Winter lines 11/01
HWB: West Oahu 13, Waikiki 8
Giants Prospects:
LF Roger Kieschnick - 2-4, 1 R, 1 2B (5), 2 RBI, 1 BB, 1 SO, .280
RP Steve Edlefsen - 1/3 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 0 SO, 2 HB, 14.54 ERA
Other Waikiki Prospects:
2B Damon Sublett (Yankees) - 2-5, 2 R, 1 2B (4), 2 RBI, 2 SO, .294
CF James McOwen (Mariners) - 3-5, 2 R, 1 2B (5), 1 3B (2), 1 RBI, .291
RP Phillipe-Alexandre Valiquette (Reds) - 1 2/3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 SO, 1 WP, 10.00 ERA
West Oahu Prospects:
RF Miles Durham (Pirates) - 2-2, 1 R, 3 RBI, 1 BB, .284
DH Wally Crancer (Orioles) - 2-5, 1 R, 1 2B (1), 3 RBI, 2 SO, .224
SP Chris Salberg (Orioles) - 4 2/3 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 3 SO, W (2-0), 5.21 ERA
Waikiki lost for the first time in eight games in a high-scoring game against West Oahu. The Cane Fires had a big lead by the time the Beach Boys mounted their rally. Steve Edlefsen allowed five runs in the fifth inning, facing eight batters and only retiring one. Roger Kieschnick doubled in the fourth inning and scored a run. He picked up an RBI in the fifth inning. Waikiki rallied for four runs in the eighth inning. The Beach Boys put together five consecutive hits, but from there could not gather any more offense. Moises Robles retired the side in the ninth inning to earn his third save of the winter.
This series ends Sunday afternoon followed by an off day Monday.
AFL: Surprise 7, Scottsdale 1
Giants Prospects:
SS Kevin Frandsen - 1-4, 2 SO, 1 SB (6), 1 E (4), .339
2B Ryan Rohlinger - 0-3, 1 BB, 2 SO, .207
RP Alex Hinshaw - 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO, 6.10 ERA
Other Scottsdale Prospects:
3B Chris Johnson (Astros) - 1-3, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 SO, .357
DH Mark Ori (Astros) - 1-4, 1 2B (2), 3 SO, .200
SP Jared Hughes (Pirates) - 2 IP, 5 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 1 SO, 2 HR, L (0-2), 9.45 ERA
Surprise Prospects:
LF Nolan Reimold (Orioles) - 2-3, 2 R, 1 HR (3), 3 RBI, 2 SO, .231
CF Julio Borbon (Rangers) - 1-5, 1 R, 1 HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 SO, .288
SP Justin Orenduff (Dodgers) - 3 2/3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 7 SO, 1 WP, W (1-2), 6.35 ERA
Surprise snapped a ten game losing streak with a win over Scottsdale. The team with the worst record in the league hadn't won a game since October 18. The Scoripons managed four hits in the game. Mark Ori was the only Scottsdale hitter to get an extra base hit. Jared Hughes had a poor start, allowing five runs in two innings. Hughes served up two home run balls. Alex Hinshaw improved upon his last few performances Saturday with a scoreless inning of relief pitching. Hinshaw did allow two hits but it was his first appearance since October 14 where he did not allow a run. Kevin Frandsen's Achilles injury does not appear to adversely affect his baserunning skills. Frandsen stole his sixth base of the fall. The Arizona Fall League takes Sundays off. Scottsdale hosts the Peoria Saguaros Monday afternoon.
Mexican Pacific League:
Mazatlan 8, Culiacan 4
Mazatlan Giants Prospects:
2B Cesar Osuna - 0-0, .063
Mazatlan scored early and held on to win against Culiacan. Jon Weber hit a solo home run for the Venados in the third inning. Culiacan scored three runs later in the game but the rally was snuffed out when Mazatlan scored three more runs in the seventh inning. Two base hits brought runs home, and Lorenzo Buelna walked with the bases loaded for the third run. Venados closer Evan Meek was summoned to record the final out of the game. Cesar Osuna was used as a defensive replacement in the eighth inning.
These two teams match up once more Sunday.
Hermosillo 11, Mexicali 1
Hermosillo Giants Prospects:
RP Justin Hedrick - 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO, 5.79 ERA
Mexicali Giants Prospects:
C Todd Jennings - 0-0, 1 BB, .180
Mexicali had almost nothing good against Hermosillo in an 11-1 loss. The Aguilas had three hits and one run in the game. Hermosillo walloped Mexicali's pitchers, led by Geronimo Gil. Gil went 3 for 4 with a home run and four RBI. Hermosillo knocked Juan Acevedo out of the game after 2 2/3 innings. The starter allowed four runs. Todd Jennings's batting average dropped to .180. Justin Hedrick was perfect in one inning of relief for Hermosillo.
The final game of this series is Sunday.
Venezuelan Winter League:
Caracas 7, Magallanes 1
Magallanes Giants Prospects:
1B Pablo Sandoval - 1-3, 1 SO, .395
Pablo Sandoval resumed his hitting but lost his cool arguing a called third strike. Sandoval struck out to end the fifth inning with two runners on base. His frustration at the call earned him an ejection. Magallanes still lost to Caracas despite the fiery exchange. The game remained close until Caracas rallied for four runs in the fifth inning. Jose Castillo doubled three runs home for the Leones.
Lara 4, Caribes 2
Caribes Giants Prospects:
C Eliezer Alfonzo - 1-3, 1 RBI, 1 BB, .391
The events of the sixth inning broke a 1-1 tie between Caribes and Lara. Caribes' Rajai Davis led off the inning with a double and made it to third on an error. The former Giant scored on a base hit. Tomas Perez put Lara ahead for good with a three run homer. Giovanni Carrara allowed both runs to Caribes in his start but did not factor into the win.
Dominican Winter League:
Azucareros 5, Escogido 4
Escogido Giants Prospects:
SP Julio Mateo - 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO, 1 HR, 5.19 ERA
RP Roberto Novoa - 1/3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 SO, BS (1), 4.76 ERA
RP Victor Santos - 1/3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO, Hold (1), 14.73 ERA
Azucareros came back to win against Escogido. The Leones were down 4-1 when they began the comeback. Victor Mercedes homered in the fifth inning. Azucareros got two more runs in the sixth inning. It was Mercedes again scoring the winning run in the ninth inning. A trio of Giants pitchers was involved in the scoring. Victor Santos was responsible for one of the runs in the sixth inning while Roberto Novoa was charged with the blown save. Novoa was on the mound when Danny Richar scored the tying run for Azucareros. Julio Mateo started the game for Escogido. He gave up the home run.
This FanPost is reader-generated, and it does not necessarily reflect the views of McCovey Chronicles. If the author uses filler to achieve the minimum word requirement, a moderator may edit the FanPost for his or her own amusement.
3 recs |
35 comments
Comments
Rohlinontheriver looks to be hating life in Arizona.
by Lars The Wanderer on Nov 2, 2008 5:05 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I was thinking the same thing. I’d say he needs to relax.
Although I’m 1,000 miles away and not seeing any of
this.
They say some players get out of bed hitting; Pablo Sandoval doesn't wait that long
by bgunn on Nov 2, 2008 6:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I have to say, as good as Buster’s doing, I’m almost more impressed by Kieschnick so far. .280/.391/.520 so far according to MiLB. LOOK AT THAT ISOD.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Nov 2, 2008 5:17 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Did you put Joe Castle in there to mess with us?
I'm young but i didn't fall off the truck yesterday!
by jbowl on Nov 2, 2008 6:40 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sadly he’s actually being useful in Venezuela. I had to double check and triple check the first times I saw him in the box scores too.
"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.
by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Nov 2, 2008 6:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't he win the batting title there last year?
Or was that some other useless player?
Trent Kline: Decentish. Also, my website is called ChatterBalks Dot Com. It's not being updated right now. Hope for more at your own risk.
by groug on Nov 2, 2008 8:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Was it one of the no-longer-with the team catchers? G-rod or Notgardo?
"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.
by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Nov 2, 2008 8:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I remember Notgardo winning the HR title, and Castillo winning the batting title.
Trent Kline: Decentish. Also, my website is called ChatterBalks Dot Com. It's not being updated right now. Hope for more at your own risk.
by groug on Nov 2, 2008 8:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
VINDICATION
Quotes:
Jose Castillo, Florida: The Marlins outfielder had a monster winter with Caribes, leading the league with a .384 batting average. The Venezuelan native saw his playing time cut in half with Pittsburgh following 2006, but a strong performance over the winter should put Castillo back on the radar. The 27-year-old hit .244 with 24 RBIs and without any homers in 87 games with the Pirates last summer, but bounced back with Caribes and hit nine homers and 41 RBIs in 40 games.
Eliezer Alfonzo, San Francisco: The second cousin of the aforementioned Edgardo Alfonzo, Eliezer powered the Caribes to the postseason with a league-best 15 home runs and 47 RBIs in 53 games this winter. Alfonzo appeared in 26 games for the Giants last summer and could fight for a backup role this spring.
Trent Kline: Decentish. Also, my website is called ChatterBalks Dot Com. It's not being updated right now. Hope for more at your own risk.
by groug on Nov 2, 2008 8:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I threw up in my mouth.
"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.
by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Nov 2, 2008 9:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
I too am disgusted that I had some actual baseball knowledge in my brain. What the hell, me?
Trent Kline: Decentish. Also, my website is called ChatterBalks Dot Com. It's not being updated right now. Hope for more at your own risk.
by groug on Nov 2, 2008 9:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
We must have you confused with groud
"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.
by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Nov 2, 2008 10:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My Daily Reminder on Notgardo
"The trio was outrighted to Triple-A Fresno, along with catcher Eliezer Alfonzo, left-hander Geno Espineli and infielders Scott McClain and Ivan Ochoa. The Giants also activated left-hander Noah Lowry and right-hander Merkin Valdez from the 60-day disabled list and lost second baseman Travis Denker, who was claimed off waivers by the San Diego Padres.
Each of the outrighted players can opt for free agency except for Espineli, who has not been outrighted before and falls one year short of qualifying for six-year Minor League free agency. A Giants spokesman said that the other six have informed club management that they intend to pursue their options in free agency, with the possible exception of Correia. " — From the website 10/10/08
Brian Sabean's new dad: Firm believer in corporal punishment
by rxmeister on Nov 3, 2008 6:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Does not mean..
They will sign with another team. I’d just leave them on our roster, although not Castillo. If they were on our team last, I’d say there is a good chance we re-sign them.
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
by WalrusMan on Nov 3, 2008 10:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Won oneders if Sandoval’s success in the bigs has swelled the cranium concerning plate etiquette. Probably an isolated incident.
Who has the fun?
Is it always the man with the gun?
- The Stranglers
by victor frankenstein on Nov 3, 2008 3:44 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
i was more surprised that they still lost… despite the fiery exchange
Brian Sabean figures that if he buys enough bottles, one of them is bound to have lightning in it.
by jasomack on Nov 3, 2008 4:17 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
as jovial and fun loving as Pablo seemed while he was with the Big Boy Giants, I just kind of assume it was a rancidly bad call, and blame the umpire.
by tyrannoman on Nov 6, 2008 8:02 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
A plea wrapped in a PSA
Surprised noone here brought this up yet, but last Friday BA’s Draft Report Card reached the NL West. Both the team report cards and the Q&A were subscriber’s only, which I’m not, but if anyone who was wanted to check it out and report back on the highlights, I’m sure we’d all appreciate the effort.
Get the hell out the way Bengie, Pablito's hit the show!
by Roger on Nov 3, 2008 6:39 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
from report card
Best hitter: Posey
Best Power: OF Kieschnick, OF Juan Carlos Perez
Fastest Runner: OF Caleb Curry
Best Defensive Player: Posey & Crawford
Best Fastball: Jason Jarvis and Aaron King
Best Secondary Pitch: RHP Edwin Quirarte (slider and split-finger fastball)
Best Pro Debut: Scott Barnes & King
Best Athlete: Posey
Most Intriguing Background: OF Ryan Mantle (distant cousing to the Mick) & LHP Ari Ronick (nephew of Phil Jackson, Lakers Coach) & Jarvis (pitched in an indy league this year.)
Closest To The Majors: not including Gillaspie, Posey
Best Late-Round Pick: Perez & Jarvis
The One Who Got Away: RHP Ryan O’Sullivan (went to San Diego St)
Proud adopted parent of future big league slugger Thomas Neal
by nostocksjustbonds on Nov 3, 2008 10:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Best Defensive Player: Posey & Crawford
HE WON’T STICK AT CATCHER!
by Lars The Wanderer on Nov 3, 2008 10:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
What I was thinking
That’s what I was thinking. Still, the passed balls are real, and I don’t think the guy who said Buster wouldn’t stick at catcher was just blowing smoke. I remain rather optimistic though. And it’s not as if Buster couldn’t play any other position.
Glad to see he was considered the best hitter, which I would certainly agree with. I had presumed it would be Roger Kieschnick for power, so I am pleased to see Perez up there with him — and among the best late-round picks. And I do think Buster could be a 20-25 homer guy. At least 15-20.
It certainly makes sense that Buster is the closest to the majors aside from Gillaspie. And I would think Buster is the one who is closer of the two to playing everyday in the majors.
I remain excited by Gillaspie’s winning the wood bat Cape Cod League MVP in 2007, over Buster and others. Conor might not take too long to be ready, and he is said to have the athleticism to play second base, where his modest power wouldn’t come into question at all.
by sharksrog on Nov 3, 2008 11:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Jason Jarvis mention!!!
Proud adopter of Jason Jarvis: let's see YOU pass an online music course without cheating!
by Gaahl on Nov 7, 2008 7:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
His uniform number should be 13 in honor of Howard.
by Lars The Wanderer on Nov 7, 2008 8:01 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
From Chat
Q: Brett from Mount Prospect, IL asks: If Steven Strasburg were in this draft, where would he have gone? Better pro prospect, Posey or Strasburg?
A: Jim Callis: Interesting question. Strasburg is the favorite to go No. 1 overall in 2009 on talent alone, but he’s also advised by Scott Boras. I think it’s possible the Rays would have stuck with Tim Beckham and the Pirates would have stuck with Pedro Alvarez (another Boras guy). The Royals love Eric Hosmer at No. 3, as do I, but they might have popped Strasburg there. Strasburg has more superstar potential than Posey, but Posey is a surer thing, so pick your poison there. I’d probably take Strasburg, but it’s tough to find catchers like Posey, too.
…
Q: Ross from CA asks: Are you impressed with Posey’s .500 AVG in HWB this year thusfar? Granted the sample size is somewhat limited and the competition isn’t top-notch, but you have to be mildly impressed.
A: John Manuel: Mildly impressed, not terribly surprised, that guy is, in Mike Martin’s vernacular, a beautiful hitter.
…
Q: Dave from Detroit asks: Do you think Brandon Crawford will start in Augusta next year, and what does he need to show to get his 2007 mojo back in the eyes of the scouts?
A: John Manuel: Probably Augusta, but it’s not just ‘07 mojo, he needs to show he can make consistent contact. The other tools are there. He’s a legit shortstop. He’s a good athlete (not great, but good) with a huge arm. I wonder if the Giants took him and somewhere Dick Tidrow was twirling his mustache just waiting to get his hands on another big-time arm like Crawford’s so he can convert him to the mound. I was a believer in Crawford’s bat, but his track record is pretty poor. He has ALWAYS struck out a lot — UCLA, Cape, didn’t matter.
…
Q: Ross from CA asks: Can you give me 5 players who have 40 HR power from this years draft? Is Roger Kieschnick one of them?
A: John Manuel: I think those days are over, Ross. Roger Kieschnick has 30 homer power if he makes consistent contact; he’s a streaky guy, a rhythm hitter whose timing can be upset. But he’s really strong and has big raw power, probably top 5-10 of the draft — after Hosmer, Smoak, Alvarez (you can shake up those three in a hat), plus Brett Lawrie, A. Dykstra, G. Beckham, Skipworth and B. Wallace. Ike Davis and David Cooper are in the discussion as well.
There also was a question about Barnes, but I can’t tell if it was answered.
Proud adopted parent of future big league slugger Thomas Neal
by nostocksjustbonds on Nov 3, 2008 10:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m liking Kieschnick.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Nov 3, 2008 6:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
me, too. We just don’t have many legit power hitters in the org, so it’s nice when one comes along.
Proud adopted parent of future big league slugger Thomas Neal
by nostocksjustbonds on Nov 4, 2008 3:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Comparison
I did a 2008 comparison of Pablo, Bengie Molina and Vladimir Guerrero, all noted free swingers. One would guess that the model among them would be the future Hall of Famer.
At 40, Bengie swung at the lowest percentage of balls among the three. Vladimir — who sees pitches outside the strike zone an amazing 60 of the time — was next, swinging at 44% of bad pitches thrown to him. But Pablo was really over the top, swinging at 53% of pitches outside the strike zone (raising the question — why would anyone ever throw him a strike?).
Despite this, Pablo had an 87% contact rate, which was exceeded among the trio by only Bengie’s 88. Vlady made contact 82 of the time, likely because even though he didn’t swing at as high a percentage of balls as Pablo did, he saw more balls to swing at.
Where Vlady stood atop the other two was that when he saw a strike, he was more likely to swing at it. If a pitch was over the plate, Vlady took it only 18% of the time. Pablo took 23% of all thrown strikes, and Bengie took 25% of them.
So it appears that Pablo may have the best contact skills of the three, but that his plate judgment is the weakest. Pablo swings at a clearly higher percentage of balls than either Vladimir or Bengie — and takes a higher percentage of balls than does Vladimir.
It would appear that there his contact skills make it little problem for Pablo to remain aggressive. He just needs to make a significant improvement in his judgment skills — taking fewer strikes and in particular, swinging at fewer balls.
by sharksrog on Nov 3, 2008 11:35 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t have any data in front of me, but it seemed like every time he took a strike it was remarkable enough to comment on.
by oldjacket on Nov 3, 2008 1:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I might have thought the same thing
I might have thought the same things, but that is why it is important to have the data. Pablo took a surprising 23% of pitches in the strike zone. Worse, 30% of the pitches he took were called strikes. For a hacker, that’s too many called strikes.
Not only did Vladimir take only 18% of all pitches in the strike zone, just under 20% of his takes came on pitches that were called strikes.
Pablo and Vladimir are both very aggressive hitters. Vlady merey has better judgment as to WHEN to swing. If Vladimir took, the pitch was 80% likely to be called a ball. When Pablo took, the pitch was 70% likely to be called a ball.
Pablo was just as aggressive as Vladimir in swinging at strikes. If either player swung at a pitch, it was 56% likely to be in the strike zone. Where Pablo got into trouble was in swinging at too many pitches outside the zone. If Pablo took a pitch, it was 50% more likely to be called a strike than when Vladimir took one. Pablo needs to swing at more strikes — and not hack at as many balls.
If Pablo keeps swinging at balls outside the strike zone, what is the pitcher’s motivation to throw him a strike? If you were a pitcher and got a first strike on Pablo, would you be likely to throw the ball over the plate again? In 51% of Pablo’s plate appearances and 63% of his at bats in which he didn’t put the ball in play on the first pitch, the pitcher was ahead of Pablo 0-1. Pablo hit a remarkable .382 after he got behind 0-1, but I would expect that number to plummet as pitchers realize once they get Pablo in that position, not only do they probably not need to throw him another strike, it likely would be a mistake to do so.
Unless Pablo suddenly explodes his right-handed hitting as he did with his lefty swinging last season, I think he is a prospect for disappointment. Pablo batted only .275 after he got ahead of pitchers on the first pitch. I expect that to improve. But hit .382 after getting behind on the first pitch? IMO he won’t even come close. If he does, pitchers, catchers and managers aren’t as smart as I believe them to be. Or put another way, they’re even dumber than I thought. ;)
by sharksrog on Nov 6, 2008 12:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I haven't been reading the lines regularly
But on checking the AFL stats I saw that E. Burr hasn’t played since Oct 25th. Any reason?
by dogdays on Nov 5, 2008 11:35 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
seems like his knee is “banged up”, and Frandsen is playing SS.
by tyrannoman on Nov 6, 2008 8:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

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