Game Wrap 7/31/2023: D'Backs 4 Giants 3

The Giants failed to extend their high-wire act as their luck ran out in the 11'th inning of an extra-inning loss.  Key Lines:

Wilmer Flores 3B- 1 for 5, HR(14).  BA= .298.  Wilmer's solo HR in the 3'rd inning got the Giants their first run.

Patrick Bailey C- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .258.  Blake Sabol LF led off the 4'th inning with a walk.  Bailey's double put runners at 2'nd and 3'rd with no outs.  Brandon Crawford's Sac Fly scored Sabol but the Giants couldn't add on.

Jake Junis RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.55.  Junis was the Opener, or was it Starter?  Featured Pitcher?  Whatever, he did good pitching 3 scoreless frames.  

Alex Wood LHP- 2.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 4.83.  Wood came in for Long Relief, or was it Featured Pitcher?  He was good for 2 IP, but then fell apart in his 3'rd inning of work.  

D'Backs scored their designated runner in both extra innings.  Giants scored a run on the wild pitch in the 10'th inning to stave off defeat but their luck ran out in the 11'th as they left Casey Schmitt 3B stranded at 3B after he got there with one out.

The standings on mlb.com don't seem to have updated after the game today so not sure where they settle out.

Alex Cobb RHP tries to get the Giants back the winning side of the ledger tomorrow evening facing Zac Gallen RHP.  

Churn Watch:  

Mike Yastrzemski OF went on the IL with a hammy strain and is expected to miss 2-3 weeks.  Isan Diaz IF was called up to replace him.

The Giants also made a curious trade today with, you guessed it, the Mariners!  The Giants acquired veteran A. J. Pollock OF and Mark Mathias IF plus cash for a PTBNL or future cash.  Ohhhkay!  For those of you who had your heart set on a certain 2-way player, take that!  Now, my bad for thinking today was the trade deadline.   That's not until tomorrow afternoon so FZ could still have a move or two up his sleeve but yeah, I don't think A. J. Pollock is exactly what the fanbase was expecting.  On top of all that, the oft-injured Pollock is....you guessed it.  The IL!  But he's could be activated if all goes well during pregame drills tomorrow.  Yay!  In fairness, he has sported a SLG% of over .500 as recently as 2021 and his BABIP this season is just .181 so a positive regression would not be totally unexpected and he's better against LHP's so he could be a valuable RH platoon bat.

Down on the Farm: 7/30/2023

AAA:  Albuquerque Isotopes outslugged and outscored the Sacramento River Cats 17-16.  

Luis Gonzalez LF- 3 for 6, 2 2B.  BA= .263.

Heliot Ramos RF- 3 for 6, 3B.  BA= .293.

Will Wilson 3B- 3 for 5, 2B, HR(13).  BA= .237.

Joey Bart C- 2 for 3, 2B, 3 BB.  BA= .230.

David Villar 1B- 2 for 5, HR(8), SB(2).  BA= .264.

Jackson Reetz DH- 2 for 5, 2 HR(5).  BA= .247.

Mason Black RHP- 4 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 5.50.  

Reminder Albuquerque has a long history of heavily inflated offensive numbers.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels Defeated the Portland Sea Dogs 7-5.

Shane Matheny CF- 2 for 5, HR(5).  BA= .229.

Clay Helvey RHP- 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 2.70.

Juan Sanchez LHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 2.39.

Juan Sanchez seems to keep getting stronger as the season progresses.

A+:  Spokane Indians outlasted the Eugene Emeralds 6-4(11 innings).

Matt Higgins DH- 3 for 5, 2B.  BA= .304.

Jared Dupere RF- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .276.

Zach Morgan C- 3 for 4, HR(1), BB.  BA= .750.

Hayden Birdsong RHP- 4 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 3.00.

Tanner Kiest RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 5.60.

Sam Delaplane RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 1.59.

Zach Morgan has a smashing first game at A+ level.

A:  Rancho Cucamonga Quakes edged out the San Jose Giants 5-4.

Turner Hill CF- 3 for 5, SB(19).  BA= .274.

Diego Velasquez SS- 2 for 3, 2B, 2 BB, 3 SB(21).  BA= .313.

Little Giants stole 7 bases with 2 CS.  They seem to be forcing the SB probably probing how far you can push it with the new rules.  Quakes scored all 5 of their runs in a nightmare 3'rd frame for Manuel Mercedes RHP.

Game Wrap 7/30/2023: Giants 4 Red Sox 3(11 innings)

 Joc Pederson LF hit a bases-loaded single in the bottom of the 11'th inning to give the Giants their second walk-off win in a row.  Key Lines:

Wilmer Flores 1B- 2 for 5.  BA= .300.  Flores reaches the .300 threshold.  BA is viewed as important as in the pre-analytics era, but a .300 BA is still magical.  

Luis Matos CF- 2 for 4, 2B, HBP.  BA= .264.  He didn't figure in the scoring but another nice game for Matos.  

Casey Schmitt 2B- 1 for 4, HBP.  BA= .208.  Schmitt had a nice game driving in one run with a bases-loaded groundball force out at 3B allowing the lead runner to score.  He later singled on a soft liner to LF and came around to score on Wilmer's single in the 5'th.  In the 11'th he kept the line moving by taking a HBP to set up Joc's walk-off hit.

Scott Alexander LHP- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 3.23.  Once again the Opener/Bul.....er Featured Pitcher scheme worked exactly as drawn up and the Giants come away with another win.  I could go through every boxscore and add it up myself but I will take Fox Sports word for it.  If they are correct, this puts the Giants at 14-4 when an Opener is used.

Ross Stripling RHP- 4.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 5.52.  Stripling's ERA is 3.64 since coming off the IL on June 28.  If he can maintain that in a "featured" role ROY, it would go a long way toward stabilizing the pitching staff and get the Giants into the postseason.

Tristan Beck RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K.  ERA= 2.94.  Beck pitched the 10'th and 11'th innings which means he started both innings with a runner at 2B.  He shut that down allowing just an intentional walk.  I've advocated for Beck to get more leverage in his appearances.  Can't get much more leveraged than that!  

Giants win the series 2-1 and gain a game on the Dodgers putting them just 2 games behind the NL West leaders.  They are also in first place in the NL Wild Card race and by 1 game over the Marlins and Brewers. 

The Giants begin a critical 4 game home series against division rival D'Backs with TBD facing Ryne Nelson RHP tomorrow evening.

Churn Watch:

Anthony DeSclafani RHP goes on the IL with a reported R elbow/flexor tendon strain.  And just like that, the aforementioned Tristan Beck gets the callup to replace him.

Trade Deadline tomorrow.  I honestly have no idea what the Giants should do.  They can clearly use an upgrade in the lineup and in the starting rotat.....er "featured" pitching but it's not completely clear to me who on the market might be an upgrade or how room is made on the roster for them.

Down on the Farm: 7/29/2023

 AAA:  Albuquerque Isotopes outscored the Sacramento River Cats 10-9.

Bryce Johnson CF- 2 for 5.  BA= .303.

David Villar 1B- 2 for 4, 2B, BB, SB(1).  BA= .258.

Ricardo Genoves C- 1 for 4, HR(5).  BA= .251.

Will Wilson SS- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .231.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels topped the Portland Sea Dogs 4-3.

Wade Meckler LF- 1 for 3, 2B, 2 BB.   BA= .336.

Andy Thomas C- 1 for 3, HR(10), BB.  BA= .234.

Jimmy Glowenke 2B- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .224.

Parker Dunshee RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 3.18.

A+:  Spokane Indians defeated the Eugene Emeralds 8-4.

Grant McCray CF- 1 for 3, HR(11), HBP.  BA= .253.

Sean Roby 1B- 2 for 4, HR(5).  BA= .283.

A:  Rancho Cucamonga Quakes beat the San Jose Giants 5-3.

Diego Velaquez SS- 2 for 4, 2 SB(18).  BA= .310.

Dilan Rosario 2B- 2 for 4, HR(3).  BA= .231.

Gerelmi Maldonado RHP- 4.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 4.71.

Luke Schliger C made his pro debut going 1 for 4.  Will see if I can catch up to Gerelmi Maldonado this week in San Bernardino.

Complex Performances:  

A bunch of pro debuts down as the two Giants teams played each other(draft round in parentheses):

Scott Bandura RF(7)- 1 for 2, HR(1), 2 BB.

Jack Payton C(11)- 2 for 4, 2B.

Justin Wishkoski  3B(16)- 1 for 4.

Bo Davidson LF(NDFA)- 3 for 3, 3B, BB.

Ty Hanchey DH(NDFA)- 1 for 3, BB, SB(1). 

Cole Foster SS(3)- 2 for 4, 2B.

Charlie Szykowny(9)- 3B- 0 for 2, 2 BB.

Quinn McDaniel 2B(5)- 0 for 2, 2 BB.

Nadir Lewis LF(20)- 0 for 4.

Drew Cavanaugh C(17)- 1 for 2, BB.

Jose Ortiz CF(13)- 1 for 3.

No sign of top 2 round picks Bryce Eldridge and Walker Martin.  Remember all but Ortiz on this list are drafted or signed out of college.  Until last season most of them would be assigned to advanced short season ball.

Game Wrap 7/29/2023: Giants 3 Red Sox 2

 The Opener game followed the script perfectly and J. D. Davis' walkoff solo HR in the 9'th inning overcame a rare Blown Save by Camilo Doval.  Key Lines:

Wilmer Flores 1B- 3 for 5, 2B.   BA= .297.  Wilmer stays hot also made some nifty plays at 1B.  His OPS is creeping toward .900 at .891.

J. D. Davis 3B- 2 for 4, HR(14) BB.  BA= .262.  Davis has been scuffling along with most of the rest of the Giants lineup.  Hopefully this is the start of better hitting.

Marco Luciano SS- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .333.  Luciano seems to be making good swing decisions.  He also made a nice throw from the OF grass to prevent a hit.  It wasn't a Brandon Crawford throw but it got the job done with a perfect one-hop to Flores.

This could have been a runaway win but the Giants couldn't get the 2-out hit leaving the bases loaded 3 times. 

Ryan Walker RHP= 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.50.  Walker's FB-Slider combo was close to unhittable for batters from both sides of the plate.  He faced exactly 9 batters and threw exactly 40 pitches. The Fox broadcast said the Giants are now 13-4 in Opener games and 7-0 in games Ryan Walker opened.

Sean Manaea LHP- 4.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 5.48.  Manaea's ERA over his last 7 appearances is 4.66 and 3.98 over his last 15 so he's actually been pretty solid if he was on at team that, you know, scored some runs.  He was close to unhittable today.  If he can pitch like this going forward it would be a big boost to the Giants playoff chances.

The Dodgers won so the Giants remain 3 games behind them in the NL West.  All other Wild Card contenders lost so they move into lead for the first Wild Card payoff spot.

Looks like we'll have dueling Openers vying for a series win tomorrow with Scott Alexander LHP facing Brennan Bernardino LHP.

Churn Watch:  Brandon Crawford SS was activated off the IL and Brett Wisely IF was optioned to AAA Sacramento. 

Down on the Farm: 7/282023

 AAA:  Sacramento River Cats pounded the Albuquerque Isotopes 15-4.

Bryce Johnson CF- 4 for 5, 2B, BB, SB(7).  BA= .299.

Luis Gonzalez RF- 2 for 3, BB, SB(1).  BA= .222.

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 1 for 5, HR(13).  BA= .286.

Isan Diaz DH- 3 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .244.

Jackson Reetz C- 1 for 4, HR(3), HBP.  BA= .237.

Armando Alvarez 1B- 4 for 5, 2 2B, 2 HR(8).  BA= .353.

Sean Newcomb LHP- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 3.13.

Tristan Beck RHP- 2.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.79.

Chris Wright LHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 4.50.

Nice game for padding the stat line and possibly showcasing skills for a trade.  Not great news that Keaton Winn RHP was pulled from a start due to elbow soreness.  He's had prior TJ surgery.

AA:  Portland Sea Dogs crushed the Richmond Flying Squirrels 12-0.

Wil Jensen RHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K's

Squirrels managed just 3 hits and a walk.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds buried the Spokane Indians 12-2.

Grant McCray CF- 3 for 5, 2B, SB(36).  BA= .253.

Aeverson Arteaga SS- 1 for 3, HBP, SF.  BA= .229.

Carter Howell RF- 4 for 5, 2B, HR(2).  BA= .244.

Ghordy Santos DH- 1 for 3, HR(8), 2 BB.  BA= .230.

Hayden Wynja LHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 4/1.  ERA= 1.29.

Grant McCray's slash line for July is .307/.378/.489.  Hayden Wynja does not seem to be having trouble with the higher level in A+ ball.  Reminder that 6' 9" lefty pitchers don't grow on trees.

A:  Rancho Cucamonga Quakes demolished the San Jose Giants 10-4. 

Turner Hill CF- 3 for 4, 2B.  BA= .269.

Andrew Kachel 1B- 1 for 4, HR(6).  BA= .291.

Jorge Rodriquez RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 6.38.

I attended this game.  It was a bit of a mess.  Giants got burned by a lot of seeing-eye GB hits and fielding errors.  SP Mauricio Estrella RHP has the size you want to see in a potential SP but did not appear to have a particularly great FB and had spotty command.  There was no stadium radar gun but Jose Moreno RHP appeared to throw harder.  He gave up a flurry of groundball hits in his first inning of work then settled down for a couple of scoreless frames.  When Rodriguez was warming up, I remarked to my buddy that he has a physical and delivery resemblance to Camilo Doval.  His results here were Doval-like but his ERA remains high.  It looks like Gerelmi Maldonado RHP may be lined up to pitch tonight then next Friday in San Bernardino.  I may try to get to the game in SB.

Complex Performances:

Guillermo Williamson LF(ACL, 19 yo)- 2 for 3, 2B, 2 BB.  BA= .273.

Cesar Quintas RF(ACL, 20 yo)- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .382.

Ryan Reckley SS(ACL, 18 yo)- 1 for 4, HR(3).  BA= .159.

Ubert Mejias RHP(ACL, 22 yo)- 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 2.91.

Jean Carlos Sio SS(ACL, 19 yo)- 3 for 3, SF.  BA= .300.

Javier Francisco 2B(ACL, 20 yo)- 2 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .265.

Game Wrap 7/28/2023: Red Sox 3 Giants 2

Marco Luciano got his first big league knock, as Kruk would say, and scored his first MLB run all in front of his parents but in a losing cause as once again the Giants offense struggled.  Key Lines:

Joc Pederson DH- 1 for 3, HR(11), BB.  BA= .245.  And once again, a Giants solo HR is too little, too late.  Pederson hit his in the 8'th inning to close the gap to 3-2 but that's how the game ended.

Logan Webb RHP- 7.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 14/2.  ERA= 3.49.  Here's where you might question Kap's pitching management.  With the Giants trailing 2-1, Webb gave up a single to lead off the 8'th inning.  After a sac bunt Kapler took him out after 88 pitches for Taylor Rogers to face Jarren Duran.  The Sox countered with Rob Refsnyder who singled on a GB through the hole to drive in what ultimately proved to be the winning run.  After the game, Webb said he still had some gas left in his tank.

The Dodgers lost so the Giants remain 3 games behind them in the NL West but drop into a tie for the last wild card playoff slot with the Marlins, 0.5 games behind the Phillies and Reds. 

Ryan Walker RHP will be the Opener in a late afternoon game facing oft-injured James Paxton LHP who is pretty good when he's not on the IL.

Down on the Farm: 7/27/2023

AAA:  Albuquerque Isotopes topped the Sacramento River Cats 4-3.

Jackson Reetz LF- 1 for 3, HR(2), BB.  BA= .236.

Donovan Walton SS- 1 for 4, HR(2).  BA= .333.

Nick Swiney LHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.65. 

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels pounded the Portland Sea Dogs 11-4.

Wade Meckler CF- 2 for 4, 3B, BB.  BA= .343.

Ismael Munguia LF- 3 for 4, BB, SB(10).  BA= .323.

Andy Thomas C- 3 for 5.  BA= .223.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds defeated the Spokane Indians 5-2.

Grant McCray RF- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .248.

Aeverson Arteaga SS- 2 for 4, HR(14).  BA= .228.

Carter Howell CF- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .228.

Brett Auerbach 2B- 2 for 3, 2B.  BA= .208.

Eric Silva RHP- 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's, GO/AO= 6/0.  ERA= 5.34.

After a very slow start in A+ ball, Aeverson Arteaga has had a great July.

A:  San Jose Giants crushed the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 12-1.

Turner Hill CF- 0 for 3, 2 BB, 2 SB(17).  BA= .258.

Justin Bench 2B- 2 for 4, HBP.  BA= .364.

Zach Morgan C- 3 for 3, 2 2B, SF.  BA= .254.

Jose Ramos SS- 3 for 5, 2B, HR(2).  BA= .215.

Nomar Medina LHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 6 K's, GO/AO= 6/0.  ERA= 5.12.

Zach Morgan's monthly BA splits starting in April:  .205, .227, .254, .333.  After hitting just .179 in May and .141 in June, Jose Ramos is batting .290 in July.  Nomar Medina has allowed just 2 runs in 14 IP over his last 3 starts.

Complex Performances: 

Estanlin Cassiani LF(ACL, 20 yo)- 2 for 4, SB(4).  BA= .267.

Derwin Laya 1B(ACL, 19 yo)- 2 for 3, HR(4).  BA= .284.

Javier Francisco 2B(ACL, 20 yo)- 2 for 3, 2 2B. BA= .247.

Mikell Manzano RHP(ACL, 20 yo)- 2.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 3.18.

Carlos Gutierrez CF(DSL, 18 yo)- 2 for 4, 2B, 3B.  BA= .378.

Ankiely Feliz RHP(DSL, 20 yo)- 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 2.78.

Jose Rengel LHP(DSL, 17 yo)- 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 5.46.

Down on the Farm: 7/26/2023

 AAA:  Sacramento River Cats cooled off the Albuquerque Isotopes 8-1.

Tyler Fitzgerald SS/CF- 2 for 4, 2B, HBP, SB(19).  BA= .289.

Heliot Ramos RF- 2 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .298.

Donovan Walton 2B- 2 for 5.  BA= .400.

Ricardo Genoves 1B- 1 for 3, HR(4), 2 BB.  BA= .249.

Joey Bart C- 0 for 1, HBP.  BA= .218.

Sean Hjelle RHP- 6 IP,  H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO= 12/1.  ERA= 5.07.

Reminder that when Sean Hjelle last pitched in MLB on June 21, he threw 4 shutout innings against the Padres.  I feel like Hjelle, Ramos, Fitz and possibly Joey Bart are players other teams might have interest in and the Giants might be willing to trade at the deadline.  Speaking of Joey Bart, he seems to have come out of the game after the HBP.   Hopefully precautionary.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels outscored the Portland Sea Dogs 7-5.

Vaun Brown RF- 1 for 3, BB, 3 SB(15).  BA= .237.

Shane Matheny SS- 1 for 2, 2B, 2 BB.  BA= .229.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds outlasted the Spokane Indians 6-3(10 innings).

Aeverson Arteaga SS- 1 for 5, HR(13).  BA= .225.

Carter Williams RF- 2 for 4, 2 HR(2).  BA= .239.

Grant McCray CF- 1 for 3, 2 HBP, 2 SB(35).  BA= .245.

Andrew Blair RHP- 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 2 K's, GO/AO= 7/3.  ERA= 10.03.

Sam Delaplane RHP- 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 1.93.

Arteaga with the walk-off 3-run HR in the 10'th.  His slash line for July is .278/.326/.557.

A:  San Jose Giants defeated the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 6-4.

Turner Hill CF- 2 for 2, 2 BB.  BA= .263.

Diego Velasquez SS- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .311.

Patrick Hilson RF- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .232.

Dylan Cumming RHP- 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 2.43.

Wilkelma Castillo RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.35.

Game Wrap 7/26/2023: Giants 8 A's 3

The dawn of the Marco Luciano era only lasted 2 AB's but the Giants came out a winner led by 2-run HR's by J. D. Davis and Austin Slater.  Key Lines:

J. D. Davis 3B- 1 for 4, HR(13).  BA= .259.  Davis has been slumping a bit but his 2-run oppo-field blast gave the Giants a rare, at least lately, lead in the first inning.

Austin Slater PH/LF- 1 for 2, HR(5).  BA= .298.  Slater came in as a PH for Michael Conforto LF, the cleanup hitter in the lineup and as he has all season picked up his manager by driving in the tying and go-ahead runs with a homer in the 6'th inning.

Mike Yastrzemski RF- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .233.  YtY has also been slumping.  Hopefully tonight's performance will be the slump-buster. That would be a huge positive development for the Giants chances over the final third of the season.

Marco Luciano SS- Luciano's first AB looked like it might be a homer or at least a XBH off the RF wall but it died just enough for the RF to make the catch against the wall.  Second AB was a tapper back to the pitcher.  Marco started 2 GIDP's from the SS position.  I'm still scratching my head at why Kap took him out for Joc Pederson PH to lead off the bottom of the 7'th inning.  Hey!  If Kap can PH for his cleanup hitter, I guess a rook is not going to get any kind of preferential treatment.  Still the situation was odd.  I just hope it wasn't because Marco is hurt.

Ryan Walker RHP- 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.70.  Walker opened the game.  Hey!  I told you they were stretching him out!  

Jakob Junis RHP- 1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 4.79.  After a couple of scoreless appearances in non-leverage situations, Junis comes into a leverage situation and messes the bed.  

Alex Wood LHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 4.75. Wood pitched the most innings in a bullpen game and got credit for the win.  He may not like it but I think his best role is 2-3 inning reliever at this point in his career.

The Dodgers and D'Backs both lost so the Giants are now in sole possession of 2'nd place in the NL West, 3 games behind the Dodgers.  They are also in the top of 3 Wild Card playoff positions leading the Phillies and Reds by 0.5 games.

The Giants now get a much-needed day off at home before starting a weekend series against the Red Sox with....you guessed it, TBD starting Friday night against Kutter Crawford RHP.  

Churn Watch:  

The Giants worked out a trade for the DFA'd Mauricio Llovera RHP sending him to the.... Red Sox for pitching prospect Marques Johnson RHP.  Johnson was drafted last year out of Long Beach St.  and has a solid K rate but a high walk rate.  He will report to the SJ Giants in A ball.

Trade deadline deals swung into action in earnest with the White Sox sending Lucas Giolito RHP and Reynaldo Lopez RHP to the the Angels for a couple of highly ranked prospects.

Down on the Farm: 7/25/2023

 AAA:  Albuquerque Isotopes outscored the Sacramento River Cats 9-6.

Marco Luciano SS- 1 for 4, HR(2), BB.  BA= .292.

Tyler Fitzgerald 3B- 2 for 4, HR(12), SB(18).  BA= .285.

Armando Alvarez 1B- 3 for 4, 2 HR(6).  BA= .340.

Nick Avila RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.70.

I would think the Giants want Marco Luciano to face MLB pitching at some point this season.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels blanked the Portland Sea Dogs 6-0.

Ismael Munguia LF- 3 for 4.  BA= .313.

Shane Matheny SS- 2 for 4, SB(3).  BA= .224.

Hayden Cantrelle 2B- 2 for 4, 2 2B.  BA= .215.

Ryan Murphy RHP- 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.57.

Wil Jensen RHP- 2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 2.75.

Spencer Bivens RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 4.54.

Jose Cruz RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 4.50.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds pounded the Spokane Indians 7-1.

Aeverson Arteaga SS- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(12).  BA= .225.  

Luis Toribio 3B- 1 for 4, HR(12).  BA= .230.

Hayden Birdsong RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 3.09.

Arteaga has stayed healthy, gotten his PA's and seems to be finally gaining some traction later in the season.  He's still just 20 yo.  

A:  Rancho Cucamonga Quakes defeated the San Jose Giants 10-7.

Alexander Suarez LF- 1 for 4, HR(5), BB, 2 SB(14).  BA= .250.

Diego Velasquez SS- 2 for 5, 2B, SB(15).  BA= .310.

Zach Morgan C- 3 for 5, 2 2B.  BA= .248.

Jose Ramos 2B- 1 for 2, BB, HBP, 2 SB(26).  BA= .211.

Game Wrap 7/25/2023: Giants 2 A's 1

Alex Cobb RHP was the Stopper tonight pitching 6 scoreless innings.  Tyler Rogers allowed a run in 2 innings of work but the Giants scratched out 2 runs for the win.  Key Lines:

Alex Cobb RHP- 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB,  9 K's, GO/AO= 6/0.  ERA= 2.97.  Cobb struck out 6 batters in the first 2 innings then settled into inducing groundball outs.  Ace level performance when his team needed a stopper and a pick up.  

Tyler Rogers RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, GO/AO= 3/0.  ERA= 2.29.  The A's run scored on a GB single, Sac, GB single.  Rogers is going to get BABIP'd a few times but with good IF defense it should be relatively rare.

 

Camilo Doval RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's, Save(31).  ERA= 2.35.  Not too many Save Ops on the back end of that road trip so it's good to see him sharp in his first chance back in Oracle Park.

The D'Backs and Reds both won so the Giants and D'Backs trail the Dodgers by 3.5 games in the NL West pending the outcome of the Dodgers-BJ's game.  The Giants and D'Backs are also tied for the #2/3 Wild Card playoff spot trailing the Reds by 0.5 games.

The Giants SP for tomorrow evening is TBD facing Hogan Harris LHP.

Trade Deadline rapidly approaching.  Giants need a middle infielder who can play SS and hit so they can send Casey Schmitt down to work on slider recognition.  Someone on Twitter....er.....X suggested Tommy Edman of the Cardinals as a potential trade target.  He's a decent hitter, at least an upgrade over Casey, with occasional power and lots of speed.  Can play multiple positions.  I like it!

Giants also need a solid SP, preferably at least a #2,3.  Of course they could also use the O man but he's not coming here.

Game Wrap 7/24/2023: Tigers 5 Giants 1

Ross Stripling RHP pitched his second consecutive Quality Start but once again it resulted in a Giants loss as once again their offense consisted of a single solo HR, this time by Wilmer Flores DH in the 6'th inning.

The thing is, this should have been an off-day at home for the Giants.  This was a makeup game for a rainout on the Giants early season trip to Detroit in which it did not rain! So that game was needlessly postponed and instead of getting a nice day off to R&R at home they have to play a single game tacked onto an exhausting road trip then go right into a home game tomorrow evening.  IDK how these things work but I think the Giants should file a formal grievance against the Tigers and the Players should lodge a complaint with the MLBPA.

Remarkably the Giants are still tied with 2 other teams for the final two Wild Card playoff spots.  Not sure how the tiebreakers figure in.

The Giants start a 2 game series against the A's in Oracle Park tomorrow evening with the SP's for both games TBD before they finally get a desperately needed off-day at home on Thursday.

Down on the Farm: 7/23/2023

 AAA:  Sacramento River Cats topped the Tacoma Rainiers 5-4.

Marco Luciano SS- 1 for 4, HR(1).  BA= .300.

Armando Alvarez 1B- 2 for 3, 2B, HR(4).  BA= .323.

Will Wilson 2B- 1 for 3, HR(12).  BA= .227.

Erik Miller LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, Save(5).  ERA= 2.23. 

AA:  Akron Rubber Ducks sank the Richmond Flying Squirrels 10-2.

Not much to see here.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds blanked the Hillsboro Hops 4-0.

Sean Roby 1B- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(4).  BA= .294.

Nick Sinacola RHP- 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.69.

Seth Lonsway LHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 5.72.

A:  San Jose Giants pounded the Stockton Ports 12-3.

Turner Hill CF- 4 for 6, 2B, SB(15).  ERA= .253.

Diego Velesquez SS- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .308.

Justin Bench DH- 3 for 5.  BA= .419.

Patrick Hilson RF- 4 for 5, 2 2B.  BA= .233

Gerelmi Maldonado RHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 4 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.62.

Tyler Vogel RHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 4.57.

Game Wrap 7/23/2023: Nationals 6 Giants 1

 The Giants played another non-competitive game on multiple levels and leave our nation's capital getting swept by a non-competitive, rebuilding team.  Just a few additional comments:

Once again the Giants do not get on the scoreboard until late in the game long after it was decided.  

The Giants record in Opener games is is positive but their bulk innings guy, Anthony DeSclafani RHP made his 3'rd consecutive non-competitive appearance as he allowed 2 inherited runners to score in addition to giving up 4 ER of his own.  

Oh, and if you are going to use an Opener, followed by a bulk-innings guy, it's probably not a great plan to bring in the bulk guy with runners on base in the first inning if the Opener forces you to go off script.

Jake Junis RHP had his second consecutive multi-inning scoreless appearance but both were in mop-up time.  He now needs to prove he can do that in a leverage situation.

The Giants should be flying home tonight with a 5-5 split for the road trip which is actually pretty good but instead they have to stop off in Detroit for a makeup game tomorrow which I don't think any of us have high hopes for.

At this point I'm not sure it matters exactly where the Giants are in the standings so we'll give that analysis a rest for at least one game.

Down on the Farm: 7/22/2023

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats edged out the Tacoma Rainiers 3-2.

Marco Luciano SS- 1 for 2, 2 BB.  BA= .313. 

Isan Diaz DH- 1 for 3, HR(7).  BA= .221.

Heliot Ramos LF- 1 for 4, HR(7).  BA= .300.

Keaton Winn RHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.47.

Sean Newcomb LHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 3.38.

Randy Rodriguez RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 10.50.

Erik Miller LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.30.

I am getting a stronger feeling that we'll see Marco Luciano in a Giants uniform before the season ends.  I am having a tough time thinking of a good reason why Keaton Winn and Tristan Beck playing in AAA.  Sean Newcomb looks like someone who will get a shot sooner than later. 

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels outscored the Akron Rubber Ducks 6-5.

Wade Meckler CF- 2 for 5, BB, SB(4).  BA= .354.

Jimmy Glowenke 2B- 3 for 5, HR(4), SB(3).  BA= .222.

Carson Whisenhunt LHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 3.20.

Parker Dunshee RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 3.60.

The Whiz is looking good in AA so far.  Can Wade Meckler's high contact/low power approach play at the MLB level?

(Late Entry)A+:  Eugene Emeralds crushed the Hillsboro Hops 13-4.

Jared Dupere RF- 3 for 6, 3B.  BA= .276.

Matt Higgins LF- 2 for 5.  BA= .292.

Luis Toribio 1B- 3 for 4, 2 2B, HR(11), BB.  BA= .234.

Brett Auerbach 3B- 2 for 5, 3 SB(8).  BA= .218.

Ghordy Santos 2B- 1 for 3, 2 BB, 2 SB(6).  BA= .232.

Hayden Wynja LHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.00.

Luis Toribio is an enigma.  He's always been capable of putting up huge games like this, just not enough of them.  He actually has a pretty good OPS but the K's kill his BA.  He hit just .152 in June but is .293 in July so far.

A:  San Jose Giants beat the Stockton Ports 3-2.

Alexander Suarez LF- 3 for 5.  BA= .250.

Zach Morgan C- 3 for 5.  BA= .239.

Jose Ramos SS- 2 for 4, BB, 2 SB(24).  BA= .212.

Mauricio Estrella RHP(19 yo)- 4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.50.

Jorge Garcia RHP(21yo)-3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

Luis Moreno RHP(24 yo)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.79.

Estrella and Garcia make their full season debuts.

Complex Performances: 

Elian Rayo 3B(ACL, 20 yo)- 3 for 4, 2 2B.  BA= .240.

Rayner Santana C(ACL, 20 yo)- 2 for 4, HR(3).  BA= .195.

Trevor McDonald RHP(ACL, Rehab)- 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 3.52.

Game Wrap 7/22/2023: Nationals 10 Giants 1

Logan Webb RHP had his worst start in recent memory, maybe the worst in his MLB career and failed to get out of the 3'rd inning.  There really isn't much else to say about this game except the offense and Sean Manaea LHP weren't much better.  

The loss dropped the Giants 4 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West.  The D'Backs, Phillies and Marlins all lost to so the Giants remain tied with the D'Backs for the first Wild Card playoff spot while the Reds take over the 3'rd spot 0.5 games behind the Giants and D'Backs.

Tomorrow is getaway day and the Giants should be looking for a win to make the flight home a happy one, but they have one more stop on this seemingly endless road trip, a make-up game in Detroit against the Tigers.  Tomorrow looks like a bullpen game against Mackenzie Gore LHP.  This is a team that feels like it needs a metaphorical shot in the arm and perhaps some tough decisions need to be made.  We are closing in on the 2/3 mark of the season and too many veterans are still underperforming and too many kids are struggling to make the adjustment after the league got a book on them.  Can FZ afford to wait until the deadline to make a deal or deals?  That's still, what?  8 days away?  8 games at a critical juncture can determine a season in MLB.

Churn Watch:  Luke Jackson RHP was activated from the IL.  Mauricio Llovera RHP was designated for assignment.  An no, this move is not the "shot in the arm" I was referring to.

Down on the Farm: 7/21/2023

 AAA:  Tacoma Rainiers outlasted the Sacramento River Cats 6-2(11 innins).

Bryce Johnson CF- 2 for 5, HR(6).  BA= .324.

Marco Luciano DH- 2 for 5, 2 2B.  BA= .286.

AA:  Akron Rubber Ducks defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels 5-3.  

Not much to see here.  

A+:  Hillsboro Hops smothered the Eugene Emeralds 8-2.

Not much to see here either.

A:  San Jose Giants edged out the Stockton Ports 3-2.

Diego Velasquez SS- 2 for 4.  BA= .307.

Andrew Kachel DH- 2 for 4, HR(5).  BA= .294.

Dilan Rosario 1B- 3 for 4, SB(3).  BA= .230.

Esmerlin Vinicio LHP- 2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.37.

Complex Performances:

Cesar Quintas CF(ACL, 20 yo)- 3 for 3, SB(2).  BA= .424.

Jedial Maduro RF(ACL, 19 yo)- 1 for 2, 2B, BB.  BA= .266.

Nicolas Herold RHP(ACL, 26 yo)- 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 9 K's.  ERA= 6.30.

Junior Flores RHP(ACL, 21 yo)- 3.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 3.91.

Miguel Blanco CF(DSL, 17 yo)- 2 for 7, 2B, SB(4).  BA= .268.

Anthony Tandron SS(DSL, 17 yo)- 2 for 4, 2B, 2 BB.  BA= .287.

Audie Jimenez 2B(DSL, 18 yo)- 4 for 6, 2 2B.  BA= .227.

Jose Rengel LHP(DSL, 17 yo)- 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 6.57.

Anyelo Gonzalez DH(DSL, 18 yo)- 2 for 4, BB, SB(2).  BA= .315.

Again, several 17-18 yo's putting up nice numbers in the DSL.

Game Wrap 7/21/2023: Nationals 5 Giants 3

 Early home runs by J. D. Davis 3B and Joc Pederson DH were not enough to overcome another subpar start by Alex Wood LHP who gave up 5 runs in 4 IP.  

Ryan Walker RHP pitched 3 shutout innings in relief which I think is his longest appearance of the season.  Are the Giants stretching him out to a bulk-inning role?  Maybe even a 4-5 inning SP role?

The Loss is the Giants third in a row on this 11-game road trip which thankfully now has just 3 more games to go.  It drops them 3 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West but they remain tied with the D'Backs for the top Wild Card playoff spot 1.5 games ahead of the Phillies, Marlins and Reds.

Logan Webb RHP tries to be the Stopper today facing Josiah Gray RHP.

Down on the Farm: 7/20/2023

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats outscored the Tacoma Rainiers 8-5.

Bryce Johnson CF- 1 for 5, HR(5).  BA= .320.

Tyler Fitzgerald 3B- 3 for 4, 2 2B, BB.  BA= .288.

Heliot Ramos RF- 3 for 4, 2B, 3B.  BA= .310.

Armando Alvarez 1B- 3 for 4.  BA= .319.

Isan Diaz PH/2B- 1 for 1, HR(6).  BA= .215.

Sean Hjelle RHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K's, GO/AO= 9/3.  ERA= 5.63.

Erik Miller LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(4).  ERA= 2.37.

Cats scored 4 in bottom of 8'th to break open a see-saw game.   Heliot Ramos is 23 yo, not old for a rookie.  Do you promote him while he's hot and give him one last chance to break through at the MLB level?

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels edged out the Akron Rubber Ducks 3-2(5 innings).

Wade Meckler DH- 2 for 2, BB.  BA= .352.

Carson Seymour RHP- 4.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 3.91.

A+:  Hillsboro Hops defeated the Eugene Emeralds 5-1.

Matt Higgins LF- 2 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .267.

Jack Choate LHP- 4.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 8/2.  ERA= 2.14.

A:  Stockton Ports outlasted the San Jose Giants 5-4(10 innings).

Tanner O'Tremba DH- 1 for 1, BB, SB(13).  BA= .269.

Justin Bench PH/DH- 1 for 2, BB, SB(2).  BA= .444.

Jose Ramos 2B- 3 for 4, SB(22).  BA= .208.

Dylan Cumming RHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO= 10/1.  ERA= 2.26.

Tyler Vogel RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.93.

Complex Performances:

Estanlin Cassiani CF(ACL, 20 yo)- 3 for 5, 2 2B.  BA= .260.

Jean Carlos Sio SS(ACL, 19 yo)- 2 for 5.  BA= .283.

Ramon Peralta 2B(ACL, 19 yo)- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .295.

Derwin Laya DH(ACL, 19 yo)- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .288.

Keiberg Camacaro SS(DSL, 16 yo)- 2 for 6.  BA= .219.

Dennys Riera 3B(DSL, 18 yo)- 2 for 3, 2B, 2 BB, SF.  BA= .243.

Anyelo Gonzalez LF(DSL, 18 yo)- 1 for 4, HR(3), SF.  BA= .306.

Diego Gonzalez C(DSL, 19 yo)- 2 for 5.  BA= .292.

Samuel Rodriguez 2B(DSL, 19 yo)- 3 for 4, 2 BB, SB(12).  BA= .316.

Wueslly Lespe 1B- 3 for 5, 2B, BB.  BA= .185.

Keep Keiberg Camacaro on your radar.  BA of .219 may not look impressive but you don't see that many players this late in the season at age 16, even in the DSL.  

Game Wrap 7/20/2023: Reds 5 Giants 1

Wilmer Flores 1B's solo HR in the 8'th inning, just the second hit of the game for the Giants, was way too little, too late to overcome a subpar start by Alex Cobb RHP as the Giants came out flatter than the pancakes they had for breakfast on getaway day from Cincinnati.

IDK what to make of Jake Junis RHP's 2.2 scoreless IP.  He's been so terrible lately it's going to take at least a couple more of these for me to trust him again in any kind of leverage situation.  But hey!  He might have bought himself those additional couple of appearances.

The loss dropped the Giants to 2 games behind the idle Dodgers in the NL West.  The D'Backs also lost so are also 2 games back.  The Giants and D'Backs remain 1.5 games ahead of the Phillies and Marlins in the Wild Card race while the Reds are a game behind the Phils and Fish.

Getting out of Cincy with a split of the 4-game series feels like a win although dropping the last 2 is disappointing.  The Giants move on to the Nation's Capital to take on the Nationals in a 3-game weekend series before a 1-game makeup game stop in Detroit on the way home.  Alex Wood LHP faces off against Jake Irvin RHP in game 1 tomorrow evening.

Down on the Farm: 7/19/2023

 AAA:  Tacoma Rainiers defeated the Sacramento River Cats 6-4.

Mason Black RHP- 5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 2.70.

Sean Newcomb LHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.93.

Why do I have the feeling we are going to see Sean Newcomb pitching in a Giants uniform before the season ends?

AA:  Akron Rubber Ducks edged out the Richmond Flying Squrrels 2-1.

Donovan Walton DH- 1 for 4, HR(2).  BA= .333.

Ryan Murphy RHP- 4 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 4.96.

Juan Sanchez LHP- 1.1 IP,  0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.03.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds crushed the Hillsboro Hops 13-1.

Grant McCray CF- 1 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .241.

Jared Dupere LF- 1 for 3, 2 BB, SB(9).  BA= .274.

Sean Roby DH- 2 for 4, HR(3), BB.  BA= .304.

Aeverson Arteaga SS- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(11), BB.  BA= .219.

Hayden Birdsong RHP- 5 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 3.67.

A:  San Jose Giants topped the Stockton Ports 6-3.

Diego Velasquez 2B- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .309.

Andrew Kachel 1B- 2 for 3, 2B, HR(4).  BA= .290.

Tanner O'Tremba RF- 1 for 3, HR(5), BB.  BA= .266.

Anthony Rodriguez DH- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .225.

Jose Ramos SS- 2 for 4.  BA= .200.

Manuel Mercedes RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K, GO/AO= 8/1.  ERA= 3.18.

Luis Moreno RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 4.01.

Game Wrap 7/19/2023: Reds 3 Giants 2

The Giants were not able to overcome a Reds 3-run HR  hit in the third inning to end their 7-game win streak.  Key Lines:

Blake Sabol C- 2 for 4, HR(11).  BA= .256.  Sabol again shows why he is not going be offered back to the Pirates.  

Ross Stripling RHP- 6 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 2 K, GO/AO= 10/1.  ERA= 5.92.  Stripling has been hurt bad by the gofer ball and tonight was no exception, but there were some positives.  Aside from the 2 singles and HR which accounted for the 3 runs, he only allowed 1 other hit in 6 innings of work and kept the ball on the ground.  So, a QS, 6 innings eaten.  He does that the majority of his remaining starts and it will go a long way to stabilizing the entire pitching staff.  

Ryan Walker RHP- 2 IP, 0 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.67.  Walker was able to keep it close and spare the rest of the bullpen.  He sure looks like a long term keeper too.  He basically came from nowhere out of the farm system.

The Dodgers lost to the O's so the Giants remain 1.5 games behind them in the NL West but now tied with the D'Backs who won.  The Giants and D'Backs are tied for the first wild card spot, 0.5 games ahead of the Phillies.

Alex Cobb RHP tries for a series win tomorrow at 9:35 AM PDT facing Andrew Abbott LHP who is one of those rookie pitchers the Giants have never faced, a demographic that seems to give them trouble.

Churn Watch:

Brandon Crawford SS was placed on the 10-day IL with knee inflammation.  David Villar IF was recalled from AAA Sacramento.  Keep an eye on Lamonte Wade Jr 1B who came out of yesterday's second game with a tight hammy.  He was unavailable today with what is being described as a hamstring cramp.

Down on the Farm: 7/18/2023

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

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 2 for 4, HR(11).  BA= .280.

Joey Bart C- 2 for 4.  BA= .250.

Nick Avila RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 3.80.

Fun fact:  Nick Avila has a W-L of 11-0 while never pitching more than 2 innings in an appearance this season.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels pounded the Akron Rubber Ducks 17-8.

Vaun Brown CF- 2 for 6, 2B.  BA= .255.

Donovan Walton 2B- 3 for 5, HR(1), BB.  BA= .357.

Jimmy Glowenke 3B- 3 for 6, HR(3).  BA= .198.

John Bertrand LHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 3.60.

Marco Luciano SS out of lineup:  Promoted to AAA Sacramento.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds crushed the Hillsboro Hops 13-1.

Grant McCray CF- 1 for 4, 2B, 2 BB, SB(31).  BA= .240.

Sean Roby 1B- 3 for 6, 2B, 2 HR(2).  BA= .263.

Matt Higgins DH- 2 for 5, 2B, HR(1), BB.  BA= .167.

Nick Sinacola RHP- 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 5.05.

Seth Lonsway LHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 6.12.

A:  San Jose Giants beat the Stockton Ports 5-2.

Diego Velasquez SS- 2 for 4, SB(14).  BA= .306.

Zach Morgan C- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .229.

Gerelmi Maldonado RHP- 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 4.79.

Melvin Adon RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 0.00.

Complex Performances:

Damon Dues SS(ACL, Rehab)- 1 for 4, 2 BB.  BA= .231.

Elian Rayo 3B(ACL, 20 yo)- 1 for 4, HR(6), BB.  BA= .233.

Ryan Reckley DH(ACL, 18 yo)- 1 for 4, HR(1), BB.  BA= .172.

Jedial Maduro RF(ACL, 19 yo)- 3 for 4, 2B.  BA= .271.

Keiberg Camacaro SS(DSL, 16 yo)- 1 for 3, HR(3), HBP.  BA= .211.

Moises De La Rosa RF(DSL, 18 yo)- 1 for 4, HR(2).  BA= .354.

Jose Bello RHP- 4 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 4.09.

Miguel Blanco LF(DSL, 17 yo)- 3 for 5, 2B, SB(3).  BA= .282.

Lisbel Diaz CF(DSL, 18 yo)- 3 for 4, 2 HR(2), BB.  BA= .750.

Dario Reynoso 3B(DSL, 18 yo)- 0 for 3, 3 BB, SB(9).  BA= .284.

Lots of exciting 17 and 18 yo international prospects in the ACL and DSL.

Game Wrap 7/18/2023: Giants 11 Reds 10

 The Giants outscored the Reds in a slugfest led by Wilmer Flores.  Key lines:

Luis Matos CF- 2 for 4. BA= .258.  Matos is hitting .333 over his last 7 games, albeit still without power.

Wilmer Flores DH/1B- 2 for 3, 2 HR(11), BB, SF.  BA= .292.  Wilmer was the hitting star driving in 5 runs and scoring 3 and he's having a heckuva season so far.

Michael Conforto RF- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .243.  Conforto stays hot.  He went 0 for 5 in the suspended game but is hitting .379 over his last 7 games.

Anthony DeSclafani RHP- 2 IP, 4 H, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 4.72.  I know Great American Ballpark was Tony D's home park in his past life with the Reds but he really should not be allowed to pitch in that ballpark.  Nice K/BB but the homers......Oh, and Tristan Beck RHP was optioned to AAA Sacramento to make room on the roster for Tony D.  Maybe a kneejerk reaction but which one of those two would you rather have ROS?

Jake Junis RHP- 1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 4.97.  Speaking of the ROS.......

Derek Law RHP(Reds)- 0.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 3.67.  How long ago was Derek Law a Giant?  Nothing seems to have changed!

Camilo Doval RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K, Save(30).  ERA= 2.40.  Doval earns 2 Saves in one day and looked like he didn't break a sweat.  Will he be available tomorrow?

After the smoke cleared, the Giants lead the Wild Card playoff race by 1.5 games over the Phillies and 1 game over the D'Backs.  They trail the NL West leading Dodgers by 1.5 games.

The Giants ran their win streak to 7 games and guaranteed themselves no worse than a split of the 4-game series in a ballpark that has been very tough for them over the years.

Ross Stripling RHP, another pitcher who probably should not be allowed to pitch in Great American Ballpark tries to extend the Giants win streak tomorrow against Graham Ashcraft RHP.

Game Wrap 7/17/2023: Giants 2 Reds 2(Suspended after 7 innings)

The Giants traded solo HR's with the Reds with Austin Slater LF and Wilmer Flores 1B getting in the Giants licks.  Logan Webb RHP recorded a Quality Start allowing a matching pair of solo HR's to the Reds.  Game resumes tomorrow evening before the regularly scheduled game with J. D. Davis 3B coming to bat.

PS:  Game suspended after 8'th inning started.  J. D. comes to the plate with 1 out and runners at 2'nd and 3'rd.  

7/18/2023:  Addendum:  Giants scored 2 runs in the top of the 10'th inning and Camilo Doval RHP earned his 29'th Save after resumption of play this.  Joc Pederson PH/LF drove in the winning run with a double and he scored an insurance run on a fielder's choice.

Down on the Farm: 7/16/2023

 AAA:  Oklahoma City Dodgers defeated the Sacramento River Cats 6-4.

Bryce Johnson CF- 2 for 4, 2B, 3B.  BA= .326.

Tyler Fitzgerald 2B- 2 for 4, SB(15).  BA= .276.

Jackson Reetz C/LF- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(1).  BA= .217.

Keaton Winn RHP- 4 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 4 K', GO/AO= 5/1.  ERA= 4.56.

AA:  Harrisburg Senators blanked the Richmond Flying Squirrels 4-0.

Carson Whisenhunt LHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO= 4/1.  ERA= 4.02.  

Nick Zwack LHP- 5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 8 K's.  ERA= 6.44.

Zwack had terrific secondary stats but 4 of the 6 hits he allowed were doubles.  Statistically, though, it was just bad BABIP luck.

A+:  Vancouver Canadians topped the Eugene Emeralds 5-3.

Grant McCray RF- 2 for 5, 2B, HR(10).  BA= .240.

Luis Toribio 3B- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .228.

Aeverson Arteaga SS- 2 for 4, HR(10).  BA= .215.

Reggie Crawford LHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 9.00.

Hayden Wynja LHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

Crawford and Wynja make their A+ debuts.  Crawford's sample is too small to make much out of it.  They are taking it extremely conservative with his innings.  Wynja's bulk inning stint was not how they drew it up but hey!  He pitched 4 innings of shutout ball!

A:  Visalia Rawhide edged out the San Jose Giants 3-2.

Diego Velasquez DH- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .303.

Onil Perez C- 4 for 5, 3B, 4 SB(16).  BA= .320.

Nomar Medina LHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 7/0.  ERA= 5.63. 

Onil Perez seems to be quite a unique player.  Who ever heard of a catching prospect stealing 4 bases in one game?  I mean it's A ball and all, but still....... I think this was Nomar Medina's best start of the season.

Game Wrap 7/16/2023: Giants 8 Pirates 4

The Giants erupted for 5 runs in the top of the 10'th inning to secure a sweep of the 3-game series over the Pirates and their 5'th win in a row.   Key Lines:

Lamonte Wade Jr 1B- 2 for 2, BB.  BA= .279.  LMWJ continues to be an on-base machine reaching 6 times out of 11 PA's this series.  His OBP on the season is .410.  

Michael Conforto RF- 2 for 5, 2B, SB(4).  BA= .244.  Giants need a big second half from Conforto if they are going to contend.  He's off to a great start with 5 hits in 12 AB's this series plus a walk.

Patrick Bailey C- 1 for 2, 2B.  BA= .285.  Bailey continues to get key hits.  His 10'th inning double put a cap on the Giants 5-run outburst which pretty much sealed the win.

Alex Wood LHP- 3.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 4.53.  Wood got the start he wanted but was lacking command and Kap rightfully had him on a short leash.

Tristan Beck RHP- 3.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 3.06.  Beck continues in a bulk-innings role but in a higher leverage situation.  He was able to get the game to the 8'th inning while allowing just 1 more run and with the lead intact.  He's looking like a potential long term keeper at this point.

Ryan Walker RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 3.00.  Walker came out of nowhere this season to become a terrific addition to the bullpen.  He pitched a clutch 9'th inning to get the game to extras and was credited with the W.

With the Win, the Giants move into first place in the Wild Card race by percentage points over the Marlins and leading the D'Backs by 0.5 as both those teams lost today. They are 2.0 games behind the Dodgers pending the outcome of the Dodgers-Mets game in New York.  

The Giants now move on to Cincinnati for a 4-game series against the Reds.  Cincinnati has been a rough place for the Giants to play for awhile due in part to hot, humid weather and a bandbox ballpark.  The series gives us a chance to see what all the fuss is about with Elly De La Cruz the tooled up rookie SS for the Reds.  He has cooled off considerably going 0 for his last 12 and .214 over his last 7 games.  The key is keeping him off base so he can't use his 80 grade speed.

Down on the Farm: 7/15/2023

AAA:  Oklahoma City Dodgers beat the Sacramento River Cats 7-3.

Bryce Johnson CF- 2 for 4, HR(4).  BA= .318.

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 1 for 4, HR(10). BA= .271.

Sean Hjelle RHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 5.66.

Kai-Wei Teng RHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.57. 

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

Carson Seymour RHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 6 K's, GO/AO= 6.1.  ERA= 3.91.

Wil Jensen RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.63.

Juan Sanchez LHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(2).  ERA= 2.09.

Juan Sanchez getting Save opps.  Not necessarily as positive development in the minor leagues.

A+:  Vancouver Canadians crushed the Eugene Emeralds 12-3.

Jared Dupere LF- 1 for 3, HR(9), BB.  BA= .273.

Luis Toribio 1B- 0 for 0, 4 BB.  BA= .273.

Daniel Blair RHP- 3.1 IP, 11 H, 8 R, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 19.64.

Rough first A+ game for Blair.  It appears BABIP may have been unfriendly.

A:  San Jose Giants defeated the Visalia Rawhide 4-2.

Diego Velasquez SS- 1 for 4, HR(6).  BA= .301.

Anthony Richardson DH- 1 for 3, HR(3).  BA= .221.

Dylan Cumming RHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 5/1.  ERA= 2.51.

Cameron Cotter RHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, GO/AO= 5.2.  ERA= 3.12.

Complex Performances:

Jean Carlos Sio 2B(ACL, 19 yo)- 3 for 6.  BA= .272. 

Javier Castillo DH(ACL, 19 yo)- 3 for 4, BB.  BA= .333.

Estanlin Cassiani RF(ACL, 20 yo)- 2 for 5.  BA= .253.

Mauricio Estrella RHP(ACL, 19 yo)- 5.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 7 K's, GO/AO= 6/2.  ERA= 6.16.

Game Wrap 7/15/2023: Giants 3 Pirates 1

Michael Conforto's clutch 2-out, 2-run single in the 8'th inning broke a 1-1 tie and was the difference in a game the Giants could have easily lost.  Key Lines:

Mike Yastrzemski CF/LF- 1 for 4, HR(11).  BA= .251.  If you got a funny feeling about YtY taking Johan Oviedo RHP deep in the second inning, you might have been subconsciously remembering an incident from 2021 when Oviedo was pitching for the Cardinals at the time.  He thought Yaz was stealing signs as a runner on 2B so stepped off the rubber, turned and yelled "Shut the f*** up".  If you haven't seen the video of that, Google search the two player's names and you will easily find it.  That's one that never gets old!  To rub even more salt in the wound, Yastrzemski's HR was the only hit Oviedo gave up in 7 IP. tonight. PS:  Look up the Jomboy narrated version of that video and make sure to protect your computer screen if you are drinking coffee.

Michael Conforto RF- 1 for 3, BB.  BA= .241.  Clutch, clutch hit that was helped by some poor fielding by the Pirates.  With runners on first and second with 1 out, the Pirates brought in their Closer, David Bednar RHP who looked unhittable in striking out J. D. Davis 3B and getting 2 strikes on Conforto.  But then Conforto singled sharply to RF. The throw home was offline.  Pirates C Jason Delay thought he had could get Conforto who was trying to take 2B on the throw but that throw was also offline and Conforto evaded the tag allowing Joc Pederson DH to score the insurance run.

Alex Cobb RHP- 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 9/1.  ERA= 2.82.  Aside from YtY's HR, Oviedo was unhittable, but Cobb matched him for 6 innings and gave the Giants a chance to win with a  clutch hit, which is exactly what they got from Michael Conforto.  

Manager Gabe Kapler again made the right bullpen calls.  This time Taylor Rogers LHP and Scott Alexander LHP shut down the 7'th and 8'th innings with Camilo Doval RHP recording his 28'th Save with a scoreless 9'th inning.

The Giants remain 2.5 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West but gained a game on the 2'nd place D'Backs and are now 0.5 games behind them.  The Marlins lost so the Giants are just 1 game behind them while remaining a game ahead of the Phillies and Reds for the final Wild Card Playoff spot. BTW, the Padres lost both ends of a doubleheader to the Phillies and now trail the Dodgers by 10 games and find themselves 7.5 games behind in the Wild Card race.  They still have the talent to make a run but they better get started pronto or consider selling at the trade deadline.

The Giants try to overcome their weekly case of Sundayitis and go for the swweeeeep with TBD on the mound facing Osvaldo Bido RHP.  Hey!  Maybe broadcasting the game on Peacock will break the spell?

Down on the Farm: 7/14/2023

 AAA:  Oklahoma City Dodgers outlasted the Sacramento River Cats 5-3(10 innings).

Mason Black RHP- 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 8 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

Strong AAA debut for Mason Black.  Are the walks a function of the size of the AAA automated strike zone?  Going back to AA, Black has now allowed just 1 ER in his last 31.1 IP over 7 starts.

AA:  Harrisburg Senators topped the Richmond Flying Squirrels 6-5.

Wade Meckler LF- 2 for 5.  BA= .355.

Vaun Brown CF- 1 for 4, HR(8), BB.  BA= .259.

Marco Luciano SS- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .232.

Brandon Martorano RF- 3 for 3, BB.  BA= .210.

Victor Bericoto 1B- 1 for 5, HR(2).  BA= .214.

Wade Meckler's batting average is one of the major stories of the Giants farm system in 2023.  After hitting just .185 in May, Marco Luciano's slash line in June was .253/.377/.494.   He's improved that to .308/.406/.462 in July so far.

A+:  Vancouver Canadians defeated the Eugene Emeralds 4-2.

Carter Howell RF- 2 for 5.  BA= .244.

Jared Dupere LF- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .272.

Adrian Sugastey C- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .297.

Luis Toribio 3B- 1 for 3, HR(10), BB.  BA= .223.

Jack Choate LHP- 4.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.16.

A:  San Jose Giants pounded the Visalia Rawhide 10-4.

Diego Velasquez SS- 3 for 6, 2B, SB(13).  BA= .302.

Onil Perez C- 2 for 4, BB, SB(12).  BA= .308.

Justin Bench DH- 4 for 4, SB(1).  BA= 1.000.

Anthony Rodriquez 3B- 2 for 4, BB, SB(2).  BA= .218.

Jose Ramos 2B- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .192.

Manuel Mercedes RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 4 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 3.43.

Melvin Adon RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 0.00.

Justin Bench was drafted in round 17 last year.  This was his first full season pro game.  Diego Velasquez and Onil Perez are two of my favorite storylines from the 2023 edition of Down on the Farm. They speak to the depth of the Giants farm system and improvements in international scouting and signing young players.

Complex Performances: 

Damon Dues 2B- 1 for 1, 2 BB, 3 SB(3).  BA= .500.  Apparent rehab assignment for Dues.

Guillermo Williamson LF(ACL, 19 yo)- 4 for 6, 2 HR(8).  BA= .308.  Williamson continues to dominate complex league pitching.

Eric Silva RHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 5.06.  Apparent rehab assignment.

Javier Francisco 1B(ACL, 20 yo)- 2 for 2, HR(4), BB.  BA= .258.  

Anyelo Gonzalez LF/2B(DSL, 18 yo)- 2 for 4.  BA= .329.

Moises De La Rosa RF(DSL, 18 yo)- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .352.

Dario Reynoso SS(DSL, 18 yo)- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .294.

Game Wrap 7/14/2023: Giants 6 Pirates 4

The Giants offense came alive in the 5'th inning to support a pretty good start from Ross Stripling and get the second half of the season off on a winning note.  Key Lines:

Wilmer Flores 1B- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .279.  Wilmer is quietly having a good season.  I think the key for him is not letting him get too fatigued and not thinking he has to do it all by himself, which I think he tried to do last season.

Michael Conforto RF- 2 for 4.  BA= .240.  Looking for a big second half for Conforto.  

Patrick Bailey C- 1 for 5, SB(1).  BA= .290.  Bailey threw out another runner trying to steal then smoked a 2-run single in the pivotal 7'th inning to drive in the tying and winning runs.  Then he stole 2B himself and came around to score an insurance run on Luis Matos' bloop single.  His sidearm delivery of throws down to 2B are unorthodox but seem to allow him a quicker release time and the natural tail it produces takes the ball right to the front of the bag for an easy drop tag.

Luis Matos CF/LF- 2 for 4, SB(3).  BA= .263.  Matos also hit a drive to the warning track in L-CF with 2 runners on base.  If only he were just a little stronger!  That will come naturally with age, but it's also something he may want to work on over the winter.

Ross Stripling RHP- 4.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 6.11.  Stripling pitched shutout ball for 4 innings before appearing to tire in the 5'th.  I am sure the Giants will be very happy if they can get 5 IP with 2 R or less out of him for most starts in the second half.

Sean Manaea LHP- 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 5.74.  Manaea got Stripling out of his jam in the 5'th inning but then ran into command issues in the 6'th.  Finding an effective role for him in the second half is a challenge for Gabe Kapler.

Tyler Rogers RHP pitched 2 shutout innings with the help of several lineouts.  Camilo Doval RHP got his 27'th save with the help of a lineout and GIDP so the BABIP gods were friendly to the Giants tonight.

The Win kept the Giants 2.5 games behind the Dodgers, who won, in the NL West, but they closed to 1.5 games behind the second place D'Backs.  They maintain their lead for the final Wild Card playoff spot by 0.5 games over the Reds and Brewers who are tied for the NL Central lead.

Alex Cobb RHP, who pitched well in the All-Star Game, gets the start tomorrow evening facing Johan Oviedo RHP.

DrB's 2023 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Midseason Review

 I don't have the time or energy to post a detailed review of each prospects first half but but popular demand, here is a quick review of DrB's 2023 Giants Top 50 Prospects list with hot takes and stock trends.  

1.  Kyle Harrison LHP- Showing great stuff but still struggling with command and pitch counts at AAA level.  PCL is tough and the electronic strike zone reportedly small.  Would he do better at the MLB level?  Stock stable.

2.  Marco Luciano SS- Coming off an extended back injury.  Seems to be heating up at AA Richmond after a slow start.  Stock stable.

3.  Casey Schmitt 3B- Promoted to MLB club and has accumulated enough AB's to be officially "graduated".  Actually playing more SS and 2B than 3B.  Spectacular defender.  Struggling with pitch selection after league got a book on him.  Stock stable.

4.  Luis Matos CF- Big rebound from 2022 struggles in A+ ball.  Currently playing well at MLB level.  Needs to get stronger so more warning track flyballs go over the fence.  Still very young so that should happen naturally as he matures.  Stock up.

5. Carson Whisenhunt LHP- Promoted twice in first full pro season.  Adjusting to AA.  Double-plus changeup looks to be for real.  Stock up.

6.  Reggie Crawford LHP/1B/DH- Late start to season coming off TJ rehab.  Conservative placement and cautious usage.  Has pitched just 11 innings in 7 appearances.  18 K's and 4 BB's in 11 IP.  Batting .250 but with a .563 SLG% in just 18 PA.  Still has the ceiling and is still playing 2 ways.  Still high reward/high risk.  Stock stable.

7. Aeverson Arteaga SS- Showing flashes in A+ but inconsistent.  Still young for level.  For a comp, see Luis Matos last season.  Stock stable.

8.  Grant McCray OF- Hitting better at A+ after an extremely slow start.  Is he running out of time?  Stock down.

9.  Vaun Brown OF- Hitting HR's at AA.  Stock up.

10.  Patrick Bailey C- Starring at MLB level and looking like Giants starting catcher for next 10 years.  Officially "graduated". Stock way up.

11.  Jairo Pomares OF- Has all but disappeared.  Stock way down.

12.  Mason Black RHP- Recently pitched over 20 consecutive shutout innings at AA. Stock way up.

13. Landon Roupp RHP- Pitching well at AA.  Stock up.

14.  Carson Seymour RHP- Inconsistent at AA. Stock slightly down.

15. Will Wilson SS- Has had some good games but still looking for traction.  May be running out of time.  Stock down.

16.  Heliot Ramos OF- Struggled again early but big rebound after IL stint.  Will he get another shot with the Giants?  Stock stable but recent trend up.

17.  Cole Waites RHP- Big struggles with command. Stock down.

18.  R. J. Dabovich RHP-  Has disappeared.  Must be injured. Stock down.

19.  Trevor McDonald RHP- Struggled then disappeared.  Injury?  Stock down.

20.  Jose Cruz RHP- Pitching well at AA.  Stock up.

21.  Eric Silva RHP- Struggles at A+.  Stock down.

22.  Adrian Sugastey C- maintaining around .300 BA while young for A+.  Stock up.

23.  Will Bednar RHP- Late start to season but stat lines look all too familiar in rehab starts.  Stock down.

24. Blake Sabol OF/C- Big contributor to the MLB club.  Will almost certainly complete season with the Giants as a Rule 5 pick.  Officially "graduated".  Stock way up.

25.  Randy Rodriguez RHP- Promoted to AAA.  Still getting his feet on ground at that level.  Stock stable.

26. Keaton Winn RHP- Has pitched will at AAA and MLB levels.  Stock way up.

27.  Brett Wisely IF- Has filled in at MLB level.  Looks like a career AAAA/depth player.  Stock stable.

28.  Tristan Beck RHP- has pitched well in lower leverage situations at MLB level.  Will Giants challenge him with higher leverage/SP roles?  Stock way up.

29.  Matt Mikulski LHP- Struggling at A+. Stock down.

30.  Chris Wright LHP-  Pitching well for AAA Sacramento.  Second half callup?  Stock up.

31.  Brett Auerbach UT- Continues to struggle at the plate and demoted to A+.  Stock down.

32.  Tyler Fitzgerald SS- Hitting well for AAA Sac.  Future with Giants unclear but biding time.  Should eventually get a shot somewhere.  Stock up.

33.  Nick Swiney LHP- Quietly holding his own in AAA Sacramento.  Stock up.

34.  Nick Zwack LHP- inconsistent at AA Richmond.  Stock stable.

35.  Juan Sanchez LHP- Pitching well for AA Richmond.  Stock up.

36.  Andy Thomas C- flashes of power for AA Richmond but BA remains low.  Stock down.

37.  Wade Meckler OF- tearing it up for AA Richmond.  Not much power.  Stock way up.

38.  Victor Bericoto OF/1B- Tore up A+.  Has already shown some power at AA.  Stock up but may be running out of time(rule 5 elgible after season).

39.  Nick Sinacola RHP- Inconsistent at A+. Stock stable to down.

40. Alexander Suarez RHP- Hitting a little better for A San Jose but may be starting to run out of time.  Stock stable.

41.  Diego Velasquez SS/2B- maintaining a .300 BA for San Jose.  Stock up.

42.  P. J. Hilson OF- holding his own for A San Jose.  Very slow developer.  May be running out of time.  Stock Stable.

43.  Anthony Rodriguez SS/3B- Showing flashed of power potential at A San Jose but wildly error prone in the field.  Stock stable.

44.  Mikell Manzano RHP- Struggling for A San Jose.  Stock down.

45.  Nomar Medina LHP- Inconsistent for A San Jose. Stock stable.

46.  Gerelmi Maldonado RHP- Flashes of dominance for San Jose but inconsistent. Stock up.

47.   Zack Morgan C- Has struggled to hit consistently for A San Jose. Stock down.

48.  Jared Dupere OF- Hitting well with power for A Eugene.  Stock up.

49.  Mauricio Pierre OF- Disappeared.  Is he even still in the organization?  Stock way down.

50.  Hunter Bishop OF- Another lost season and may be running out of time.  Stock down.

I am not going to go through the Honorable Mentions but should make note of Ryan Walker RHP who has shined out of the bullpen for the Giants.  Stock way up.  Also Hayden Birdsong RHP is pitching well for A+ Eugene after a promotion.  Lots of DSL kids off to great starts to their pro career but bonus baby Rayner Arias OF looks like a future star(although currently out with apparent injury).

Looking forward to an exciting second half of Down on the Farm including onboarding of new draftees.

Scouting the 2023 Draft: Review of Giants Draft Rounds 11-20

Round 11 #330:  Jack Payton C(College).  DOB:  8/7/2001.  B-R, T-R.  5'11", 200 lbs.  2023:  .374/.472/.643, 12 HR, 8 SB, 22 BB, 41 K, 214 PA.  Giants draft another bat-first catcher because of course they did.  I tend to not trust offensive numbers out of Louisville.  Has speed to play corner OF.  Catcher may end up being his secondary position in utility role.  Let's see....how many of those do the Giants have in their system right now?

Round 12  #360.  Timmy Manning LHP(College).  DOB:  9/10/2001.  6'2", 195 lbs.  2023:  1-4, 7.26, 53.1 IP, 21 BB, 66 K.  3 pitch mix but lacks command. Can the Giants pitching gurus fix that?

Round 13  #390.  Jose Ortiz  OF(HS).  DOB:  2/13/2005.  B-R, T-R.  5' 11", 165 lbs.  HS pick out of Puerto Rico.   Giants have drafted quite a few players from P. R. over the years without much success.  Fast runner with a 6.44 60 yd dash.  Strong arm with 97 MPH velocity on throws from OF.  89 MPH exit velocity.  PG says athletic frame with room to fill out.

Round 14  #420.  Cale Lansville RHP(JC).  DOB:  1/6/2003.  6'1", 205 lbs.  Power righty with a 3 pitch mix.  Was considered a top pitching prospect out of HS.  Started out at LSU then transferred to JC.  Has some upside that may be developed with good coaching.

Round 15 #450.  Dylan Carmouche LHP(College).  DOB:  8/22/2001.  6' 6", 225 lbs.  2023:  5-9, 5.80, 90 IP, 40 BB, 102 K.  "Fringey" fastball with a good changeup.  Strong K rate but walk rate obviously holding him back.  Has the frame to add velocity.

Round 16 #480.  Justin Wishkoski 3B(College).  DOB:  1/19/2001.  B-R, T-R.  6'3", 195 lbs.  2023:  .332/.414/.552, 11 HR, 16 SB. Tall, big-boned but lean and athletic.  College Senior.  Giants have had some recent success with similar profiles.  Definite power potential.  Might be more of a corner OF than 3B.

Round 17 #510.  Drew Cavanaugh C(College).  DOB:  1/27/2002.  B-L, T-R.  6' 0", 220 lbs.  2023: .316/.441/.588, 12 HR, 33 BB, 44 K, 177 AB.  Giants draft another catcher. Imagine that!  Defensive catcher with a strong arm who bats lefty.  Draft eligible sophomore so not a lock to sign.  Giants may have an edge as he comes from same program as Vaun Brown and is coached by former Giant Lance Niekro(thanks to Marc Delucci from si.com for the info). 

Round 18 #540.  Michael Rodriguez LHP(College).  DOB:  1/8/2000.  6'5", 250 lbs.  2023:  7-0, 2.45, 40.1 IP, 8 BB, 67 K.  Huge LHP who looks a lot heavier than 250 lbs.  Good numbers but from a Division II program.  Again per Marc Dellucci has reached upper 90's on FB.  Intriguing prospect.  Maybe Pablo Sandoval can give him some dieting tips?

Round 19 #570.  Tommy Kane LHP(College).  DOB:  10/31/2001.  6'1", 180 lbs.  2023:  2-0, 7.31, 28.1 IP, 16 BB, 29 K's, 1 Save.  College reliever who throws hard. Another project for the Giants coaches.  Teammate of round 6 pick Luke Schliger C at Maryland.

Round 20 #600.  Nadir Lewis OF(College).  DOB:  11/22/2000.  B-L, T-L.  6'1", 195 lbs.  2022:  .329/.428/.613, 10 HR, 9 SB, 28 BB, 35 K, 187 PA.  2023(COPL):  .412/.483, 637, 5 HR, 10 SB, 120 PA.  Teammate of Round 7 pick, Scott Bandura OF at Princeton.  Missed most of 2023 college season but tore up the Coastal Plain League this summer.  Another intriguing prospect.  We'll have to see how he does in pro ball.

OK, that's a wrap for the 2023 draft. Can't wait to start seeing some of these names in minor league boxscores and Down on the Farm posts.