You've heard the one about how Einstein said the def......? Oh, nevermind! For some reason Tony Vitello thought it was a good idea to bring Ryan Walker into a 1-0 game in the 8'th inning rather than the 9'th. Yes, it still counts as a Blown Save. The Giants predictably went on to lose in extra-innings for both a series and road trip sweep. It doesn't get more rock bottom than this. Key Lines:
Rafael Devers 1B- 1 for 3, 2B, BB, R. BA= .214. I give Devers credit for hustling out a double on a squibber down the 3B line. Beyond that, he's not showing much sign of breaking out of it. I thought Hunter Pence made a good point yesterday about Devers exaggerate open stand which he squares up as the pitch is delivered. It's a timing mechanism and he has to get it down in time. He probably isn't and that's why he's late on fastballs down the middle. Not sure those longer timing mechanisms work in an era when soft-tossers are throwing 92-93 MPH.
Casey Schmitt DH- 2 for 4, RBI. BA= .308. Schmitt continues to be the Giants most consistent hitter on the season. His single drove in Devers to give Tyler Mahle a 1-0 lead in the first inning. They never added to that be Mahle and the bullpen almost made it stand up.
Tyler Mahle RHP- 5.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 5.00. As one of our commenters pointed out, Mahle is in a pattern of alternating good starts. This was a good turn.
Ryan Walker RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 0 K. ERA= 4.61. I looked up in the 8'th inning and was shocked and dismayed to find Walker in the game. I texted my friend and asked why he was out there in the 8'th inning of a 1-0 game. Answer: "He's got a growth mindset and is better then Borucki." LOL!
The Giants missed out on an opportunity for a happy flight home. They start a series at home against the Padres tomorrow evening with Trevor McDonald RHP facing Randy Vasquez RHP who comes in with a 2.94 ERA.
Looked this up in Google, analytics in modern baseball advise against spending big on closers and certain starting pitchers since performance isn't as consistent year to year vs other position. They believe in having depth instead. Which approach do you like?. It seems like the Giants are building their bullpen this way, with mixed results, its a work in progress. The Ray's seem to be good with the analytics approach trading last years closer Fairbanks and going with a cheaper closer Baker whom I never heard off. Maybe the Giants can learn something from the Ray's. Walker reminds me of closer they had back in the 80s LHP MarkDavis. He had a 5 wins 12 loss record one year with only 7 saves but they kept bringing him in, drove me crazy since he would always give up. A homerun ball and lose the game, lol!
ReplyDeleteDeveloping Closers from within or acquiring under-the-radar guys who throw hundos is preferable but I am not sure everybody can do it. Bochy was a genius at it. At this point I am pretty sure Vitello is not.
DeleteIs Devers healthy? He had a lower back disk injury last July. Did he reinjury his back? It sure would explain a lot.
ReplyDeleteHe looked healthy running out that double(why do I hold my breath whenever I see Devers run all out?).
DeleteSusan Slusser
ReplyDelete"I’m told both Bryce Eldridge and Jesus Rodriguez are being called up and will be in SF tomorrow."
Susan Slusser said on Twitter that she's being told Bryce Eldridge and Jesus Rodriguez being called up, that's exciting.
ReplyDeleteEldridge, Rodriguez, and possibly Hentges will be up with the team tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteCasey Schmidt continues to hit. He's a homegrown player whom I've always liked. Maybe this is his breakout year, that would be big news!
ReplyDeleteHi Doc. Love your work. I said it before… TV’s handling of Ryan Walker makes me questions his managing skills.
ReplyDeleteIt's being reported that Eldridge and Rodriguez are being promoted for Monday night.
ReplyDeleteRe: Eldridge, for me, and yeah, it's an either/or thing: what is the indicator of MLB success? his BA and OPS, or his K%? i will argue it's his K% and that number is still not good. so more struggles ahead and, well, these are just about desperate times, so i get it. -es
ReplyDeleteThat's the Gordian Knot of hitting. If you want to cut K's, you have to swing at more pitches earlier in counts and look what that's gotten the Giants so far this season. Analytics would say the better predictor of MLb success for Eldridge is his BA and OPS.
DeleteLet's face it, Eldridge is going to be a 3-true outcomes hitter or he's going to be a bust.
DeleteWhile I really hope he exceeds it, I think the mean outcome for Eldridge is Joey Gallo. Who had a great MLB career, and was a very good player at times! But not the franchise altering type player we are all hoping him to be (and maybe some careers are riding on him being).
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When it comes to hitting prospects, Giants fans are well-conditioned to steel ourselves against disappointment. Joey Gallo is one potential outcome but we really have no idea until we see it play out. Eldridge has the tools to be Wille McCovey too.
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