Down on the Farm: 8/30/2024

AAA:  Las Vegas Aviators defeated the Sacramento River Cats 9-5:

Cavan Biggio RF/2B- 1 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .182.

Drew Cavanaugh C- 2 for 4.  BA= .360.

Carson Ragsdale RHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 5.17.

In his last 4 starts, Carson Ragsdale has allowed 4 ER in 21 IP(ERA= 1.71) with 30 K's and 5 BB's.  I would like to see him get a chance to move up to MLB level, if not this year, next.

AA:  Erie Seawolves edged out the Richmond Flying Squirrels 5-4:

Carter Howell RF- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .281.

Andy Thomas DH- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .233.

Diego Velasquez SS- 2 for 4, BB, SB(3).  BA= .300.

Justin Wishkoski 2B- 2 for 4.  BA= .279.

It would be cool for Diego Velasquez to finish with a .300 BA at AA level at age 20.

A+:  Everett Aquasox buried the Eugene Emeralds 12-6:

Aeverson Arteaga SS- 2 for 5.  BA= .190.

Bryce Eldridge 1B- 2 for 5.  BA= .331.

Thomas Gavello 2B- 1 for 4, HR(7).  BA= .182.

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

Lisbel Diaz LF- 1 for 3, 2 HBP, SB(6).  BA= .272.

Zander Darby 2B- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .261.

Justin Christian RF- 2 for 3, 2B, SF.  BA= .667.

Cale Lansville RHP- 5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, GO/AO= 9/3.  ERA= 4.74.

Timmy Manning LHP- 3 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K's, GO/AO= 7/1.  ERA= 2.11.

Game Wrap 8/30/2024: Giants 3 Marlins 1

Matt Chapman's 3-run double in the 8'th inning was all the scoring the Blake Snell and two relievers needed for a win.  Key Lines:

Mike Yastrzemski RF- 1 for 1, 3 BB.  BA= .242.  Melvin shook up the lineup and put YtY in the leadoff spot.  He responded by getting on base 4 times.

Matt Chapman 3B- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .246.  Heliot Ramos deserves mention for a great PA without which Chapman would not have come to the plate in the 8'th inning.  Ramos took two almost perfect pitches from former Giants Mike Baumann RHP one of which was probably a ball per the TV strike zone.  With a 3-2 count he had to expand his zone on the outside corner but was finally able to hold up on on diving slider.  Michael Conforto DH followed by striking out on 3 pitches which his bat did not come within 6 inches of.  Chapman then came up with 2 outs and the bases-loaded and delivered his game-winning double.

Blake Snell LHP- 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 8 K's, GO/AO= 7/3.  ERA= 3.56.  When Snell gave up a run in the 7'th inning it looked like he might well end up on the short end of a 1-0 final score.  Before that he was all but unhittable using more changeups than usual.

Tyler Rogers RHP and Ryan Walker(Save(5)) pitched scoreless 8'th and 9'th innings respectively.  At this point it looks Walker is the presumptive Closer going into 2025.

Mason Black RHP gets the call up and tries for a series win this evening against Edward Cabrera RHP.

Churn Watch:  

In a shocking move, Thairo Estrada cleared waivers and was outrighted to AAA Sacramento.   Brett Wisely IF got the call up to replace Estrada as the Giants apparently feel Marco Luciano needs more salt.  Tyler Matzek LHP was released.  Taylor Rogers LHP is still on the active roster.  

Down on the Farm: 8/29/2024

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats edged out the Las Vegas Aviators 3-2:

Donovan Walton 2B- 2 for 3, 2B, 3B.  BA= .300.

Carson Whisenhunt LHP- 4.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 5.74.

Clay Helvey RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 5.58.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels topped the Erie Seawolves 8-7:

Ismael Munguia LF- 2 for 4, HR(3), BB. BA= .303.

Carter Howell RF- 3 for 5.  BA= .280.

Matt Higgins 1B- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .254.

Diego Velasquez 2B/SS- 2 for 5.  BA= .292.

Andrew Kachel DH- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .200.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds defeated the Everett Aquasox 5-3(game 1 of DH, 7 innings):

Bryce Eldridge 1B- 3 for 3, 2B, 2 HR(11).  BA= .329.  

Sabin Ceballos 3B- 2 for 3, 2B.  BA= .286.

Manuel Mercedes RHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 7/3..  ERA= 5.17.

Trent Harris RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 1.98.

Bryce Eldridge blows past 20 HR and double digits in two leagues.  I agree with the comments from yesterday that he won't be back in A+ ball next season.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds outscored the Everett Aquasox 7-5(game 2 of DH, 7 innings):

Bryce Eldridge DH- 1 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .329.

Sabin Ceballos 3B- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(4).  BA= .295.

Ceballos should start next season in AA too.

A: Rancho Cucamonga Quakes destroyed the San Jose Giants 9-1:

Jeremiah Jenkins DH- 2 for 4.  BA= .313.

Josh Bostick RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 4.62.

Marques Johnson RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.45.

A Marques Johnson sighting!

Game Wrap 8/29/2024: Brewers 6 Giants 0

The Giants are not good in final games of road trips and this was no exception.  Another rocky start by a rookie pitcher who is past his previous high season innings and the clubhouse staff apparently loaded the bats into the bus early to get a head start to the airport.  Key Lines:

Hayden Birdsong RHP- 3.2 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 4 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 5.14.  Birdsong looks like a future rotation mainstay but he seems to have hit a wall this season.  He's at 106.1 IP.  His previous season high was 100.2 last season.

Landon Roupp RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.05.  I envision Roupp taking on a Jakob Junis type role next season.

The Giants start a homestand tonight with Blake Snell LHP facing the Marlins and Adam Oller RHP.

Churn Watch:  

Patrick Bailey C was activated from the IL for the game.  Andrew Knapp C was DFA'd.  Nice knowing you, Andrew!  

The Giants placed Thairo Estrada IF, Taylor Rogers LHP and Tyler Matzek on waivers.  They stay with the team unless they are claimed but if they are, they are gone.  It's non-revocable.  Reminder that the almost all teams make these moves after the trade deadline and the vast majority are unclaimed.

Down on the Farm: 8/28/2024

 AAA:  Las Vegas Aviators outscored the Sacramento River Cats 9-8:

Brett Wisely SS- 1 for 4, HR(6), BB.  BA= .307.

Marco Luciano 2B- 2 for 4, HR(10), BB.  BA= .247.

Hunter Bishop LF- 2 for 5, 2 2B.  BA= .230.

Blake Sabol C- 3 for 5, HR(8).  BA= .240.

Donovan Walton 3B- 1 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .296.

Tristan Beck RHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 1 B, 5 BB.  BA= 7.90.

Marco Luciano has a 6-game hit streak win which he is 9 for 24.  He has homered in his last 2 games.  

AA: Erie Seawolves defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels 3-1:

Andy Thomas C- 2 for 4, HR(5).  BA= .231.

John Bertrand LHP- 5 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 4.20.

Mat Olsen RHP- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 4.54.

Nick Garcia RHP- 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 1.47.

A+:  Everett Aquasox topped the Eugene Emeralds 7-5:

Bryce Eldridge 1B- 2 for 3, 2B, HR(9), BB.  BA= .317.

Sabin Ceballos DH- 1 for 3, HR(9), BB.  BA= .272.

Luke Shliger C- 2 for 4.  BA= .295.

Tyler Vogel RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.22.

Bryce Eldridge continues to dominate A+ level at age 19.  He needs one more HR for 20 total on the season and double digits at 2 separate levels.

A:  San Jose Giants beat the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 9-5:

Lisbel Diaz RF- 2 for 4, BB, 2 SB(5).  BA= .273.

Walker Martin SS= 2 for 2, 3 BB, SB(2). BA= .191.

Zander Darby 2B- 2 for 4, 2 HR(2), BB.  BA= .250.

Cesar Quintas CF- 1 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .232.

Guillermo Williamson 1B- 2 for 4, HR(11). BA= .235.

Ryan Vanderhei RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO= 3.69.

Walker Martin's bat seems to be coming alive after struggling with the transition to full season ball.  He is 8 for 14 over his last 4 games with 8 walks.  Hmm....maybe his first name is descriptive?

Game Wrap 8/28/2024: Brewers 5 Giants 3

Bob Melvin fell asleep at the wheel and left an obviously tiring Kyle Harrison in at least one batter too long in the 5'th inning.  By the time Sean Hjelle RHP came in to get the final out of the inning the game was essentially over.  Key Lines:

Kyle Harrison LHP- 4.2 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 3 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 4.22.  You have a rookie pitcher who is past his previous season IP whose pitch count is climbing into the 80's and appears to be hitting a wall.  What more information do you need to take him the heck out of there?  There are times when it is appropriate to try to get your starting pitcher through an inning but this was not that time for this pitcher.  Honestly if I am in FZ's seat Melvin would not manage another game for the Giants.  The problem for FZ is I am pretty sure ownership views him and Melvin as a package deal.

Austin Warren RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 0.00.  The NBC Sports Bay Area game wrap said Warren hit 95 with the FB.  It also said he struck out 1 batter but the boxscore does not reflect that. 

The Giants rallied for 3 runs in the 7'th and 8'th innings but it was too little, too late.  Fitz and Thairo had 2 hits each.  Conforto and Chapman had a double each.

The Loss drops the Giants 6.5 games out of the final Wild Card playoff spot.  We will no longer track the Giants wild card standing in the game wraps unless they are able to significantly cut into the deficit and quickly.

Hayden Birdsong RHP tries for the series win tomorrow at 11:10 AM PDT facing Aaron Civale RHP.

Churn Watch:

Patrick Bailey C is scheduled to come off the IL tomorrow.  That is probably a DFA for Andrew Knapp C.

Down on the Farm: 8/27/2024

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats defeated the Las Vegas Aviators 8-2:

Cavan Biggio 2B- 1 for 3, HR(1), 2 BB, SB(1).  BA= .214.

Luis Matos LF- 2 for 5.  BA= .251.

Trenton Brooks 1B- 2 for 3, 2B.  BA= .309.

Blake Sabol C- 1 for 3, HR(7), BB.  BA= .234.

Kai-Wei Teng RHP- 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 8.29.

Did KWT find a new pitch or something?  He'll have to put a string of starts like this together before I start believing in him again.

AA:  Erie Seawolves downed the Richmond Flying Squirrels 4-1:

Carter Howell CF- 1 for 4, 3B.  BA= .278.

Nick Morreale RHP- 5 IP,  3 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 1.93.

Wil Jensen RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 3.79.

A+:  Everett Aquasox outscored the Eugene Emeralds 12-7:

Bryce Eldridge 1B- 2 for 5, 2B, HR(8).  BA= .310.

Scott Bandura LF- 2 for 2, HR(5), 2 BB.  BA= .237.

Quinn McDaniel CF- 3 for 4, 2 2B.  BA= .234.

Cesar Perdomo LHP- 4 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 4.70.

Matt Mikulski LHP- 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 5.66.

Bryce Eldridge has a shot at hitting 20 HR's on the season and double digits at each of two levels.

A:  San Jose Giants topped the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 7-5:

Lisbel Diaz RF- 3 for 5, SB(3).  BA= .268.

Walker Martin SS- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .167.

Robert Hipwell 3B- 2 for 4, HR(3).  BA= .236.

Cesar Quintas CF- 1 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .231.

Ty Hanchey C- 2 for 4, HR(3).  BA= .262.

Estanlin Cassiani LF- 2 for 4.  BA= .222.

Elijah Pleasants RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K.  ERA= 2.11.

 

It took Lisbel Diaz awhile to adjust to the higher level but wow!  Once he did he took off.  He is currently on a 4-game multi-hit tear in which he is 13 for 22.  His slash line for August is .319/.361/.538.  Reminder he did not turn 19 yo until July 19.  Good size and athleticism.  Great looking young prospect I am sure will rank high in DrB's 2025 Giants Top 50 Prospects.

DSL:  Angels edged out Giants Black 5-4(Game 3 of DSL Semifinals):

Jhonny Level SS- 1 for 5, HR.  

Marlon Franco RHP- 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 1.74.

I guess this means Giants Black's season is over?

Game Wrap 8/27/2024: Giants 5 Brewers 4

Logan Webb was not at his best but three home runs by Giants batters picked him up.  Key Lines:

Matt Chapman 3B- 3 for 4, HR(21).  BA= .246.  Chapman has a little over a month to beat my projection of 25 HR's.  I don't think he's going to win the Gold Glove part but he's also been very good on D at 3B.

Mike Yastrzemski RF- 1 for 4, HR(11).  BA= .243.  YtY is 5 for 13 with 2 HR's in his last 3 games.

Grant McCray CF-  1 for 3, HR(3), BB, SB(2).  BA= .308.  Homers in consecutive games.  I didn't see it but my friend texted me and said he almost ran through on OF wall like his pop.  McCray is certainly still in the "honeymoon" phase for a rook as it's still too soon for the league's pitchers to get a book on him but he's acting like he wants to stick around.

Logan Webb RHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 9/2.  ERA= 3.24.  110 pitches.  Uncharacteristicaly subpar command from Webb.   The homers picked him up.

Camilo Doval RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 4.47.  A line like that is not going to tempt Melvin to put him back in the Closer role.

Tyler Rogers RHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.26.  Rogers has had two scoreless appearances since his disaster on 8/25.

Ryan Walker RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(4).  ERA= 1.95.  Walker has the Closer job until he loses it.

Despite the Win, the Giants remain 5.5 games behind the Braves in the Wild Card playoff race.(not sure it's worth tracking this anymore).

Kyle Harrison LHP tries to clinch a series win tomorrow evening facing Freddy Peralta RHP.

Churn Watch:  

Robbie Ray LHP and Jordan Hicks RHP both landed on the IL.  Landon Roupp RHP and Austin Warren RHP were called up.  Jakson Reetz C cleared waivers and was outrighted to AAA Sacramento.

Down on the Farm: 8/26/2024

 DSL:  Giants Black crushed the Angels 12-3(Game 2 of DSL Semifinals):

Anthony Marquez 3B- 3 for 5, 2B, BB, SB. 

Jhonny Level SS- 3 for 5, 2B.  

Oliver Tejada CF- 1 for 2, 2 BB, 2 HBP, SB.

Anyelo Gonzalez C- 3 for 5, HBP.

Argenis Cayama RHP- 3.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K's.  

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

Really excited about Jhonny Level but Marquez and Tejada also look promising.

Down on the Farm: 8/25/2024

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats topped the Tacoma Rainiers 6-3:

Wade Meckler CF/LF- 2 for 4, HR(4), BB.  BA= .316.

Marco Luciano 2B- 2 for 4, HR(9), BB.  BA= .243.

Carson Seymour RHP- 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 4.96.

Justin Garza RHP- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 3.68.

This was Meckler's 4'th HR in 7 games.  I think all those came after I mentioned I had concerns about whether he had enough power to hit at higher levels.  Concern retracted!  What a difference a year makes!  A year ago the narrative was the Giants still did not have a homegrown OF since Chili Davis.  The new narrative is their homegrown OF is filling up fast and it looks like they may have players waiting in line.  Does that set up some potential trades?  Up and down year for Marco Luciano.  Is he next season's Heliot Ramos?

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the Altoona Curve 5-2:

Ismael Munguia CF- 1 for 3, HR(2), BB, HBP.  BA= .305.  

Victor Bericoto 1B- 2 for 4, SB(5).  BA= .261.

Turner Hill RF- 3 for 4, SB(9).  BA= .298.

Jimmy Glowenke SS- 1 for 4, HR(7).  BA= .194.

Dylan Cumming RHP- 5.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO= 11/1.  ERA= 5.14.

Seth Corry LHP- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 5.79.

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

Cameron Cotter RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 0.00.  

Ismael Munguia has a similar profile as Wade Meckler.

A+:  Tri-Cities Dust Devils beat the Eugene Emeralds 3-1:

Trent Harris RHP- 2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.08.

A:  Modesto Nuts topped the San Jose Giants 9-8:

Lisbel Diaz RF- 2 for 6, 2B.  BA= .259.

Walker Martin SS- 1 for 4, 2B, 2 BB.  BA= .148.

Robert Hipwell DH- 2 for 4, 2 BB.  BA= .221.

Zander Darby 2B- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .250.

Estanlin Cassiani LF- 2 for 5.  BA= .216.

Darby was the Giants 12'th round draft pick out of UCSB

DSL:  Angels defeated Giants Black 3-1(Game 1 of DSL semifinals):

Jose Astudillo 2B- 2 for 4.

Alexander Fuentes RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.

Game Wrap 8/25/2024: Mariners 4 Giants 3

Unfortunate sequencing led to Sean Hjelle giving up 3 runs which the Giants were not able to overcome.  Key Lines:

Heliot Ramos LF- 2 for 4, HR(20).  BA= .284.  Is it just me or is Heliot more relaxed at the plate since he moved off CF?  Batting .346 with 3 HR's over his last 7 games.  At this point, I am calling the emergence of Heliot, Fitz, Harrison and Birdsong a successful season.  The Giants are now far better positioned for the future than they were at this time last season when things looked quite bleak as far as the eye could see.  I would also say they are better positioned for the future than at any time since 2009 when whey had Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum, Pablo Sandoval, Buster Posey, Madison Bumgarner and Brandon Crawford either in the majors or poised to debut.  Brandon Belt had just been drafted.

Grant McCray CF- 2 for 3, HR(2), BB.  BA= .306.  McCray is acting like he wants to stick around for awhile too.

Robbie Ray LHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.70.  With two strikes on the leadoff batter, Justin Turner, in the 4'th inning, Ray grabbed his right hammy and came out of the game.  Gotta think that is likely going to buy him a IL stay for most of the remainder of the season.

Sean Hjelle RHP- 2.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 1 K, GO/AO= 5/0.  ERA= 3.99.  5'th inning:  line drive single, Sac, IF hit, force out/run, K.  6'th inning:  HBP(the strap on the batter's elbow guard flew out and it was unclear from unofficial replays whether the ball hit the strap or the guard.  Giants did not challenge- not sure if they could), GB single to CF, HBP(the batter appeared to bunt at the ball but the 3B ump said he pulled the bat back and unofficial replay appeared to confirm), GIDP/Run, Pitching Change- Taylor Rogers LHP enters the game with 2 outs and a runner at 3B, GB single, Force out.  Lines like that are going to bite groundball pitchers every so often.  I say Hjelle pitched a lot better than the line looks.

The Giants remain 5 games out of the final Wild Card spot.

The Giants get a day to travel to Milwaukee where Logan Webb RHP starts the series opener on Tuesday against Tobias Myers RHP.

Down on the Farm: 8/24/2024

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

Luis Matos RF- 2 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .251.

Brett Wisely CF- 2 for 3, 2B, BB, SB(4).  BA= .312.

Carson Ragsdale RHP- 5 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 5.57.

Brett Wisely plays CF with Luis Matos and Wade Meckler in the same lineup.  Carson Ragsdale has allowed just 3 ER in 16 IP over his last 3 games with 24 K's and 3 BB's.  

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the Aloona Curve 8-4:

Ismael Munguia LF- 3 for 5.  BA= .304.

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

Victor Bericoto DH- 2 for 4, HR(9), HBP.  BA= .258.

Andy Thomas C- 3 for 4, BB.  BA= .230.

Diego Velasquez SS- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .311.

Nick Sinacola RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 3.50.

Will Bednar RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 8.39.

A+:  Tri-Cities Dust Devils edged out the Eugene Emeralds 2-1:

Sabin Ceballos 3B- 1 for 2, BB, SF.  BA= .278.

Manuel Mercedes RHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO= 8/2.  ERA= 5.16.

A:  San Jose Giants crushed the Modesto Nuts 14-2:

Lisbel Diaz RF- 5 for 6, 3B.  BA= .257.

Walker Martin SS- 1 for 3, 3 BB.  BA= .140.

Robert Hipwell 3B- 2 for 6, 3B.  BA= .203.

Jack Payton C- 2 for 6.  BA= .252.

Jeremiah Jenkins DH- 3 for 5, 2B, HR(1).  BA= .600.

Cesar Quintas CF- 3 for 4, 2 2B, BB.  BA= .231.

Guillermo Williamson 1B- 1 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .231.

Estanlin Cassiani LF- 2 for 4, SF.  BA= .211.

Cale Lansville RHP- 4 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.97.

Cameron Pferrer RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 2.25.

Ian Villers RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.75.

Lisbel Diaz is 8 for 11 over his last 2 games and is batting .300 for August.  Jeremiah Jenkins was the Giants 14'th round draft pick this year, a LH hitting 1B/DH type with tremendous power potential.  He falls a triple short of a cycle in his first pro game.

DSL:  Giants Black beat the Marlins 4-2(DSL quarterfinals game 3):

Jhonny Level SS- 2 for 4, 2B, BB, SB.

Anthony Marquez 2B- 2 for 3, 2B, BB, SB.

Brayan Narvaez RHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 7 K's.

Alberto LaRoche RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's.

Jose Meza RHP- 2.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.

Giants win their quarterfinal series against the Marlins, start semifinal series vs Angels today.

Game Wrap 8/24/2024: Giants 4 Mariners 3

 Baseball is a great sport because it can be enjoyed on multiple levels.  Although the Giants season is not going the way we wanted in terms of position in the standings and postseason contention, we continue to witness fun and interesting individual performances, both inspiring and disappointing which give us the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat as the old slogan went.  I still have both fond and painful memories of the day Tony Cloniger hit two grand slams against the Giants in a 17-3 loss.  At some point in the future will you be telling someone about the day Tyler Rogers gave up 6 hits in a row?  The day Blake Snell pitched 3 no-hit innings but allowed 2 ER by walking 5 batters in one inning?  When Snell pitched his no-hitter?  The day you realized that Tyler Fitzgerald was going to be the Giants starting shortstop for the next 5 years?  

Blake Snell indeed pitched three no-hit innings while giving up 2 ER on 5 walks but Spencer Bivens and Camilo Doval bounced back from rough experiences and the lineup produced just enough to pick Snell up.  Key Lines:

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 2 for 4, BB, 2 SB(16).  BA= .303.  It's not who we thought it would be, but I do believe we are witnessing the emergence of the Giants present and future shortstop.  On some level that is a successful season right there.

Mike Yastrzemski RF- 3 for 5, 2B, HR(10).  BA= .242.  YtY still has a great game in him but his hitting just .224 in August after a .310 July and his future with the Giants after this season seems a bit uncertain.

Thairo Estrada 2B- 2 for 4, SB(2).  BA= . 221.  Estrada is 4 for 12 over his last 3 games.  He's had a disappointing, injury-plagued season. Another player whose future with the team seems a bit uncertain.

Grant McCray CF- 2 for 4, SB(1).  BA= .273.  McCray is stating his case to be the Giants CF of the future but there is a guy named Jung Hoo Lee who will be back and hopefully healthy next season.

Blake Snell LHP- 3 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 6 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 3.76.  You are reading the line correctly and yes, 5 BB's and 2 ER happened in the second inning.

Spencer Bivens RHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.51.  Bivens last appearance was rough but he returned today to shut down the Mariners for 3 innings.

 Camilo Doval RHP- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 4.57.   Doval came in with two outs and runners at first and third.  The runner at first stole 2B, the next batter was intentionally walked to load the bases and Doval got Mitch Haniger to ground out to escape the jam.  He then pitched a shutdown 8'th inning for the Hold.

Ryan Walker RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(3).  ERA= 1.98.  It may be awhile before Camilo Doval gets his old job back. He may have been Wally Pipped.

Despite the Win, the Giants remain 5 games off the Wild Card playoff pace.

Robbie Ray LHP tries for a series win this afternoon against Bryan Woo RHP.

Down on the Farm: 8/23/2024

AAA: Tacoma Rainiers erupted over the Sacramento River Cats 15-4:

Luis Matos LF- 1 for 4, HR(13).  BA= .247.

Wade Meckler RF- 1 for 4, HR(3).  BA= .310.

Meck hits his second HR in 2 games and 3'rd in 5.  He must have read my comments about his lack of power.  Luis Matos homers in his third consecutive game.

AA: Altoona Curve defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels 6-1:

Carter Howell CF- 3 for 4.  BA= .278.

I'm impressed by Howell's consistency since his promotion to AA which is usually a tough transition.

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

NTSH.

A:  San Jose Giants crushed the Modesto Nuts 15-7:

Lisbel Diaz RF- 3 for 5, 2B, HBP.  BA= .237.

Robert Hipwell DH- 1 for 2, 2B, 2 BB, 2 HBP.  BA= .190.

Elian Rayo 3B- 2 for 6, 2B.  BA= .260.

Guillermo Williamson 1B- 4 for 6, 2 HR(10).  BA= .231.

Estanlin Cassiani LF- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .205.

Josh Bostick RHP- 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 4.85.

Williamson's 4 hits and 2 HR's produced 8 RBI's.

DSL:  Giants Black edged out the Marlins 3-2(Game 2 of DSL Quarterfinals):

Anyelo Gonzalez C- 2 for 4.

Oliver Tejada CF- 1 for 3, 2B, BB. 

Ricardo Estrada LHP- 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 6 K's, GO/AO= 5/1.  ERA= 0.00.

Game Wrap 8/23/2024: Mariners 6 Giants 5(10 innings)

Tyler Rogers gave 6 straight hits and 4 runs without recording to become the latest Giants reliever to suffer a late-inning catastrophic failure and the Giants went on to lose in extra innings.  Key Lines:

Lamonte Wade Jr 1B- 2 for 3, 2B, HR(5), 2 BB.  BA= .281.  LMWJ's line over his last 7 games:  .273/.407/.500.

Heliot Ramos LF- 2 for 5, HR(19).  BA= .285.  Heliot is on a tear batting .308/.345/.654 over his last 7 games.

Hayden Birdsong RHP- 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 4.57.  Birdsong threw 80 pitches in 4 innings.  I am sure he is on a fairly strict pitch limit ROS.  

The Giants used 6 relievers over the final 6 innings.  Jordan Hicks RHP was warmed up for the 7'th inning but was shut down at the last minute by a "zinger" in his arm.  Ryan Walker RHP was electric with 5 K's in 2 perfect innings including 2 K's and a pop up to get out of Rogers' mess in the 8'th.

With the Loss, the Giants fell to 5 games back in the Wild Card playoff race and you have to think at this point they are not coming back.

Blake Snell LHP gets the start in his hometown today facing George Kirby RHP.

Churn Watch:

The Giants signed Andrew Knapp C who bats LH.  He started this game.  Jakson Reetz C was DFA'd to make room on the 40-man roster.  They also signed Cavan Biggio IF to a minor league contract.

Down on the Farm: 8/22/2024

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats pounded the Tacoma Rainiers 13-5:

Brett Wisely 2B- 3 for 5, HR(5).  BA= .308.

Luis Matos LF- 2 for 5, HR(12).  BA= .247.

Wade Meckler CF- 2 for 5, 2B, HR(2).  BA= .313.

David Villar 1B- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .262.

Trenton Brooks DH- 3 for 5, HR(7).  BA= .311.

Hunter Bishop RF- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .221.

Blake Sabol PH/C- 3 for 4.  BA= .232.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels outlasted the Altoona Curve 7-6: 

Ismael Munguia LF- 2 for 4, 2 2B, HBP, Sac.  BA= .302.

Turner Hill CF- 2 for 5, 3 SB(8).  BA= .293.

Diego Velasquez SS- 4 for 5.  BA= .299.

Justin Wishkoski PH/3B- 1 for 2, 2B.  BA= .298.

Reminder Diego Velasquez is still just 20 yo and is not Rule 5 Eligible until Dec 2025.  I would say definitely a top 10 prospect in the Giants system right now.

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

Sabin Ceballos 3B- 2 for 4.  BA= .271.

Scott Bandura CF- 2 for 4, SB(15).  BA= .235.

A:  Modesto Nuts topped the San Jose Giants 7-6:

Lisbel Diaz RF- 1 for 5, 2B, SB(2).  BA= .227.

Ty Hanchey DH- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .258.

Ryan Reckley 2B- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .182.

Cole Hillier RHP- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 3.33.

DSL:  Marlins outscored Giants Black 7-5:

Marlon Franco RHP- 5.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. 

This was a DSL Quarterfinal playoff game. Not sure if a 1 game series.  If so, this marks the end of the DSL season for Giants affiliates.

Down on the Farm: 8/21/2024

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

Luis Matos RF- 2 for 4, HR(11).  BA= .244.

Marco Luciano DH- 2 for 4, 3B, SB(4). BA= .239.

Hunter Bishop LF- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .217.

Christian Koss SS- 2 for 4.  BA= .283.

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

Camilo Doval RHP- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.18.

Tyler Myrick RHP- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 3.13.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the Altoona Curve 6-3:

Carter Howell CF- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .275.

Victor Bericoto 1B- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .257.

Turner Hill LF/RF- 2 for 4, 3B.  BA= .288.

Zach Morgan DH- 1 for 3, HR(2), BB.  BA= .258.

Justin Wishkoski 3B- 2 for 4.  BA= .289.

Jimmy Glowenke SS- 2 for 4.  BA= .194.

Nick Morreale RHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 1.47.

Julio Rodriguez RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.68.

Cameron Cotter RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(1).  ERA= 0.00.

Carter Howell has 27 doubles for the Squirrels.  Cameron Cotter's first appearance since his promotion to AA is a Save Opportunity which he converts.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds blanked the Tri-Cities Dust Devils 7-0:

Charlie Szykowny DH- 2 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .280.

Aeverson Arteaga SS= 2 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .091.

Bryce Eldridge 1B- 1 for 3, HR(7), BB.  BA= .319.

Cesar Perdomo LHP- 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 10 K's.  ERA= 4.50.

Trent Harris RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.19.

Hunter Dula RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 1.78.

A:  Modesto Nuts outlasted the San Jose Giants 4-3(10 innings):

NTSH.

Game Wrap 8/21/2024: White Sox 6 Giants 2

A meltdown?  Implosion?  Collapse?  Call it by your favorite descriptive term, but the bullpen was torched for 4 runs in the top of the 9'th inning to spoil an 8-inning Quality Start by Logan Webb.  Key Lines:

Mark Canha 1B- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .242.  Canha is batting .325 since coming to the Giants.  Reminder there was room on the roster for both him and Jorge Soler.  

Heliot Ramos LF-2 for 4, 2 2B.  BA= .283.  Heliot seems to have recovered from a cold stretch.  Every time I think he's hit a wall, he seems to find a way over it.  Looking like a keeper for next season.

Logan Webb RHP- 8 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 6 K's, GO/AO=10/2.  ERA= 3.13.  Webb only threw 93 pitches in 8 innings.  Melvin said the reason he didn't come out for the 9'th is he was feeling ill.

Erik Miller LHP- 0.2 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 3.93.  Tyler Rogers and Ryan Walker were not available due to recent workload.  Miller got the first out of the inning but then loaded the bases. He got a K for out #2. Melvin went to Spencer Bivens to try to get out #3 and he gave up 2 hits and 4 runs including the 3 runners he inherited from Miller.  Granted that Webb, Rogers and Walker were all unavailable:  Should Melvin have let Miller try to get the final out?

The Loss cost the Giants a chance to gain on the Braves in the Wild Card race so they remain 3.5 games behind.

The Giants have a travel day before starting a weekend series against the Mariners in Seattle with TBD facing former Giants prospect Luis Castillo RHP.

Down on the Farm: 8/20/2024

AAA:  Tacoma Rainiers blanked the Sacramento River Cats 2-0:

Mason Black RHP- 5.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 4 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.59.

Ethan Small LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 7.71. 

AA:  Altoona Curve defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels 7-5:

Ismael Munguia LF- 1 for 3, BB, SB(10).  BA= .296.

Carter Howell CF- 0 for 3, 2 BB, SB(15).  BA= .272.

Jairo Pomares DH- 1 for 4, HR(12).  BA= .245.

A+:  Tri-City Dust Devils buried the Eugene Emeralds 5-0: 

NTSH.

A:  San Jose Giants outlasted the Modesto Nuts 7-6(11 innings):

Walker Martin SS- 1 for 5, 3B.  BA= .152.

Robert Hipwell 3B- 2 for 6, 2 2B.  BA= .208.

Jack Payton 1B- 1 for 3, 3 BB.  BA= .252.

Cesar Quintas RF- 2 for 5.  BA= .224.

Ryan Reckley 2B- 2 for 4.  BA= .157.

Jack Bresnahan LHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 4 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 13.97.

Shane Rademacher RHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 4.54.

Timmy Manning LHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 2.65.

DSL:  Giants Black outscored the White Sox 16-7(7 ininngs):

Jhonny Level SS- 1 for 4, HR(10), HBP, SB(18).  BA= .275.

Anthony Marquez 2B- 2 for 5.  BA= .279.

Oliver Tejada CF- 1 for 3, HR(5).  BA= .300.

Anyelo Gonzalez 1B/C- 1 for 1, 2B, BB.  BA= 305.

Boris Sarduy 1 for 1, HR(1), BB.  BA= .152.

Evan Estevez DH- 1 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .290.

Juan Colorado 3B- 3 for 5, 2 SB(5).  BA= .248.

Alessandro Duran C- 2 for 2, 2B.  BA= .308.

Vinicius Dos Santos RF- 2 for 3, 2B, HBP.  BA= .218.

Ricardo Crespo LF/CF- 2 for 2.  2 BB.  BA= .268.

Jeison Jimenez RHP- 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.35.

Game to pad the stat line.

DSL:  Giants Orange outlasted Philies Red 8-7(13 innings):

Luis Frias CF- 2 for 5, HBP, Sac.  BA= .224.

Keiberg Camacaro SS- 1 for 4, 2 BB, HBP, SB(4).  BA= .223.

Diego Villegas 1B- 3 for 4, 2B, 2 BB, SB(2).  BA= .295.

Yoxander Benitez 2B- 2 for 7, SB(4).  BA= .232.

Jeyson Moya 1 for 4, 2 BB, HBP.  BA= .104.

Jose Rojas RHP- 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 2.56.

Giants Orange had 10 hits, 10 BB, 5 HBP and just one XBH.

Game Wrap 8/20/2024: Giants 4 White Sox 1

Robbie Ray bounced back from a disaster start with a better than quality start and the Giants lineup pecked out 4 1-run innings for the win.  Key Lines:

Heliot Ramos LF- 1 for 2, 2 BB.  BA= .280.  After striking out to end the first inning, Heliot drove in a run with a bases-loaded walk in the 3'rd inning.  He then drove in the Giants 3'rd run with a line drive RBI single in the 5'th inning.  He then walked to lead off the 7'th and scored on YtY's RBI double.  Nice game for Heliot!

Mike Yastrzemski RF- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .241. Giants only multi-hit of the game and only XBH.  YtY has been scuffling batting just .174 over his last 7 games and .222 over his last 15.

Curt Casali C- 1 for 3, BB.  BA= .205.  With Patrick Bailey hitting the IL with on oblique strain, Casali is the starting catcher.  He got on base twice and scored twice out of the 9-hole.

Robbie Ray LHP- 6.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 9 K's.  ERA= 4.88.  Dominant start for Ray.  

Ryan Walker RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's, Save(2).  ERA= 2.07.  After empatically finishing off last night's game with 2 K's, Walker extended the string to 5 consecutive K's.  I'm thinking he keeps the closer role even after/if Doval returns.

Despite the Win, the Giants remain 3.5 games behind the Braves in the race for the third and final Wild Card playoff spot.

Logan Webb RHP tries to complete the sweep tomorrow afternoon facing a tough customer in Garrett Crochet LHP.

Churn Watch:

Jakson Reetz C was recalled from AAA Sacramento to replace Patrick Bailey during his IL stay.

Down on the Farm: 8/19/2024

DSL:  Giants Black topped the Mariners 6-5:

Jhonny Level SS- 1 for 3, BB.  BA= .276. 

Angel Guzman 1B- 0 for 1, 4 BB.  BA= .307.

Evan Estevez LF- 2 for 3, HR(2), BB.  BA= .289.

Luis De La Torre LHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 3.14.

Ricardo Estrada LHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 1.22.

Reminder Evan Estevez just turned 17 yo on 8/14.

DSL:  Phillies Red defeated Giants Orange 7-4:

Keiberg Camacaro SS- 2 for 4, 2B, HBP.  BA= .222.

Albert Jimenez 3B- 2 for 4, HR(3), SF.  BA= .274.

Dilan Fernandez RHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K's, GO/AO= 6/2.  ERA= 3.97.

Game Wrap 8/19/2024: Giants 5 White Sox 3

The Giants lineup came to life in a 4-run 5'th inning in support of a strong Quality Start by Kyle Harrison and the bullpen held on for the W.  Key Lines:

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 1 for 4, 2B.  BA= .314.  Fitz doubled in a run and scored on a Sac Fly by Heliot Ramos to account for 2 of the Giants 5 runs.

Lamonte Wade Jr 1B- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .278.  Reminder LMWJ still has an OBP over .400.

Heliot Ramos DH- 1 for 3, SF.  BA= .279.  Reminder 4 Giants farm system graduates, Fitz, Heliot, McCray(I guess he's technically not graduated yet but still has time to by the end of the season) and Kyle Harrison all played key roles in the W.  Think about that.  

Matt Chapman 3B- 2 for 4, HR(20).  BA= .247.  Chapman added a solo HR in the 6'th inning. He needs 5 HR's over the next 6 weeks to reach my projection of 25.

Curt Casali C- 2 for 3.  BA= .200. Casali started the game after Patrick Bailey was a late scratch.  He drove in the Giants first run and came around to score later in the inning.

Kyle Harrison LHP- 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 4.00.  Great to see a strong start from Harrison after he scuffled since his 11 K QS on July 26.

Jordan Hicks RHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, Save(1).  ERA= 3.85.  What would a Giants Save be without torture?  Hicks records his first Save of the season but not before bringing the go-ahead run to the plate.

The Win gains the Giants 0.5 games in the Wild Card standings to a 3.5 game deficit.

Robbie Ray LHP tries to recover from his last disaster start tomorrow evening facing Davis Martin RHP another pitcher I've never heard of with an ERA under 4.00(3.00).

Churn Watch:  

Thairo Estrada IF was activated from the IL and Brett Wisely optioned to AAA Sacramento.  

As mentioned above, Patrick Bailey was a late scratch due to right side tightness.

Down on the Farm: 8/18/2024

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats tamed the Salt Lake City Bees 8-4:

Thairo Estrada 2B- 3 for 5, 2B, HR(1).  BA= .429.

Wade Meckler LF- 1 for 4, HR(1), BB.  BA= .314.

David Villar 1B- 2 for 4.  BA= .262.

Marco Luciano SS- 2 for 4.  BA= .237.

Christian Koss 3B- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .275.

Tristan Beck RHP- 3 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 5.00.

Camilo Doval RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 4.50.

Carson Seymour RHP- 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 5.07.

 

AA:  Harrisburg Senators outscored the Richmond Flying Squirrels 9-8(8 innings):

Jairo Pomares RF- 2 for 5, HR(11).  BA= .245.

Diego Velasquez SS- 2 for 3, HBP.  BA= .280.

Andrew Kachel 1B- 2 for 3, 2B, HR(1), BB.  BA= .300.

Jimmy Glowenke 2B- 1 for 1, HR(6).  BA= .188.

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

Bryce Eldridge 1B- 1 for 3, BB, SB(3).  BA= .321.

Charlie Szykowny 3B- 2 for 4.  BA= .282.

Manuel Mercedes RHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 5.33.

A:  San Jose Giants topped the Stockton Ports 7-6:

Bo Davidson CF- 1 for 3, HR(9), BB.  BA= .335.

Robert Hipwell 3B- 1 for 3, HR(2), BB.  BA= .190.

Drew Cavanaugh C- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .218.

Ryan Reckley 2B- 3 for 3, 2B, HR(1).  BA= .128. 

Game Wrap 8/18/2024: Giants 4 A's 2(10 innings)

Jerar Encarnacion said to heck with bunts, I'm gonna win this SOB with one swing of the bat.....and he did just that(IDK if he really said that or not but it makes a good opening line).  Key Lines:

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 2 for 4.  BA= .316.  The Giants had some baserunning misadventures early in the game including a CS by Fitz.  He also got doubled off 1B on a wild pop up by Mark Canha that looked like it was going to drop but was caught at the last second by the pitcher, Sears, on what looked like a no-look catch.

Heliot Ramos LF- 1 for 4, HR(18).  BA= .279.  Ramos has been scuffling at the plate with a .172 BA over his last 7 games and .213 over his last 15. He got the Giants their only run in the first 9 innings with an enormous blast to dead CF, 448 ft!  

Jerar "Why Do I Want To Call Him Juan?" Encarnacion DH- 2 for 4, HR(2).  BA= .255.  

Can Jerar make us forget Jorge Soler was the DH?  He sure tried today as he came up in the 10'th inning and advanced the runner at 2B all the way home as well as himself with a HR blast to lead off the inning.  He also singled off the LF wall in the 2'nd inning but got thrown out trying for a double one of several aforementioned baserunning misadventures on the day.

Blake Snell LHP- 7 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 10 K's.  ERA= 3.67.  Snell lost his no-hit bid in the 3'rd inning but again had magical stuff.  His command faltered just a bit in the 6'th and 7'th but he pitched his way out of both jams with just 1 run damage.  That looked like it might be the cause of a losing effort until Ramos unloaded his bomb.  Kruk thought the ump was squeezing Snell in the 6'th and 7'th but the calls I saw looked correct and there was even one pitch called a strike that clearly wasn't and got Mark Kotsay thrown out of game for arguing.

Ryan Walker RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 2.10.  You can't be a Giants Closer without delivering torture.  After allowing the designated runner to score Walker had the bases loaded with just one out.  Not to worry, he struck out Bleday and Andujar to end the game.

Despite the Win, the Giants remain 4 games behind the Braves for the last Wild Card playoff spot.

The Giants start a 3-game series against a pathetically terrible White Sox team tomorrow evening with Kyle Harrison LHP facing Jonathan Cannon RHP who, you guessed it, I have never heard of before and who has a 3.46 ERA over his last 7 games.

Down on the Farm: 8/17/2024

AAA:  Salt Lake City Bees defeated the Sacramento River Cats 6-3:

Thairo Estrada 2B- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .375.

Luis Matos RF- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .244.

Trenton Brooks 1B- 1 for 3, HR(6), BB.  BA= .307.

Carson Ragsdale RHP- 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 6.08.

Tyler Myrick RHP- 2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 3.32.

AA:  Harrisburg Senators topped the Richmond Flying Squirrels 3-1:

Ismael Munguia RF- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .295.

Nick Swiney LHP- 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.60.

A+:  Hillsboro Hops beat the Eugene Emeralds 4-2:

Bryce Eldridge 1B- 2 for 5.  BA= .321.

Sabin Ceballos 3B- 2 for 3, 2B.  BA= .296.

Trent Harris RHP- 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.31.

A:  Stockton Ports crushed the San Jose Giants 11-1:

Lisbel Diaz LF- 3 for 3, BB.  BA= .239.

James Tibbs III- 2 for 4.  BA= .415.

Josh Wolf RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 0.71.

Game Wrap 8/17/2024: A's 2 Giants 0

The Giants lineup laid down and died in front of a pitcher nobody heard of before and how many times have I written that in the last 3 seasons?  Key Lines:

Grant McCray CF- 2 for 3, 2B.  BA= .400.  They say speed doesn't slump and everybody's raving about McCray's speed.  Stay hot, kid!

Mark Canha PH/RF- 2 for 2.  BA= .241.  Repeat that acquiring Canha was not contingent upon trading away Jorge Soler.

Hayden Birdsong RHP- 4.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 5.01.  One or two too many walks and not nearly a QS but an improvement.  Birdsong continues to look like a cornerstone for the future.

Osvaldo Bido RHP- 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 3.40.  It's gotten to the point where if I see an opposing SP name in the game preview I've never heard of before and their ERA is under 4, I go "uh-oh!"  The A's picked up Bido in their version of The Churn after the Pirates left him off their 40-man roster last fall.  He didn't really do anything special until his last 3 starts in which he's allowed 2 ER in 18 IP.  Sigh!  It seems his old employers still do The Churn better than FZ.

The Loss dropped the Giants to 4 games behind in the Wild Card playoff race.  I know there are folks out there who are still saying they could go on a run and get into the postseason but it's getting very hard to see that happening after games like this, which are not just rare isolated events.

Blake Snell LHP tries to get a run going today against J. P. Sears LHP, a guy who...... (checks notes)...... shut out the Giants for 7 innings 3 starts ago and has allowed just 4 ER in 21 IP over his last 3 starts.  Fun times!

Down on the Farm: 8/16/2024

 AAA:  Salt Lake City Bees Stung the Sacramento River Cats 5-1:

Christian Koss SS- 2 for 4, 2 2B.  BA= .274.

Kai-Wei Teng RHP gave up all 5 runs to the Bees in 5 IP.  Tyler Matzek LHP, Camilo Doval RHP and Ethan Small LHP all pitched scoreless innings.

AA:  Harrisburg Senators filibustered the Richmond Flying Squirrels 1-0(10 innings):

John Bertrand LHP- 6.2 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 8/1.  ERA= 4.08.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds edged out the Hillsboro Hops 3-2:

Luke Shliger C- 2 for 3.  BA= .345.

Jonah Cox CF- 2 for 3, 3B, SB(19).  BA= .229.

Dylan Carmouche LHP- 5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 3.60.

Bryce Eldridge was intentionally walked in the 6'th inning with 2 outs and runners at 2'nd and 3'rd.  Someone must think he's dominating A+.

A:  San Jose Giants outscored the Stockton Ports 9-8:

Bo Davidson RF- 2 for 4, 3B, HR(8).  BA= .335.

Lisbel Diaz LF- 1 for 5, HR(6).  BA= .224.

James Tibbs III- 2 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .405.

Jack Payton 1B- 1 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .258.

Jean Carlos Sio SS- 4 for 5, 2B.  BA= .249.

Tibbs III has 4 XBH's out of 15 hits, all doubles.  Lisbel Diaz homers in his 3'rd consecutive game.

DSL: Giants Orange defeated Colorado 3-1:

Diego Villegas 1B- 2 for 4.  BA= .284.

Fernando Pena C- 2 for 3, 2B.  BA= .250.

Alfonso Perez RHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.42.

DSL:  White Sox overwhelmed Giants Black 16-12:

Jose Astudillo DH- 3 for 5, SF.  BA= .500.

Jesus Alexander 1B- 3 for 6, 2B.  BA= .386.

Anthony Marquez SS- 2 for 4, BB, SB(10).  BA= .276.

Sox scored 8 runs in the bottom of the 8'th inning. 

Down on the Farm: 8/15/2024

AAA:  Salt Lake City Bees swarmed the Sacramento River Cats 8-1:

Wade Meckler  RF- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .344.

Blake Sabol C- 1 for 4, HR(6).  BA= .233.

Brett Auerbach DH/P- 2 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .309.

Donovan Walton 3B/2B- 2 for 4.  BA= .295.

Trevor McDonald RHP- 5 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 8/1.  ERA= 3.15.

Ryan Watson RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 0.00.

Watson is a recent pickup from the Orioles organization for cash considerations.

AA:  Harrisburg Senators defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels 8-5:

Carter Howell CF- 2 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .275.

Diego Velasquez SS- 2 for 4, 3B.  BA= .269.

Justin Wiskoski 2B/3B- 2 for 2, BB, SB(2).  BA= .250.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds overwhelmed the Hillsboro Hops 10-0:

Scott Bandura LF- 2 for 5, 2 2B.  BA= .239.

Bryce Eldridge 1B- 2 for 5, 2 HR(6).  BA= .325.

Onil Perez C- 2 for 2, 2B, 2 BB.  BA= .245.

Quinn McDaniel RF- 1 for 3, HR(12), BB.  BA= .234.

Cesar Perdomo LHP-  4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 5.11.

Cody Tucker RHP- 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 5.28.

Bryce Eldridge is dominating A+ level at age 19.  I'm thinking he starts next season in AA.  Scott Bandura is hitting much better his second try at A+, batting .319 in August so far.

A:  Stockton Ports topped the San Jose Giants 7-6:

Bo Davidson CF- 2 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .331.

Walker Martin SS- 2 for 5.  BA= .182.

James Tibbs III- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .394.

Guillermo Williamson 1B- 2 for 5, HR(8).  BA= .222.

Ty Hanchey C- 3 for 4, BB.  BA= .267.

Cole Hillier RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 3.04.

Walker Martin is 5 for 14 in his last 3 games after going 1 for 19 in his first 5 games with San Jose.

DSL:  Giants Orange outscored Rangers Blue 9-5:

Carlos Brito RF- 1 for 1, 3 BB, SB(2).  BA= .122.

Yoxander Benitez 2B- 2 for 3, 3B, BB.  BA= .226.

Lender Bracho RHP- 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.51.

DSL: Giants Black edged out the Blue Jays 8-7:

Oliver Tejada CF- 2 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .312.

Jesus Alexander C- 2 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .382.

Carlos Concepcion RF- 1 for 4, HR(3).  BA= .253.

Luis De La Torre LHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 3.38.

Game Wrap 8/15/2024: Giants 6 Braves 0

Casey Schmitt and Grant McCray had big games at the plate in support of a dominant start by Logan Webb as the Giants salvaged the final game of the 4-game series against their Wild Card rivals after losing the first three.  Key Lines:

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 1 for 4, SF, 2 SB(14).  BA= .317.  Fitz singled to lead off the Giants first inning and stole 2B and 3B but did not score.  He drove in a run with a sac fly.

Casey Schmitt 2B- 3 for 4, HR(5).  BA= .208.  Schmitt is 4 for 5 over his last two games after going 0 for 20 over his previous 8 games.  

Grant McCray CF- 2 for 3, HR(1), BB.  BA= .286.  After going 0 for 4 and looking a bit wide-eyed in his first MLB game, McCray had a game today driving in a run on a squeeze bunt hit and then homering in the 6'th inning.  Is this the dawning of the Grant McCray era?

Logan Webb RHP- 7.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K's, GO/AO= 10/2.  ERA= 3.17.  After a rough patch in the month of July, Webb has allowed just 2 runes in 29.1 IP over his last 4 starts.  

With the Win, the Giants gained back a game in the Wild Card standings and trail the Braves by 3.5 games.  Considering they lost both the first two games in extra innings, this series was a big missed opportunity.

The Giants have a rare Friday off  before starting a 2-game series in Oakland with Hayden Birdsong RHP facing Osvaldo Bido RHP.

Down on the Farm: 8/14/2024

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

Thairo Estrada 2B- 3 for 4.  BA= .571.

Wade Meckler LF- 2 for 5.  BA= .333.

Trenton Brooks CF- 1 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .311.

Hunter Bishop CF- 1 for 3, HR(8), 2 BB.  BA= .221.

Jakson Reetz C- 2 for 5. BA= .259.

Camilo Doval RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 9.00.

Ethan Small LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 10.80.

AA:  Harrisburg Senators defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels 4-1:

Luis Toribio 3B- 1 for 3, HR(8).  BA= .186

Dylan Cumming RHP- 4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 11 K's.  ERA= 5.59.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds beat the Hillsboro Hops 5-1:

Onil Perez RF- 2 for 4, SB(20).  BA= .239.

Charlie Szykowny 1B- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(4).  BA= .296.

Jonah Cox CF- 1 for 3, HR(3).  BA= .224.

Esmerlin Vinicio LHP- 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 7/1.  ERA= 3.14.

Trent Harris RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.48.

If Onil Perez has enough speed to steal 20 bases, he should be able to play OF in addition to catching.  He also should have a strong enough arm to play RF.   Charlie Szykowny didn't miss a beat after his promotion to A+ which is more his age-appropriate level.

A:  San Jose Giants crushed the Stockton Ports 15-6:

Bo Davidson CF- 4 for 6, 3B.  BA= .325.

Walker Martin SS- 2 for 5, HBP.  BA= .143.

James Tibbs III RF- 4 for 6, 2B.  BA= .393.

Jack Payton C- 2 for 5, 2B, BB.  BA= .255.

Elian Rayo 1B- 1 for 2, 2B, 3 BB.  BA= .265.

Drew Cavanaugh DH- 3 for 4, BB.  BA= .207.

Lisbel Diaz LF- 1 for 5, HR(5).  BA= .224.

Jack Bresnahan LHP- 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 11.74.

Josh Wolf RHP- 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 0.84.

Bo Davidson continues to rake in Low A.  He needs to play at a higher level.  Over his last 7 games, Lisbel Diaz is 10 for 32(.313) with 3 HR.  Great to see Jack Bresnahan shake of a couple of disaster starts and pitch 4 shutout innings.  Maybe he needed some time to adjust to the trade?  Josh Wolf's FB was in the mid-90's when I saw him last weekend in San Bernardino.

Game Wrap 8/14/2024: Braves 13 Giants 2

Robbie Ray LHP hit the first two batters he faced, walked in a run and gave up a grand slam HR in a disaster start that lasted 0.2 IP.  By that time it was all over but the shouting.  Key Lines:

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 2 for 4, HR(14).  BA= .315.  Fitzgerald continues his ROY surge.  At this point finding a core for the future may be the only measure of a successful season left.  Fitz appears to have established himself as part of that core.

Sean Hjelle RHP- 3.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 3.67.  Hjelle shows his versatility going more than 3 IP.  Is he a future SP?

Robbie Ray LHP- 0.2 IP, 1 H, 5 R, 3 BB, 2 K, 2 HBP.  ERA= 6.00.  The odds of him opting out of next year's contract just went down.  If he doesn't he's a Giant through 2026, barring a trade, of course.

With the Loss, the Giants fall 4.5 games behind in the Wild Card Playoff race.

Logan Webb RHP tries to prevent the 4-game sweep tomorrow afternoon facing Max Fried LHP.

Churn Watch:

Grant McCray OF was added to the 40-man roster and activated to the 26-man roster.  Marco Luciano IF was optioned back to AAA Sacramento.  I am not sure McCray is ready for this, but he had to be added to the 40-man roster this offseason anyway.  If Luciano was not going to get PA's with the Giants he needed to be sent down.  The Jorge Soler trade is looking more and more like a huge mistake, possibly costing the Giants a playoff spot.  That trade might be grounds for FZ to be replaced all by itself.

Down on the Farm: 8/13/2024

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats tamed the Salt Lake City Bees 11-7:

Thairo Estrada 2B- 1 for 3, HBP . BA= .333.

Wade Meckler LF- 3 for 6, 2 3B.  BA= .327.

Trenton Brooks 1B-2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .310.

Grant McCray CF- 1 for 2, 3 BB, SB(8).  BA= .272.

Tristan Beck RHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 1.50.

Tyler Myrick RHP- 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's, Save(5).  ERA= 3.66.

Great!  Thairo Estrada begins his rehab assignment with an HBP.  A night for the Wade Meckler fans to get excited.  Tristan Beck seems to be coming along nicely in his rehab assignment.  Tyler Myrick is a sleeper bullpen prospect.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels blasted the Harrisburg Senators 11-3:

Ismael Munguia LF- 2 for 6.  BA= .297.

Carter Howell CF- 1 for 2, 3 BB, SB(14).  BA= .275.

Victor Bericoto 1B- 3 for 5, 2B, 2 SB(4).  BA= .262.

Diego Velasquez SS- 2 for 5, SB(1).  BA= .267.

Zach Morgan C- 1 for 5, HR(1).  BA= .316.

Vaun Brown RF- 2 for 5, 2B, SB(5).  BA= .132.

Nick Sinacola RHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.13.

Ben Madison RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 6.62.

Nick Swiney LHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 4.78.

Reminder that Diego Velasquez is just 20 yo and has another year of development before he turns Rule 5 Draft eligible.

A+:  Hillsboro Hops buried the Eugene Emeralds 7-1:

Bryce Eldridge 1B- 2 for 3, HR(4), BB.  BA= .325.

Bad news:  The Ems got just 2 hits in the game.  Good news:  Bryce Eldridge had both of them including a HR.

A:  San Jose Giants blanked the Stockton Ports 5-0:

Bo Davidson CF- 1 for 3, HR(7), BB.  BA- .313.

Walker Martin SS- 1 for 4, 2B.  BA= .087.

James Tibbs III RF- 2 for 4.  BA= .318.

Jack Payton DH- 2 for 4.  BA= .247.

Lisbel Diaz LF- 3 for 4, HR(4).  BA= .225.

Carson Whisenhunt LHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

Cale Lansville LHP- 4.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 5.27.

Reminder Lisbel Diaz just turned 19 yo and next year will be his age 19 season.  Great looking young ballplayer!

DSL:  Giants Orange edged out the Tigers 1 1-0(7 innings):

Frainer Mejias RHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 2.86.

Jose Rojas RHP- 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.94.

DSL:  Giants Black defeated Arizona Red 8-5:

Jhonny Level SS- 1 for 4, HR(9), BB.  BA= .275.

Jesus Alexander DH- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .377.

Evan Estevez 1B- 2 for 5.  BA= .288.

Juan Colorado 3B- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .250.

Anyelo Gonzalez C- 2 for 5.  BA= .190.

Anthony Marquez 2B- 1 for 4, HR(1), BB.  BA= .268.

Ricardo Estrada LHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 1.28.

Jan Caraballo RHP- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(4).  ERA= 2.27.

How many more DSL games are there?  I don't think I've seen a Giants DSL prospect hit double-digit HR's.  Does Jhonny Level have a chance?

Game Wrap 8/13/2024: Braves 4 Giants 3

The Giants came back from early deficits to tie at 3 in the 8'th inning but lost in extra innings for the second game in a row.  Ouch!  Key Lines:

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 1 for 5, HR(13).  BA= .305.  The HR got the Giants within run in the 3'rd inning but he failed to execute a bunt in the 10'th which cost the Giants a chance to get back the tie. 

Heliot Ramos CF- 2 for 5, 3B.  BA= .282.  Every time I am about to give up on Heliot, he seems to have a good game.

Patrick Bailey C- 1 for 4.  BA= .238.  Bailey hit one about as hard as possible to lead off the 9'th but the Braves CF made a twisting catch at the CF wall for an out.

Kyle Harrison LHP- 5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 4.14.  Credit to the kid for hanging in there for 5 IP but another rough start.

Sean Hjelle RHP= 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 3.72.  I wonder if Hjelle could be a SP next season or has he found his career role as a reliever?  Melvin definitely likes him and has done a great job of bringing him along this season.  I continue to obsess over his unique talent.

Landon Roupp RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.87. Roupp was showing off his + curveball tonight.  Maybe ++?

Jordan Hicks RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 3.92.  Hicks FB is back up to triple digits.  He will probably have a better and longer career as a reliever.

The Loss drops the Giants 3.5 games behind the Braves in the Wild Card playoff race.

Robbie Ray LHP tries to keep the Giants in the Wild Card race tomorrow evening facing Grant Holmes RHP

Down on the Farm: 8/12/2024

DSL:  Giants Orange defeated the Marlins 8-1(7 innings):

Luis Frias CF- 2 for 5, 3B.  BA= .227.

Miguel Blanco LF- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .273.

Jorge Ramirez C- 2 for 3, BB, SB(1).  BA= .290.

Dilan Fernandez RHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 4.20.

Omar Calcurian RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 1.04.

DSL:  Marlins beat Giants Orange 4-1(7 innings, makeup of August 1 game):

Albert Jimenez 3B- 1 for 3, 2B.  BA= .267.

Elkyns Villareal RHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 3.18.

Edwin Guerra RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA- 3.81.

DSL:  Giants Black blanked the Mariners 6-0:

Jhonny Level SS- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .276.

Alessandro Duran C- 3 for 4, BB.  BA= .279.

Argenis Cayama RHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 1.93.

Marlon Franco RHP- 4.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 8 K's.  ERA= 1.69.

Game Wrap 8/12/2024: Braves 1 Giants 0(10 innings)

Blake Snell and Chris Sale hooked up in one of the better pitching duels you will ever see.  So much so that if weren't for something called the Wild Card, the final score would be almost irrelevant.  Key Lines:

Blake Snell LHP- 6.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 11 K's.  ERA= 3.91.  Snell took a no-hitter into the 7'th inning but wasn't able to hold his pitch count down.  He appeared to fatigue a bit in the 7'th but still only gave up one semi-hard hit ball in the game.  His stuff was once again sensational with a high-90's FB and an unhittable curveball.  

Chris Sale LHP- 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 12 K's.  ERA= 2.61.  I am not sure how anyone could have better stuff than Snell had but Sale might have. The slider in particular was ridiculous diving below the Giants bats.  I will say the home plate ump had a generous strike zone for both pitchers.

I read an X post that said the 23 combined K's set an Oracle Park record.  It was the first time since 2010 that two pitchers had double digit K's in a game at Oracle when Tim Lincecum and Cole Hamels combined for 21.  

The Loss dropped the Giants to 2.5 games behind the Braves in the Wild Card race.

Kyle Harrison LHP tries to even the series tomorrow evening facing Charlie Morton RHP.

Down on the Farm: 8/11/2024

 AAA:  Albuquerque Isotopes outscored the Sacramento River Cats 17-10:

Luis Matos RF- 2 for 4, HR(10), BB.  BA= .252.

Grant McCray CF- 1 for 5, HR(6),  BA= .270.

Hunter Bishop DH- 2 for 5, 2B, HR(7).  BA= .219.

Jakson Reetz C- 2 for 4, 2 2B, BB.  BA= .255.

Donovan Walton SS- 2 for 4.  BA= .298.

Camilo Doval RHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 18.00.

I couldn't resist putting Doval's line in there.

AA:  Hartford Yard Goats defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels 6-1:

 

Justin Wishkoski 3B- 0 for 1, 3 BB.  BA= .200.

Nick Garcia RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 1.14.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds buried the Vancouver Canadians 15-4:

Scott Bandura RF- 3 for 5, 2B, BB, 2 SB(14).  BA= .248.

Sabin Ceballos 3B- 2 for 5, SF.  BA= .343.

Bryce Eldridge DH- 1 for 2, 3 BB, SF.  BA= .315.

Onil Perez C- 2 for 4, 2B, 2 BB.  BA= .235.

Charlie Szykowny 1B- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .297.

Quinn McDaniel 2B- 2 for 5, BB.  BA=.235.

Jonah Cox CF- 1 for 2, 3 BB, SB(17).  BA= .227.

Joe Whitman LHP- 4.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.88.

Cody Tucker RHP- 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 5.72.

A:  San Jose Giants topped the Inland Empire 66'ers 6-4:

Bo Davidson CF- 4 for 5, 2B, HR(6).  BA= .312.

James Tibbs III RF- 2 for 5.  BA= .278.

Elian Rayo 3B- 2 for 4.  BA= .262.

Josh Bostick RHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.78.

I attended this game.  Bo Davidson appears to have major league size and athleticism and an ability to square up pitches.  Josh Bostick has a major league frame.  He sat 92 MPH but command was inconsistent.  Walker Martin looks like an athlete but maybe hasn't faced this level of pitching before?  He seemed overmatched.

I've been going to minor league games in the Inland Empire for 20 years now.  I took my family to see Matt Cain pitch in Rancho Cucamonga in 2004. We got his autograph.  One thing that struck me tonight is every pitcher rolled out of bed throwing at least 92 MPH except for one sidearmer for the 66'ers.  20 years ago it wasn't that common to see a pitcher over 90 MPH and the Cal League was A+ level then.  Now these kids in low A ball are all bringing it at 92-96 MPH.  

Game Wrap 8/11/2024: Tigers 5 Giants 4

Hayden Birdsong had his second rough start in a row and a pair of baserunning blunders cut short a comeback opportunity in the 8'th inning.  Key Lines:

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .315.  Fitz and Chapman had 5 of the Giants 7 hits on the day.

Matt Chapman 3B- 3 for 4, 3B.  BA= .249.  The triple led off the 8'th inning but he broke for home too soon on a Mark Canha grounder to 3B and was out in a rundown.  Canha took 2B during the rundown but then got hung up himself on a grounder by Patrick Bailey so in 2 batters the Giants went from a runner at 3B with no outs to a runner at first with 2 outs.  

Hayden Birdsong RHP- 4.1 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 5.40.  Birdsong made some beautiful pitches but also made mistakes.  Big league hitters will make you pay for those no matter where their team is in the standings.  Reminder that Matt Cain's ERA his first full season in the majors was 4.1, Tim Lincecum's call up season was 4.00 and Logan Webb's call up season was 4.00.  There is usually an early learning curve. The talent and stuff is there for Birdsong.

Despite the Loss, the Giants remained 1.5 games behind in the Wild Card Playoff race.

The Giants now start a 4-game series against the team that sits in the final Wild Card spot.  Blake Snell LHP starts game 1 tomorrow evening facing Chris Sale LHP.