[Giants]

Hope you are right re Correa. He seemed like an ok guy. We'll see... Manea threw some real meatballs today. If that slider breaking down to the right foot is too high and/or too lax, it gets hit hard.

Manaea is done. Stripling is 33, also appears to be done. Bring on Junis and Harrison.

Man you have a quick hook.  It’s early May.  Both should get a few more starts. If by June 1 this is still the case, then maybe moves are made.

Harrison hasn’t gone more than 4.  Need to stretch him out before he comes up.  Junis is a swing guy. Not a true starter. Wood back soon, he will help.

Giants paid Manaea and Stripling a lot of money.  They are going to give them a sufficient chance -at least they should.  Course, you may be right.  They may decide instead to go bullpen games, piggy back and all the other bullish-t that Kapler  and Co like to do.

Manea and Stripling are under contract for another season (both have a player option for 2024). They aren’t going anywhere.  Does that mean they won’t be relegated to long relief?  Nope.  It only means they will remain on the roster.  

Once Harrison is ready and Wood is healthy, they could supplant Manea and Stripling in the rotation.  

Schmitt is up a year early. It wouldn’t surprise me if he bounces between Sac and SF this year.  It is a safe bet that he will be in the Opening Day lineup in 2024.

[Giants]

Hope you are right re Correa. He seemed like an ok guy. We'll see... Manea threw some real meatballs today. If that slider breaking down to the right foot is too high and/or too lax, it gets hit hard.

Manaea is done. Stripling is 33, also appears to be done. Bring on Junis and Harrison.

Man you have a quick hook.  It’s early May.  Both should get a few more starts. If by June 1 this is still the case, then maybe moves are made.

Harrison hasn’t gone more than 4.  Need to stretch him out before he comes up.  Junis is a swing guy. Not a true starter. Wood back soon, he will help.

Giants paid Manaea and Stripling a lot of money.  They are going to give them a sufficient chance -at least they should.  Course, you may be right.  They may decide instead to go bullpen games, piggy back and all the other bullish-t that Kapler  and Co like to do.

Manea and Stripling are under contract for another season (both have a player option for 2024). They aren’t going anywhere.  Does that mean they won’t be relegated to long relief?  Nope.  It only means they will remain on the roster.  

Once Harrison is ready and Wood is healthy, they could supplant Manea and Stripling in the rotation.  

Schmitt is up a year early. It wouldn’t surprise me if he bounces between Sac and SF this year.  It is a safe bet that he will be in the Opening Day lineup in 2024.

[lex24]

Slater back to Il.  Death, taxes, and Slater on the IL.

[lex24]

Slater back to Il.  Death, taxes, and Slater on the IL.

[old spanish trail]

Slater back to Il.  Death, taxes, and Slater on the IL.

Not funny but LOL. Schmitt had one hr in Sacto this year and has 2 in three games with the Gyros. A two run hr in the 1st inning into a high second deck.

[old spanish trail]

Slater back to Il.  Death, taxes, and Slater on the IL.

Not funny but LOL. Schmitt had one hr in Sacto this year and has 2 in three games with the Gyros. A two run hr in the 1st inning into a high second deck.

[OutsiderFan]

Nobody made a case for Schmitt platooning with Crawford I see. 

After three games Schmitt is #7 in NL ROY odds. He wasn’t in the Top 24 before the season started. Why, I have no idea. He hit at every level and won a MiLB Gold Glove. His arm is special.

This guy has the potential to make the Giants a contender. Crawford does not.

[OutsiderFan]

Nobody made a case for Schmitt platooning with Crawford I see. 

After three games Schmitt is #7 in NL ROY odds. He wasn’t in the Top 24 before the season started. Why, I have no idea. He hit at every level and won a MiLB Gold Glove. His arm is special.

This guy has the potential to make the Giants a contender. Crawford does not.

[lex24]

Nobody made a case for Schmitt platooning with Crawford I see. 

After three games Schmitt is #7 in NL ROY odds. He wasn’t in the Top 24 before the season started. Why, I have no idea. He hit at every level and won a MiLB Gold Glove. His arm is special.

This guy has the potential to make the Giants a contender. Crawford does not.

I’m excited as the next guy.  But it’s three games. Crawford has a 12 year body of work. When back, Crawford will probably play a few times a week.  Schmitt will play SS, move to 3b to spell Davis.  Maybe even play some 2b when Estrada gets a day off. Although I hope not. Keep him on left side. Learning SS is tough enough.

BTW- really cool scene the broadcast caught. Schmitt comes off field and immediately plops down next to Crawford who is sitting off in left corner. Schmitt had a tough play in hole with off balance throw as he’s going to his right. Throw was off line. You could tell they were discussing it. Can’t get a better mentor than Crawford. Great to see Crawford is willing to do it (not at all surprising, but not all players are generous in that vein) and that Schmitt is wanting to soak up the knowledge.

[lex24]

Nobody made a case for Schmitt platooning with Crawford I see. 

After three games Schmitt is #7 in NL ROY odds. He wasn’t in the Top 24 before the season started. Why, I have no idea. He hit at every level and won a MiLB Gold Glove. His arm is special.

This guy has the potential to make the Giants a contender. Crawford does not.

I’m excited as the next guy.  But it’s three games. Crawford has a 12 year body of work. When back, Crawford will probably play a few times a week.  Schmitt will play SS, move to 3b to spell Davis.  Maybe even play some 2b when Estrada gets a day off. Although I hope not. Keep him on left side. Learning SS is tough enough.

BTW- really cool scene the broadcast caught. Schmitt comes off field and immediately plops down next to Crawford who is sitting off in left corner. Schmitt had a tough play in hole with off balance throw as he’s going to his right. Throw was off line. You could tell they were discussing it. Can’t get a better mentor than Crawford. Great to see Crawford is willing to do it (not at all surprising, but not all players are generous in that vein) and that Schmitt is wanting to soak up the knowledge.

[Mick]

Nobody made a case for Schmitt platooning with Crawford I see. 

After three games Schmitt is #7 in NL ROY odds. He wasn’t in the Top 24 before the season started. Why, I have no idea. He hit at every level and won a MiLB Gold Glove. His arm is special.

This guy has the potential to make the Giants a contender. Crawford does not.

Schmitt has a cannon for an arm. His throw from SS just behind second base measured at 92.7 mph, second fastest in the majors this year. He got a well-deserved compliment from both Krukow and Kuiper on the throw.

[Mick]

Nobody made a case for Schmitt platooning with Crawford I see. 

After three games Schmitt is #7 in NL ROY odds. He wasn’t in the Top 24 before the season started. Why, I have no idea. He hit at every level and won a MiLB Gold Glove. His arm is special.

This guy has the potential to make the Giants a contender. Crawford does not.

Schmitt has a cannon for an arm. His throw from SS just behind second base measured at 92.7 mph, second fastest in the majors this year. He got a well-deserved compliment from both Krukow and Kuiper on the throw.

[Giants]

Nobody made a case for Schmitt platooning with Crawford I see. 

After three games Schmitt is #7 in NL ROY odds. He wasn’t in the Top 24 before the season started. Why, I have no idea. He hit at every level and won a MiLB Gold Glove. His arm is special.

This guy has the potential to make the Giants a contender. Crawford does not.

5-10-2023 8:25am

[Giants]

Nobody made a case for Schmitt platooning with Crawford I see. 

After three games Schmitt is #7 in NL ROY odds. He wasn’t in the Top 24 before the season started. Why, I have no idea. He hit at every level and won a MiLB Gold Glove. His arm is special.

This guy has the potential to make the Giants a contender. Crawford does not.

5-10-2023 8:25am

[OutsiderFan]

Schmitt has a cannon for an arm. His throw from SS just behind second base measured at 92.7 mph, second fastest in the majors this year. He got a well-deserved compliment from both Krukow and Kuiper on the throw.

My jaw dropped twice watching the highlights of Schmitt from 5/11. 

The first was the HR to left, my gawd did he crush that thing!

The second was one of his throws to first.  I was like, "damn that dude has an arm!" It's RARE to watch a baseball game and notice the speed of a throw to first from a SS or 3B.

[OutsiderFan]

Schmitt has a cannon for an arm. His throw from SS just behind second base measured at 92.7 mph, second fastest in the majors this year. He got a well-deserved compliment from both Krukow and Kuiper on the throw.

My jaw dropped twice watching the highlights of Schmitt from 5/11. 

The first was the HR to left, my gawd did he crush that thing!

The second was one of his throws to first.  I was like, "damn that dude has an arm!" It's RARE to watch a baseball game and notice the speed of a throw to first from a SS or 3B.

[qwerty49]

Schmitt has a cannon for an arm. His throw from SS just behind second base measured at 92.7 mph, second fastest in the majors this year. He got a well-deserved compliment from both Krukow and Kuiper on the throw.

My jaw dropped twice watching the highlights of Schmitt from 5/11. 

The first was the HR to left, my gawd did he crush that thing!

The second was one of his throws to first.  I was like, "damn that dude has an arm!" It's RARE to watch a baseball game and notice the speed of a throw to first from a SS or 3B.

Crawford has always had a really good arm (when healthy).

I was a kid listening on the radio to McCovey’s first game. One of his triples was off the scoreboard in Philly.

Also saw Bob Gibson nail Jim Ray Hart right between the shoulder blades in one of Jim Ray’s very first games.  That wasn’t pretty.

[qwerty49]

Schmitt has a cannon for an arm. His throw from SS just behind second base measured at 92.7 mph, second fastest in the majors this year. He got a well-deserved compliment from both Krukow and Kuiper on the throw.

My jaw dropped twice watching the highlights of Schmitt from 5/11. 

The first was the HR to left, my gawd did he crush that thing!

The second was one of his throws to first.  I was like, "damn that dude has an arm!" It's RARE to watch a baseball game and notice the speed of a throw to first from a SS or 3B.

Crawford has always had a really good arm (when healthy).

I was a kid listening on the radio to McCovey’s first game. One of his triples was off the scoreboard in Philly.

Also saw Bob Gibson nail Jim Ray Hart right between the shoulder blades in one of Jim Ray’s very first games.  That wasn’t pretty.

[BobK]

Uh Qwerty my friend. Willie ‘s debut was at Seals stadium

[BobK]

Uh Qwerty my friend. Willie ‘s debut was at Seals stadium

[qwerty49]

Uh Qwerty my friend.  Willie ‘s debut was at Seals stadium

My bad. Too many aging brain cells! I knew it was off Robin Roberts so I assumed it was on the road.

Russ and Lon were talking about Willie in the pre-game show and I was hoping he was a 2B because Giants were weak there at the time. Then I heard he was 1B and immediately wondered what they were going to do with Orlando.

[qwerty49]

Uh Qwerty my friend.  Willie ‘s debut was at Seals stadium

My bad. Too many aging brain cells! I knew it was off Robin Roberts so I assumed it was on the road.

Russ and Lon were talking about Willie in the pre-game show and I was hoping he was a 2B because Giants were weak there at the time. Then I heard he was 1B and immediately wondered what they were going to do with Orlando.

[lex24]

Schmitt has a cannon for an arm. His throw from SS just behind second base measured at 92.7 mph, second fastest in the majors this year. He got a well-deserved compliment from both Krukow and Kuiper on the throw.

My jaw dropped twice watching the highlights of Schmitt from 5/11. 

The first was the HR to left, my gawd did he crush that thing!

The second was one of his throws to first.  I was like, "damn that dude has an arm!" It's RARE to watch a baseball game and notice the speed of a throw to first from a SS or 3B.

Crawford has always had a really good arm (when healthy).

I was a kid listening on the radio to McCovey’s first game. One of his triples was off the scoreboard in Philly.

Also saw Bob Gibson nail Jim Ray Hart right between the shoulder blades in one of Jim Ray’s very first games.  That wasn’t pretty.

Schmitt’s throw was at. 92.7.  Crawford had a throw at 92.8.  Last year.  There is a tendency to forget….

[lex24]

Schmitt has a cannon for an arm. His throw from SS just behind second base measured at 92.7 mph, second fastest in the majors this year. He got a well-deserved compliment from both Krukow and Kuiper on the throw.

My jaw dropped twice watching the highlights of Schmitt from 5/11. 

The first was the HR to left, my gawd did he crush that thing!

The second was one of his throws to first.  I was like, "damn that dude has an arm!" It's RARE to watch a baseball game and notice the speed of a throw to first from a SS or 3B.

Crawford has always had a really good arm (when healthy).

I was a kid listening on the radio to McCovey’s first game. One of his triples was off the scoreboard in Philly.

Also saw Bob Gibson nail Jim Ray Hart right between the shoulder blades in one of Jim Ray’s very first games.  That wasn’t pretty.

Schmitt’s throw was at. 92.7.  Crawford had a throw at 92.8.  Last year.  There is a tendency to forget….

[BobK]

https://www.mlb.com/news/cardinals-prosp...icle-share

100 mph. Winn was once a Stanford commit

[BobK]

https://www.mlb.com/news/cardinals-prosp...icle-share

100 mph. Winn was once a Stanford commit

[Giants]

Schmitt has a cannon for an arm. His throw from SS just behind second base measured at 92.7 mph, second fastest in the majors this year. He got a well-deserved compliment from both Krukow and Kuiper on the throw.

My jaw dropped twice watching the highlights of Schmitt from 5/11. 

The first was the HR to left, my gawd did he crush that thing!

The second was one of his throws to first.  I was like, "damn that dude has an arm!" It's RARE to watch a baseball game and notice the speed of a throw to first from a SS or 3B.

Crawford has always had a really good arm (when healthy).

I was a kid listening on the radio to McCovey’s first game. One of his triples was off the scoreboard in Philly.

Also saw Bob Gibson nail Jim Ray Hart right between the shoulder blades in one of Jim Ray’s very first games.  That wasn’t pretty.

Schmitt’s throw was at. 92.7.  Crawford had a throw at 92.8.  Last year.  There is a tendency to forget….

Anyone who has ever seen Crawford fire relays to home knows that he has a great arm.  Heck, KC is still ruing the fact he was playing SS in Game 7 in 2014.  They simply could not take a chance……..

[Giants]

Schmitt has a cannon for an arm. His throw from SS just behind second base measured at 92.7 mph, second fastest in the majors this year. He got a well-deserved compliment from both Krukow and Kuiper on the throw.

My jaw dropped twice watching the highlights of Schmitt from 5/11. 

The first was the HR to left, my gawd did he crush that thing!

The second was one of his throws to first.  I was like, "damn that dude has an arm!" It's RARE to watch a baseball game and notice the speed of a throw to first from a SS or 3B.

Crawford has always had a really good arm (when healthy).

I was a kid listening on the radio to McCovey’s first game. One of his triples was off the scoreboard in Philly.

Also saw Bob Gibson nail Jim Ray Hart right between the shoulder blades in one of Jim Ray’s very first games.  That wasn’t pretty.

Schmitt’s throw was at. 92.7.  Crawford had a throw at 92.8.  Last year.  There is a tendency to forget….

Anyone who has ever seen Crawford fire relays to home knows that he has a great arm.  Heck, KC is still ruing the fact he was playing SS in Game 7 in 2014.  They simply could not take a chance……..

[lex24]

Schmitt has a cannon for an arm. His throw from SS just behind second base measured at 92.7 mph, second fastest in the majors this year. He got a well-deserved compliment from both Krukow and Kuiper on the throw.

My jaw dropped twice watching the highlights of Schmitt from 5/11. 

The first was the HR to left, my gawd did he crush that thing!

The second was one of his throws to first.  I was like, "damn that dude has an arm!" It's RARE to watch a baseball game and notice the speed of a throw to first from a SS or 3B.

Crawford has always had a really good arm (when healthy).

I was a kid listening on the radio to McCovey’s first game. One of his triples was off the scoreboard in Philly.

Also saw Bob Gibson nail Jim Ray Hart right between the shoulder blades in one of Jim Ray’s very first games.  That wasn’t pretty.

Schmitt’s throw was at. 92.7.  Crawford had a throw at 92.8.  Last year.  There is a tendency to forget….

Anyone who has ever seen Crawford fire relays to home knows that he has a great arm.  Heck, KC is still ruing the fact he was playing SS in Game 7 in 2014.  They simply could not take a chance……..

Speaking of Crawford, he’s off IL and in lineup.  Schmitt to 3b. Davis DH.  Villar optioned.

[lex24]

Schmitt has a cannon for an arm. His throw from SS just behind second base measured at 92.7 mph, second fastest in the majors this year. He got a well-deserved compliment from both Krukow and Kuiper on the throw.

My jaw dropped twice watching the highlights of Schmitt from 5/11. 

The first was the HR to left, my gawd did he crush that thing!

The second was one of his throws to first.  I was like, "damn that dude has an arm!" It's RARE to watch a baseball game and notice the speed of a throw to first from a SS or 3B.

Crawford has always had a really good arm (when healthy).

I was a kid listening on the radio to McCovey’s first game. One of his triples was off the scoreboard in Philly.

Also saw Bob Gibson nail Jim Ray Hart right between the shoulder blades in one of Jim Ray’s very first games.  That wasn’t pretty.

Schmitt’s throw was at. 92.7.  Crawford had a throw at 92.8.  Last year.  There is a tendency to forget….

Anyone who has ever seen Crawford fire relays to home knows that he has a great arm.  Heck, KC is still ruing the fact he was playing SS in Game 7 in 2014.  They simply could not take a chance……..

Speaking of Crawford, he’s off IL and in lineup.  Schmitt to 3b. Davis DH.  Villar optioned.

[Mick]

My jaw dropped twice watching the highlights of Schmitt from 5/11. 

The first was the HR to left, my gawd did he crush that thing!

The second was one of his throws to first.  I was like, "damn that dude has an arm!" It's RARE to watch a baseball game and notice the speed of a throw to first from a SS or 3B.

Crawford has always had a really good arm (when healthy).

I was a kid listening on the radio to McCovey’s first game. One of his triples was off the scoreboard in Philly.

Also saw Bob Gibson nail Jim Ray Hart right between the shoulder blades in one of Jim Ray’s very first games.  That wasn’t pretty.

Schmitt’s throw was at. 92.7.  Crawford had a throw at 92.8.  Last year.  There is a tendency to forget….

Anyone who has ever seen Crawford fire relays to home knows that he has a great arm.  Heck, KC is still ruing the fact he was playing SS in Game 7 in 2014.  They simply could not take a chance……..

Speaking of Crawford, he’s off IL and in lineup.  Schmitt to 3b. Davis DH.  Villar optioned.

Schmitt and Crawford between them went 0 for 7 with five strikeouts.

[Mick]

My jaw dropped twice watching the highlights of Schmitt from 5/11. 

The first was the HR to left, my gawd did he crush that thing!

The second was one of his throws to first.  I was like, "damn that dude has an arm!" It's RARE to watch a baseball game and notice the speed of a throw to first from a SS or 3B.

Crawford has always had a really good arm (when healthy).

I was a kid listening on the radio to McCovey’s first game. One of his triples was off the scoreboard in Philly.

Also saw Bob Gibson nail Jim Ray Hart right between the shoulder blades in one of Jim Ray’s very first games.  That wasn’t pretty.

Schmitt’s throw was at. 92.7.  Crawford had a throw at 92.8.  Last year.  There is a tendency to forget….

Anyone who has ever seen Crawford fire relays to home knows that he has a great arm.  Heck, KC is still ruing the fact he was playing SS in Game 7 in 2014.  They simply could not take a chance……..

Speaking of Crawford, he’s off IL and in lineup.  Schmitt to 3b. Davis DH.  Villar optioned.

Schmitt and Crawford between them went 0 for 7 with five strikeouts.

[lex24]

Crawford has always had a really good arm (when healthy).

I was a kid listening on the radio to McCovey’s first game. One of his triples was off the scoreboard in Philly.

Also saw Bob Gibson nail Jim Ray Hart right between the shoulder blades in one of Jim Ray’s very first games.  That wasn’t pretty.

Schmitt’s throw was at. 92.7.  Crawford had a throw at 92.8.  Last year.  There is a tendency to forget….

Anyone who has ever seen Crawford fire relays to home knows that he has a great arm.  Heck, KC is still ruing the fact he was playing SS in Game 7 in 2014.  They simply could not take a chance……..

Speaking of Crawford, he’s off IL and in lineup.  Schmitt to 3b. Davis DH.  Villar optioned.

Schmitt and Crawford between them went 0 for 7 with five strikeouts.

Yes, they did.  Your point being? :)

---

After 40 17-23. Not a good team by any stretch of the imagination.

Pluses:  1. Top end of rotation- Cobb, Webb, AD have all been very good. No reason to think Cobb and Webb won’t continue to shine. AD has, at least to me, been a pleasant surprise.  I think he will continue to pitch well. But not as certain as I am with Cobb and Webb.  All three pound the zone, get a lot of ground balls and can get deep in games.

2. Estrada Wade and Davis.  Estrada is on the cusp of becoming a star. He could be a 20-20 guy.  Plus he makes good contact.  Defensively, he’s been solid.  Davis has been the biggest surprise defensively.  Historically awful at 3b, he’s been excellent this season.  Never any question about his hitting.  Wade has been excellent offensively and fine defensively.  To me he is the most surprising positive.  I’d add Schmitt, but it’s way too early.

3.. Sabol. Kind of.  He’s still a terrible receiver.  Should not be catching in major leagues.  But he can hit and he’s a decent outfielder.  He is going to stick.  Hopefully he’s moved to the OF at some point - probably next year - and becomes the emergency catcher.  That depends, in large part on Bart and Bailey.  

Negatives

1. Lower end of rotation, the so-called depth pieces - Stripling, Manaea, Junis, Hjelle have all been bad(Junis) to awful (the other 3). Wood got hurt.

2. Bullpen. Kapler’s reputation coming to SF is that he doesn’t know how to use a bullpen.  That’s shown up this year.  Tell me, beyond Doval, what are their roles?  Taylor started out awful. Yet in his last 9 appearances he’s unscored on. 8 1/3. 4 hits.  But he’s still not being used as a high leverage guy. Brebbia - he’s a great opener. But he hasn’t been great out of the pen.  Tyler has been excellent, but he’s not really the guy you want pitching his second inning in bottom 9th of tie game.  The long guys - Junis and Beck have not been good. Alexander meh.  Kapler needs to figure out who gets him to Doval.  Not always based on matchups (which is why, I suspect we did not see Taylor in 9th yesterday). To me his only real choices are Brebbia and Taylor. So, give them the chance.  

2. Strikeouts and Home Runs or bust.  You get what you value.  Zaidi pre season talked about all the HR potential in the lineup.  And he was right, they can hit HRs. They can’t do much else, however.  They strike out at a prolific rate and their situational hitting as a result has been awful.

3. The acquisitions (Haniger, Conforto, Stripling Manaea, Taylor) have all underperformed.

4.  Injuries. Enough said.

Reason for optimism :  the aforementioned acquisitions should start to pick it up - at least Conforto (who is showing signs) Haniger and Taylor.  Not so sure with Manaea who is coming off a bad year and who has no real role as Kapler is Kapler. 

Schmitt.

Reason for pessimism:  Bullpen lacks top end arms. Kapler is Kapler.

[lex24]

Crawford has always had a really good arm (when healthy).

I was a kid listening on the radio to McCovey’s first game. One of his triples was off the scoreboard in Philly.

Also saw Bob Gibson nail Jim Ray Hart right between the shoulder blades in one of Jim Ray’s very first games.  That wasn’t pretty.

Schmitt’s throw was at. 92.7.  Crawford had a throw at 92.8.  Last year.  There is a tendency to forget….

Anyone who has ever seen Crawford fire relays to home knows that he has a great arm.  Heck, KC is still ruing the fact he was playing SS in Game 7 in 2014.  They simply could not take a chance……..

Speaking of Crawford, he’s off IL and in lineup.  Schmitt to 3b. Davis DH.  Villar optioned.

Schmitt and Crawford between them went 0 for 7 with five strikeouts.

Yes, they did.  Your point being? :)

---

After 40 17-23. Not a good team by any stretch of the imagination.

Pluses:  1. Top end of rotation- Cobb, Webb, AD have all been very good. No reason to think Cobb and Webb won’t continue to shine. AD has, at least to me, been a pleasant surprise.  I think he will continue to pitch well. But not as certain as I am with Cobb and Webb.  All three pound the zone, get a lot of ground balls and can get deep in games.

2. Estrada Wade and Davis.  Estrada is on the cusp of becoming a star. He could be a 20-20 guy.  Plus he makes good contact.  Defensively, he’s been solid.  Davis has been the biggest surprise defensively.  Historically awful at 3b, he’s been excellent this season.  Never any question about his hitting.  Wade has been excellent offensively and fine defensively.  To me he is the most surprising positive.  I’d add Schmitt, but it’s way too early.

3.. Sabol. Kind of.  He’s still a terrible receiver.  Should not be catching in major leagues.  But he can hit and he’s a decent outfielder.  He is going to stick.  Hopefully he’s moved to the OF at some point - probably next year - and becomes the emergency catcher.  That depends, in large part on Bart and Bailey.  

Negatives

1. Lower end of rotation, the so-called depth pieces - Stripling, Manaea, Junis, Hjelle have all been bad(Junis) to awful (the other 3). Wood got hurt.

2. Bullpen. Kapler’s reputation coming to SF is that he doesn’t know how to use a bullpen.  That’s shown up this year.  Tell me, beyond Doval, what are their roles?  Taylor started out awful. Yet in his last 9 appearances he’s unscored on. 8 1/3. 4 hits.  But he’s still not being used as a high leverage guy. Brebbia - he’s a great opener. But he hasn’t been great out of the pen.  Tyler has been excellent, but he’s not really the guy you want pitching his second inning in bottom 9th of tie game.  The long guys - Junis and Beck have not been good. Alexander meh.  Kapler needs to figure out who gets him to Doval.  Not always based on matchups (which is why, I suspect we did not see Taylor in 9th yesterday). To me his only real choices are Brebbia and Taylor. So, give them the chance.  

2. Strikeouts and Home Runs or bust.  You get what you value.  Zaidi pre season talked about all the HR potential in the lineup.  And he was right, they can hit HRs. They can’t do much else, however.  They strike out at a prolific rate and their situational hitting as a result has been awful.

3. The acquisitions (Haniger, Conforto, Stripling Manaea, Taylor) have all underperformed.

4.  Injuries. Enough said.

Reason for optimism :  the aforementioned acquisitions should start to pick it up - at least Conforto (who is showing signs) Haniger and Taylor.  Not so sure with Manaea who is coming off a bad year and who has no real role as Kapler is Kapler. 

Schmitt.

Reason for pessimism:  Bullpen lacks top end arms. Kapler is Kapler.

[Leftcoast]

Nice analysis, Lex.  Thanks, I have only tuned into the Giants games intermittently during the Warriors run and this was helpful.

[Leftcoast]

Nice analysis, Lex.  Thanks, I have only tuned into the Giants games intermittently during the Warriors run and this was helpful.

[Mick]

Mick said: Schmitt and Crawford between them went 0 for 7 with five strikeouts.

Yes, they did.  Your point being? :)

Two points, really:

1) The Giants might be turning the corner a bit on strikeouts. Their last six games they averaged 7 2/3rds strikeouts per game. The first six games of the season, they averaged 12 strikeouts per game. So they've cut it by about a third.
2) Crawford has lost what little remains of his skills and capabilities. And we can't get too excited about Casey Schmitt who won't bat .667 forever.

[Mick]

Mick said: Schmitt and Crawford between them went 0 for 7 with five strikeouts.

Yes, they did.  Your point being? :)

Two points, really:

1) The Giants might be turning the corner a bit on strikeouts. Their last six games they averaged 7 2/3rds strikeouts per game. The first six games of the season, they averaged 12 strikeouts per game. So they've cut it by about a third.
2) Crawford has lost what little remains of his skills and capabilities. And we can't get too excited about Casey Schmitt who won't bat .667 forever.

[OutsiderFan]

Mick said: Schmitt and Crawford between them went 0 for 7 with five strikeouts.

Yes, they did.  Your point being? :)

Two points, really:

1) The Giants might be turning the corner a bit on strikeouts. Their last six games they averaged 7 2/3rds strikeouts per game. The first six games of the season, they averaged 12 strikeouts per game. So they've cut it by about a third.
2) Crawford has lost what little remains of his skills and capabilities. And we can't get too excited about Casey Schmitt who won't bat .667 forever.

F that!  I'm excited!  Casey Schmitt is the most promising position player prospect the Giants have produced since I would say Buster Posey.  He's got more upside than Crawford had because he's a better hitter and overall athlete with on par defense.

Marco Luciano is hitting .120 in Richmond. I can and will be excited about Casey Schmitt!!!  Else, what do I have?

[OutsiderFan]

Mick said: Schmitt and Crawford between them went 0 for 7 with five strikeouts.

Yes, they did.  Your point being? :)

Two points, really:

1) The Giants might be turning the corner a bit on strikeouts. Their last six games they averaged 7 2/3rds strikeouts per game. The first six games of the season, they averaged 12 strikeouts per game. So they've cut it by about a third.
2) Crawford has lost what little remains of his skills and capabilities. And we can't get too excited about Casey Schmitt who won't bat .667 forever.

F that!  I'm excited!  Casey Schmitt is the most promising position player prospect the Giants have produced since I would say Buster Posey.  He's got more upside than Crawford had because he's a better hitter and overall athlete with on par defense.

Marco Luciano is hitting .120 in Richmond. I can and will be excited about Casey Schmitt!!!  Else, what do I have?