It's the start of the new international signing period yesterday and my Twitter is bombarded with tweets regarding it from two of the best in the business when it comes to international prospects, Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com and Ben Badler of Baseball America, starting at 9:00 AM ET (9:00 PM here). One of the biggest news of the international period is the signing of Lucius Fox. No, not the Lucius Fox that is the business partner of Bruce Wayne and his weapons supplier. But Lucius Fox, the Bahamas-born shortstop prospect that's #3 on both Kiley McDaniel's list and in MLB.com while he's listed #4 in Baseball America. He was signed for $6,000,000, the biggest non-Cuban signee in J2 history, according to McDaniel. I am really ecstatic when I read beforehand that the Dodgers are now out on him and the Giants became a front-runner for him. I love that the Giants are showing some commitment on quality prospects from the J2 market specifically this year even though we'll face a penalty that we will not sign players above $300,000 for the next two signing seasons. Below is my scouting report for him.
Fox is a really interesting prospect. He's born in the Bahamas and he grew up in there but he moved to the United States for 2 1/2 years in his teens and became a student of the American Heritage HS along with 2015 draft prospect Jonathan India. He's a pretty okay prospect at that time with plus-plus speed and a feel to hit along with his rail thin but highly athletic body (around 6'1" 160 lbs.). He returned to his homeland to become closer to his family and was granted by the MLB to become an international free agent this year. He worked on his body in his return and he grew up an inch and added 15 pounds of muscle in his frame (now 6'2" 170 lbs.) that shows his impressive work ethic and makeup. The result of that is his raw power and his overall arm strength improved while retaining his plus-plus speed and his advanced tools. A comparison in his body frame can be seen in MLB.com which is newer and in FG which is older. Even though he got a better body frame, he's still thin and wiry full of quick-twitch muscles that I can feel that he can even add 10-15 pounds in his highly projectable frame to add even more raw power in his body, possibly close to above-average raw power once his frame is all filled up.
He is a switch-hitter that feels like he's got a chance that he can stay on switch-hitting rather than just relying on one strong side. He got a pretty unconventional swing like what BA wrote, as he got a pretty crooked back leg in his stance instead of a squatting stance where in my opinion, it limits the load that he can do in his legs because it's pretty open and he can't really drive the ball with his back leg well unlike in a normal and more conventional swing. As a result, he becomes more of a hitter that relies on his torso and his gluteus maximus to drive the ball. BA also wrote that his hands set-up and his swing can become an upper-cut swing and I noticed that as well that his aren't quiet after his leg kick. I think with proper coaching with the Giants, they can simplify his swing on both sides of the plate along with his tremendous athleticism, excellent bat speed with quick-twitch and strong wrists, and eye-hand coordination, he got a chance to have an above-average to borderline plus hit tool with a contact-oriented approach that he can use his gap power really well as he sprays baseballs all over the field. He can tap to at least 10-15 homers in the future once his hit tool improves and his body is already filled all throughout.
He got tremendous speed (6.41 60-yard time) that translates easily to the basepaths as a big threat to steal that could possibly steal 30+ bases in the future and the ability to have a tremendous defensive range. His arm strength improved from pretty okay to an above-average one that helps his case to stay at shortstop. He got smooth, quick actions at shortstop and he got really good defensive instincts and he got the potential to a plus defender in the future. I listed in the position that he played as CF and I really think that his instincts, range, arm, and speed will translate really well in the CF and when he gets to the Majors in 3 to 4 years time, CF is pretty open for the Giants and he got a good chance to be in there. His defense could still improve to become a plus defender for us.
He participated in various premiere showcases like Perfect Game and East Coast Pro Showcase when he's still in America. Thanks to that experience, I feel that I am more confident that his advanced tools will translate better than the 16 year olds born in the Carribean. I expect him to start grinding in the Arizona League next season though I would not be surprised if he's in there this year, I am just not sure about the rules. Nonetheless, the Giants nabbed away a potential impact player away from the Dodgers.
My Grades: Hit 50+ (55 ceiling) | Power 45+ (50+ ceiling) | Speed 65 | Arm 55 | Glove 55 | Name 70+ (Can't beat Johneshwy Fargas)
Ceiling: Possible All-Star player Floor: Bench player ETA: Mid-2018/2019
I love the signing for a few reasons.
- First, one of the advantage that he got is that unlike most of the J2 prospects that are 16 years old, he's 18 years old (just turned 18 yesterday so belated happy birthday Lucius if you're ever going to read this!) and his tools are already advanced and are already showing and it's not just that he's just flashing it but still very raw. He's well developed thanks to his work ethic, his coaches and exposure to showcases in America and he should need less seasoning than the ultra raw 16 year Dominicans or Venezuelans that are on par of his talent. A safer bet so to speak.
- Second, even though there's no clear sight for the SS position with Crawford in there possibly for a longer period if he signs an extension and Christian Arroyo nearing on its wings, there's a glaring need in the OF because of the ages of the outfielders of the Giants and their injury history. Aoki and Pence have been bitten by the injury bug and Pagan has been injury prone in the past and I'm projecting them to really regress in the next 3-4 years and there's open spots there for sure. Fox can be the CF for the future for us due to the opportunity.
- Third, the Giants are the frontrunner in merchandizing and marketing jerseys, etc and MLB itself is trying to take some pages out of the Giants business textbook. When Fox develops nicely in the minor leagues and reaches the majors, his name (literally) is a major selling point and can be easily merchandized with the puns and the Batman-related stuffs. He's going to be richer and gonna make the fans happier.
- Fourth and not the least, there's a loophole in the international system where a team can really shell out tons of money to easily fill their system with multi-million dollar prospects and not worrying about the penalty because after all, it's just money and there's an international draft looming in 2017 and the Giants could be bailed by that. The money spent to Fox is still money but why not take advantage of it while the J2 lasts? The Rangers and the Cubs are doing it. Why not the Giants too? That's what they did with the addition of Fox. I probably said too little about my adoration for him but I really, really love the addition of him to our system. It makes our system better, deeper, and more respectful. Overall, I LOVE IT.
At first, I actually thought that I'll name this portion to "Out In Front" just like when a hitter swings early on a changeup but I think it's not appropriate because this is at the end so I decided to name it as "Something Extra" like when a pitcher throws harder (normally a fastball) causing the hitter to swing late, like he "reached back for something extra". That's the inspiration for this segment that I created. I'll maybe create something like "Out In Front" with the hottest topics to cover and "Something Extra" for the tidbits.
- Aside from Lucius Fox, the Giants have reached agreement on other guys that includes C Ricardo Genoves for $550,000 (defensive first C with 1.8-1.9 pop time & the bat can make some contact), OF Franklin Labour for $70,000 plus $60,000 scholarship (6.6 60-yard, mature body, good arm and some hit tool and 70 name), and RHP Jose Marte for $50,000 (pretty skinny frame with some projection and a FB that reaches 93 MPH).
- Christian Arroyo has been on a tear for the past 3 games, batting .750 (9-12), 3 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R, 2 BB, 2K, 0.786 OBP, 1.500 SLG. Arroyo said this on his article on MiLB.com "I've been working on some stuff with our hitting coach. I went back to basics, working on staying short and trying not to do too much, barrel up on some pitches and make some good swings." ... "That's one thing I'm trying to learn as a young hitter. Earlier in the year, I was striking out a lot and recently, I was striking out a lot, too. I was trying to hit 0-1 pitches over the fence. I've gone back to just trying to put a good swing on the ball and make solid contact." I remembered him saying the same thing in ST and the result of his hot start in this season before hitting the DL. Still worried that he's striking out a ton and not taking a lot of walks but it's easier to make an aggressive hitter to become more patient than a patient hitter to become an aggressive one. He could be promoted to Richmond as soon as next two weeks. You can see my thoughts of him in the first SR series.
- Daniel Carbonell is batting .370 since his demotion to SJ with his latest game he went 3-5 with a HR shy of a cycle. He's proving to us that he's still relevant to our future aspirations and he wants that promotion again to Richmond. I think it motivated him to work the extra mile and it's paying off. He's 24 and I think he's a backup OF at this point.
- Ray Black started for SJ and went 2.2 IP with 1H 2BB 6Ks on a 45-pitch limit. His stuff is way too much for the opponents to handle with a 96-100 MPH FB with a lot of movement (up to 103 when relieving) and partner that with a nasty slurve. I think this is a good way to give him reps because he hasn't been consistently healthy throughout his career and this starting role shouldn't last for long because he's built for the pen as a closer with 2 nasty pitches.
- In Sacramento, Big Mac Williamson has a great game as well, going 4-4 with a 3B shy of the cycle and a BB and Kelby Tomlinson is slowly but surely making his way and understanding the PCL with a 2-4 game. Ty Blach got the start and thrown 6 2/3 innings with 8 H, 3R, 2BB and 3Ks 120 pitches. Chris Capuano is what I'll compare him and that showed tonight as a serviceable starter. The three are the most talented players that's close to the Majors right now and ready to help right away once called. You can see my thoughts on the three in the previous SR series.
- Derek Law's return from Tommy John surgery has been great with an ER in 6 hits and 8 Ks. His 0 BBs are a great sight since that the last thing that the last thing that will come back to a pitcher after TJ is the command. He's so deceptive with the Lincecum-esque delivery and good stuff. He still got a chance to be a part of the bullpen in the future.
- 2015 3rd round pick Jalen Miller is swinging a hot bat so far, batting .440 and 3 steals albeit the short sample size though defensively, he's showing some issues with already his 4th error. 5th rounder Ronnie Jebavy went 4-5 today and has shown good pop (2 HRs so far) and shown good speed (3 steals) and defense. Best Twitter handle winner and supplemental pick Chris Shaw (@SHAWESOME24) hit his first HR this season and has shown that he exhibits patience at the plate (4 BBs vs 4 Ks), making the MLB.com scouting report on him being too aggressive into the bed a bit. 6th rounder Steven Duggar, 7th rounder Jose Vizcaino, and 11th rounder CJ Hinojosa are performing good in Salem-Keizer. Here's to hoping they continue to play well and be Major Leaguers.
This concludes the Lucius Fox special plus a lot of other stuffings in the roasted chicken that's the Giants minor league system. There may be not enough Batman puns in this article though. I hope you enjoy reading this one as well as my previous articles. Now, let's wait for Eddy Julio Martinez to choose between us and the Dodgers as the team that he's going to sign. Cheers!
He got tremendous speed (6.41 60-yard time) that translates easily to the basepaths as a big threat to steal that could possibly steal 30+ bases in the future and the ability to have a tremendous defensive range. His arm strength improved from pretty okay to an above-average one that helps his case to stay at shortstop. He got smooth, quick actions at shortstop and he got really good defensive instincts and he got the potential to a plus defender in the future. I listed in the position that he played as CF and I really think that his instincts, range, arm, and speed will translate really well in the CF and when he gets to the Majors in 3 to 4 years time, CF is pretty open for the Giants and he got a good chance to be in there. His defense could still improve to become a plus defender for us.
He participated in various premiere showcases like Perfect Game and East Coast Pro Showcase when he's still in America. Thanks to that experience, I feel that I am more confident that his advanced tools will translate better than the 16 year olds born in the Carribean. I expect him to start grinding in the Arizona League next season though I would not be surprised if he's in there this year, I am just not sure about the rules. Nonetheless, the Giants nabbed away a potential impact player away from the Dodgers.
My Grades: Hit 50+ (55 ceiling) | Power 45+ (50+ ceiling) | Speed 65 | Arm 55 | Glove 55 | Name 70+ (Can't beat Johneshwy Fargas)
Ceiling: Possible All-Star player Floor: Bench player ETA: Mid-2018/2019
I love the signing for a few reasons.
- First, one of the advantage that he got is that unlike most of the J2 prospects that are 16 years old, he's 18 years old (just turned 18 yesterday so belated happy birthday Lucius if you're ever going to read this!) and his tools are already advanced and are already showing and it's not just that he's just flashing it but still very raw. He's well developed thanks to his work ethic, his coaches and exposure to showcases in America and he should need less seasoning than the ultra raw 16 year Dominicans or Venezuelans that are on par of his talent. A safer bet so to speak.
- Second, even though there's no clear sight for the SS position with Crawford in there possibly for a longer period if he signs an extension and Christian Arroyo nearing on its wings, there's a glaring need in the OF because of the ages of the outfielders of the Giants and their injury history. Aoki and Pence have been bitten by the injury bug and Pagan has been injury prone in the past and I'm projecting them to really regress in the next 3-4 years and there's open spots there for sure. Fox can be the CF for the future for us due to the opportunity.
- Third, the Giants are the frontrunner in merchandizing and marketing jerseys, etc and MLB itself is trying to take some pages out of the Giants business textbook. When Fox develops nicely in the minor leagues and reaches the majors, his name (literally) is a major selling point and can be easily merchandized with the puns and the Batman-related stuffs. He's going to be richer and gonna make the fans happier.
- Fourth and not the least, there's a loophole in the international system where a team can really shell out tons of money to easily fill their system with multi-million dollar prospects and not worrying about the penalty because after all, it's just money and there's an international draft looming in 2017 and the Giants could be bailed by that. The money spent to Fox is still money but why not take advantage of it while the J2 lasts? The Rangers and the Cubs are doing it. Why not the Giants too? That's what they did with the addition of Fox. I probably said too little about my adoration for him but I really, really love the addition of him to our system. It makes our system better, deeper, and more respectful. Overall, I LOVE IT.
Something Extra
At first, I actually thought that I'll name this portion to "Out In Front" just like when a hitter swings early on a changeup but I think it's not appropriate because this is at the end so I decided to name it as "Something Extra" like when a pitcher throws harder (normally a fastball) causing the hitter to swing late, like he "reached back for something extra". That's the inspiration for this segment that I created. I'll maybe create something like "Out In Front" with the hottest topics to cover and "Something Extra" for the tidbits.
- Aside from Lucius Fox, the Giants have reached agreement on other guys that includes C Ricardo Genoves for $550,000 (defensive first C with 1.8-1.9 pop time & the bat can make some contact), OF Franklin Labour for $70,000 plus $60,000 scholarship (6.6 60-yard, mature body, good arm and some hit tool and 70 name), and RHP Jose Marte for $50,000 (pretty skinny frame with some projection and a FB that reaches 93 MPH).
- Christian Arroyo has been on a tear for the past 3 games, batting .750 (9-12), 3 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R, 2 BB, 2K, 0.786 OBP, 1.500 SLG. Arroyo said this on his article on MiLB.com "I've been working on some stuff with our hitting coach. I went back to basics, working on staying short and trying not to do too much, barrel up on some pitches and make some good swings." ... "That's one thing I'm trying to learn as a young hitter. Earlier in the year, I was striking out a lot and recently, I was striking out a lot, too. I was trying to hit 0-1 pitches over the fence. I've gone back to just trying to put a good swing on the ball and make solid contact." I remembered him saying the same thing in ST and the result of his hot start in this season before hitting the DL. Still worried that he's striking out a ton and not taking a lot of walks but it's easier to make an aggressive hitter to become more patient than a patient hitter to become an aggressive one. He could be promoted to Richmond as soon as next two weeks. You can see my thoughts of him in the first SR series.
- Daniel Carbonell is batting .370 since his demotion to SJ with his latest game he went 3-5 with a HR shy of a cycle. He's proving to us that he's still relevant to our future aspirations and he wants that promotion again to Richmond. I think it motivated him to work the extra mile and it's paying off. He's 24 and I think he's a backup OF at this point.
- Ray Black started for SJ and went 2.2 IP with 1H 2BB 6Ks on a 45-pitch limit. His stuff is way too much for the opponents to handle with a 96-100 MPH FB with a lot of movement (up to 103 when relieving) and partner that with a nasty slurve. I think this is a good way to give him reps because he hasn't been consistently healthy throughout his career and this starting role shouldn't last for long because he's built for the pen as a closer with 2 nasty pitches.
- In Sacramento, Big Mac Williamson has a great game as well, going 4-4 with a 3B shy of the cycle and a BB and Kelby Tomlinson is slowly but surely making his way and understanding the PCL with a 2-4 game. Ty Blach got the start and thrown 6 2/3 innings with 8 H, 3R, 2BB and 3Ks 120 pitches. Chris Capuano is what I'll compare him and that showed tonight as a serviceable starter. The three are the most talented players that's close to the Majors right now and ready to help right away once called. You can see my thoughts on the three in the previous SR series.
- Derek Law's return from Tommy John surgery has been great with an ER in 6 hits and 8 Ks. His 0 BBs are a great sight since that the last thing that the last thing that will come back to a pitcher after TJ is the command. He's so deceptive with the Lincecum-esque delivery and good stuff. He still got a chance to be a part of the bullpen in the future.
- 2015 3rd round pick Jalen Miller is swinging a hot bat so far, batting .440 and 3 steals albeit the short sample size though defensively, he's showing some issues with already his 4th error. 5th rounder Ronnie Jebavy went 4-5 today and has shown good pop (2 HRs so far) and shown good speed (3 steals) and defense. Best Twitter handle winner and supplemental pick Chris Shaw (@SHAWESOME24) hit his first HR this season and has shown that he exhibits patience at the plate (4 BBs vs 4 Ks), making the MLB.com scouting report on him being too aggressive into the bed a bit. 6th rounder Steven Duggar, 7th rounder Jose Vizcaino, and 11th rounder CJ Hinojosa are performing good in Salem-Keizer. Here's to hoping they continue to play well and be Major Leaguers.
This concludes the Lucius Fox special plus a lot of other stuffings in the roasted chicken that's the Giants minor league system. There may be not enough Batman puns in this article though. I hope you enjoy reading this one as well as my previous articles. Now, let's wait for Eddy Julio Martinez to choose between us and the Dodgers as the team that he's going to sign. Cheers!
I don't really know the rules regarding IFAs, but here's what I've found out.
ReplyDeleteGiantsProspects got into a discussion on this on Twitter, FYI, and the thought is that Fox, since he's more like a US prospect, having played here previously, could start playing in AZL once he's signed and got the proper visas to come over, and progress as necessary, maybe even SK.
Now the Cubans apparently are handled by separate rules, they are generally MLB FA, and again, I would presume, could be placed in one of the US leagues. And since they generally are older than the other Latin IFAs, probably don't even have to start in AZL, other than to get feet wet, but could go into full season league somewhere.
But most Latin IFAs are generally in the 16-18 YO age range (I know, some 19 or 20, but they are much rarer, I believe), so I would have thought they would end up in DSL, but I just had the idea to check on RafRod and Anvil, and lo and behold, both ended up in AZL after signing, and Anvil even saw some play with SK that same summer. So it looks like Fox and Genoves and whoever else signed will start AZL and then move up as the Giants see fix.
Shaw does have an awesome Twitter handle, but Jebavy has a pretty good one too, @RonBonJebavy, a play on Jon Bon Jovi.
Great reading about Fox. I like your conclusion about him eventually ending up in CF, that makes a lot of sense. I agree, the Giants will try to help him with his stance, they seem to have pretty good coaches in their system teaching their methods, The Giants Way. The Giants might not have made this move if not for Fox basically being like a regular draft pick, playing in all the regular showcases and in HS, before he headed home to Bahamas to boost his value (one source noted that India was going to get most of the playing time at SS, and was part of the reason he went back home, FYI). You are the first one to really make the case that he could be great defensively, and at multiple positions. That would really be great, as that would give the Giants a lot of flexibility in placing him in the majors, should he make it
Evans said on KNBR yesterday that the Giants expect the International draft to happen, so it does look like part of the calculus involved with the decision to sign Fox, since it only means that they are out of the IFA market one season and not two (and perhaps they didn't care for who they see for next season, it is not like they do this every year, just judiciously, seemingly).
Good point about merchandizing his name, I would also note the BatKid since that happened in SF too, could have part 2 where Fox helps BatKid somehow, good publicity.
Good day Mr. ogc!
DeleteI have read the idea regarding where Fox will be placed and that's pretty logical for a guy which is basically a draft prospect since he was exposed in America if I am to think about that. That's probably the reason why Cubans passed on the DSL and other international leagues and the top J2 prospects last year Adrian Rondon and Gilbert Lara passed on DSL as well but sacrificing their to play last year. I honestly think that Genoves will be placed in DSL in the future but would not be surprised if he skip that because his defense is already good.
I love the Jebavy's handle as well but I just can't pass up Chris Shaw's handle because it's just so awesome and in your face.
Fox's hands in his swing got a lot of moving parts in it especially when he's doing the leg kick. His hands are going to move back slowly then once his leg lands, his hands move even more. That could result in swing and miss in his game. It's fine for me if a hitter does a lot of shenanigans pre-swing like Miguel Cabrera but what Miggy has done well is once he's starting to swing, he keeps his hands quiet and keeps the barrel through the zone. I don't really saw the uppercutness in Fox's swing in contrast to the BA report his hands and his back leg are just a red flag for me.
I love what happened to him. He seemed to be kicked out of SS like you said, goes back to his family in the Bahamas, ends up stronger and better, and got more $$$$ than India.
Let's now print his name and make the Giants sell gadgets that only Lucius Fox can sell.
DId you just saw Jonathan Mayo's Inbox article on Twitter? We asked the same question and we received a response!
DeleteGreat info, thanks for all your work, Wrenzie. Adding details about Genoves, Labour, and Marte is great. Jalen Miller and Ronnie Jebavy could be great follows, excited to have them both in our system. You're right about Shawesome24... But if he gets to AT&T, he just *MIGHT* need to find an alternative jersey number, just sayin'. lol.
ReplyDeleteI keep thinking we've a great shot at Eddy Julio Martinez, yeah, we'll see. There will be others, hopefully we didn't go into penalty just for one guy. And I expect more Cuban defections during the Pan-Am Games in Canada, starting Saturday July 11th.
You got any feeling on why Victor Concepcion is still throwing in the DSL? I'd love for him to get promoted stateside. Doesn't seem like he has anything at all left to prove in the DR. He's been pitching great.
Dream big. Dream GIANT. Cheers.
Sorry I slept because my goddamn internet just sucks earlier. I expect more Cuban defections in the Pan-Am Games. I read that Alfredo Despaigne will not be at that event but he's going to be on another event at the end of July. He'll defect maybe at that time.
DeleteI actually asked the great Ben Badler about Victor Concepcion because he is really performing well this season. Another guy replied and he said that even though he's performing really well, DSL is all about the loud tools that they possess and as far as he says, he doesn't have a loud tool (maybe he lacks that FB velo) that makes the Giants didn't commit on promoting Victor earlier. He said that he performed just as well last year.
Thanks for that info on Concepcion.
DeleteWith due respect, it still doesn't help me understand, though. I mean, even if his FB is "only" 89 mph... And the reply you got sounds more like it was a generalization than a specific response about Victor. There doesn't seem to be anything left for him to prove in the DSL. IMHO, seems like there's no reason to NOT promote him. There is that 1-in-100,000 chance he's a Mark Buerhle arm or whatever. Oh, and believe me, I know about bad internet connections. Mine can drop hundreds of times per day. Cheers.
How about Ryan Lollis getting the call-up? Cool stuff. A 7-year minor leaguer not only gets a taste of The Show, but also gets into things like the MLB pension fund and medical benefits package. No small thing for a guy who's paid his dues.
ReplyDeletehttp://sjgiants.mlblogs.com/2015/06/25/episode-52-inside-the-san-jose-giants/
Just made me recall the podcast by Joe Ritzo and Ben Taylor last week. Do you follow the SJ Giants blog? Can I link it here? Towards the very end, wondering whether Lollis could possibly get the call up to SF. And more major props going on for Adalberto Mejia (plus Joe Biagini) in there. Grats to Lollis and Osich for their first look at the Bigs. Exciting... and wishing them the best. Dream big!
I think it's a really great sign for Lollis. A 37th rounder that needs 7 years in the Minors and really needs to work his butt off every single night and it's all paying off for him with the promotion. But for the Giants, it's a bad sign because it's really exposing the depth of the team and it is now stretching to the breaking point and like what Terry Collins said, we might need human sacrifice for that.
DeleteI don't really follow SJG blog but I take a good look at it sometimes. I am now listening to the podcast that you linked and it's a really good story for Lollis and major props to him not giving up on his dream. Love Osich, Mejia and Biagini. I am wishing them all of the best in the Majors. Hope they help the club while several key guys are out. Cheers!
Yeah, I appreciate that you can be objective enough to recognize this flaw (lack of depth)- without feeling like you're bashing on the Giants. I had to recall that podcast, because a week ago it seemed like... "Interesting question... but 'no way' would the Giants actually call Lollis up." lol. Bobby Evans seems to have a quicker trigger than Sabes. Perhaps a temperament to try younger guys out? Also, with payroll considerations... we'll need some youth moving forward.
DeleteI'm left wondering who the "asks" are for within our system (on prospective trades). Surely Susac, Duffy, and Beede. But what about the strong-ish 2nd-tier guys we actually tend to move? Escobar, Hembree, Flores, Castillo, etc. Biagini, Christian Jones, Marte, McCormick... Could these types be highly valued? Anyways, not sure we're going to acquire anybody with our self-created roster crunch and luxury tax issues looming. Cheers.
Dope blog Wrenzie.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Miller will win the AZL MVP like Arroyo.
When we drafted Arroyo.Amsinger asked the panel,if it was a money saving pick.Mayo said he was not even in the top 120 players.John Hart says he liked the pick.He said the Giants draft the guy they want.I like that.Nice job scouting.
Williamson is ready to be called up.He doesn't need to come up and be an all star.He just needs to come up and play his game and contribute.He can do that.My concerns about Williamson had to do with his glove and his batting avg.He has been solid in both areas.
Now,All we have to do is call up Tomlinson,Williamson,and Stratton.
Peace out Wrenzie.
Thanks for the compliments Mr. David!
DeleteI am not sure on how to win the MVP but Jalen needs to hit some homers and get some RBI to make him the MVP. Hot start so far. I think he needs more seasoning to his defense. I'm still believing that he got that D to stay in SS.
I think Kelby's still adjusting in the quality of the PCL. Once he's adjusted in there, maybe another week or two, I think it's time to call him up. Big Mac should be coming soon. We really can't live with fringe offense. We miss Aoki and Pence really baaaaaad. Cheers!
Get Pence back from injury.Call up Williamson and Tomlinson.I think in the second half.We could go on some long winning streaks.We're a second half team anyways.Other teams will make trades.We'll call up players from our system to complete our roster.I'm pretty stoked.We have the players.Peace.
DeleteYeah but in terms of the trade market, it isn't as deep as before due to the second Wildcard spot and there's a ton of more teams that are playing well and on the hunt for that spot I am just hoping that the Giants can get a depth guy that can start, probably a Martin Prado.
DeleteI like the idea of trying out some prospects. But I'm not so sure about Tomlinson or Stratton just yet. Mac seems just about ready. I always feel one of the toughest challenges is to develop young prospects concurrently with winning. How do they get enough playing time, when to take the associated risks?
DeleteWell... I'd much prefer to see Adrianza or Tomlinson than Arias.
.167/.200/.306/.506, .196 BABIP, last 28 G, 75 PA: Maxwell.
.094/.094/.125/.219, .115 BABIP, last 25 G, 32 PA: Arias.
Williamson is ready to come up.I think he'll come up and replace Lollis soon.
DeleteIn regards to Stratton.Just take the same approach as Heston.We're not expecting him to come in and be Bumgarner.Just come in compete,play your game.And,let the defense work.We have a good team.He should be able to do that.Peace Carmot.
I couldn't disagree with both of you. Arias is replaceable right now and Mac is ready. Cheers!
DeleteOsich made his debut tonight.Another good bullpen arm.Umpire was terrible all night for both teams.Osich made a great 3-2 pitch and the ump called it a ball.He missed a lot of calls.
ReplyDeleteLoved the arm of Osich even though he got bitted by injury bug really bad. I love how he works really hard to regain his velo. I only saw the video of his first K on MLB.com and I love the power he generate and the follow through that allows the energy to dissipate all over his back and not just his arm and recoil.
DeleteLike last year.I think our farm system will give us a big shot in the arm.Last year,some of our arms started to show there age.It's showing again this year.Organization has done a good job drafting and developing players to fill holes in big league roster.
ReplyDeleteI'm with the same tune at that regard. Osich is a huge shot in the arm for us especially with Javy and Affeldt really showing age and we have Okert somewhere near. Just needs to click it all again. Down the farm, I really hope Kyle Crick could find the fresh air that he deserves in the bullpen. So far, it's not happening. I have thought since pretty much last year that he's just a bullpen arm and I even made an analysis on possible bullpen roles for him. We also got Broadway, Black, and others. And what's great is that unlike the Core Four, the heir got the one thing that they don't have, top notch velocity. I love velocity and fastball command and I hope they'll anchor the pen for us once the Core Four retires or regresses.
DeleteCrick just needs to simplify his delivery.The fact that he can't do something that simple shoes how much he is doubting himself.
DeleteAre we thinking about turning Black into a starter? That would be interesting.
I think it's time to move Strickland into the set up role.I think he could be ready to close too.In his short time in the big leagues he's been through a lot.And,he's handled it like a man.That's a good sign.
Crick needs a lot of help.
DeleteFor me, I think turning Black into a starter isn't a legit thing. I think Black will be a starter for a short period because he just can't catch a break with all of his injuries. The idea is good short-term so that he can have a feel of his pitches and get more game time action but not long-term because his stuff is so precious as a closer that I think the Giants believe that his stuff will play to a closer role for us. I expect next year, he'll be in Richmond and closing for them.
Strickland's been good for us too. I'm surprised that he isn't really getting enough reps in the 9th inning and you know, slowly give him save opportunities now with Casilla being overworked in the past few outings. If he fails, we could still give the ball to Romo to close it out. But Boch knows how to handle his pen in the long run so I believe in him.
Stratton 8 IP 5 H 1 R 2 BB 4 K's
ReplyDeleteLooks like Stratton has turned that corner.And Arroyo had 2 more hits.
I don't really understand what the hell is happening with Stratton right now. It seems like he got better exponentially when he reached in the PCL and PCL is a not a good bitch if you're a pitcher and Stratton is doing the exact opposite. I think I need to look deeper into him and check if there's a mechanics adjustment or pitch selections changes or just he's mentally stable after receiving a lot of confidence from the front office. I don't know yet what it is but it's doing wonders for him. Should be called up pretty soon.
DeleteArroyo got 2 more hits and he's still white hot. I would love to see more BBs before promoting him.
At the end of last year.There was an uptick in Stratton's velocity.If you go to MLB pipeline and check the top 30 prospects.It's mentioned in Stratton's profile.Evans mentioned it in an interview too.It looks like he's turned the corner with his head injuries.
DeleteThat gives his fastball and off speed pitches a bigger differential in mph.That's what keeps hitters off balance.That coupled with overcoming the injury.And,the organization showing confidence in his ability.We're starting to see the guy we drafted in the 1st round.
ReplyDeleteYeah. I noticed that too that it's written in the MLB.com's scouting report. Concussion really kills and it takes not just 7 days to fully recover. Look at Joe Mauer and the effects of concussions on him. It just takes longer and maybe I just gave up too early on him. His stuff is better this year. I still have enough room my mind to believe in him.
DeleteTomlinson 4 hits so far tonight.
ReplyDeleteHe is breaking out man. The 2-4 game really helped him as I said here. Though I am not sure if he's going to be called up before Mac because the OF is a bigger and more pressing issue right now. I love the guy. Breakout year!
DeleteTomlinson- 5 for 6 1 3B 1 SB 1 RBI
DeleteKid went off tonight.
Buster Olney of ESPN reported that we might be looking for outfielders.Two names that were mentioned.Gerrardo Parra,and Cameron Maybin.The Braves aren't interested in trading Maybin right now.I've always liked the way Parra played the game.He has a good glove too.Andrew Baggarly reported that we have always loved Parra's game.ARI never wanted to trade Parra to a division rival.Pagan is hurt.He's been hurt for a month.Hank Schulman reported that Pagan is playing with this big contraption on his knee.He needs to be put on the DL.We're going to have to call up Williamson.Parra would be nice addition.
ReplyDeleteCorrection on my last comment.We like Parra.Not love.I went back to check just to make sure.Peace Wrenzie.
DeleteYeah. Parra seems to be a good addition for us. Sabes and Doug are good trade partners and I could see us giving up some depth players for Parra. He's playing good this year as well. Good 4th OF.
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