Going into the season I had hoped/foolishly predicted that with a full year of good health Will Wilson would be able to show what he can do and enter the conversation for a 40 man spot. It hasn't worked out that way, and even after his demotion to Richmond he's hardly set the world on fire. What do you think happens next for him? (Also, someone needs to write a book about the last few years of Angels farm system management)
Glowenke seems to be turning the corner in AA. Even during his hot streak the team is still batting him 8th or 9th most nights. How do you think the front office views him? Does he have much versatility or 2b only guy?
How likely is it that the Giants protect Bericoto, Fitzgerald, Arteaga, and McCray this winter? Seems like Giants have some really tough decisions to make this winter.
Crystal ball time, Roger. Fast forward 12months who are the Giants 1-2-3 prospects, assuming both Harrison and Luciano have graduated? Also, is Teng pitching his way into Rule 5 consideration?
As the MiLB seasons draw to a close, I'm curious about the organization's plan for offseason development of the players. Are all the players given specific guidelines, goals, challenges, etc. to help them improve their game? Are they allowed to work with coaches and instructors outside the organization (e.g. former coaches and/or players, people recommended by other players, etc.)? Are they allowed to play winter baseball in the Caribbean? How much of what a player does in the offseason to improve their game is controlled by the Giants organization vs. players working on aspects of their game on their own?
Looking ahead to next year: What are your thoughts on the chances of Conforto, Manea and Stripling opting in or out? It looks like a weak FA market… Conforto bad year, but Boris client. Manea looking better as reliever. Stripling seems like Wood in not liking his role.
Having Beck, Winn, Teng, Black, Whiz as 4th/5th starter options next year seems more appealing. Conforto was good in previous years.
This seems to be a farm system rich in arms, as you have mentioned in your posts. With (hopefully) Webb and Harrison as the future 1 and 2, do you see a couple of solid 3s in the system to give the Giants a good, competitive rotation? The group I see is Whisenhunt, Crawford, Black, Birdsong, Teng, Winn, Beck, McDonald, Roupp, but let me know if I am missing anyone.
In the abstract, how similar are Vaun Brown and PJ Hilson? We didn't see Brown as a young player at an age-appropriate level, but do they both seem like players with similar athleticism, but maybe some difficulties with contact?
Watching Meckler speed down the line last night on a perfect RBI bunt and the fact that he's started to get on base at an amazing percentage after a rough start, makes me think he's got the 'ping hitter' spot on the big club all but wrapped up. Oh, and he also plays a decent center field. Meaning, how badly does that impact the other minimal-power players in the system? Off the top of my head I can think of Munguia, Bryce Johnson (already DFA'd), Damon Dues, Hayden Cantrell, ...who am I missing, seems like there are more, even Luis Matos. Is there any chance the club would have two such players on the big club?
Other than Matos I don’t really think you’re talking about future roster pieces i that group especially with Johnson as you say basically gone. I do, however, wonder if Meck and Matos can really be on the roster together long term. It’s something g I’ve wondered about all year. Not to dampen your enthusiasm anu but I never like to make long term predictions in the first blush of success. There are many adjustments still to be made. You may or may not have noticed that Meckler’s performance against breaking balls so far has been downright pitcher-esque. Certainly other teams will notice.
Just before his call up I remember Meck was interviewed and indicated he was looking for fastballs to damage and breaking pitches he was ignoring-- or something like that. Sounded like a great way to hit .400 in the minors, but I was kinda horrified.
Hi Roger. I’m curious how the notable younger hitters are faring in the context of the new-ish research about bumping up their wRC+ for each year that they’re younger than the average age for their level. Would you please revisit that analysis? Also, is there similar research for pitchers? I’d love to hear some Munter musings on the arms with aggressive placements.
You probably will write about this in your regular column, but doesn't it appear like Heliot Ramos is finally arriving as a big leaguer? Right now I'd hate for them to trade him for the next Donnie Walton. (Not to pick on Donovan Walton, but you get my drift.)
This is out of pocket, but with the acquisition of POLLOCK, by my count the Giants have had 6 players drafted in the first round of the 2009 draft in the organization (WHEELER, LEAKE, GREEN, POLLOCK, MILLER, & HEATHCOTT). The 2009 draft has yielded next to 0 value for the Giants, but they have gone to the well often! Can anyone think of a draft that has had more 1st round picks in the organization?
I revisited your interview with Dave Fleming, and in the Giants searching for a “secret sauce” in terms of developing hitters, what are tangible targets hitters in the minors, and prospects who have seemingly graduated, try and reach over an offseason?
Going into the season I had hoped/foolishly predicted that with a full year of good health Will Wilson would be able to show what he can do and enter the conversation for a 40 man spot. It hasn't worked out that way, and even after his demotion to Richmond he's hardly set the world on fire. What do you think happens next for him? (Also, someone needs to write a book about the last few years of Angels farm system management)
Glowenke seems to be turning the corner in AA. Even during his hot streak the team is still batting him 8th or 9th most nights. How do you think the front office views him? Does he have much versatility or 2b only guy?
How likely is it that the Giants protect Bericoto, Fitzgerald, Arteaga, and McCray this winter? Seems like Giants have some really tough decisions to make this winter.
Crystal ball time, Roger. Fast forward 12months who are the Giants 1-2-3 prospects, assuming both Harrison and Luciano have graduated? Also, is Teng pitching his way into Rule 5 consideration?
As the MiLB seasons draw to a close, I'm curious about the organization's plan for offseason development of the players. Are all the players given specific guidelines, goals, challenges, etc. to help them improve their game? Are they allowed to work with coaches and instructors outside the organization (e.g. former coaches and/or players, people recommended by other players, etc.)? Are they allowed to play winter baseball in the Caribbean? How much of what a player does in the offseason to improve their game is controlled by the Giants organization vs. players working on aspects of their game on their own?
Looking ahead to next year: What are your thoughts on the chances of Conforto, Manea and Stripling opting in or out? It looks like a weak FA market… Conforto bad year, but Boris client. Manea looking better as reliever. Stripling seems like Wood in not liking his role.
Having Beck, Winn, Teng, Black, Whiz as 4th/5th starter options next year seems more appealing. Conforto was good in previous years.
This seems to be a farm system rich in arms, as you have mentioned in your posts. With (hopefully) Webb and Harrison as the future 1 and 2, do you see a couple of solid 3s in the system to give the Giants a good, competitive rotation? The group I see is Whisenhunt, Crawford, Black, Birdsong, Teng, Winn, Beck, McDonald, Roupp, but let me know if I am missing anyone.
In the abstract, how similar are Vaun Brown and PJ Hilson? We didn't see Brown as a young player at an age-appropriate level, but do they both seem like players with similar athleticism, but maybe some difficulties with contact?
Watching Meckler speed down the line last night on a perfect RBI bunt and the fact that he's started to get on base at an amazing percentage after a rough start, makes me think he's got the 'ping hitter' spot on the big club all but wrapped up. Oh, and he also plays a decent center field. Meaning, how badly does that impact the other minimal-power players in the system? Off the top of my head I can think of Munguia, Bryce Johnson (already DFA'd), Damon Dues, Hayden Cantrell, ...who am I missing, seems like there are more, even Luis Matos. Is there any chance the club would have two such players on the big club?
Other than Matos I don’t really think you’re talking about future roster pieces i that group especially with Johnson as you say basically gone. I do, however, wonder if Meck and Matos can really be on the roster together long term. It’s something g I’ve wondered about all year. Not to dampen your enthusiasm anu but I never like to make long term predictions in the first blush of success. There are many adjustments still to be made. You may or may not have noticed that Meckler’s performance against breaking balls so far has been downright pitcher-esque. Certainly other teams will notice.
Just before his call up I remember Meck was interviewed and indicated he was looking for fastballs to damage and breaking pitches he was ignoring-- or something like that. Sounded like a great way to hit .400 in the minors, but I was kinda horrified.
Is there any reason trevor mcdonald is still in eugene? Older guy who dominated last year and continues to do the same this year.
Hi Roger. I’m curious how the notable younger hitters are faring in the context of the new-ish research about bumping up their wRC+ for each year that they’re younger than the average age for their level. Would you please revisit that analysis? Also, is there similar research for pitchers? I’d love to hear some Munter musings on the arms with aggressive placements.
You probably will write about this in your regular column, but doesn't it appear like Heliot Ramos is finally arriving as a big leaguer? Right now I'd hate for them to trade him for the next Donnie Walton. (Not to pick on Donovan Walton, but you get my drift.)
This is out of pocket, but with the acquisition of POLLOCK, by my count the Giants have had 6 players drafted in the first round of the 2009 draft in the organization (WHEELER, LEAKE, GREEN, POLLOCK, MILLER, & HEATHCOTT). The 2009 draft has yielded next to 0 value for the Giants, but they have gone to the well often! Can anyone think of a draft that has had more 1st round picks in the organization?
I revisited your interview with Dave Fleming, and in the Giants searching for a “secret sauce” in terms of developing hitters, what are tangible targets hitters in the minors, and prospects who have seemingly graduated, try and reach over an offseason?