minor lines, 6/15/09
Highlights from the Giants' farm, sometimes known as the Neal and Posey show. Tonight (a) Buster Posey reached base in all four trips to the plate, and (b) Thomas Neal homered again. Co-starring in their show were (c) John Bowker, who also homered; (d) Roger Kieschnick, who had two doubles and a single; and (e) Josh Mazzola, who had three hits. Unfortunately, no pitcher was quite highlight worthy.
AAA: Fresno defeated Sacramento 6-5
Fresno: LF John Bowker: 2 for 4, HR
Fresno: 3B Ryan Rohlinger: 1 for 3, 2B, HBP
Sacramento: 2B Eric Patterson: 2 for 4, 3B, 2B, BB, SB, CS
Fresno: RHP Ryan Sadowski: 5.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K--1 WP
Fresno: RHP Osiris Matos: 1.0 IP, 2 K
Sacramento: RHP Jerome Williams: 5.0 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 1 K--1 HR, 4 HB, 1 BK
Bowker was the only Grizzly with a multi-hit line, including his 9th HR. Rohlinger, one of three other Grizzlies to reach base twice, had his 21st double, which was the Grizzlies' other XBH. Patterson, who had 130 AB in the majors last year with the A's, had his 6th triple and 16th double to raise his AVG above .300. He now has a 26/6 SB/CS line.
After a dozen starts, Sadowski has still yet to allow more than 3 ER in a start this year. Tonight was not his best start, but he improved his W-L record to 5-2. Matos struck out two of the three batters he faced in a perfect 9th inning, raising his K/BB ratio above 3.00 for the season. Williams, the former Giant, continues to struggle to get his career back on track. After a 7.07 ERA in nine relief appearances, he made his first start of the season, yielding 6 ER against his former club that raised his ERA above 8.00.
AA: Connecticut had a scheduled off-day
(Its next scheduled off-day is June 22, the last of three consecutive Monday off-days.)
Defenders on Eastern League leaderboards in selected categories:
--Hitters:
AVG: Bond 12th, Martinez-Esteve 13th
OBP: Bond 5th
SLG: (none)
OPS: (none)
HR: (none)
BB: Bond 7th
AB: Pill 10th
SB: Bond 9th
--Pitchers:
ERA: Sosa 4th
WHIP: Sosa 11th
K: (none)
IP: (none)
BB: Foppert 6th
H: (none)
G: Paterson 11th, Otero 11th
A+: San Jose lost to Visalia 7-4
San Jose: LF Thomas Neal: 2 for 4, HR, SO
San Jose: C Buster Posey: 2 for 2, 2B, 2 BB
San Jose: RF Roger Kieschnick: 3 for 4, 2 2B, SO
San Jose: LHP Paul Oseguera: 6.1 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 7 K--2 HR, 1 HB
San Jose: RHP Dan Turpen: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 K--1 HR
San Jose: LHP Wilmin Rodriguez: 0.2 IP, 1 K
Neal and Posey continue to provide highlight-worthy lines on a nightly basis it seems. Tonight Neal had his 3rd HR in his last five games, his 5th HR of the month, and his 12th HR of the season. Meanwhile, Posey reached base in all four plate appearances, including his 19th double, further improving upon the .416 OBP with which he entered the night. He now has 225 AB so far this year and may have another 75 AB to log before a promotion. Kieschnick had slumped recently; but three hits tonight, including his 12th and 13th doubles, raised his season AVG back above .300 and his AVG for the month of June to .230.
In his second start for San Jose, Oseguera proved a little too hittable, allowing nine hits, including a three-run HR and a two-run HR. Turpen's ERA rose to a still impressive 1.40. Rodriguez continued his string of effective appearances. Over his last nine appearances, he has 4 H, 1 BB, 0 ER and 10 K in 10.0 IP
A-: Augusta lost to Charelston 11-4
(allowing eight runs over the final four innings)
Augusta: 1B-RF Josh Mazzola: 3 for 4
Augusta: 2B Vladimir Frias: 2 for 4, 2B
Augusta: RHP Mike Loree: 5.0+ IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 2 K--1 HB
Augusta: RHP Kyle Woodruff: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K--1 WP
Mazzola had three of the GreenJackets' nine hits, raising his AVG to .279. Frias's 4th double was the GreenJackets' only XBH, raising his SLG to an even .300 in 70 AB since his demotion to Augusta.
Loree allowed 3 ER through 5.0 IP and then failed to retire any of the three batters he facing in the 6th inning. His ERA rose to 4.33. Among the four GreenJackets' who appeared in the game, Woodruff is the only one who has an ERA of 5.75 or lower. His ERA is 2.45 after six appearances this year.
DSL: Giants lost to Red Sox 10-1
Dominican: CF Jesus Galindo: 2 for 2, 2B, 2 BB, E
Dominican: RHP Luiyin Perez: 3.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K--1 HR, 2 HB
Galindo (18.9 y.o.) reached base four times, raising his OBP to .463 through his first eleven pro games. Perez (20.2 y.o.) made his fourth relief appearance of the season. He now has a 3.65 ERA through 12.1 IP.
0 recs |
109 comments
Comments
Wow, a Jerome Williams sighting.
Also, time for an obligatory BOWKERMANIA!
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Jun 15, 2009 10:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
IT’S UNSTOPPABLE
Whatcha gonna do, brother, when Bowkermania walks wild on you?
by rightcenterfielder on Jun 15, 2009 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some MLEs from Baseball Prospectus:
.293/.402/.488 John Bowker
.289/.333/.428 Kevin Frandsen
.276/.314/.463 Thomas Neal
.277/.325/.424 Buster Posey
Please note. Numbers are for entertainment purposes only.
by Dan from NM on Jun 15, 2009 10:54 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
These were heading into play Monday.
by Dan from NM on Jun 15, 2009 10:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Call 'em all up
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Jun 15, 2009 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I FEEL LIKE BOWKER AND FRANDSEN SHOULD REPLACE AURILIA AND BURRISS
WHY HAS NO ONE ELSE THOUGHT OF THIS?
Proud father of Juan Carlos Perez. Think Albert Pujols at second.
by marcello on Jun 15, 2009 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why is Rich on the team? I know he was good like seven years ago but that was like seven years ago.
Rafael Rodriguez: #8 on our list, n/a on a stat sheet.
BBk supports Sleepy's Law: "As a hoops discussion grows longer, the probability of an absurd trade proposal involving LeBron James approaches 1."
by BrianBokake on Jun 16, 2009 3:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
MLEs from Minor League Splits are less entertaining.
.283/.373/.434 Bowker
.283/.321/.400 Frandsen
.249/.303/.412 Neal
.229/.290/.367 Posey
Strange that the formulas should vary so much in this day and age. The Prospectus translations for San Jose seem frankly ridiculous to me.
by Evan on Jun 16, 2009 6:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That surely has something to do with it. Looking more closely … The big difference between Prospectus and MLS for the Fresno players is that MLS leaves batting averages more or less intact but cuts power severely. But for the San Jose players, the big change is in batting average.
by Evan on Jun 16, 2009 6:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That may not be an MVP MLE from Bowker, but it’s still excellent.
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Jun 16, 2009 9:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s basically Fred Lewis’s career line before this year, curiously. A little better but without the stolen bases.
I imagine Bowker’s OBP will go down but his power will (hopefully) go up in the majors.
by Evan on Jun 16, 2009 9:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can’t stop thinking about Thomas Neal.
Also, I was at the Chevy’s on Coleman the other day…there was a big sign that said “San Jose Giants signings this Wednesday!”
So, that might be worth checking out…
by ryanmiles on Jun 15, 2009 10:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Neal is having a sandoval-esque break out
They should move him up to Connecticut soon to see if he survives there like Pablo did.
by superk1ng on Jun 15, 2009 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Patience, grasshopper. They will soon.
Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005. And winner of the 2012 NL Fireman of the Year Award!
by Lyle on Jun 16, 2009 6:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he continues hitting this way, I would be surprised if he wasn’t in AA after the All-Star break.
by Squire_Boone on Jun 16, 2009 9:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think this is when it will happen. Why promote him just before he can get some well deserved recognition.
by malarky on Jun 16, 2009 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If they were to bring up Bowker, who would go?
Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear
by Natto on Jun 15, 2009 11:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
FIRST BASE!
Pablo can move back to third
by superk1ng on Jun 15, 2009 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d keep him around for defense.
Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear
by Natto on Jun 15, 2009 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
somebodys going to lose playing time
Winn and Rowand are paid too much to lose playing time and the last OF spot is being rotated between Lewis, Schierholtz and Torres. First Base is the only spot to put him
by superk1ng on Jun 15, 2009 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Either Lewis or Schierholtz
the Giants 25-man roster would not be able to maintain the 3 LHH corner outfileders.
by wilriv21 on Jun 15, 2009 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, but losing Schierholtz (which I like) is only going to put Bowker on the bench, and that’s not where he should be.
Bowker needs to play – he likely immediately becomes the best non-Panda hitter on the team if he’s in the lineup.
I like Winn, but he’s likely the best trade option, because he’s solid offensively and defensively and has a reasonable contract.
Contending teams for which Winn could be starting (non-contenders aren’t likely to want an aging OF):
Mets, Braves, Marlins, Brewers (don’t underestimate frustration with Corey Hart), Reds, Mariners, Twins
Contending teams for which Winn would make a very nice reserve:
Red Sox (great for injury-prone Drew and Baldelli)
Tigers (maybe even start for them)
Cardinals
I’m ignoring Toronto, because they aren’t going to beat the Red Sox, Yankees, or Rays for the WC. The Rays aren’t likely interested. The Marlins are listed but they won’t likely take Winn on. It’s also a bit early as some of these teams are going to fade. The NL teams are competition for the NL WC, so it’s not clear whether the BRAZSS will want to make that trade, but it seems that the Braves make the most sense.
They may have traded for McLouth, but they still have a brutal OF with Schafer and Garret Anderson and Francoeur as options. They have Kelly Johnson and Omar Infante at 2B; I’d take either of them, and they seem to have problems with Johnson. Johnson is kind of an anti-Sabean player: takes walks, lacks strong reputation for defense; slow. That said, he is scuffling with a low BABIP and I would LOVE to get him. The Braves have other options for 2B in Infante or Martin Prado or Diory Hernandez, and they really need the OF help, especially to bridge the gap until Heyward comes up. If they want more for Johnson, then throw in some lesser prospect. I bet they would take it.
The Twins are another great target, as the AL Central is very competitive. The Twins have had dreadful OF production from Carlos Gomez and Delmon Young; maybe they don’t want to give up on them entirely, but they are clearly hurting the team. The problem with the Twins is that they don’t have any immediate IF help, but they probably have some second tier prospects they’d give up.
The Brewers also might be an option. Winn, of course, is not going to get you Alcides Escobar or Mat Gamel, but there’s more in their system, they’re just about fed up with Corey Hart, and the corpse of Jody Gerut isn’t the answer.
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Jun 16, 2009 12:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You silly, silly man. Randy Winn will never be traded.
Kelly Johnson is a good target, though.
by Evan on Jun 16, 2009 6:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d much rather have Frandsen or Downs at 2B than Kelly Johnson – who isn’t bad, imho, but I’d prefer to give our guys a shot.
Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005. And winner of the 2012 NL Fireman of the Year Award!
by Lyle on Jun 16, 2009 6:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
KJ has three years in the majors with a career line of .269/.349/.434 — that’s a best-case scenario for Frandsen, isn’t it? And KJ still has some room to improve imho.
I guess money and defense could conceivably tip the balance to Frandsen.
by Evan on Jun 16, 2009 6:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t see that as a best-case scenario, though, Evan. I believe that if we gave him the kind of opportunity to establish himself that we’ve given Burriss, Kevin could hit somewhere around .285/.370/.470 -ish. I think he’d be perfectly adequate defensively at 2B, and possibly slightly better. I think he could be our second coming of Robbie Thompson, but perhaps with a bit less HR power. And more HBPs!!
Obviously, that’s conjecture on my part. Last year’s injury was incredibly frustrating, as it should have been Kevin’s year to prove himself. Well, no, 2007 should have been Kevin’s year; 2008 should have been Nate’s. But I digress…
Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005. And winner of the 2012 NL Fireman of the Year Award!
by Lyle on Jun 16, 2009 9:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That seems pretty optimistic for Frandsen. He could</> hit that, but I would actually be pleased if he could hit .270/.330/.420.
Kevin deserves a shot, and a lot more than does Burriss, but I also needed a scenario whereby we could finally witness the return of BOWKERMANIA. I’m not saying that Winn deserves to be benched, but Bowker is only going to get the call if Winn or Lewis go.
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Jun 16, 2009 9:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Franny slugs .470 in the majors, I’ll shave off my eyebrows.
by xanthan on Jun 16, 2009 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Computers don’t have eyebrows! .
by SoFa King Mike on Jun 16, 2009 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
how about we take away his “Z” key
Minor White > Ansel Adams
by say hey nation on Jun 16, 2009 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s better than his minor league line, and he’s been constantly old for his level.
Adoptive parent of Noah Lowry.
:-(
by Cookyman on Jun 16, 2009 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
From what everyone is saying, they just aren’t interested in Bowker at 1B. If that’s true, then either Lewis has to be benched/traded or Winn has to be traded, because he’s not getting benched, and Rowand is the only CFer.
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Jun 15, 2009 11:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Couldn’t we just do both?
Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005. And winner of the 2012 NL Fireman of the Year Award!
by Lyle on Jun 16, 2009 6:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Richie.
Rafael Rodriguez: #8 on our list, n/a on a stat sheet.
BBk supports Sleepy's Law: "As a hoops discussion grows longer, the probability of an absurd trade proposal involving LeBron James approaches 1."
by BrianBokake on Jun 16, 2009 3:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bowkermania - Not convinced

I can’t judge the sarcasm surrounding Dr. JohnBoy Bowker and his contagious mania. For me, he had his chance last year and will have it again next year. Meanwhile two current 25-man roster players haven’t got to the 350 PAs that Bowker got last year, are out of options, and Bowkermania-ed Fresno last year.
In Fresno:
Schierholtz 08 .320 .363 .594 .958 … 2009 SFG PA: 86, OPS+ 77
Ishikawa 08 .310 .370 .737 1.107 … 2009 SFG PA: 127, OPS+ 82
Bowker 09 .341 .452 .561 1.013 … 2008 SFG OPS+: 83
When Pablo is able to go back to third, Ishi should get another month or so at 1B, and once Uribe is fit, and if you want his bat in the line-up, there is second base. The three player’s major league performance isn’t that far off from the others, and it seems to me that Ishikawa was just “figuring out” how to not hack at slop, or at least hit mistakes, when he was sat for two and a half weeks. Nate is just now showing up on Boch’s radar.
If I’m the Giants front office, I’m thinking about maybe not even using a Bowker option this year (leaving him the minors all year – does it work that way?) unless there is an injury or a trade . If I want to upgrade 1st base (Pablo at Third), I’d really angle for a trade. I’m not convinced Bowker (or even my boy Ishikawa) is the long term answer there, but I want to at least give Ishi the chance to dig his 1st year OPS to 750 with great defense. And Bowk really should be an OFer, but that area is crammed.
Nate I think has the least holes in his swing (but when he covers those holes it seems like he loses power) and so he has the best chance to be an everyday player or solid bench guy for a MLB team. Major league pitching might continue to expose Bowker and Ishi as the current crop of Giants AAAA talent, in the grand ol’ tradition of Linden and Minor. No doubt they could all smash up AAA pitching.
Following the Minor lines these past few years, it all ways seemed to me that Nate and Travis hit their homeruns in clumps – hard to do that when you’re not playing consistently and leaving them open to SSSS (the last S is for shenanigans) .
Please refer to FwF’s excellent Fan Post on Ishikawa from a few weeks back (when he was playing) and how a wee bit of bad luck can turn a possibly mediocre performance into a nightmare.
co-dad of IshikaBOOM w/AfDC.
Ishikawa, let the boy hit against lefties.
by kennv on Jun 16, 2009 7:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are wise and I basically agree. I’d also throw this guy into the mix:
Todd Linden 2005, age 25: .321 /.437/.682 at Fresno
But I am optimistic that the extreme plate discipline and pitch selection approach Bowker has shown this year will play better in the big leagues than Schierholtz’s hack-away approach, Ishikawa’s warning-track-power approach, and Linden’s …whatever you call that thing Linden did.
by Evan on Jun 16, 2009 8:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
True, but Linden never showed the kind of power in the majors that Bowker did last year. Plus, Linden put up those numbers his third year in AAA, but Bowker spend only minimal time there last year.
by Squire_Boone on Jun 16, 2009 9:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly. We can’t just throw out minor league numbers altogether because Todd Linden couldn’t hit in the majors, and as you state, Bowker hasn’t had the repeat trips to Fresno.
This team has an extreme lack of power, and Bowker immediately becomes the 2nd best hitter on the team and perhaps the scariest to the opposing pitcher. I don’t think that Winn and Lewis are playing themselves out of jobs, but Bowker is just going to be better. All signs point to Bowker having legitimately embraced plate discipline, and having done so, the BOWKERMANIA power of last year will return.
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Jun 16, 2009 9:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
immediately becomes the second best hitter?
1) I am not sure that is true; Molina (for all of his faults) is likely as good or better right now, as is Rowland.
2) Even if it were true, it is not saying much.
3) The Giants are not going to make a move while they are winning.
4) Ishikawa needs a shot, as does Nate. Too much grab bagging could ruin one or more of those guys.
by joe t on Jun 16, 2009 9:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
when did we sign destinys child?
Minor White > Ansel Adams
by say hey nation on Jun 16, 2009 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
1) Rowand maybe, but absolutely not Molina and his .269 OBP. He’s just a prodigious outmaker – worse than Burriss. Sure, he gets RBIZZZ because he bats fourth, but that’s just horrible.
2) Improvement is good. You can’t just say “well none of these moves will improve the team that much, so let’s not bother.”
3) Perhaps you are correct.
4) Bowker deserves it more than Clunk King Schierholtz a/k/a ShNate Hillenholtz. Also, I’m not advocating taking time away from Ishikawa. I want him in there until a larger sample size says he can’t cut it. He deserves his shot, but Bowker deserves his in the OF.
It is quite unfair to say that Bowker failed last year. He hit .255/.300/.408 in his first attempt at the majors, after having basically skipped AAA. This year, in his first extended shot at AAA pitching, he is wrecking the league. It is a terrible idea to take a promising hitter, have him essentially skip AAA, throw him into the majors, and then give up on him because he didn’t hit like a league average hitter in his first 350 MLB PA. This is especially true for a player who, now that he gets his first real shot at AAA pitching, has worked very hard to improve his plate discipline.
Bowker doesn’t have to be Barry Bonds or Carlos Beltran or Jason Bay. This team, though, has a severe lack of power and two corner OFers that contribute to that lack of power. Bowker is an in-house fix that costs nothing, and he doesn’t have to carry the offense single-handedly to be worthy of a shot.
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Jun 16, 2009 10:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It occurs to me now (though I was too Blinded By Hatred to notice at the time) that last year’s bizarre flurry of premature callups may be bearing fruit in Bowker’s renaissance this year. I doubt he would have overhauled his approach so completely if he hadn’t experienced just how brutally and relentlessly the league will exploit your weaknesses.
by Evan on Jun 16, 2009 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
SABEAN IS A GENIUS
Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear
by Natto on Jun 16, 2009 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jesus, Buddha, Allah, Jewish Guy, Oprah, and Tom Cruise couldn’t help Bocock.
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Jun 16, 2009 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Doesn’t seem to have done much for Burriss either.
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 Jun 16, 2009 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The difference of course is that Bowker has some actually to build on, while Burriss and Bocock just don’t.
by Evan on Jun 16, 2009 11:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yaweh = Jewish Guy
So I’m told.
by NorCalBruin08 on Jun 16, 2009 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know
But it’s a reference to Talladega Nights with Will Ferrell.
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Jun 16, 2009 12:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was at the SJ game tonight. 2nd game I’ve been to in the past couple of weeks, both times Neal hit a HR down the LF line on a frozen rope. Guy just smokes the ball when he makes contact. Buster also keeps showing nice opposite field power whenever I go to games there. After Neal’s HR, he hit it high off the wall in right center. He also gunned a guy trying to steal 2nd in the middle part of the game, and nearly picked that same guy off at first on a snap throw after a pitch. He blocked the ball pretty well too. He’s definitely showing ability behind the dish. Very impressed with how he’s progressed since just the beginning of the season. It’s nice to see Gillaspie has risen his average, but just wish he would figure out how to drive the ball better.
by Hobbes2d on Jun 15, 2009 11:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I just think the term “frozen rope” is awesome.
Supporting San Francisco Dugout since 2005 and Manny Burriss since 2006, and bringing you all your California League needs since 2009.
by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Jun 16, 2009 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey Giants Brass,
F your 300 AB rule or whatever. It’s time to promote Posey now. Also, that Thomas Neal guy is pretty good and hits dingerz. Maybe you should promote him, too.
I only have a signature because I recognize everyone else by their sigs, not their usernames..
by lmaozedong on Jun 16, 2009 5:01 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
On a non-prospect note, San Jose had a chance to tie for the Divisional Lead last night, but instead dropped two games back of Visalia. How many more games are left in the first half? Given that the heart of this team is likely to be gone for most of the second half (and there’s not much help on the way from Augusta), it would be nice to see a first half title for SJ to remember all the prospects by.
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 Jun 16, 2009 5:54 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I am hoping Neal and Posey depart after the allstar break, which starts next Monday. Maybe Mazzola or Woodbury from Augusta and Jackson Wms from Conn.
Thurs could be a day for me to make a Stockton run and rendezvous with the boys from San Jose.
cheering for Adam Witter, who will hit bigleague dingers some day.
Still yelling "Go, Antoan"
by foothillsfan on Jun 16, 2009 7:15 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I think Williams stays in CT and Posey goes to Fresno. The FO has to be hoping that Posey can be the starting catcher next spring, I suspect he skips a level after mastering the Cal league.
"Don't trust anyone under the age of 30" - Brian Sabean
by Smotheredinhugs on Jun 16, 2009 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think next season, the Giants pull the Matt Wieters trick and keep Posey down to stop his service time clock from starting and thus Posey won’t see the bigs until around June 1. If that’s the case, I could see them signing some FA catcher (not bengie) to hold down the fort until Posey comes up. Greg Zaun anyone?
Neal before Zod!
Official Sponsor of the 1997 San Francisco Giants
by nostocksjustbonds on Jun 16, 2009 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That sounds right. So you think they’ll send him to CT this year, Fresno to start next year?
by Evan on Jun 16, 2009 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
no, he goes to Fresno and finishes the year there, which is what the team has indicated he’ll do (after 300 abs in San Jose.)
it all depends on how well he does, though. If he hits just ok in Fresno they’d probably want to see more at the beginning of next year before calling him up. Of course, what he really needs is games behind the plate. His defense will dictate when he’s ready, not his offense.
Neal before Zod!
Official Sponsor of the 1997 San Francisco Giants
by nostocksjustbonds on Jun 16, 2009 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wouldn’t it be better to have the GIants send their hitting prospects to the friendly confines that is Dodd Stadium? If they are as good as you say they are then they should be able to mash in the EL
by wilriv21 on Jun 16, 2009 2:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, that’s #77 on the list of Things Giants Management Does That I Just Don’t Understand.
by Evan on Jun 16, 2009 2:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Goldstein posted on Twitter that Neal is going to be part of his minor league update this morning. I’m looking forward to see what he says.
by KCE on Jun 16, 2009 8:05 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Ha
I posted a comment on yesterday’s Ten Pack about Neal and he said he would put him in the Ten Pack or ML update. Glad he’s finally taking notice.
by AngelWillSaveUs on Jun 16, 2009 8:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thomas Neal, OF, Giants (High-A San Jose)
Monday’s stats: 2-for-4, HR (12), R, RBI, K
A draft-and-follow signed in 2006, Neal bounced back from shoulder surgery and earned some praise for a solid season in the Sally League, but he’s really exploded this year in California, and now that the scouting reports are coming in, it’s looking like this guy is legit. With a stocky build that one evaluator likened to that of an NFL running back, Neal generates tremendous leverage in his swing, and has been hitting balls all over the place of late, going 18-for-39 in his last ten games with 37 total bases to raise his season averages to .346/.426/.626. This isn’t a sleeper folks, this is a very real prospect.
Proud father of Juan Carlos Perez. Think Albert Pujols at second.
by marcello on Jun 16, 2009 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wish he’d gone into detail on “the scouting reports coming in” but this is what I wanted to hear.
by KCE on Jun 16, 2009 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
what ees thees “real prospect”?
STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.
by UnleashTheGore on Jun 16, 2009 11:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
/beams with pride!!!
Neal before Zod!
Official Sponsor of the 1997 San Francisco Giants
by nostocksjustbonds on Jun 16, 2009 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
NEAL IS REAL
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Jun 16, 2009 12:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
THOMAS IS BOMB-ASS
Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear
by Natto on Jun 16, 2009 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Neal is the real deal.
Stay healthy kid!
by SoFa King Mike on Jun 16, 2009 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gold star for Neal
Supporting San Francisco Dugout since 2005 and Manny Burriss since 2006, and bringing you all your California League needs since 2009.
by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Jun 16, 2009 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like catchers with an OPS of over .950
Seriously, has anyone seen my adopted brother?
by j14 on Jun 16, 2009 10:09 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
the K-man strikes again!
STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.
by UnleashTheGore on Jun 16, 2009 10:25 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I am starting to believe in Rohlinger. A little. Can he play 2B?
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Jun 16, 2009 10:49 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I found this video on Youtube of him taking groundballs at second:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHg5SJYRHA0
Merkin Valdez? Manuel Mateo? A rose by any other name...
by rotorueter on Jun 16, 2009 11:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok, you got me.
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Jun 16, 2009 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
From what I saw him back in his Sally days, his D at 3B is his best tool. Not sure if his bat at 2B would be worth the switch of a plus defender on the corner.
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 Jun 16, 2009 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The current UZR-based thinking is that third basemen as a group do just as well at second as they do at third. I don’t totally buy that, but if it’s true, it would make sense to move him to second, where his bat would play better.
by Evan on Jun 16, 2009 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
playing 2nd may also be his quickest way to the majors.
Neal before Zod!
Official Sponsor of the 1997 San Francisco Giants
by nostocksjustbonds on Jun 16, 2009 11:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Panda stays at 3B then Rohlinger better try another position.
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Jun 16, 2009 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
or they should trade Molina for whatever, move Pablo to catcher, bring up Rohlinger for 3rd base, send Burriss down, bring up Frandsen and DFA Richie and call up Guzman for utility/bat, trade Winn for whatever, Let Nate start in RF and bench Lewis and call up Bowker to play LF.
New Lineup (not incl. anything acquired in a trade)
CF Rowand
2B Frandsen
LF Bowker
C Panda
RF Nate
1B Guzman/TI
3B Rohlinger
SS Renteria
P
Neal before Zod!
Official Sponsor of the 1997 San Francisco Giants
by nostocksjustbonds on Jun 16, 2009 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
if that's what the giants lay down
i am so picking that up
by druncan on Jun 16, 2009 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Rohlinger would benefit a lot from spending the entire year in Fresno.
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Jun 16, 2009 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I also just don’t get the “bench Lewis play Nate” crowd. “Bench Lewis play BOWKERMANIA” is more understandable, but I don’t get the Nate Clunkenstein love.
Can someone articulate exactly what the problem with Lewis is? Is it really the strikeouts? He’s in a slump but the guy has proven on-base skills. How is that not better than flailing at the first pitch and grounding out to SS?
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Jun 16, 2009 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You’ve really been waging an anti-Nate war for the last few days, haven’t you? I think every other post I’ve seen is re: Nate.
LEAVE NATE ALONE
by xanthan on Jun 16, 2009 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Admittedly, I’ve been right there with him. Must be those couple of years I lived on the North Side.
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 Jun 16, 2009 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Days? Probably weeks. And it started last year.
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Jun 16, 2009 4:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree about Nate’s over aggressiveness. I’d prefer to see him be more selective. I partly believe that he is coached to do that by this org, but still…Also, His defense is better than Fred’s.
As for Fred, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a guy take so many call 3rd strike fastballs right down the plate (not since Robby Thompson, anyway). Either he doesn’t see it, or he’s just guessing, but this a problem. We all know he can hit, we’ve seen it, but he seemingly has no ability to protect with 2 strikes and it is quite worrisome. Maybe he’s injured or maybe he just needs to clear his head. Either way, he needs to do something different.
Neal before Zod!
Official Sponsor of the 1997 San Francisco Giants
by nostocksjustbonds on Jun 16, 2009 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I used to think that JT took more called third strikes than any player I’d ever seen (and usually complain about them). I wonder if there’s any way to check that stat.
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 Jun 16, 2009 4:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I forgot about him. He did take a lot. I really think it comes down to either not seeing the ball or being a bad guesser. with 2 strikes, it should be “if it’s close, swing”
Neal before Zod!
Official Sponsor of the 1997 San Francisco Giants
by nostocksjustbonds on Jun 16, 2009 4:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
sunglasses? Does he still hit with them on?
I never liked the idea of hitting with shades on. If your pupils dilate in response to the dark, your sharpness decreases. Think about a non-digital camera—for sharp image, you get plenty of light and stop down the aperture.
cheering for Adam Witter, who will hit bigleague dingers some day.
Still yelling "Go, Antoan"
by foothillsfan on Jun 16, 2009 5:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i’d be ok with this, but i’d rather leave guzman down in AAA for a full season, and have pablo platoon with TI at first to give him more rest at catcher
Also known to haunt as theghostoftravisdenker and theaccidentalghostofsergioromo.
by theghostofjasonellison on Jun 16, 2009 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There will obviously be some cases where a player is better suited for one than the other, such as a great arm and quick reflexes would play better at third, but other than that caveat, it seems pretty believable.
Also of interesting note, the offensive differences between 2nd and 3rd are almost non-existent now.
NL 2B – .267/.339/.407
NL 3B – .267/.340/.412
AL 2B – .275/.336/.418
AL 3B – .266/.334/.422
Proud father of Juan Carlos Perez. Think Albert Pujols at second.
by marcello on Jun 16, 2009 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s a low point for 3B right now as well.
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Jun 16, 2009 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It seemed like just a couple of years ago we were coming into a golden age of 3B too.
Proud father of Juan Carlos Perez. Think Albert Pujols at second.
by marcello on Jun 16, 2009 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some time last winter BA did a piece on major league 2B, and it was interesting how few of them were 2B in the minors, or at least in the low minors. Can’t remember the numbers, but I believe it was well over half of them had been 3B or SS at least through AA, and many right up to the majors.
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 Jun 16, 2009 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t see why not. If Kent could play there, Rohlinger could. Rohlinger was a SS in college, so he probably would feel comfortable around 2b. I always thought of his upside as a super-utility guy who could even start for a couple years in between stints at that role.
Last year, he came up and seemed to have that glossy eyed rookie look. I don’t think that would happen again. I could see him contributing this year.
Neal before Zod!
Official Sponsor of the 1997 San Francisco Giants
by nostocksjustbonds on Jun 16, 2009 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

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