Down on the Farm: 3/31/2024

 AAA:  Sacramento River Cats blanked the Salt Lake City Bees 1-0(7 innings, Game 1 of Doubleheader):

Carson Whisenhunt LHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

Spencer Bivens RHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K.  ERA= 0.00.

Cody Stashak RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(1).  ERA= 0.00.

Strong start for The Whiz.  Gotta think we'll see him pitch in Oracle Park sometime this season but the Giants have a few pitchers in Sacramento we can say that about.

AAA:  Salt Lake City Bees outlasted the Sacramento River Cats 3-2(9 innings, Game 2 of Doubleheader scheduled for 7 innings):

Marco Luciano SS- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .333.

Heliot Ramos PH/CF- 1 for 1, HR(1).  BA= .250.

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

R. J. Dabovich RHP- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 0.00.

Mason Black is another pitching prospect with a chance for a call up this season.  Is R. J. Dabovich back?

AAA pitchers at this level seem to be ahead of the hitters but it's possible that neither the Giants nor Angels AAA hitters are not very good.

Game Wrap 3/31/2024: Padres 13 Giants 4

The Joey Bart Era came to an unceremonious end this morning when he was DFA'd to make room for Daulton Jeffries because the Giants started the season with just three healthy starting pitchers.  It didn't take long for the Joey Bart Curse to take hold as Tyler Fitzgerald booted a grounder on the first Giants defensive play of the game which pretty much set the tone for the rest of this one.  Key Lines:

Jung Hoo Lee CF- 0 for 2, 3 BB.  BA= .286.  Lee continued to do leadoff batter things but for naught in this one as hw was left stranded 3 times.  

Lamonte Wade Jr. RF/1B- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .357.  Not sure why LMWJ is batting third and not 2'nd Melvin's early season lineup.   Wade Jr had to move over to 1B after Wilmer Flores tumbled into the Padres dugout in the first inning in chase of a pop foul and suffered a cut finger and shoulder contusion.  Wilmer finished the inning but Luis Matos PH for him in the top of 2'nd.  Sounds like Wilmer is day-to-day and will be evaluated tomorrow.

Thairo Estrada 2B- 1 for 4, HR(1).  BA= .267.  Will this be the year Thairo gets to 20/20?  

Patrick Bailey C- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .444.  Bailey is hitting well in the early going.  There was a weird passed ball in the weird first inning but that seemed to be more of a cross-up on the pitch rather than catching technique.

Daulton Jefferies RHP- 2 IP, 9 H, 0 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, GO/AO= 5/1.  Well, that didn't go well!  Gotta think he might have been a bit disconcerted by the booted groundball to lead off the first inning, but it's his job to stop the bleeding.  Sinkerballers sometimes get knocked around if they are amped up because the ball doesn't sink if they overthrow.  With a flotilla of veteran pitchers set to come on board soon, he might have to wait awhile for his next shot.

Kai-Wei Teng RHP- 3 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 9.00.  After a rough first inning of work, Teng settled down and pitched two more scoreless frames.  His first MLB K was Fernando Tatis Jr.  

Ryan Walker RHP and Landon Roupp RHP pitched scoreless frames and Tyler Fitzgerald allowed a run while mopping up in the 8'th inning.

No time to recover as the Giants start a 3-gamer in LA tomorrow evening with Keaton Winn RHP facing James Paxton LHP.

Feel bad for Joey Bart but the Giants stated pretty loudly with their actions they believe in Patrick Bailey and I'm not going to argue it's the wrong call.  Bart had his chances and did not take advantage of them.  Still, he was the second overall draft pick in 2018 and it seems like a good chance he'll eventually figure it out and have a solid MLB career, except with another organizations.  Lot's of what ifs to pick through here: Untimely injuries, 2020, COVID 19 and being thrown into the gap when Buster Posey chose to sit out that season.  I do have to say I saw Bart play up close in San Bernardino in A ball and got an uneasy feeling when it appeared to me he was grooving his swing.  In other words, his bat appeared to take the same path through the strike zone regardless of where the ball was located.  It reminded me of another big guy I noticed that on in San Bernardino:  Angel Villalona.  I'm no scout but if I was and saw that again, it would be a huge red flag.

Down on the Farm: 3/30/2024

 AAA:  Sacramento River Cats edged out the Salt Lake City Bees in a walkoff 3-2:

Trenton Brooks DH- 3 for 4, 2B.  BA= .750.

Brett Wisely 2B- 2 for 4, HR(1).  BA= .500.

Carson Seymour RHP- 3.2 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 3/0.  ERA= 0.00.

Tommy Romero RHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K's, GO/AO= 2/0.  ERA= 0.00.

Juan Sanchez LHP- 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

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

I love Trenton Brooks' bat but it's not a great sign that he's DH'ing in the minors.  The Giants have pretty good pitching depth in Sacramento.  The way the bullpen looks so far they are going to need it.

Other minor league levels start April 5.

Game Wrap 3/20/2024: Giants 9 Padres 6

Home runs by Jung Hoo Lee and Michael Conforto in the 8'th inning broke open a close game and enablet the Giants to withstand another bullpen meltdown in the 9'th.  Key Lines:

Jung Hoo Lee CF- 1 for 4, HR(1), SF.  BA= .333.  Lee just missed a HR on a flyball down the RF line eariler in the game which turned into a Sac Fly.  The solo shot to start the big rally in the 8'th was a no-doubter which would have been out in the old Petco Park configuration which is an impressive blast. 

Michael Conforto LF- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(2).  BA= .462.  Conforto scored the first run for the Giants after doubling then coming home on Tom Murphy's double.  He then capped off the scoring with a grand slam HR in the 8'th and it's a good thing he did as the bullpen gave up 5 runs in the 9'th and the grand slam was  the difference in the game.   Conforto is starting the season like a man on a mission which is a very good thing for the Giants and their fans.

Jordan Hicks RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K.  ERA= 0.00.  Hicks command was a little off and he threw 81 pitches in 5 IP but the stuff looked great and he benefitted from some stellar IF D, which is noticeably better than last year's.

The Giants try for a series win tomorrow afternoon with TBD(Kai-Wei Teng?) facing Michael King RHP.

Game Wrap 3/29/2024: Giants 8 Padres 3

Matt Chapman's big game at the plate led the offense in support of Kyle Harrison's Quality Start as the Giants won their first game of the young season.  Key Lines:

Jung Hoo Lee CF- 2 for 5.  BA= .375.   Lee led off the game with a groundball single up the middle, something I think will become a familiar sight to Giants fans.  He was erased on a GIDP by Jorge Soler but added an RBI single later in the game.

Matt Chapman 3B- 3 for 5, 2B, 2 HR(2).  BA= .444.  The Chapman signing is paying immediate dividends.  What a display!  The first HR was crushed to dead CF, the double found the gap in R-CF and the second HR was crushed down the line way up on the Western Metal Supply building.  Wow!  My "Bold Prediction" of 25 HR might not be so bold at all!

Patrick Bailey C- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .333.  Bailey's start behind the plate was a statement by Melvin and FZ that he is their guy.  He didn't do anything to lose that in this game.  

Kyle Harrison LHP- 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 5 K.  ERA= 3.00.  Probably the most important number in this line is the 0 BB.  HR's to Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. don't hurt too much if there are no runners on ahead of them.  Oh, and Harrison's FB sat 93-94 MPH most of the night but he reached back for 95 and 96 on a couple of K's, one against Manny Machado in the second inning.

Landon Roupp RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 0.00.  Roupp didn't have his best command in his MLB debut but was able to miss barrels by enough to keep the ball in the yard for a scoreless frame.

Ryan Walker RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 4.50.  Camilo Doval RHP started warming up for the Save when the score was 6-3 but Walker was able to move past the memory of the Opening Day meltdown after the Giants added 2 insurance runs in the top of the 9'th.

The Win evened the Giants record at 1-1.  

Jordan Hicks RHP takes the mound against Dylan Cease RHP on Fox at 4:15 PM, weather permitting.  There is an atmospheric river headed to SoCal today and Sunday.

Churn Watch:  Luke Jackson RHP went on the IL with a bad back.  Kai-Wei Teng RHP got the call up to replace him.  Mike Yastrzemski OF went on Paternity Leave and Luis Matos OF was recalled from AAA.

Opening Day Game Wrap 3/28/2024: Padres 6 Giants 4

An all-familiar story unfolded in Petco Park as a bullpen meltdown blew a late lead and spoiled a Quality Start from Logan Webb.  Key Lines:

Jung Hoo Lee CF- 1 for 3, SF, PO, CS.  BA= .333.  A bit of a mixed bag for Lee who had two productive PA's but maybe tried to do too much on the basepaths.

Michael Conforto LF- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(1).  BA= .750.  Someone predicted Conforto will lead the team in OPS.   He's definitely leading it after one game!

Patrick Bailey C- 0 for 3, Sac, E(1).  BA= .000.  Does this sound familiar?  During the Padres 7'th inning rally with runners on first and third and no outs,  the runner on first stole 2B.  Bailey skipped the throw into CF and the runner on third scored.  It ended up counting as an earned run because of subsequent Padres hits in the inning.  BTW, the Giants are carrying 3 catchers on the roster, at least for now:  Bailey, Murphy and Bart.

Nick Ahmed SS- 2 for 3, 2B.  BA- .667.  Ahmed made the Opening Day roster over Marco Luciano which is understandable.  So far his spring hitting carries over into the season, driving in 2 of the Giants 4 runs out of the 9-hole.

Logan Webb RHP- 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 5 K, GO/AO= 8/1.  ERA= 3.00.  Typical Webb performance.  Extremely groundball heavy which will lead to some bad BABIP luck but in the long run will suppress runs.

Luke Jackson RHP- 0.0 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 0 K.  ERA= Infinity.  This guy had a sub-3.00 ERA last season but I have never felt he could be trusted in a high leverage situation.  Apparently his back was bothering him and why didn't he mention that before he had two runners on and a run in with no outs?  Grr!!!

Ryan Walker RHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 1 K, GO/AO= 2/0.  ERA= 9.00.  Walker brought his gas can out with him and allowed 2 inherited runners to score as well as one of his own before settling down.  Maybe Opening Day jitters?

Erik Miller LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 0.00.  Successful MLB debut for Miller.

Kyle Harrison LHP tries to square the Giants season tomorrow evening facing Joe Musgrove RHP.

5 Bold Predictions for 2024

 It's Bold Prediction time as we celebrate Opening Day.  Here are 5 for the San Francisco Giants:

1.  Jung Hoo Lee scores 100 runs.  This should not be too hard if he stays healthy and bats leadoff all season but would be a huge upgrade for the Giants.  For reference, there were 17 players who scored 100 runs or more in MLB last year.  Lamonte Wade Jr. led the Giants with 64 Runs in 2023.

2.  Matt Chapman hits 25 HR and wins a Gold Glove at 3B.  Again, very doable. He hit 27 in 2021 and 2022.  He slipped to 17 last season but reportedly had a sore finger through the second half of the season.

3.  Tom Murphy hits 20 HR.  His previous career high is 18.  He'll have to be the starting C to do this but I expect him to lead the Giants in innings and PA's out of the catcher position.

4.  At some point the Giants will use a 6-man rotation in 2024.  The Giants have some depth at SP but several pitchers who need to limit their innings for one reason or another.  Going to a 6-man rotation is one way to accomplish this without shelving a valuable asset.

5.  Blake Snell finishes the season with more Wins and a lower ERA than Yoshi Yamamoto at a fraction of the cost.  

What is your Bold Prediction for the Giants in 2024?

Oh, and **** the Dodgers!

Preseason Exhibition Game Wrap 3/26/2024: A's 3 Giants 1

This game was all about a chance for the fans to give Pablo Sandoval a moment.  Not much else of significance happened.  Key Lines:

Pablo Sandoval 3B- 1 for 2.  BA= .250.  Hard to believe this might be the end of the line for the Panda but it could well be, at least at the MLB level.  Pabs says he intends to keep playing somewhere, even if in the minor leagues.  New rules make it harder for teams for find room for mentoring vets at the minor league level, though.  It think what Pablo really wants is a coaching or even managing career.

Wilmer Flores PH/DH- 2 for 2, 2B.  BA= .381.  Great spring for Flores.  Much as we appreciate him, it's not a good sign if he's the best hitter on the team for the 3'rd straight season.

Patrick Bailey C- 0 for 2, 2 K, PB(2).  BA= .130.

Joey Bart C- 1 for 2. BA= .414.  Bart had the only RBI for the Giants in this game.  Just my opinion FWIW, the Giants will regret it if they let Bart go while expecting Bailey to be the Bailey from early last season.

Ismael Munguia CF- 1 for 1.  BA= .414.  What a terrific spring for Munguia!  Now he needs to go to Sacramento and prove he's more than a spring phenom.

Nick Ahmed SS and Marco Luciano SS both went 0 for 2.  Tough roster choices coming today.

Spencer Howard RHP- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K.  ERA= 1.59.  Howard has pitched well enough to make the team.  The 40-man roster numbers are daunting.  He came out of this one early as an apparent precaution after getting winged by comebacker.

Blaine Enlow RHP- 2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 4.05.  Enlow has had a good spring.  Probably more AAA depth at this point, though.

Nick Avila RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 3.97.  Avila has had a nice spring on the heels of winning 14 games out of the bullpen in Sacramento last season.  Is this the year he finally makes a MLB roster?

That brings another spring training to a close.  Because of Blake Snell's late signing and pitchers injuries, there will be some roster churning to start the season, but the long term pitching outlook is solid.  I get the feeling this team is again going to struggle to score runs.  Big roster decisions coming later today.

The Giants open the season Thursday afternoon March 28 in San Diego with Logan Webb RHP facing Yu Darvish RHP.  

Preseason Exhibition Game Wrap 3/25/2024: Giants 4 A's 1

 Jordan Hicks brought the fire and Tom Murphy brough the toonder in what the Giants hope was a preview of a typical regular season game.  Key Lines:

Tom Murphy C- 2 for 2, 2 HR(3).  BA= .350.  I feel like Murphy is the starting C.  We've seen very little of Patrick Bailey lately, partly due to the hand injury but Bailey hasn't hit much when he has played.  Is it possible the Giants solve the Joey Bart problem by making Murph the starter, keeping Bart as the backup and optioning Bailey to AAA Sacramento to get fully healthy and get his bat going?  Bart drew a walk in his only PA.  We'll be watching today's lineup closely.

Wilmer Flores 1B- 1 for 3, HR(2).  BA= .350.  Wilmer has had a hot bat all spring.  He was the starting 1B against the LHSP.  With Bob Melvin being less of a platoonist than Kap, could Wilmer start to wrest playing time from LMWJ?  Wilmer has been the Giants best hitter over the past 2 years.  I think he could be even better with more rest and less of the burden of carrying the offense.

Marco Luciano SS- 1 for 4, 2B.  BA= .238.  Luciano is sure looking like the starting SS.  From March 13 he is 9 for 22(.409) with 5 XBH's and 6 BB's.  Over the same span, Nick Ahmed has not been terrible(.278), but he's not has not played as much and will have to be added to the 40-man roster.  Again, worth watching today's lineup closely.

Jordan Hicks RHP- 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 10 K.  ERA= 2.65.  Here's the line that should make Giants fans giddy.  Hicks has dialed back from triple digits in a staring role but seems to be getting more movement on both a sinker and 4-seam FB.  The A's lineup is admittedly not a World Series contender but he just mowed them down and for 5 innings.

Juan Sanchez LHP- 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 2.61.  Sanchez is competing for a LH bullpen role, but stumbled a bit here.  Erik Miller, who is on the 40-man roster has resurfaced and finished the inning for him also allowing a hit and a walk in 0.2 IP.  

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

Justin Garza RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.25.  Garza has only appeared in 3 preseason games but all 3 have come starting 3/19/2024.  

The Giants play their last preseason game of 2024 tomorrow evening in Oracle Park with TBD facing Paul Blackburn RHP.

Preseason Exhibition Game Wrap 3/24/2024: River Cats 8 Giants 1

 The Giants AAA's dominated the MLB's although in fairness, none of the pitchers for either squad are on the 40-man MLB roster and the one most likely to make it started for the AAA's.  Key Lines:

Jung Hoo Lee CF- 1 for 2, BB.   Lee did what he is supposed to do and did it very well.  A potential weakness of a player with his profile is a leadoff hitter usually can't do much without support behind him in the lineup.

Heliot Ramos LF- 2 for 4, BB.  A Heliot sighting!  

David Villar 1B- 2 for 5, 2B.  Villar has an option so the Giants can stash him in Sacramento as depth.

Mason Black RHP- 3.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 1 K, GO/AO= 5/1.  A bit of a walk on the wild side but the Giants are likely to have to add at least one non-roster pitcher to start the season until Blake Snell and the wounded are ready.  Black is very much in the running for that.

John Bertrand LHP- 4.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 0 K.  Intriguing lefty in the system.

Nick Avila RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  I would like to see Avila get a shot at a bullpen gig before the season is over.

Juan Sanchez LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K.  Sanchez is very much in play for a lefty reliever role on Opening Day.  Probably did not hurt his chances here.

Eric Silva RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 K.  Silva struck out 4 in 2 scoreless innings in two recent appearances.

Bay Bridge Series starts tomorrow evening in Oakland with Jordan Hicks RHP making his final spring tuneup facing J. P. Sears LHP.   I am so confused!  Are the A's playing their home games in the Oakland Coliseum this year?

Spring Training Game Wrap 3/24/2024: D'Backs 11 Giants 5

Kyle Harrison got roughed up in what was probably his final tuneup of the spring and the Giants dropped their Cactus League finale.  Key Lines:

Marco Luciano SS- 1 for 3, HR(2).  BA= .237.  Luciano struck out in his first two AB's the crushed a HR off the scoreboard in left-CF.  So there you have it:  If the Giants put their faith in him, he'll have his share of K's and more, but there is serious toonder in the bat.  Seems like there is a 3-way/2 role dynamic going on with a big decision coming up for Bob Melvin, FZ and Peppermint Pete:

If Luciano makes the team he will be the starting SS and Nick Ahmed the reserve MI.  But since Ahmed only plays SS if a need arises at 2B, Luciano would slide over there and Ahmed would play SS. 

If Ahmed is the starting SS, Luciano gets optioned and Tyler Fitzgerald who can not only play both SS and 2B, but 3B and OF too.  

Tough decisons but I think they have to find out what they have in Marco Luciano who is the one guy who could change the entire trajectory of the franchise and for years to come.

Tom Murphy C- 3 for 3, HR(1).  Murph led off the Giants second inning with a HR and got two more hits in the game.  Another guy with toonder in his bat.  Again, my bold prediction is Murphy ends up with the most innings behind the plate and most AB's among the Giants catchers on the season.

Kyle Harrison LHP- 3.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 4.26.  Hopefully this is just Harrison trying to avoid injury in his final spring tuneup.

Erik Miller LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.25.  Read an X-post that Miller was hitting 97 with the FB and showing 2 good secondary pitches.  Did the Giants option him too soon?

Tyler Vogel RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 0.00.  Vogel gets to visit major league camp for a day.   Drafted in 2022 he had an interesting season last year for the SJ Giants as a multi-inning reliever.  His pitching line was 6-7, 4.27, 65.1 IP, 34 BB, 89 K, GO/AO= 1.53.  A name to watch in the minor league boxscores in 2024.

The Giants break camp and head north.  They play the AAA Sacramento River Cats tomorrow evening with Mason Black RHP going for the Giants and the River Cats SP TBD.

Spring Training Game Wrap 3/22/2024: Giants 7 Cubs 3; Giants 13 Cubs 12

Away Game:  The Giants got an efficient start from Keaton Winn and timely hitting from multiple players.  Key Lines:

Luis Matos CF- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .314.  Austin Slater's elbow is barking again which may open the door for an Opening Day roster spot for Matos who has earned it.

Marco Luciano SS- 1 for 1, 2B, 3 BB.  BA= .229.  Luciano reaches base 3 of 4 PA's and continues his late spring surge reclaim the starting SS role on Opening Day.

Tyler Fitzgerald 2B- 1 for 3, HR(2), BB.  BA= .225.  Does Fitz have a path to a roster spot if Luciano is the starting SS with Ahmed as reserve MI?

Pablo Sandoval 3B- 2 for 4.  BA= .182.  Not seeing how Pabs has a path to a roster spot.

Joey Bart C- 0 for 1.  BA= .407.  Bart came out in the 3'rd inning prompting some speculation but has a tight hammy.

Keaton Winn RHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 0 K, GO/AO= 7/1.  ERA= 3.18.  Winn kept the ball on the ground which conserved pitches and allowed him to go 4 full innings.

Dalton Jefferies RHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 5 K.  ERA= 2.57.  Would like to see Jefferies get a shot at some MLB level role before the season is done.  He's had a solid spring.

Justin Garza RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 3.00.  Just Garza's second appearance of the spring.  Probably AAA organizational depth.

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

Home Game:  The Giants came back from 9-0 and 10-2 deficits and won in a walk-off.  Key Lines:

Jung Hoo Lee CF- 2 for 4, SB(2).  BA= .414.  You definitely cannot depend on spring numbers to carry over into the season but Lee looks legit so far.

Jorge Soler DH- 2 for 4, 2B, SB(1).  BA= .324.  Soler has had a fine spring without a lot of power.  Not worried about that part of his game.

LaMonte Wade Jr 1B- 2 for 4, 3B.  BA= .209.  LMWJ is 3 for his last 9 but was 0 for 12 before that.

Matt Chapman 3B- 2 for 4, HR(2).  BA= .280.  Will reuniting with Bob Melvin as well as the incentive of an opt-out inspire a bounceback season for Chapman?  My bold prediction is 25 HR's with GG D.  

Mike Yastrzemski RF- 2 for 4, 2 2B.  BA= .231.  Seems like every time YtY appeared to be heating up over the last 2 years he would hit the IL.  What can he do if he stays healthy?

Patrick Bailey C- 1 for 4.  BA= .143.  Bailey somehow drove in 3 runs but the hit was a single.  

Nick Ahmed SS- 1 for 4.  BA= .379.  Ahmed vs Luciano.  Who ya got?

Logan Webb RHP- 4.1 IP, 9 H, 9 R, 1 BB, 3 K, GO/AO= 7/1.  ERA= 10.97.  Webb is getting a reputation as a slow starter.  He's the Opening Day SP so hopefully he's treating spring training as a ramp-up process and not sweating the results.

Blayne Enlow RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 3.27.  Enlow has had a solid spring.

Eric Silva RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00.  I saw a X-post from Roger Munter that Silva was sitting 95-97 on the FB in a minor league camp game. Rough season last year in Eugene.  Is this his breakout season?

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

Kyle Harrison LHP faces Logan Allen RHP and the D'Backs tomorrow in Scottsdale.

Spring Training Game Wrap 3/20/2024

Marco Luciano and Landon Roupp had big nights which could have significant career implications for both and the Giants hung on to win after building an early big lead.  Key Lines:

Tyler Fitzgerald 2B- 1 for 2, 3 BB.  BA= .216.  Otto Lopez was optioned out giving Fitz a leg up in the reserve MI race.  

Marco Luciano SS- 2 for 4, HR(1).  BA= .206.  8 days ago it was all but a foregone conclusion that Nick Ahmed would be the starting SS on Opening Day and Luciano would start the season in Sacramento.  Since then, Luciano 6 for 14 with a double and HR.  I'm thinking we may be back on track for Luciano to start at SS with Ahmed as the reserve MI.

Luis Matos CF- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .292.  Matos keeps refusing to make final cuts easy.  

Tom Murphy C- 1 for 2, 2 BB.  BA= .250.  Bold prediction is Murph will get the most PA's of any Giants C this season.

Trenton Brooks 1B- 1 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .400.  I am a Trenton Brooks fan.  Would like to see him get a shot in some role at some point.

Landon Roupp RHP- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 2.25.  Did we just see Landon Roupp win a roster spot?

Juan Sanchez LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 1.80.  Amir Garrett LHP was released which clears the way for Sanchez to win a roster spot as the second LHP out of the bullpen.

Split squad doubleheader tomorrow with both games against the Cubs.   Keaton Winn RHP faces Justin Steele LHP in the away game.  Logan Webb RHP faces Javier Assad RHP in Scottsdale.

Spring Training Game Wrap 3/20/2024: Giants 5 Angels 2

Jordan Hicks pitched into the 5'th inning and Jung Hoo Lee led the offense from the top of the order in a Giants win that had a regular season feel.  Key Lines:

Jung Hoo Lee CF- 2 for 2, 2B, BB.  BA= .400.  Is it too early to feel ecstatic about Jung Hoo Lee anchoring the top of the order for the next 4 years?

Joey Bart C- 1 for 1, 2B.  BA= .423.  Bart lined a double off the LF wall.  Patrick Bailey went 0 for 3 with a K in his first game back from the hand contusion.

Marco Luciano PR/SS- 1 for 1, 2 SB(2).  BA= .167.   Luciano is 4 for 10 with 3 BB's over his last 6 games.

Jordan Hicks RHP- 4.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 6 K's, GO/AO= 4/1.  ERA= 3.75.  

Nick Avila RHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's, Save(1).  ERA= 4.35.  Avila was a vulture last season for the AAA Sacramento River Cats winning 14 games in multi-inning bullpen role.  I don't think he has a shot at an Opening Day MLB roster spot but could be in interesting option if/when needs arise later in the season.

Landon Roupp RHP gets a start tomorro evening against the Brewers and Wade Miley LHP.  Is Wade Miley really still pitching?

Spring Training Game Wrap 3/19/2024: Giants 9 Royals 8

Thairo Estrada's grand slam HR led the Giants offense to a win in a high-scoring game.  Key Lines:

Michael Conforto LF- 2 for 3.  BA= .296.  Conforto has had a decent spring but has not hit for any power.  If FZ finds a taker will he pull the trigger and give LF to Matos?

Thairo Estrada 2B- 3 for 3, 3B, HR(2).  BA= .342.  Thairo is red hot.  He tripled in addition to the grand slam HR.

Luis Matos CF- 1 for 3, HR(4).  BA= .262.  Matos leads the team in spring HR's.  Is it enough to make the Opening Day roster?  He should not be on the team unless he is playing every day and up to stay.

Juan Sanchez LHP- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K.  ERA= 2.00.  If spring training competition means anything, Sanchez should be the second lefty in the bullpen after Taylor Rogers.

Jordan Hicks RHP gets the start tomorrow afternoon against the Angels and Tyler Anderson LHP in Tempe, AZ.

Spring Training Game Wrap 3/18/2024: Giants 4 Reds 2; Giants Sign Blake Snell!; Renel Out

 Kyle Harrison was sharp in 5 innings of work in a Giants spring training win.  Key Lines:

Marco Luciano SS-  2 for 3, 2B.  BA= .143.  Luciano's bat seems be finally coming to life.  Is it too little, too late for him to start the season as the Giants starting SS?

Joey Bart C- 0 for 1, 2 BB.  BA= .400.  The curious case of Joey Bart continues.  He's had a great spring but is there any other ending than his release at the end of spring training?

Ismael Munguia LF- 2 for 3, 3B.  BA= .519.  Munguia's bat-to-ball skills continue to impress.

Kyle Harrison LHP- 5 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 5/2.  ERA= 1.93.  Harrison looks primed to have a breakout season.  ROY candidate?

Blayne Enlow RHP- 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.00.  Enlow has looked good this spring but opportunities for NRI's are fading with the signing of Blake Snell LHP and apparent imminent returns of Alex Cobb RHP and Keaton Winn RHP.

Spencer Bivens RHP is listed as the starter tomorrow facing the Royals and Seth Lugo RHP in Scottsdale.

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

Well, well, well!  What have we here?  Farhan Zaidi today pulled off the free agency coup of the decade as Blake Snell agreed to a 2 year/$62 M contract with an opt out after year one.  The breakdown is $15 M salary in 2024, $30 M salary in 2025 if he does not opt out and a bonus of $17 M to be paid in 2026 regardless of opt out.  The AAV for CBT is $31 M which pushes them over the first penalty threshold.  The deal also costs them a 3'rd round draft pick in what is looking like a fairly weak draft and another $500 K in international bonus pool money.  Personally I am less worried about losing the draft picks than the possibility of losing a top international prospect who the Giants are rumored to be in on for Jan 205 signing period.

This is a fantastic deal for the Giants and FZ and pushes DrB's Hot Stove League grade for FZ to not just an A but an A+.  The + gets added on for absolutely owning Scott Boras in not just one but two contracts with his clients.  Snell was MLBTR's 4 ranked free agent heading into the Hot Stove League season and projected to get a contract of 7 years/$200 M.  At one point the Yankees were rumored to have offered him 6 yr/$150 M.  FZ stared down Boras, waited out the market and got him signed for a fraction of either of those numbers only a modestly higher AAV and with zero longterm risk.  You can't do it much better than that.  You have to think Scott Boras grossly misread the market with his reputation taking a major hit.

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

On a sadder note, the Giants announced that Renel Brooks-Moon will not be back as the Oracle Park PA announcer ending a storied and much-beloved career for a pioneer for women involved in sports.  Renel is the only PA announcer in the history of Pac Bell/AT&T/Oracle Park and will be missed.

Spring Training Game Wrap 3/17/2024: Rockies 5 Giants 3

 Logan Webb ramping up to 5.1 IP and Keaton Winn making his first in-game appearance of the spring were the biggest stories of a fairly uneventful game.  Key Lines:

Logan Webb RHP- 5.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 0 BB, 8 K's.  ERA= 9.00.  Again, all we are looking from from Webb in the spring is ramping up workload and staying healthy.   The K/BB sure looks good, though!

Keaton Winn RHP- 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 5.40.  First appearance of the spring after experiencing R elbow soreness before games started.  3 K's in 1.2 IP looks good to me. Don't rush it!

Wilmer Flores 1B had 2 hits including a double.  6 other players had one hit each with Tom Murphy C and Thairo Estrada 2B recording doubles.

Kyle Harrison LHP gets the start tomorrow evening against the Reds and Frankie Montas RHP.  

Spring Training Game Wrap 3/16/2024: Giants 6 Guardians 0; Giants 11 White Sox 7

 The Giants may have found some patches for their pitching holes in a split-squad twin bill following an off day and a rainout.  

Game 1:   Daulton Jefferies pitched 4 scoreless innings and 4 relievers completed the shutout.  Key Lines:

Mike Yastrzemski RF-  2 for 4, SB(1).  BA= .200.  YtY got off to a slow start to the spring with sore shoulder.  Still plenty of time to get his timing down for Opening Day.

Jimmy Glowenke PR/3B- 1 for 1, 2B.  BA= 1.000.  Is Jimmy G a sleeper in the system?  He's had 2 PA's this spring with a double and HR.  He OPS'd .798 at 2 levels last year including a stint in AA Richmond.  Round 2C signability pick in the shortened 2020 draft which is looking like one of the great Giants drafts of all time.

Matt Chapman 3B- 1 for 3, HR(1), HBP.  BA= .308.  Easy oppo-field power.  Hope we see more of that through the season.

Thairo Estrada 2B- 2 for 4.  BA= .281.  Thairo looking like he's ready to start the season tomorrow.

Nick Ahmed SS- 2 for 3, 3B.  BA= .529.  Well, we all know he's not going to hit .529 on the season. Will he hit over .200?

Daulton Jefferies RHP- 4 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 1.64.  Don't forget Jefferies was once a fairly highly regarded prospect before injuries derailed his career.  If he can stay healthy, I think he can be more than a decent backend SP.

Landon Roupp RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K, GO/AO= 3/0.  ERA= 3.60.  The Legend of the Curveball keeps growing.  We talk about the Giants needing a lefty reliever.  They also need at least 1 an probably 2 more relievers.  Roupp looking like a legit option for one of those roster spots as a multi-inning dude.

The Rogers Bros and Amir Garrett pitched a scoreless frame apiece.  

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

Game 2:  Spencer Howard pitched 4 perfect innings and David Villar had a huge day at the plate in a high-scoring win.  Key Lines:

Austin Slater CF- 1 for 2, BB, SB(1).  BA= .111.  Slater also got a late start due to elbow soreness.  He also has time to get his timing down by Opening Day.

Tyler Fitzgerald 2B- 2 for 4, SB(3).  BA= .233.  Consensus seems to be that Fitz is winning the utility MI role.

David Villar DH- 4 for 5, HR(3).  BA= .353.  What does the future hold for David Villar?

Casey Schmitt 3B- 1 for 4, BB.  BA= .143.  Schmitt has not had much success at the plate this spring but is clearly drawing more walks.

Joey Bart C- 1 for 3, HBP.  BA= .417.  What does the future hold for Joey Bart?

Ismael Munguia LF- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .522.  Strong batting skills but limited power.  Similar profile to Jung Hoo Lee and Wade Meckler.  

Chase Pinder RF- 2 for 4, HR(1).  BA= .438.  Brother of Chad, Pinder was brought in to provide OF depth.  Responded with a strong spring.  Is there room on the roster?  Minor league record shows strong on-base skills with limited power.

Spencer Howard RHP- 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, GO/AO= 3/5.  ERA= 1.86.  Very similar bio as Daulton Jefferies.  Once highly regarded pitching prospect got derailed by injuries.  Could these two solve the Giants backend rotation holes, at least temporarily?

Juan Sanchez LHP- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, GO/AO= 4/0.  ERA= 2.35.  Sanchez hurt himself with a throwing error.  He has emerged as a serious option for second LH reliever.

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

Keaton Winn RHP finally makes his spring training debut tomorrow facing the Rockies and Cal Quantrill RHP in Scottsdale.

Spring Training Update: More Rainouts and a Looming Roster Crunch

The Giants had a day off Thursday then had Friday's game against the A's rained out.  Sadly, the Spring Breakout game featuring prospects scheduled later in the day was also rained out.  We've had several intense discussions about the Giants pitching situation and whether they need to acquire another veteran starting pitcher.  One big problem which I have not seen discussed that much is a looming roster crunch for both starting and relief pitching.  This is a nice break in game action to drill down on that.  

Here is a list of pitchers currently on the 40 man roster divided into categories:

Healthy SP's  In Camp: 

Logan Webb RHP

Jordan Hicks RHP

Kyle Harrison LHP

Injured SP's In Camp(questionable for Opening Day Active Roster):

Alex Cobb RHP- recovering from hip surgery, ahead of schedule but has not pitched in a game yet.

Sean Hjelle RHP- Elbow sprain, will definitely miss Opening Day.

Keaton Winn RHP- Elbow pain.  Throwing but has not appeared in a game since being shut down.  

Injured SP's on 60-Day IL:

Tristan Beck RHP

Robbie Ray LHP

Healthy SP's Already Optioned to Minor League Camp:

Trevor McDonald RHP

Injured SP's Already Optioned to Minor League Camp:

Kai-Wei Teng RHP(oblique)

Healthy RP's In Camp:

Camilo Doval RHP

Luke Jackson RHP

Tyler Rogers RHP

Taylor Rogers LHP

Ryan Walker RHP

Injured RP's In Camp:

Ethan Small LHP(oblique- out several weeks)

Injured RP's on 60-day IL:

Austin Warren RHP

RP's Already Optioned to Minor League Camp:

Erik Miller LHP

Randy Rodriquez RHP

That's it.  The Giants currently have 3 healthy SP's and 5 healthy RPs, 8 total, on the 40-man roster and in camp.  To my eye, none of the other pitchers on the 40-man roster look ready to start the season either due to injury or to inexperience.  This is already a daunting problem because it means they have at least 4 and possibly 5 pitching roster spots to fill that will require dropping players off the 40 man roster to make room.

 

Here is a list of non-roster invitees to spring training.  I am not sure who is still in MLB camp and who is healthy but will divide into SP's and RP's: 

SP Non-roster Invitees:  

Hayden Birdsong RHP- Reassigned?

Mason Black RHP

Blayne Enlow RHP

Spencer Howard RHP

Daulton Jefferies RHP

Tommy Romero RHP

Landen Roupp RHP- Reasssigned?

Carson Seymour RHP- Reassigned?

Carson Whisenhunt LHP- Injured?

Reggie Crawford LHP- Reassigned

Black, Howard, Jefferies and Roupp have had some encouraging appearances but again, room would have to be cleared on the 40-man roster for them to make the Opening Day Active Roster. My frontrunners are Black and Jefferies, although Blayne Enlow pitched very well against the first line Dodgers lineup last week.

RP Non-roster Invitees:

Nick Avila RHP

Jose Cruz RHP

Amir Garrett LHP

Juan Sanchez LHP

Cody Stashak RHP

Thomas Szapucki LHP- Could be swingman.

Garrett was clearly brought in with the intent for him to make the team but Juan Sanchez has been the most effective pitchers of this group so far.

So, these are the options barring additional free agent signings or significant trades.

Spring Training Game Wrap 3/13/2024: Reds 19 Giants 11

It was a rough day for pitchers in Scottsdale Stadium as the hitters padded their stat lines in a losing effort by the Giants.  Key Lines:

Jung Hoo Lee CF- 1 for 1, BB.  BA= .348.  Lee came out early due to leg tightness.  Bob Melvin said it was purely precautionary.  Let's hope so because so far Lee is exactly what the Giants thought they were getting when they signed him as a free agent. 

Luis Matos PH/CF/LF- 2 for 3, 2 2B, HBP.   BA= .290.  Matos bat cooled off a bit from his hot start but picked up in his last two games.  8 of his 9 hits have gone for extra bases.

Wilmer Flores 1B- 2 for 3, HR(1).  BA= .409.  Best Giants hitter the last two seasons.

David Villar 1B- 1 for 3, HR(2).  BA= .276.  I still say Villar is going to have an Adam Duvall type of career for someone.  Probably not the Giants.

Thairo Estrada 2B- 1 for 3, HR(1).  BA= .250.  First HR of the spring for Thairo.

Mason Black RHP- 3.1 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 0 BB, 3 K.  ERA= 6.97.  A bit of a stumble for Black but turns out this was one of the better lines by any pitcher on the day.

Juan Sanchez LHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 1.50.  Is Sanchez the frontrunner for second LHRP?

The Giants are off tomorrow then face the A's in Friday with Jordan Hicks RHP toeing the rubber against Paul Blackburn RHP and don't forget the Giants vs A's Spring Breakout game Friday evening.

Spring Training Game Wrap 3/12/2024: Dodgers 6 Giants 4

The Giants did not get their first hit in the game until the 6'th inning and did not score until the 9'th inning in a game that was not nearly as close as the final score looks.   Key Lines:

Matt Chapman 3B- 1 for 3, 2B.  BA= .250.   I truly hope Chapman hits 25 HR's and wins a Gold Glove at 3B this season.

Otto Lopez PH- 1 for 1, 2B.  BA= .278.  A couple of errors by Dodgers 3B prospect Jake Gelof opened the door for a late rally capped off by Lopez' bases-loaded double to drive in 3.  Lopez is looking like the frontrunner for a utility role, particularly if Marco Luciano starts the season in Sacramento.

Blayne Enlow RHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K, GO/AO= 5/2.  ERA= 3.86.  Impressive appearance facing the Dodgers likely starting lineup, at least 1-4.  Enlow got the start because it was Kyle Harrison's turn and the Giants did not want him facing the Dodgers this close to when they play them in April so Harrison started a minor league game.

Shohei Ohtani DH- 3 for 4, HR(2).  BA= .579.  **** the Dodgers!  Have fun paying him $68 M in 2044.

Mason Black RHP starts tomorrow's game against the Reds in Scottsdale with Frankie Montas RHP going for the Reds.

Patrick Bailey C left the game early after taking a foul tip off his right hand.  X-rays reportedly showed no fracture.

Spring Training Game Wrap 3/11/2024: Giants 12 Royals 9

The Giants brought their hitting shoes to Surprise, AZ to win a slugfest.  Key Lines:

Tyler Fitzgerald CF- 2 for 4, 2B, 3B, SF.  BA= .200.  Fitz has struggled to make contact with a 40% K rate but 3 of his 5 hits have gone for extra bases and his walk rate is almost 20%.  Just 32 PA's though.  

Luis Matos RF- 1 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .250.  6 of Matos' 7 hits have gone for extra bases.  He's only walked once but also only struck out 3 times in 30 PA's.  

Casey Schmitt 3B- 1 for 4, HR(1).  BA= .133.  Schmitt seems to have improved his approach at the plate but it hasn't translated into results.  He hit one out today.  Again, SSS.  

David Villar 1B- 2 for 3, 2B, HR(1), BB.  BA= .292.  Villar is quietly having a fine spring.  Hard to see where he fits in the organization right now.  I think he does have an option.

Joey Bart DH- 3 for 4. BA= .474.  Bart is getting lots of PA's.  Are Giants showcasing him?  Patrick Bailey was the DH for Alex Cobb's live BP session today and reportedly hit one off the batting eye.  Most likely they are showcasing him for a trade but I still think there is a non-zero chance he's on the Opening Day active roster.  I guess you can call me a Joey Bart die-hard.  

Wade Meckler LF- 3 for 4, 2 2B.  BA= .440.  Meck is stating his case at the plate but has struggled in the field making his 3'rd error of the spring today.  Another guy who doesn't seem to quite fit in, especially since he has a similar profile as Jung Hoo Lee who is not going anywhere for several years.

Otto Lopez 2B- 1 for 2, 2 BB.  BA= .235.  I tend to believe Lopez is the frontrunner for a backup MI roster spot.  He did make his second error of the spring today.

Logan Webb RHP- 3.1 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, GO/AO- 3/4.  ERA= 10.03.  Not a typical Logan Webb line in any way but I am sure he's just building his pitch count with strict instructions to not hurt himself.

Daulton Jefferies RHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.57.  I'm thinking Jefferies is the frontrunner for the 5'th starter slot to start the season.

Spencer Bivens RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 1.69.  Feel good story of the spring.  Is it enough to make the Opening Day roster?

Giants play the Dodgers tomorrow afternoon in Glendale, AZ with Blaine Enlow RHP toeing the rubber in the first inning facing Tyler Glasnow RHP

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

J. D. Davis was officially released today after he cleared waivers and the fallout just keeps descending with his agent accusing the Giants of not negotiating a contract in good faith pre-arbitration and FZ punching back to the press.  It sure looks like the Giants intentionally set him up to file for arbitration and win so they would have this out in case they signed Chapman.  Not sure they could have scripted it out like that but I wouldn't be shocked if they did.  There seems to be some vague language in the CBA regarding under what circumstances the team can dump a player-winning arbitration salary.  I feel a grievance coming on from both J. D. and the MLBPA.  On one level the FZ and the Giants showed some savvy maneuvering here but on another level it adds one more example to a growing list of needlessly callous treatment of players.  Not a good look!

Spring Training Game Wraps 3/10/2024(Split Squad): Giants 5 White Sox 4; Mariners 8 Giants 3

Home Game:  The Giants won a see-saw game on a walk-off single by Tom Murphy.  Key Lines: 

Michael Conforto LF- 3 for 3.  BA= .400.  Maybe with Soler and Chapman in the lineup, Conforto won't feel as much pressure to hit for power?  Now, if he can just stay healthy.

Tom Murphy PH/DH- 1 for 1.  BA= .385.  Murph has always hit.  Can he stay healthy?

Joey Bart C- 2 for 3, SF.  BA= .400.  If I am not mistaken, Bart has hit in spring training before and as we all know, spring stats don't mean a thang.  Are the Giants showcasing him for a potential trade?  Patrick Bailey went 0 for 3 in the away game.  Is there a non-zero chance Bart starts the season on the active roster with Bailey optioned to Sacramento?  

Spencer Howard RHP- 2.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K's, GO/AO= 4.1.  ERA= 3.18.  Too many walks but he kept the ball on the ground and worked out of trouble.  BTW, all 3 walks came in the first inning.

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

Away Game:  Tommy Romero RHP gave up 6 runs in 1.2 IP and the Giants could not come back.  Key Lines:

Jung Hoo Lee CF- 1 for 3.  BA= .368.  So far Lee is just what the Giants thought they were getting.

Luis Matos RF- 1 for 3, 2B.  BA= .240.  Matos' bat had cooled off after a hot start. Will this get it going again?  He definitely is flexing his extra-base power.

David Villar DH- 1 for 2, 2B.  BA= .238.  Villar is a forgotten man but I think he has an option.

Casey Schmitt 3B- 1 for 2, BB, SB(1). BA= .091.  3 walks in 2 games.  Is Schmitt improving on his plate discipline?  

Carson Seymour RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K.  ERA= 7.20.  Can Seymour turn the Darin Ruf trade into more than a wash?

Juan Sanchez LHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K.  ERA= 1.80.  Sanchez is quietly having a tremendous spring.  I read somewhere his FB is up to 96 MPH.

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

Logan Webb RHP makes his 4'th start of the spring tomorrow afternoon against the Royals and somebody named Angel Zerpa LHP in Surprise, AZ.

Spring Training Game Wrap 3/9/2024: Giants 5 A's 1

 Jordan Hicks pitched an electric 3 innings and the Giants scored 5 runs in a pivotal 7'th inning for a spring training win.  Key Lines:

Wilmer Flores 1B- 2 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .412.  Wilmer is quietly one of the Giants best hitters this spring.  So, what else is new?

Trenton Brooks PR/1B- 1 for 1, 2B, SB(1).  BA= .500.  Another guy who is quietly having a great spring.  Brooks is an intriguing sleeper in the system.  Acquired last August for Sean Newcomb LHP.  Brooks is limited defensively but appears to have a serious bat.

Matt Chapman 3B- 1 for 2, BB.  BA= .500.  Chapman makes his 2024 spring training debut.  More on this later.  All I can say is I hope he vindicates FZ's ham-handed handling of the J. D. Davis situation.

Wade Meckler LF- 1 for 1, SB(2).  BA= .400.  Meckler broke his bat on the hit, but it drove in 2 runs.

Giants hitters drew a total of 11 walks in the game including 2 each by Tyler Fitzgerald PR/CF, Casey Schmitt PR/3B and Nick Ahmed SS.  

Jordan Hicks RHP- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ER= 4.91.  Hicks was electric and he said he dialed it back a bit because he wasn't feeling 100%.  

Mason Black RHP- 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 5.14.  Black loaded the bases on 3 infield hits before he recorded an out.  He got out of it allowing just 1 run.  

Landon Roupp RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 0.00.  Roupp made his spring debut and it was sensational as he hit 97 MPH on the radar gun and showed off a knee buckling hard curve to finish batters off.  Roupp is another reason the Giant may feel they don't have to cave to free agent or trade demands for a fronline SP.  He was sidelined last year with a bad back.

Camilo Doval RHP, Tyler Rogers RHP and Spencer Bivens RHP pitched a scoreless inning each.

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

In a shocking development, the Giants reportedly DFA'd J. D. Davis in the wake of the Chapman signing.  It was obvious from long before the signing there was not room on the roster for both players.  In a twist that I was not aware of until reported by the Giants beat writers, if Davis clears waivers the Giants can release him and owe him only a small prorated fraction of his $6.9 M salary because he won it in arbitration.  Winning arbitration salaries are not guaranteed.  Davis would then be able to cut the best deal he can find as a free agent but the there are several hitters at least as good as him still unsigned so the market looks rather bleak for him.   You have to think the Giants were well aware of this wrinkle all along and that it factored into their signing of Chapman who now only costs them a net $11 M in the first year of his contract.

It all makes a lot more sense now and it is a savvy move by FZ but I still don't like how Davis got treated and I'm sure that is not going be lost on players around the league.  It also makes me wonder if maybe FZ could have sold high on him at the trade deadline last season, a possible missed opportunity to amplify the return on the Darin Ruf trade.

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

On a happier note, while Thursday's game against the Dodgers was officially cancelled by rain, Kyle Harrison LHP was tremendous with 6 K's in 2.2 IP against the hated rivals.  Speaking of which.....Mookie Betts is now the Dodgers starting SS due to throwing issues for Gavin Lux and lack of hitting by Miguel Rojas.  Hey!  Betts is a great player and athlete so it may work out, but it sure seems like the Dodgers are playing with fire here.

Spring Training Game Wrap 3/5/2024: Giants 13 Brewers 8

 The Giants came out on top of a high-scoring affair in Scottsdale.  Key Lines:

LaMonte Wade Jr.  1B- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .250.   Jung Hoo Lee got the day off so LMWJ batted leadoff.

Thairo Estrada 2B- 1 for 3, BB.  BA= .278.  Is there another level for Estrada?  

Michael Conforto LF- 1 for 1, 2B, 3 BB.  BA= .250.  OBP .474 in 19 PA.

Jorge Soler DH- 1 for 2, BB.  BA= .500.  Soler has not hit for much power so far but as long as he hits he'll produce in the middle of the Giants lineup.

Wilmer Flores 3B- 2 for 2, 2 2B, BB.  BA= .333.  The man can hit.

Tom Murphy C- 2 for 2, 2B.  BA= .400.  Bold prediction:  Tom Murphy gets more PA's and innings behind the plate this year than Patrick Bailey.

Wade Meckler CF- 3 for 4.  BA= .368.  Meck also made a throwing error.  Similar player demographic as Jung Hoo Lee.  Probably only room for one of those on a roster.

Logan Webb RHP- 3.1 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 0 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 8.64.  Webb is just building his pitch count.  No worries about outcomes.  He does tend to start seasons slower than he finishes.

Taylor Rogers LHP and Tommy Romero RHP pitched a scoreless inning each.

The Giants get a day off tomorrow before facing the Dodgers in a night game in Scottsdale Thursday.  Kyle Harrison LHP gets the start for the Giants.

In more bad news for Giants starting pitching, Sean Hjelle RHP is shut down due to an elbow sprain.  MRI reportedly did not show any tears of the UCL.

Blake Sabol OF/C tweaked a groin while running out an infield single in the 6'th.   He is due to undergo an MRI tomorrow.  

If you want a nice story line to root for, Spencer Bivens RHP got a formal invitation to Spring Training. The Giants gave him a shot in 2022 after he kicked around Indy ball for a couple of seasons.  Now he gets a chance to live his dream.

Spring Training Game Wrap 3/4/2023: Rockies 12 Giants 10

 The Giants lost a typical Coors Field game.....oh wait!  This was in Arizona?  It was a typical Giants/Rockies game in which the Giants blew 7-1 and 9-4 leads and ended up losing the high-scoring game.  Key Lines:

Jung Hoo Lee CF- 1 for 3, BB.  BA= .462.  Lee has appeared in 5 of 8 spring games.  Giants probably want him to see as much MLB pitching as reasonable before the season starts.  

Mike Yastrzemski RF- 1 for 2, BB.  BA= .250.  YtY was delayed in playing in the field due to shoulder issue.  He's apparently completed his throwing program and cleared to play out there now.

J. D. Davis 1B- 2 for 3.  BA= .400.  Gotta feel for J. D. whose hot start at the plate may well have helped drive Chapman's price down and cost him a starting 3B job.

Patrick Bailey C- 1 for 2, 2 BB.  BA= .286.  Not spectacular, but Bailey has not done anything to lose the starting C gig so far.

Cooper Hummel PR/3B- 1 for 1, 2B.  BA= .375.  Hummel is an intriguing option for a utility/3'rd C role.

Nick Ahmed SS- 2 for 2.  BA= .625.  Ahmed came in hot and has all but won the starting SS gig to start the season which allows Luciano to get more salt in Sacramento, which he probably needs.

Brett Wisely 2B- 2 for 3, 2B.  bA= .214.   If Ahmed starts at SS and Luciano starts the season in Sacramento, Wisely could be in the mix for a backup MI role.

Spencer Howard RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 6.00.  In answer to SteveVA's possibly rhetorical question from yesterday, Howard and Jefferies were both once highly regarded pitching prospects who fell on hard times with injuries and/or poor performance. Interesting reclamation projects.

Cody Stashak RHP and Juan Sanchez LHP added scoreless frames in what was a rough day for pitchers.

Logan Webb RHP takes his third spring start tomorrow facing Forever Giant Jakob Junis RHP and the BrewCrew in Scottsdale.

Spring Training Game Wrap 3/3/2024: Giants 6 Guardians 5

 The Giants fought through a see-saw battle for their second spring training win.  Key Lines:

Jung Hoo Lee CF- 1 for 2, BB, SB(1).  BA= .455.  So far Lee looks like the perfect leadoff hitter.

LaMonte Wade Jr 1B- 1 for 3, HR(1).  BA= .188.  LMWJ is off to a slow spring start.  Maybe this HR will get him going?  

Ismael Munguia LF- 2 for 2, HR(2).  BA= .700.  Munguia is this year's spring phenom.  

Nick Ahmed SS- 2 for 3, HR(2).  BA= .500.  With Marco Luciano slow out of the gate, I'm starting to get the feeling Ahmed will be the starting SS on Opening Day with Marco getting some more salt in Sacramento.  

Jordan Hicks RHP- 2.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K's, GO/AO= 3/1.  ERA= 8.31.  Most important task for Hicks is to ramp up his pitches.  I'll get worried about results if he puts up lines like this in the last 10 days of spring training.

Daulton Jeffries RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K, GO/AO= 2/0.  ERA= 4.50.  Is Jeffries a dark horse for the #5 rotation slot?

Nick Avila RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 5.40.  Avila could be a candidate for a middle-relief/multi-inning role.  And yeah, record another W in relief.

Spencer Howard RHP gets the start tomorrow as the Giants go on the road to face the Rockies and Dakota Hudson RHP

Spring Training Game Wrap 3/2/2024: Padres 3 Giants 2

A late Giants rally to tie the game in the 8'th inning went for naught as the Padres scored in the top of the 9'th and held on to send the Giants to another spring training loss.  Key Lines:

Giants had 8 hits in the game by 8 different batters including doubles by Tom Murphy and Thairo Estrada.

Mason Black RHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 5.40.  Black struck out the side in the first inning around a double.  The run was pure bad luck as Forever Giant Bryce Johnson hit a fly ball that Wade Meckler lost in the sun in LF.  He took third on a bunt single and scored on a wild pitch.  Is Black in the mix for n Opening Day rotation spot?

Taylor Rogers LHP, Camilo Doval RHP and Amir Garrett LHP recorded scoreless frames.

Jordan Hicks RHP makes his second spring start tomorrow against the Guardians facing Tanner Bibee RHP in Scottsdale.

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

We've already hashed and rehashed the Matt Chapman signing in the Comments after yesterday's post.  Sine the Giants already had an incumbent 3B who Chapman will apparently replace, I thought we could do a smackdown and see just how much of an upgrade this move is.  I will say that if the Giants really, really wanted Chapman, which is how it appears, FZ emphatically won a very ballsy staredown with Scott Boras to keep the amount of guaranteed money far below industry projections.  

Matt Chapman 3B.  DOB:  4/28/1993.  B-R, T-R.  6'0", 215 lbs.  

2023(Blue Jays):  .240/.330/.424, 17 HR, 10.7 BB%, 28.4 K%, UZR/150- +8.7, fWAR= 3.5.  

2024(ZIPS):  .241/333/.438, 22 HR, 11.2 BB%, 27.6 K%, fWAR= 3.7.

Note:  Chapman hit 27 HR in 2021(A's) and in 2022(Blue Jays).  The only significant difference in his stat line from 2023 is HR/FB which fell off significantly.  That's a stat that is supposed to normalize so we should expect at least some positive regression.  On the other hand, Roger's Stadium is HR neutral while Oracle Park still pretty severely suppresses HR's.

J. D. Davis 3B.  DOB 4/27/1993.  B-R, T-R.  6'3", 218 lbs.  

2023(Giants):  .248/.325/.413, 18 HR, 9.5 BB%, 27.8 K%, UZR/150= 0.8, fWAR= 2.2.

2024(ZIPS):  .249/.334/.411, 14 HR, 9.9 BB%, 28.9 K%, fWAR= 1.8.  

Note:  although Davis had a neutral UZR at 3B last year ZIPS expects it to regress into negative territory this season.  

Smackdown Verdict: Two very similar players although Chapman appears to be a definite upgrade.  Whether that upgrade is large enough to justify the investment is debatable and remains to be seen. There does seem to be a larger WAR gap when using bWAR but I tend to believe fWAR is more accurate.   It does create an awkward situation regarding Davis' fate.  At this point it appears some type of trade scenario involving Davis is in the cards.  What can the Giants get in return?  3B is a fairly stacked position across MLB which is one reason why Chapman's market was soft.

Spring Training Game Wrap 3/1/2024: Giants 11 Rangers 5

 The Giants got encouraging performances from several players in their first spring win.  Key Lines:

Michael Conforto LF- 2 for 3.  BA= .222.  Conforto did not figure into the scoring but whether he is the starting LF or trade bait, multi-hit games help.

Ismael Munguia PR/LF- 2 for 2.  3 SB(3).  BA= .714.  Munguia is having a sensational spring so far.  Is he a sleeper in the system?  

Jorge Soler DH- 2 for 3.  BA= .500.  Soler's bat anchoring the middle of the order almost every game should lead to more run scoring.

J. D. Davis 3B- 2 for 2, HR(2), BB.  BA= .444.  Hopefully Davis' hot start allows FZ to shift his focus exclusively to bolstering the rotation.

Nick Ahmed SS- 1 for 3, HR(1).  BA= .333.  Ahmed already obviously had the inside track for a reserve MI roster spot.  The HR today may have guaranteed it.

Luis Matos RF- 2 for 3, 2 HR(3).  BA= .455.  What a monster start to the spring for Matos!  His secondary numbers were good last year and it appears the added bulk paid off in more HR power.  Still a long way to go before the season starts but if he keeps this up he may force his way into a starting OF role.

Kyle Harrison LHP- 2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.98.  Webb and Harrison are on track to be 1, 2 in the rotation.  Hicks is probably #3.  After that it's Winn if he can stay healthy and then open mic night.  Giants could really use another reliable SP if they are serious about competing for the postseason.  I'd be OK with Lorenzen or Clevinger if FZ doesn't want to go long with Blake Snell.

Mason Black RHP gets another start tomorrow in Scottsdale facing Michael King RHP and the Padres.