We’re on the verge of opening up another season of SF Giants baseball, as camp opens in just a few days, and the familiar sounds of balls popping against leather will echo around the Scottsdale desert.
Have not yet read the new mailbag you just published, but I want to take a minute to give you a big THANK YOU for the excellent work you have done on the top 50 prospects. You give us strong and solid information on our MiLB prospects. Your attention to detail and deep dive information helps us watch and learn about the paths these young men are taking in their effort to realize their dream of playing organized (MLB) baseball. Much appreciated. Now I'll read the mailbag!
Thanks for your reply Roger. I was aware of how many amateur draft misses there were but the IFA side is disheartening. And if you take all their young players and put them back on the prospects list, things do look a lot better. They are just so thin I have little hope for a good season. Injuries suck
Thx, Roger. You helped me understand where the Dodgers money is coming from to pay for all of these signings. At the same time, it does feel like ownership turn over is coming. The cost of everything and the uncertainty of TV deals would seem to be contributing factors. Owners with less than $1B in net worth seem destined to sell to larger entities. Even the ~$1B range doesn't seem enough. I don't know if financial institutional ownership will result in a better experience for fans, or benefit the game long term.
New Britain was the Rock Cats. You may see some Yard Goats, but fairly certain the Rock Cats logo never makes it to Richmond any longer. Hard Hittin’ New Britain we used to say. It made sense to move that franchise to Hartford but I no longer really feel any connection to it. Spent about a decade working in the minors, mostly consider myself a proud alum of AA Northwest Arkansas (2008-2012). Also logged time with Savannah (2004) and Rancho Cucamonga (2007).
Roger, with the Non-roster invitee list coming out this morning, I'm curious are you surprised by how short the list was? I remember only 2 years ago where the list was about double the size! Guys like Vaun Brown and Schmitt in camp even before they got to AAA. Curious to hear your thoughts.
A little bit. Fewer catchers than normal, and the complete lack of OF was a bit surprising given how thin that area of the roster is. Very targeted on LHP though!
Great stuff, Roger. Thanks. I do want to point out that Cleveland also received a Competitive Balance B draft pick from the Snakes. That sweetened the deal a bit. Still, your overall point remains. Naylor was available at a relatively low price.
Roger:
Have not yet read the new mailbag you just published, but I want to take a minute to give you a big THANK YOU for the excellent work you have done on the top 50 prospects. You give us strong and solid information on our MiLB prospects. Your attention to detail and deep dive information helps us watch and learn about the paths these young men are taking in their effort to realize their dream of playing organized (MLB) baseball. Much appreciated. Now I'll read the mailbag!
Thanks for your support, John!
Especially good mailbag. Thanks!
Thanks for your reply Roger. I was aware of how many amateur draft misses there were but the IFA side is disheartening. And if you take all their young players and put them back on the prospects list, things do look a lot better. They are just so thin I have little hope for a good season. Injuries suck
Outstanding work as always. Here’s to a great 2025! From one Wildcat to another.
Thx, Roger. You helped me understand where the Dodgers money is coming from to pay for all of these signings. At the same time, it does feel like ownership turn over is coming. The cost of everything and the uncertainty of TV deals would seem to be contributing factors. Owners with less than $1B in net worth seem destined to sell to larger entities. Even the ~$1B range doesn't seem enough. I don't know if financial institutional ownership will result in a better experience for fans, or benefit the game long term.
Great work Roger, as a former Eastern League FO member (New Britain, 2005-06) I always appreciate your anecdotes about the AA level especially.
That is a work of love and devotion, Frank and I salute you for it. Sadly the Fisher Cats virtually never make down to Richmond any more
New Britain was the Rock Cats. You may see some Yard Goats, but fairly certain the Rock Cats logo never makes it to Richmond any longer. Hard Hittin’ New Britain we used to say. It made sense to move that franchise to Hartford but I no longer really feel any connection to it. Spent about a decade working in the minors, mostly consider myself a proud alum of AA Northwest Arkansas (2008-2012). Also logged time with Savannah (2004) and Rancho Cucamonga (2007).
Nice video of non-roster LHP Enny Romero handing out supplies to Dominican youth while decked out in San Francisco Giants gear:
https://x.com/mikedeportes/status/1887953169138803056
Roger, with the Non-roster invitee list coming out this morning, I'm curious are you surprised by how short the list was? I remember only 2 years ago where the list was about double the size! Guys like Vaun Brown and Schmitt in camp even before they got to AAA. Curious to hear your thoughts.
A little bit. Fewer catchers than normal, and the complete lack of OF was a bit surprising given how thin that area of the roster is. Very targeted on LHP though!
Great stuff, Roger. Thanks. I do want to point out that Cleveland also received a Competitive Balance B draft pick from the Snakes. That sweetened the deal a bit. Still, your overall point remains. Naylor was available at a relatively low price.
Appreciate your perspective and insights.
@slightlyoff2 where did u see the Mason Black thing?