[lex24]

Bleak.

[lex24]

Bleak.

[Giants]

Bleak.

It does look very bleak; however, the cavalry is coming.  If the fort can be held until the all-star break, there may be a chance to survive the current situation.

[Giants]

Bleak.

It does look very bleak; however, the cavalry is coming.  If the fort can be held until the all-star break, there may be a chance to survive the current situation.

[old spanish trail]

Bleak.

It does look very bleak; however, the cavalry is coming.  If the fort can be held until the all-star break, there may be a chance to survive the current situation.

Really? I like your optimism but who is this cavalry of whom you speak? Ray and Cobb? Hopefully they don't come down with a groin pull. Poor Casey at the bat. Strikes out with no outs and bases loaded and then doesn't come up with 3 hard hits to short. Thus, Ariz leads 3-0.

[old spanish trail]

Bleak.

It does look very bleak; however, the cavalry is coming.  If the fort can be held until the all-star break, there may be a chance to survive the current situation.

Really? I like your optimism but who is this cavalry of whom you speak? Ray and Cobb? Hopefully they don't come down with a groin pull. Poor Casey at the bat. Strikes out with no outs and bases loaded and then doesn't come up with 3 hard hits to short. Thus, Ariz leads 3-0.

[Mick]

Bleak.

It does look very bleak; however, the cavalry is coming.  If the fort can be held until the all-star break, there may be a chance to survive the current situation.

Really? I like your optimism but who is this cavalry of whom you speak? Ray and Cobb? Hopefully they don't come down with a groin pull. Poor Casey at the bat. Strikes out with no outs and bases loaded and then doesn't come up with 3 hard hits to short. Thus, Ariz leads 3-0.

That's the real question. Can the Giants keep it close until the All Star break? Last year, they had a great first 2/3rds of the season, then just tanked.

I'm not too worried about the hitters. Soler's history is that he heats up in the second half, he's basically a different hitter after July 1. Conforto, historically, is much better in the second half. Wade, Estrada and Yaz typically do slightly worse in the 2nd half but it's basically a rounding error. Bailey is the one I'm really worried about, given his tank job in the second half of last year.

The youngsters are coming into their own. Wisely is crushing it. Even Casey Schmitt is doing much better. Hopefully Wade will bounce back in July. 

The real question is the pitching. There's not enough data on Harrison, Miller or Rodriguez, but here's the list of SFG pitchers who pitch better in the second half: Tyler Rogers, Blake Snell, Sean Hjelle, Ryan Walker, Camilo Doval, Alex Cobb, Spencer Howard.

Here's the list of SFG pitchers who have historically pitched worse in the second half of the season: Robbie Ray, Logan Webb, Taylor Rogers, Jordan Hicks, Luke Jackson, Keaton Winn, Tristan Beck.

That's...not a good sign. Five starters worse, two starters better. At least the closer is better. Two of the three main setup relievers are better (not counting Rodriguez). Overall...not great signs.

[Mick]

Bleak.

It does look very bleak; however, the cavalry is coming.  If the fort can be held until the all-star break, there may be a chance to survive the current situation.

Really? I like your optimism but who is this cavalry of whom you speak? Ray and Cobb? Hopefully they don't come down with a groin pull. Poor Casey at the bat. Strikes out with no outs and bases loaded and then doesn't come up with 3 hard hits to short. Thus, Ariz leads 3-0.

That's the real question. Can the Giants keep it close until the All Star break? Last year, they had a great first 2/3rds of the season, then just tanked.

I'm not too worried about the hitters. Soler's history is that he heats up in the second half, he's basically a different hitter after July 1. Conforto, historically, is much better in the second half. Wade, Estrada and Yaz typically do slightly worse in the 2nd half but it's basically a rounding error. Bailey is the one I'm really worried about, given his tank job in the second half of last year.

The youngsters are coming into their own. Wisely is crushing it. Even Casey Schmitt is doing much better. Hopefully Wade will bounce back in July. 

The real question is the pitching. There's not enough data on Harrison, Miller or Rodriguez, but here's the list of SFG pitchers who pitch better in the second half: Tyler Rogers, Blake Snell, Sean Hjelle, Ryan Walker, Camilo Doval, Alex Cobb, Spencer Howard.

Here's the list of SFG pitchers who have historically pitched worse in the second half of the season: Robbie Ray, Logan Webb, Taylor Rogers, Jordan Hicks, Luke Jackson, Keaton Winn, Tristan Beck.

That's...not a good sign. Five starters worse, two starters better. At least the closer is better. Two of the three main setup relievers are better (not counting Rodriguez). Overall...not great signs.

[Giants]

Ahmed returning will be a significant boost for a pitching staff that emphasizes ground balls.  Luciano (not ready for prime time defense) and Schmitt (a guy playing out of position) are not the answer when Ahmed goes down.

[Giants]

Ahmed returning will be a significant boost for a pitching staff that emphasizes ground balls.  Luciano (not ready for prime time defense) and Schmitt (a guy playing out of position) are not the answer when Ahmed goes down.

[Mick]

Ahmed returning will be a significant boost for a pitching staff that emphasizes ground balls.  Luciano (not ready for prime time defense) and Schmitt (a guy playing out of position) are not the answer when Ahmed goes down.

Agreed. Chapman and Ahmed on the left side are amazing. And Ahmed's batting skills are negligible in either half... ;)

[Mick]

Ahmed returning will be a significant boost for a pitching staff that emphasizes ground balls.  Luciano (not ready for prime time defense) and Schmitt (a guy playing out of position) are not the answer when Ahmed goes down.

Agreed. Chapman and Ahmed on the left side are amazing. And Ahmed's batting skills are negligible in either half... ;)

[Mick]

Good game today, 9-3 win, triumphant return of Austin Slater with a hit and only two strikeouts. Actually, a triumphant return of the young guys; Ramos went 2/2 with four walks, now has .407 OBP. Yikes. Estrada, 3/6. Fitzgerald, 2/4. Soler went 2 for 6 with his 7th HR, I think he's going to heat up soon. Flores, 2 hits with grand slam. Hjelle win. Hicks was shaky...

[Mick]

Good game today, 9-3 win, triumphant return of Austin Slater with a hit and only two strikeouts. Actually, a triumphant return of the young guys; Ramos went 2/2 with four walks, now has .407 OBP. Yikes. Estrada, 3/6. Fitzgerald, 2/4. Soler went 2 for 6 with his 7th HR, I think he's going to heat up soon. Flores, 2 hits with grand slam. Hjelle win. Hicks was shaky...

[Mick]

Mick had suggested Steven Vogt as a possible Giant Manager.  I lol.  Today Vogt was named the Guardians Manager
Good call Mick

Hope he does well. The Guardians have an even bigger hill to climb that the Giants. They pitched reasonably well, 8th in runs allowed, 10th in ERA but just 18th in WHIP, suggesting that they got lucky in the field. They can't hit well, having finished 27th in runs per game, and their fielding is just average -- fielding percentage just above MLB average, Rtot just below MLB average, DPs 24th in MLB.

Their starters were a bit above average, relievers a bit below average. They had three strong rookie starters (Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams & Logan Allen). They were weak up the middle -- both SS and Catchers were 27th in WAR, CF was 25th. Only 2B was 2nd in WAR. Corner infielders were 13th (1B) and 7th (3B). 7th in LF, 26th in RF.

They finished 13 games back of the wild card with a -35 run differential but won the AL Central in 2022. Vogt has his work cut out for him. He replaces Terry Francona who retired after 11 years and is likely a future HoFer.

Cleveland interviewed SF Giants bullpen coach Craig Albernaz, along with LAD 1st base coach McCulllough, and the Cubs and Yankees bench coaches. Also interviewed Brewers manager Craig Counsell.

Vogt's Guardians, not surprisingly, are crushing it. They are leading the AL Central (and are 3rd in the AL) at 40-22 after finishing 76-86 last year. Vogt and his coaches have led an amazing turnaround.

[Mick]

Mick had suggested Steven Vogt as a possible Giant Manager.  I lol.  Today Vogt was named the Guardians Manager
Good call Mick

Hope he does well. The Guardians have an even bigger hill to climb that the Giants. They pitched reasonably well, 8th in runs allowed, 10th in ERA but just 18th in WHIP, suggesting that they got lucky in the field. They can't hit well, having finished 27th in runs per game, and their fielding is just average -- fielding percentage just above MLB average, Rtot just below MLB average, DPs 24th in MLB.

Their starters were a bit above average, relievers a bit below average. They had three strong rookie starters (Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams & Logan Allen). They were weak up the middle -- both SS and Catchers were 27th in WAR, CF was 25th. Only 2B was 2nd in WAR. Corner infielders were 13th (1B) and 7th (3B). 7th in LF, 26th in RF.

They finished 13 games back of the wild card with a -35 run differential but won the AL Central in 2022. Vogt has his work cut out for him. He replaces Terry Francona who retired after 11 years and is likely a future HoFer.

Cleveland interviewed SF Giants bullpen coach Craig Albernaz, along with LAD 1st base coach McCulllough, and the Cubs and Yankees bench coaches. Also interviewed Brewers manager Craig Counsell.

Vogt's Guardians, not surprisingly, are crushing it. They are leading the AL Central (and are 3rd in the AL) at 40-22 after finishing 76-86 last year. Vogt and his coaches have led an amazing turnaround.

[Mick]

Amazing win last night. Down 3-1 going into the bottom of the tenth, the breaks start to go the Giants' way. Giants had four hits in the 10th, coupled with one error (and one or two of the hits could have have been judged errors), culminating in Slater's bases-loaded hit which hit about 2/3rds of the way up the wall. 

Pitching was strong, local lefty Kyle Harrison gave up four hits in 6 1/3rd and just one run. Five relievers combined to give up one earned run.

Final score, 4-3. Walk-hit off for Slater, nice to see. Hope the other experienced players are also starting to come around.

Giants still in sixth place in the NL, in the last playoff spot, 1/2 game behind the Padres. They're also 1/2 game ahead of the Cubs, Reds and Cardinals, a game ahead of the Pirates, a game and a half ahead of the Diamondbacks and two games ahead of the Nationals. Parity ensues.

[Mick]

Amazing win last night. Down 3-1 going into the bottom of the tenth, the breaks start to go the Giants' way. Giants had four hits in the 10th, coupled with one error (and one or two of the hits could have have been judged errors), culminating in Slater's bases-loaded hit which hit about 2/3rds of the way up the wall. 

Pitching was strong, local lefty Kyle Harrison gave up four hits in 6 1/3rd and just one run. Five relievers combined to give up one earned run.

Final score, 4-3. Walk-hit off for Slater, nice to see. Hope the other experienced players are also starting to come around.

Giants still in sixth place in the NL, in the last playoff spot, 1/2 game behind the Padres. They're also 1/2 game ahead of the Cubs, Reds and Cardinals, a game ahead of the Pirates, a game and a half ahead of the Diamondbacks and two games ahead of the Nationals. Parity ensues.

[Mick]

And my comment about players not RESPECTING Kapler has nothing to do with LIKING him.  Different altogether.  That was not, and never has been, my point.  In fact,  my guess is your great managing partner was a stern taskmaster.  Held people accountable etc..  According to Webb, Yaz and others, that was certainly not the case with Kapler.  Laisse Faire being a more apt description. They liked him.  I just don’t think they respected him.

Looks like you can put Mauricio Dubon at the top of that list...

https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/06/10/f...=automated

[Mick]

And my comment about players not RESPECTING Kapler has nothing to do with LIKING him.  Different altogether.  That was not, and never has been, my point.  In fact,  my guess is your great managing partner was a stern taskmaster.  Held people accountable etc..  According to Webb, Yaz and others, that was certainly not the case with Kapler.  Laisse Faire being a more apt description. They liked him.  I just don’t think they respected him.

Looks like you can put Mauricio Dubon at the top of that list...

https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/06/10/f...=automated

[Mick]

Stanford alum Slater batted leadoff, went 3 for 5, raised his average 42 points, two RBIs, scored a run in the SFG 5-3 win over Astros. SOler went 2 for 2, Wisely went 2 for 4, Yaz went 1 for 3. Webb got the win, Doval didn't allow a baserunner to get the save.

The aforementioned Mauricio Dubon...who is batting .301 and doing quite well...struck out on a checked swing to end the game.

[Mick]

Stanford alum Slater batted leadoff, went 3 for 5, raised his average 42 points, two RBIs, scored a run in the SFG 5-3 win over Astros. SOler went 2 for 2, Wisely went 2 for 4, Yaz went 1 for 3. Webb got the win, Doval didn't allow a baserunner to get the save.

The aforementioned Mauricio Dubon...who is batting .301 and doing quite well...struck out on a checked swing to end the game.

[Mick]

Stanford alums showed well on Father's Day in a 13-6 win. Erik Miller gave up an unearned run in the first inning as the opener, ERA still just 3.58. Slater had a breakout day as he continues his ascent. Two for two with a home run and a walk. He's batting .230, up from the .170 ish range, but his OBP is even more impressive at .373. If he had enough ABs, he'd be 15th in the league.

Also improving rapidly is Soler, 2/4 with an HR and 4 RBIs. His career OPS is .743 1st half (he's .697) and .897 2nd half. I suspect he's going to really take off shortly. Ramos continues to crush it at .326, Wisely is at .313, both had two hits. Bailey was 2/5, he's hitting .280. Slight concern re: Bailey, he had another passed ball yesterday. He's leading the NL in passed balls with 5 (he was 1st last year as well) and last year he led the league in errors by catchers. At least his errors are down markedly, from 13 to 3. He's blocking the plate better too, WPs are down from 21 to 7 in 1/2 as many games caught.

And feelgood story of the year, Spencer Bivens had his first MLB pitching appearance at the age of 29, threw three innings, gave up one hit (a HR) and earned the win.

Only down side was Camilo Doval, giving up four runs in 1/3rd of an inning. ERA now 4.88. Blew up the water cooler, threw his glove, lost his cool. Walker came in, struck out the last two batters to close it out.

[Mick]

Stanford alums showed well on Father's Day in a 13-6 win. Erik Miller gave up an unearned run in the first inning as the opener, ERA still just 3.58. Slater had a breakout day as he continues his ascent. Two for two with a home run and a walk. He's batting .230, up from the .170 ish range, but his OBP is even more impressive at .373. If he had enough ABs, he'd be 15th in the league.

Also improving rapidly is Soler, 2/4 with an HR and 4 RBIs. His career OPS is .743 1st half (he's .697) and .897 2nd half. I suspect he's going to really take off shortly. Ramos continues to crush it at .326, Wisely is at .313, both had two hits. Bailey was 2/5, he's hitting .280. Slight concern re: Bailey, he had another passed ball yesterday. He's leading the NL in passed balls with 5 (he was 1st last year as well) and last year he led the league in errors by catchers. At least his errors are down markedly, from 13 to 3. He's blocking the plate better too, WPs are down from 21 to 7 in 1/2 as many games caught.

And feelgood story of the year, Spencer Bivens had his first MLB pitching appearance at the age of 29, threw three innings, gave up one hit (a HR) and earned the win.

Only down side was Camilo Doval, giving up four runs in 1/3rd of an inning. ERA now 4.88. Blew up the water cooler, threw his glove, lost his cool. Walker came in, struck out the last two batters to close it out.

[Mick]

Miller got the win tonight, despite giving up three earned runs and his ERA ballooned to 4.24, he's 2-2. Doval got his 13th save, three up, three down.

[Mick]

Miller got the win tonight, despite giving up three earned runs and his ERA ballooned to 4.24, he's 2-2. Doval got his 13th save, three up, three down.

[Giants]

Miller got the win tonight, despite giving up three earned runs and his ERA ballooned to 4.24, he's 2-2. Doval got his 13th save, three up, three down.

Why baseball is the best sport in the world - redemption happens daily. Today, it was Doval’s turn. Meanwhile, if Ramos keeps up his current performance, he will make people stop talking about Chili Davis….

Looking forward to Thursday, it should be quite a game.  I just wish Mays could be there.  Darn………

Addendum: J.D. Davis was DFA’d by Oakland today. I wonder if any team will be interested in signing him once he clears waivers…

[Giants]

Miller got the win tonight, despite giving up three earned runs and his ERA ballooned to 4.24, he's 2-2. Doval got his 13th save, three up, three down.

Why baseball is the best sport in the world - redemption happens daily. Today, it was Doval’s turn. Meanwhile, if Ramos keeps up his current performance, he will make people stop talking about Chili Davis….

Looking forward to Thursday, it should be quite a game.  I just wish Mays could be there.  Darn………

Addendum: J.D. Davis was DFA’d by Oakland today. I wonder if any team will be interested in signing him once he clears waivers…

[Mick]

Addendum:  J.D. Davis was DFA’d by Oakland today.  I wonder if any team will be interested in signing him once he clears waivers…

I would hope so. Had a strong-ish year for the Giants last year (.248/.325/.413/.738) 104 OPS+ and he's never been below 97 OPS+ for a full season except his second season, and he's had some very strong years. What holds him back is that he's a below average defender (-38 Rtot, .961 career fielding percentage at 3B, range below league average). Decent first baseman, which is where he chiefly played for the A's. Unfortunately, he's ranked 28th among the 51 players who have played 1st base, OPS-wise. $6.9 million in salary was absurd, but I wonder if there'd be any takers at MLB minimum, tbh. Late Night LaMonte is ranked third...hope he comes back soon.

[Mick]

Addendum:  J.D. Davis was DFA’d by Oakland today.  I wonder if any team will be interested in signing him once he clears waivers…

I would hope so. Had a strong-ish year for the Giants last year (.248/.325/.413/.738) 104 OPS+ and he's never been below 97 OPS+ for a full season except his second season, and he's had some very strong years. What holds him back is that he's a below average defender (-38 Rtot, .961 career fielding percentage at 3B, range below league average). Decent first baseman, which is where he chiefly played for the A's. Unfortunately, he's ranked 28th among the 51 players who have played 1st base, OPS-wise. $6.9 million in salary was absurd, but I wonder if there'd be any takers at MLB minimum, tbh. Late Night LaMonte is ranked third...hope he comes back soon.

[cardcrimson]

Tyler Rogers gives up three in the bottom of the 8th to blow a solid start by Webb. Again.

[cardcrimson]

Tyler Rogers gives up three in the bottom of the 8th to blow a solid start by Webb. Again.

[Mick]

Tyler Rogers gives up three in the bottom of the 8th to blow a solid start by Webb. Again.

Well, Tyler Rogers has only done it one other time this season, 5/26 vs. the Mets. He's given up nine earned runs all season in 34 2/3rds innings. Two walks in all that time, 25 strikeouts. In fact, it's been 10 appearances since the Mets, and he didn't give up any runs in between.

[Mick]

Tyler Rogers gives up three in the bottom of the 8th to blow a solid start by Webb. Again.

Well, Tyler Rogers has only done it one other time this season, 5/26 vs. the Mets. He's given up nine earned runs all season in 34 2/3rds innings. Two walks in all that time, 25 strikeouts. In fact, it's been 10 appearances since the Mets, and he didn't give up any runs in between.

[cardcrimson]

Fair point, haven't been following that closely. Know he blew a save awhile back, seemingly more recently than a month ago. Thought the team might have rallied for Willie. . . .

[cardcrimson]

Fair point, haven't been following that closely. Know he blew a save awhile back, seemingly more recently than a month ago. Thought the team might have rallied for Willie. . . .

[BobK]

What a pre game celebration before the Giants start in Birmingham tonight
The Giants are wearing the 1946 SF Sea Lion unis

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Fran...ing%20team.

[BobK]

What a pre game celebration before the Giants start in Birmingham tonight
The Giants are wearing the 1946 SF Sea Lion unis

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Fran...ing%20team.

[cardcrimson]

The Giants are wearing the 1946 SF Sea Lion unis 

Didn't realize the Sea Lions unis had the Nike swish on them . . . .

[cardcrimson]

The Giants are wearing the 1946 SF Sea Lion unis 

Didn't realize the Sea Lions unis had the Nike swish on them . . . .