Bowkerama
Fresh on the heels of a rollicking two-game winning streak, you might expect me to wax rhapsodic about Tim Lincecum. It would make sense. The upcoming 2008 amateur draft is said to have four elite players – Aaron Crow, Tim Beckham, Pedro Alvarez, and Brian Matusz – and, of course, the Giants pick fifth. There’s a strong temptation to complain about the Giants getting jobbed, but it’s worth remembering that there were nine players picked before Lincecum. Nine. It’s not as if Tampa is ticked off that they drafted Evan Longoria, but, still. Nine players were picked before Lincecum. That’s enough draft luck for a few years.
No, now’s the perfect time to wax rhapsodic about John Bowker, who’s struggling a little bit. Now that we aren’t penciling him in for 50 homers and a Fred Lynn-style ROY/MVP twofer, it’s easier to give a realistic assessment.
Short term: His growing pains will probably continue for a little bit, if not the rest of the year. It seems like he’s struggling with pitch recognition, though I’m not sure if that’s a) because he’s prone to guessing, b) he needs time to get used to the pitchers around the league, or c) he’ll always have Benardian difficulties with certain pitches. Put me down for b. – there’s only so much you can do when you see pitchers like Greg Maddux and Trevor Hoffman for the first time. You don’t see too many craftypantses like those two in AA. It will be a long period of adjustment while he learns the league.
Long term: Good gravy, do I love that swing. It generates power, but at the same time, it’s short and direct. I’m no scout, but now I get why the Giants were promoting him regardless of his A-ball results. He just crushes pitches in the strike zone.
The trial at first is going well, which is fantastic news. The Giants have a quasi-logjam in the outfield, but nothing interesting at first base above A-ball. Bowker might struggle, but if shows flashes of power and an ability to stick at first, that means the Giants can focus on their future at third, short, or behind the plate when making any deadline deals. In a season of curious roster and lineup moves, the Giants deserve all the credit in the world for trying Bowker at first so quickly. Of course, if he started 0-for-15, they wouldn’t have bothered, but it was still impressive that the decision was might within a week of Bowker’s hot start.
John Bowker: I’m on board. Like Eugenio Velez and Fred Lewis, I don’t care if he struggles for extended periods this season. He’s one more interesting young player to make a down season that much more enjoyable. The comments related to this post are reserved for the praise of John Bowker.
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Kid's been a nice surprise
and a great story. I, too, have been pretty please with his play at first, altho he did miss a scoop last night or the night before I thought he should have had. But he’s waaaay green, and it seems like the fundamentals are there.
So he went 0-for-San Diego, big deal. As you point out, he faced a couple of the best pitchers in the game. He’s gonna struggle. I just hope they don’t pull a Rajai on him and give up on him after a small-sample-size-sized struggle period. I, too, am swoony over the swing, and either he’ll put it together or he won’t. We’ll know much more this time next year.
Also, first.
Billy Hayes: Nine more big-league plate appearances than you.
I love the kid so far!
The only player more exciting to watch this season is Fred Lewis!
Go see my Giants blog at http://www.michaelnewjr.com
I agree that Bowker (along with Velez and Lewis) need to just be set loose and left alone. They’ll all probably struggle to some degree (God knows, Bowker and Velez are struggling right now) but that’s okay! And man, it would appear he has some power.
I’d love to be able to add Nate to that list of players who we should just insert into the lineup and let loose, but it doesn’t look like that’ll happen, barring an injury.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
Go Doc!
How many more times do the Giants play the Cards? WooHOOO!
Adopted papa of a bouncing new waiver wire 27 year old. Castillo hits doubles.
Here I am praising John Bowker.
Tangential to the topic, I was wondering this morning how unusual/unheard of the Giants roster moves have been, in a historical context. They have promoted two players (Bowker, Burriss) direct from Double A and one player direct from Single A (Bocock) in the same month. Anyone know if something like this has been done before, by any other team?
Eagerly awaiting Crazy Crab Bobblehead Night on 7/18.
Burriss was in Triple A when they promoted him. He should have been in Single A, though, so I guess going by average he’s a Double A player.
..so allow me to present Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain as two sweet, sweet bottles of warming hooch.
Bowker was also in AAA
Although only for 27 ABs before he got called up. And his OPS was .426!
2008: My previous assessment may have been overly optimistic.
John Bowker is so hot this year
I’m disappointed whenever Bowker isn’t starting. And it’s only been like 12 games since he’s been here. John Bowker is someone I can get used to.
"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 Apr 25, 2008 12:15 PM PDT reply actions
Praise Bowker!
If Lewis can come around, so can Bowker. Molina aside, he’s the closest thing on this team to a power threat (or perceived power threat), so at very least his at bats have been generating some excitement.
Plus, Aurilia wasn’t exactly making a strong statement to be the starter at 1st, and Ortmeier is also undergoing a forced conversion with mixed results, so why not try Bowker there and get him some playing time? Way too early to consider pulling the plug now.
Happy Bowker Optimism Day!
by rightcenterfielder on Apr 25, 2008 12:22 PM PDT reply actions
Not sure about the mixed results...
Ortmier is like 4 for 10 since he switched to righty only. He just hasn’t been given much opportunity.
Eugeniooooooo!!!!
by FairweatherFan on Apr 25, 2008 12:23 PM PDT up reply actions
True, I think I just based that on not seeing him for a while. He did look like he was getting his swing back as a righty and then he disappeared. So yeah, he didn’t really get a chance.
by rightcenterfielder on Apr 25, 2008 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions
I would like to see Bowker, Velez, and Lewis
Cut loose to play the year out, barring major self-destruction.
All have shown flashes of major upside, but lack the consistancy to be a “good” player thusfar (Except lewis, so far- so good). Can they develop the consistancy? I hope so. I definately want to have the chance to find out.
Velez seems to be swinging a hotter bat the last couple of games.
Eugeniooooooo!!!!
by FairweatherFan on Apr 25, 2008 12:22 PM PDT reply actions
The Babe
John Bowker, pleasant surprise of the early season. Bowker provides the LHH power Sabean has been looking for and which complements the SF line-up. With Bowker at 1b it helps alleviate a need for another 1b Sabean was looking for (though still prefer my white whale Casey Kotchman). Bowker looks confortable at 1b probably because he played the position in HS. If he continues to blossom he could have the organization alter its thinking come draft day.
white whale Casey Kotchman?
I believe the politically correct term is ‘Caucasian marine mammal.’
Disfrute Los Gigantes every day at www.leftymalo.com
If nothing else,
He’s my favorite Smash Bros character
Proud pappa of....STEVE HOLM!!
by UnleashTheGore on Apr 25, 2008 12:30 PM PDT reply actions
I have to agree.
I’m a bowser man myself.
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
We Believe!
I am tired of Rob Neyer and Keith Law etc. taking potshots at us. Are they watching the games? Sure we’re looking at a 68 to 77 win team, but Bowker, Lewis and Velez are exciting players with upside. I like what I see from Burriss as well. We’re the guys putting pressure on the opponents. Poor Chris Young was a nervous wreck last night. It’s nice to be the hunter, not the hunted. It’s a decent product and we have more of a foundation than we thought coming in. You gotta like these kids.
They can’t be bothered to observe the games. That requires more effort than talking out your ass.
"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 Apr 25, 2008 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Well, Aurilia and Durham are still playing
That those 2 are playing and starting provides lots of ammunition for potshots.
ZIPS: Milledge: 466 HR, 485 2B, 2282 hits, 278-379-524
I have to praise him like I should
Bow down for Bowker! I hope he starts tonight since I’ll be at the game.
Did anyone have him in the “what Giant will have him a spalsh hit” pool? If not, I’ll take him.
2008 Giants: A steaming pile of scrap!
I'll be there too!
Keep an eye out for the only guy in Mays Field wearing a SUPERWONDERFUL! t-shirt.
Krukow said on one radio broadcast..
“SPLASH” but I think it was only a bouncer into the bay.
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
Bow-chica-bow-wow!
Like all Giants fan, I’m pleased with Bowker coming onto the scene. Thank goodness he started off hot or he’d be lounging on the bench.
As a side note, there are rumors out there that the Rays might take Buster Posey since they have no catcher prospects to speak of. I doubt it happens but if it does that means one of the top 4 will fall into the Giants lap. If it happened with Tim it can happen again.
by AngelWillSaveUs on Apr 25, 2008 12:41 PM PDT reply actions
This thread is reserved for bowker-praise
...but scott ostler is still a douche-bag, right?
"ever so cynical yet whimsical giants related signature"
by The Gene Hackman on Apr 25, 2008 12:51 PM PDT reply actions
Agreed....
Ostler at the Yankee’s Game Last Week :-)
My adopted son Matt Downs. Bill Mueller without the two-flap helmet .
:-)
"ever so cynical yet whimsical giants related signature"
by The Gene Hackman on May 2, 2008 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions
Bow before Bowker
One of the things I like about Bowker is that even when he makes an out, he usually makes hard contact. The ball jumps off of his bad. Plus he has the Joe Morgan arm waggle, which keeps things interesting.
T-Rex
It is good to see a Giant prospect who seems to have a good idea of the strike zone matched with some real power. I love his compact swing especially when he turns on an inside pitch like he did a couple of times against the Cards. I am sure he will have his struggles this year and hopefully Boch will allow him to work through them. I am going to enjoy watching this kid develop.
knbr bowker interview
sounds like cool peeps
http://media.knbr.com/knbr/0415bowker.mp3
"They can trade me," Bonds said. "I don't think they will, though. It's not like I want to be traded, man. I'm a Giant. I'm stuck here till the end."
youngsters
Yeah, yeah… Bowker is fun, and he may even turn out to be an average regular. Sorry, I know I should be more excited; maybe I’m less enthused because I’ve really only heard him play on KNBR. I get tonight’s game on TV, so perhaps that’ll do it.
What I really want to see if whether it has occurred to anyone else that Velez may not be a fit in the 2-hole. I too want to see the guy play, but he just doesn’t seem to me to be the high obp, patient and disciplined guy you need there. I would rather have him down in the order, or even flip-flopped with Lewis. Seems to me that Lewis is a 2- or even 3-slot hitter. Either that, or leave Freddie where he is, and stick Rowand in the 2-hole.
If we had a complete team, he’d be my ideal #8 hitter:
- He seems to be able to make contact pretty well, so he’d be good at expanding the zone and getting a hit with two outs and the pitcher due up next.
- If he gets on with less than two outs, he can grab you a stolen base, then have the pitcher sac bunt him to 3rd.
- If he’s on base when they get back to the top of the order, he’s like having a lead off man already on.
2008 Giants: A steaming pile of scrap!
looks right
But I take your point with the “complete team” comment. Guess they’re just trying to get him as many at-bats in the bigs as possible right now. I still say put him at leadoff if you’re going to bat him 2nd.
I think Lewis is a perfect leadoff hitter, no need to mess with that.
Good on-base chops, a little pop and good speed even if he’s not a good basestealer.
you can't block the Bocock
Bat the pitcher 8th?
"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 Apr 25, 2008 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions
I’ll add that Burris looks far better with the bat than advertised. It’d be great if he developes into a #2 hitter with his wheels. If that were the case, I’d go:
Lewis
Burris
Winn
Rowand (I really really want Rownad in front of Benjie)
Molina
Bowker
Castillo
Velez
Pitcher
2008 Giants: A steaming pile of scrap!
Obligatory Atomic Dog

Bow wow wow yippie yo yippie yay!
2008: My previous assessment may have been overly optimistic.
Even when struggling
Bowker manages to hit one ball hard pretty much every game. The line out he hit at Edmonds last night was smashed. Bowker may strike out some, but I just love his swing. He’d looked good enough at first I don’t feel the pressing need to find anyone else. Just imagine how excited we’d be about this team if we could delete the series against the Brewers.
The Dodgers series also...
...that was pretty excruciating, aside from Timmy’s win, and even that was tainted by Bochy’s bizarre pitching changes and non-changes. As long as we’re using the history eraser, let’s just start with the home opener.
2008: My previous assessment may have been overly optimistic.
Mr. Treehorn treats objects like women, man.
"I been waitin' a long time for this! I been waitin' since the f**kin' amateurs!" --WILL "THE THRILL" CLARK
by Josh from Hollywood on Apr 25, 2008 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Bowker in tonight's lineup!
F. Lewis lf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .315
E. Velez rf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .231
R. Durham 2b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .228
B. Molina c 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .295
A. Rowand cf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .333
J. Bowker 1b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .250
R. Aurilia 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .197
B. Bocock ss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .177
J. Sanchez
Adopted Giant Brian Wilson: One of the few reasons to watch this year.
It's gotta be comforting for Bowker
to be protected in the lineup by a stud like Aurilia.
Happy Bowker Four-Pitch Semi-Intentional Base-on-Balls!
Juice the OBP, JohnBoy!

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