Grant Brisbee noted in The Athletic recently that the Giants' 26-man active roster is the same today as it was on opening day, and how that is a significant change from the churn we saw under Zaidi. Could you talk a bit about that? Is it all positive for the folks at AAA, or is there some downside in maybe not getting a shot? Also, is this kind of stability the norm or an outlier when compared with other orgs?
Separate question/request for you. I'd be fascinated to hear your story of how you transitioned from "corporate drone" to successful baseball writer. That's likely a stand-alone post, and it's best suited for a slow part of the year (if such a thing exists). However, if you are willing to share, I think many of us would love to hear the tale.
Hi Roger - curious what you think about Zane Zielinski so far. Know its early but he seems to be holding his own in Eugene. I know you covered him in the SS depth article but he seems to be succeeding. Just wondering if you have more thoughts on his game! Thanks much.
Howdy Mr. Munter. This question may be predictable as a proud member of International Signings Anonymous, but when does the DSL kick off and who is in your handful of “gotta watch players?”
* just for kicks could you include a dark horse/lesser known player?
Watching the Giants flail away at Christopher Sanchez and Tyler Anderson’s change up buttressed my opinion that a plus change up from a left-handed pitcher is the most devastating secondary pitch in baseball. So, that begs the question – how close is Whisenhunt?
Hi Roger. I'd like to see Tibbs and Cox promoted to Richmond, but when I looked at it more closely, I'd like to suggest the whole Eugene outfield be swapped out for the Richmond one. Are you for it?
Hi Roger. Thanks for the continued insights. Apologies if I've missed it in the past but have the Giants moved psst Brett Auerbach as a catcher? Always thought having a Swiss Army knife utility guy who coukd catch would be invaluable
Apologies in advance for this somewhat depressing question, but looking at MLB.coms prospect rankings 10 of the top 15 guys are hitters. 5 of those 10 hitters are injured (separately 3 of the others are not in A-ball yet) and it got me thinking about the string of injuries to giants prospects like Bednar, bishop, and Crawford to name a few. This rate of injuries seems high and I was wondering if it’s happening everywhere and I’m not as attentive to it? Or is it bad luck or something else entirely?
Hi Roger - two questions for the price of one: #1: how helpful has a more stable day-to-day lineup been? (related: I have also noticed that Koss, for example, usually plays the last game of a series, so perhaps that also makes each player's expectation and prep work more predictable?). #2: Is there a renewed attention to hitting to the opposite field? And do you think that has anything to do with the team's recent success?
Hi Roger - I asked this very late in the last request so it didn't get included. I would like to get your take on your rankings after reading the Down on the Farm analysis of rankings. Any changes you would make or are there players who came to mind as you read through it?
Thanks, as always, for what you do, Roger.
Grant Brisbee noted in The Athletic recently that the Giants' 26-man active roster is the same today as it was on opening day, and how that is a significant change from the churn we saw under Zaidi. Could you talk a bit about that? Is it all positive for the folks at AAA, or is there some downside in maybe not getting a shot? Also, is this kind of stability the norm or an outlier when compared with other orgs?
Separate question/request for you. I'd be fascinated to hear your story of how you transitioned from "corporate drone" to successful baseball writer. That's likely a stand-alone post, and it's best suited for a slow part of the year (if such a thing exists). However, if you are willing to share, I think many of us would love to hear the tale.
Hi Roger - curious what you think about Zane Zielinski so far. Know its early but he seems to be holding his own in Eugene. I know you covered him in the SS depth article but he seems to be succeeding. Just wondering if you have more thoughts on his game! Thanks much.
Howdy Mr. Munter. This question may be predictable as a proud member of International Signings Anonymous, but when does the DSL kick off and who is in your handful of “gotta watch players?”
* just for kicks could you include a dark horse/lesser known player?
Watching the Giants flail away at Christopher Sanchez and Tyler Anderson’s change up buttressed my opinion that a plus change up from a left-handed pitcher is the most devastating secondary pitch in baseball. So, that begs the question – how close is Whisenhunt?
Hi Roger. I'd like to see Tibbs and Cox promoted to Richmond, but when I looked at it more closely, I'd like to suggest the whole Eugene outfield be swapped out for the Richmond one. Are you for it?
Hi Roger. Thanks for the continued insights. Apologies if I've missed it in the past but have the Giants moved psst Brett Auerbach as a catcher? Always thought having a Swiss Army knife utility guy who coukd catch would be invaluable
Apologies in advance for this somewhat depressing question, but looking at MLB.coms prospect rankings 10 of the top 15 guys are hitters. 5 of those 10 hitters are injured (separately 3 of the others are not in A-ball yet) and it got me thinking about the string of injuries to giants prospects like Bednar, bishop, and Crawford to name a few. This rate of injuries seems high and I was wondering if it’s happening everywhere and I’m not as attentive to it? Or is it bad luck or something else entirely?
Hi Roger - two questions for the price of one: #1: how helpful has a more stable day-to-day lineup been? (related: I have also noticed that Koss, for example, usually plays the last game of a series, so perhaps that also makes each player's expectation and prep work more predictable?). #2: Is there a renewed attention to hitting to the opposite field? And do you think that has anything to do with the team's recent success?
Hi Roger - I asked this very late in the last request so it didn't get included. I would like to get your take on your rankings after reading the Down on the Farm analysis of rankings. Any changes you would make or are there players who came to mind as you read through it?
I had that one saved! First one up next week