[Mick]

Another great win although the network announcer didn’t like the balk call.  Interesting the Brewers didn’t argue

That’s because the national guys have no idea what constitutes a balk.  It’s too bad that Krukow wasn’t working TV tonight.  He could have explained it….

Here's the umpiring crew chief's opinion on the balk call, from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

"The plate umpire saw a start and stop, and that was basically what happened," is how crew chief Bruce Dreckman described the play to a pool reporter. "It was pretty much a rulebook, textbook balk. Pretty cut and dried."


When asked for further explanation of the play, Dreckman said: "It's a start and a stop. When they start bringing their hands up, they can't just bring them up and stop in mid-stroke of their pitching delivery. So, that's what it is.


"They're bringing their hands up and they stop, for the purpose of the rule."

[Mick]

Another great win although the network announcer didn’t like the balk call.  Interesting the Brewers didn’t argue

That’s because the national guys have no idea what constitutes a balk.  It’s too bad that Krukow wasn’t working TV tonight.  He could have explained it….

Here's the umpiring crew chief's opinion on the balk call, from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

"The plate umpire saw a start and stop, and that was basically what happened," is how crew chief Bruce Dreckman described the play to a pool reporter. "It was pretty much a rulebook, textbook balk. Pretty cut and dried."


When asked for further explanation of the play, Dreckman said: "It's a start and a stop. When they start bringing their hands up, they can't just bring them up and stop in mid-stroke of their pitching delivery. So, that's what it is.


"They're bringing their hands up and they stop, for the purpose of the rule."

[lex24]

Taking 3 out of 4 from Crew, nice way to go into ASG.

[lex24]

Taking 3 out of 4 from Crew, nice way to go into ASG.

[Phogge]

I prefer "Harvey's Wallbangers." Thomas, Oglivie, Yount, Molitor, Cooper, Simmons.

[Phogge]

I prefer "Harvey's Wallbangers." Thomas, Oglivie, Yount, Molitor, Cooper, Simmons.

[lex24]

I prefer "Harvey's Wallbangers." Thomas, Oglivie, Yount, Molitor, Cooper, Simmons.

Pete Vuckovich

[lex24]

I prefer "Harvey's Wallbangers." Thomas, Oglivie, Yount, Molitor, Cooper, Simmons.

Pete Vuckovich

[OutsiderFan]

Looking at the NL WC picture at the All Star Break...

The Braves or Mets will take the first WC spot for certain. They are demonstrably better than any of the other WC contenders. The Marlins seem to have fallen out of it a bit, now 5 GB back of the Giants for the #5 spot. Given the Padres seem to be in typical collapse mode,  it's a four horse race between the Padres, Phillies, Cardinals, and Giants down the stretch for two spots.

The Cardinals have the easiest remaining schedule in MLB, with a .453 win percentage. The Phillies have the 3rd easiest in MLB, with a .473 win percentage. The Padres have the 16th toughest remaining schedule, with a .503 win percentage. The Giants have the 11th toughest, with a .507 win percentage. 

Fangraphs gives the Giants a statistically insignificant edge over the Cardinals for the 3rd WC spot, and a less than 10% better chance than the Phillies. But what's weird is Fangraphs gives the Brewers a big advantage (64%-36%) over the Cardinals to win the Central despite the easier Cardinals schedule and the fact they are just .5 GB at the break.

July 21 to August 2 at 6pm ET will be intense and frenetic for the MLB world.

The Mets and Yankees are expected to make trade offers for Juan Soto. Will be interesting to see if he gets moved by Aug. 2. The Yankees have by far the better farm system between the two.

[OutsiderFan]

Looking at the NL WC picture at the All Star Break...

The Braves or Mets will take the first WC spot for certain. They are demonstrably better than any of the other WC contenders. The Marlins seem to have fallen out of it a bit, now 5 GB back of the Giants for the #5 spot. Given the Padres seem to be in typical collapse mode,  it's a four horse race between the Padres, Phillies, Cardinals, and Giants down the stretch for two spots.

The Cardinals have the easiest remaining schedule in MLB, with a .453 win percentage. The Phillies have the 3rd easiest in MLB, with a .473 win percentage. The Padres have the 16th toughest remaining schedule, with a .503 win percentage. The Giants have the 11th toughest, with a .507 win percentage. 

Fangraphs gives the Giants a statistically insignificant edge over the Cardinals for the 3rd WC spot, and a less than 10% better chance than the Phillies. But what's weird is Fangraphs gives the Brewers a big advantage (64%-36%) over the Cardinals to win the Central despite the easier Cardinals schedule and the fact they are just .5 GB at the break.

July 21 to August 2 at 6pm ET will be intense and frenetic for the MLB world.

The Mets and Yankees are expected to make trade offers for Juan Soto. Will be interesting to see if he gets moved by Aug. 2. The Yankees have by far the better farm system between the two.

[BobK]

Any thoughts on the Giants two draft choices?

[BobK]

Any thoughts on the Giants two draft choices?

[OutsiderFan]

Any thoughts on the Giants two draft choices?

The Warriors drafted Patrick Baldwin Jr. #28, a player who was #1 or #2 in his class before being injured. 

Crawford and Whisenhunt sound like calculated risks with high ceilings. Works for me.

[OutsiderFan]

Any thoughts on the Giants two draft choices?

The Warriors drafted Patrick Baldwin Jr. #28, a player who was #1 or #2 in his class before being injured. 

Crawford and Whisenhunt sound like calculated risks with high ceilings. Works for me.

[lex24]

Any thoughts on the Giants two draft choices?

I don’t follow the draft.  But they both sound intriguing.  

12 to Aug 2. - 4 in LA, 3 in Ariz, 4 vs Cubs, Aug 1 LA at beginning of another 4 game set.

Unless they crater in these next 11 they won’t be sellers.  How active they are as buyers, I think depends on where they stand on about July 30-31.  

If they buy, I expect fairly modest pick ups.  Bullpen help.  Course every contender will look to fortify their pens.  Which makes it a little tough. 

Be nice if they could also pick up a MIF (left handed hitter preferably) to add some depth. La Stella ain’t it……

No rentals, please.

  To me, the keys to second half are Wood and Cobb, Doval and back end pen.  And DEFENSE which has been atrocious. 

Giants if they squeak in could be interesting in playoffs with Webb and Rodon.

[lex24]

Any thoughts on the Giants two draft choices?

I don’t follow the draft.  But they both sound intriguing.  

12 to Aug 2. - 4 in LA, 3 in Ariz, 4 vs Cubs, Aug 1 LA at beginning of another 4 game set.

Unless they crater in these next 11 they won’t be sellers.  How active they are as buyers, I think depends on where they stand on about July 30-31.  

If they buy, I expect fairly modest pick ups.  Bullpen help.  Course every contender will look to fortify their pens.  Which makes it a little tough. 

Be nice if they could also pick up a MIF (left handed hitter preferably) to add some depth. La Stella ain’t it……

No rentals, please.

  To me, the keys to second half are Wood and Cobb, Doval and back end pen.  And DEFENSE which has been atrocious. 

Giants if they squeak in could be interesting in playoffs with Webb and Rodon.

[Phogge]

Harrison in the futures game: 1 IP, 4 runs with only one earned, 2 HR, 2 K.

[Phogge]

Harrison in the futures game: 1 IP, 4 runs with only one earned, 2 HR, 2 K.

[Giants]

Any thoughts on the Giants two draft choices?

A roll of the dice….

#1 Crawford has pitched very little due to his recovery from Tommy John surgery.  Prior to the draft, he announced that he was transferring to Tennessee.  That gives him some contract leverage.  First, the Giants have to sign him, then they have to gradually bring him up to speed.  In other words, assuming he signs, he is strictly a long term project.

#2 Whisenhunt was suspended by the NCAA for using a banned substance prior to the college season.  He was highly rated before his suspension.  He is another long term play needs to build a minor league resume. 

I don’t think either of them can be counted upon to be a Kyle Harrison-like shooting star….

[Giants]

Any thoughts on the Giants two draft choices?

A roll of the dice….

#1 Crawford has pitched very little due to his recovery from Tommy John surgery.  Prior to the draft, he announced that he was transferring to Tennessee.  That gives him some contract leverage.  First, the Giants have to sign him, then they have to gradually bring him up to speed.  In other words, assuming he signs, he is strictly a long term project.

#2 Whisenhunt was suspended by the NCAA for using a banned substance prior to the college season.  He was highly rated before his suspension.  He is another long term play needs to build a minor league resume. 

I don’t think either of them can be counted upon to be a Kyle Harrison-like shooting star….

[OutsiderFan]

I don’t think either of them can be counted upon to be a Kyle Harrison-like shooting star….

Kyle Harrison couldn't be counted on to be a Kyle Harrison-like shooting star when he was drafted either.

[OutsiderFan]

I don’t think either of them can be counted upon to be a Kyle Harrison-like shooting star….

Kyle Harrison couldn't be counted on to be a Kyle Harrison-like shooting star when he was drafted either.

[Phogge]

I don’t think either of them can be counted upon to be a Kyle Harrison-like shooting star….

Kyle Harrison couldn't be counted on to be a Kyle Harrison-like shooting star when he was drafted either.

Wait a sec. Didn't Harrison fall to the third round because most teams expected him to honor his commitment to UCLA? I think the Giants certainly felt like they were getting a shooting star.

[Phogge]

I don’t think either of them can be counted upon to be a Kyle Harrison-like shooting star….

Kyle Harrison couldn't be counted on to be a Kyle Harrison-like shooting star when he was drafted either.

Wait a sec. Didn't Harrison fall to the third round because most teams expected him to honor his commitment to UCLA? I think the Giants certainly felt like they were getting a shooting star.

[BobK]

Yes Harrison was highly rated for the draft out of HS. He told all it was ucla. Giants paid to get him

[BobK]

Yes Harrison was highly rated for the draft out of HS. He told all it was ucla. Giants paid to get him

[OutsiderFan]

I don’t think either of them can be counted upon to be a Kyle Harrison-like shooting star….

Kyle Harrison couldn't be counted on to be a Kyle Harrison-like shooting star when he was drafted either.

Wait a sec. Didn't Harrison fall to the third round because most teams expected him to honor his commitment to UCLA? I think the Giants certainly felt like they were getting a shooting star.

Every team is optimistic about every player they draft, otherwise, why draft them?

[OutsiderFan]

I don’t think either of them can be counted upon to be a Kyle Harrison-like shooting star….

Kyle Harrison couldn't be counted on to be a Kyle Harrison-like shooting star when he was drafted either.

Wait a sec. Didn't Harrison fall to the third round because most teams expected him to honor his commitment to UCLA? I think the Giants certainly felt like they were getting a shooting star.

Every team is optimistic about every player they draft, otherwise, why draft them?

[Phogge]

Nope. He was very highly touted by all. You make it seem like he came out of nowhere.

I get it, shake it up. That's your style.

Humm Baby.

[Phogge]

Nope. He was very highly touted by all. You make it seem like he came out of nowhere.

I get it, shake it up. That's your style.

Humm Baby.

[Giants]

I don’t think either of them can be counted upon to be a Kyle Harrison-like shooting star….

Kyle Harrison couldn't be counted on to be a Kyle Harrison-like shooting star when he was drafted either.

I would disagree.  He was a very highly rated talent without any blemishes (TJ surgery recovery, banned substance use, etc.).  The only reason he wasn’t drafted higher was his commitment to UCLA. The Giants were able to secure his signature by paying significantly over slot value.  

I don’t think anyone who follows baseball prospects has been surprised by his rapid development and movement up the minor league chain (he is one of the youngest players at the AA level).

[Giants]

I don’t think either of them can be counted upon to be a Kyle Harrison-like shooting star….

Kyle Harrison couldn't be counted on to be a Kyle Harrison-like shooting star when he was drafted either.

I would disagree.  He was a very highly rated talent without any blemishes (TJ surgery recovery, banned substance use, etc.).  The only reason he wasn’t drafted higher was his commitment to UCLA. The Giants were able to secure his signature by paying significantly over slot value.  

I don’t think anyone who follows baseball prospects has been surprised by his rapid development and movement up the minor league chain (he is one of the youngest players at the AA level).

[Phogge]

Apparently Outsider Fan has been surprised.

[Phogge]

Apparently Outsider Fan has been surprised.

[OutsiderFan]

Apparently Outsider Fan has been surprised.

No, I'm not surprised. But I wouldn't have been surprised if Heliot Ramos was starting for the Giants now either. My position is the notion Harrison was some sort of slam dunk can't miss prospect, is belied by the fact he was a 3rd round pick and the 85th player taken in his draft class.

[OutsiderFan]

Apparently Outsider Fan has been surprised.

No, I'm not surprised. But I wouldn't have been surprised if Heliot Ramos was starting for the Giants now either. My position is the notion Harrison was some sort of slam dunk can't miss prospect, is belied by the fact he was a 3rd round pick and the 85th player taken in his draft class.

[Giants]

Apparently Outsider Fan has been surprised.

No, I'm not surprised. But I wouldn't have been surprised if Heliot Ramos was starting for the Giants now either. My position is the notion Harrison was some sort of slam dunk can't miss prospect, is belied by the fact he was a 3rd round pick and the 85th player taken in his draft class.

His drafting slot has been addressed numerous times by numerous baseball writers.  Heck, we were talking about it here at the time he was selected.

[Giants]

Apparently Outsider Fan has been surprised.

No, I'm not surprised. But I wouldn't have been surprised if Heliot Ramos was starting for the Giants now either. My position is the notion Harrison was some sort of slam dunk can't miss prospect, is belied by the fact he was a 3rd round pick and the 85th player taken in his draft class.

His drafting slot has been addressed numerous times by numerous baseball writers.  Heck, we were talking about it here at the time he was selected.

[BobK]

OF you are so very wrong.

[BobK]

OF you are so very wrong.