Game Wrap 7/31/2024: Giants 1 Athletics 0

Logan Webb put the team on his back and pitched them to a 1-0 complete game shutout.  It doesn't get any more ace-like than that.  Key Lines:

Logan Webb RHP- 9 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K's, GO/AO= 14-6.  ERA= 3.49.  Webb scuffled for almost a month then just like that, he pitched a Webb Gem at critical moment as the Giants appeared to be reeling after a very odd trade deadline finish.  Webb worked quickly and conjured memories of Greg Maddux in completing the game in under two hours.  He threw 106 pitches.

The Giants run scored after consecutive singles by Mike Yastrzemski RF and Marco Luciano DH followed by a Sac Fly by Brett Wisely.  Lamonte Wade Jr 1B and Matt Chapman 3B each had a double that did not factor into the scoring.

The Win gained the Giants 0.5 games in the Wild Card race to a 4.5 game deficit.

The Giants have a travel day tomorrow ahead of a weekend series in Cincinnati.  The Starter for Friday's opener is TBD facing Andrew Abbott LHP.

Down on the Farm: 7/30/2024

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats outlasted the Reno Aces 5-4:

Jerar Encarnacion 1B- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .350.

Ryan McKenna DH- 2 for 5, HR(1).  BA= .226.

Donovan Walton 2B- 3 for 5.  BA= .283.

Christian Koss SS- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .268.

Carson Ragsdale RHP- 4 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 7.29.

 

Pretty slim pickens down on the farm as far as immediate help goes.  

AA:  Altoona Curve defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels 5-1:

Wade Meckler LF- 1 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .333.

Jairo Pomares RF- 2 for 4, 2B, SB(7).  BA= .253.

A+:  Everett Aquasox edged out the Eugene Emeralds 3-2:

Bryce Eldridge 1B- 2 for 4.  BA= .270.

A:  San Jose Giants edged out the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 3-2:

Bo Davidson LF- 2 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .270.

Jack Payton 1B- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .259.

Dylan Carmouche LHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 2.74.

Ryan Vanderhei RHP- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 3.18.

DSL:  Phillies Red blanked Giants Orange 2-0(7 innings):

Miguel Blanco CF- 2 for 3.  BA= .248.

Jorge Ramirez C- 2 for 3.  BA= .250.

Juan Berson RHP- 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 5.82.

DSL:  Giants Black outscored Arizona Red 5-4:

Jhonny Level SS- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .256.

Ricardo Estrada LHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 1.67.

Game Wrap 7/30/2024: A's 5 Giants 2

Robbie Ray had a rough second start to his season and the Giants 2-run rally in the 9'th inning was way too little, too late.  Key Lines:

Patrick Bailey C- 2 for 4.  BA= .271.  Bailey had the Giants only multi-hit game.  Maybe the silver lining to this game is all 5 of the Giants hits came from their young core of Bailey, Ramos, Luciano and Villar.  Luciano and Villar hit doubles.

Robbie Ray LHP- 4.1 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 4 K's.  FZ said Ray's first start is what gave him confidence to trade Soler and Cobb and rely on the rotation to go on a run into the postseason.  I have no idea if he really believes that or if he's putting a spin on salary dumps but for a guy who is supposed to be so analytics based, he sure seems to put an inordinate amount of stock in small sample sizes.  Not that Ray won't bounce back next start but trading Cobb strips the rotation of any semblance of depth.  On the other hand, 5 healthy starters is better than 2.

Spencer Bivens RHP- 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 2.08. What a great story is Spencer Bivens!  

The Loss drops the Giants to a 5 game deficit in the Wild Card playoff race.

Speaking of depth, Logan Webb RHP tries to right his ship and split the 2-game series against Not-forever Giant Ross Stripling RHP tomorrow evening.

Churn Watch:

Is it just me or was this the weirdest Giants trade deadline in memory?  First there was yesterday's surprising salary dump of Jorge Soler.   That was followed today by a series of baffling trades:

The Giants acquire Mark Canha OF from the Tigers for Eric Silva RHP.  So they trade Soler to make room for Luciano but then acquire a defensively challenged lesser right-handed bat in Canha?  Oh yeah, Canha played for the A's when FZ was their assistant GM, another all-too-familiar pattern.  And I am starting to think Soler was less of a salary dump than he was in FZ doghouse and FZ just wanted him out of his sight.

FZ then shipped Alex Cobb RHP to the Guardians for Jacob Bresnahan LHP.  Bresnahan seems like a serious pitching prospect who could be a fast mover next season so I'm not totally against the trade. It also creates room for Hayden Birdsong RHP to stay in the rotation, but it leaves the rotation 5 deep with no safety net while Kyle Harrison LHP and Birdsong should probably both be on innings watches.

Giants Trade Jorge Soler to Braves

 The Giants traded Jorge Soler DH and Luke Jackson RHP to the Braves for Tyler Matzek LHP and Sabin Ceballos IF/OF.  So this is a bit of a surprise and the worst of all worlds from a fan perspective.  Overall, Soler has been a disappointment this season but he seemed to find a comfort zone at the top of the batting order and played a big role in the Giants 4-game sweep of the Rockies this weekend.  The Braves are taking on his whole contract which is why the return is disappointing.  

Tyler Matzek missed all of last season due to Tommy John surgery and has spend most of this season on the IL with elbow inflammation.  The last available report on him is he was playing catch from 90 feet on 6/28/2024.  He is in the second year of a 2 yr/$3.1 M contract and has a team option for 2025.  Perhaps if he is close to being ready the Giants can audition him for that option.  

Sabin Ceballos 3B.  DOB:  8/17/2002.  B-R, T-R.  6' 3", 225 lbs.  Drafted 2023 Round 3

2024 A+:  .259/.353/.354, 3 HR, 9 SB, 9.8 BB%, 19.1 K%. 

Should have 2 more years of development time before he is Rule 5 Draft eligible.

So maybe there is another trade in the works but this seems like a clear signal the Giants have given up on the season. It's the worst of all worlds from a fan perspective since rather than getting an exciting prospect or two back, they are getting a couple of lottery tickets worthy of The Churn.  Yes, the Giants are able to dump salary and that's a good thing for the owners but they continue to tread water in terms of talent acquisition. 

One bright spot is the Giants are reportedly trying to find a way for Marco Luciano IF to get regular AB's at the MLB level and this trade would seem to open that up.  

Unless there is a significant "buy" trade in the works, it would seem that trading Blake Snell is a must since if he remains healthy he will almost certainly exercise his player option and become a free agent and if he gets hurt, the Giants are stuck with a very large contract for next season.  Hey!  Maybe they can get a prospect or two in return for Snell?  

It's pretty rough day to be a Giants fan.

Down on the Farm: 7/29/2024

DSL:  Blue Jays outscored Giants Orange 9-6:

Keibert Camacaro SS- 3 for 5.  BA= .259.

Moises De La Rosa RF- 2 for 4, HR(2).  BA= .231.

 

DSL:  Giants Black blanked the Cardinals 1-0:

Anthony Marquez 2B- 2 for 3.  BA= .313.

Marlon Franco RHP- 4 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 1.60.

Jan Caraballo RHP- 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 1.93.

Down on the Farm: 7/28/2024

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats defeated the Sugar Land Space Cowboys 5-1:

Marco Luciano 2B- 2 for 4, HR(8), BB.  BA=.243.

Blake Sabol C- 1 for 4, 2B.  BA= .245.

Christian Koss SS- 1 for 3, HR(2), BB. BA= .250.

Landon Roupp RHP- 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K.  ERA= 3.98.

Kai-Wei Teng RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 8.78.

 

AA:  Binghampton Rumble Ponies outlasted the Richmond Flying Squirrels 4-2(10 innings):

Carter Howell DH- 2 for 5.  BA= .281.

Turner Hill RF- 3 for 4, 2B.  BA= .309.

Matt Higgins 1B- 2 for 3, SB(1).  BA= .400.

Will Bednar RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 6.59.

Dylan Cumming RHP- 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 9 K's.  ERA= 4.76.

A+:  Spokane Indians blanked the Eugene Emeralds 2-0:

Trent Harris RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 1.93.

A:  Modesto Nuts buried the San Jose Giants 12-7:

Jean Carlos Sio 2B- 2 for 3, BB, 2 HBP.  BA= .242.

Lisbel Diaz LF- 2 for 6.  BA= .237.

Elijah Pleasants RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 1.80.

The ACL Semifinal was a 1-game playoff so the Giants are eliminated after losing to the Dodgers last night. It will be interesting to see which, if any ACL players get promoted to San Jose now that the ACL season is over.

Game Wrap 7/28/2024: Giants 5 Rockies 4

It was a team effort as the Giants got contributions from several hitters in a bullpen game to complete the 4-game sweep of the Rockies.  Key Lines:

Jorge Soler DH- 3 for 5, 2B.  BA= .240.  After a horrible first two months, Soler has had two solid ones:

June:  .284/.361/.484

July:   .275/.389/.488.

Seems to be thriving in the leadoff spot. 

Casey Schmitt 2B- 1 for 3, HR(3), BB.  BA= .244.  Schmitt's HR in the first inning gave the Giants a quick lead.  Can he find some consistency this time through The Churn?

Matt Chapman 3B- 3 for 4, BB, SB(12).  BA= .242.  Baserunning is an overlooked part of Chapmans WAR value.

Michael Conforto LF- 2 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .225.  Will this game mark the end of Conforto's terrible slump?

Derek Hill CF- 2 for 4, 3B, BB.  BA= .264.  Hill is an interesting player.  Former first round draft pick who is fairly tooled up.  He's been tearing it up in the minors and his MLB record is not terrible considering he's had limited opportunities:  7 HR and 12 SB's in 359 PA which projects to about 12/20 in 600 PA's.  

Randy Rodriguez RHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.11.  Bulk inning guy for this game and earned the W(3-1).  

The Win got the Giants to a 3.5 game deficit in the Wild Card Race a gain of 2 games over the weekend.

The Giants now get a day off at home before a 2 game series against the A's, the last time the A's will visit Oracle Park as cross-bay rivals.  Robbie Ray LHP starts Tuesday night against J. P. Sears LHP.

Churn Watch:

Sean Hjelle RHP was placed on the bereavement list(sending up positive thoughts for Sean and his family).  Randy Rodriguez is his replacement.

Alex Cobb's rehab suffered yet another setback with a finger blister.  Barring a trade, the Giants have a 5-man rotation without Cobb or Hicks who is moving to the bullpen:  Snell, Webb, Ray, Harrison, Birdsong.

Down on the Farm: 7/27/2024

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats defeated the Sugar Land Space Cowboys 4-1:

Grant McCray LF- 1 for 3, 2B, 2 BB, SB(6).  BA= 259.

Jerar Encarnacion RF- 1 for 5, HR(9).  BA= .345.

Marco Luciano 2B- 0 for 2, 3 BB.  BA= .239.

Trenton Brooks 1B- 2 for 3, 2B, BB, SB(8).  BA= .317.

Trevor McDonald RHP- 5.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA- 1.69.  

Evan Gates RHP- 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.42.

After getting a late start to the season, McDonald has pitched at 4 levels and has a successful AAA debut.  He's on course to come online at the MLB level sometime next season if not sooner.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels outlasted the Binghampton Rumble Ponies 4-3(10 innings): 

Travis Kiest RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 3.27.

A+:  Spokane Indians topped the Eugene Emeralds 6-4:

Justin Wishkoski 3B- 2 for 4.  BA= .263.

Onil Perez C- 1 for 4, HR(1).  BA= .250.

Thomas Gavello 2B- 2 for 4, HR(5).  BA= .190.

A:  Modesto Nuts outscored the San Jose Giants 13-9:

Lisbel Diaz LF- 2 for 5.  BA= .230.

Bo Davidson RF- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(4), BB, SB(3).  BA= .260.

Bo Davidson was signed as an undrafted free agent out of JC ball last July.  A sleeper in the system.

ACL:  Dodgers buried the Giants 7-1(Game 1 of ACL semifinal playoff):

Jose Ortiz CF- 1 for 2, 2 BB. 

Jose Ramos 3B- 1 for 3, HR, BB.

Derwin Laya 1B- 3 for 4. 

DSL:  Giants Orange crushed Mets Blue 9-3(7 innings):

Albert Jimenez 3B- 3 for 4.  BA- .277.

Keibert Camacaro SS- 1 for 2, 2B, 2 HBP.  BA= .224.

Randry De Leon RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 3.76.

DSL: Giants Black edged out Pirates Gold 8-7:

Angel Guzman LF- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .342.

Doubleheader Game Wraps 7/27/2024: Giants 4 Rockies 1; Giants 5 Rockies 0

 The Giants got a combined 23 strikeouts in 11 shutout innings from their two starting pitchers and cruised to a doublheader sweep of the Rockies.  Key Lines:

Game 1:

Patrick Bailey C- 1 for 4, 2B.  BA= .273.  Bailey's double in the 7'th drove in 2 runs after the Rockies tied the score at 1 in the top of the inning.  Bailey leads all MLB catchers in fWAR by 0.8 with a 3.7.  

Matt Chapman 3B- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(15).  BA= .237.  So will Chapman meet my prediction of 25 HR's and GG defense?  He needs to hit 10 HR's over the final 2 months.  Doable but he's behind he pace.  Defensively he trails Ryan McMahon and Ke'Bryan Hayes in defensive fWAR by a wide margin. Overall he stands at #5 in fWAR for MLB 3B at 3.0.

Blake Snell LHP- 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 15 K.  ERA- 5.10.  Snell adds his name to the Giants recent string of double digit K's.  If the Giants are sellers his trade value just went way up.

Game 2:

Jorge Soler DH- 3 for 4, 2 2B.  BA= .235.  Soler is hitting the ball hard but as Kruk pointed out, with so much topspin the ball isn't getting enough height to clear the fence.  He's hitting .381 over his last 7 games.

Mike Yastrzemski RF- 1 for 3, 3B, SF.  BA= .249.  YtY tripled in game 1 too.  He has 8 on the season.

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 1 for 4, HR(9).  10 game hit streak with 8 HR's in that span.  Amazing!

Hayden Birdsong RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 8 K's.  ERA= 2.97.  Birdsong again had electric stuff but threw a lot of pitches early and struggled to finish the 4'th.  With the coaching on the field from Curt Casali, he made it through 5 IP without allowing a run after throwing 106 pitches.  Very bright future for this young pitcher.

The double wins cut the Giants deficit in the Wild Card race to 4.5 games.  

Jordan Hicks RHP makes what is planned to be his last start of the season today trying for the 4-game sweep facing Austin Gomber LHP.

Churn Watch:  

Birdsong was the 27'th man on the active roster for the doubleheader and will likely head back to AAA Sacramento at least until his next turn in the rotation.

Spencer Bivens RHP was recalled from AAA Sacramento and Mike Baumann RHP was. DFA'd.  

Trade deadline is Tuesday, July 30.  Are the Giants buyers or sellers?  If buyers, they need an OF who can hit.  If sellers, they have multiple veterans whose contracts are ending or have player options for next season.  Blake Snell might be the hot name who could bring back significant talent.

Down on the Farm: 7/26/2024

AAA:  Sugar Land Space Cowboys outlasted the Sacramento River Cats 9-8:

Grant McCray CF- 2 for 5, 2B, BB.  BA= .258.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the Binghampton Rumble Ponies 5-2:

Wade Meckler RF- 3 for 4, 2B.  BA= .375.

Diego Velasquez SS- 3 for 4, HR(1).  BA= .600.

Seth Lonsway LHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 1.69.

Velasquez is still just 20 yo and should have one more season before Rule 5 eligibility.  

A+:  Spokane Indians buried the Eugene Emeralds 13-5:

Jonah Cox CF- 1 for 5, HR(1).  BA= .220.

Rodolfo Nolasco DH- 1 for 2, 2 BB, SB(9).  BA= .254.

Alexander Suarez RF- 2 for 4.  BA= .291.

A:  Modesto Nuts topped the San Jose Giants 6-4:

Bo Davidson LF- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(3), BB.  BA= .244.

Alex Cobb RHP- 2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 6.30.

Bryan Palencia RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 1.69.

Josh Wolf RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

DSL:  Giants Black crushed Cubs Red 9-3:

Jhonny Level SS- 1 for 4, BB, SB(16).  BA= .248.

Angel Guzman 1B- 1 for 2, 3 BB, SB(11).  BA= .336.

Oliver Tejada CF- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .327.

Evan Estevez LF- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .294.

Anthony Marquez 2B- for 4, 2B, BB, SB(7).  BA= .312.

Luis De La Torre LHP- 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.24.

Jesus Lopez RHP- 2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 6.38.

If you are looking for reasons to not fire Farhan, I would put the large number of young position players performing well in the DSL.  This is a prerequisite to farm system the consistently produces contributing and even star players like the Dodgers.

DSL:  Phillies Red outscored Giants Orange 6-5:

Yosneiker Rivas SS- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .255.

Santiago Camacho C- 4 for 5, 2B, 3B.  BA= .359.

Game Wrap 7/26/2024: Giants 11 Rockies 4

 Huge games by Jorge Soler and Tyler Fitzgerald at the top of the lineup supported an electrifying pitching performance by Kyle Harrison in a Giants romp.  Key Lines:

Jorge Soler DH- 3 for 3, HR(12), 2 BB.  BA= .231.  We mentioned yesterday that Soler's move to the top of the lineup has turned him into an on-base machine.  He adds a little power in this game.  

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 3 for 5, 2 HR(8).  BA= .330.  7 HRs in 8 games.  While his current streak is insane, the general idea that he can hit and hit for power is not a new concept for him.  He averaged 20+ HR's per season from 2021-2022.  

Heliot Ramos CF- 2 for 5, 3B, HR(15).  BA= .296.  Ramos is 8 for 19 over his last 4 games.  As disappointing as this season has been, the emergence of Ramos, Fitz, Harrison and Birdsong should give us a lot of hope for the future.

Mike Yastrzemski RF- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .248.  YtY is on a sustained hot streak.  His slash line over his last 30 games is .317/.398/.537.  He has one more year of arbitration eligibility.  If the Giants are sellers, do they keep him or trade him?

Casey Schmitt 2B- 1 fo 1, 3B.  BA= .238.  Schmitt is up to be the RH platoon at 2B.  

Kyle Harrison LHP- 6.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 11 K's.  ERA= 3.69.  Harrison has allowed just 2 ER in 17 IP over his last 3 starts.  His ERA is 2.75 in 32.2 IP over 6 starts since June 1.  Harrison and Hayden Birdsong have emerged as potential future aces in the rotation.

Mike Baumann RHP- 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 4.84.  To echo Dave Fleming, why is Baumann no the team and not Spencer Bivens?  

Despite the Win, the Giants remain 5.5 games behind in the Wild Card playoff race.

The Giants play an old-fashioned twilight double-header tonight with Blake Snell LHP facing Ryan Feltner RHP in game 1 and Hayden Birdsong RHP facing Tanner Gordon RHP in game 2.

Churn Watch:  

Thairo Estrada IF moves to the IL with a lingering wrist sprain.  Casey Schmitt IF gets the call up over Marco Luciano IF.  Keaton Winn RHP will undergo season-ending surgery to move his ulnar nerve.

Down on the Farm: 7/25/2024

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats outscored the Sugar Land Space Cowboys 11-9:

Marco Luciano 2B- 1 for 3, 3 BB.  BA= .246.

Trenton Brooks DH- 3 for 5.  BA= .311.

Jerar Encarnacion 1B- 4 for 5, HR(8).  BA= .355.

Hunter Bishop LF- 2 for 5, 2 2B.  BA= .245.

Blake Sabol C- 2 for 5.  BA= .246.

Christian Koss SS- 2 for 5, SB(3).  BA= .262.

Donovan Walton 3B- 2 for 5.  BA= .276.

Spencer Bivens RHP- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 2.61. 

AA:  Binghampton Rumble Ponies edged out the Richmond Flying Squirrels 2-1:

Turner Hill LF- 2 for 3, BB, SB(4).  BA= .288.

Diego Velasquez 2B- 0 for 1, 2 BB,  BA= .000.

Wil Jensen RHP- 4 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 3.18.

Ben Madison RHP- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 7.46.

Eric Silva RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.35.

Diego Velasquez gets the promotion to AA, plays 2B while Will Wilson plays SS.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds topped the Spokane Indians 4-3:

Quinn McDaniel DH- 1 for 3, 3B, BB.  BA= .249.

Bryce Eldridge 1B- 1 for 3, BB.  BA= .258.

Rodolfo Nolasco LF- 3 for 4, 2 2B.  BA= .251.

Joe Whitman LHP- 6 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 8 K's.  ERA- 4.37.

Julio Rodriguez RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, Save(1).  ERA= 2.25.

A:  San Jose Giants cracked the Modesto Nuts 4-3:

Lisbel Diaz RF- 1 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .231.

Guillermo Williamson 1B- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .219.

Drew Cavanaugh C- 2 for 4.  BA= .198.

Ramon Peralta SS- 1 for 3, 3B, BB.  BA= .170.

Josh Bostick RHP- 5 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 4 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 5.09.

ACL:  Giants outscored the Cubs 8-7:

Aeverson Arteaga DH- 1 for 3, 3B, BB.  BA= .444.

Walker Martin SS- 2 for 4, 2B, BB, SB(4).  BA= .229.

Jose Ramos 3B- 2 for 3, 2B, 2 BB, 2 SB(13).  BA= .283.

Derwin Laya 1B- 2 for 4, HR(2), BB.  BA= .290.

Thomas Szapucki LHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

Kai-Wei Teng RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 9.82.

Giants clinch ACL playoff berth.

DSL:  Giants Black defeated Giants Orange 5-2(7 innings):

Franco Willias 2B- 1 for 3, HR(3).  BA= .337.

Jorge Ramirez C- 2 for 3.  BA= .220.

Elkyns Villareal RHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 1.99.

Jhonny Level SS- 1 for 3, 2B, BB, SB(15).  BA= .248.

Angel Guzman 1B- 1 for 3, 3B, BB.  BA= .333.

Oliver Tejada CF- 1 for 3, HR(3).  BA= .324.

Carlos Concepcion RF- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .269.

Juan Colorado 3B- 1 for 3, BB, SB(3).  BA= .268.

Anthony Marquez 2B- 1 for 2, 2B, HBP, SB(6).  BA= .301.

Brayan Narvaez RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.65.

Jan Caraballo RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.10.

Game Wrap 7/25/2024: Dodgers 6 Giants 4

 Moments after the Giants tied the game in the 8'th inning, Nick Ahmed, yes that Nick Ahmed, drove in the go-ahead run for the Dodgers with a solo home run and Shohei Ohtani added an insurance run with another solo shot.  Key Lines:

Jorge Soler DH- 2 for 3, 2 BB SB(1).  BA= .224.  Soler seems to be getting the hang of this leadoff gig.  He is batting just .208 over his last 7 game but with an OBP of .406.  He adds a SB here for good measure.

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 1 for 5, 3B.  BA= .316.  The triple was the keystone to a 2-run rally in the third inning driving in Soler and setting up Heliot Ramos' RBI single.

Heliot Ramos CF- 3 for 5, 2B.  BA= .294.  Since my comment about MLB pitchers figuring out he can't lay off the high fastball, Ramos is 6 for 14 over 3 games.

David Villar 1B- 1 for 4, 2B.  BA= .286.  Villar started the 8'th inning rally with a 2-out double.  

Michael Conforto PH/LF- 1 for 2, 2B.  BA= .226. Conforto drove in Villar with a double and scored on Soler's single.  Unfortunately he is batting just .095 over his last 7 games and .167 over his last 15.  It's all adding up to another disappointing season for Conforto.

Logan Webb RHP- 5 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 3.72.  Webb hit a wall in his last start before the All-Star game then was not able to rest due to pitching in the AS game.   15 ER in his last 16 IP over 3 starts, he might need an R&R IL stint as badly as Jordan Hicks.  Fingers crossed he's not hiding an injury.

Tyler Rogers RHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 3.33.   Second disaster appearance since the break for Rogers.  

The Loss dropped the Giants to 5.5 games behind in the Wild Card playoff race.  At this point it's hard to imagine a trade deadline addition that would give them a significantly better chance of making up that deficit.

If they are still undecided about buying or selling at the trade deadline, the Giants probably need to sweep the Rockies this weekend to stay in postseason contention.  They start off tonight with the Battle of the Kyles with Harrison LHP facing Freeland LHP.

Churn Watch:  

Wilmer Flores IF went on the 10-day IL with right knee tendonitis.  David Villar IF was recalled from AAA Sacramento.  If the Giants decide(correctly) they are out of the postseason race, they might want to keep Flores on the IL or release him and give Villar the rest of the season to audition for a role next season.

Down on the Farm: 7/242024

AAA:  Sugarland Space Cowboys defeated the Sacramento River Cats 5-1:

Nothing to see here.

AA:  Binghampton Rumble Ponies trampled the Richmond Flying Squirrels 9-4:

Carter Howell LF- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .282.

Victor Bericoto 1B- 2 for 5.  BA= .261.

Will Wilson SS- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .223.

John Bertrand LHP- 6.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 3.27.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds topped the Spokane Indians 3-1:

Quinn McDaniel 2B- 1 for 4, HR(10).  BA= .251.

Charlie Szykowny 3B- 1 for 3, HR(1).  BA= .333.

Alexander Suarez RF- 1 for 2, BB, SB(13).  BA= .279.

Jack Choate LHP- 4 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 2.78.

A:  Modesto Nuts blanked the San Jose Giants 3-0:

Dylan Carmouche LHP- 5 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 2 BB,  3 K's.  ERA= 2.79.

Elijah Pleasants RHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.00.

ACL:  Giants outscored the Rockies 8-6:

Ryan Reckley 2B- 2 for 3, 2B, 2 BB.  BA= .287.

Rayner Arias CF- 3 for 5, 2B.  BA= .262.

Jose Ramos 3B- 1 for 3, SF.  BA= .274.

Juan Perez DH- 2 for 2, SF.  BA= .286.

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

Looking forward to seeing former international bonus babies Ryan Reckley and Rayner Arias with the San Jose Giants next season.  Might they get a head start after the ACL season ends this year?  Will we see James Tibbs III when the SJ Giants come back to SoCal in August?

Game Wrap 7/24/2024: Giants 8 Dodgers 3

The Giants erupted for 6 runs in the 8'th inning to secure a Win for Robbie Ray in his first start of 2024.  Key Lines:

Jorge Soler DH- 0 for 2, 3 BB.  BA= .220.  Although Soler batting leadoff as DH continues not be a good look he was instrumental in running up Tyler Glasnow RHP's pitch count with a pair of walks.  He also drove in a run with a walk in the 8'th.

Heliot Ramos CF- 1 for 5.  BA= .288.  Ramos drove in 2 runs in the 8'th to extend the lead to 7-1 but had another brain fart in CF was he called off YtY on a can of corn flyball in R-CF but then pulled up and let the ball drop.  Erik Miller LHP was not happy.

Matt Chapman 3B- 2 for 3, HR(14), 2 BB.  BA= .233.  Chapman's leadoff HR in the 4'th inning got the Giants on the scoreboard after the Dodgers took a 1-0 lead in the first inning without the benefit of a hit on a bases-loaded walk.  He also led off the 8'th inning with a walk. and drove in the Giants final run with a single.

Mike Yastrzemski RF- 2 for 3, BB, SB(2).  BA= .244.  YtY had a nice night at the plate but contributed to Heliot's brain fart by pulling up late after Heliot clearly called for it both verbally and by waving his arms.  He looked totally stricken after the play.

Robbie Ray LHP- 5 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 8 K's.  Ray came out wild in the first inning and allowed a run on 2 walks and 2 HBP's.  He did not allow another baserunner while striking out 8 in an electric Giants debut and return from Tommy John surgery.

Although Ray's performance was a big boost, the game was closer than the final score looked as the Giants offense continued to sputter through 7 innings and 6-run innings are flukes by definition.  The Giants lineup did a good job of running up Tyler Glasnow's pitch count.

The Win gained the Giants 0.5 games in the Wild Card playoff race.  They now trail by 4.5 runs.

Logan Webb RHP tries for a series split in a rare midweek afternoon game at Dodger Stadium facing Clayton Kershaw LHP making his first start of 2024.

Churn Watch:  

Luis Matos OF and Randy Rodriguez RHP were optioned to AAA Sacramento while Robbie Ray LHP and Derek Hill OF were added to the active roster.  Matos needs regular PA's and will get them in Sacramento. Hill's ceiling is probably utility OF, although he is a former first round draft pick and could be a gold nugget in the sluice box.

Down on the Farm: 7/23/2024

AAA: Sugarland Space Cowboys defeated the Sacramento River Cats 7-3:

Hunter Bishop CF- 1 for 4, HR(6).  BA= .238.

Grant McCray RF- 1 for 3, 2B.  BA= .254.

Landon Roupp RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 4.96.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels corraled the Binghampton Rumble Ponies 8-4:

Wade Meckler LF- 3 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .417.

Luis Toribio 3B- 3 for 4, 2B, 2 HR(7).  BA= .184.

Dylan Cumming RHP- 5.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 5.03.

A+:  Spokane Indians buried the Eugene Emeralds 8-2:

Jonah Cox CF- 1 for 4, 3B.  BA= .219.

Alejandro Suarez RF- 2 for 3, 2B. BA= .282.

Cody Tucker RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.05.

A:  San Jose Giants cracked the Modesto Nuts 5-4:

Luke Shliger C- 2 for 4, 2B, SB(7).  BA= .222.

Bo Davidson CF- 2 for 4, 2 2B.  BA= .241.

Drew Cavanaugh DH- 2 for 3, HR(2), BB.  BA= .179.

Cole Hilier RHP- 2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.54.

ACL:  Giants pounded the Athletics 8-4(7 innings):

Aeverson Arteaga DH- 2 for 3, HR(1), SB(1).  BA+ .500.

Rayner Arias CF- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .241.

Walker Martin 0 for 1, 3 BB, SB(3).  BA= .230.

Jose Ramos 1B- 3 for 4.  BA= .273.

Mauricio Estrella RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 9.53.

Arteaga looking to move up quickly in his rehab.  Walker Martin is living up to his first name.

DSL:  Arizona Red blasted Giants Black 8-1:

Jhonny Level DH- 0 for 2, 2 BB.  BA- .246.

DSL: Cubs topped Giants Orange 3-2:

Jesus Alexander DH- 3 for 4, BB.   BA= .439.

Argenis Cayama RHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 1.98.

Game Wrap 7/23/2024: Dodgers 5 Giants 2

 Bob Melvin left Jordan Hicks in one batter too long but in the end that was not the difference in the game as the Giants offense again flailed against less than Cy Young caliber pitching.  Key Lines:

Heliot Ramos CF- 2 for 4.  BA= .290.  Heliot must have heard me talking about him in yesterday's wrap.  BTW, I saw a couple of X posts today pointing out how pitchers around the league figured out he can't lay off high fastballs.   Hmmm....wonder where they might have gotten that idea?  In fairness, it's been pointed out on at least a couple of broadcasts.

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 3 for 3, HR(6), BB.  BA= .322.  The hot hand du jour.  5'th HR in 5 games.  Last Giants batter to do that?  Barry Bonds.  Last rookie to do it?  Well, nobody!  Oh!  And Fitz and Heliot had all 5 of the Giants hits in the game.

Jordan Hicks RHP-  3.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 5 BB 7 K's.  ERA= 4.01.  OK, I think it's fairly safe to say Hicks is cooked for the season as a SP.  Probably needs to hit the IL for a R&R stay then come back as a reliever to finish out the season.  Send him back out as a SP next spring.  Hicks was approaching 90 pitches as the 4'th inning unfolded.  OK, the Dodgers have a lot of hitters who can beat you but in what was close to a must-win game, Melvin can't give Shohei Ohtani a chance to put the game out of reach against an obviously gassed SP.  Tyler Rogers LHP should have been warmed up and ready to face Ohtani.  

The Loss drops the Giants 5 games out of the Wild Card race and makes the next two games all but must win or it will be time to start the sell off.

...and that won't be easy as Robbie Ray LHP makes his first MLB start of 2024 facing Tyler Glasnow RHP.

Churn Watch:

The Giants claimed Derek Hill OF off waivers from the Rangers.  He was added to an open 40-man roster spot.  Hill appeared in 16 games for the Rangers this season batting .256 with 3 HR's.  

Down on the Farm: 7/22/2024

ACL:  Giants defeated the Angels 8-5(7 innings):

Aeverson Arteaga DH- 1 for 3.  BA= .333.

Walker Martin SS- 1 for 3, HR(6), BB.  BA= .231.

Jose Ramos 1B- 2 for 3, 2 2B.  BA= .258.

Ryan Reckley 2B- 2 for 2, HR(4), BB.  BA= .268.

An Aeverson Arteaga sighting!  He reportedly underwent thoracic outlet release surgery in the spring.

Two DSL games were suspended to be completed at a later date.

Game Wrap 7/22/2024: Dodgers 3 Giants 2

The Giants lineup could not muster enough runs to support a Quality Start by Blakc Snell.  Key Lines:

Lamonte Wade Jr 1B- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .311.  Only 3 hitters in the lineup had.....hits.  LMWJ and Patrick Bailey had 4 of the Giants 5 hits and 6 of 10 times reaching base. 

Tyler Fitzgerald SS= 1 for 3, HR(5), BB.  BA= .299.  Fitz is the Giants hot hitter du jour.  4 HR's in 4 games.  The last Giants player to do that is reportedly Brandon Belt.  Speaking of....why wasn't Belt signed to be the DH for a fraction of what Jorge Soler cost?

Heliot Ramos CF- 0 for 4.  BA= .287.  We are witnessing Ramos' regression.  Pitchers around the league discovered he can't lay off the high fastball and are wearing out the top of the zone.  He'll have to make the counter-adjustment.

Blake Snell LHP- 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 9/2.  ERA= 5.83.  The pitching infusion alone is not going to save this season.  Giants need lineup help.

The Loss drops the Giants back to a 4-game deficit in the Wild Card race.

Jordan Hicks RHP tries to even the 4-game series tomorrow evening facing Landon Knack RHP.

Churn Watch:  Giants acquired Mike Baumann RHP from the Mariners for cash and placed him on the 26-man active roster.  Hayden Birdsong RHP was optioned to A San Jose.  Before you all go ballistic, it appears this a procedural and he'll be brought back to start in Saturday's doubleheader against the Rockies.  Yes, a doubleheader.

Down on the Farm: 7/21/2024

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats defeated the Albuquerque Istotopes:

Marco Luciano DH- 1 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .253.

Trenton Brooks 1B- 3 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .303.

Hunter Bishop CF- 1 for 2, BB, SF.  BA= .237.

Blake Sabol C- 2 for 4.  BA= .241.

Donovan Walton 2B- 1 for 4.  BA= .277.

Mason Black RHP- 4.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 6/1.  ERA= 4.34.

Seems like Marco Luciano could be brought back up to the majors anytime although defensive struggles is what got him sent down

AA:  Akron Rubber Ducks outlasted the Richmond Flying Squrrels 2-1(10 innings):

Carter Howell LF- 3 for 5, 2B.  BA= .280.

Turner Hill CF- 1 for 3, 2B, BB, 2 SB(2).  BA= .286.

Trevor McDonald RHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.21.

Seth Lonsway LHP- 4.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 7/1.  ERA= 2.08.

Seth Lonsway has always had the stuff.  Has he conquered his control/command issues?  Carter Howell has thrived where hitting prospects go to die.

A+:  Tri-Cities Dust Devils beat the Eugene Emeralds 6-3:

Rodolfo Nolasco LF- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .244.

Matt Higgins DH- 2 for 3, 2B, SF.  BA= .272.

A:  San Jose Giants pounded the Fresno Grizzlies 9-1:

Jean Carlos Sio SS- 4 for 5, HR(4), BB.  BA= .239.

Charlie Szykowny DH- 2 for 5, BB.  BA= .340.

Cesar Quintas RF- 1 for 4, SF.  BA= .230.

Jack Payton 1B- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .297.

Drew Cavanaugh C-  2 for 5, 2B, HR(1).  BA= .160.

Elian Rayo 3B- 3 for 5, 2B.  BA= .263.

Jean Carlos Sio has 3 multi-hit games in a row and is batting .429 in July.

Game Wrap 7/21/2024: Giants 3 Rockies 2

Home runs by Tyler Fitzgerald and Jorge Soler supported an electric pitching performance by Hayden Birdsong to salvage a win in the series.  Key Lines:

Jorge Soler DH- 1 for 4, HR(11).  BA= .225.  Soler led off the game with a HR to get Birdsong an early lead which is critically important, especially for a young SP.  It was the longest HR for distance in MLB this season.

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 1 for 2, HR(4), BB.  BA= .298.  Fitz has now homered in his last 3 games dating back to 7/9 against Toronto.  He's the hot hand so needs to play.

Hayden Birdsong RHP- 6 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 12 K's.  ERA= 3.55.  Oh my!  Did we just see the birth of a star?  Birdsong is the first Giants rookie since someone named Tim Lincecum to strike out 12 batters in a game.  His ERA since his first start is 3.05.

Ryan Walker RHP, Tyler Rogers RHP and Camilo Doval RHP got the job done this time with 3 scoreless frames to close it out with Doval earning his 18'th Save.

The Win got the Giants back to a 3 game deficit in the Wild Card playoff race.

Blake Snell LHP opens a 4-game series against the Dodgers in LA facing TBD.

Down on the Farm: 7/20/2024

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats defeated the Albuquerque Isotopes 6-3:

Marco Luciano 2B- 1 for 4, HR(7).  BA= .252.

Casey Schmitt 3B- 1 for 3, HR(13), BB.  BA= .291.

David Villar 1B- 1 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .275.

Grant McCray CF- 2 for 4, 2 HR(4).  BA= .264.

Brett Auerbach LF- 2 for 3.  BA= .303.

Alex Cobb RHP- 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 8/1.  ERA= 0.00.

Tyler Myrick RHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's, Save(2).  ERA= 2.79.

Marco Luciano's slash line for July:  .327/.421/.633, 5 HR.  Giants need to settle on a defensive position for him.  He's not a future utility guy, at least he better not be!  Grant McCray definitely needs to be added to the 40-man roster before the next Rule 5 Draft.  Alex Cobb looks like he's ready to go. 

AA: Akron Rubber Ducks blanked the Richmond Flying Squirrels 5-0:

Carter Howell DH- 1 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .274.

Victor Bericoto 1B- 2 for 4.  BA= .262.

Will Bednar RHP- 0.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 5.91.

Will Bednar seems to be losing traction again.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds calmed the Tri-Cities Dust Devils 5-3:

Onil Perez C- 2 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .255.

Rodolfo Nolasco LF- 2 for 4, 2 HR(8), BB.  BA= .238.

Quinn McDaniel 2B- 2 for 4, 3B, BB, SB(27).  BA= .251.

Justin Wishkoski 3B- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .266.

Trent Harris RHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.37.

Cameron Cotter RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 2.37.

A:  San Jose Giants tamed the Fresno Grizzlies 6-0:

Maui Ahuna DH- 1 for 3, 2 BB, SB(5).  BA= .236.

Lisbel Diaz LF- 0 for 2, 3 BB.  BA= .232.

Cesar Quintas RF- 2 for 5, HR(9).  BA= .230.

Jean Carlos Sio 2B- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .223.

Esmerlin Vinicio LHP- 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 3.59.

Ryan Vanderhei RHP- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.86.

Brayan Palencia RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 1.52.

Esmerlin Vinicio lowered his ERA each month of the season and is 2.50 in 4 games in July.  He is still only 21 yo in his 4'th pro season.

ACL:  A's pounded the Giants 8-4:

Jose Ramos 3B- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .248.

Game Wrap 7/20/2024: Rockies 4 Giants 3

A big game from Tyler Fitzgerald was not enough to overcome another subpar start by Logan Webb who seems to have fallen into a pattern of falling behind in the first inning.  Key Lines:

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 2 for 3, 2B, HR(6).  BA= .293.  Fitz accounted for 2 of the Giants 3 runs with a solo HR and a double that drove in YtY after a triple.  Unfortunately the top 4 batters in the lineup combined to go 1 for 15 with a walk and Estrada, batting 6'th, went 0 for 4.  

Logan Webb RHP- 6 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 3.59.  Webb is definitely in a rough patch.  I've always had this mental picture of his arm hanging by a thread at the elbow but per statcast his FB velocity is steady at 92.5 MPH.  His first inning ERA split is 5.57 which is almost 2 full runs higher than his overall average.  Maybe he needs an IL stint for R&R when Ray and Cobb are back and they both seem about ready to go.

The Loss drops the Giants to 4 games off the Wild Card playoff pace which is starting to become a daunting deficit to overcome and we're down to less than 2 weeks to the trade deadline.

Hayden Birdsong RHP tries to stave off a sweep in Coors Field today against Ryan Feltner RHP and were the heck is Blake Snell?  He last pitched 7 days ago!  I guess Melvin is saving him for the Dodgers while getting swept in Coors?  

Down on the Farm: 7/19/2024

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats cooled off the Albuquerque Isotopes 5-1:

Marco Luciano 2B- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .252.

Blake Sabol LF- 1 for 2, HR(5), BB, HBP.  BA= .236.

Christian Koss SS- 1 for 3, SF, SB(2).  BA= .258.

Robbie Ray LHP- 5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 2.53.

Robbie Ray looks ready to start his next game with the Giants.  I thought of Luciano when Estrada got HBP last night.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels sank the Akron Rubber Ducks 9-1:

Turner Hill CF- 1 for 3, BB, HBP.  BA= .283.

Jairo Pomares DH- 3 for 5, 2 2B, 2 SB(6).  BA= .262.  

Jimmy Glowenke 2B- 3 for 4, 2B.  BA= .224.

John Bertrand LHP- 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 7/2.  ERA= 3.22.

Nick Swiney LHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.82.

I didn't know Jairo Pomares has enough speed to steal bases.

A+:  Tri-Cities Dust Devils blew away the Eugene Emeralds 12-1:

Rodolfo Nolasco LF- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .232.

Joe Whitman LHP got bombed for 8 runs in 4 IP.

A:  San Jose Giants tamed the Fresno Grizzlies 6-0:

Charlie Szykowny 3B- 1 for 4, 3B, BB.  BA= .233.

Jack Payton 1B- 1 for 4, HR(1), BB.  BA= .281.

Cesar Quintas RF- 1 for 4, HR(8), BB.  BA= .226.

Shane Rademacher RHP- 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 3.12.

Cole Hillier RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.68.

ACL:  Cubs outlasted the Giants 13-10(11 innings):

Walker Martin SS- 0 for 1, 4 BB, HBP, SB(2).  BA= .229.

Rayner Arias CF- 1 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .232.

Jose Ortiz RF- 1 for 4, 2B, HBP, SB(9).  BA= .321.

Jose Ramos 2B- 1 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .238.

Ryan Reckley DH- 1 for 2, 3 BB.  BA= .260.

Alix Hernandez RHP- 3.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 3.29.

Giants had just 5 hits in the game but drew 12 walks.

DSL:  Giants Black defeated the Angels 4-1(7 innings):

Jhonny Level SS- 2 for 3, 2B, SB(14).  BA= .250.

Jose Gonzalez RHP- 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.18.

DSL:  NYY Bombers edged out Giants Orange 5-4:

Albert Jimenez 3B- 1 for 2, 2B, BB.  BA= .265.

Game Wrap 7/19/2024: Rockies 7 Giants 3

Bad umpiring and a bullpen meltdown conspired to ruin a pretty good start by Kyle Harrison and ended in an extremely disappointing loss.  Key Lines:

Thairo Estrada 2B- 1 for 3, 3B, HBP.  Estrada's triple in the second inning staked Harrison to a 2-0 lead.  Harrison made it stand up for 5 innings.  Estrada was HBP on the right wrist in the 4'th inning causing some anxiety over a possible fracture. After a thorough on-field examination by the trainer, he stayed in the game.  

Brett Wisely SS- 1 for 4.  BA= .287.  His line should have been a lot better.  After Estrada's HBP put runners on first and second with 1 out, Wisely hit a scorcher down the 1B line that was headed for at least a double and at least 1 RBI.  Instead the ball hit the bag changing directions slightly then hit the ump and ricocheted directly to Michael Toglia 1B, who beat Wisely to the bag with a slide.  So, instead of at least one run in with runners at 2'nd and 3'rd with 1 out, the Giants were stuck with runners a 2'nd and 3'rd and 2 outs.  Of course, the runners were stranded.  A key turning point in the game.

Kyle Harrison LHP- 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 3.86.  Harrison showed his familiar combination of elite stuff and inconsistent command.  The result was 5 shutout innings with 93 pitches thrown.  I will say many of the non-strikes were not at all close and he was helped by a ridiculously wide strike zone by the ump.

Bullpen- The bullpen needed the rest over the All-Star Break but coming out, 3 relievers gave up 7 runs in 3 IP including 3 given up by Tyler Rogers who recorded just 1 out.  It was not a good scene!  

Umpires- The home plate ump had a ridiculously wide strike zone that had Dave Fleming fuming from the broadcast booth.  Although he called several obvious balls strikes, he seemed to do it more for Rockies SP Cal Quantrill which really put a damper on the Giants lineup in some key spots.  Then there was Wisely's ball that hit the 1B ump turning a double into an out.  That ball took a weird path and ate the ump up.  Probably just a bad break for the Giants but Bob Melvin was shaking his head in the dugout.

The Giants and their fans were banking on the 4 days of rest, returning SP's from the IL and a softer schedule to start the second half on an optimistic note.  This game was the exact opposite and very disheartening.  Despite the loss they remain 3 games out of the final Wild Card playoff spot.

Logan Webb RHP tries to get the team back on track after a disastrous All-Star Game performance facing Kyle Freeland LHP who always seems to be tough on the Giants. 

Down on the Farm: 7/18/2024

ACL:  Giants crushed the Rockies 9-1(7 innings):

Walker Martin RF- 2 for 3, HR(5), BB.  BA= .231.

Derwin Laya 1B- 2 for 4.  BA= .288.

Juan Perez C- 1 for 4, 2B.  BA= .271.

Ryan Reckley 2B- 2 for 4, 3B, SB(3).  BA= .253.

Elijah Pleasants RHP- 3.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.87.

Kanoah Pagan RHP- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

Walker Martin's batting lines improved each month since the start of the ACL season:

May:  .208/.296/.458, 2 HR, 27 PA.

June:  .231/.412/.277, 85 PA.  

July:  .244/.415/.463, 3 3 HR, 52 PA.

Will he get promoted to A San Jose when the ACL season is over?  MLB Giants are not the only organizational team facing a possible roster crunch in the near future.

DSL:  Giants Black outscored the Cardinals 7-6(8 innings):

Juan Colorado 3B- 2 for 4.  BA= .275.

Dnnys Riera 2B- 1 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .300.

Jan Caraballo RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 1.90.

DSL:  Giants Orange  defeated Arizona Red 5-1:

Keiberg Camacaro SS- 2 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .270.

Jesus Alexander C- 3 for 4, BB.  BA= .427.

Albert Jimenez 1B- 2 for 5.  BA= .260.

Miguel Blanco CF- 2 for 5.  BA= .253.

Erick Arosemena DH- 1 for 3, 3B, 2 BB.  BA= .207.

Alfonso Perez RHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA- 5.70.

Jose Rojas RHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.97.

Two 2'nd year DSL players I'm keeping an eye on:

Keiberg Camacaro is still just 17 yo.  Jesus Alexander is 18 yo and threatening to hit over .400 on the season after hitting just .171 last season.

Down on the Farm: 7/17/2024

DSL:  Angels edged out Giants Black 4-3(Makeup of July 2 game, 7 innings):

Jhonny Level DH- 1 for 4, 2 SB(13).  BA= .248.

Angel Guzman LF- 1 for 3, BB, 2 SB(10).  BA= .360.

Carlos Concepcion RF- 1 for 2, 2B, SF.  BA= .260.

Brayan Narvaez RHP- 5 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 2.79.

DSL:  Angels defeated Giants Black 5-2(scheduled game, 7 innings):

Ricardo Crespo CF- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .290.

Anthony Marquez SS- 3 for 3.  BA= .308.

DSL:  Giants Orange topped Mets Blue 4-3(7 innings):

Santiago Camacho C- 1 for 1, 2B, 3 BB.  BA= .328.

Jesus Alexander 1B- 3 for 4, 3B.  SB(1).  BA= .415.

Argenis Cayama RHP- 2.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.53.

Down on the Farm: 7/16/2024

ACL:  Giants outscored the Reds 7-5:

Vaun Brown CF- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .625.

Jose Ortiz RF- 1 for 5, 3B.  BA= .338.

Rayner Arias DH- 0 for 2, 3 BB, SB(2).  BA= .230.

Bo Davidson LF- 1 for 3, HR(2), 2 BB.  BA= .321.

Ryan Reckley 2B- 1 for 2, 2 BB.  BA= .239.

DSL:  Giants Black blanked Giants Orange 2-0(7 innings):

Jesus Alexander DH- 2 for 3, 2B. BA= .402.

Evan Estevez LF- 2 for 3, HR(1).  BA= .314.

Elkyns Villareal RHP- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.29.

Omar Calcurian RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.18.

Ricardo Estrada RHP- 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 1.65.

Ankeilly Feliz RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 5.14.

Scouting the Giants 2024 Draft: Rounds 11-20

The Giants continued to draft potential power bats on Day 3 of the draft before turning to pitching for 5 of their last 6 picks.

Round 11, #328.  Andy Polanco OF, HS.  DOB:  4/29/2005, B-R, T-R, 6'4", 195 lbs.

Not much information on this HS prospect who was born in the Dominican Republic but gotta love the size if nothing else.  He and Dakota Jordan look like the two over-slot bonus babies this year.

Round 12, #358.  Zander Darby 3B, College(UCSB).  DOB:  11/26/2002.  B-L, T-R.  6'3", 197 lbs.

2022:  .241/.381/.454, 7 HR, 20 BB, 35 K, 135 PA.

2022(WCL):  .284/.375/.486, 5 HR, 14 BB, 31 K, 126 PA.

2023:  .288/.383/.465, 7 HR, 30 BB, 40 K, 257 PA.

2023:  .292/.404/.407, 3 HR, 21 BB, 23 K, 137 PA.

2024:  .275/.347/.420, 6 HR, 22 BB, 40 K, 223 PA.

Hit over power but with power potential.  Looked poised to have a huge junior season after a strong summer on the Cape, but had a modest regression which hurt his stock.  Round 12 seems like a great slot to see if he can bounce back.

Round 13, #388.  Drake George RHP, College(Lewis-Clark St).  DOB:  9/30/2001.  6'1", 184 lbs.

2022:  3-1, 4.62, 50.2 IP, 21 BB, 56 K.

2023:  1-4, 6.92, 39.0 IP, 17 BB, 29 K.

2024:  6-2, 4.91, 66 IP, 21 BB, 74 K.

Solid numbers in a lower level conference.

Round 14, #418.  Jeremiah Jenkins 1B, College(Maine).  DOB:  5/5/2003.  B-L, T-L.  6', 4", 238 lbs. 

2022:  .284/.409/.485, 7 HR, 22 BB, 39 K, 208 PA.

2022(CRCL):  .290/.390/.400, HR, 12 BB, 14 K, 124 PA.

2023:  .366/.494/.756, 21 HR, 40 BB, 36 K, 255 PA.

2023(NECL):  .198/.276/.360, HR, 8 BB, 36 K, 127 PA.

2024:  .341/.451/.762, 22 HR, 35 BB, 34 K, 225 PA.

2024(CRCL):  .326/.484/.630, 3 HR, 14 BB, 11 K, 62 PA.

Big lefty slugger with excellent plate discipline.  One of handful of D1 college hitters with 20 or more HR's in consecutive seasons.  Too slow to play anywhere but 1B or DH.

Round 15, #448.  Evan Gray RHP,  College(St Louis U).  DOB:  4/10/2001.  6'4", 205 lbs.

2024:  2-2, 3.41, 29 IP, 9 BB, 33 K, 3 Saves.  

Lower Level college closer.

Round 16.  #478.  Tyler Switalski  LHP, College(West Virginia).  DOB:  6/18/2003, 6'4", 235 lbs.

2024:  5-3, 5.10, 67 IP, 35 BB, 58 K.  

Good size for a lefty.

Round 17.  #508.  Hunter Dryden RHP, College(Whitworth).  DOB:  6/10/2002.  5'11", 168 lbs.

2024:  5-3, 2.10, 68.2 IP, 12 BB, 71 K.  

Small RHP with interesting numbers from a D III program.

Round 18.  #538.  Ryan Slater RHP, College(Florida).  DOB:  5/23/2002.  6'3", 205 lbs.

2023:  10-1, 4.22, 59.1 IP, 19 BB, 48 K, 3 Saves.

2024:  5-2, 6.70, 49.2 IP, 17 BB, 44 K, 1 Save.

Swingman from a major college program in the elite conference.

Round 19.  #568.  Ryan Ure LHP, College(Oklahoma St).  DOB:  8/29/2002.  6'8", 234 lbs.

2024:  1-0, 4.91, 3.2 IP, 4 BB, 7 K's.  

6' 8" LHP's who throw 103 MPH don't grow on trees.  Missed 2023 with TJ surgery.

Round 20.  #598.  Fernando Gonzalez C, College(Georgia).  DOB:  12/2/2001, 5'10", 199 lbs.

2024:  .292/.364/.532, 9 HR, 15 BB, 31 K, 200 PA.

Senior Catcher from a top program in the elite conference.

Down on the Farm: 7/15/2024

ACL:  Giants outscored the Mariners 10-8:

Vaun Brown DH- 3 for 5, HR(1).  BA= .600.

Jose Ortiz RF- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .348.

Walker Martin SS- 1 for 2, 3 BB. BA= .228.

Bo Davidson LF- 2 for 5, 2 2B.  BA= .320.

Ryan Reckley 2B- 1 for 5, HR(3).  BA= .232.

Derwin Laya 1B- 1 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .282.

Alex Cobb RHP- 3.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 3 K, GO/AO= 2.70. 

Vaun Brown's name shows up in a boxscore!  Alex Cobb's rehab finds some traction.  

DSL:  Tigers defeated Giants Orange 12-9:

Franco Willias 3B- 1 for 3, 2B, 3 HBP.  BA= .373.

Santiago Camacho C- 4 for 5, 2 2B.  BA= .318.

Miguel Blanco LF- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .250.

Moises De La Rosa RF- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .259.

Luis Frias CF- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .225.

DSL:  White Sox topped Giants Black 9-7(8 innings):

Jhonny Level SS- 2 for 4, BB.   BA= .255.

Angel Guzman 1B- 2 for 3, HR(6), 2 BB.  BA= .362.

Anthony Marquez 2B- 2 for 4.  BA= .271.

Marlon Franco RHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 1.17.

Jhonny Level is hitting .400 in the month of July.

Scouting the Giants 2024 Draft: Rounds 4-10

The Giants did not have picks in rounds 2 or 3 due to signing Blake Snell and Matt Chapman as free agents.  So their first pick on Day 2 was in the 4'th round, #116 overall.  Here is a quick profile of the 7 players they drafted today:

Round 4, #116.  Dakota Jordan OF, College(Mississipi St).  DOB:  5/9/2003.  B-R, T-R.  6' 2", 220 lbs.

2023:  .307/.397/.575, 10 HR, 25 BB, 46 K, 184 PA.

2023(NECL):  .379/.514/.517, 7 BB, 7 K, 37 PA.

2024:  .354/.459/.671, 20 HR, 44 BB, 84 K, 290 PA.  

MLB Pipeline ranked him at #34 and several analysts had him as the top prospect going into Day 2.  Might be the most tooled up player in the draft.  2-sport athlete as a WR in football.   Light tower power, one of the fastest players in the draft.  Eric Longerhagen reports he ran a 4.2(home to first?  40 yd?) and a 60 arm.    Significant swing and miss in his game which might be one reason he fell to the Giants.  Another reason might be he is a draft-eligible sophomore which gives him more negotiating leverage.  After drafting Tibbs in round 1, it appears the Giants are well-positioned to offer Jordan a well above slot bonus.  Has significant work to do in pitch recognition and swing path but the sky is the limit for this plus-plus athlete.

Round 5, #149.  Jakob Christian OF, College(San Diego).  DOB:  9/17/2002.  B-R, T-R.  6' 5", 220 lbs.

2022(Point Loma Nazarene):  .322/.426/.585, 13 HR, 29 BB, 54 K, 244 PA.  

2022(NWDS):  .226/.357/.366, 2 HR, 15 BB, 29 K, 115 PA.

2023(Point Loma Nazarene):  .408/.506/.901, 28 HR, 23 BB, 46 K, 233 PA.

2024(San Diego):  .364/.460/.828, 26 HR, 28 BB, 47 K, 235 PA.

Tall, lean RH power hitter with long levers and some swing and miss in his game.  MLB scouting report refers to a "grooved swing."  Basic profile similar to Pat Burrell.  Can Pat the Bat help unlock his incredible potential?  Will probably need some development time.

Round 6, #178.  Robert Hipwell 3B, College(Santa Clara).  DOB:  3/6/2003.  B-L, T-R.  6' 3", 220 lbs.  

2022:  .150/.191/.350, HR, BB, 9 K's, 21 PA.

2023:  .329/.500/.706, 14 HR, 45 BB, 42 K's.  198 PA.

2024:  .273/.442/.515, 3 HR, 18 BB, 21 K, 86 PA.

2024(MLBD):  .245/.385/.359, HR, 10 BB, 18 K, 65 PA.  

Another power hitting college corner player.  Was well-positioned to be a first round pick when he was hit with a PED suspension near the end of his sophomore season extending into the first half of his junior season which is why his stock dropped.  Much like Carson Whisenhunt, the Giants jumped on the buy-low opportunity and may have gotten a huge bargain in Round 6.  Has the arm to play 3B but maybe not the mobility.  Bat might be good enough for 1B or DH.

Round 7, #208.  Greg Farone LHP, College(Alabama).  DOB:  5/3/2002.  6' 6", 240 lbs.  

2021(CCBL):  0-0, 2.45, 3.2 IP, 2 BB, 6 K's.  

2022(PGCL):  0-1, 6.75, 4 IP, 2 BB, 4 K's.

2023(Louisville):  1-4, 4.80, 50.2 IP, 35 BB, 65 K.

2024(Alabama):  4-3, 5.02, 71.2 IP, 24 BB, 68 K.  

Big lefty with a plus FB that works well up in the zone.  Secondary stuff needs development.  Future Stars Series promoted him as a sleeper arm in the draft.  He'll likely be a project but with a high ceiling.  Giants have a decent track record with pitchers like that.

Round 8, #238.  Niko Mazza RHP, College(Southern Mississippi).  DOB:  2/20/2022.  5'11", 194 lbs.

2022:  0-0, 5.06, 5.1 IP, 3 BB, 6 K.

2022(CCBL):  1-1, 5.28, 15.1 IP, 6 BB, 12 K.

2023:  5-2, 4.34, 74.2 IP, 46 BB, 89 K. 

2024:  9-3, 3.99, 90.1 IP, 36 BB, 95 K.

Short for a pitcher and a slow developer but worked his way into the Friday SP role with Southern Mississippi.  Scouting reports are a bit sketchy but what I can glean he has a low-mid 90's FB but with a plus breaking ball and  plus-plus changeup.  FB has been too hittable but could become a plus pitch with the right coaching.  Probably projects as a bullpen arm.

Round 9, #268.  Zane Zielinski SS, College(Ill Chicago).  DOB:  7/28/2001, B-R, T-R, 6' 3", 175 lbs.  

2021(Smr):  .317/.387/.366, 2 HR, 13 SB, 22 BB, 52 K, 231 PA.

2022(Smr):  .285/.369/.330, 2 HR, 20 SB, 28 BB, 24 K, 253 PA.

2023:  .247/.348/.305, 9 SB, 16 BB, 50 K, 184 PA.

2023(NWDS):  .220/.318/.253, 4 SB, 12 BB, 18 K, 109 PA.

2024:  .363/.449/.583, 8 HR, 10 SB, 32 BB, 47 K, 268 PA.

Prep Baseball Report Under the Radar College Hitter, Zielinski can not only stick at the SS position, he's a plus defender despite his long frame.  Still filling out a projectable frame his power is finally starting to emerge as he cuts down on his K rates.  Could be a major sleeper in this draft.

Round 10, #298.  Cade Vernon RHP, College(Murray State).  DOB:  1/17/2002.  6' 3", 210 lbs.

2021:  0-2, 5.86, 35.1 IP, 8 BB, 23 K.

2022:  2-4, 6.00, 42 IP, 15 BB, 22 K.

2023:  5-6, 4.87, 77.2 IP, 29 BB, 75 K.

2024:  8-3, 4.67, 90.2 IP, 18 BB, 85 K.  

Was not able to find a scouting report but ideal size for a pitcher with solid K and BB ratios from a lower level D1 program.

Scouting the 2024 Draft: Giants Take James Tibbs III in First Round

Round 1, Pick #13:  James Tibbs III, OF/1B, College(Florida State).  DOB:  10/1/2002.  B-L, T-L, 6'0", 201 lbs.

2022:  .300/.411/.553, 10 HR, 25 BB, 64 K, 202 PA.

2023:  .339/.471/.682, 17 HR, 48 BB, 49 K, 244 PA.

2023(Cape Cod League):  .303/.390/.472, 6 HR, 20 BB, 35 K, 164 PA.

2024:  .363/.488/.777, 28 HR, 58 BB, 37 K, 320 PA.

The Giants passed on the high ceiling prep pitcher Cam Caminiti despite having good success with that demographic over the years and Nick Kurtz did not fall to them.  They did not get cute with the pick and reach for a two-way phenom or a high ceiling HS SS with injury concerns.  Instead they went for the best college bat on the board and possibly the best one in the draft.  It's hard to find anything to not like in Tibbs bat except some concern about his L-L splits.  The concern is his lack of speed and average arm likely limit him to LF/1B/DH defensively which puts a lot of pressure on the bat.

While I would be happy with Caminiti, I like going all in on the bat.  He could be a really fast mover and be in the Giants lineup as soon as next season.

Down on the Farm: 7/14/2024

AAA:  Salt Lake City Bees edged out the Sacramento River Cats 4-3:

Marco Luciano SS- 1 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .248.

Jerar Encarnacion LF- 1 for 3, HR(7), BB.  BA= .341.

Hunter Bishop RF- 1 for 4, HR(5).  BA= .234.

Carson Seymour RHP- 6 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 4.25.

Seymour is the type of pitcher whose stuff might play better at the MLB level than the PCL where sinkers don't always sink.

AA:  Harrisburg Senators whipped the Richmond Flying Squirrels 6-1:

Will Bednar RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.60.

 A+:  Vancouver Canadians held off the Eugene Emeralds 7-4:

Wade Meckler CF- 2 for 3, BB, SF.  BA= .429.

Zach Morgan DH- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .213.

Alexander Suarez LF- 2 for 4, SB(11).  BA= .270.

A:  San Jose Giants defeated the Visalia Rawhide 6-1:

Lisbel Diaz LF- 1 for 3, 2B, HBP.  BA= .242.

Maui Ahuna DH- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .232.

Charlie Szykowny 3B- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .340.

Robbie Ray LHP- 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K's.  ERA= 3.09.

Josh Bostick RHP- 4 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 5.19.

Robbie Ray seems almost ready.  Does he need a start in AAA before making his Giants debut?

Game Wrap 7/14/2024: Giants 3 Twins 2

A triple and throwing error allowed Mike Yastrzemski to circle the bases in the 9'th inning for a walk-off win and send the Giants into the All-Star Break on a high note.  Key Lines:

LaMonte Wade Jr 1B- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .311.  LMWJ has been in a bit of a slump batting just .180 over his last 7 games.  Perhaps he'll be back to early season form coming out of the break?

Mike Yastrzemski RF- 3 for 3, 2 2B, 3B, BB.  BA= .241.  Have a day, YtY!  He is batting .400 over his last 7 games and .359 over his last 15.  Can he stay healthy ROS?

Blake Snell LHP- 7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 8 K's.  ERA= 6.31.  Snell was on fire and perfect through 6 innings.  Manuel Margot led off the 7'th with a single to left but Snell erased him quickely on a GIDP then struck out Brooks Lee to end the inning after facing the minimum 21 batters.  He is now unscored upon in 12 IP since coming off the IL.

Camilo Doval RHP- 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 4.38.  Doval's 4'th Blown Save of the season and there have been many more that were almost blown.  Ryan Walker RHP had to come in and get the last two outs.  Seems to have decent command of the slider extremely poor command of both cutter and two-seam FB's.   Giants need that fixed if they have any shot at mounting a second half comeback.

The Win brought the Giants back to a 3-game deficit in the Wild Card race. And hey!  They are within single digits of the Dodgers who are reeling right now.

The Giants, except for Logan Webb RHP and Heliot Ramos CF, have 4 days off to rest up and regroup. They start a series against the Rockies in Coors Field with both starters TBD.

Scouting the Draft: 2024

 

Today is Day 1 of the MLB amateur draft.  Sorry for the paucity of draft coverage at When the Giants Come To Town but I just didn't have the time or passion for it this year.  This year's draft is dominated by college hitters, most of whom do not play premium positions which lessens their perceived value.  Most mock drafts have the Giants going against the grain and taking Cam Caminiti HS LHP who is a cousin of former MLB'er Ken Caminiti.  He fits of the profile of a fast-moving, high-ceiling HS LHP in the mold of Madison Bumgarner and Kyle Harrison so it's understandable that the Giants might go back to what has worked for them in the past.  I've seen some chatter late in the cycle that Caminiti could go #11 to the Tigers.  Was the widely reported Giants interest a misdirection play?  Some analysts seem to believe if Nick Kurtz 1B/DH drops to #13 the Giants will grab him or are they angling for some less well known prospect like Kash Mayfield LHP who is taller but leaner than Caminiti and may take more time to develop.  There is a Carson Benge who is reportedly a true 2-way player like Reggie Crawford and Bryce Eldridge.  Eric Longerhagen of Fangraphs also wonders about Theo Gillen who may be the best HS hitter in the draft but may drop due to his HS playing time being limited due to injuries such as a torn labrum which he seems to be recovering from.

Anyway, that's all I have.  I recommend looking up and reading Kyle Longerhagen's comments about the Giants in his Fangraphs Mock Draft 1.0.  I will try to review all of the Giants draft picks although life is a bit crazy busy for me right now.  The pause in Game Wraps for the All-Star Break will help.  Happy drafting!