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Ishikawa, Sandoval, and Divvying

Grant_tiny by Grant on

While collecting pictures, quotes, and locks of hair for my forthcoming Pablo Sandoval shrine, I stumbled across Sandoval’s minor league splits. I’m embarrassed to admit I wasn’t aware how extreme they were:

AB H 2B 3B HR BB K BA OBP SLG
vs. LHP 130 35 6 0 3 7 20 .269 .309 .385
vs. RHP 307 120 32 2 17 28 37 .391 .436 .674

Whoa. He’s on the right side of the platoon split, as it’s still possible for a hitter to be an All-Star when he’s weak against LHP – see Lance Berkman in his first few years in the league – but it probably wouldn’t be good for his development to just throw him up against every LHP in the majors next year.

And the rebirth of Travis Ishikawa comes with a caveat as well:

AB H 2B 3B HR BB K BA OBP SLG
vs. LHP 107 22 5 0 2 20 27 .206 .333 .308
vs. RHP 298 99 30 3 22 32 54 .332 .394 .674

So it wouldn’t do anyone any good to platoon Sandoval and Ishikawa, as both have the same struggles against LHP. But with the Sandoval-at-third experiment working out okay, the Giants should be able to find enough at-bats for both against right-handed pitching. Against left-handed pitching, they should still get some starts to help with their development, but it might be counterproductive to let them struggle for 200 or so futile at-bats against lefties.

What the Giants need is a player who can play first and third, and who can hit left-handed pitching. Like, oh, Rich Aurilia:

AB H 2B 3B HR BB K BA OBP SLG
vs. LHP 129 42 13 0 5 12 16 .326 .383 .543
vs. RHP 255 68 8 1 5 12 37 .267 .306 .365

Here is the perfect complement to Pablo Sandoval and Travis Ishikawa…if he doesn’t get any substantial at-bats against right-handed pitching. And by "substantial", I mean "more than two." If Bochy can keep his veteran holstered, Aurilia would be a good player to re-sign.

Odds that Bochy can keep his veteran holstered: 2%. And that’s sad, because Aurilia really would fit on next year’s roster if he were used properly. Toss in a 25th-man like Scott McClain (MLEs: .246/.390/.430 against LHP, .253/.324/.425 against RHP) and you’d have a couple of veterans who could help the younger players against lefties without forcing outright platoons.

So if anyone sees Bochy on the street, let him know that Rich Aurilia can’t hit righties. Be polite, yet firm. Tell him that Aurilia is welcome back on the team – hell, it would allow me to continue displaying his bobblehead with pride – but he needs to be used effectively. Aurilia needs to be used effectively, that is. Not the bobblehead. And not Bruce Bochy. Certainly not a Bruce Bochy bobblehead. A prototype Bruce Bochy bobblehead exists, but they can’t figure out how to make packaging that can escape the gravitational pull of the head.

Too easy? Tough. Open Ishikawa, Sandoval, and How You Would Split Up At-Bats Thread.

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I like it, Neukom should just hire you on the managerial staff

by aybayz on Sep 18, 2008 12:01 PM PDT   0 recs

While Richie would appear to be a good complement

We should expect his power to continue to diminish, which means his bat doesn’t paly all that well at third, and especially not at first. I guess that’s OK for 2009, Rebuilding Year 2: Electric Boogaloo, but not for a real team.

Billy Hayes: His job is better than yours.

by delorean on Sep 18, 2008 12:06 PM PDT   0 recs

I’d probably let Sandoval get the chunk of the PT at 3rd (if his defense is acceptable at least during next spring) because he might be able to eventually learn how to kinda hit LHP. I think Ishikawa is probably going to be a platoon guy for his career, but pair him with Richie/McClain/whomever and that would be ok.
I wouldn’t platoon Pablito yet because if we’re rebuliding next season then we should let him have growing pains without worry.

Adopted Giant: Aaron King

Wearing the crown by 2011. Or at least the LOOGY hat

by baetown415 on Sep 18, 2008 12:12 PM PDT   0 recs

I just wanted to say that Justin Leone has nice splits against LHP over the past two years in Fresno. MLE OPS’s of .852 and .821. He can also play multiple positions: OF, INF, and he even pitched an innings this year!

#1 JUDY STEFFES FAN
My favorite pie is (name of pie flavor)
Bay City Ball

by xanthan on Sep 18, 2008 12:16 PM PDT   0 recs

And YES, he can even play CF.

WHAT MORE DO YOU ANIMALS NEED!???

#1 JUDY STEFFES FAN
My favorite pie is (name of pie flavor)
Bay City Ball

by xanthan on Sep 18, 2008 12:18 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Pie?

There amass been plenty of articles written this spring about the stud shortstop Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum , as well as the fluid young outfielders and thirteen basemen Kevin Frandsen.
comics | cartoons | Nattowear | McFAQ

by Natto on Sep 18, 2008 2:54 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

This new Pie meme has really ruined any opportunities I would have otherwise used to make a fancy Chicken Run reference.

My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.

by howtheyscored on Sep 18, 2008 2:57 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

\0_

I know what else that’s called….

Adopted brother of the AnVil / GIANTSPACE™ returns!

by SoFa King Mike on Sep 18, 2008 3:09 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

chicken necks?

Rafael Rodriguez: More tools than Home Depot.

by BrianBokake on Sep 18, 2008 3:15 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I’m all for Chicken Run references.

There amass been plenty of articles written this spring about the stud shortstop Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum , as well as the fluid young outfielders and thirteen basemen Kevin Frandsen.
comics | cartoons | Nattowear | McFAQ

by Natto on Sep 18, 2008 3:59 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Yeah, but then I’ll be all like “Pie! What kind of pie!”

And somebody will be like “[flavor of pie]”

And I’ll have to be like “[flavor], that’s my favorite!”

And then we’re just conflating references. Might as well throw two or three more references in there while we’re at it. This is not the [flavor of pie] you’re looking for. [flavor of pie]… Why did it have to be [flavor of pie]?

See what I mean?

My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.

by howtheyscored on Sep 18, 2008 5:51 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Maybe if you wrote in girls voice with a British accent.

There amass been plenty of articles written this spring about the stud shortstop Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum , as well as the fluid young outfielders and thirteen basemen Kevin Frandsen.
comics | cartoons | Nattowear | McFAQ

by Natto on Sep 18, 2008 6:05 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

That's all well and good, Grant, but

don’t you think we should trade Matt Cain???

What man? Which man? Who’s the man? When’s a man a man? What makes a man a man? Am I a man? Yes. Technically I am. - FotC

by jcb9 on Sep 18, 2008 12:17 PM PDT   0 recs

This proposal is new to me.

Please tell me more.

Adopted brother of the AnVil / GIANTSPACE™ returns!

by SoFa King Mike on Sep 18, 2008 1:21 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

So it wouldn’t do anyone any good to platoon Sandoval and Ishikawa, as both have the same struggles against LHP

What if we….played them both against lefties? They could both play first! That would be great for the defense. One could play behind the other. And since Ishikawa is a lefty and Pablo is a switch-hitter, they could dig in from opposite sides of the plate for awesome plate coverage. I’d bet they would destroy lefties in my plan!

Catcher are base running. Hitters are offense.

by thehavenot on Sep 18, 2008 12:27 PM PDT   0 recs

Nice Work

It’s objective (mostly, except for the Pablo shrine. Mine is currently in my living room above the TV), uses definitive data, and makes absolute sense. With that said, I’m guessing it will not happen :-)

My adopted son Matt Downs. Bill Mueller without the two-flap helmet .

by nvsfg on Sep 18, 2008 12:37 PM PDT   0 recs

they can’t figure out how to make packaging that can escape the gravitational pull of the head.

Thanks for a laugh on a long Thursday!

STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.

by UnleashTheGore on Sep 18, 2008 12:37 PM PDT   0 recs

I’d go with just McClain. He’ll be cheaper than Aurilia and you can just sit one of Ishi and Sandoval each time we face a lefty. Then, for the next lefty, switch who sits.

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Sep 18, 2008 1:05 PM PDT   1 recs

stop it.

you make way too much sense for this blog. out with you.

STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.

by UnleashTheGore on Sep 18, 2008 1:11 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Sorry, I’ll leave now…

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Sep 18, 2008 1:29 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

and take your rational ideas with you!

No, my Crazy Crab bobblehead is not for sale.

by Kitspool on Sep 18, 2008 1:35 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

saving money?

do you know who Brian Sabean is?

actually, yeah McClain would probably make more sense fiscally

Adopted Giant: Aaron King

Wearing the crown by 2011. Or at least the LOOGY hat

by baetown415 on Sep 18, 2008 1:20 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Scott McClain: Great story, no place on the 2009 Giants.

by EliminateMe on Sep 18, 2008 1:42 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Why not? He’s filling the role of CI, lefty masher for league minimum – which is how much those types should make. There are plenty of them, why not just use the in house option? Who would you rather have?

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Sep 18, 2008 2:05 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

do we have a sense

of whether he can field with any sort of competence? My sense is that Richie gives you a better glove at both positions. And since it ain’t going to be much money ($3million for another year?), I’m not sure the cash matters too much. (Plus, it’s not my do-re-mi, right?)

by BigO on Sep 18, 2008 3:42 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

3 million for 200-250 ABs? For a job that plenty of players are qualified to do at league minimum? Seems crazy to me.

Also, and this is just a minor nit, but fans really shouldn’t use the “it’s not my money” argument. No, it’s not, but if you want to see the best possible team on the field you don’t want the FO wasting money.

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Sep 18, 2008 4:19 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

okay

I know what you mean about using that phrase, but it was actually just a whimsical throw-in. In this case, it just means that i’m not going to spend too much time worrying about a couple of million dollars for this team (would have been different in my incarnation as an Expos fan), especially if it means I’m getting a more useful player. My question remains about the defense.

by BigO on Sep 18, 2008 4:28 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I figured as much, which is what I meant by minor nit. And you’re right, the money isn’t really a big deal for next year. But I still have nightmares regarding the whole no-Vlad rationalization and thus don’t like to see the FO throwing away money when there are cheaper, equivalent options available.

As for the defense, it’s a good question. However, at this point, Richie’s defense is terrible. As long as McClain isn’t worse than bottom 5 in the league, it’s basically a wash at worst.

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Sep 18, 2008 4:40 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Wasting money is always bad, always

If the budget is 80 million and we have only 70 million tied into worthwhile players, there is no point in wasting 10 million between the likes of the Aurilia’s, Vizquel’s, Kline’s, etc. of the world

Save money at every turn, your owner will give you more flexibility down the road, AND you could potentially invest that money into other resources.

The difference between Aurilia’s salary and McClain’s is the difference in signing the top Dominican prospect and not

Do you Wazzel?

by NeifiChicken on Sep 18, 2008 5:10 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I'd rather have Aurilia over McClain

I think he’ll do at least as well as McClain, and probably better, since McClain has yet to deal with major league pitchers adjusting to him. And as I’ve said before, the Giants clearly like to have a number of veteran clubhouse guys; Richie fills that role while McClain, a rookie despite his age, doesn’t. So I consider Aurilia possible insurance against a PVFAS (pointless veteran free agent signing).

Scott McClain: Great story, no place on the 2009 Giants.

by EliminateMe on Sep 18, 2008 5:06 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Well, of course he’s insurance against PVFAS, he is it.

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Sep 18, 2008 5:21 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Well, exactly.

Better the PVFAS you know. According to my math, the choice is either Aurilia or McClain + PVFAS, and I’d rather have Richie.

Scott McClain: Great story, no place on the 2009 Giants.

by EliminateMe on Sep 18, 2008 5:38 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Yeah, I realize that is probably the case. I would like McClain to be the PVFAS, even though he’s not really a veteran, but that’s unlikely to happen.

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Sep 18, 2008 6:06 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I like this idea, mostly because it will give McClain a year’s service time and MLB pay. After his 40 years in the minors, I think he deserves it.

by AngelWillSaveUs on Sep 18, 2008 3:49 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I’m wondering how many starts Pablito should get next year at the corners versus behind the plate. Are we to assume Buster Posey will be fast-tracked to the bigs for late 2009, and that Sandoval and Holm can spot Bengie at catcher until then? I’m loving Sandoval’s versatility, but constantly bouncing around the diamond has not traditionally been the path to success, his hot start notwithstanding.

No, my Crazy Crab bobblehead is not for sale.

by Kitspool on Sep 18, 2008 1:38 PM PDT   0 recs

we need to give him as many as possible

Pablo should be a catcher. When/if Posey is ready for the show, we can worry about it then (trade). Pablo has his most value at catcher so there is no reason to move him

Do you Wazzel?

by NeifiChicken on Sep 18, 2008 2:13 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Really?

I know the theory is tossed around a lot, but is there any truth behind it? Do guys hit worse because they’re playing multiple positions? It seems like that was the “reason” Pedro didn’t hit for years but, he didn’t hit any better playing just 3B. As a counter example, when Pujols came up he played all over the field and his development went okay. I think regular at bats are more important than a regular position.

by W8ingForATitle on Sep 18, 2008 2:37 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Myth: Position Players need to play one position to fulfill their hitting potential.
Fact: Pedro Feliz sucks at hitting.

Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

by WilliamVanLandingham on Sep 18, 2008 2:58 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Vs Left: Aurilia or Mclain at 3rd, Sandoval at 1st
Vs Right: Sandaoval at 3rd, Ishikawa at 1st

I see the future, and it is Pablo

by CB30 on Sep 18, 2008 2:30 PM PDT   0 recs

thats with Bengie Catching Everyday, so i guess Sandovak could catch like every 5 days or something

I see the future, and it is Pablo

by CB30 on Sep 18, 2008 2:30 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Can Dvorak play 3rd??

Liszt in RF! Screw Juggernate!!!

Billy Hayes: His job is better than yours.

by delorean on Sep 18, 2008 3:25 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Scott McClain

I’m all for keeping him on the roster to play a “utility” role switching back and forth between 1B and 3B to spell Pablo and TI. I think it’s a good idea to give them SOME ABs against LHP…

I only have a signature because I recognize everyone else by their sigs, not their usernames..

by lmaozedong on Sep 18, 2008 2:54 PM PDT   0 recs

Really extra early lineup

Rf winn
2b ochoa
3b aurilia
C Molina
1b sandoval
Cf rowand
Lf velez
Ss Vizquel
P lincecum

First off, why is Ochoa batting 2nd. Secondly, why is Velez in left?

When another vilely scrawny field is silly, some arena toward an instinct can be profound to a sincere jail.

by giants9107 on Sep 18, 2008 4:05 PM PDT   0 recs

that is not a pretty lineup

Olma Rosario; liking the cut of your jib since 2008
Free Angel Joseph from US immigration!

by Mr Scruff on Sep 18, 2008 4:17 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

arrgh

The only way it could be worse is if Vizquel ….

wait

never mind.

I guess Zardoz doesn’t really want Timmy to get that Cy Young after all

Billy Hayes: His job is better than yours.

by delorean on Sep 18, 2008 4:18 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

14 inning (240 pitches) shutout FTW

Olma Rosario; liking the cut of your jib since 2008
Free Angel Joseph from US immigration!

by Mr Scruff on Sep 18, 2008 4:30 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

at least Roberts isn't in it

Olma Rosario; liking the cut of your jib since 2008
Free Angel Joseph from US immigration!

by Mr Scruff on Sep 18, 2008 4:35 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I’d MUCH rather have the Doc in left, personally.

Billy Hayes: His job is better than yours.

by delorean on Sep 18, 2008 4:36 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Oooh

prescient comment if ever there was one!

No, my Crazy Crab bobblehead is not for sale.

by Kitspool on Sep 18, 2008 9:36 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I are a djginnious and should be manajing this team

Billy Hayes: His job is better than yours.

by delorean on Sep 19, 2008 3:30 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Ochoa

Why is he playing at all?

Do you Wazzel?

by NeifiChicken on Sep 18, 2008 4:36 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

._.

There amass been plenty of articles written this spring about the stud shortstop Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum , as well as the fluid young outfielders and thirteen basemen Kevin Frandsen.
comics | cartoons | Nattowear | McFAQ

by Natto on Sep 18, 2008 4:37 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I know Velez has been hitting pretty well lately, but I still laughed out loud when I saw his name in the lineup.

There amass been plenty of articles written this spring about the stud shortstop Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum , as well as the fluid young outfielders and thirteen basemen Kevin Frandsen.
comics | cartoons | Nattowear | McFAQ

by Natto on Sep 18, 2008 4:38 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Velez mostly played OF in AAA.

There amass been plenty of articles written this spring about the stud shortstop Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum , as well as the fluid young outfielders and thirteen basemen Kevin Frandsen.
comics | cartoons | Nattowear | McFAQ

by Natto on Sep 18, 2008 4:38 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Talking to yourself? Isn’t that HTS’s gig?

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Sep 18, 2008 4:42 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Not very well. At least for the 4 games I saw him.

Travis Denker can hit a little. That's why I drive his bus.

by oldjacket on Sep 18, 2008 4:48 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I kind of hate Bruce Bochy.

Actually, forget the “kind of” part. Moron.

What man? Which man? Who’s the man? When’s a man a man? What makes a man a man? Am I a man? Yes. Technically I am. - FotC

by jcb9 on Sep 18, 2008 4:50 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

is it even legal

To have Vizquel, Velez AND Ochoa all in the same lineup? And ORLY? Are we facing a LHP at least?

FIRE BRIAN SABEAN

by zenbitz on Sep 18, 2008 4:50 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Some guy named Randy Johnson.

What man? Which man? Who’s the man? When’s a man a man? What makes a man a man? Am I a man? Yes. Technically I am. - FotC

by jcb9 on Sep 18, 2008 4:52 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Billy Hayes: His job is better than yours.

by delorean on Sep 18, 2008 4:53 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Billy Hayes: His job is better than yours.

by delorean on Sep 18, 2008 4:54 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

And now we know why he normally wears a mask.

Scott McClain: Great story, no place on the 2009 Giants.

by EliminateMe on Sep 18, 2008 5:13 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

There amass been plenty of articles written this spring about the stud shortstop Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum , as well as the fluid young outfielders and thirteen basemen Kevin Frandsen.
comics | cartoons | Nattowear | McFAQ

by Natto on Sep 18, 2008 6:17 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Uh... I guess he really is Randy in this photo

There amass been plenty of articles written this spring about the stud shortstop Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum , as well as the fluid young outfielders and thirteen basemen Kevin Frandsen.
comics | cartoons | Nattowear | McFAQ

by Natto on Sep 18, 2008 6:17 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

And to think we were trying to SUPPORT Timmy for his Cy Young. This lineup sure fools me.

When another vilely scrawny field is silly, some arena toward an instinct can be profound to a sincere jail.

by giants9107 on Sep 18, 2008 5:06 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

JFC BOCHY STOP HITTING OCHOA SECOND.

Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.

by jponry on Sep 18, 2008 5:18 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs