[Mick]

I can't figure out what the Giants see in Slater Austin. He is hitting below the Mendoza line, and, worse still, it seems the only pitches he can hit are fastballs right down the middle. Anything else, no chance. Naturally, teams know this and give him nothing he can hit. He is 26 years old. If he hasn't figured this out yet, he isn't going to.

You mean Tyler Austin?  Slater Austin isn’t a player, and Austin Slater, a Stanford guy, is playing pretty well.

BC

Yes, sorry about that. Both players pinch hit last night. Austin Slater got a much better result, but that is just one AB for both of them. Maybe it is my Stanford bias, but when I look at the more "long term" results, it appears to me that Tyler Austin just doesn't have the ability to hit at the major league level. Austin Slater may not either, but his career batting average is at least a respectable 272, while Tyler Austin is 221. Neither has a lot of career ABs, but Tyler Austin has also shown an inability to hit right handed pitching. He also seems to be unable to hit anything that is not a fastball down the middle. He has good power when he hits it, but he just doesn't hit it that often. Austin Slater has not shown such a defect. That says to me that Tyler Austin has a lot further to go before he could even hope to remain in the majors.

Given where the Giants are in their "rebuild" process, trying other players who at least may be potential major league quality in Tyler Austin's roster spot seems preferable to a guy hitting 188. He is apparently not considered a good enough outfielder to play left field regularly. He can't be an every-day first baseman because he can't hit right handed pitching. So until one of these constraints goes away, I don't see why the Giants don't bring up somebody else and see what they can do.

Tyler Austin doesn't quite have what it takes, given the .188 BA.

Stanford's Austin Slater, however, has five hits in ten plate appearances, with just one single and four extra base hits; two doubles, one triple, one home run.  His OPS is 1.783.  And it should be pointed out, he retooled his swing in the spring, didn't have a great spring, bounced back in Sacramento, and is crushing it now.  He also has five RBIs, two walks and two strikeouts.  And he doesn't have any errors in the field.

[Mick]

I can't figure out what the Giants see in Slater Austin. He is hitting below the Mendoza line, and, worse still, it seems the only pitches he can hit are fastballs right down the middle. Anything else, no chance. Naturally, teams know this and give him nothing he can hit. He is 26 years old. If he hasn't figured this out yet, he isn't going to.

You mean Tyler Austin?  Slater Austin isn’t a player, and Austin Slater, a Stanford guy, is playing pretty well.

BC

Yes, sorry about that. Both players pinch hit last night. Austin Slater got a much better result, but that is just one AB for both of them. Maybe it is my Stanford bias, but when I look at the more "long term" results, it appears to me that Tyler Austin just doesn't have the ability to hit at the major league level. Austin Slater may not either, but his career batting average is at least a respectable 272, while Tyler Austin is 221. Neither has a lot of career ABs, but Tyler Austin has also shown an inability to hit right handed pitching. He also seems to be unable to hit anything that is not a fastball down the middle. He has good power when he hits it, but he just doesn't hit it that often. Austin Slater has not shown such a defect. That says to me that Tyler Austin has a lot further to go before he could even hope to remain in the majors.

Given where the Giants are in their "rebuild" process, trying other players who at least may be potential major league quality in Tyler Austin's roster spot seems preferable to a guy hitting 188. He is apparently not considered a good enough outfielder to play left field regularly. He can't be an every-day first baseman because he can't hit right handed pitching. So until one of these constraints goes away, I don't see why the Giants don't bring up somebody else and see what they can do.

Tyler Austin doesn't quite have what it takes, given the .188 BA.

Stanford's Austin Slater, however, has five hits in ten plate appearances, with just one single and four extra base hits; two doubles, one triple, one home run.  His OPS is 1.783.  And it should be pointed out, he retooled his swing in the spring, didn't have a great spring, bounced back in Sacramento, and is crushing it now.  He also has five RBIs, two walks and two strikeouts.  And he doesn't have any errors in the field.

[Goose]

Stanford's Austin Slater, however, has five hits in ten plate appearances, with just one single and four extra base hits; two doubles, one triple, one home run.  His OPS is 1.783.  And it should be pointed out, he retooled his swing in the spring, didn't have a great spring, bounced back in Sacramento, and is crushing it now.  He also has five RBIs, two walks and two strikeouts.  And he doesn't have any errors in the field.

I Think Austin Slater has a good chance to at least "stick" at the major league level. He has been great at the plate in a limited role. If he can avoid dropping off too far when the number of ABs climbs up, he could become a regular. He probably isn't going to hit 500 the rest of the year, but if he can stay above 280, he would, unfortunately, be one of the Giants best hitters.

[Goose]

Stanford's Austin Slater, however, has five hits in ten plate appearances, with just one single and four extra base hits; two doubles, one triple, one home run.  His OPS is 1.783.  And it should be pointed out, he retooled his swing in the spring, didn't have a great spring, bounced back in Sacramento, and is crushing it now.  He also has five RBIs, two walks and two strikeouts.  And he doesn't have any errors in the field.

I Think Austin Slater has a good chance to at least "stick" at the major league level. He has been great at the plate in a limited role. If he can avoid dropping off too far when the number of ABs climbs up, he could become a regular. He probably isn't going to hit 500 the rest of the year, but if he can stay above 280, he would, unfortunately, be one of the Giants best hitters.

[BobK]

Trade Belt play Austin. Then we can talk in October :)

[BobK]

Trade Belt play Austin. Then we can talk in October :)

[Phogge]

Smith now 23 for 23. You sign Mariano Rivera, you don’t trade him. I’m older than you Lex so the four syllable T Dome abbreviation is in force. LOL.

[Phogge]

Smith now 23 for 23. You sign Mariano Rivera, you don’t trade him. I’m older than you Lex so the four syllable T Dome abbreviation is in force. LOL.

[BobK]

Agree with Phogge on Smith Old pros unite

Slater better learn how to run when he hits the ball. That’s twice in 2 days.

5 1/2 out of a wild card.

[BobK]

Agree with Phogge on Smith Old pros unite

Slater better learn how to run when he hits the ball. That’s twice in 2 days.

5 1/2 out of a wild card.

[Mick]

Agree with Phogge on Smith    Old pros unite

Slater better learn how to run when he hits the ball.   That’s twice in 2 days.  

5 1/2 out of a wild card.

FWLIW, Evan Longoria said yesterday that the team believes they can make the playoffs...

Good attendance last three games.  Six wins in the last seven games.  Best bullpen in NL.  Maybe the worst starters (what's up with THAT?)

I realize this is the straw-est of straw men, but right now the Giants could field a lineup like this:

1B Belt, .364 OBP
LF Dickerson, .362 BA/ 1.232 OPS
RF Slater, .429 BA/ 1.642 OPS
C Vogt, .775 OPS
SS Solano, .293 BA/.708 OBP
3B Sandoval, .288 BA, .895 OBP
CF Pillar, .722 OPS
Have to stick with either Crawford or Panik for that 8th spot. Both miserable BAs of around .225, OPS of around .625.

in Farhan We Trust....

[Mick]

Agree with Phogge on Smith    Old pros unite

Slater better learn how to run when he hits the ball.   That’s twice in 2 days.  

5 1/2 out of a wild card.

FWLIW, Evan Longoria said yesterday that the team believes they can make the playoffs...

Good attendance last three games.  Six wins in the last seven games.  Best bullpen in NL.  Maybe the worst starters (what's up with THAT?)

I realize this is the straw-est of straw men, but right now the Giants could field a lineup like this:

1B Belt, .364 OBP
LF Dickerson, .362 BA/ 1.232 OPS
RF Slater, .429 BA/ 1.642 OPS
C Vogt, .775 OPS
SS Solano, .293 BA/.708 OBP
3B Sandoval, .288 BA, .895 OBP
CF Pillar, .722 OPS
Have to stick with either Crawford or Panik for that 8th spot. Both miserable BAs of around .225, OPS of around .625.

in Farhan We Trust....

[BobK]

On base means little when the walk occurs with 2 out. Play the Panda at First and must play Longoria

[BobK]

On base means little when the walk occurs with 2 out. Play the Panda at First and must play Longoria

[lex24]

Trade Belt play Austin. Then we can talk in October :)

---

Zach Green. 25. At Sac. .320. 25 HRs. 1172 OPS.

Trade Belt play Austin.   Then we can talk in October :)

---

Trade Belt play Austin. Then we can talk in October :)

---

Zach Green. 25. At Sac. .320. 25 HRs. 1172 OPS.

Trade Belt play Austin.   Then we can talk in October :)

[lex24]

Trade Belt play Austin. Then we can talk in October :)

---

Zach Green. 25. At Sac. .320. 25 HRs. 1172 OPS.

Trade Belt play Austin.   Then we can talk in October :)

---

Trade Belt play Austin. Then we can talk in October :)

---

Zach Green. 25. At Sac. .320. 25 HRs. 1172 OPS.

Trade Belt play Austin.   Then we can talk in October :)

[BobK]

Point I guess Lex is bring up Green. And goodbye Belt ?

[BobK]

Point I guess Lex is bring up Green. And goodbye Belt ?

[Phogge]

Bye Bye Belti with apologies to Anne Margaret.

[Phogge]

Bye Bye Belti with apologies to Anne Margaret.

[Mick]

Agree with Phogge on Smith    Old pros unite

Slater better learn how to run when he hits the ball.   That’s twice in 2 days.  

5 1/2 out of a wild card.

Smith threw three pitches at last night's All-Star game and gave up a home run to Joey Gallo (40 HRs last year, 20 to date), thereby depressing Smith's trade value.

And the Giants are 5.5 games out of a wild card spot.

Wouldn't it be ironic that the Giants might have a better chance to make that wild card spot if Farhan can't trade Smith thanks to last night's dinger?

[Mick]

Agree with Phogge on Smith    Old pros unite

Slater better learn how to run when he hits the ball.   That’s twice in 2 days.  

5 1/2 out of a wild card.

Smith threw three pitches at last night's All-Star game and gave up a home run to Joey Gallo (40 HRs last year, 20 to date), thereby depressing Smith's trade value.

And the Giants are 5.5 games out of a wild card spot.

Wouldn't it be ironic that the Giants might have a better chance to make that wild card spot if Farhan can't trade Smith thanks to last night's dinger?

[BobK]

Serious doubt one pitch did anything to Smith’s trade value. However trading Smith would be stupid unless the Giants know they can’t sign him.

[BobK]

Serious doubt one pitch did anything to Smith’s trade value. However trading Smith would be stupid unless the Giants know they can’t sign him.

[Phogge]

Not sure anymore about Glyber Torres. He flinched on a one hopper last night. Did not get his body in front of the ball. So now get Didi Gregorious. LOL.

[Phogge]

Not sure anymore about Glyber Torres. He flinched on a one hopper last night. Did not get his body in front of the ball. So now get Didi Gregorious. LOL.

[BrevinsBest]

Smith now 23 for 23. You sign Mariano Rivera, you don’t trade him. I’m older than you Lex so the four syllable T Dome abbreviation is in force. LOL.

First off, Will Smith is not Mariano Rivera. Secondly, Smith has no real value on the Giants as they aren't going to the playoffs, even if they're 5.5 back. The best bet for the Giants is to gather as many prospects as possible via trades. We won't find takers for Longoria, Posey and Panik as they're not good. I'd prefer not to bundle Longoria's contract in a trade with Smith or Bum because that just means we're getting less in return.

[BrevinsBest]

Smith now 23 for 23. You sign Mariano Rivera, you don’t trade him. I’m older than you Lex so the four syllable T Dome abbreviation is in force. LOL.

First off, Will Smith is not Mariano Rivera. Secondly, Smith has no real value on the Giants as they aren't going to the playoffs, even if they're 5.5 back. The best bet for the Giants is to gather as many prospects as possible via trades. We won't find takers for Longoria, Posey and Panik as they're not good. I'd prefer not to bundle Longoria's contract in a trade with Smith or Bum because that just means we're getting less in return.

[Mick]

Smith now 23 for 23. You sign Mariano Rivera, you don’t trade him. I’m older than you Lex so the four syllable T Dome abbreviation is in force. LOL.

First off, Will Smith is not Mariano Rivera. Secondly, Smith has no real value on the Giants as they aren't going to the playoffs, even if they're 5.5 back. The best bet for the Giants is to gather as many prospects as possible via trades. We won't find takers for Longoria, Posey and Panik as they're not good. I'd prefer not to bundle Longoria's contract in a trade with Smith or Bum because that just means we're getting less in return.

As long as we're talking bundling, let's dump salaries and get rid of Smith, Watson, Melancon and Moronta or Gott:

Crawford and (reliever) for best young minor league shortstop available.

Belt and (reliever) for best young minor league player available.

Longoria and (reliever) for best young minor league third baseman available.

Panik and (reliever) for best young minor league second baseman available.

Bumgarner and (reliever or other) for best two young minor league pitchers available.

Posey and (reliever or other) for best young pitcher available.

[Mick]

Smith now 23 for 23. You sign Mariano Rivera, you don’t trade him. I’m older than you Lex so the four syllable T Dome abbreviation is in force. LOL.

First off, Will Smith is not Mariano Rivera. Secondly, Smith has no real value on the Giants as they aren't going to the playoffs, even if they're 5.5 back. The best bet for the Giants is to gather as many prospects as possible via trades. We won't find takers for Longoria, Posey and Panik as they're not good. I'd prefer not to bundle Longoria's contract in a trade with Smith or Bum because that just means we're getting less in return.

As long as we're talking bundling, let's dump salaries and get rid of Smith, Watson, Melancon and Moronta or Gott:

Crawford and (reliever) for best young minor league shortstop available.

Belt and (reliever) for best young minor league player available.

Longoria and (reliever) for best young minor league third baseman available.

Panik and (reliever) for best young minor league second baseman available.

Bumgarner and (reliever or other) for best two young minor league pitchers available.

Posey and (reliever or other) for best young pitcher available.

[Phogge]

LOL Mick. And Brevin where do you find anyone who is as capable as Smith. The organization can't develop a closer. They don't have a guy like Johnny Sain anywhere in their staff. Curt Young and his minions don't have the chops.

[Phogge]

LOL Mick. And Brevin where do you find anyone who is as capable as Smith. The organization can't develop a closer. They don't have a guy like Johnny Sain anywhere in their staff. Curt Young and his minions don't have the chops.

[BrevinsBest]

Smith now 23 for 23. You sign Mariano Rivera, you don’t trade him. I’m older than you Lex so the four syllable T Dome abbreviation is in force. LOL.

First off, Will Smith is not Mariano Rivera. Secondly, Smith has no real value on the Giants as they aren't going to the playoffs, even if they're 5.5 back. The best bet for the Giants is to gather as many prospects as possible via trades. We won't find takers for Longoria, Posey and Panik as they're not good. I'd prefer not to bundle Longoria's contract in a trade with Smith or Bum because that just means we're getting less in return.

As long as we're talking bundling, let's dump salaries and get rid of Smith, Watson, Melancon and Moronta or Gott:

Crawford and (reliever) for best young minor league shortstop available.

Belt and (reliever) for best young minor league player available.

Longoria and (reliever) for best young minor league third baseman available.

Panik and (reliever) for best young minor league second baseman available.

Bumgarner and (reliever or other) for best two young minor league pitchers available.

Posey and (reliever or other) for best young pitcher available.

Smith is a great closer, but it will be 2-3 years before the Giants contend. At that point, who knows how good Smith will be. The Giants are great at finding bullpen pieces so why not get a high-level prospect for Smith? 

I will be upset if the Giants don't trade Smith, Bum and 1-2 other bullpen pieces. I would be overjoyed if they trade Belt, Crawford, Posey, and/or Panik, but I don't think that's going to happen.

[BrevinsBest]

Smith now 23 for 23. You sign Mariano Rivera, you don’t trade him. I’m older than you Lex so the four syllable T Dome abbreviation is in force. LOL.

First off, Will Smith is not Mariano Rivera. Secondly, Smith has no real value on the Giants as they aren't going to the playoffs, even if they're 5.5 back. The best bet for the Giants is to gather as many prospects as possible via trades. We won't find takers for Longoria, Posey and Panik as they're not good. I'd prefer not to bundle Longoria's contract in a trade with Smith or Bum because that just means we're getting less in return.

As long as we're talking bundling, let's dump salaries and get rid of Smith, Watson, Melancon and Moronta or Gott:

Crawford and (reliever) for best young minor league shortstop available.

Belt and (reliever) for best young minor league player available.

Longoria and (reliever) for best young minor league third baseman available.

Panik and (reliever) for best young minor league second baseman available.

Bumgarner and (reliever or other) for best two young minor league pitchers available.

Posey and (reliever or other) for best young pitcher available.

Smith is a great closer, but it will be 2-3 years before the Giants contend. At that point, who knows how good Smith will be. The Giants are great at finding bullpen pieces so why not get a high-level prospect for Smith? 

I will be upset if the Giants don't trade Smith, Bum and 1-2 other bullpen pieces. I would be overjoyed if they trade Belt, Crawford, Posey, and/or Panik, but I don't think that's going to happen.

[BobK]

How do you dump salary? The player is past their prime but some team will take a long term contract also ? Dream on

[BobK]

How do you dump salary? The player is past their prime but some team will take a long term contract also ? Dream on

[OutsiderFan]

Sigh... Smith is on an expiring contract, just like Bumgarner.  If the Giants want to sign him after trading either or both, they can.

The Giants farm system's strength is relievers. Translation: if there is a position the team can afford to trade, it's relievers.

The greatest starting prospect appears to be Sean Hjelle. But he's only in San Jose and has to maintain his dominance in Richmond and Sacramento before he can be legitimately projected as a member of the rotation.

The Giants need to stockpile under 22 talent because even their best high level prospects are 25+.

[OutsiderFan]

Sigh... Smith is on an expiring contract, just like Bumgarner.  If the Giants want to sign him after trading either or both, they can.

The Giants farm system's strength is relievers. Translation: if there is a position the team can afford to trade, it's relievers.

The greatest starting prospect appears to be Sean Hjelle. But he's only in San Jose and has to maintain his dominance in Richmond and Sacramento before he can be legitimately projected as a member of the rotation.

The Giants need to stockpile under 22 talent because even their best high level prospects are 25+.

[CornFed]

What is the opposite of "recency bias"?  "Antiquity bias"?

[CornFed]

What is the opposite of "recency bias"?  "Antiquity bias"?