Yusmeiro Petit showed why he has kicked around baseball since being a top prospect several years ago and the Giants failed to generate much offense as they closed out the 2012 Spring Training schedule with a loss to the Oakland A's. Key LInes:
Buster Posey- 2 for 2, 2B. BA= .325. Buster hasn't had a spectacular spring, but if he just does this it will be huge offensive upgrade from the catcher position over what the Giants had most of last year.
Hector Sanchez- 2 for 4. BA= .383. The Hector wins a roster spot!!
Ryan Theriot- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .190. Theriot should be useful against LHP's.
Yusmeiro Petit- 3.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R. 2 BB, 2 K's, 3 HR. ERA= 4.78. Petit's problem has always been the longball. Looks like it still is!
The Giants finalized their Roster with Bruce Bochy announcing that Aubrey Huff will be the starting LF and Brandon Belt will platoon 1B with Brett Pill. Hector Sanchez won the backup catcher job over a couple of light hitting, but good defensive veterans in a mild surpise. Ryan Theriot will be the reserve middle infielder with Gregor Blanco and Nate Schierholtz the OF reserves.
Eli Whiteside was optioned to Fresno and Chris Stewart was traded to the Yankees for AAA RHP George Kontos who looks like a pretty good pitcher to me.
The Giants have the day off tomorrow then open the season Friday evening in Arizona with Tim Lincecum getting opening day starting duties.
The minor league season opens tomorrow night. Ricky Oropesa will play his first professional game as the San Jose Giants play the Nuts in Modesto. We'll try to put up Down on the Farm summaries as well as Game Wraps each day.
Let's play ball!!
Showing posts with label Spring Training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spring Training. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Spring Training Update: Game Wrap Giants 3 A's 2
Giants baseball was on display at the Oakland Coliseum last night as the Giants scraped together just enough runs to support their trademark strong pitching. Key LInes:
Giants offense- 7 players had one hit apiece with Huff having the only XBH, a double. Blanco and Nate each had a SB. Pagan made a strong throw from CF to cut down Cespedes at the the plate.
Matt Cain- 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 2.10. Pretty standard start for Cain. Almost certainly would have been a QS had it been in season.
Bullpen- 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K's. Affeldt looked sharp(were you watching, Pato?). Romo abused Cespedes with a slider that broke at least a foot wide of the strike zone.
Brandon Crawford was a late scratch due to a mild sprain of the left thumb. He's expected to be ready on Opening Day.
Today is cut down day. It's looking more and more like Brandon Belt will be the starting 1B with Huff moving to LF, Cabrera to RF and Nate to the bench.
Yusmeiro Petit, who won't be on the active roster, will make the afternoon start at AT&T. Petit would seem to be first in line for a callup if the Giants need to replace a starter, at least until Surkamp is healthy.
Giants offense- 7 players had one hit apiece with Huff having the only XBH, a double. Blanco and Nate each had a SB. Pagan made a strong throw from CF to cut down Cespedes at the the plate.
Matt Cain- 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 6 K's. ERA= 2.10. Pretty standard start for Cain. Almost certainly would have been a QS had it been in season.
Bullpen- 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K's. Affeldt looked sharp(were you watching, Pato?). Romo abused Cespedes with a slider that broke at least a foot wide of the strike zone.
Brandon Crawford was a late scratch due to a mild sprain of the left thumb. He's expected to be ready on Opening Day.
Today is cut down day. It's looking more and more like Brandon Belt will be the starting 1B with Huff moving to LF, Cabrera to RF and Nate to the bench.
Yusmeiro Petit, who won't be on the active roster, will make the afternoon start at AT&T. Petit would seem to be first in line for a callup if the Giants need to replace a starter, at least until Surkamp is healthy.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Spring Training Update: Game Wrap Giants 4 A's 2
Buster Posey made his first appearance as a player since his injury last May. Melky Cabrera had a big night at the plate to lead the Giants. Key Lines:
Melky Cabrera- 3 for 4, HR(4). BA= .359. Cabrera was robbed of another hit by Jemile Weeks ranging far into the hole on the right side. Q: If Melky has another strong year, how much is he going to get paid in FA next year?
Pablo Sandoval- 1 for 4. BA= .250. If anything Pablo looks like he's gained some weight during spring training. Yikes! He was overswinging last night trying to hit everything into McCovey Cove.
Brandon Belt- 2 for 3, 2B. BA= .391. Belt turned on two pitches that he drove to the right side. The swing on the double was kind of funny looking. He's obviously trying to draw his hands in on inside pitches to avoid getting tied up. I'm going to play armchair hitting coach here and say I think he might be able to solve this problem by choking up by an inch or inch and a half on the bat handle. I really doubt that gripping down on the nob of the bat really gives a hitter all that much more leverage. Choking up allows you to get more of the barrel on inside pitches. It worked for Barry Bonds and it works for Hunter Pence. I don't know why more hitters don't do it. Belt's arms are long enough to still get leverage and still cover the outer half of the plate.
Madison Bumgarner- 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 2.59. Bumgarner had the strikeout stuff going, but seemed to have inconsistent command. Max velocity was 92, but I'm wondering if the TV gun was a bit slow?
Matt Yourkin- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.50. Right now, I have more confidence in Yourkin getting MLB hitters out than Barry Zito and it's not particularly close.
Brian Wilson- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 0.00. Wilson had great command Throwing mostly cutters and even a couple of nice curveballs that he used to steal strike one. Max velocity was 92 MPH. Again, I wonder if the gun was off by a MPH or two although his FB did not look like the old BWillie heaters. If he does have to adjust to lower velocity, he has some pretty good pitches to do it with.
Matt Cain starts the first game of the rest of his life tonight in Oakland.
Melky Cabrera- 3 for 4, HR(4). BA= .359. Cabrera was robbed of another hit by Jemile Weeks ranging far into the hole on the right side. Q: If Melky has another strong year, how much is he going to get paid in FA next year?
Pablo Sandoval- 1 for 4. BA= .250. If anything Pablo looks like he's gained some weight during spring training. Yikes! He was overswinging last night trying to hit everything into McCovey Cove.
Brandon Belt- 2 for 3, 2B. BA= .391. Belt turned on two pitches that he drove to the right side. The swing on the double was kind of funny looking. He's obviously trying to draw his hands in on inside pitches to avoid getting tied up. I'm going to play armchair hitting coach here and say I think he might be able to solve this problem by choking up by an inch or inch and a half on the bat handle. I really doubt that gripping down on the nob of the bat really gives a hitter all that much more leverage. Choking up allows you to get more of the barrel on inside pitches. It worked for Barry Bonds and it works for Hunter Pence. I don't know why more hitters don't do it. Belt's arms are long enough to still get leverage and still cover the outer half of the plate.
Madison Bumgarner- 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 7 K's. ERA= 2.59. Bumgarner had the strikeout stuff going, but seemed to have inconsistent command. Max velocity was 92, but I'm wondering if the TV gun was a bit slow?
Matt Yourkin- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 1.50. Right now, I have more confidence in Yourkin getting MLB hitters out than Barry Zito and it's not particularly close.
Brian Wilson- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 0.00. Wilson had great command Throwing mostly cutters and even a couple of nice curveballs that he used to steal strike one. Max velocity was 92 MPH. Again, I wonder if the gun was off by a MPH or two although his FB did not look like the old BWillie heaters. If he does have to adjust to lower velocity, he has some pretty good pitches to do it with.
Matt Cain starts the first game of the rest of his life tonight in Oakland.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Spring Training Update: Game Wrap Giants 4 Dodgers 1
The Giants got long balls from Brandon Crawford and Nate Schierholtz and a nice start from Yusmeiero Petit to win the first game of the Dodgers' Showtime Era. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 1 for 3, 2B. BA= .186. Pagan's second double in two days. Progress!
Nate Schierholtz- 1 for 4, HR(1), Assist(Bard at 3B). BA= .220. Nate's arm is one of his biggest arguments for a starting RF gig. He showed that today as well as the dinger. Is it enough?
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 3, HR(2). Just when I think Crawford is going to go into a prolonged slump, he breaks back out of it. Very encouraging to see a game like this from him this late into the preseason.
Yusmeiro Petit- 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 0.00. Petit's second impressive appearance this spring. Is it possible he is a post-hype sleeper? I'm trying to remember the old scouting reports on him. I believe it was fringy FB velocity with great command and an excellent changeup. Hey, stranger things have happened. He's still only 27 yo.
Sergio Romo- 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 5.00. Gotta believe something ain't quite right with Romo.
Casilla(0.96), Hensley(2.89), Machi(2.00) all pitched one scoreless inning each. I think Hensley is a lock for the roster. Machi has impressed and is getting a lot of work this spring.
Matt Cain takes on the Texas Rangers in Surprise tomorrow evening.
Madison Bumgarner was held out of the Dodgers game to prevent the division rivals from getting a look at him. He went 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K's in a minor league game.
Around the League:
Latest reports I read say the Magic Johnson group buying the Dodgers are paying cash. I had read earlier this morning that they were borrowing a large portion of it and wanted to use the future TV revenue to service the debt. The Guggenheim Group let by Mark Walters, who is the deep pockets for this deal, is reportedly worth $125 Billion. Yeah, you read that right.
Zach Greinke- 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 8 K's.
Jordan Zimmerman- 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.
Jeff Samardzija- 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. Nice recovery from the shelling in his last start. Still in the running for Cubs #5 starter. Fantasy sleeper if he wins it.
Angel Pagan- 1 for 3, 2B. BA= .186. Pagan's second double in two days. Progress!
Nate Schierholtz- 1 for 4, HR(1), Assist(Bard at 3B). BA= .220. Nate's arm is one of his biggest arguments for a starting RF gig. He showed that today as well as the dinger. Is it enough?
Brandon Crawford- 2 for 3, HR(2). Just when I think Crawford is going to go into a prolonged slump, he breaks back out of it. Very encouraging to see a game like this from him this late into the preseason.
Yusmeiro Petit- 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 0.00. Petit's second impressive appearance this spring. Is it possible he is a post-hype sleeper? I'm trying to remember the old scouting reports on him. I believe it was fringy FB velocity with great command and an excellent changeup. Hey, stranger things have happened. He's still only 27 yo.
Sergio Romo- 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 5.00. Gotta believe something ain't quite right with Romo.
Casilla(0.96), Hensley(2.89), Machi(2.00) all pitched one scoreless inning each. I think Hensley is a lock for the roster. Machi has impressed and is getting a lot of work this spring.
Matt Cain takes on the Texas Rangers in Surprise tomorrow evening.
Madison Bumgarner was held out of the Dodgers game to prevent the division rivals from getting a look at him. He went 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K's in a minor league game.
Around the League:
Latest reports I read say the Magic Johnson group buying the Dodgers are paying cash. I had read earlier this morning that they were borrowing a large portion of it and wanted to use the future TV revenue to service the debt. The Guggenheim Group let by Mark Walters, who is the deep pockets for this deal, is reportedly worth $125 Billion. Yeah, you read that right.
Zach Greinke- 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 8 K's.
Jordan Zimmerman- 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.
Jeff Samardzija- 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's. Nice recovery from the shelling in his last start. Still in the running for Cubs #5 starter. Fantasy sleeper if he wins it.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Spring Training Update: Game Wrap Giants 4 Royals 2
Ryan Vogelsong had a successful and healthy spring debut and Pablo Sandoval had a huge day at the plate capped by a walk-off 2 run HR. Key Lines:
Melky Cabrera- 1 for 3, 3B. BA= .380. Melky keeps raking.
Pablo Sandoval- 3 for 5, 2B, HR(3). BA= .236. Pablo's walkoff was against a very good pitcher, Greg Holland, who many people think should be the Royals closer.
Ryan Theriot- 0 for 1. BA= .194. Theriot started the game at SS but had to come out early due to getting hit in the nose by an errant pickoff throw from Vogelsong. Sounds like there was blood everywhere!
Joaquin Arias- 2 for 2, BB. BA= .237. Arias used Theriot's injury to enhance his own chances of winning a roster spot.
Ryan Vogelsong- 2.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.38. Vogey reportedly had his FB up to 93 MPH and looked sharp. Hopefully he just needs to ramp up his innings to get his stamina up.
Affledt(2.89), Wilson(0.00), Lopez(3.00), Hensley(3.24) and Jean Machi(2.25) all pitched a scoreless inning apiece. Romo(4.50) allowed an ER in 1 IP,
Eric Surkamp came up with a sore arm after his last start. An MRI today revealed a flexor tendon strain. He'll be shut down for 2 weeks.
The Giants released Ramon Ortiz and reassigned Andrew Kown, Wlmin Rodriguez, Brian Burres and Shane Loux to minor league camp.
Tim Lincecum faces the Angels tomorrow in Scottdale.
Around the League:
Dustin Ackley tripled and homered against the Yomiuri Giants in Japan.
Jon Lester had a dominant start against the Phillies: 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 10 K's.
Dee Gordon had a single and walk and stole his 9'th and 10'th bases of the spring vs the ChiSox.
Kendry Morales went 3 for 4 and is hitting .615 on the spring in a very small sample size.
Garrett Richards' bid to become the Angels' #5 starter suffered a setback: 5.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 5 K's.
Matt Wieters continued his hot hitting going 3 for 4 with a double to raise his spring BA to .282.
Eric Bedard pitched well in a losing cause: 6 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K's.
Joe Nathan lowered his spring ERA to 12.00 with a perfect inning with 2 K's.
It looks like Travis Ishikawa has landed a roster spot with the BrewCrew as he went 2 for 4 with a double and raised his spring slash line to .286/.388/.500.
Melky Cabrera- 1 for 3, 3B. BA= .380. Melky keeps raking.
Pablo Sandoval- 3 for 5, 2B, HR(3). BA= .236. Pablo's walkoff was against a very good pitcher, Greg Holland, who many people think should be the Royals closer.
Ryan Theriot- 0 for 1. BA= .194. Theriot started the game at SS but had to come out early due to getting hit in the nose by an errant pickoff throw from Vogelsong. Sounds like there was blood everywhere!
Joaquin Arias- 2 for 2, BB. BA= .237. Arias used Theriot's injury to enhance his own chances of winning a roster spot.
Ryan Vogelsong- 2.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.38. Vogey reportedly had his FB up to 93 MPH and looked sharp. Hopefully he just needs to ramp up his innings to get his stamina up.
Affledt(2.89), Wilson(0.00), Lopez(3.00), Hensley(3.24) and Jean Machi(2.25) all pitched a scoreless inning apiece. Romo(4.50) allowed an ER in 1 IP,
Eric Surkamp came up with a sore arm after his last start. An MRI today revealed a flexor tendon strain. He'll be shut down for 2 weeks.
The Giants released Ramon Ortiz and reassigned Andrew Kown, Wlmin Rodriguez, Brian Burres and Shane Loux to minor league camp.
Tim Lincecum faces the Angels tomorrow in Scottdale.
Around the League:
Dustin Ackley tripled and homered against the Yomiuri Giants in Japan.
Jon Lester had a dominant start against the Phillies: 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 10 K's.
Dee Gordon had a single and walk and stole his 9'th and 10'th bases of the spring vs the ChiSox.
Kendry Morales went 3 for 4 and is hitting .615 on the spring in a very small sample size.
Garrett Richards' bid to become the Angels' #5 starter suffered a setback: 5.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 5 K's.
Matt Wieters continued his hot hitting going 3 for 4 with a double to raise his spring BA to .282.
Eric Bedard pitched well in a losing cause: 6 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K's.
Joe Nathan lowered his spring ERA to 12.00 with a perfect inning with 2 K's.
It looks like Travis Ishikawa has landed a roster spot with the BrewCrew as he went 2 for 4 with a double and raised his spring slash line to .286/.388/.500.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Spring Training Update: Game Wrap Rockies 7 Giants 6
The Giants started Travis Blackley at home against the division rivals to keep them from seeing too much of Matt Cain. The Giants did show some offense and got a nice outing from Yusmeiro Petit who has been somewhat of a mystery man this spring. Key Lines:
Melky Cabrera- 2 for 3, 2B(6). BA= .400. Naw, not gonna drop Melky from my fantasy team.
Buster Posey- 2 for 3, 2B. BA= .318. Buster is looking like he's finding his range at the plate.
Hector Sanchez- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(4). BA= .452. Seriously? Maybe the Giants can find new homes for both Whiteside and CStew and just let The Hector be the backup catcher. Probably the smarter thing to do is let him play every day in Fresno, but this kid is ready and is going to be a good starting catcher in the majors someday.
Mike Fontenot- 2 for 3. BA= .310 I guess these roster decisions are a good problem to have, but this is going to be nail-biting.
Carter Jurica- 2 for 2, 2B. BA= 1.000. Nice appearance by Jurica who has been kind of a forgotten prospect. He may be the starting 2B for San Jose.
Joaquin Arias- 2 for 5. BA= .212. Baggs seems to think the Giants may be impressed enough with Arias to want him as the backup SS and that is why they are trying to trade The Cajuns.
Brett Pill- 2 for 2, 2B(5). BA= .313. Pill seems like a lock to make the team.
Yusmeiro Petit- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00. Nicely done by the one time hot prospect.
Barry Zito takes the mound for the Giants tomorrow on the road against the White Sox.
Jayson Stark(ESPN) is reporting the Giants are actively shopping both Mike Fontenot and Ryan Theriot. According to Alex Pavlovic, the key to this may actually be Joaquin Arias. That would make some sense as he seems like an excellent defensive SS and none of Theriot, Fonty or Burriss seems like an adequate backup defensively.
Around the League:
Ryan Madson will be undergoing TJ surgery and is out for the year, a major blow to the Reds. The whole story with him and the Phillies and Scott Boras and them pulling their offer and now just seems like something isn't quite right. What spooked the Phillies? Madson never threw a pitch in a game this spring.
Henderson Alvarez allowed just 1 hit in 5 innings against the BoSox.
Matt Wieters went 4 for 4 with a 3 run dinger and 6 Ribeyes for the Baltimore Orioles.
Joe Nathan struggled once again for Texas against the Angels.
Jeremy Hellickson got lit up by the Twins in a spring training start.
Melky Cabrera- 2 for 3, 2B(6). BA= .400. Naw, not gonna drop Melky from my fantasy team.
Buster Posey- 2 for 3, 2B. BA= .318. Buster is looking like he's finding his range at the plate.
Hector Sanchez- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(4). BA= .452. Seriously? Maybe the Giants can find new homes for both Whiteside and CStew and just let The Hector be the backup catcher. Probably the smarter thing to do is let him play every day in Fresno, but this kid is ready and is going to be a good starting catcher in the majors someday.
Mike Fontenot- 2 for 3. BA= .310 I guess these roster decisions are a good problem to have, but this is going to be nail-biting.
Carter Jurica- 2 for 2, 2B. BA= 1.000. Nice appearance by Jurica who has been kind of a forgotten prospect. He may be the starting 2B for San Jose.
Joaquin Arias- 2 for 5. BA= .212. Baggs seems to think the Giants may be impressed enough with Arias to want him as the backup SS and that is why they are trying to trade The Cajuns.
Brett Pill- 2 for 2, 2B(5). BA= .313. Pill seems like a lock to make the team.
Yusmeiro Petit- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00. Nicely done by the one time hot prospect.
Barry Zito takes the mound for the Giants tomorrow on the road against the White Sox.
Jayson Stark(ESPN) is reporting the Giants are actively shopping both Mike Fontenot and Ryan Theriot. According to Alex Pavlovic, the key to this may actually be Joaquin Arias. That would make some sense as he seems like an excellent defensive SS and none of Theriot, Fonty or Burriss seems like an adequate backup defensively.
Around the League:
Ryan Madson will be undergoing TJ surgery and is out for the year, a major blow to the Reds. The whole story with him and the Phillies and Scott Boras and them pulling their offer and now just seems like something isn't quite right. What spooked the Phillies? Madson never threw a pitch in a game this spring.
Henderson Alvarez allowed just 1 hit in 5 innings against the BoSox.
Matt Wieters went 4 for 4 with a 3 run dinger and 6 Ribeyes for the Baltimore Orioles.
Joe Nathan struggled once again for Texas against the Angels.
Jeremy Hellickson got lit up by the Twins in a spring training start.
Spring Training Update: Game Wrap Giants 6 Reds 4
The Giants offense came to life today as they scored a total of 12 runs in the two split squad games. This one featured 5 shutout innings from Matt Cain. Key Lines:
Gregor Blanco- 1 for 5, HR(1). BA= .373. Blanco showed he can occasionally muscle up and hit one out. Good for keeping those pitchers honest.
Brandon Belt- 3 for 4, BB, 2B(5). BA= .380. With each passing day, it is becoming more obvious that Belt needs to be kept on the active roster and needs to be in the starting lineup. I like how it's not just HR or nothing. He's stroking the ball for singles and doubles too.
Nate Schierholtz- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .250. Bochy had a talk with Nate that supposedly helped him. Not sure what he could have said. What he said to the press sounded an awful lot like a vote of no-confidence.
Justin Christian- 2 for 4, 2B, SB(2). BA= .242. Probably too little too late. Maybe he can showcase his talents for another team, or make an impression on the manager in case a callup is needed later in the season?
Matt Cain- 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 1.32. Cainer seems ready to start the season. Now, let's get that contract done!
Wilmin Rodriguez(1.69), Dan Otero(1.29), Jean Machi(2.57)- 1 shutout inning apiece. Spring ERA's are in parentheses. Bullpen insurance for the future?
Gregor Blanco- 1 for 5, HR(1). BA= .373. Blanco showed he can occasionally muscle up and hit one out. Good for keeping those pitchers honest.
Brandon Belt- 3 for 4, BB, 2B(5). BA= .380. With each passing day, it is becoming more obvious that Belt needs to be kept on the active roster and needs to be in the starting lineup. I like how it's not just HR or nothing. He's stroking the ball for singles and doubles too.
Nate Schierholtz- 2 for 3, BB. BA= .250. Bochy had a talk with Nate that supposedly helped him. Not sure what he could have said. What he said to the press sounded an awful lot like a vote of no-confidence.
Justin Christian- 2 for 4, 2B, SB(2). BA= .242. Probably too little too late. Maybe he can showcase his talents for another team, or make an impression on the manager in case a callup is needed later in the season?
Matt Cain- 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 1.32. Cainer seems ready to start the season. Now, let's get that contract done!
Wilmin Rodriguez(1.69), Dan Otero(1.29), Jean Machi(2.57)- 1 shutout inning apiece. Spring ERA's are in parentheses. Bullpen insurance for the future?
Friday, March 23, 2012
Spring Training Update: Game Wrap Rockies 7 Giants 0
This was a game that pretty much proves spring training is too long. Tim Lincecum and Brian Wilson pitched in minor league games while none of the pitchers the Giants sent to Salt River Fields has a ghost of chance of making the MLB club. Not that it would have mattered as the Giants committed 4 errors and mustered just one hit in a game that was probably more detrimental than helpful in getting ready for the season. At least it doesn't count! Key Lines:
There were no key lines in this game!
Tim Lincecum threw 91 pitches with the San Jose Giants. He reportedly was getting his fastball up but had good secondary stuff.
Brian Wilson threw 15 pitches in a minor league game and reportedly was hitting the mid-upper 90's with the heater with no reported problems.
Next Up: Madison Bumgarner faces the Rangers in Scottsdale in a might game.
Savvy Vets fantasy auction draft tonight at 8:30 PM. I'll give a complete breakdown afterwards.
There were no key lines in this game!
Tim Lincecum threw 91 pitches with the San Jose Giants. He reportedly was getting his fastball up but had good secondary stuff.
Brian Wilson threw 15 pitches in a minor league game and reportedly was hitting the mid-upper 90's with the heater with no reported problems.
Next Up: Madison Bumgarner faces the Rangers in Scottsdale in a might game.
Savvy Vets fantasy auction draft tonight at 8:30 PM. I'll give a complete breakdown afterwards.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Spring Training Update: Game Wrap Giants 5 Indians 3
The Giants got a another solid start from Erick Surkamp and a 3 run dinger from Brett Pill to top the Tribe. Key Lines:
Buster Posey- 2 for 4. BA= .294. Buster DH'd today.
Brett Pill- 1 for 3, HR(2), BB. BA= .273. Long before Moneyball was written or anyone had heard of OBP or SLG%, a very smart manager named Earl Weaver said that baseball games are won by pitching and 3 run homers. In recent years, the Giants have not tended to get on base much or hit many HR's, so they have not had many 3 run HR's. Of course, they won the World Series anyway, but 3 run HR's are still a very good thing.
Brandon Crawford- 1 for 2, BB. BA= .333. Crawford is not quite as hot as at the beginning of ST, but he's still holding his own.
Hector Sanchez- 2 for 2, 2B. BA= .480. If Buster is going to need a lot of days off, my druthers would be to keep The Hector as the backup catcher.
Eric Surkamp- 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 Ks'. ERA= 4.41.
Edlefsen, Lopez and Casilla all pitched scoreless frames. Hensley allowed a run in his inning of work.
Brian Wilson was scheduled to pitch and got scratched due to "general arm soreness." I have to say I don't have a high degree of confidence in anything BWillie or the Giants have to say about his arm. He's supposed to pitch tomorrow in a minor league game.
Tim LIncecum takes the mound tomorrow evening facing the Rockies and Jamie Moyer.
Buster Posey- 2 for 4. BA= .294. Buster DH'd today.
Brett Pill- 1 for 3, HR(2), BB. BA= .273. Long before Moneyball was written or anyone had heard of OBP or SLG%, a very smart manager named Earl Weaver said that baseball games are won by pitching and 3 run homers. In recent years, the Giants have not tended to get on base much or hit many HR's, so they have not had many 3 run HR's. Of course, they won the World Series anyway, but 3 run HR's are still a very good thing.
Brandon Crawford- 1 for 2, BB. BA= .333. Crawford is not quite as hot as at the beginning of ST, but he's still holding his own.
Hector Sanchez- 2 for 2, 2B. BA= .480. If Buster is going to need a lot of days off, my druthers would be to keep The Hector as the backup catcher.
Eric Surkamp- 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 Ks'. ERA= 4.41.
Edlefsen, Lopez and Casilla all pitched scoreless frames. Hensley allowed a run in his inning of work.
Brian Wilson was scheduled to pitch and got scratched due to "general arm soreness." I have to say I don't have a high degree of confidence in anything BWillie or the Giants have to say about his arm. He's supposed to pitch tomorrow in a minor league game.
Tim LIncecum takes the mound tomorrow evening facing the Rockies and Jamie Moyer.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Spring Training Update: Game Wrap D'Backs 4 Giants 3
Barry Zito struggled with his control, but kept his team close for 5 innings only to see them lose on a walkoff HR by D'Backs prospect AJ Pollock. Key Lines:
Melky Cabrera- 2 for 4. BA= .410.
Buster Posey- 1 for 2, SF. BA= .231. Buster needs AB's, IMO.
Gregor Blanco- 1 for 3, BB, 2 SB(9). BA= .436. Looks like Blanco has all but won himself a roster spot.
Ryan Theriot- 1 for 2, 2B, BB. BA= .219. Theriot's RH bat off the bench may win him a roster spot despite a lackluster spring.
Barry Zito- 5 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 4 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 4.50. Fairly ugly line from Zito, but came wihin 1 inning of a QS and kept his team in the game. I wouldn't count on him stranding this many runners very often though.
Jeremy Affeldt and Heath Hembree each pitched a perfect inning with no K's.
Trevor Bauer(D'Backs)- 3 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.60. I think a lot of Giants fans think Bauer is going to be great because he is so much like Timmy. He may be, eventually, but looks like he still has some learning to do.
Nate Schierholtz was a late scratch due to forearm stiffness. That's a phrase that seems to often lead to TJ surgery in pitchers. Nate's seems minor though as the word is he is going to play tomorrow. Nate does seem to keep getting nicked up, though.
Eric Surkamp takes the mound for possibly his last start of the spring with Vogey coming back against the Cleveland Indians tomorrow.
Melky Cabrera- 2 for 4. BA= .410.
Buster Posey- 1 for 2, SF. BA= .231. Buster needs AB's, IMO.
Gregor Blanco- 1 for 3, BB, 2 SB(9). BA= .436. Looks like Blanco has all but won himself a roster spot.
Ryan Theriot- 1 for 2, 2B, BB. BA= .219. Theriot's RH bat off the bench may win him a roster spot despite a lackluster spring.
Barry Zito- 5 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 4 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 4.50. Fairly ugly line from Zito, but came wihin 1 inning of a QS and kept his team in the game. I wouldn't count on him stranding this many runners very often though.
Jeremy Affeldt and Heath Hembree each pitched a perfect inning with no K's.
Trevor Bauer(D'Backs)- 3 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.60. I think a lot of Giants fans think Bauer is going to be great because he is so much like Timmy. He may be, eventually, but looks like he still has some learning to do.
Nate Schierholtz was a late scratch due to forearm stiffness. That's a phrase that seems to often lead to TJ surgery in pitchers. Nate's seems minor though as the word is he is going to play tomorrow. Nate does seem to keep getting nicked up, though.
Eric Surkamp takes the mound for possibly his last start of the spring with Vogey coming back against the Cleveland Indians tomorrow.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Spring Training Update: Game Wrap Giants 3 Dodgers 3
In a rather desultory affair, the Giants and Dodgers played to a 3-3 tie on a windy night in Glendale, AZ. Key Lines:
Gregor Blanco- 2 for 4, 2B, SB(7). BA= .444. Blanco continued to state his case for a roster spot with a fine day at the plate and a nice diving catch in left-center that proved to be the play that prevented the Dodgers from winning this one.
Brandon Crawford- 0 for 3. BA= .348. Crawford handled numerous chances at SS with aplomb. He had a rough night at the plate taking 2 called third strikes. He did work the count well and took some healthy looking cuts. That's going to happen to selective hitters sometimes.
Brandon Belt- 1 for 3, HR(3), SF. BA= .371. The dinger was really a pop-up to LF that the wind blew out of the park. The SF was actually a much better AB as he did exactly what he was supposed to do to get the game tying run home. Belt also looked like he could cover some ground in LF, in one case cutting off a ball in the corner to turn a potential double into a single. He also dug anther ball out of the corner and made a nice throw to the relay man to nail Trent Oeltjen foolishly trying to stretch a double into a triple in a tie game.
Brian Burres- 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA- 2.25. Burres kept the Dodgers off balance with a mix of cutters, curveballs and changeups. Trevor Wilson taught him the cutter way back in San Jose and it's what's enabled him to hang around the fringes of MLB. He might not have made it above A ball without it.
Andrew Kown- 2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 4.15. Kown was impressive in his first inning of work pounding the strike zone with a heavy downhill FB that looked like it was going at least in the low 90's. His command got ;progressively shakier the longer he was out there.
Matt Yourkin- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.25. Impressive outing for Yourkin. I'd have confidence in him for an emergency start or two if it came to that.
Madison Bumgarner goes against the Padres and Edinson Volquez tomorrow in Scottsdale, weather permitting.
Around the League: Jake Peavy pitched 5 scoreless innings for the White Sox and looked impressive in the process. Ubaldo Jimenez got lit up like a Christmas tree pitching for the Cleveland Indians.
Gregor Blanco- 2 for 4, 2B, SB(7). BA= .444. Blanco continued to state his case for a roster spot with a fine day at the plate and a nice diving catch in left-center that proved to be the play that prevented the Dodgers from winning this one.
Brandon Crawford- 0 for 3. BA= .348. Crawford handled numerous chances at SS with aplomb. He had a rough night at the plate taking 2 called third strikes. He did work the count well and took some healthy looking cuts. That's going to happen to selective hitters sometimes.
Brandon Belt- 1 for 3, HR(3), SF. BA= .371. The dinger was really a pop-up to LF that the wind blew out of the park. The SF was actually a much better AB as he did exactly what he was supposed to do to get the game tying run home. Belt also looked like he could cover some ground in LF, in one case cutting off a ball in the corner to turn a potential double into a single. He also dug anther ball out of the corner and made a nice throw to the relay man to nail Trent Oeltjen foolishly trying to stretch a double into a triple in a tie game.
Brian Burres- 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA- 2.25. Burres kept the Dodgers off balance with a mix of cutters, curveballs and changeups. Trevor Wilson taught him the cutter way back in San Jose and it's what's enabled him to hang around the fringes of MLB. He might not have made it above A ball without it.
Andrew Kown- 2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 4.15. Kown was impressive in his first inning of work pounding the strike zone with a heavy downhill FB that looked like it was going at least in the low 90's. His command got ;progressively shakier the longer he was out there.
Matt Yourkin- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.25. Impressive outing for Yourkin. I'd have confidence in him for an emergency start or two if it came to that.
Madison Bumgarner goes against the Padres and Edinson Volquez tomorrow in Scottsdale, weather permitting.
Around the League: Jake Peavy pitched 5 scoreless innings for the White Sox and looked impressive in the process. Ubaldo Jimenez got lit up like a Christmas tree pitching for the Cleveland Indians.
Spring Training Update: Game Wrap Giants 7 A's 2
Tim Lincecum appeared to be ready to start the season and the Giants hitters broke out the long ball in the middle innings to make this one a romp in the desert. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 2 for 4, HR(1), SB(2). BA= .300. Some commenter on another site said Pagan was having a terrible spring. Well, not anymore, he isn't!
Melky Cabrera- 1 for 3, 2B(5). BA= .400. Melky was a doubles machine last year. I'm thinking some of those turn into triples in AT&T park.
Pablo Sandoval- 1 for 3, HR(2), SF. BA= .242. Pablo goes DEEEEP! The BA will be much better in season.
Nate Schierholtz- 1 for 3, 2B, Assist(Ka'aihue at home). Nate has had a quiet spring, but got to show off his arm today and added a double.
Ryan Theriot- 1 for 4, HR(1). BA= .200. I'm sure this dinger will go a long ways toward cementing a roster spot.
Tim Lincecum- 6 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.50. Timmy looks like he's ready to start the season, although a split squad A's lineup is probably not a good test.
Brian Wilson- 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00. The first hiccup for BWillie. The 2 K's would indicate there isn't much to worry about here.
Javy Lopez and Santiago Casilla each pitched a scoreless frame.
It's raining cats and dogs here in SoCal today. Hope the weather holds out in Arizona long enough for me to see the Giants-Dodgers tilt on TV tonight. Brian Burres takes the mound for the Giants. The Brandons, Burriss and Blanco and well as Hector Sanchez and Brett Pill should be in this one. Heath Hembree is slated to pitch in this game too. I wonder what other prospects we might see?
Angel Pagan- 2 for 4, HR(1), SB(2). BA= .300. Some commenter on another site said Pagan was having a terrible spring. Well, not anymore, he isn't!
Melky Cabrera- 1 for 3, 2B(5). BA= .400. Melky was a doubles machine last year. I'm thinking some of those turn into triples in AT&T park.
Pablo Sandoval- 1 for 3, HR(2), SF. BA= .242. Pablo goes DEEEEP! The BA will be much better in season.
Nate Schierholtz- 1 for 3, 2B, Assist(Ka'aihue at home). Nate has had a quiet spring, but got to show off his arm today and added a double.
Ryan Theriot- 1 for 4, HR(1). BA= .200. I'm sure this dinger will go a long ways toward cementing a roster spot.
Tim Lincecum- 6 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.50. Timmy looks like he's ready to start the season, although a split squad A's lineup is probably not a good test.
Brian Wilson- 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 0.00. The first hiccup for BWillie. The 2 K's would indicate there isn't much to worry about here.
Javy Lopez and Santiago Casilla each pitched a scoreless frame.
It's raining cats and dogs here in SoCal today. Hope the weather holds out in Arizona long enough for me to see the Giants-Dodgers tilt on TV tonight. Brian Burres takes the mound for the Giants. The Brandons, Burriss and Blanco and well as Hector Sanchez and Brett Pill should be in this one. Heath Hembree is slated to pitch in this game too. I wonder what other prospects we might see?
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Spring Training Update: Game Wrap Giants 7 Mariners 5
The Giants got a solid start from Barry Zito and big games from The Brandons in a win over the Mariners in a night game in Peoria. Key Lines:
Freddy Sanchez- 2 for 4. BA- .286. Freddy's bat seems to be ready, but the shoulder continues to be balky.
Brandon Belt- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .375. Belt got the start at 1B. His double was off the LHP Kuo, although Kuo seems to have completely lost it.
Brandon Crawford- 1 for 2, HR(1), BB. BA= .400. Crawford went deep on Kuo also.
Barry Zito- 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.00. Not that the Mariners are going to put a scare in many pitchers, but if Zito can just pitch like this all year and maybe rack up some QS's, it would be a huge boost to the Giants chances of making it back to the playoffs.
Heath Hembree- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save. ERA= 1.80. It doesn't count, but is this the first of many Saves for Hembree with the Giants?
George Sherrill(Seattle)- 1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 9.00. The Giants should have signed Sherrill instead of wasting their money on Afflelt! Yeah, I don't think so!
Eric Surkamp gets to show off what he has again tomorrow against the Cubs and Matt Garza. Buster Posey is expected to catch.
Freddy Sanchez- 2 for 4. BA- .286. Freddy's bat seems to be ready, but the shoulder continues to be balky.
Brandon Belt- 3 for 5, 2B. BA= .375. Belt got the start at 1B. His double was off the LHP Kuo, although Kuo seems to have completely lost it.
Brandon Crawford- 1 for 2, HR(1), BB. BA= .400. Crawford went deep on Kuo also.
Barry Zito- 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 4.00. Not that the Mariners are going to put a scare in many pitchers, but if Zito can just pitch like this all year and maybe rack up some QS's, it would be a huge boost to the Giants chances of making it back to the playoffs.
Heath Hembree- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save. ERA= 1.80. It doesn't count, but is this the first of many Saves for Hembree with the Giants?
George Sherrill(Seattle)- 1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 9.00. The Giants should have signed Sherrill instead of wasting their money on Afflelt! Yeah, I don't think so!
Eric Surkamp gets to show off what he has again tomorrow against the Cubs and Matt Garza. Buster Posey is expected to catch.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Spring Training Update: Game Wrap Giants 2 Indians 2
Buster Posey's first hit of the spring cleared the fence in RF to give the Giants a tie with the Indians that held up through 10 innings. They don't play open ended spring games. Key Lines:
Gregor Blanco- 1 for 3, BB. BA= .500. Blanco worked his magic on the basepaths again as he drew a walk, went from first to third on a hit-and-run grounder to 1B then scored on a groundout. Hey, it was half the Giants run total in the game!
Buster Posey- 1 for 4, HR(1). BA= .111. Great to see Buster go deep. He got 4 AB's today as the DH.
Emmanuel Burriss- 1 for 3, SB(3). BA= .386. Burriss continues to play his version of small ball. This time it did not produce any runs.
Matt Cain- 3.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 2.08. Some discouraging news on the contract front, but there's still time. Sometimes the two sides just need to get away from each other for a day or two to think things through. Gotta say I have mixed feelings for any contract for more than 3 years for any pitcher, but I know the market dictates you have to do it to lock up an ace or near ace.
Brian Wilson- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00. Wilson's FB was going 96 on the radar guns as per Alex Pavlovic. 14 pitches this time. That's a far cry from the 20-25 pitch innings we've become accustomed to from BWillie.
Clay Hensley- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.00. Hensley is a lock for the last bullpen slot IMO.
Dan Otero- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 2.25. From what I saw on Sunday, Otero doesn't have great velocity, but he hits his spots well and can keep hitters off balance with a nice changeup.
Jean Machi- 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.25. I don't know much about Machi, but he's put the ball on the ground and struck out a batter an inning, although 3 of his 4 K's occured today.
Scott Barnes(Indians)- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 0.00. Dang, Scotty coming back to haunt us! He's appeared in 3 games this spring with 1 BB, and 6 K's in 7 IP.
The Giants travel to Peoria for a night game tomorrow with Barry Zito getting his 3'rd start of the spring. I saw Zito doing some running on the practice field beyond RF of Scottdale stadium. I have to say he is quite a sight to see sprinting from corner to corner on the warning track. My daughter commented that he needs to be working hard. I said he needs to be trying to make his arm stronger! All in jest, of course. It looked like those sprints weren't any fun.
Gregor Blanco- 1 for 3, BB. BA= .500. Blanco worked his magic on the basepaths again as he drew a walk, went from first to third on a hit-and-run grounder to 1B then scored on a groundout. Hey, it was half the Giants run total in the game!
Buster Posey- 1 for 4, HR(1). BA= .111. Great to see Buster go deep. He got 4 AB's today as the DH.
Emmanuel Burriss- 1 for 3, SB(3). BA= .386. Burriss continues to play his version of small ball. This time it did not produce any runs.
Matt Cain- 3.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 2.08. Some discouraging news on the contract front, but there's still time. Sometimes the two sides just need to get away from each other for a day or two to think things through. Gotta say I have mixed feelings for any contract for more than 3 years for any pitcher, but I know the market dictates you have to do it to lock up an ace or near ace.
Brian Wilson- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00. Wilson's FB was going 96 on the radar guns as per Alex Pavlovic. 14 pitches this time. That's a far cry from the 20-25 pitch innings we've become accustomed to from BWillie.
Clay Hensley- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 3.00. Hensley is a lock for the last bullpen slot IMO.
Dan Otero- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 2.25. From what I saw on Sunday, Otero doesn't have great velocity, but he hits his spots well and can keep hitters off balance with a nice changeup.
Jean Machi- 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 2.25. I don't know much about Machi, but he's put the ball on the ground and struck out a batter an inning, although 3 of his 4 K's occured today.
Scott Barnes(Indians)- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 0.00. Dang, Scotty coming back to haunt us! He's appeared in 3 games this spring with 1 BB, and 6 K's in 7 IP.
The Giants travel to Peoria for a night game tomorrow with Barry Zito getting his 3'rd start of the spring. I saw Zito doing some running on the practice field beyond RF of Scottdale stadium. I have to say he is quite a sight to see sprinting from corner to corner on the warning track. My daughter commented that he needs to be working hard. I said he needs to be trying to make his arm stronger! All in jest, of course. It looked like those sprints weren't any fun.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Spring Training Update: Game Wrap Cubs 5 Giants 4
The Cubbies took an early lead against Madison Bumgarner then withstood a late rally led by Angel Pagan. Key Lines:
Angel Pagan- 2 for 4, 2B, 3B. BA= .269. Pagan's bat came alive with a couple of XBH knocks.
Gary Brown- 1 for 1, SB. BA= .186. Gary Brown apparently survived the cutdown and had himself a successful appearance.
Mike Fontenot- 1 for 1, BB. BA- .558. A Fonty sighting!
Chris Stewart- 1 for 2. BA= .333. Gotta think CStew is winning the backup catcher battle.
Madison Bumgarner- 4 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.72. Bumgarner throws so many pitches in the strike zone, he is going to tend to get BABIP'd from time to time. It would appear that's what happened here.
Edlefsen, Affleldt, Romo, Mota, Hembree- 5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 6 K's. Romo gave up the 2 runs. Hembree had 2 K's in his stint.
Matt Cain takes the mound tomorrow against the Cleveland Indians.
From Carl Steward's notes on Bochy's comments about Brandon Belt and RF, it sure sounds like Nate's starting job is in serious jeopardy.
Pagan will miss a couple of days to have a wisdom tooth extracted. Yikes! I had all 4 extracted at once. Sick as a dog for 2 days and unable to eat solid food for a week. Lost 5 lbs. Hopefully it's just one tooth, but I have a lot of respect for wisdom tooth extractions.
Angel Pagan- 2 for 4, 2B, 3B. BA= .269. Pagan's bat came alive with a couple of XBH knocks.
Gary Brown- 1 for 1, SB. BA= .186. Gary Brown apparently survived the cutdown and had himself a successful appearance.
Mike Fontenot- 1 for 1, BB. BA- .558. A Fonty sighting!
Chris Stewart- 1 for 2. BA= .333. Gotta think CStew is winning the backup catcher battle.
Madison Bumgarner- 4 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.72. Bumgarner throws so many pitches in the strike zone, he is going to tend to get BABIP'd from time to time. It would appear that's what happened here.
Edlefsen, Affleldt, Romo, Mota, Hembree- 5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 6 K's. Romo gave up the 2 runs. Hembree had 2 K's in his stint.
Matt Cain takes the mound tomorrow against the Cleveland Indians.
From Carl Steward's notes on Bochy's comments about Brandon Belt and RF, it sure sounds like Nate's starting job is in serious jeopardy.
Pagan will miss a couple of days to have a wisdom tooth extracted. Yikes! I had all 4 extracted at once. Sick as a dog for 2 days and unable to eat solid food for a week. Lost 5 lbs. Hopefully it's just one tooth, but I have a lot of respect for wisdom tooth extractions.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Spring Training Update: Game Wrap Giants 2 Royals 1
The Giants played Giants baseball today scratching out a couple of runs which their stifling pitching made stand up. Key Lines:
Gregor Blanco- 3 for 3, BB, SB. BA= .545. Yeah, it's spring training, but as Grant put it over on MCC, Blanco has put up some pretty sweet OBP's in the past and can steal a base when he gets on. Probably has a better than even shot at a roster spot at this point.
Brett Pill- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .321. Pill hit one sizzling line drive after another in batting practice yesterday. He seems really locked in with a great idea of what to do at the plate.
Conor Gillaspie- 1 for 4, HR(1). BA= .238. Gillaspie has one more option left. He'll probably go to Fresno where he needs to show a bit more power than in the past. With Pablo under contract for the next 3 seasons, it's hard to see where he fits in the future.
Tim Lincecum- 4 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 6.75. Timmy looked a lot better today with a crisp fastball and his patented swing and miss split-change.
Casilla, Kown, Machi, Wilmin Rodriguez- 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. Man, I don't know what magic Bochy works on relievers but he always has had great bullpens that weren't necessarily handed to him. Today was a typical Giants bullpen performance even though Casilla is the only one likely to make the team.
Madison Bumgarner takes the mound for his third spring start against the Cubbies tomorrow. Buster Posey will be his catcher.
Gregor Blanco- 3 for 3, BB, SB. BA= .545. Yeah, it's spring training, but as Grant put it over on MCC, Blanco has put up some pretty sweet OBP's in the past and can steal a base when he gets on. Probably has a better than even shot at a roster spot at this point.
Brett Pill- 2 for 4, 2B. BA= .321. Pill hit one sizzling line drive after another in batting practice yesterday. He seems really locked in with a great idea of what to do at the plate.
Conor Gillaspie- 1 for 4, HR(1). BA= .238. Gillaspie has one more option left. He'll probably go to Fresno where he needs to show a bit more power than in the past. With Pablo under contract for the next 3 seasons, it's hard to see where he fits in the future.
Tim Lincecum- 4 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 6.75. Timmy looked a lot better today with a crisp fastball and his patented swing and miss split-change.
Casilla, Kown, Machi, Wilmin Rodriguez- 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. Man, I don't know what magic Bochy works on relievers but he always has had great bullpens that weren't necessarily handed to him. Today was a typical Giants bullpen performance even though Casilla is the only one likely to make the team.
Madison Bumgarner takes the mound for his third spring start against the Cubbies tomorrow. Buster Posey will be his catcher.
Spring Training Update: Game Wrap Giants 7 Mariners 5
Eric Surkamp held his own against Felix Hernandez and Hector Sanchez had a stupendous day at the plate subbing in at DH. Key Lines:
Melky Cabrera- 2 for 3. BA= .542. Melky cooled off a bit by not getting any XBH's in this one.
Hector Sanchez- 2 for 2, 2 HR(3). BA= .500. The Hector entered the game as a pinch hitter for DH Aubrey Huff. Oh man, did he look like he was on command at the plate. He came back from an 0-2 count to hit the first dinger. I was live blogging when he hit the second one from the opposite side of the plate, so I don't know the count. I just know he gave it a ride.
Gregor Blanco- 2 for 3, SB(5). Blanco continued to impress at the plate and on the bases. Started a nice rallly against King Felix.
Emmanuel Burriss- 2 for 3, SB(1). Burriss and Blanco had a nice small-ball tandem going at the bottom of the lineup. Fonty seems to be a forgotten man. Freddy Sanchez still isn't throwing to bases in fielding practice. I think Burriss is our starting 2B.
Gary Brown- 0 for 1, CS. Brown entered the game as a pinch runner and got picked off badly ending up in a rundown. He the struck out in his only PA and didn't look so hot doing that either.
Eric Surkamp- 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 6.14. impressive outing for Surkamp. He used a variety of pitches to keep the Mariners off balance. He even climbed the ladder with a couple of fastballs to get 2 of his K's.
Brian Wilson- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00. It was over before it started, or so it seemed. Willie gave up a solid single but ended the inning with a nice strikeout/throwout with Buster.
Jake Dunning- 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K's. I thought Dunning looked really good once he settled down. He overcame a throwing error on a DP grounder by Noonan who had moved over the 3B.
Tim Lincecum goes against Luke Hochevar and the KC Royals today in Surprise.
Melky Cabrera- 2 for 3. BA= .542. Melky cooled off a bit by not getting any XBH's in this one.
Hector Sanchez- 2 for 2, 2 HR(3). BA= .500. The Hector entered the game as a pinch hitter for DH Aubrey Huff. Oh man, did he look like he was on command at the plate. He came back from an 0-2 count to hit the first dinger. I was live blogging when he hit the second one from the opposite side of the plate, so I don't know the count. I just know he gave it a ride.
Gregor Blanco- 2 for 3, SB(5). Blanco continued to impress at the plate and on the bases. Started a nice rallly against King Felix.
Emmanuel Burriss- 2 for 3, SB(1). Burriss and Blanco had a nice small-ball tandem going at the bottom of the lineup. Fonty seems to be a forgotten man. Freddy Sanchez still isn't throwing to bases in fielding practice. I think Burriss is our starting 2B.
Gary Brown- 0 for 1, CS. Brown entered the game as a pinch runner and got picked off badly ending up in a rundown. He the struck out in his only PA and didn't look so hot doing that either.
Eric Surkamp- 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 6.14. impressive outing for Surkamp. He used a variety of pitches to keep the Mariners off balance. He even climbed the ladder with a couple of fastballs to get 2 of his K's.
Brian Wilson- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K. ERA= 0.00. It was over before it started, or so it seemed. Willie gave up a solid single but ended the inning with a nice strikeout/throwout with Buster.
Jake Dunning- 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K's. I thought Dunning looked really good once he settled down. He overcame a throwing error on a DP grounder by Noonan who had moved over the 3B.
Tim Lincecum goes against Luke Hochevar and the KC Royals today in Surprise.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Spring Training Update: Live Blogging From Scottsdale
OMG! I guess Hector Sanchez decided he needed to do something about Tommy Joseph! He just hit another bomb, this one batting LH.
Nice pitching by Jake Dunning to get out of a jam after Noonan threw away a DP grounder with runners on first and second. He started out with shaky command, but once he settled down, he threw nice easy high heat with a nasty hard slider to back it up.
Nice pitching by Jake Dunning to get out of a jam after Noonan threw away a DP grounder with runners on first and second. He started out with shaky command, but once he settled down, he threw nice easy high heat with a nasty hard slider to back it up.
Spring Training Update: Live Blogging From Scottsdale
Hector Sanchez just had a terrific AB. Pinch hitting with a man on 2B and hitting RH against a LH reliever, he went down 0-2 in the count, worked it back even then drove one into the left CF bleachers which must be at least 400 ft away in this park. I'm tellin' ya, H Sanchez could be a starting catcher for a ot of tens right now!
Spring Training Update: Live Blogging From Scottsdale
The first 3 innings went better than I thought they would. Surkamp mostly kept the Mariners hitters off balance. He even climbed the ladder with a couple of K's on high fastballs.
Buster looked good behind the plate and a bit rusty at the plate. He did a nice job blocking a strikeout pitch in the dirt and then popped out in front of the plate nicely to throw out the runner. On his first AB, he hit a ball to deep short. I thought he had a hint of a limp coming out of the bozo, but looked OK once he got going. He's not fast though.
Nice strikeout/throwout DP by Wilson and Posey to end the 4'th inning!
The lady sitting behind us has a our voice and talks incessantly. She said Burriss' chopper for a base hit wasn't really a hit , it was luck. She is making me sad.
Buster looked good behind the plate and a bit rusty at the plate. He did a nice job blocking a strikeout pitch in the dirt and then popped out in front of the plate nicely to throw out the runner. On his first AB, he hit a ball to deep short. I thought he had a hint of a limp coming out of the bozo, but looked OK once he got going. He's not fast though.
Nice strikeout/throwout DP by Wilson and Posey to end the 4'th inning!
The lady sitting behind us has a our voice and talks incessantly. She said Burriss' chopper for a base hit wasn't really a hit , it was luck. She is making me sad.
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