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Around SBN: Jim Irsay: We Can Make It Work With Peyton Manning

Youth Movement

by Grant Brisbee on Sep 4, 2007 2:19 PM PDT in News

The three call-ups in whom I'm most interested:

Nate Schierholtz
He has a real chance to be a part of the 2008 Giants, so the hope is that he flashes some of the power he showed in his Fresno tour of duty. His .364 average is sample-size soft, with at least a third of his 16 hits coming on end-of-the-bat flares, but it beats a string of Lindenian confidence-crushing strikeouts. The Giants could have a four-headed monster in center and right next year, with Schierholtz and Fred Lewis as the lefties, and Rajai Davis and Dan Ortmeier as the righties, but that would assume the Giants would be able to dump both Dave Roberts and Randy Winn. That doesn't seem like something Brian Sabean would do even if he could, but a fella can dream.
Eugenio Velez
Woo hoo! Another fast outfielder! That's...something. Velez is a switch-hitter who had a decent season in AA, especially considering that the Eastern League, and Norwich specifically, hurts offensive numbers. As a middle infielder, he'd be more likely to be auditioning for a 2008 spot, but it's a pretty crowded outfield already. What I'm hoping for, though, is that he proves himself to be a data point for the "Dave Roberts isn't a bad player; he's just redundant on this team"-argument. Roberts is a speedster who can't hit lefties. Velez is a speedster who can't hit lefties, but who could also play the infield in a pinch. If the Giants do decide to go with the four-headed monster, Velez could be a good choice for the utility spot.
Dan Giese
Pro: Fringe fastball, sweet breaking ball, plus command, and a great AAA season. Con: That all also applied to Scott Atchison. To be fair, Atchison's breaking ball has been incredibly inconsistent since coming to the majors, so it isn't right color Giese with the same crayon just because of Atchison's struggles. The Giants might be willing to trade a young reliever for some offensive help, and a lights-out month from Giese could help them make up their mind.

Which call-ups are you most interested in? You can throw Lewis on the pile, or even Jonathan Sanchez if you want to be a lawyer about it.* Are there any players who didn't get called up who you think should have? Bowker backers? Leone lamenters? Knoedler enablers? Horwitz hounds?

_{*Yes, I know that half of you out there are lawyers, were lawyers, or are studying to be lawyers. It's a joke. You jackals.}

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Comments

Re: Youth Movement

Schierholtz reminds me of Will Clark without the enthusiasm. If I had my way he would start most of the games in RF during Sept with Winn/Roberts/Bonds/Davis platooning it in CF/RF (If Sabean doesn't get rid of Winn or Roberts in the offseason he's worthless). We need to find out if Nate's for real. Not sure where Velez fits in except for a late game PR.

Although not a Sept callup I want to see Ortman get the majority of the starts at 1B because if he can hang in there for a month that might fill a spot for '08.

Can't w8 for '08!

by southcitysteve on Sep 4, 2007 2:22 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

Issue: what call-ups are you most interested in?

Rule: call-ups should be at least mildly interesting and have some good baseball playing ability.

Analysis: I'm most interested in Nate and Velez, although, I agree that if Velez were still a middle infielder, he'd be the most promising position player on the Giants above A ball.

I also really, really wish that Knoedler would get a call-up. He such a superior defensive catcher to all the others and he's put up pretty good numbers at Fresno this year. I like Bengie and he ain't going nowhere just yet, but G Rod and Eliezer are both pretty much garbage and Eliezer's defense especially leaves a lot to be desired.

with the OF glut, the team might not re-sign Bonds. If they do or not, I wouldn't be opposed to trading one of those guys for some infield help, which is going to be a huge problem this offseason with 4 holes to fill on the infield, even if Ort at first goes well.

Conclusion: Nate makes the club next year. Velez starts in Fresno with occasional call-ups during those Dave Roberts DL visits. Knoedler is an organizational player, I guess. Bonds 2008 or not, the Giants need some serious infield help and trading one of these young OFs may be what the doctor ordered, even if the Ort-at-first base thing sticks.

Bonds stands alone.

by nostocksjustbonds on Sep 4, 2007 2:25 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

FWIW, here's as close to an exact quote as my meager memory can recreate from last week's Sabean show:

Ralph: Do you see Ortmeier as your first baseman down the road going into next season?

Brian: That would be a pretty big leap of faith for me.

My boy ain't fat, he's just big boned. Big bat, too.

by Roger on Sep 4, 2007 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

Thats disheartening to read. Just really is to hear that they'd rather spend 1 million on someone like Klesko than give this kid a chance.

I am teh sad.

And Boom Goes the Dynamite

by Andy from DC on Sep 4, 2007 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

I'd rather spend $1M on Klesko than start Ortmeier. At least Lance Niekro had the minor league numbers when we took the leap of faith with him. Ortmeier's current .480 slugging percentage would be the highest he's ever posted at any level. I don't think that's going to last. The .287 OBP? That's a much better bet to last.

You could put Walrus Man at first and call it a youth movement. But at some point, you're going to have to evaluate the talent too. The list of 26-year-old players who came to the bigs with a .781 career minor league OPS and became productive first basemen can't be a long one.

by Grant Brisbee on Sep 4, 2007 2:50 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

I agree with that, too. I've never been very sold on the Ortmeier as respectable 1B experiment. And as many here have said for a while, it's pretty futile trying to have a youth movement without any decent youth. I was just pointing out that Ortmeier at 1b in Sept. doesn't necessarily mean Ortmeier at 1b in April. In fact, it's an old school truism in baseball that you're asking for trouble if you make plans based on September performances.

My boy ain't fat, he's just big boned. Big bat, too.

by Roger on Sep 4, 2007 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

I'm very excited about the WalrusMan callup.

Dave Righetti: You don't know him.

by howtheyscored on Sep 4, 2007 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions

Meh

His ceiling is as a 4th walrus at best. And I don't care much for his clams vs. shrimp platoon splits.

Proud adoptive father of the All-Father, currently sandbagging in Augusta.

by EliminateMe on Sep 4, 2007 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Meh

But has anyone adopted him yet?

by Evan on Sep 4, 2007 7:34 PM PDT up reply actions

Been trying to think of something to post..

To reply to something on this. But I can't come up with anything.

I will work for the minor league minimum though.

Lance Niekro AAA Watch: 108 AB .287/.352/.463 6 2B 2 3B 3 HR 11 BB -- 0.2 IP 27.00 ERA 3 H 0 BB 0 K (through 8/19)

by WalrusMan on Sep 4, 2007 8:48 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Been trying to think of something to post..

That still equates to nothing, Walrus.

by Moggeee on Sep 4, 2007 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Been trying to think of something to post..

You can't think of anything to say? Tsk tsk. (Or should I say "Tusk tusk"?)

Attention all cars: Be on the look-out for Ryan Klesko's missing power.

by Goofus on Sep 5, 2007 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

I'm reading it differently than you. I don't think Sabean is saying he's ruling out Ort. I think he's saying he'd be dumb to assume that he doesn't need to think about 1B with Ort available.

I'm guessing he wants to see more of him.

Attention all cars: Be on the look-out for Ryan Klesko's missing power.

by Goofus on Sep 4, 2007 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

if Velez were still a middle infielder, he'd be the most promising position player on the Giants above A ball

Maybe I'm too down on Velez. But doesn't it bother anyone that his season was bad? A .344 OBP with no power and a lot of strikeouts? From a 25-year-old in AA? That's bad.

And it's not just Dodd; he hit his lone home run on the road, but otherwise the splits are similar. The stolen bases are nice, but a 74% success rate is nothing special.

If Velez were still a middle infielder, I'd still rather have Kevin Frandsen. And I don't even like Frandsen.

by Evan on Sep 4, 2007 2:59 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

it's probably more of a comment on the lack of position player prospects in the Giants org. Plus, with the dearth of any middle infield prospects above A ball (which is what I meant, I think) he still is considered a prospects.

What it comes down to, is that for me at least, having speedy middle infielders who don't hit for much pop is alright (so long as they can play some Defense). And he can improve his OBP. Jose Reyes had a career .338 obp in the minors and has improved vastly since reaching the majors. I'm not saying Velez can be Jose Reyes, but I think if he were still an infielder he could be a poor man's prototype of a Jose Reyes clone. Velez is actually slightly taller, but they're otherwise the same. Velez has that type of speed and he seems to be a bit of a late bloomer.

Also, on the Giants, 25 years old is extremely young.

It's all moot because he isn't gonna be a middle infielder anyway, which significantly lowers his intrigue and potential.

Bonds stands alone.

by nostocksjustbonds on Sep 4, 2007 4:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

His age doesn't mean much to me. He was an undrafted FA in 2001 and never made it out of the lowest levels in the Blue Jays organization. I don't know what happened to bring such a dramatic change in his 2006 year in the Sally League, but I'm happy for it. Sure, this season was a big dropoff statistically for him, but A) you have to take into account that can happen when a guy gets promoted or even changes leagues, and 2) CT tends to kill any offensive skill guys have.

So it took him a while to get it together. I'm excited about him nonetheless.

Strikeouts are boring. Besides that, they're fascist. Not boring: Emmanuel Burriss. Not facist: THE RETURN OF SF Dugout

by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Sep 4, 2007 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

Furthermore he played like 110 games in pro ball before the Giants got him in the rule 5 draft. It's not like he's been toiling in the minors for years and years. The age thing here is really not an issue.

Strikeouts are boring. Besides that, they're fascist. Not boring: Emmanuel Burriss. Not facist: THE RETURN OF SF Dugout

by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Sep 4, 2007 4:26 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

The age thing is an issue for me because I think it gets harder and harder to learn and make adjustments as you get older. We'll see, I guess. Velez makes a good test case for this, since his track record before age 24 is so sparse.

My overall point is that I'm puzzled that people are still so enthusiastic about Velez even though his season was clearly a failure. When he put up that monster year in 2006, the general reaction was, Well, that's impressive, but he's going to have to do it at a higher level before we take him seriously. This year he got promoted to a higher level, and every aspect of his game took a hit. His batting average dropped by 20 points. His walk rate declined (slightly). His power disappeared completely. He went from being an outstanding base stealer to just another guy who runs a lot. And he got moved out of the middle infield.

And yet people seem to be even more excited about Velez than they were at this time last year. I don't get it.

by Evan on Sep 4, 2007 7:47 PM PDT up reply actions

IANAL

very curious about Velez, and hope Lewis makes some noise when he's healed up. also looking fwd to finding out about Threets.

but talking in-depth about these guys really makes me depressed that there are really no non-OF position players. Goddamn Sabean.

Billy Hayes: Nine more big-league plate appearances than you.

by delorean on Sep 4, 2007 2:27 PM PDT reply actions

Re: IANAL

UANAL?

Dave Righetti: You don't know him.

by howtheyscored on Sep 4, 2007 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: IANAL

SCOTT MC-CLAIN. Throw him a bone.

FREE SCOTT McCLAIN

by lucecooler on Sep 4, 2007 4:09 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

SF is going to add John Boy Bowker to the 40 man roster this winter so was hoping he would get a September call-up. Would love to see how his power LH swing would do at ATT. Is is going to be interesting to see if either Bowker or Schierholtz will be playing RF at ATT in the next few years.

With the way the OF is beginning to shake out with all the prospects and with Velez's previous infield experience at SS would like to see SF revisit him as a 2b. Have a Ron Wotus or another coach work with him in fall and winter to improve his defense. If he is having problems with the backhand then hit an extra 200 balls to the backhand. Explain to the kid the quickest way to The Show is thru the infield.

Time for Erick Threets to step-up and prove he is a MLB pitcher. Would like to see him improve enough where he can be in the bullpen mix for 2008. If not teams might be willing to trade for a LHP who throws 95mph.

by wilriv21 on Sep 4, 2007 3:00 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

As Evan said over here, they wouldn't have moved him unless they were already convinced he wasn't going to make it as an IF. If a little extra infield practice was likely to make a difference, don't you think they would have tried that by now?

Proud adoptive father of the All-Father, currently sandbagging in Augusta.

by EliminateMe on Sep 4, 2007 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

At beginning of spring camp SF knew Velez was not a major league prospect at SS so they moved him to 2b. At that time SF did not see the glut of OF prospects - there was no Rajai Davis, John Bowker was a disappointment as was Daniel Ortmeier and quite possibly Frederick Lewis. Much has changed since the beginning of spring. Other than Frandsen, SF does not have any middle infielders on the near horizon.

by wilriv21 on Sep 4, 2007 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

I don't think that's quite right, though. They may not have had Davis, but remember that last spring Todd Linden was part of that "glut" (insert wistful laughter here). Far from being a disappointment, Fred Lewis looked great as a September call-up last year. Schierholtz was on the fast track. I don't think the organization was so short-sighted as to not realize they had more prospects in the OF than the IF.

Also, according to The Baseball Cube's stats, Velez had stopped being a regular SS by 2005 when he was still in the Jays organization.

Here's a quote from the Norwich Bulletin on the move:

His play at second base had come under some scrutiny as Velez struggled turning double plays. The Giants' talent evaluators came to the conclusion Velez has the offensive tools to play in the majors, but his defense was a hindrance. Thus, he was moved to center field.

If he's having trouble turning double plays in AA, it's only going to be worse in the majors.

Proud adoptive father of the All-Father, currently sandbagging in Augusta.

by EliminateMe on Sep 4, 2007 4:15 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

In spring Velez was playing 2b when he was injured so SF still held out some hope he could play the IF. He definitely needs to improve his defense. In CF he will be up against Davis, Timpner, Copeland, and possibly both Roberts and Winn for playing time. Believe SF viewed Linden and Lewis as corner OFs - though did try to force feed both of them in CF.

by wilriv21 on Sep 4, 2007 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

Davis, Timpner, and Copeland? Jeez when you put it that way it doesn't seem like he's got any competition at all!

My boy ain't fat, he's just big boned. Big bat, too.

by Roger on Sep 4, 2007 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

Wil is right that the organization does some goofy things with the defensive spectrum (Linden in center? Pablo Sandoval at first base? etc.), so maybe they were just goofing around, trying to get Velez into a position where he could "use his speed."

by Evan on Sep 4, 2007 7:50 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

I don't know about Sandoval, but putting Linden in center was just a way to get a young guy in more games. Very much like playing Frandsen in the outfield. If it works, the kid gets more playing time and the team has more flexibility. If not, oh well.

Changing Velez to another position permanently, while in the minors, is different. It wasn't done because CT needed help in the outfield, or their infield was overcrowded; it was specifically done because of concerns about his infield defense.

The organization is more likely to err on the side of overpraising rather than overcriticizing their players. If they say publically "we're just trying to get him more opportunities to use his speed", that may or may not be true. If they say "he's having trouble turning double plays", then it's much more likely to be the truth.

Proud adoptive father of the All-Father, currently sandbagging in Augusta.

by EliminateMe on Sep 5, 2007 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

Flannery was a 2B who got a great deal out of limited natual ability. Making a good 2B out of Velez would be a good pet project for him.

Attention all cars: Be on the look-out for Ryan Klesko's missing power.

by Goofus on Sep 4, 2007 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

I'm not sure that I see where 2B would be all that much faster of a route. He'd still have Durham and Frandsen in front of him there. It's important to keep in mind "all the prospects" for the OF are middling and flawed prospects. In other words, it's probably more likely that none of them will become a decent major league regular than that several of them will.

My boy ain't fat, he's just big boned. Big bat, too.

by Roger on Sep 4, 2007 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

I'd give Davis and Lewis the best chance to be something special since they're still so raw and have the athleticism that can take them places and make up for shortcomings.

Attention all cars: Be on the look-out for Ryan Klesko's missing power.

by Goofus on Sep 4, 2007 3:24 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

You're developing a good eye there Senor Goofusiano :D

Barry Zito -- Catch Me if You Can.

by E Ticket on Sep 5, 2007 8:06 AM PDT up reply actions

Agree

It's important to keep in mind "all the prospects" for the OF are middling and flawed prospects. In other words, it's probably more likely that none of them will become a decent major league regular than that several of them will.

Very true, though I am hoping Lewis can be a regular. Time will tell. Same goes for Frandsen. I think he can play, but I am in a lonely minority. If Franny can play he would be the 2b unless Velez can beat him out.

It is my thought that Sabean will upgrade the OF this winter. I think Torii Huner would be an excellent CF for SF. Read today he wants 5yrs/70M. He is 32 yrs old so that may be a year too many. Possibly Sabean can entice him with a 4yr/62M deal? This way you can have Roberts (who I believe would be difficult to trade this winter) play his best position, LF, against RHPs.

by wilriv21 on Sep 4, 2007 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

Schierholtz' only chance to succeed at the ML level is to try and learn 1B. He clearly does not have the defensive skills necessary to play OF on a day-in & day-out basis.

I'm not convinced he can succeed at 1B either, though. His power numbers are not great, certainly not what you'd want at that position. Hell, you could say that about the rest of the OF candidates also, Roberts, Winn, Ortmeier, Davis, Velez....That group would be lucky to hit 50HRs total.

Why isn't Sabean held accountable for leading the Giants into many years of mediocrity???

by oldrips on Sep 4, 2007 3:12 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

He clearly does not have the defensive skills necessary to play OF on a day-in & day-out basis.

Seriously? My mental scouting report on him reads something like "average range, nice arm, a little raw." Not sure where I got that, though. Do people think he's a bad outfielder?

by Evan on Sep 4, 2007 7:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

Both doubles in the 3rd inning yesterday should have been caught. Especially the first hit by the opposing pitcher against Cain. The second, hit by Hawpe was more difficult but still should have been caught. Schierholtz gets late breaks and runs bad routes. He looks like a very bad outfielder to me.

by giantsrainman on Sep 4, 2007 8:53 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

I didn't see them, so I can't say for sure, but all I can think about how ungodly big that outfield is.

Dave Righetti: You don't know him.

by howtheyscored on Sep 4, 2007 9:18 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

Repeat after me:

Small...sample...size.

Unless you've see him play the OF in Fresno all year I don't think you can judge him defensively, good or bad.

The Maharajai steals at will (plus he's not Matt Morris).

by Mike Benjamin Hit King on Sep 4, 2007 9:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

That's the only game I've seen this year where his defense was really bad. In other games he's been decent to A-OK.

Barry Bombs gear | comics | Durham? I hardly know 'im!

by Natto on Sep 4, 2007 11:30 PM PDT up reply actions

IHNJE, IJLS

Knoedler enablers

30,000 Quatloos to anyone who can de-reference that acronym.

by zenbitz on Sep 4, 2007 3:21 PM PDT reply actions

Re: IHNJE, IJLS

ooh... impossible with the typo:

IHNJH, IJLS

by zenbitz on Sep 4, 2007 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: IHNJE, IJLS

I have no jurist experience, I just litigate spuriously?

Billy Hayes: Nine more big-league plate appearances than you.

by delorean on Sep 4, 2007 3:34 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: IHNJE, IJLS

fuck, i did the typo'd one.

anyway.

Billy Hayes: Nine more big-league plate appearances than you.

by delorean on Sep 4, 2007 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: IHNJE, IJLS

Yes, but because of that, we are safe.

It's a higher level of code that the Brainiac Nazis at Dodger Dugout will never decipher.

by Moggeee on Sep 4, 2007 11:23 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: IHNJE, IJLS

SHIN, HIJJL?

Dave Righetti: You don't know him.

by howtheyscored on Sep 4, 2007 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: IHNJE, IJLS

OH ACRONYM.

My bad.

Dave Righetti: You don't know him.

by howtheyscored on Sep 4, 2007 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: IHNJE, IJLS

I have no joke here, I just love saying Knoedler enablers.

And who doesn't, really?

Steve Kline: Lately, significantly less okay

by groug on Sep 4, 2007 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: IHNJE, IJLS

But of course....

by zenbitz on Sep 5, 2007 9:15 AM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

Definately Nate. I really want to see this kid swing the bat, haven't been this excited about a minor league call up(Hitter I mean) since J.R. Phillips(yeah thats pathetic isn't it)so I can't wait to see what Nate can and can't do. Sanchez is also one I want to watch. And third, I really wanted to see Bowker, but I guess I gotta wait till next September.

Your 2010 NL rookie of the year,... Andy D'alessio

by ramirez415 on Sep 4, 2007 3:26 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

Dude, I had a fan club! Suddenly, that Mike Benjamin guy looks like a chump!

"He called the sh** POOP!" -- Adam Sandler

by JRPhillips on Sep 4, 2007 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

I want Nate and Freddie to get a lot of PT.

Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.

by jponry on Sep 4, 2007 3:43 PM PDT reply actions

poontang?

Barry Bombs gear | comics | Durham? I hardly know 'im!

by Natto on Sep 4, 2007 3:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: poontang?

+1

Pedro Feliz: He kinda hits home runs?

by SloIsLonelyForTheOrange on Sep 4, 2007 11:33 PM PDT up reply actions

I will offer myself as wingman

by wilriv21 on Sep 4, 2007 11:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Bucket 'O Poon

We can fill out the KFC roster with a legman, a thighman, and a breastman.

by Moggeee on Sep 5, 2007 8:51 AM PDT up reply actions

potty training?

Bonds stands alone.

by nostocksjustbonds on Sep 4, 2007 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

adding my voice, repeating it, that Velez could learn an infield position. I like the Flannery analogy.
At 2B, he could cheat to the backhand side usually, and rely on speed when goin toward his left.
So--call me Flannery analogy
NOT knoedler enabler

hey, that minor league split site is nice.
Schierholtz slugs 536, OPS 855 against lefties. So he doesn't have to platoon. Should just play RF all the time. High K rate but lots of HRs too against LHP.

adopter/sponsor of "Go, Antoan" Richardson

by foothillsfan on Sep 4, 2007 4:13 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

Learn an infield position? He's been playing infield ever since he turned pro, and presumably before. If they moved him to the outfield, I have to assume it's because of legitimate concerns about his defense, not just that someone thought he was blocked by Kevin Frandsen or something.

As far as I know, Tim Flannery was never moved to the outfield even in the minors.

Proud adoptive father of the All-Father, currently sandbagging in Augusta.

by EliminateMe on Sep 4, 2007 4:26 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

Could it have been that they saw him blocked by Durham and Frandesen?

Remember, up until this year, no one thought Durham sucked.

Attention all cars: Be on the look-out for Ryan Klesko's missing power.

by Goofus on Sep 4, 2007 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

True, but since Velez was heading to his first year at AA, you'd expect him to be ready for the majors in 2009, and Durham's only singed through 2008.

Proud adoptive father of the All-Father, currently sandbagging in Augusta.

by EliminateMe on Sep 4, 2007 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

"Singed"? Durham has already moved past singed. He's more like burnt to a crisp.

by Evan on Sep 4, 2007 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions

Ripe and delicious

E-Me rarely provides such low-hanging fruit -- or toast.

by Moggeee on Sep 5, 2007 8:48 AM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

Seriously, I don't have a man-crush on Scott McClain even though I swear 2 out of 3 of my posts are bringing him up. I've never seen the kid ... err ... man play. But every time I see someone lamenting the lack of infield options I just think C'MON already, give him a shot. Thirty something bombs, 100+ ribbies. Sitting at AAA Fresno. But he's not a "prospect". I freely admit that the odds are he'll flame out. Maybe it's the kid in me that wants to see him get that first at-bat. Maybe lightning will strike the coke bottle as he makes contact. Maybe I do have a man-crush... To Grant's point: Scott is a very interesting option IMO.

FREE SCOTT McCLAIN

by lucecooler on Sep 4, 2007 4:16 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

hmmm... maybe I confused this as "September Call-ups" type thing. McClain would certainly not be part of the youth movement, but we do need corner infielders to bridge the gap between now and when the youth have "moved". We also need cheap rental run producers in that time period (I'm not seeing a ton of 3-4-5 type players mentioned in this thread). Everyone is scared about throwing out more 3 year contracts to vets to bridge the gap. So in that context McClain is very interesting minor league player to me.

FREE SCOTT McCLAIN

by lucecooler on Sep 4, 2007 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

Insert obligatory "But on this team, calling up a 35-year old IS a youth movement" joke here.

Attention all cars: Be on the look-out for Ryan Klesko's missing power.

by Goofus on Sep 5, 2007 2:59 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

But on the Giants, calling up a 35-year old IS a youth movement!

Oh man, I'm so clever.

Steve Kline: Lately, significantly less okay

by groug on Sep 5, 2007 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

Goofus!!!!!

Steve Kline: Lately, significantly less okay

by groug on Sep 5, 2007 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

Wow. From the bleak comments showing a lack of excitement about our prospects you would think that we haven't developed any position players around these parts. The optimist in me sees a lot of useful major league players, but probably no potential stars. Maybe Schierholtz has a chance to be a good hitter at MLB level so I would like to see him get his at bats the rest of the year.

by out machine on Sep 4, 2007 4:45 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

Uhhhhh.......have you noticed a decent position prospect in the last 4 years or one who will be coming up in the next 4 years?

I thought so.

Why isn't Sabean held accountable for leading the Giants into many years of mediocrity???

by oldrips on Sep 4, 2007 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions

What...

Lance Niekro wasn't good enough for you?

Lance Niekro AAA Watch: 108 AB .287/.352/.463 6 2B 2 3B 3 HR 11 BB -- 0.2 IP 27.00 ERA 3 H 0 BB 0 K (through 8/19)

by WalrusMan on Sep 4, 2007 8:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

Anyone got a horn book I can use for my property class? Sadly, I'm not joking.

Proud Adoptive Father of Brian Sabean's inevitable successor.

by Angry Mike on Sep 4, 2007 9:07 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

If I had had a property hornbook, it would have gone straight into the bonfire after I graduated law school.

So no. Good luck with interests. Shifting, springing, vested, conditional, bleh.

by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Sep 4, 2007 9:48 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

Haha, yeah, I found a good one...and mine's going the same place yours would have when this year is over.

Proud Adoptive Father of Brian Sabean's inevitable successor.

by Angry Mike on Sep 7, 2007 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

When Giese takes the mound, the fans should rise in unison and do geese calls.

Barry Bombs gear | comics | Durham? I hardly know 'im!

by Natto on Sep 4, 2007 11:39 PM PDT reply actions

You get more goose for your money this way

An alternative might be to isolate and surround Dodger fans and then perform multi-directional goose kicks.

by Moggeee on Sep 5, 2007 8:45 AM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

Back when Goose Gossage was with the Padres, they have out little goose callers to fans. As soon as a pitcher would get into trouble, fans would start blowing the whistles calling for the goose!

coming into the game to a chorus of 10,000 "honk honk honks" might not have been as awe-inspiring as "Hells Bells" or "Smoke on the Water", but it was pretty goddamm funny. Ah the good all days.

Attention all cars: Be on the look-out for Ryan Klesko's missing power.

by Goofus on Sep 5, 2007 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Youth Movement

I see a new giveaway day on the horizon!

Barry Bombs gear | comics | Durham? I hardly know 'im!

by Natto on Sep 5, 2007 3:52 PM PDT up reply actions

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