It’s our very last Big Monday post of the season! Can you believe it? This time next week we’ll just be talking about four piddling affiliates. In fact, this time on Thursday morning we’ll just be talking about four affiliates. Three weeks from tomorrow the A ball leagues begin their post-seasons. Things are winding down quickly.
But that doesn’t mean we don’t have some crazy Big Monday material for you all! How’s about a little Relief Pitcher hitting to whet your appetite? In fact, Relief-Pitcher-starting-in-Left-Field-and-batting-leadoff material!
That little diversion was created by injuries in the Sacramento and San Francisco locker rooms that caused the River Cats to run short of bodies. But the real news of the weekend involved a different loss to the Sacramento roster — one that the season has been building to for months now. Top prospect Kyle Harrison is set to become the 11th different player to make his big league debut in the Giants’ 2023 season, arguably bringing to fruition the most anticipated debut of the season.
Throwing a young pitcher like Harrison into the fury of a, not just a playoff chase, but a playoff chase that is quickly unraveling, is a little unfair and pressure-filled. I won’t deny that I’m a teeny bit concerned about Harry’s strike throwing holding up under the circumstances. But he’s made of tougher stuff that I am, and no doubt relishes the challenge. Regardless, the big one is coming tomorrow, and it’s going to be appointment TV! Harrison’s debut comes with a repeat wave of young talent, as Casey Schmitt and Luis Matos both re-appeared on the scene this weekend, with Matos choosing the occasion to hit his single hardest ball of the year at any level when he beat an inside fastball to the spot and belted his second home run of the season. Here’s hoping that the team will once again get a jolt of energy from the kids and take us all on a thrilling September ride.
So, let’s celebrate the minor league season while we still have it! Gather ye big flies while ye may, people, the season is still a-flying. Let’s join together and gather up the memories of past and hopes for the future. There R Giants developing here!
HITTER of the WEEKEND: David Villar (Sac), 5 for 12, 2 HR (12), 3 R, 3 RBI, 2 BB 5 K
PITCHER of the WEEKEND: Trevor McDonald (Eug), 5.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Let’s take a ride on the Minor Lines’ wheel of fortune, shall we?
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