After about a year of blogging, I’ve decided to transfer over from Blogger to WordPress. In order to reflect the changes, the blog will undergo a new name change — it’s now Giants Nirvana (sort of the antithesis of Giants torture).
I’ll try to set the old url (www.splashingpumpkins.com) to redirect to the new site, and you can always find old posts at SplashingPumpkins.blogspot.com
I'm still working out the kinks, but it should be finished and running smoothly within a week.
Other than that, the site will continue as usual, and as always, thanks for reading!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Roundtable: Trade Deadline, Carlos Beltran, Ryan Vogelsong
This is the first of (hopefully) many monthly roundtables. For August, joining Zack and myself is Rory Paap -- formerly of Paapfly.com, and currently writing at Bay City Ball (ESPN SweetSpot) -- joined us.
Game Recap: Diamondbacks 5, Giants 2
Not really a recap, actually. Just random notes from this game, I guess.
- That sixth inning sucked. I'll say no more of it.
- As a general rule of thumb, not in favor of Cody Ross leading off against a right-handed pitcher. Career .313 OBP v. RHPs. But hey, it worked tonight.
- Matt Cain allowed five earned runs in 5.2 innings. Which means Giants starters have gone six or fewer innings with 5+ ER three days in a row. Arbitrary endpoints and all, but if I'm not mistaken, this is the longest such streak by Giants starters since...June 17-20, 2007.
- More arbitrary endpoints: the Giants have scored 23 runs over their last 11 games.
- Ian Kennedy is officially a Giants killer: he now has a career 1.87 ERA against them in eight starts, with 49 strikeouts and 18 walks in 57.2 innings pitched.
- From Elias: The Giants have not scored five or more runs in an inning at home this season, although they've done so eight times on the road.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Giants News and Notes: Freddy Sanchez to undergo surgery
Some quick pregame news and notes...
- Freddy Sanchez will undergo season-ending surgery tomorrow.
- Jonathan Sanchez will start in Barry Zito's place on Friday. John Shea tweets that Bruce Bochy will probably meet with Zito about his future tonight.
- Jeff Fletcher speculates that Zito will accept an assignment to Triple-A Fresno.
- Didn't get a series preview up, but McCovey Chronicles has one as usual.
- Andrew Baggarly tweets that management's confidence in Andres Torres is eroding.
- Buster Olney tweeted yesterday that he seriously doubts Ramon Hernandez would get through waivers to the San Francisco Giants.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Game Recap: Reds 9, Giants 0
Well, Johnny Cueto just tossed a three-hit shutout against the Giants. The trade deadline is seconds away, and I don't know if the Giants will trade for a catcher.
Barry Zito's been awful this year. He's not getting swinging strikes, he's not inducing as many infield fly balls as he has in the past, and he's giving up a lot of home runs. With Jonathan Sanchez set to return, I don't know what the Giants should do with him...but I haven't yet given up hope that maybe Zito can still be a somewhat-useful fifth starter. Yes, I'm crazy.
UPDATE:
Barry Zito's been awful this year. He's not getting swinging strikes, he's not inducing as many infield fly balls as he has in the past, and he's giving up a lot of home runs. With Jonathan Sanchez set to return, I don't know what the Giants should do with him...but I haven't yet given up hope that maybe Zito can still be a somewhat-useful fifth starter. Yes, I'm crazy.
UPDATE:
Bochy's phone silent. Probably no more deals.
Henry Schulman
hankschulman
Henry Schulmanhankschulman
Game Recap: Reds 7, Giants 2
Got sidetracked by that brilliant blockbuster trade the Giants pulled, but here's a brief recap.
This game was pretty forgettable.
I'll look at some positives though:
I hate to see Madison Bumgarner have a bad start like this, because it only distorts reality: he's a fantastic pitcher who's had a couple hiccups (remember that 0.1 IP against the Twins?). He was really on a run too. He had gone six consecutive starts with 6+ IP and one or fewer walks; during that span, he had a 2.57 ERA with 45 strikeouts, three walks, and one home run in 42 innings pitched. He'd allowed five earned runs over his last three starts (21.2 IP), but managed to allow that same amount in four innings in this game.
This game was pretty forgettable.
I'll look at some positives though:
- Brandon Belt started and will start tomorrow. Much deserved.
- Pablo Sandoval went three for five.
- The bullpen was good for four scoreless innings.
I hate to see Madison Bumgarner have a bad start like this, because it only distorts reality: he's a fantastic pitcher who's had a couple hiccups (remember that 0.1 IP against the Twins?). He was really on a run too. He had gone six consecutive starts with 6+ IP and one or fewer walks; during that span, he had a 2.57 ERA with 45 strikeouts, three walks, and one home run in 42 innings pitched. He'd allowed five earned runs over his last three starts (21.2 IP), but managed to allow that same amount in four innings in this game.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Farewell, Thomas Neal
Just got home from work, so I finally have time to comment on this Thomas Neal/Orlando Cabrera trade. My reaction: I don't like it. At all.
For fun, here are some hand-plucked ZiPS rest-of-season projected weighted on-base averages:
Player A: .305
Player B: .302
Player C: .301
Player D: .286
For fun, here are some hand-plucked ZiPS rest-of-season projected weighted on-base averages:
Player A: .305
Player B: .302
Player C: .301
Player D: .286
Giants to Acquire Orlando Cabrera
» According to Dan Knobler via Twitter, the Giants will acquire Orlando Cabrera. Cabrera has hit .248/.280/.330 (72 OPS+) this season while seeing time at second base, third base, and short stop (mostly 2B).
» Per Hank Schulman, the Indians will receive one prospect in exchange.
» Hank Schulman just tweeted that the prospect the Giants are sending over is OF Thomas Neal.
» Per Hank Schulman, the Indians will receive one prospect in exchange.
» Hank Schulman just tweeted that the prospect the Giants are sending over is OF Thomas Neal.
Splash Hits: Justin Fitzgerald, Sergio Romo, Ramon Hernandez
Letters to Brian Sabean and Bruce Bochy « Bay City Ball | Giants Baseball with a Side of STATS!
Free Brandon Belt.
Q&A with Justin Fitzgerald « Snow Woulda Had It!
An interview with Giants prospect Justin Fitzgerald.
Surging Sergio | The Hardball Times
Don't look now, but San Francisco reliever Sergio Romo is putting together an incredible season.
Banter Breakdown: Zack Wheeler, San Jose Giants
He will be missed.
Reds should trade Hernandez to Giants - SweetSpot Blog - ESPN
It makes a lot of sense for the Reds to trade Ramon Hernandez.
Dueling retreads highlight Giants' need - SweetSpot Blog - ESPN
Some interesting notes from Friday's Giants/Reds game.
Free Brandon Belt.
Q&A with Justin Fitzgerald « Snow Woulda Had It!
An interview with Giants prospect Justin Fitzgerald.
Surging Sergio | The Hardball Times
Don't look now, but San Francisco reliever Sergio Romo is putting together an incredible season.
Banter Breakdown: Zack Wheeler, San Jose Giants
He will be missed.
Reds should trade Hernandez to Giants - SweetSpot Blog - ESPN
It makes a lot of sense for the Reds to trade Ramon Hernandez.
Dueling retreads highlight Giants' need - SweetSpot Blog - ESPN
Some interesting notes from Friday's Giants/Reds game.
Game Recap: Reds 4, Giants 3
I'll be brief, because I never really enjoy writing about 13-inning losses...
- Entering tonight, Dontrelle Willis had made 30 starts since 2008. In just four of them, he'd gone 6+ innings with two or fewer walks (for comparison, Madison Bumgarner has done that in 15 of his last 16 starts). So yeah, disappointing to see the Giants couldn't do better than that.
- I've been waiting for a Ryan Vogelsong disaster start for quite some time now, and in the first inning, I thought it had finally come. But nope. After laboring in the first (31 pitches), he managed to go six innings with only three runs allowed. Easily one of his worst starts this season (as the season-low strikeout total -- 1 -- illustrates), but a quality start nonetheless. Dating back to May 8th, he has a 1.90 ERA; and on the season, he's made just two starts in which he's allowed more than three runs.
- Mike Fontenot is now 0 for 21 in his last six games. This should be fairly clear: he's a left-handed hitter, and shouldn't be starting against left-handed pitchers. In this case, I think Miguel Tejada -- a career .284/.350/.475 hitter against left-handed pitching -- might actually be useful.
- I'm still worried about Brian Wilson. A good closer still, sure, but not nearly as dominant as last year. His strikeout-to-walk ratio is nearly half what it was last year.
- A note from Baggs -- "[Reds GM Walt Jocketty] specifically said he isn’t shopping Ramon Hernandez, a veteran catcher with a credible stick, even though Cincinnati has top prospect Devin Mesoraco wearing shin guards at Triple-A." If he continues to take that stance, well...that sounds pretty foolish to me.
- Free Brandon Belt.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Giants-Reds Series Preview
The Giants need an upgrade at catcher.
The Reds, conveniently have three of 'em:
I assume, therefore, that Hernandez is expendable. The Reds, currently 50-55, are 6.5 games out of first place in the NL Central, and 10.5 games out of first in the NL Wild Card. Baseball Prospectus' handy-dandy postseason odds say they have a 3.5% chance of making the playoffs.
What reason would the Reds honestly have not to trade him?
The latest update, via Hank Schulman:
The probable pitchers:
Game one: Ryan Vogelsong v. Dontrelle Willis (I think)
Game two: Madison Bumgarner v. Travis Wood
Game three: TBA v. Johnny Cueto
Should be an interesting series, for a number of reasons:
1. Ramon Hernandez (duh)
2. Who will start for the Giants on Sunday?
3. Dontrelle Willis and Johnny Cueto (1.88 ERA?!). Both doing well (moreso Cueto) with low K rates.
4. Fred Lewis and Edgar Renteria. You forgot they existed, huh?
The Reds, conveniently have three of 'em:
- Ryan Hanigan is under team control through 2014, and has a career OBP of .372(!)
- Devin Mesoraco is a top catching prospect hitting .306/.379/.500 in 93 games at Triple-A.
- And Ramon Hernandez is 35 years old, and a free agent after this season.
I assume, therefore, that Hernandez is expendable. The Reds, currently 50-55, are 6.5 games out of first place in the NL Central, and 10.5 games out of first in the NL Wild Card. Baseball Prospectus' handy-dandy postseason odds say they have a 3.5% chance of making the playoffs.
What reason would the Reds honestly have not to trade him?
The latest update, via Hank Schulman:
Reds want pitching for C Ramon Hernandez. As one Giants honcho put it, "That, we got a lot of."Henry Schulman
hankschulman
Henry Schulmanhankschulman
The probable pitchers:
Game one: Ryan Vogelsong v. Dontrelle Willis (I think)
Game two: Madison Bumgarner v. Travis Wood
Game three: TBA v. Johnny Cueto
Should be an interesting series, for a number of reasons:
1. Ramon Hernandez (duh)
2. Who will start for the Giants on Sunday?
3. Dontrelle Willis and Johnny Cueto (1.88 ERA?!). Both doing well (moreso Cueto) with low K rates.
4. Fred Lewis and Edgar Renteria. You forgot they existed, huh?
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Game Recap: Giants 4, Phillies 1
- Carlos Beltran didn't look great in his Giants debut, as he went 0 for 4 with a couple of strikeouts and a groundout to first, but the Giants still managed to score four(!) runs.
- The Giants finally have a player with 10+ home runs, as Pablo Sandoval had an opposite-field solo shot to lead off the second inning.
- Tim Lincecum was good (what's new?), but the real awesomeness came in a 5th inning battle against Chase Utley (who was up with two outs and runners at first and second). Lincecum had fallen behind 3-1, but got a couple consecutive swinging strikes out of Utley on two fantastic pitches.
- Aubrey Huff looked better on the offensive side of things, going 1 for 3 with a double and a walk. I've pretty much given up all hope that Brandon Belt will take the starting 1B role from him.
Here's the strikezone plot for that fifth-inning at-bat to Utley (via BrooksBaseball.net):
Utley swung way in front of a changeup for strike two, and chased a ball in the dirt to strike out. Fantastic pitching from Lincecum, who did pretty well overall against a left-handed heavy lineup.
Eric Surkamp | Prospect Profile
Today, I begin the slow process of profiling some of the Giants' top prospects. With the speculation surrounding whether Eric Surkamp could possibly be called up to start for the Giants on Sunday, and the fact that he's now the Giants' best starting pitching prospect (with Zack Wheeler going to the Mets in the Carlos Beltran deal), I figured I'd begin with him.
Surkamp is a 6'4 190-pound left-hander, drafted by the Giants in the sixth round of the 2008 draft. Since then, he's succeeded at every level of the minors where he's spent considerable time. In Augusta, at age 21, he made 23 starts, posting a 3.30 ERA with a 4.33 K/BB ratio. Last year, he made 17 starts in High-A San Jose, posting a 3.11 ERA and a WHIP below 1.00 before incurring a hip injury -- as he dislocated it while fielding a groundball. He underwent hip surgery soon after, and has recovered well since then.
In February, I ranked Eric Surkamp higher than most others on my prospects list, saying that he "should have success in the pitcher-friendly AA Eastern League in 2011." Surkamp has gone on to validate that comment, absolutely dominating Double-A Richmond this season. Through 108 innings (17 starts), he's upped his strikeout rate to a clip of 10.7 hitters per nine innings while maintaining the excellent command he's flashed throughout the minors (2.8 BB/9, 3.76 K/BB on the season). His ERA currently sits at 2.00, backed by a 2.39 FIP.
The big knock on Surkamp is his fastball velocity, which sits in the high-80s according to Baseball America's scouting report from earlier this year, though according to friend of the blog Dave Gershman, it's now in the lower 90s. Coaches had said that given his frame, they thought he'd be able to improve his fastball velocity. Anyway, though it's a pretty average fastball, Surkamp throws it with enough deception for it to be an effective pitch. Surkamp's best pitches are his secondary ones, a curve and a change, both of which are plus offerings. Earlier this year, Baseball America wrote that Surkamp had the best curve and best change in the Giants' organization (as well as best control).
He's consistently displayed an ability to succeed without overpowering fastball velocity, and should be ready to make an impact in the majors in mid-2012. The mere fact that there's speculation he could start in the majors on Sunday should be a testament to just how impressive he's been this season.
Surkamp is a 6'4 190-pound left-hander, drafted by the Giants in the sixth round of the 2008 draft. Since then, he's succeeded at every level of the minors where he's spent considerable time. In Augusta, at age 21, he made 23 starts, posting a 3.30 ERA with a 4.33 K/BB ratio. Last year, he made 17 starts in High-A San Jose, posting a 3.11 ERA and a WHIP below 1.00 before incurring a hip injury -- as he dislocated it while fielding a groundball. He underwent hip surgery soon after, and has recovered well since then.
In February, I ranked Eric Surkamp higher than most others on my prospects list, saying that he "should have success in the pitcher-friendly AA Eastern League in 2011." Surkamp has gone on to validate that comment, absolutely dominating Double-A Richmond this season. Through 108 innings (17 starts), he's upped his strikeout rate to a clip of 10.7 hitters per nine innings while maintaining the excellent command he's flashed throughout the minors (2.8 BB/9, 3.76 K/BB on the season). His ERA currently sits at 2.00, backed by a 2.39 FIP.
| Year | Age | Tm | Lg | Lev | G | GS | CG | SHO | IP | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 20 | 2 Teams | 2 Lgs | A--Rk | 5.71 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 17.1 | 1.615 | 11.9 | 0.5 | 2.6 | 11.9 | 4.60 |
| 2008 | 20 | Giants | ARIZ | Rk | 2.70 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3.1 | 0.900 | 8.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 18.9 | |
| 2008 | 20 | Salem-Keizer | NORW | A- | 6.43 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 14.0 | 1.786 | 12.9 | 0.6 | 3.2 | 10.3 | 3.20 |
| 2009 | 21 | Augusta | SALL | A | 3.30 | 23 | 23 | 2 | 0 | 131.0 | 1.282 | 8.9 | 0.4 | 2.7 | 11.6 | 4.33 |
| 2010 | 22 | San Jose | CALL | A+ | 3.11 | 17 | 17 | 1 | 1 | 101.1 | 0.997 | 7.0 | 0.4 | 2.0 | 9.6 | 4.91 |
| 2011 | 23 | Richmond | EL | AA | 2.00 | 18 | 17 | 1 | 0 | 108.0 | 1.120 | 7.2 | 0.3 | 2.8 | 10.7 | 3.76 |
| 4 Seasons | 2.97 | 65 | 61 | 4 | 1 | 357.2 | 1.169 | 8.0 | 0.4 | 2.5 | 10.8 | 4.28 | ||||
The big knock on Surkamp is his fastball velocity, which sits in the high-80s according to Baseball America's scouting report from earlier this year, though according to friend of the blog Dave Gershman, it's now in the lower 90s. Coaches had said that given his frame, they thought he'd be able to improve his fastball velocity. Anyway, though it's a pretty average fastball, Surkamp throws it with enough deception for it to be an effective pitch. Surkamp's best pitches are his secondary ones, a curve and a change, both of which are plus offerings. Earlier this year, Baseball America wrote that Surkamp had the best curve and best change in the Giants' organization (as well as best control).
He's consistently displayed an ability to succeed without overpowering fastball velocity, and should be ready to make an impact in the majors in mid-2012. The mere fact that there's speculation he could start in the majors on Sunday should be a testament to just how impressive he's been this season.
Giants News and Notes: Bill Hall Designated for Assignment, Emmanuel Burriss Optioned
I figured I'd catch up on the news and notes from today, as Carlos Beltran gets set to make his San Francisco Giants debut...
- In order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Beltran, Bill Hall was activated from the 15-day DL and designated for assignment.
- In order to clear a spot on the 25-man roster, the Giants optioned Emmanuel Burriss back to Triple-A Fresno.
- Miguel Tejada says he feels great, and should be ready to return from his injury (ab strain) next week.
- Per Andrew Baggarly: Sabean hopes to use the $4 million in savings to help the club in other areas, but the market for a catcher or shortstop has not gotten any riper. He notes that if they do end up addressing those needs, it's more likely in August via waivers.
- Similarly, Jon Heyman tweets that the Giants "still wouldn't mind" a catcher, and suggest Ramon Hernandez could be a trade target. I looked at the Giants' catcher trade options earlier today.
- Also via Baggs, VP Dick Tidrow assured Brian Sabean "that the farm system has enough power arms to absorb the loss" of Zack Wheeler.
- Based on conversations he's had with people, Henry Schulman listed the reasons why Aubrey Huff is starting at first base over Brandon Belt: Bochy trusts his veterans more down the stretch; he has faith that Huff will start hitting; Huff's making $22MM; Bochy prefers the team chemistry with Huff starting and Belt off the bench; and Belt struggled when he played every day.
- Barry Zito's start on Sunday is now listed as "TBA." According to Schulman, "Bochy confirms Sunday is TBA. Not saying much else. Said Zito is healthy."
- Baggs is speculating that it's possible that Eric Surkamp could make his major-league debut on Sunday, and that a trade could be in the works.
Catcher Trade Options: Ramon Hernandez, Miguel Olivo, Yorvit Torrealba, and more
With the acquisitions of Carlos Beltran and Jeff Keppinger, the Giants have (kind of) fulfilled their needs at catcher and middle infield; the focus, of course, has now shifted to the Giants' biggest weakness: catcher.
Since Buster Posey's injury, the Giants have gone (for the most part) with a Chris Stewart/Eli Whiteside duo behind the plate. Their production hasn't been as horrendous as some would say (for example, they've hit .233/.333/.356 in July, which is fairly average production from the catching position in this depressed run environment); but overall, the Whiteside/Stewart combo carries a .220/.306/.337 (.285 wOBA) line on the season, and the Giants certainly stand to benefit from an upgrade behind the plate.
So who's out there?
Ronny Paulino: As the Mets' backstop, Paulino's having a pretty nice season, hitting .294/.325/.375 (96 OPS+) in 51 games. He's only 30 years old, and a career .275/.328/.382 (87 OPS+) hitter, so he seems like a fair bet to continue being a somewhat productive catcher over the rest of the season. And for what it's worth, based on catcher defense ratings from 2010 and 2011, his defense seems pretty acceptable. He's under cost control for another year in 2012, so he could serve as the backup catcher next year; one of the best reasonable options out there, though Sandy Alderson has said he's done making trades.
Miguel Olivo: Under contract through 2012 (with a team option in 2013), though as a Mariner, he's probably available (at least, I haven't heard otherwise). By all accounts, he's an awful hitter, with miserable career walk (4.2%) and strikeout (26.3%) rates, but he's got enough power such that he's not entirely worthless (career .180 ISO). Defensively, he's notoriously bad at pitch-blocking, but is also quite adept at throwing out would-be basestealers. It's depressing to say, as his plate approach is truly terrible, but he'd be an upgrade for the Giants.
Ivan Rodriguez: Pass.
Chris Iannetta: Similar contract situation to that of Miguel Olivo, and the Rockies are looking to move him. He's hitting .220/.375 /.402 (102 OPS+) on the season, and has a career OPS+ of 99. He's no defensive stud, but he's one of the best options out there. As a member of a division rival, it'd be interesting to see. The Giants haven't traded with the Rockies since 1998.
Ramon Hernandez: In all aspects, an above-average defensive catcher, and he's mashing at the plate this year to the tune of a .308/.368/.502 line. With Devin Mesoraco and Ryan Hanigan, I've got to think that makes Hernandez expendable (especially considering that he's only under contract for this season). The latest update, via Henry Schulman, indicates that he is potentially available (in exchange for a pitcher).
Mike Napoli: Yeah....not happening.
Yorvit Torrealba: The Giants should have traded Santiago Casilla for Torrealba when they had the chance, though they wanted the Rangers to cover some (or all?) of his contract for 2012. He's hitting .261/.297/.385 (82 wRC+) over 274 PAs this season, which is in line with his career wRC+ of 82.
Rod Barajas: He's been dreadful at the plate this year (.212/.262/.379) as he has throughout his entire career for that matter (.237/.282/.410). He's got nice power, but I don't even know if he's worth pursuing.
Since Buster Posey's injury, the Giants have gone (for the most part) with a Chris Stewart/Eli Whiteside duo behind the plate. Their production hasn't been as horrendous as some would say (for example, they've hit .233/.333/.356 in July, which is fairly average production from the catching position in this depressed run environment); but overall, the Whiteside/Stewart combo carries a .220/.306/.337 (.285 wOBA) line on the season, and the Giants certainly stand to benefit from an upgrade behind the plate.
So who's out there?
Ronny Paulino: As the Mets' backstop, Paulino's having a pretty nice season, hitting .294/.325/.375 (96 OPS+) in 51 games. He's only 30 years old, and a career .275/.328/.382 (87 OPS+) hitter, so he seems like a fair bet to continue being a somewhat productive catcher over the rest of the season. And for what it's worth, based on catcher defense ratings from 2010 and 2011, his defense seems pretty acceptable. He's under cost control for another year in 2012, so he could serve as the backup catcher next year; one of the best reasonable options out there, though Sandy Alderson has said he's done making trades.
Miguel Olivo: Under contract through 2012 (with a team option in 2013), though as a Mariner, he's probably available (at least, I haven't heard otherwise). By all accounts, he's an awful hitter, with miserable career walk (4.2%) and strikeout (26.3%) rates, but he's got enough power such that he's not entirely worthless (career .180 ISO). Defensively, he's notoriously bad at pitch-blocking, but is also quite adept at throwing out would-be basestealers. It's depressing to say, as his plate approach is truly terrible, but he'd be an upgrade for the Giants.
Ivan Rodriguez: Pass.
Chris Iannetta: Similar contract situation to that of Miguel Olivo, and the Rockies are looking to move him. He's hitting .220/.375 /.402 (102 OPS+) on the season, and has a career OPS+ of 99. He's no defensive stud, but he's one of the best options out there. As a member of a division rival, it'd be interesting to see. The Giants haven't traded with the Rockies since 1998.
Ramon Hernandez: In all aspects, an above-average defensive catcher, and he's mashing at the plate this year to the tune of a .308/.368/.502 line. With Devin Mesoraco and Ryan Hanigan, I've got to think that makes Hernandez expendable (especially considering that he's only under contract for this season). The latest update, via Henry Schulman, indicates that he is potentially available (in exchange for a pitcher).
Mike Napoli: Yeah....not happening.
Yorvit Torrealba: The Giants should have traded Santiago Casilla for Torrealba when they had the chance, though they wanted the Rangers to cover some (or all?) of his contract for 2012. He's hitting .261/.297/.385 (82 wRC+) over 274 PAs this season, which is in line with his career wRC+ of 82.
Rod Barajas: He's been dreadful at the plate this year (.212/.262/.379) as he has throughout his entire career for that matter (.237/.282/.410). He's got nice power, but I don't even know if he's worth pursuing.
Game Recap: Giants 2, Phillies 1
ELIAS: Matt Cain with a K and a BB Wed. ending a streak of 39 straight starts with more K than BB. Longest streak by Giants P since 1900
ESPN Stats & Info
ESPNStatsInfo
ESPN Stats & InfoESPNStatsInfo
- Though he had only one strikeout, Matt Cain was once again dominant.
- Eli Whiteside had a few blunders in this one (like this, and this)
- Aubrey Huff grounded out a couple times, flied out once, and hit a double in the eighth inning, which will only serve to extend his rope.
- For the first time in 2011, Jeff Keppinger -- who never walks or strikes out -- had both a walk and a strikeout in a game.
Eli Whiteside is now OPSing something around .675, which isn't as terrible as it sounds for a catcher these days. But man, he's not an everyday catcher. Problem is, there's really not any decent trade options at catcher. Miguel Olivo? Rod Barajas? They have worse numbers than Whiteside this year, and in the case of Barajas especially, there's no reason to believe he's all that much better than Whiteside.
Barajas' career OPS+: 78
Whiteside's career OPS+: 77
Then there's Chris Iannetta. He's the only decent option out there that I can think of, but he's pretty awful defensively, and I doubt the Giants would be willing to offer much to acquire him -- especially considering they wouldn't pull the trigger on Santiago Casilla for Yorvit Torrealba.
It's a big weakness. And not one that's easily fixable, too. I miss Buster Posey.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Pat Burrell Released, Brandon Belt Optioned?
According to CSN Bay Area, the Giants are expected to release Pat Burrell and option Brandon Belt back to Triple-A (again).
Burrell's not a good defensive outfielder, and he strikes out a lot, but even so, he'd managed to post a .233/.342/.419 line over 202 plate appearances. Burrell currently has a wRC+ of 113, meaning he's 13% better than a league average hitter. Doesn't sound like much, but among Giants with at least 50 plate appearances, that puts him at second-best on the team, tied with Buster Posey. The expected release would clear room on the 40-man roster for Carlos Beltran, meaning the Giants would opt to release Burrell rather than designate Bill Hall or Alex Hinshaw for assignment. Which makes absolutely no sense.
In the case of Brandon Belt, the Giants would opt to send him down to Triple-A rather than Emmanuel Burriss or Brandon Crawford, when it's quite clear that Brandon Belt is currently one of the best three hitters on the team. Not only should Belt remain in the majors, but he should be the starting first baseman because it's painfully obvious at this point that he's better than Aubrey Huff. The way the Giants have handled Belt this year is absolutely pathetic. He should be playing in the majors on a daily basis by now, but would instead presumably go down for yet another stint in the minors.
Unbelievable. Two foolish decisions that might actually do enough damage to the team to counteract whatever upgrade Beltran represents.
And you know what? While we're at it, Aaron Rowand should be designated for assignment. With the crowded outfield, he should be expendable (not Burrell). The Giants have the money to cover his contract and deal him to another team (in need of a LHP-mashing outfielder) in exchange for something of value.
UPDATE: Via Henry Schulman, Burrell is not being released.
UPDATE (#2): Via Mychael Urban, Brandon Belt has not been optioned.
Great news, though I must say, CSN just lost a lot of credibility.
Burrell's not a good defensive outfielder, and he strikes out a lot, but even so, he'd managed to post a .233/.342/.419 line over 202 plate appearances. Burrell currently has a wRC+ of 113, meaning he's 13% better than a league average hitter. Doesn't sound like much, but among Giants with at least 50 plate appearances, that puts him at second-best on the team, tied with Buster Posey. The expected release would clear room on the 40-man roster for Carlos Beltran, meaning the Giants would opt to release Burrell rather than designate Bill Hall or Alex Hinshaw for assignment. Which makes absolutely no sense.
In the case of Brandon Belt, the Giants would opt to send him down to Triple-A rather than Emmanuel Burriss or Brandon Crawford, when it's quite clear that Brandon Belt is currently one of the best three hitters on the team. Not only should Belt remain in the majors, but he should be the starting first baseman because it's painfully obvious at this point that he's better than Aubrey Huff. The way the Giants have handled Belt this year is absolutely pathetic. He should be playing in the majors on a daily basis by now, but would instead presumably go down for yet another stint in the minors.
Unbelievable. Two foolish decisions that might actually do enough damage to the team to counteract whatever upgrade Beltran represents.
And you know what? While we're at it, Aaron Rowand should be designated for assignment. With the crowded outfield, he should be expendable (not Burrell). The Giants have the money to cover his contract and deal him to another team (in need of a LHP-mashing outfielder) in exchange for something of value.
UPDATE: Via Henry Schulman, Burrell is not being released.
UPDATE (#2): Via Mychael Urban, Brandon Belt has not been optioned.
Great news, though I must say, CSN just lost a lot of credibility.
Carlos Beltran traded to the Giants for Zack Wheeler and cash
After seemingly endless speculation, Carlos Beltran has been traded to the Giants along with cash for Zach Wheeler (almost officially). Beltran is hitting .289/.391/.513 on the season, and obviously adds a lot to an offense desperately in need of some help. Per Fangraphs, he's been worth 3.9 wins above replacement already this year.
At first, I was strongly against trading Wheeler for Beltran. Then again, here's what Andrew Baggarly just wrote:
Essentially, the Giants are trading a high-ceiling pitching prospect for a rental that will (hopefully) add a lot to a struggling offense. As I've said before, "prospects are no guarantee" is not a justification for overpaying in value. Kurt Ainsworth wasn't a guarantee. Neither was Jesse Foppert. Or Jerome Williams. Or Tim Alderson, Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Boof Bonser, Madison Bumgarner, etc. Many prospects bust, some don't. Duh.
Wheeler's a risk. The question is: is the risk worth it?
This move was made to improve the Giants' chances of performing well in the playoffs. Beltran clearly adds a lot to the offense, but in making this trade, the Giants are hoping that he happens to hit well over those 50 or so postseason plate appearances, and that that's what puts the Giants over the top in terms of their chances of winning the World Series.
I don't know if Wheeler is worth the amount that Beltran improves the Giants' chances of a repeat -- if that makes any sense. I'm stuck in the middle right now, leaning toward no. But I'm cautiously placing my trust in Brian Sabean. I don't like this deal. I think the Giants overpaid in value. Yet at the same time, I like Beltran. And Sabean's willingness to trade Wheeler indicates that perhaps -- as Baggs speculated -- their internal evaluations indicate that his value has fallen.
So there it is. Don't like the deal, but I'll give Sabean the benefit of the doubt. And I can't wait to see Beltran in a Giants uniform. I'm just hoping he'll stay healthy, and continue to rake.
I will say, this little chart from Baseball Prospectus scares me to death:
At first, I was strongly against trading Wheeler for Beltran. Then again, here's what Andrew Baggarly just wrote:
As for Wheeler, if he’s indeed the big piece, the Giants’ willingness to trade him would indicate one of two things: Their desperation to add offense has risen, or, more likely, their internal evaluations of his stuff/ceiling are not quite what they were when they drafted him 10th overall two years ago. Wheeler’s strikeout rate is high, but he hasn’t exactly Bumgarnered his way through the minor leagues.
Essentially, the Giants are trading a high-ceiling pitching prospect for a rental that will (hopefully) add a lot to a struggling offense. As I've said before, "prospects are no guarantee" is not a justification for overpaying in value. Kurt Ainsworth wasn't a guarantee. Neither was Jesse Foppert. Or Jerome Williams. Or Tim Alderson, Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Boof Bonser, Madison Bumgarner, etc. Many prospects bust, some don't. Duh.
Wheeler's a risk. The question is: is the risk worth it?
This move was made to improve the Giants' chances of performing well in the playoffs. Beltran clearly adds a lot to the offense, but in making this trade, the Giants are hoping that he happens to hit well over those 50 or so postseason plate appearances, and that that's what puts the Giants over the top in terms of their chances of winning the World Series.
I don't know if Wheeler is worth the amount that Beltran improves the Giants' chances of a repeat -- if that makes any sense. I'm stuck in the middle right now, leaning toward no. But I'm cautiously placing my trust in Brian Sabean. I don't like this deal. I think the Giants overpaid in value. Yet at the same time, I like Beltran. And Sabean's willingness to trade Wheeler indicates that perhaps -- as Baggs speculated -- their internal evaluations indicate that his value has fallen.
So there it is. Don't like the deal, but I'll give Sabean the benefit of the doubt. And I can't wait to see Beltran in a Giants uniform. I'm just hoping he'll stay healthy, and continue to rake.
I will say, this little chart from Baseball Prospectus scares me to death:
Giants Rumors: Carlos Beltran Trade Talks Continue
I'll continue to update this throughout the day as Carlos Beltran rumors heat up....
» Ken Rosenthal is currently tweeting that Francisco Peguero, Charlie Culberson could be part of a Carlos Beltran offer. As of half an hour ago, Rosenthal tweets that the Giants are front-runners in the Beltran trade talks.
» Jon Morosi tweets that the Giants are willing to include Gary Brown in a deal.
» Tim Brown of Yahoo tweets that it looks like Beltran is "indeed going to SF."
» Jon Heyman tweets that there are just minor details to work through on a Carlos Beltran trade.
» Joel Sherman tweets that the trade is "not completed," but everything is in the works to make it happen.
» Per Buster Olney, the deal is almost finished.
» The deal is now "very close."
» No done deal yet, tweets Jon Morosi.
» Mets are expected to get Gary Brown and two other players in return.
» Mets insisted on Zach Wheeler originally, but Brown seems like the compromise.
» Buster Olney tweets that Wheeler is expected to be the centerpiece.
» Wheeler's in the deal. Jonathan Sanchez and Gary Brown are not.
» Joel Sherman tweets that it could be Beltran and cash for Wheeler.
» Ken Rosenthal is currently tweeting that Francisco Peguero, Charlie Culberson could be part of a Carlos Beltran offer. As of half an hour ago, Rosenthal tweets that the Giants are front-runners in the Beltran trade talks.
» Jon Morosi tweets that the Giants are willing to include Gary Brown in a deal.
» Tim Brown of Yahoo tweets that it looks like Beltran is "indeed going to SF."
» Jon Heyman tweets that there are just minor details to work through on a Carlos Beltran trade.
» Joel Sherman tweets that the trade is "not completed," but everything is in the works to make it happen.
» Per Buster Olney, the deal is almost finished.
» The deal is now "very close."
» No done deal yet, tweets Jon Morosi.
» Mets are expected to get Gary Brown and two other players in return.
» Mets insisted on Zach Wheeler originally, but Brown seems like the compromise.
» Buster Olney tweets that Wheeler is expected to be the centerpiece.
» Wheeler's in the deal. Jonathan Sanchez and Gary Brown are not.
» Joel Sherman tweets that it could be Beltran and cash for Wheeler.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Giants Rumors: Colby Rasmus, Carlos Quentin, Carlos Beltran
The latest on Giants trade rumors, speculation, etc.
» This morning, Jon Heyman wrote that the Giants may be the favorites for Carlos Beltran:
» Regarding B.J. Upton, Heyman writes that "The Giants were mentioned elsewhere, but Upton is thought to be at best a fall-back option for them since they need a hitter, not another centerfielder."
» Jayson Stark also wrote about the Carlos Beltran market, noting:
He also writes that the Mets could possibly end up just dumping Betran's salary for a smaller return in prospects:
» Henry Schulman tweets that it's been made clear to him that "the Reds want to keep their catching tandem intact. Ramon Hernandez is not on the block."
» Schulman also speculates that the Giants could be interested in White Sox OF Carlos Quentin if he's on the market. As Ken Rosenthal noted earlier, the White Sox could move Quentin to save money. Although he's pretty mediocre defensively, Quentin's hitting .268/.360/.525 (139 OPS+) on the season, and would add some much-needed offense.
» MLB Trade Rumors writes that the Cardinals are shopping Colby Rasmus. As Dan Knobler noted earlier today, the Giants have interest in Rasmus, though he "appears to be strictly a backup plan." In his trade value series, Dave Cameron of Fangraphs wrote the following about Rasmus:
If the Giants' main goal is to improve their team right now, Rasmus doesn't seem like all that much of a fit. Also, as a player under team control through 2014, the cost to acquire him could be very high.
» This morning, Jon Heyman wrote that the Giants may be the favorites for Carlos Beltran:
The Giants look like a possible favorite for Carlos Beltran -- at the moment, anyway. Beltran prefers the National League, the Mets might prefer a division other than the National League East and, according to sources, the Giants understandably have him atop their list.
» Regarding B.J. Upton, Heyman writes that "The Giants were mentioned elsewhere, but Upton is thought to be at best a fall-back option for them since they need a hitter, not another centerfielder."
» Jayson Stark also wrote about the Carlos Beltran market, noting:
[The Mets] asked the Giants for Zack Wheeler, the best pitcher in their system, or Gary Brown, their most highly rated outfield prospect. "Not happening," the Giants told them.
He also writes that the Mets could possibly end up just dumping Betran's salary for a smaller return in prospects:
So it's possible, perhaps, that the Mets could turn back toward a team like San Francisco, which has indicated a willingness to take Beltran's contract if it doesn't have to give up a high-end prospect. And the Mets' brass would begin gushing about all the great stuff they can do with the 6 million bucks they just dumped.
» Henry Schulman tweets that it's been made clear to him that "the Reds want to keep their catching tandem intact. Ramon Hernandez is not on the block."
» Schulman also speculates that the Giants could be interested in White Sox OF Carlos Quentin if he's on the market. As Ken Rosenthal noted earlier, the White Sox could move Quentin to save money. Although he's pretty mediocre defensively, Quentin's hitting .268/.360/.525 (139 OPS+) on the season, and would add some much-needed offense.
» MLB Trade Rumors writes that the Cardinals are shopping Colby Rasmus. As Dan Knobler noted earlier today, the Giants have interest in Rasmus, though he "appears to be strictly a backup plan." In his trade value series, Dave Cameron of Fangraphs wrote the following about Rasmus:
There’s value in a 24-year-old center fielder with a career 109 wRC+, but Rasmus is not yet an elite player and he’s headed for arbitration at the end of the season. There’s still room for him to become a franchise player, but right now, his value is more potential than production.
If the Giants' main goal is to improve their team right now, Rasmus doesn't seem like all that much of a fit. Also, as a player under team control through 2014, the cost to acquire him could be very high.
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