I hope I haven’t missed anybody’s questions the last couple of weeks — I do try to answer all of the ones that come in, but if I’m missed you, be sure to point it out in the comments below!There R Giants is a reader-supported publication.
What would be your guess about how the organization onboards the HS draftees? Do you expect them to ultimately get some playing time in on one of the ACL teams this season? And if so, do you think they would purposefully assign them to the same team in hopes of building comradery?
I hope they bring them through together particularly after Martin's comments about being happy to be on the same team as Eldridge. Getting just a little ahead of myself but Eldridge, Martin and Arias as a core trio is a pretty nice thought for the minor leagues...
I know we are supposed to be asking minor league questions here but Blake Sabol looks like a hell of a hitter. Do you see any way for Joey Bart to return to the big league club? With his defense, Bailey is going to be the primary catcher for the next ten years no matter how he hits, and Sabol is going to be on the roster with his bat and versatility. Oh and for the record, I don't want Ohtani if it costs us all our top pitching prospects and that is SO what the Angels need.
Who are some of the players in the farm that have the biggest gap in terms of their valuation by the Giants vs people outside? For example, the Giants were pretty high on Patrick Bailey before this season but most other pundits rated him much lower. Wondering if there will be players who will surprise. I suppose if there is reverse situation (Giants privately rate them lower than the public) they might want to keep it close to their chest in case they want to use them as trade chips. Thank you!
Drawing parallels to the rays and their ability to push back 40 man decisions by trading close to majors talent for lower level talent. Do you think the giants are getting deep enough as an organization to use a similar strategy and if so who are some players that you think could be sought after at the end of the season by other organizations?
As someone not familiar with the Eugene Emeralds aside from watching the occasional game and following their social media can you provide some info about their battle for a new baseball field? I'm aware of the ups and (mostly) downs of sharing a field with UofO from reading this amazing substack, but recently the teams social media team has been asking for support about keeping the team in Eugene. Is there a chance the Emeralds could be moved? Might the Giants lose their affiliate? Any info is appreciated.
Hi Roger. You beat me to the punch a little with you Hjelle discussion in todays write up! Interested in your thoughts on what his likely future is. Do you think other teams might see him as worth trading for (even if it's for low grade assets), or is he poentially more of a throw in if the Giants trade for something else? I don't see him as justifying a 40 man spot as any shape of pitcher (starter, reliever, piggybacker, opener, whatever) going forward but am wondering if there might be some outcome other than DFA.
Assuming they need middle infielder help over the next two weeks how would you rate the probabilities of Fitzgerald, Diaz or Luciano being called up for playing time?
Hi Roger. You listed this one but didn't answer the question—I'd love to hear your analysis:
I enjoyed all the midseason and draft coverage, Roger. I was eagerly awaiting that content amidst the slog of the regular season. The extended pod banter with Delucchi was especially good. One related question. How do you view the farm system’s strengths and weaknesses at this juncture?
Ah yes. Total whiff on my part. In fact, my editor even wrote in the notes: "you didn't answer the first question, did you?" And I somehow still didn't see it! Top of next week's post
With the returning players like Gonzalez adding to the roster crunch are the likes of Cruz and Rodriguez's places on the 40-man in jeopardy? Both seem to be taking up valuable slots without being close to the big league or being 'top prospects'
Fastball shape has become an important part of evaluating pitchers. Have there been any examples of a pitcher really changing their fastballs shape? Getting more rise on it by changing their grip to impart more back spin, things like that?
Our SF Giants approach the trade deadline looking to address their essential needs (starting pitching, middle infield, maybe bullpen). We will apparently need to trade some highly rated prospects in order to get what we need. Names in play (per media reports): Harrison, Luciano, Whisenhunt, Black, possibly Vaun Brown, Rodney McCray, and maybe some of the 2022-2023 highly regarded draftees. Of these players, who do you think should definitely not be traded, and where are we deepest and most able to absorb the loss of some highly regarded prospects?
It's time to come clean, Roger. I remember one of your podcast guests busting you for wearing Nationals gear. So, with the Giants-Nats in your region over the weekend, which cap have you been wearing proudly in public? We need to know how serious this Nationals interest is.
What would be your guess about how the organization onboards the HS draftees? Do you expect them to ultimately get some playing time in on one of the ACL teams this season? And if so, do you think they would purposefully assign them to the same team in hopes of building comradery?
I hope they bring them through together particularly after Martin's comments about being happy to be on the same team as Eldridge. Getting just a little ahead of myself but Eldridge, Martin and Arias as a core trio is a pretty nice thought for the minor leagues...
True. And you might add Diego Velasquez to that “young” group. Lots of youngsters to dream on.
There always are…
Good thoughts, fellas. I surely hope the high schoolers get a taste of the ACL. Their rapid signing means they could have a decent chunk of games.
Let's not forget Maldonado amongst the teenage prodigies! I think he'd be the highest ranked of the group. Now if only Reckley can get on track...
I know we are supposed to be asking minor league questions here but Blake Sabol looks like a hell of a hitter. Do you see any way for Joey Bart to return to the big league club? With his defense, Bailey is going to be the primary catcher for the next ten years no matter how he hits, and Sabol is going to be on the roster with his bat and versatility. Oh and for the record, I don't want Ohtani if it costs us all our top pitching prospects and that is SO what the Angels need.
Who are some of the players in the farm that have the biggest gap in terms of their valuation by the Giants vs people outside? For example, the Giants were pretty high on Patrick Bailey before this season but most other pundits rated him much lower. Wondering if there will be players who will surprise. I suppose if there is reverse situation (Giants privately rate them lower than the public) they might want to keep it close to their chest in case they want to use them as trade chips. Thank you!
Drawing parallels to the rays and their ability to push back 40 man decisions by trading close to majors talent for lower level talent. Do you think the giants are getting deep enough as an organization to use a similar strategy and if so who are some players that you think could be sought after at the end of the season by other organizations?
As someone not familiar with the Eugene Emeralds aside from watching the occasional game and following their social media can you provide some info about their battle for a new baseball field? I'm aware of the ups and (mostly) downs of sharing a field with UofO from reading this amazing substack, but recently the teams social media team has been asking for support about keeping the team in Eugene. Is there a chance the Emeralds could be moved? Might the Giants lose their affiliate? Any info is appreciated.
Hi Roger. You beat me to the punch a little with you Hjelle discussion in todays write up! Interested in your thoughts on what his likely future is. Do you think other teams might see him as worth trading for (even if it's for low grade assets), or is he poentially more of a throw in if the Giants trade for something else? I don't see him as justifying a 40 man spot as any shape of pitcher (starter, reliever, piggybacker, opener, whatever) going forward but am wondering if there might be some outcome other than DFA.
Assuming they need middle infielder help over the next two weeks how would you rate the probabilities of Fitzgerald, Diaz or Luciano being called up for playing time?
Hi Roger. You listed this one but didn't answer the question—I'd love to hear your analysis:
I enjoyed all the midseason and draft coverage, Roger. I was eagerly awaiting that content amidst the slog of the regular season. The extended pod banter with Delucchi was especially good. One related question. How do you view the farm system’s strengths and weaknesses at this juncture?
Ah yes. Total whiff on my part. In fact, my editor even wrote in the notes: "you didn't answer the first question, did you?" And I somehow still didn't see it! Top of next week's post
With the returning players like Gonzalez adding to the roster crunch are the likes of Cruz and Rodriguez's places on the 40-man in jeopardy? Both seem to be taking up valuable slots without being close to the big league or being 'top prospects'
Law is saying that Harrison's hamstring issue is season ending, what say you (and if covered already, apologies)
Enjoy the mail bags! Seems like Sac has a crowd of infielders, Thoughts on how Wilson fits at this point? thanks!
Fastball shape has become an important part of evaluating pitchers. Have there been any examples of a pitcher really changing their fastballs shape? Getting more rise on it by changing their grip to impart more back spin, things like that?
Our SF Giants approach the trade deadline looking to address their essential needs (starting pitching, middle infield, maybe bullpen). We will apparently need to trade some highly rated prospects in order to get what we need. Names in play (per media reports): Harrison, Luciano, Whisenhunt, Black, possibly Vaun Brown, Rodney McCray, and maybe some of the 2022-2023 highly regarded draftees. Of these players, who do you think should definitely not be traded, and where are we deepest and most able to absorb the loss of some highly regarded prospects?
What have your heard about Ahuna and Payton signing? Seems like they should have had a pre-set agreed range with both, no?
It's time to come clean, Roger. I remember one of your podcast guests busting you for wearing Nationals gear. So, with the Giants-Nats in your region over the weekend, which cap have you been wearing proudly in public? We need to know how serious this Nationals interest is.