First Baseman of the future
by kvdp12 on Nov 18, 2009 2:30 PM PST
114 comments
After reading Grants post on first base, I was curious as to what player everyone would bet on to break our post-JT Snow trend of having a new first basemen every year.
Lance Niekro, Dan Ortmeier, Ryan Klesko, Mark Sweeney, Shea Hillenbrand, and Rich Aurilia have all wasted playing time at first base for us.
What homegrown player comes in to play first base and sticks there for many years?
Can Ishikawa become a major league starter if Muelens can somehow help him find his swing this year?
Bowker? He had a .986 fielding % at first base last year at Fresno.
Guzman played very well in AAA this year, but didn't get a real chance to show if he could hit in the majors after a couple call ups.
Thomas Neal played 38 games at first in 08, and has been playing a lot at first in the Arizona Fall league.
If Villalona's legal issues get worked will he be our guy in 2 or 3 years?
Or will we have to wait for someone way down in the minors like Tommy Joesph or Chirs Dominguez before we have a real homegrown major league first baseman?
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.
0 recs |
114 comments
Email
Print
Comments
Tommy Joseph is my pick. Dominguez could, I guess, but that would be a waste of his arm. This is, of course, assuming both develop amazingly well.
On a related side note, I’m really curious where Sandoval ends up. Catcher is basically not an option at this point, and I think 1B is sort of a waste of his talents, but will he get into good enough shape to man 3B long term?
Juan Carlos Perez, please start hitting.
by marcello on Nov 18, 2009 2:38 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
YES
/see handle
Tommy Joseph is the Dingerzball Wizard
by SoFa King Mike on Nov 18, 2009 3:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
BODY BIAS!!!
Pablo is ok defensively at third for now, but I just don’t see him being there in five years.
Adopted brother of Jason Jarvis.
by j14 on Nov 18, 2009 2:38 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
This is why I picked Pablo. Although if he drops some weight (which he is apparently doing pretty well) and keeps it off, he may stay at third, which would be a lot better.
by quincy0191 on Nov 18, 2009 4:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
exactly
and if he does. The answer is Joseph.
Adopted brother of Jason Jarvis.
by j14 on Nov 18, 2009 5:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully Anvil
#1 threat to America: Pandas
Also, Tim Lincecum
Adopted Father: Tyler Graham
Official McPokeMaster
Registered Velezbian and supporter of Fredemption
by GrahamCrakalaka on Nov 18, 2009 2:51 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I’m not ready to give up on Bowker or Jesus.
I like cats. Wings is the greatest show of all time.
Tyler Graham is my favorite San Jose Giant because he has smart balls.
by Norm Median on Nov 18, 2009 2:53 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Thank you
don’t give up on Jesus…he’ll always be there for you!
Why was Guzman left off the poll?
"We're in this thing!" My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman, "Sweet Jesus" Guzman and Jesus H. Guzman.
by Goofus on Nov 18, 2009 11:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
2000 year old 1B?
Sounds like Sabean’s type.
VAE PVTO DEVS FIO
by Bhaakon on Nov 19, 2009 1:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Veteran savvy.
"All I know is right now, you comeback and do you dwell on that? I think you're man enough to take it, you're man enough to chew on it, to spit it out and you learn from it. ... I think winners let it go. I think losers dwell on it and talk about it all week and that screws you up for the next opportunity going forward." - Mike Singletary after the 49ers loss to the Vikings
by SFGuy on Nov 19, 2009 1:38 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Veteran savey
"We're in this thing!" My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman, "Sweet Jesus" Guzman and Jesus H. Guzman.
by Goofus on Nov 19, 2009 8:14 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He was actually suppose to be. My apologies.
I had to do this twice because my internet closed out on my while doing it the first time. The second time around I must have forgot Jesus in the poll.
But as you can see i wrote something about him in AAA. Meant for him to be in there. I want to see what he can do in the majors too.
Its funny because fuck the dodgers
by kvdp12 on Nov 19, 2009 11:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Tommy Joseph by Process of Elimination
Bowker and Neal are sticking in the outfield, Pill and Ishikawa aren’t long-term fixes, Villalona and Dominguez will really need to improve their pitch selection before I’m impressed, and I’m looking for Sandoval to stick at third.
You wish you were named Frederick Deshaun...
by dregarx on Nov 18, 2009 2:57 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
What about the Gark Dog?
Are we giving up on him after 2.5 months? Granted, he hasn’t done much as a Giant but he’s still kinda young and has proven dingerability in the majors.
Also, he has been working out with Pablo in AZ so the “meat” of the Giants’ order might be a little leaner and meaner. I believe Ishikawa is a viable option too but he has to have better plate discipline and he is a great glove at 1B so that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Win the inning.
by Scooter Ellis on Nov 18, 2009 3:06 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Im not giving up on him just becuase he wasnt in the poll.
Im ok with him being in the first baseman next year. I was just talking about the future. What guy would you like to see there long term? I would hope who ever is the firstbasmen of 2011 and on would be an upgrade to Garko.
btw was that a Nard dog/ the office reference?
Its funny because fuck the dodgers
by kvdp12 on Nov 18, 2009 3:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If we have to call him Gark Dog, then yes, please, pretty please, give up on him.
/auto-defenestrates
something something jhiat00 will swindle
Young Studs for Old Bats: The Brian Sabean Story
FREE KEVIN FRANDSEN!!! Member of the Frandsen 5% Club.
by Uribe nee Gonzalez on Nov 18, 2009 4:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This might be the worst name I've ever heard
If his name were Ryan Barko, on the other hand…
I suspect that you think tilting at windmills means something other than what it does
by bobnothing on Nov 18, 2009 7:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Garko's tough name to work with
I figured the Geico, Darko and Dark Knight references have worn out their welcomes. And yes it’s a Nard Dog spin-off but I guess like Parks and Recreation, not all “The Office” spin-offs are appreciated by the public.
Win the inning.
by Scooter Ellis on Nov 18, 2009 8:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Godzilla references man.
He moves a bit like that man in a rubber suit did. As long as he is team is Ishikawa at first can be shortened to Garkawa which sounds like a minor monster in the Godzilla movies.
Who’s brain did you bring me?
Brain SabeanOranother.
by daveinexile on Nov 19, 2009 8:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Gark Dog is what Andy from the Office would call him.
Utter frustration and futility.
by Johnny Disaster on Nov 18, 2009 8:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Gonnie Garko!
GROUGTHINK ALERT
The first Chester Arthur fanboy ever.
by groug on Nov 18, 2009 8:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
WITH AUTHORITY!
WHY IS BOCOCK?!
by Lars The Wanderer on Nov 19, 2009 9:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Brett Pill
Breakout 2009 in AA when some doubles finally became HRs. Pill is supposedly the best defensive 1b within the system and his RH bat should work well at Mays Field.
by wilriv21 on Nov 18, 2009 3:23 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
He’d have to be freakishly good with the glove or somehow get MUCH better with the bat to ever be a major league first baseman. His MLE based on his AA numbers is .252/.287/.390. And he’s not really that young.
by taliesin on Nov 18, 2009 3:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
His defense is GG ready and yes he does need to build upon his AA season and have steady improvement to be considered a MLB player. After hitting well in the pitcher friendly Eastern League would expect Pill to continue to improve his numbers at the hitter friendly Pacific Coast League.
Pill will be 25 yrs old during the 2010 season. Most players prime seasons are 26-32 years of age. Teams usually have control of a player for 6 years. Would hope the a players prime and a team commitment intersect for as many years as possible.
by wilriv21 on Nov 18, 2009 4:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
We already have a 1B who is freakishly good with the glove but can't hit.
So that route’s pretty much closed to Pill.
VAE PVTO DEVS FIO
by Bhaakon on Nov 18, 2009 4:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Perfect platoon partners!
My Bucardo is better than yours.
A hot August weekday, before a small crowd, when the only thing at stake is the tissue-thin difference between a thing done well and a thing done ill. Insofar as the clutch hitter is not a sportswriter's myth, it is a vulgarity, like a writer who writes only for money.
by Roger on Nov 19, 2009 5:31 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He’s not really that young, but he’s not that old, either. 24 is still young enough to be a real prospect, and he did have a good year in AA. He’s obviously not ready for MLB right now (which is what the MLE numbers tell us), but the hope is he improves as he moves up levels. He significantly improved last year, cutting his K% by a lot, so that’s a good sign. He probably won’t ever do it, but it’s not like he’s some fringy non-prospect with no chance…
by Missing Barry on Nov 18, 2009 4:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
24 us young enough to be a real prospect.
But not with his level of performance.
VAE PVTO DEVS FIO
by Bhaakon on Nov 18, 2009 4:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not saying he’s a Top 10 organizational prospect or anything, but a .298/.348/.480 line in AA isn’t bad. At 24, if he’s a very good defensive player, I would think that would at least put him on the radar as someone that might contribute something at the MLB level in the next 2-3 years…
Again, not saying he’s a big prospect or anything, just that he should at least be worth following to see if he can build on this next year.
by Missing Barry on Nov 18, 2009 4:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
For a 1B, it's C-/D+
VAE PVTO DEVS FIO
by Bhaakon on Nov 18, 2009 6:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
But that shouldn’t keep us from promoting him if he’s the best option available in 2011. Just because we have no B+ or A- prospect ready for 1B, that doesn’t mean we refuse to promote a young, inexpensive guy who still has some upside. That’s like refusing a free Ford just because you’d prefer an Audi. If you have to drive to work or school, take the car that’s offered — until you can do better (if you can).
Officially disinterested in any outfielders from the state of Mississippi.
by Lyle on Nov 19, 2009 5:35 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
But he’s 24 (next year will be his age 25 season) and he’s never played in AAA. That’s not a good combination. 24 year-olds that dominate AA after being mediocre in Hi-A are kind of meh prospects. Yeah, he might be for real, but historical precedent shows that he probably isn’t. And if we’re waiting more than a year for him to contribute in the bigs, then he definitely isn’t a prospect worth getting excited about. I mean, he’d be Travis Ishikawa v2.0 and version 1 isn’t that good.
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 18, 2009 6:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Again, I don’t think I’ve expressed any excitement in him, just saying there’s a chance he might contribute something at some point. Before this year, that wasn’t even a possibility.
by Missing Barry on Nov 18, 2009 7:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This is very true.
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 19, 2009 8:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Cornball, we’re not saying he’s the next WIll Clark. Just that he would be an upgrade (theoretically – this assumes some progress next year) at 1B over Garko and Ishikawa.
Ultimately, we all hope for Tommy Joseph. I think having Pill at 1B for 2011 through 2013 would be okay.
Officially disinterested in any outfielders from the state of Mississippi.
by Lyle on Nov 19, 2009 5:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
On the other hand, comparing Pill’s minor league numbers to Ishikawa and Garko doesn’t provide much hope that he can be an upgrade over either. Ishikawa always showed much more power and patience in the minors than Pill has to date. Travis pretty consistently put up .100+ and .200+ Isos throughout his minor league career, it was contact that killed his overall numbers. While Pill couldn’t manage double digit HRs in the Cal league at 23, Travis was hitting 22 HRs there (in a difficult park for LH power hitters) when he was only 21.
And the Garko comparison isn’t even close. Garko essentially blew through AA in a dominant 1st full season in pro ball where he hit .330/.412/.565 across three levels. His 43 games in the Eastern League that season produced a mere .920 OPS. The next year he crushed AAA.
There’s really nothing in these three minor league portfolios that favors Pill as the better player. That said he probably is going get his chance at the major league level at some point so you never know.
My Bucardo is better than yours.
A hot August weekday, before a small crowd, when the only thing at stake is the tissue-thin difference between a thing done well and a thing done ill. Insofar as the clutch hitter is not a sportswriter's myth, it is a vulgarity, like a writer who writes only for money.
by Roger on Nov 19, 2009 6:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You’re also looking at their whole minor league portfolio. Before this last season, Brett Pill was a pretty terrible prospect with a pretty terrible track record. I think we all understand that, and also understand that those poor performances do knock his prospect status down.
However, I also see that in Ishikawa’s first stint in AA he put up a .214/.292/.295 line in 192 PA’s, with a 27.7% K%. He was a year younger than Pill was in his AA year. The following year Ishikawa hit .291/.382/.462 in 277 PA’s at AA (which would have been the same age as Pill’s 2009 season). Pretty comparable line to PIll’s, with a 19.2% K% which is a bad sign for the future. He did great in AAA, a friendlier hitting environment but step up in competition, of course, but still a not so good K%. Pill, meanwhile, was terrible before this last season like I said. This last season, though, he put up .298/.348/.480 with a very, very good contact rate.
It looks to me like there’s a good chance Pill did take a big step forward and is a whole new player this year as opposed to before. There was adequate power. Great contact. This year was pretty similar to things Ishikawa has done, without the K% red flag. I think it’s fair to call Ishikawa’s track record better, but I don’t think there’s a big margin at this point. Pill isn’t good enough to be a MLB player right now, but minor leaguers (and 24 year olds in general) do tend to improve – I don’t think it’s really that big of a stretch to say that this last year might have been for real, and if he improves as we expect, he may actually contribute at the MLB level.
So just keep in mind that more recent performances are much more important than less recent ones, and we’ll keep in mind that there’s a distinct possibility it was a one year fluke. We’ll all just have to wait and see if he can build on his performance next year.
by Missing Barry on Nov 19, 2009 7:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The problem is a pretty terrible prospect who puts up a decent year is still a pretty terrible prospect, just one who managed to have a career year. It’d take a lot more than one years performance for me to be convinced that a minor league filler is a legitimate prospect.
Especially when there’s no background to back it up such as being highly rated in the draft, having good scouting reviews or any explanation as to why he improved (such as someone re-modelling his swing)
Also, especially when his year wasn’t actually particularly good. Yeah an OPS of 828 is alright but it’s not particularly great for a 24 year old 1B in AA. And it’s certainly not huge enough that it’d change my view of him at all.
I really don’t see why Pill is anything aside from an afterthought and when you look like a poor mans Travis Ishikawa you’re really struggling to have any worth at all.
Proud parent of Waldis Joaquin!
by GiantFan on Nov 19, 2009 7:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well the point is, if this year was for real (which again, I recognize it very well may not be), he really isn’t a poor man’s Ishikawa. If anything, he’s better than Ishikawa becasue he doesn’t have strikeout issues.
by Missing Barry on Nov 19, 2009 7:44 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well at the same age/level he put up a 828 OPS with a 72/37 K/BB rate compared to Ishikawa who put up a 841 OPS with a 45/35 K/BB. I’d say that Ishikawa profiles better but if optimistic we can call them the same.
Pill doesn’t strikeout as much as Ishikawa did in the minors but then he doesn’t walk as much either and doesn’t have as much power. I just can’t get excited by a non-prospect who suddenly puts up an alright (and not especially great) season.
Proud parent of Waldis Joaquin!
by GiantFan on Nov 19, 2009 8:17 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
There’s that word again, excited. I don’t think anybody here is excited about Brett Pill. There’s a much higher chance he never amounts to something than he does. His performance was at a high enough level, though, that he’s at least earned the chance to see if he can build on it or not. Basically, he’s worth following for next year to see what he does.
by Missing Barry on Nov 19, 2009 8:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You’re missing a year of Ishikawa’s career, btw. His first season at AA was his age 22 season, when he put up a .232/.316/.403 line in .340 ABs; a disappointing season, but not quite yet the full on catastrophe that his return trip the next year produced.
My Bucardo is better than yours.
A hot August weekday, before a small crowd, when the only thing at stake is the tissue-thin difference between a thing done well and a thing done ill. Insofar as the clutch hitter is not a sportswriter's myth, it is a vulgarity, like a writer who writes only for money.
by Roger on Nov 19, 2009 8:29 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, good point, i didn’t go up that high because I saw his A+ line in 2007 and just assumed his first AA year after that was his first AA year…
by Missing Barry on Nov 19, 2009 8:43 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, excited was probably the wrong phrase, i just find it hard to see him as anything other than roster filler. Of course he’s worth following next year, i like to follow all the minor leaguers but there’s a lot more prospects I’ll be looking out for.
Proud parent of Waldis Joaquin!
by GiantFan on Nov 19, 2009 8:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
there’s a lot more prospects I’ll be looking out for.
True, but unfortunately not many of them are in the upper levels of our system right now, so Pill is one that might actually be able to contribute in the nearish future (if he contributes at all). I don’t follow many prospects other than our Top 10 or so, but I’ll at least check to see what he’s doing because of a combination of close to MLB and MLB needs.
by Missing Barry on Nov 19, 2009 8:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
True, he is more major league ready, but then the question is, is he any better than Guzman? I hope Pill manages to put together a good season next year but then i hope we have a competent 1B at the major league level so we don’t have to concern ourselves with how he performs.
Proud parent of Waldis Joaquin!
by GiantFan on Nov 19, 2009 8:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
s he any better than Guzman?
Interesting question. Butcher in the field with a decent bat vs. defensive wizard with a butcher bat. Who wins that death match exactly?
My Bucardo is better than yours.
A hot August weekday, before a small crowd, when the only thing at stake is the tissue-thin difference between a thing done well and a thing done ill. Insofar as the clutch hitter is not a sportswriter's myth, it is a vulgarity, like a writer who writes only for money.
by Roger on Nov 19, 2009 9:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I’m in complete agreement here.
by Missing Barry on Nov 19, 2009 9:34 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Do RBI’s mean anything? Stats don’t always give you the whole picture of a player’s value to a team. Is he getting hits with runners on, in tight games? I don’t think anyone can really give a good perspective on Pill unless they have seen him play – on a consistent basis – as with any player.
by flyonthewall on Nov 19, 2009 11:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Me likey
wish each and every Giants player had more ribbies.
by wilriv21 on Nov 19, 2009 1:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
when you acquire other players, the baserunners in front of them come with them!
Please hit better, Randy Winn.
by oldjacket on Nov 19, 2009 3:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
No they mean nothing when it comes to evaluating a prospect.
Proud parent of Waldis Joaquin!
by GiantFan on Nov 19, 2009 12:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
They mean dog squeeze.
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 19, 2009 5:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Just for comparison’s sake, Pill’s at the same age/level as Fred Lewis was, spending his entire age 24 season at AA for the first time. Lewis actually had one of his worst years that season, with a prolonged slump in the first half of the year and a big jump in Ks. That was also the year that Fred’s defensive issues caused the club to move him all the way down the spectrum from CF to LF.
Just for the record their comparative slash stats:
Lewis .273/.361/.398
Pill .298/.348/.480
My Bucardo is better than yours.
A hot August weekday, before a small crowd, when the only thing at stake is the tissue-thin difference between a thing done well and a thing done ill. Insofar as the clutch hitter is not a sportswriter's myth, it is a vulgarity, like a writer who writes only for money.
by Roger on Nov 19, 2009 5:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting
I always forget how old Fred was when he broke into the majors.
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 19, 2009 8:13 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s pretty poor for a 1B
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
"AT LAST I AM A PARENTS." - Buster
by jponry on Nov 18, 2009 7:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well I wouldn’t say no chance, but it seems far-fetched to me, especially since he wasn’t really considered a prospect at all before this year. Happy to be wrong… Hey, at least he’s tall. Maybe his slow developing power has turned the corner and he’ll just go nuts on the PCL next year.
by taliesin on Nov 18, 2009 5:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Can we at least wait until he's played a year at AAA
before we throw dirt on the grave?
Responsible for the last great homegrown Giants team.
by Al Rosen on Nov 18, 2009 8:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If there’s a grave, I reserve the right to throw dirt on it.
Utter frustration and futility.
by Johnny Disaster on Nov 18, 2009 8:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Kila Ka'aihue
Not really, but maybe they’d swap him for Garko + cash.
The answer is Pablo.
by Fresburg on Nov 18, 2009 3:30 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Man, I really want Kila.
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 18, 2009 6:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve soured on him. 26 years old, no glove, 825 OPS in AAA … he’s a poor man’s Garko.
by Evan on Nov 18, 2009 7:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
but his name’s way cooler.
Sharlon Schoop - de favoriete Nederlandse honkbalspeler van McCovey Chronicles.
You always have to be one step ahead of your drunk friends
--Daisy Owl
by Viliphied on Nov 19, 2009 12:34 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
True true. I saw him play here in Omaha last year and he hit a monster home-run. Ah, memories.
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 19, 2009 8:13 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Tommy Joseph or Sandoval
Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all
McFAQ for all you newcomers out there.
GET THAT VORP AND WHIP SH!T OUTTA HERE!!!
by baetown415 on Nov 18, 2009 4:09 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, it's one of these 2
Bowker & Neal are occasional 1B.
Ishi, Pill & Guzman are all ML Backups.
I think Dominguez will work his ass off to stay at 3B since our previous 3B of the future Conor Gillaspie, showed no power in the hitters paradise that is the Cal league (4 HR, .386 SLG, .750 OPS)
Grab Some Pine Meat!
by Gobroks on Nov 18, 2009 5:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Correct
Newsletter
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 18, 2009 6:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Anvil
Sandoval = too short for an ideal 1st baseman.
I’m placing my faith in a) Pablo’s new found dedication to fitness (with an extra step of range he will be an excellent 3rd baseman) and b) the power of money in the PR justice system.
Utter frustration and futility.
by Johnny Disaster on Nov 18, 2009 5:46 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
My apologies.
Utter frustration and futility.
by Johnny Disaster on Nov 18, 2009 7:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Regardless of the criminal process, isn’t the visa issue going to prevent Villalona from playing at all in the US in 2010 at the very least?
My Bucardo is better than yours.
A hot August weekday, before a small crowd, when the only thing at stake is the tissue-thin difference between a thing done well and a thing done ill. Insofar as the clutch hitter is not a sportswriter's myth, it is a vulgarity, like a writer who writes only for money.
by Roger on Nov 19, 2009 5:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I was taking a more long term view of the question… I don’t think Angel would be ready for the majors in 2010 in any case.
Utter frustration and futility.
by Johnny Disaster on Nov 19, 2009 8:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That’s not the issue. So far his age relative to league has been the most important aspect of his prospect hood. Last year was definitely a step backwards for him in terms of his baseball development, and then he ended up missing half a season with injury. Now he’s going to miss the entire 2010 season, and not just miss playing games but be entirely outside the organizational structure — no drills, no conditioning, no learning about approaches to the game, nothing.
That’s some crucial development time to lose at a critical point in his development. Some times what takes place in the short term eliminates the long term.
My Bucardo is better than yours.
A hot August weekday, before a small crowd, when the only thing at stake is the tissue-thin difference between a thing done well and a thing done ill. Insofar as the clutch hitter is not a sportswriter's myth, it is a vulgarity, like a writer who writes only for money.
by Roger on Nov 19, 2009 9:10 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That is a good point… I would expect him to be playing no matter where he is, but losing the coaching/mentoring would be a pretty big blow developmentally.
I’ve been assuming the legal (and therefore visa) status would be decided one way or the other sometime in the next few months and wouldn’t compromise the entire year’s worth of playing (or would eliminate it entirely if he is found guilty). Naturally, that is an assumption born of ignorance.
Utter frustration and futility.
by Johnny Disaster on Nov 19, 2009 10:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Don’t the G’s have developmental staff in the DR?
Far from ideal, but better than nothing.
by microwave donut on Nov 19, 2009 10:41 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Voted for Neal
I really like him. I didn’t pick Bowker because he’s already getting his shot in the Majors and it will be in the OF.
by velvadp on Nov 18, 2009 6:00 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
what happened to Garko's name in the mix?
Anyway, I would just like to see Ishikawa given at least half a season to see what he can do. Playing everyday. He can field, and I think if given a chance to hit every day, he can hit at least 270 with 20 plus homers. Even if that is below league average, his fielding should make up the difference. If he is hitting 220 with 5 homers at the allstar break then give the job to Garko, or Bowker, that is unless we trade for a true allstar upgrade.
by bradleybear on Nov 18, 2009 6:05 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Someone asked the same thing above. I said Im not giving up on him just becuase he wasnt in the poll.
Im ok with him being in the first baseman next year. I was just talking about the future. What guy would you like to see there long term? I would hope who ever is the firstbasmen of 2011 and on would be an upgrade to Garko.
Its funny because fuck the dodgers
by kvdp12 on Nov 18, 2009 6:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This year: Garko because I don’t think Sabean will be able to sign anybody decent at first.
Four years from now: Joseph. Bowker isn’t a first baseman and likely never will be. Angel has other issues that everyone knows about. Pill is on the same career path as Travis Ishikawa, which kind of rules both of them out as potential saviors. For some reason, I have faith in Pablo’s ability to stay at third. I also have faith in Neal’s ability to play the out-field, but not in Dominguez’s ability to cut down on strike-outs. Or Angel’s.
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 18, 2009 6:49 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Ishikawa!
Never give up. Well… at least not yet.
We're all basically Pedro Feliz.
by SF Pete on Nov 18, 2009 7:17 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I still think he’s a better hitter than he showed last season, but I don’t know how much better. I think he is capable of more walks, but I do have doubts about the power and contact ability. He just has too much trouble with inside pitches and breaking balls below the zone. I don’t know if that can be remedied.
On SFGiants.com, it looked like Bam Bam was working with him on inside pitches, but I can’t tell for sure.
by Squire_Boone on Nov 19, 2009 9:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think the power is there if he can just hit the damn thing… it did look like they were working on inside pitches and letting the ball get deeper into the zone.
Utter frustration and futility.
by Johnny Disaster on Nov 19, 2009 10:13 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The problem I saw with Ishikawa was that he doesn’t have great bat speed. In order to generate power, he had to get really long. This made him prone to strike-outs. Shortening up robbed him of his power, and he still struck out a fair amount.
Joe Martinez: You are cool.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Nov 19, 2009 5:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd agree with that.
He didn’t seem to have the bat speed. During his “power surge” in June, he did a better job of pulling the ball without getting too long in his swing, but he also had a pretty low batting average and didn’t walk that much.
Still, my eyes aren’t the best at evaluating bat speed. I’d be curious to know if anyone has scouting reports that mention his bat speed.
by Squire_Boone on Nov 20, 2009 11:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
/slider at your back foot
WHY IS BOCOCK?!
by Lars The Wanderer on Nov 23, 2009 7:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
NO
No
Don’t know
Don’t know
Giant Dirtbags: John Bowker, Steve Hammond. MIA List: Todd Jennings, Brian Anderson
Jeremy Affeldt induces DP's
by Giant among Angels on Nov 18, 2009 7:31 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
WELL....
Anyone who votes is playing into, “BORK BORK BORK!”
by karl m on Nov 19, 2009 2:32 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
How come “Isn’t Born Yet” wasn’t one of the poll options. that was going to be my choice.
My Bucardo is better than yours.
A hot August weekday, before a small crowd, when the only thing at stake is the tissue-thin difference between a thing done well and a thing done ill. Insofar as the clutch hitter is not a sportswriter's myth, it is a vulgarity, like a writer who writes only for money.
by Roger on Nov 19, 2009 5:40 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Pablo or Neal. I hope Pablo can stick at 3rd, so Neal.
I don’t think the G’s will be patient enough to not block Neal in LF. Could be a good move, could be a bad move. Depends on who they get there.
by microwave donut on Nov 19, 2009 10:43 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
my prediction
Giants splurge for Jason Bay and Thomas Neal is the superior hitter and fielder by 2011
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
"AT LAST I AM A PARENTS." - Buster
by jponry on Nov 19, 2009 12:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Where do the Giants get the monies to sign Bay? Do they increase payroll? Trade contracts?
by wilriv21 on Nov 19, 2009 1:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
They’d have enough money without increasing payroll by more than a couple of million as long as they didn’t sign any other FAs of significance. That means Rohlinger/Downs/Frandsen at the utility IF spot, Joe Martinez as 5th starter, Whiteside as backup C, but they could do it — I think that team would have about a $90M payroll.
by taliesin on Nov 19, 2009 1:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
At which point Neal is traded at the All-Star Break for Jorge Cantu. (Big bat for the stretch run!)
by taliesin on Nov 19, 2009 1:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
let’s just get somebody who can hit and have J.T. Snow teach him to play 1B
by FluLikeSymptoms on Nov 19, 2009 1:30 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Every time I open this thread, I hear the opening of Conan O'Brian's "In the year 2000" sketch in my head.
I’m not sure what that meas, but it’s not good.
VAE PVTO DEVS FIO
by Bhaakon on Nov 19, 2009 3:32 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
DALLAS MCPHERSON!
Adopted father of the prettiest player in the organization, Nestor Rojas.
by stealth snail on Nov 19, 2009 4:01 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
1st baseman of the future
Not home grown but my vote goes to Dallas McPherson. Next choice Guzman.
Let Garko go and keep Ishi around for a late inning defensive replacement and hope he learns to hit away from Mays Field.
Back problems can drain you physically and mentally. I am hoping Dallas recovers from his surgery and gets back on track. He put up some pretty good numbers in the minors.
What happened to Josh Phelps?
Radical Racing
by Radical Racing on Nov 19, 2009 5:28 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
My 1B of the future
I know you nerds know NOTHING about the real game of baseball, or any other athletic endeavor requiring teamwork under physical stress.
Mr. F! | comics | art | New Nattowear | Unofficial McImage Directory
by Natto on Nov 19, 2009 6:40 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
The hitter reminds me of this
say hey nation is the Ralph Nader of McC.-Xanthan
by say hey nation on Nov 20, 2009 7:03 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Blathering blatherskite!
I know you nerds know NOTHING about the real game of baseball, or any other athletic endeavor requiring teamwork under physical stress.
Mr. F! | comics | art | New Nattowear | Unofficial McImage Directory
by Natto on Nov 20, 2009 1:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Villalona
I figure if he gets out in 20 years he’ll be an ideal candidate for a two year deal.
Flaxseed oil dependent
by 3Com Park on Nov 24, 2009 9:23 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- D12: Whee! The Y! fantasy baseball operation is armed and ready
- Create-a-Caption: Albert wants to become one with the gun
- Be like Lincecum: Little Leaguer copies Timmy's windup
- Stewards Debate! Does Bud Selig deserve a Miller Park statue?
- Ask Alex: Will Ben Zobrist replicate his outstanding '09 season?
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
