RHP(College)

13.  Noble Meyer RHP(HS)

14.  Thomas White LHP(HS)

15.  Charlee Soto RHP(HS)

16.  Tommy Troy SS(College)

17.  Matt Shaw SS(College)

18.  Walker Jenkins OF(HS)

19.  Brayden Taylor 3B(College)

20.  Enrique Bradfield OF(College)

21.  Yohandy Morales 3B(College)

Spring Training Game Wrap 2/26/2023: Giants 7 Reds 6

The scrubs came through in the final two frames for a come-from-behind Giants win to even their spring record at 1-1.  Key Lines:

Joey Bart C- 1 for 2, 2B.  Bart answered Blake Sabol's challenge from yesterday with a ringing double in his first spring AB to drive in the Giants first run of the game in the third inning.  

Sean Manaea LHP- 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  Alex Pavlovic reports Manaea spent the winter working out with Driveline Baseball and his FB ran 93-96 MPH compared to an average of just under 92 last season.  

Camilo Doval RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  Doval looked to be in midseason form both on and off the mound.  When asked if the pitch clock might cause a drop in his velocity Doval replied, "We're going up all the time, not going down."  LOL!  Oh, and one of his 3 K's came on a pitch clock violation by the batter.

Sean Hjelle RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K.  Strong showing by The Tall One.  Not sure why except that he seems like such a unique talent but I feel more emotionally invested in Sean Hjelle having a career with the Giants than any other player in the organization.  

Ford Proctor 2B- 2 for 3, 2B.  Proctor was briefly on the active roster last season and is still in the organization.  He's interesting because he bats lefthanded and can play some catcher.  At this point he's just deep depth, though.

Will Wilson SS- 2 for 3.  Don't sleep on Will Wilson.  He looked like he was starting to make a move last season but then suffered a hamate fracture.  A strong spring and a strong start in AAA Sacramento could move him up to the top of the SS depth chart after Brandon Crawford.

Carter Williams RF- 1 for 1, HR, BB.  I like Carter Williams but right now he's just lineup card filler for these early spring games.  Hitting a bomb in an early spring game is a good way to get noticed by the manager and coaches, though.

Thomas Szupacki LHP- 0.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 0 K.  Szapucki comes into camp with a great chance to make the Opening Day roster.  Hopefully he got the jitters out of his system in this appearance.

Injury Updates:

Michael Conforto started the game as DH.  He went 1 for 3.  

Luis Gonzalez OF is dealing with a back issue and will miss 4-6 weeks.

Apparently Donovan Walton IF underwent shoulder surgery in the offseason and will be starting the season late.

Spring Training Game Wrap 2/25/2023: Cubs 10 Giants 8

 I am old enough to remember when Juan Marichal always started the first game of spring training and always pitched 3 innings.  So did pretty much every other ace pitcher for every team.  I would invite anyone who still thinks spring training is currently not too long to look over the list of Giants pitchers who appeared in this game.  The only one with even a longshot chance of making the opening day roster is Sam Long.  

I am not going to even try to give a complete summary of this meaningless game, but there were some things worth noting:

The pitch clock speeds up the game.  It was 9 innings but with totals of 25 hits, 13 BB and 6 Errors and still got in at a tad over 3 hours.  At times the players appeared to be struggling to adjust to the pitch clock and several violations were called.  Perhaps players with extensive minor league experience over the past two years were better prepared than some of the veterans since they've had a pitch clock in the minors for the past two seasons.  I felt like the announcers were also getting used to it as there is much less time for chatter and storytelling between pitches and batters.

Lamonte Wade Jr 1B smacked a solo HR to L-CF and made a nice scoop on a throw to help Casey Schmitt make a sparkling play at 3B.  More on that later but Wade Jr is off to a great start in his quest to win the strong-side 1B platoon role this spring.

Casey Schmitt 3B hammered a HR way up the LF berm.  He also made the above mentioned sparkling defensive play with a diving stop on a ball hit down the line.  He got up and threw a seed on one-hop to Wade Jr and got the call.  Have to say I am not sure that play would have survived a replay, but it was still an impressive defensive display.  Schmitt also started a GIDP but muffed a slow roller that Kap thought he could have taken a better angle on.  All-in-all, Schmitt did nothing to dispel the notion that he is the Giants 3B of the future.

Blake Sabol C went 2 for 3 with a 2B and HR to straightaway CF.  He also looked mobile behind the plate and was praised by Kap for his pitch framing.  He threw a couple of dying quails trying to throw out runners so still too early to pencil him into the Opening Day roster, but the bat looks real.

Grant McCray RF scored as a pinch runner on Sabol's double and then legged out a triple later in the game.

Steven Piscotty LF drew a walk and singled in 3 PA's.  Tough to see him making the team barring an injury.  

Speaking of injury, Austin Slater was a late scratch with a sore elbow and Bryce Johnson started the game in CF.

Shane Matheny 2B had a nice game going 2 for 2 with a HR in silly time in the 9'th inning.

The Giants play their first spring training game in Scottsdale tomorrow with Sean Manaea taking the mound against the Reds and Luke Weaver if the horrible weather in California does not make its way over to the Valley of the Sun by then.

DrB's 2023 Giants Top 50 Prospects: The Forgotten One

Thomas Szapucki LHP.  DOB:  6/12/1996.  6'2", 210 lbs.  Drafted 2015 Round 5(Mets)

2022(AAA- Mets):  2-6, 3.38, 64 IP, 12.23 K/9, 4.08 BB/9.

2022(AAA- Giants):  0-0, 1.08, 8.1 IP, 16.20 K/9, 3.24 BB/9.

2022(Mets):  0-1, 60.75, 1.1 IP, 3 BB, 2 K.

2022(Giants):  0-0, 1.98, 13.2 IP, 4 BB, 16 K.  

For some reason I though Szapucki had graduated from prospect status so left him off the Top 50 list.  Not sure where I would slot him in but definitely in top 30.   Ironically, the reason he is a Giant at all might be directly related to a disaster start against them with the Mets early in the season.  That start may be what made the Mets consider him expendable and perhaps the Giants saw something in the carnage that made them think he had potential?  

The Mets developed him as a SP but the Giants immediately put him in the bullpen and he responded with excellent numbers at both AAA and MLB levels.  There seems to be one bullpen roster spot open for competition and the early money is Szapucki to fill that spot.  Fangraphs lists him as having no options left but Ben Kaspick of Locked on Giants says he has it on good authority that he still has one option left so he could start the season back in AAA and still remain in the organization.  Either way there is a high probability he'll contribute to the Giants season, most like as a reliever but could be stretched out to start if necessary.  He could also be flipped in a midseason trade.

DrB's 2023 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #1 Kyle Harrison

Kyle Harrison LHP.  DOB:  8/12/2001.  6'2", 200 lbs.  Drafted 2020 Round 3

2022(A+):  0-1, 1.55, 29 IP, 18.31 K/9, 3.10 BB/9.

2022(AA):  4-2, 3.11, 84 IP, 13.61 K/9, 4.18 BB/9.

We might have to go all the way back to Tim Lincecum to find a Giants pitching prospect as much anticipated as Kyle Harrison.  Yes, fans were excited about Madison Bumgarner too but I am not sure quite as much as with Harrison who is starting to be looked upon as The Franchise, the guy who is going to usher in the next era of greatness.  Local HS pitcher who was committed to UCLA, usually a tough sign.  The Giants deftly scraped together bonus pool money to give Harrsion an above-slot bonus.  So far he has not disappointed, dominating every minor league level he's pitched in.  

He releases a mid-90's FB from a low arm slot and gets down further with a drop and drive approach which makes the FB appear to rise more than from an overhand delivery.  He backs that up with a put-away slider.  I read an early spring training report that had Logan Webb encouraging him to master a changeup to round out his already dominating arsenal.

Harrison will almost certainly start the season in AAA Sacramento.  If he continues to dominate there, things could get mighty interesting on midseason promotion and trade fronts as the Giants will need to find a way to make room for him.  Once he comes up, he very likely won't go back down.

DrB's 2023 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #2 Marco Luciano

 Marco Luciano SS.  DOB:  9/10/2001.  B-R, T-R.  6'2", 178 lbs.  IFA 2018.

2022(ACL):  .318/.444/.545, HR, 14.8 BB%, 25.9 K%, 27 PA.

2022(A+):  .263/.339/.459, 10 HR, 9.6 BB%, 22.2 K%, 230 PA.

Luciano had a pretty good season when he played and the bat still looks elite.  A lingering back issue that was recently reported to be a stress reaction is the big concern and is now almost certain to significantly slow down his progression to the major leagues.  I am not an orthopedist but I looked up stress reactions of the spine.  The technical name is spondylolysis, a separation of one of the two "rocker arms" that connect the vertebral bodies to posterior joint which allows forward and backward bending without the vertebrae slipping off each other's pedestals(spondylolisthesis).  The stress reaction is extremely common in athletes, especially young athletes and is caused by repeated rotational stress.  Long term prognosis is excellent but healing often takes 6-9 months.

I still really like Luciano's bat but there are multiple factors that seem to keep chipping away at his athleticism and ability to stay at SS.  On the plus side, he doesn't turn 22 until September so if he went to college he would likely be playing in his junior season and not drafted yet, so he has plenty of time to continue his development.  

PS:  Just read a couple of tweets that Luciano is ramping up his hitting and taking grounders in spring training.(fingers crossed).

DrB's 2023 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #3 Casey Schmitt

Casey Schmitt 3B.  DOB:  3/1/1999.  B-R, T-R.  6'2", 215 lbs.  Drafted 2020 Round 2 #49 Overall.

2022(A+):  .273/363/.474, 17 HR, 11.0 BB%, 22.5 K%, 383 PA.

2022(AA):  .342/.378/.517, 3 HR, 4.7 BB%, 22.8 K%, 127 PA.

2022(AAA):  .333/.313/.600, HR, 0.0 BB%, 31.3 K%, 16 PA.

Casey Schmitt was quite the revelation last season racing through 3 levels and raking at each one.  The last Giants hitting prospect I can remember doing anything like this is Brandon Belt in 2010.  As we have noted several times, Schmitt was a 2-way player in college at 3B and Closer.  His biggest tool is his arm and he was seen a plus defender at the hot corner with a chance to hit.  Well, he sure hit last year!  

If the Giants didn't already have three 3B projected for the active roster, we might even be talking about Schmitt making the team out of spring training like Belt did in 2011.  In retrospect, rushing Belt probably didn't do him any favors and the Giants have the luxury of letting Schmitt start 2023 in AAA and consolidate the gains he made last season.  If he rakes the PCL and continues to show plus D, we could see a midseason trade to make room for him.  

On Locked on Giants podcast last night, Ben Kaspick even went so far as to say he has info the Giants think Schmitt can handle SS and he could be the first option if Crawford were to miss time.  Looking longer term, we've already seen comps to Matt Chapman 3B. Is it too much to think Schmitt could have a Scott Rolen type career?

DrB's 2023 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #4 Carson Whisenhunt

 Carson Whisenhunt LHP.   DOB:  10/20/2000.  6'3", 209 lbs.  Drafted 2022 Round 2 #66 Overall.

2022(Cape Cod League):  1-3, 7.88, 16 IP, 6 BB, 21 K.

2022(ACL):  0-0, 0.00, 3 IP, 0 BB, 7 K's.

2022(A):  0-0, 0.00, 4.2 IP, 1 BB, 7 K's.  

2022(AFL):  0-1, 2.84, 6.1 IP, 3 BB, 11 K's. 

The Giants went all in for ceiling when they drafted Reggie Crawford in the first round last year.  They balanced that out with a lower ceiling/high floor pick in round 2.  Whisenhunt probably would have been in the discussion for a mid-late first round pick had he not missed the entire college season on a substance suspension which he says was the result of ingesting a supplement purchased at a national supplement chain.  You don't have to look farther than Logan Webb for a comp for that.  My advice to young Carson is the same as I gave Webb.  Stay away from supplements!  They aren't going to help you, they can be toxic and they'll cause trouble like this.

Whisenhunt got off to a great start to his pro career in limited action post-draft.  His fastball is low 90's but the changeup is elite.  Fangraphs rates it a current 60 with future 70.  SI'Marc Delucci sscouted him in San Jose and said the changeup looks like an 11-5 curveball to RH batters.  That description brings back memories of Noah Lowry.  Delucci went on to say the curveball had good shape but he did not throw any strikes with it in that game.

On video he has a "tall and fall" 3/4 delivery which helps with vertical drop on the offspeed pitches but probably limits velocity on the FB.  He's looks wiry strong with some room to fill out the frame.  

The Giants will likely limit his innings this season due to the layoff last year but he should move fast after that.  The only question in my mind, other than the obligatory injury disclaimer, is whether he has enough fastball to play at the highest level.

Scouting the 2023 Draft: Matt Shaw

 Matt Shaw SS.  DOB:  11/6/2001.  B-R, T-R.  5'11", 185 lbs.

2021College- Maryland):  .332/.408/.543, 7 HR, 7 SB, 18 BB, 36 K, 214 PA.  

2022(College- Maryland):  .290/.381/.604, 22 HR, 12 SB, 34 BB, 46 K, 291 PA.

2022(Cape Cod League):  .360/.432/.574, 5 HR, 21 SB, 18 BB, 36 K, 155 PA.

College SS with a compact frame and a fully developed muscular body which lacks projection and will almost certainly force a move off SS in the pros.  On the other hand, the bat looks legit with a nice combination of contact, plate discipline and power.  Somehow he's able to generate a 60 grade for speed with that frame.  Projects to be drafted somewhere in the middle rounds and he's a very Giantsy pick.

DrB's Updated 2023 Draft Board:

1.  Dylan Crews OF(College)

2.  Chase Dollander RHP(College)

3.  Wyatt Langford OF(College)

4.  Max Clark OF(HS)

5.  Jacob Gonzalez SS(College)

6.  Jacob Wilson SS(College)

7.  Paul Skenes RHP(College)

8.  Arjun Nimmala SS(HS)

9.  Aiden Miller 3B(HS)

10.  Hursten Waldrep RHP(College)

11.  Rhett Lowder RHP(College)

12.  Will Sanders RHP(College)

13.  Noble Meyer RHP(HS)

14.  Thomas White LHP(HS)

15.  Charlee Soto RHP(HS)

16.  Matt Shaw SS(College)

17.  Walker Jenkins OF(HS)

18.  Brayden Taylor 3B(College)

19.  Enrique Bradfield OF(College)

20.  Yohandy Morales 3B(College)

DrB's 2023 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #5 Luis Matos

Luis Matos OF.  DOB:  1/28/2002.  B-R, T-R.  5'11", 160 lbs.  IFA 2018.

2022(ACL):  .429/.500/1.000, HR, 12.5 BB%, 12.5 K%, 8 PA.

2022(A+):  .211/.275/.344, 11 HR, 11 SB, 6.6 BB%, 16.0 K%, .226 BABIP, 407 PA.

2022(AFL):  .233/.280/.361, 2 HR, SB, 5 BB, 20 K, 93 PA.  

Last year this time there was a lot of buzz about Matos being the Giants CF of the future after he destroyed the A Cal League at age 19.  Unfortunately the transition to A+ ball did not go smoothly and he struggled to find traction all season.  Looking at his stat line it's not hard to find the problem:  He swings too much!  That approach is great for contact and keeping K's down but it leads to a lot of weak contact and suppresses BABIP.  He started off the AFL hot but cooled off and his line ended up looking similar to his A+ line.  

Early in the offseason, we heard reports that the Giants are planning to assign Matos to AA in 2023 despite his struggles at lower levels.  I guess I'm not convinced that is going to happen and even less sure it would be the right thing to do.  AA is generally a brutal awakening for a lot of hitting prospects and it's probably not the place you want Matos to be learning to improve his pitch selection.

Most analysts still seem optimistic he has the tools to succeed but I am less so.  We've seen a lot of prospects put up great numbers at lower levels with this approach only flame out at higher levels and it seems to be much harder to change than it seems like it should be.   Francisco Peguero and Gary Brown come to mind as unhappy comps.  Whatever the level, 2023 is a critical year in Matos' development.

DrB's 2023 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #6 Reggie Crawford

Reggie Crawford LHP/1B/DH.  DOB:  12/4/2000.  B-L, T-L.  6'4", 235 lbs.  Drafted 2022 Round 1 #30 overall 

2022(ACL):  .158/.238/.158, 9.5 BB%, 42.9 K%, 21 PA.

Tremendously big, strong athlete.  Drafted as a 2-way player but most analysts believe strongly his future is strictly on the mound.  Did not pitch at all in 2022 at either the college or pro levels due to Tommy John surgery.  He should be ready to start pitching this spring.  Despite being a first round college draftee the Giants will likely take it very slowly.  I would not be surprised if he is held out in extended spring training and starts out back in the ACL.  We could see him in San Jose early if he convinces the coaches he is ready to go.  Extreme high risk/reward prospect.

Scouting the 2023 Draft: Arjun Nimmala

Arjun Nimmala SS.  DOB:  10/16/2005.  B-R, T-R.  6'1", 170 lbs.  

Wiry-strong SS prospect with bone structure to support even more strength.  True 5-tool athlete who ran a 6.54 60-yard dash and throws 87 MPH from the IF.  The bat is electric with a recorded 103 MPH exit velocity per PG and the power plays to all fields.  He keeps his front elbow in which allows him to get around on inside heat, but sometimes has trouble reaching balls on the outside corner.  Pitch selection is something he needs to work on but he's one of the youngest players in the draft class. He's projected to stay at SS.  Current draft rankings are all over the place:  Fangraphs #7, MLB Pipeline #34 and Prospects Live #16, which just happens to be the Giants draft slot.  With the strength of the current college draft class, Nimmala could still be on the board at #16. If he is, he's my guy for the Giants to draft. 

DrB's Updated 2023 Draft Board:

1.  Dylan Crews OF(College)

2.  Chase Dollander RHP(College)

3.  Wyatt Langford OF(College)

4.  Max Clark OF(HS)

5.  Jacob Gonzalez SS(College)

6.  Jacob Wilson SS(College)

7.  Paul Skenes RHP(College)

8.  Arjun Nimmala SS(HS)

9.  Aiden Miller 3B(HS)

10.  Hursten Waldrep RHP(College)

11.  Rhett Lowder RHP(College)

12.  Will Sanders RHP(College)

13.  Noble Meyer RHP(HS)

14.  Thomas White LHP(HS)

15.  Charlee Soto RHP(HS)

16.  Walker Jenkins OF(HS)

17.  Brayden Taylor 3B(College)

18.  Enrique Bradfield OF(College)

19.  Yohandy Morales 3B(College)

Spring Training Update: Joc Pederson Is In The Best Shape Of His Life

It only took one day and we officially have the first Best Shape Of His Life story and wouldn't you know it, it's Joc Pederson!  Reports are that he eliminated sugar and carbs over the winters and added it's hard to eat healthy during the season.  Yep, it is.  Oh, and wait for this:  He's taking groundballs at first base where of course he looks like a Natural.  Why do I have this sinking feeling that all of this is leading up to us seeing long more of Joc in the OF than we are hoping for? 

Logan Webb revealed why he is in camp and not pitching for Team USA in the WBC.  He's been talking about changing the culture from last season and decided he better put his money where his mouth is and put team before country.  Something tells me if he keeps talking he's going to find himself in trouble with somebody, but I'm relieved to hear he is not pitching in the WBC which has a history of ruining good pitchers seasons.

DrB's 2023 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #7 Aeverson Arteaga

Aeverson Arteaga SS.  DOB:  3/16/2003.  B-R, T-R.  6'1", 170 lbs.  IFA 2019.

2022(A):  .270/.345/.431, 35 2B, 14 HR, 11 SB, 8.7 BB%, 27.4 K%, 565 PA.

Slick fielding SS who looks like he can hit a little.  Smaller size did not prevent him from having the stamina to grind out a full season at age 19.  Trending on posts about potential 2023 breakout prospects.  If Marco Luciano has to move off SS as many expect, Arteaga looks like a solid bet to be the Giants SS of the future.

Spring Training Update: FZ and Kap Speak; Injury Updates

 Pitchers and Catchers don't report until today but Farhan Zaidi and Gabe Kapler met with reporters to set the stage and had some interesting, if unsettling, pronouncements.  

When the Giants showed no sign of interest in premier catching free agent Willson Contreras many observers, including me, assumed this meant they were all in on Joey Bart as their starting catcher with any competition coming for the back up role.  The late signing of Roberto Perez to a minor league deal raised an eyebrow or two but the fact it was a minor league deal made it seem like he would be competing for a backup job.  Gabe Kapler blew that notion up by not only declaring the catching competition to be wide open but dished out some tough love to Joey Bart by saying he has "less runway" and "he's more just competing".  He went on to saying "I don't think the body of his career has earned a surefire inside track at the number one catching job."  OK Gabe, why don't you tell us how you really feel?  Bart has an option which might lead a reasonable person to conclude he will most likely start the season in Sacramento.  

FZ and Kap also stated that they view Blake Sabol strictly as a catcher.  He bats LH and has to stick with the active roster or be offered back to the Pirates.  Perez is a two-time Gold Glove catcher who once hit more than 20 HR's in a season.  His major problem in recent years has been health.  Put all this together and I place my bets on Perez and Sabol as the catchers who the Giants break camp with.

FZ pumped the brakes on any idea that top prospects Kyle Harrison LHP and Casey Schmitt 3B might make the team out of spring training and indicated that spring training performance would not change the dynamic pointing to "false positive" performances in the past by prospects who had great springs but proved to be not ready for regular season competition.  As a corollary, FZ and Kap stated that David Villar enters spring training as the starting 3B and it's his job to lose.

Injury Updates:

Marco Luciano SS has a stress reaction in his back and may not appear in any spring training games.  I looked up stress reactions in baseball players and there are actually a few scholarly articles on the subject.  According to a 2020 article in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, it is extremely common, especially in teenage players.  It has a good prognosis and the vast majority of players who suffer the injury return to full physical capacity.  Full recovery time is generally 6-9 months.  Still, the fact that Luciano has reportedly experienced symptoms off and on since early last season is a bit disconcerting and you have to be concerned about missed development time.

It's also a bit disconcerting that Michael Conforto LF is still ramping up his throwing program post-shoulder surgery and will start spring training by DH'ing.  Wait!  So the Giants bet $36 M on a guy who was still not throwing after shoulder surgery and with the idea that he would upgrade LF defense and move Joc Pederson LF/DH to an exclusively DH platoon?  Nice!  For what it's worth, Conforto is reportedly up to 168 feet in his long-toss program and we have 6 weeks to go before Opening Day.

Cole Waites RHP has a strained muscle in his side.

DrB's 2023 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #8 Grant McCray

 Grant McCray OF.  DOB:  12/7/2000.  B-L, T-R.  6'2", 190 lbs.  Drafted 2019 Round 3.

2022(A):  .291/.383/.525, 21 HR, 35 SB, 11.4 BB%, 29.2 K%, 507 PA.

2022(A+):  .269/.387/.423, 2 HR, 8 SB, 14.5 BB%, 35.5 K%, 62 PA.

Grant McCray is a 5-tool prospect who was very raw when drafted who everybody knew would be a project. After 3 years of struggles to find traction, definitely not helped by the lost COVID season, he broke out last year with a scintillating combination of power and speed backed up by solid defense in CF for SJ Giants.  He continued to perform well but in a SSS after a late season promotion to A+ Eugene.  The problem for McCray is he may be starting to run out of time.  He will be Rule 5 Draft eligible after this season and will likely be starting out back in Eugene.  He will likely need to put up similar numbers early and get a midseason promotion to AA and keep it going there to put himself in position to be added to the 40-man roster next December.  The ceiling is high so the Giants will want to give him every opportunity to reach it.

DrB's 2023 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #9 Vaun Brown

Vaun Brown OF.  DOB:  6/23/1998.  B-R, T-R.  6'1", 215 lbs.  Drafted 2021 Round 10.

2022(A):  .346/.427/.636, 14 HR, 23 SB, 9.5 BB%, 25.6 K%, 262 PA. 

2022(A+):  .350/.454/.611, 9 HR, 21 SB, 11.3 BB%, 26.8 K%, 194 PA.

Vaun Brown is a true 5-tool player who got lost in the shuffle of the lost 2020 season and shortened draft.  Not since Brandon Belt has a Giants hitting prospect had such a spectacular season(and Casey Schmitt's 2023 season was equally impressive if not more so).  The exciting thing about Brown is he applies skills to the tools and has done nothing but torn the cover off the ball.  He's a bit old for his level so we'll be watching to see if he can keep it going at AA, but as thin as the Giants are in CF, it's not hard to visualize him playing CF and leading off a game at Oracle Park before the season is over.

DrB's 2023 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #10 Patrick Bailey

 Patrick Bailey C.  DOB:  5/29/1999.  B-S, T-R.  6'1", 210 lbs.  Drafted 2020 Round 1 #13 overall.

2022(A+):  .225/.342/.419, 12 HR, 15.1 BB%, 22.2 K%, 325 PA.

This is a fairly uninspiring line for a former top 15 draft pick but there are some reasons for optimism.  The most obvious is the excellent K/BB.  The other is the brutal split against LHP's.  Hopefully his numbers batting righthanded will improve but if they don't, catchers who can produce on the strong side of a strict L-R platoon have a lot of value and the Giants are the right organization to take advantage of that.  Scouting reports say he is a good defensive catcher.

Hot Stove Update: Updated Giants Positional Analysis- Bullpen

2022:  

Camilo Doval RHP:  68 G, 67.2 IP, 27 Saves, 2.53 ERA, 1.2 fWAR.

Tyler Rogers RHP:  68 G, 75.2 IP, 0 Saves, 3.57 ERA, 0.6 fWAR.

John Brebbia RHP:  76 G, 68 IP, 0 Saves, 3.18 ERA, 0.6 fWAR.

Jarlin Garcia LHP:  58 G, 65 IP, 1 Save, 3.74 ERA, -0.1 fWAR.

Dominic Leone RHP:  55 G, 49.1 IP, 3 Saves, 4.01 ERA, 0.0 fWAR.

Yunior Marte RHP:  39 G, 48 IP, 0 Saves, 5.44 ERA, -0.1 fWAR.

Zack Littell RHP:  39 G, 44.1 IP, 1 Save, 5.08 ERA, -0.3 fWAR.

Sam Long LHP:  28 G, 42.1 IP, 1 Save, 3.61 ERA, -0.5 fWAR.

Alex Young LHP:  24 G, 26.1 IP, 0 Saves, 2.39 ERA, 0.4 fWAR.

Jake McGee LHP:  24 G, 21.1 IP, 3 Saves, 7.17 ERA, 0.0 fWAR.

Scott Alexander LHP:  17 G, 17.1 IP, 2 Saves, 1.04 ERA, 0.2 fWAR.

Jose Alvarez LHP:  21 G, 15.1 IP, 1 Save, 5.28 ERA, -0.4 fWAR.

Thomas Szapucki LHP:  10 G, 13.2 IP, 0 Saves, 1.98 ERA, 0.1 fWAR.

2023(Projected-ZIPS):

Camilo Doval RHP: 63 G, 63.7 IP, 34 Saves, 3.53 ERA, 1.2 fWAR.

Taylor Rogers LHP: 54 G, 53.2 IP, 2 Saves, 3.38 ERA, 0.7 fWAR.

Tyler Rogers RHP:  63 G, 68.7 IP, 1 Save, 3.80 ERA, 0.1 fWAR.

John Brebbia RHP: 63 G, 57.3 IP, 1 Save, 3.38 ERA, 0.5 fWAR.

Scott Alexander LHP: 26 G, 23.7 IP, 0 Saves, 3.80 ERA, 0.2 fWAR.

Thomas Szapucki LHP:  29 G, 70.7 IP, 0 Saves, 4.33 ERA, 0.6 fWAR.

Jacob Junis RHP:  25 G, 112 IP, 0 Saves, 4.34 ERA, 0.9 fWAR.

Alex Wood LHP: 21 G, 109.3. IP, 0 Saves, 3.79 ERA, 1.7 fWAR.

Luke Jackson RHP: 51 G, 48 IP, 0 Saves, 3.56 ERA, 0.2 fWAR.

Sean Hjelle RHP:  25 G, 20 IP, 0 Saves, 4.42 ERA, 0.6 fWAR.

Sam Long LHP:  33 G, 67.7 IP, 0 Savee, 3.99 ERA, 0.5 fWAR.

Cole Waites RHP: 42 G, 42.3 IP, 0 Saves, 3.83 ERA, 0.2 fWAR.

Outcome:  Stable.

Opportunity for Upside: Camilo Doval has a great chance to be much better than his projection.  He was lights out in the second half after he broke out his 104 MPH 2-seamer.  Deeper Rotation plus a couple of bulk innings guys in the bullpen allow fewer innings and less stress on late inning relievers.  Taylor Rogers and Luke Jackson add 2 veteran relievers with strong track records.  If Alexander is fully healthy he should be good for a lot more than 26 G and he was super good in a SSS last season.  If Szapucki makes the team(he's out of options) he is a breakout candidate and versatile.  Waites, R. J. Dabovich and Keaton Winn are high velocity arms who could come up and break out at any time.

Comment:  Bullpen is hard to project because relievers in general are notoriously variable in their outcomes.  It appears the Giants plan is to go all-in on the "bulk innings" concept and try to eat innings with fewer pitchers.  Jackson will start the season on the IL and hopefully be ready by June when someone is sure to get injured or become fatigued.  Some concern Brebbia could regress due to heavy workload last season.

DrB's 2023 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #11 Jairo Pomares

 Jairo Pomares OF.  DOB:  8/4/2000.  B-L, T-R.  6'1", 185 lbs.  IFA 2018.

2022(ACL):  .533/.563/.1.333, 3 HR, 6.3 BB%, 12.5 K%, 16 PA.

2022(A+):  .254/.330/.438, 14 HR, 9.3 BB%, 32.9 K%, 386 PA.

2022 was a tough year for the Giants "Big 3" IF'A signings from 2018 as Marco Luciano battled back problems, Luis Matos struggled with higher level pitching and failed to build on his spectacular offensive success from 2021.  On the other hand, Pomares had the best offensive season of the 3 and finished the season strong with a .350 BA in August after hitting just .182 in April and .208 in May.  He is probably the best pure hitter of the three and should start out 2023 in AA.   A strong performance there could put him on the threshold of the majors.  He will sink or swim with the bat because he is generally regarded as a defensive LF at best.  More opportunities for players like him with the universal DH, though.  Oh, and the ACL stint was because he did not accompany the Ems on a road trip to Vancouver due to visa issues.

DrB's 2023 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #12 Mason Black

 Mason Black RHP.  DOB:  12/10/1999.  6'3", 230 lbs.  Drafted 2021 Round 3

2022(A):  1-1, 1.57, 34.1 IP, 11.53 K/9, 2.10 BB/9, 2.45 GB/FB.

2022(A+):  5-3, 3.94, 77.2 IP, 10.66 K/9, 3.24 BB/9, 1.04 GB/FB.

Very physical pitcher with incredible strength in his upper legs and glutes which he uses to drop and drive with an overhand delivery.  Mid-high 90's FB with downward plane.  Sharp, downward breaking slider.  I've seen a few nice changeups on video that fade away from LH batters too.  Struck out 10 batters in 6 IP in his A+ debut.  Struck out 25 batters in 18.1 IP over his last 3 starts.  Inconsistent in between.  

Should start the season in AA and will look for more consistency. Ceiling is mid-upper rotation SP.

DrB's 2023 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #13 Landen Roupp

Landen Roupp RHP.  DOB:  9/10/1998.  6'2", 205 lbs.  Drafted 2021 Round 12.

2022(A):  5-2, 2.59, 48.2 IP, 12.76 K/9, 3.14 BB/9, 1.77 GB/FB.

2022(A+):  3-0, 1.67, 32.1 IP,  14.47 K/9, 2.51 BB/9, 1.59 GB/FB.

2022(AA):  2-1, 3.76, 26.2 IP, 10.59 K/9, 3.76 BB/9, 1.67 GB/FB.

Roupp's draft was delayed until after his senior college season due to the COVID-shortened 2020 draft.  Not surprisingly, he dominated the lower minor league levels his first two pro seasons, but he also more than held his own after becoming the first Giants 2021 draft prospect to reach AA.  Low 90's FB that touches 94 MPH.  Curveball is graded 70 by Fangraphs and he throws it a lot.  He also has a slider and a changeup.  Per Marc Delluci of SI, both velocity and command of all pitches improved under pro coaching led by former Giants LHP Dan Runzler who exhorted him to trust his stuff.  Roupp's challenge for 2023 is to prove his stuff will play at higher levels.  

DrB's 2023 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #14 Carson Seymour

 Carson Seymour RHP.   DOB:  12/16/1998.  6'6", 260 lbs.  Drafted 2021 Round 6(Mets)

2022(A- Mets):  4-0, 1.19, 30.1 IP, 8.01 K/9, 2.67 BB/9, 3.33 GB/FB.  

2022(A+- Mets):  1-5, 3.68, 51.1 IP, 11.40 K/9, 3.58 BB/9, 2.16 GB/FB.

2022(A+- Giants):  2-3, 3.99, 29.1 IP, 13.19 K/9, 3.07 BB/9, 2.00 GB/FB.

Seymour was part of the astonishing haul FZ got from the Mets for Darin Ruf at last season's trade deadline and might end up being the centerpiece for the Giants.  He's a jumbo sized pitcher who carries his weight well on a large frame.  Control/command issues in college seem to be solved after switching from a 4-seam to 2-seam FB.  Per a scouting report by Marc Delucci of SI and video posted on the Youtube, he varies the velocity on the FB but can get it up to 96 MPH.  He backs that up with a killer curve he changes shape on and uses as a strikeout pitch.  He can also throw a changeup with excellent velocity separation.  

Seymour appears poised to start the 2023 season in AA.  He still has 2 full seasons of potential development before becoming Rule 5 draft eligible but may not need that much time to be ready to make his MLB debut.

Scouting the 2023 Draft: Three High School Pitchers

 Noble Meyer RHP.  DOB:  1/10/2005.  6'5", 185 lbs.

Charlee Soto RHP.  DOB:  8/31/2005.  6'5", 210 lbs.

Thomas White LHP.  DOB:  9/29/2004.  6'5", 210 lbs.  

Like three peas in a pod as the saying goes.  Very similar scouting reports:  Mid-upper 90's FB, two solid secondary pitches.  All three ranked close together in middle of first round by multiple draft sites.  Soto is the youngest, White is lefthanded.  To my eye, Meyer has the easiest delivery and the biggest physical upside.  White's herky jerky motion reminiscent of RJ and Chris Sale(Doesn't mean he's going to be as good as either of them.  Just trying to describe the delivery).  Gotta say in two different videos, Soto appeared to have a nice late-sink FB but couldn't seem to throw a strike with it, even in warmups, to save his life.  HS pitchers are generally considered the riskiest demographic but the Giants have had as much or more success with drafting HS pitchers as any.  If the top tier of college players and HS hitter is gone by the the Giants #16 pick, I would not be disappointed with any of these kids.  If all 3 are still on the board, I would take Meyer with White a close second.

DrB's 2023 Updated Draft Board:

1.  Dylan Crews OF(College)

2.  Chase Dollander RHP(College)

3.  Wyatt Langford OF(College)

4.  Max Clark OF(HS)

5.  Jacob Gonzalez SS(College)

6.  Jacob Wilson SS(College)

7.  Paul Skenes RHP/1B(College)

8.  Aiden Miller 3B(College)

9.  Hursten Waldrep RHP(College)

10.  Rhett Lowder RHP(College)

11.  Will Sanders RHP(College)

12.  Noble Meyer RHP(HS)

13.  Thomas White LHP(HS)

14.  Charlee Soto RHP(HS)

15.  Walker Jenkins OF(HS)

16.  Brayden Taylor 3B(College)

17.  Enrique Bradfield OF(College)

18.  Yohandy Morales 3B(College)

DrB's 2023 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #15 Will Wilson

 Will Wilson SS.  DOB:  7/21/1998.  B-R, T-R.  6'0", 184 lbs.  Drafted 2019 Round 1, #15 overall(Angels).

2022(ACL):  .500/.588/.750, HR, 11.8 BB%, 23.5 K%, 34 PA.

2022(AA):  .225/.324/.445, 12 HR, 12.8 BB%, 29.7 K%, 219 PA.

2022(AAA):  .182/.250/.242, 5.6 BB%, 38.9 K%, 36 PA.

As thin as the Giants were up the middle last season, it is quite possible that Will Wilson was on track for a call up, but 7 games after a promotion to AAA, he suffered a fractured hamate in his left hand and underwent surgery causing him to miss the next 6 weeks.  He was left off the Giants 40-man roster and exposed to the Rule 5 draft but not selected.  He should start 2023 in Sacramento.  The Giants are still way thin up the middle so there is a real possibility of a call up this season a la David Villar last year.  The problem for Wilson is he might not have quite the range and arm to play SS in the major leagues and may not quite have enough bat for a lesser defensive position.

DrB's 2023 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #16 Heliot Ramos

Heliot Ramos OF.  DOB:  9/7/1999.  B-R, T-R.  6'1", 188 lbs.  Drafted 2017 Round 1 #19 overall.

2021(AA):  .237/.323/.432, 10 HR, 7 SB, 10.2 BB%, 27.4 K%, 266 PA.

2021(AAA):  .272/.323/.399, 4 HR, 8 SB, 6.6 BB%, 28.4 K%, 229 PA.

2022(AAA):  .227/.305/.349, 11 HR, 6 SB, 8.6 BB%, 23.6 K%, 475 PA.

2022(MLB):  .100/.182/.100, 9.1 BB%, 27.3 K%, 22 PA.

Sigh!  Here's another major disappointment from a former first round draft pick.  Not sure what happened here.  Although Heliot's numbers in 2021 weren't anything close to great, they were not terrible and he was still young for the levels at age 21.  He came to spring training in 2022 with a bunch of "best shape of his life" stories and seemed ready to conquer AAA if he didn't make the MLB roster outright.  Instead he did a faceplant and his future with the Giants is suddenly cloudy.  23 yo is still not that old for AAA and he does have that first round draft pick pedigree which I point out to justify the #16 ranking here.  He has time to rebound.

Blogger's Note

 Hey team!  I will be away for the weekend.  Back with a new post sometime Monday Feb 6.

DrB's 2023 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #17 Cole Waites

 Cole Waites RHP.  DOB:  6/10/1998.  6'3", 180 lbs.  Drafted 2019 Round 18.

2022(A+):  1-1, 3.55, 12.2 IP, 19.18 K/9, 2.84 BB/9,  1.50 GB/FB, 1 Save.

2022(AA):  2-2, 1.71, 21 IP, 16.29 K/9, 6.43 BB/9, 1.17 GB/FB, 4 Saves.

2022(AAA):  1-0, 0.00, 8 IP, 12.38 K/9, 3.38 BB/9, 2.33 GB/FB, 1 Save.

2022(MLB):  0-0, 3.18, 5.2, IP, 6.35 K/9, 6.35 BB/9, 1.00 GB/FB.

Sinker-slider with FB that goes 96 MPH.  Relief track all the way.  Tools to succeed as at least a setup man in MLB, possible future Closer.  Obviously needs to cut down on walks.

DrB's 2023 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #18 R. J. Dabovich

R. J. Dabovich RHP.  DOB:  1/11/1999.  6'3", 208 lbs.  Drafted 2020 Round 4.

2022(AA):   4-1, 2.70, 26.2 IP, 12.83 K/9, 2.03 BB/9, 5 Saves.

2022(AAA):  2-0, 4.38, 34.2 IP, 11.31 K/9, 7.30 BB/9, 1 Save.

Hard throwing RHP drafted as a college closer and put on the closer track as a pro.  He's the dude who said the Giants coaching staff gave him a grip and told him if he used it his strikeouts would go up.  That they did as he averaged over 15 K/9 in A+ and AA ball his first pro season.  Those numbers came back down to Earth a bit in his second season and he struggled with inconsistency and too many walks after a midseason promotion to AAA.  He should start 2023 back in AAA Sacramento and the Giants will keep their radar on him for a potential callup if they need help in the bullpen.

He's basically has two pitches, the FB and a hard mid-80's curveball reminiscent of Nolan Ryan, who you may have heard of.

Scouting the 2023 Draft: Will Sanders

 Will Sanders RHP.   6'6", 230 lbs.

2022(College- South Carolina):  7-3, 3.42, 89.1 IP, 91 K, 31 BB.  

College pitcher with both current pitchability and projectability in his nearly ideal scouting frame.  4-pitch mix with a FB that goes low-mid 90's from a high 3/4 delivery.  Best secondary pitch is a fading changeup with both a slider and curveball to boot.  Short arms his delivery a bit which limits his downward plane but helps with deception and tunneling.  Worth following once college season starts as his velocity and ratios could jump as his body matures and he gains more experience.  MLB Mock Draft has him going to the White Sox at #15, one slot ahead of the Giants.

DrB's Updated 2023 Draft Board:

1.  Dylan Crews OF(College)

2.  Chase Dollander RHP(College)

3.  Wyatt Langford OF(College)

4.  Max Clark OF(HS)

5.  Jacob Gonzalez SS(College)

6.  Jacob Wilson SS(College)

7.  Paul Skenes RHP/1B(College)

8.  Aiden Miller 3B(HS)

9.  Hursten Waldrep RHP(College)

10.  Rhett Lowder RHP(College)

11.  Will Sanders RHP(College)

12.  Walker Jenkins OF(HS)

13.  Brayden Taylor 3B(College)

14.  Enrique Bradfield OF(College)

15.  Yohandy Morales 3B(College)

DrB's 2023 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #19 Trevor McDonald

 Trevor McDonald RHP.  DOB:  2/26/2001.  6'2", 200 lbs.  Drafted 2019 Round 11.

2022(A):  6-3, 2.39, 90.1 IP, 10.16 K/9, 3.99 BB/9, 2.25 GB/FB, 10 GS, 2 Saves.

2022(A+):  0-0, 1.64, 11 IP, 14.73 K/9, 1.64 BB/9, 2.20 GB/FB.

I saw Trevor McDonald pitch in one of his two worst games from an ERA standpoint in San Bernardino, CA against the Inland Empire 66'ers on 5/17/2022.  Here was his line that night:  4 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 9 K's.  Here is what I wrote in my Down on the Farm game summary afterwards:  "Trevor Mcdonald looked like his pitching line.  Great stuff with a FB that sat 93-95 MPH and a sharp breaking ball that got knocked around for reasons that were not entirely clear.  Maybe his FB was a bit on the straight side?"  He gave up 5 ER in 2.2 IP 5 nights later in the same series.  Turns out those were his worst two games of the season and ballooned his ERA for the month of May.  Every other month of the season he had an ERA under 2.00.

He got a late promotion to A+ Eugene and dominated in two appearances there striking out 18 batters against just 2 BB in 11 IP,  Add in the dominant groundball ratios and Trevor McDonald is one of my big breakout candidates for 2023.  The Giants may think he needs a bit more seasoning in Eugene before a promotion to AA but I could also see him starting the season in Richmond and possibly knocking on the door of Oracle Park by later in the season.

Video shows him throwing his mid-90's FB both up and down in the zone and a quick, late-breaking curveball with a short, quick downward bite that he seems to be able to tunnel like a FB that keeps hitters from picking it up.