Casey Schmitt's 3-run home run and Justin Verlander's Quality Start keyed the Giants win with some help from Spencer Bivens who rescued the 9'th inning from Ryan Walker. Key Lines:
Casey Schmitt 2B- 1 for 3, HR(12), R, 3 RBI. BA= .238. While he will probably never be a walk machine, Schmitt has improved his plate discipline significantly since he broke in and the power is real. If you project his stat line to 600 PA's he hits about 22 HR's which is pretty good for a second baseman. Do Buster and Zach trust that enough to make him the presumptive starting 2B next season?
Justin Verlander RHP- 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 3.85. Verlander recorded a Quality Start and a Win after giving up a pair of solo HR's in the first two innings. Would he resign for another 1 yr/$15 M?
Spencer Bivens RHP- 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(2). ERA= 4.10. Bivens was summoned in the 9'th after Ryan Walker went HR, double, GO(runner advanced to 3B), Walk. Whoa! Bivens came in throwing 97-98 MPH electric gas and looked like an actual Closer. He struck out the first batter he faced them Matt Chapman made a nice catch of a pop-up against the netting for the final out. Obviously not ready to hand him the role just yet but if Bivens can throw that kind of heat with a little rest and a short inning assignment, is he worth a try at Closer?
Logan Webb RHP makes starts the final game of the season with a chance for the Giants to finish with a .500 record. He faces McCade Brown RHP (who?) comes in with a 7.54 ERA.
Schmitt can backup all 4 IF positions if he isn't the starting 2B. given Chapman's age and inevitable declining skills, Schmitt should have a head start in 2026 but he still will have to prove his worth. Koss has made Giant stides this year...
ReplyDeleteMelvin said after the game he wouldn't be surprised if Verlander is offered a two year contract in the off-season. It wouldn't be the most pivotal move, but as a fifth or sixth starter the Giants could do a lot worse!
ReplyDeleteNo Bevins isn’t worth a try at closer. I think Reggie Crawford is an interesting potential future option at closer
ReplyDeleteReggie Crawford? You do know that he had his shredded shoulder reconstructed last offseason and recent underwent another shoulder surgery? Reggie Crawford will be very fortunate if he ever pitches again at any level let alone becomes a MLB Closer.
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