How the Giants offense is better, Part 3

Now 15 games into the Cactus League schedule, the sampling size is much larger, but the competition still close. Ishikawa is leading the way a first, but Bowker's bat is heating up a little. Sandoval is doing what he did last year, but Guzman is showing why the Giants can't forget about him at third. With Roberts gone and a 5th OF spot now up for grabs, Velez is showing why he deserves to make the team, but some guy named Andres Torres is saying not so fast...and then there is Second Base. Burriss and Frandsen are locked in a dead heat to win the job. Everyday it seems, one moves in front of the other, and then back. They have both been playing so well on both sides of the ball, it is surely going to come down to the last day of camp.

But besides the open jobs, the team seems to be hitting extremely well. All of those mentioned above are lighting up the spring, or at least hitting better than expected. Some of it is in garbage time, against pitchers who are the opponents equivalent of our Pat Misch, Ronnie Ray, Jessie English, or Kelvin Pichardo...versions of pitchers who either aren't good enough or just not ready to make a big league roster, and later in the games. But not as much of it is in garbage time as you might think.

Sure, the Giants do lead the majors in Homeruns...What?...huh...well, maybe it is more garbage time than I think. We do have guys tearing up the spring later in games such as Ryan Rohlinger, as Lefty pointed out here. But we also have guys hitting well early and those are the guys who count.

Here are the inning by inning scoring lines for the Giants:
1-4
2-5
3-7
4-7
5-10
6-18
7-6
8-21
9-11

Although the scoring is bottom heavy, specifically the 6th and 8th innings, it doesn't nescessarily mean it's only from garbage time. Teams often pitch starters only a few innings, 3-4, this early, but they also occasionally pitch a second starter following the first for another 3-4 innings, such as the case when the Dodgers started kershaw and followed him up with McDonald. Regularily teams pitch closers and setup men in earlier innings, such as the 6th, 7th, or 8th to ensure they face tougher hitters early on.

So far, the opponents starters Giants have faced are Sowers, Wolf, Grienke, Silva, Bush, Davis, Ramirez, Kershaw, Cahill, Moseley, Morales, Eveland, Adenhardt, Parra, and Feldman. Combined, the starters have pitched:
INN H R ER BB K HR ERA
41.1 35 19 16 8 17 3 3.49
This list comprises opponents relievers who are either the closer, setup men, a few starters coming out of relief, or relievers from the previous seasons bullpens who are expected to make the team. Chulk, Herges, Weaver, Stults, Broxton, Mota, Soria, Batista, Villenueva, Rouch, Peguaro, Davies, McDonald, Elbert, Mota, Oliver, Bulger, Speier, Hirsch, Simmons, Speier, Aguilar, Donnelly, Mendoza, and Register Combined, these relievers have pitched:
INN H R ER BB K HR ERA
33.1 49 30 25 12 22 5 6.76

As you can see, the Giants are having some success early on against the starters, and significant success against the relievers. Compare the starters numbers to those of the Giants and consider Sanchez isn't included here, and you can see how much better the Giants look. Lincecum, Zito, Cain, and Johnson in 12 starts:
INN H R ER BB K HR ERA
30.1 25 10 10 10 29 2 2.90

Of the 23 homeruns, obviously that is somewhat of an illusion as only 8 have come against teams top pitchers, but then again, no one is arguing the Giants are apowerful team. As for the rest, it is spring and it is early, but all this is marred when you compare the fact that the Giants big 3 hitters, Bengie Molina, Randy Winn, and Aaron Rowand are struggling mightly.

Returning Vets: Winn, Aurilia, Molina, Rowand-
Combined, they are: 20-99, 6 2B, 3 HR, 5 R, 11 RBI, 0SB, and a line of .202/.261/.354/.615

Returning Kids: Lewis, Burriss, Velez, Bowker & Holm-
Combined, they are: 38-132, 7 2B, 1 3B, 4 HR, 27 R, 17 RBI, 8-11 SB, and a line of .288/.338/.447/.785

New Additions- Frandsen, Ishikawa, Renteria, Uribe, Sandoval, & Schierholtz-
Combined, they are: 35-114, 5 2B, 6 HR, 14 R, 17 RBI, 0 SB, and a line of .307/.336/.509/.845

Fighting for a Roster Spot- Uribe, Rohlinger, Torres, Guzman, & Downs-
Combined, they are: 39-108, 12 2B, 3 3B, 7 HR, 22 R, 26 RBI, 2-3 SB, and a line of .361/.384/.722/1.106

These last 5 are impressive, but the majority of the AB's have come against the lesser talent. Still, Uribe and Guzman have been tearing everyone up and are making for strong consideration this year. Rohlinger is doing most of his damage in the 8th and 9th innings and Torres is making a case for himself. Stay tuned for more.

First Spring cuts

As we approach 1 month since pitchers and catchers reported in this World Baseball Classic extended version of spring training, we find teams have more time to evaluate the talent in camp. That is why I did a doubletake when I saw the names of the first five players reassigned yesterday... 1 in particular... Pat Misch, Ramon Ortiz, Todd Jennings, Ronnie Ray... and Josh Phelps...Can you guess which one surprised me?

I get the first four, I mean, eventually another 25+ will be sent packing and this early spring movement allows for more concntration on thoswho might actually help the team this year.

Pat Misch has been incredibly inconsistent over the last 3 seasons of call ups, nothing appears to have changed in the last month, and he's not exactly going to beat out Lincecum/Cain/Johnson/Sanchez/Zito so why keep him around. Ramon Ortiz is trying to make a comeback at the big league level, but he hasn't been effective against MLB hitters in 4 years and looked liked he was advertised over his first few spring outings...washed up...so lets give more innings to someone who can help the bullpen. Ronnie Ray was a long shot anyway and with the non-Roster Invitees of Medders, Miller, and Beltran pitching so brilliantly, Ray had no shot. Jennings is behind Molina, Holm, Posey, Sandoval, Whiteside, and Williams on the catchng depth chart so with the loss of 3 pitchers, someone had to go...Josh Phelps on the otherhand...

Josh Phelps just doesn't quite make complete sense to me. He was brought in as a non-roster invitee, so his shot was long to begin with. But with no first baseman, no real power in the lineup, and his experience, he seemed like a guy who would actually have a shot. Phelps has more raw power than anyone in camp. He has never shown the ability to hit consistent at the major league level, but if he ever figures things out, he could be like a slightly lesser version of Adam Dunn. More like Adam Dunn at the 30 home run level than the 40-45 homerun level. Still, that's 14 more homeruns than anyone had last year...thatis IF he figures things out too, not nescessarily a given either. So why is his spring done already? Why is he among the first cuts?

For starters, look at his Spring line... 4 games, 8 AB's...and that's all... Or as the famous Ausin Powers once said about the 80's, "a flock of seagulls and an oil shortage. That's all." Bruce Bochy said after the cuts were announced that Phelps has been battleing a nerve injury all spring and he most likely wouldn't be healthy until after spring ends. OK, i'll buy that. If he really is injured, he has no shot. Still, it's dissapointing in a way. I didn't want to just hand the job to Ishikawa or Bowker, but keep pressure on them all spring.

Then again, both Ishi and Bowker are doing a fine job competeing against themselves so maybe in another month, we'll forget all about Phelps and have a hard time recalling if he was in the 2009 camp or the 2008 camp.

Dave Roberts sent packing

Yesterday, the Giants severed ties with Dave Roberts, creating a much needed roster spot and playing time for the likes of Nate Schierholtz and likely Eugenio Velez. More importantly, the Giants ate $6.5 million still owed to Roberts for 2009. Not that this frees up any more money for this season, but it definitely helps paint the picture for the future a little more clearly. Now the Giants will have all of 2009 to see what Schierholtz can do.

Roberts had signed a 3 year $18 million deal back in the winter of 2006, was do to come off the books after this year. Still, he didn't exactly fit into the get younger and better plans. I'd like to say I called this as i've been refering to his immenent dismisal all winter, but I think everyone else saw it coming as well. Roberts was overpaid from the beginning, but in this economy, was grossly overpaid. Give Lefty credit here, he predicted if Roberts were a free agent this offseason, he would be forced to retire. It may yet happen.

The bottom line is Dave Roberts is now gone and the Giants have the room to try out some talent. If at some point this season, they have the ability to add another player via trade, they now have a clearer path to a roster spot. After this season, The Giants will now know better whether or not Nate Schierholtz can slide into Randy Winn's RF spot, they need to resign Winn, or make a run at a Matt Holliday.

Giants Beat The Dodgers

Sorry about the delay, as many of you know, this happened a few days ago. Still, I feel obligated to tell you (only because I love to say this) that the Giants beat the Dodgers the other day. I know it is still only spring training, but a win is a win is a win when we are talking about the Dodgers.

We are so happy here at Nuschlers News to announce a Dodger beat down that we are going to provide a year long tally of it, so stay tuned for more of these same headlines. Hopefully the Giants can run the table on them and make it 20 more. Next up, April 1st in another exhibition...

The Manny fallout...

Manny Ramirez signed the today with the Dodgers. A 2 year, $45 million deal. It is $25 million this year with an opt out, both years have deferred money. This is basically the same deal he had on the table in November and it is essentially $5 million more than he opted out of to become a F.A.. So in the end, he got more money, but no where near what they were shooting for. It also seems apparent that NO other teams ever became involved in the bidding process. Not even the Giants...

Unfortunately for the Giants, their fans did become involved in the bidding process and Manny signing elsewhere may have bigger repercussions than Bill Nuekom or Brian Sabean ever envisioned. Kinda like CC Sabathia, except this time only worse. You see, losing out on an ace lefty starter isn't too bad when you have the pitching staff the Giants have, but losing out on the best power hitter in the game when when the best you currently have is the equivelant of Dan Gladden as clean up or when your fans are used to seeing someone in the likes of a Barry Bonds back there, is potentially dangerous.

Already, when the ink isn't even dry in Los Angeles, fans are calling up local radio stations complaining how the Giants made a huge mistake or heads need to roll. I heard one guy switch his allegiance to the Athletics after this (go then I say). But the reality is, fans are mad. It's not just that Manny signed with the Dodgers, but the Giants didn't really even try... No offer was made... Heck, by the sounds of it in Henry Schulman's latest write up, the Giants didn't even want him. I understand the objective of trying to force the Dodgers to overspend and lock up more money, but someone forgot to tell the fans they were just kidding.

Just for the record, I didn't really want manny, but deep down I did...or was it, I really wanted Manny, but deep down I didn't...I think i'm flip-floping more than John Kerry in 2004 right now. Actually, I said this: I think the Giants should sign Manny to a short term, incentive laden deal, but not to over commit which is what will probably be needed. In the end, he got more than I thought the Giants should go to. Still, the damage has been done and the Giants front office has some repair work to do.

Fans thought they might get offense this off season, considering they've needed it for about 4 years now. Edgar Renteria just doesn't scream "the offense is fixed". As I'm trying to lay out here and here, I think the offense will be just fine, but that's not the perception the fans have. And if things don't go right early, the Giants will be hearing the fans Manny beef not only on the airwaves, but in the box office as well. You see, Manny undoubtably would have brought more fans to the seats, more beverages and food purchased, more merchandise collected...hell, maybe a new line of marketing dreadlocks... But what Manny also was to bring was a lot of the fans on the fence BACK. The Giants have had 4 consecutive losing seasons and never in the history of the franchise have they lost 5. Not even in New York. Some fans are debating how to spend their hard few earned dollars in this piss poor economy and most everyone has less disposable cash to part with. The Giants are facing the probability that many loyal and devoted fans simply cannot afford to come to the ball park this year and not having a Manny Ramirez in the lineup is one more reason to stay away.

Some hard desicions are going to have to be made this year by many people and certainly the Giants will have a few. Here's hoping they start the season off on the right foot and find away to make an improvement trade versus a trade to save money because no one will show at the park.

How the Giants offense is better, Part 2

After 6 games this spring, the Giants are showing some life offensively. You have to look hard to find it, but if you look just right, it's there. The 2-4 record is misleading, but then again, isn't all of spring training? The guys who have the most to gain, seem to be playing the hardest. Second base is wide open, and only because all three vying for it are playing superb. Ishikawa appears to be putting his stamp on first, and Pablo is holding his own at third. As a matter of fact, the only ones really struggling right now are the Returning Vets. There is a breakdown here on what I'm refering to in this...

Returning Vets- Rowand, Molina, Roberts, Aurilia, & Winn-
Combined, they are 7-43, 3 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3 Runs, with a line of .162/.217/.302/.519
Given that Randy Winn is still ofer the season, this will improve. Also, the chance Dave Roberts makes the squad at all gets slimmer by the pitch, and even if he does, he will be useless, so his total AB's will probably be negated. Also to note, Rowand, Winn, and Molina are all very experienced and professional, and there isn't a single expert out there who expects them to have a worse year than last season so we can expect improvements overall here.

Returning Kids- Lewis, Burriss, Velez, Bowker, & Holm-
Combined, they are 14-55, 1 2B, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 9 Runs, with a line of .254/.280/.382/.662
Still not an imposing line, but only Lewis here really ought to see significant opening month action. Velez is playing his way into a key reserve role, but not likely to be a starter. Burriss is hitting terrific and making it very difficult to send him down, though I still see that as the only place for him barring an injury. Bowker is struggling, and his 2-13 makes this line look so much worse. The important thing to take from here is Lewis appears to be playing healthy and relatively pain free. Give him a month to get his confidence back in the foot and he'll be on fire.

New Additions- Frandsen, Ishikawa, Renteria, Uribe, Sandoval, & Schierholtz-
Combined, they are 22-69, 6 2B, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 10 Runs, with a line of .319/.356/.580/.936
A very good looking line there. It is a very limited sampling, but still nice to see. Remeber, none of these players with the exception of Sandoval, had any significant role on this team last year, and he only played for 1.5 months. Last year, Fred Lewis led the team with an OBP of .791. Pablo but up .847 in 145 AB's, roughly 1/4 of a full season. These are the players to watch this spring, here is where we will see if the offense is drastically improved.
In this group consist of the starting 3B, SS, 2B, & 1B, as well as the fourth OF and a role player who could see significant time under Bruce Bochy. It's important to understand that there are no exceptions here. If Renteria can produce his career low numbers last year, it's still a better line by far than the combined Giants 2008 SS. Sandoval replaces Jose Castillo and Rich Aurilia, not that Richie can't hit, but Castillo was a butcher and took most of the PT. Frandsen looks like he finally gets his shot now that Durham is gone.
The bottom line is these players will see significant time on the field and all have the realistic potential to far out produce those they have succeeded.

How the Giants offense is better, Part 1

So, the first week of Spring games is virtually in the books and the Giants are 2-4. On the outside, it may not look great, maybe not even good...but I'm here to tell you otherwise. At the end of last season the Giants had a few major...well, through all of last season, the Giants had a few major needs to address.

This offseason, they attempted to and appear to have done a good job. The bullpen was lacking consistency as well as about 5 effective arms. They added Howry and Affedlt. They needed 1 solid innings eater for a fifth starter. They added Randy Johnson. They lacked middle infield depth, or all infield depth. They added Edgar Renteria. They needed a power hitter, or any power, or any middle of the order hitter, or any upgrade offensively...they added...well, they didn't address this one small issue...Or did they???

Last season, the Giants started the year with Aaron Rowand, Randy Winn, Dave Roberts, Jose Castillo, Omar Vizquel, Ray Durham, Rich Aurilia, & Bengie Molina as the opening day starters. By the end of the season, only Rowand, Winn, & Molina were everyday starters. Unseated by players from within the system, the Giants found multiple success stories and quite possibly some very useful players for the next 5+ seasons. The same goes for the bullpen as well.

Going into this spring, most baseball observers say the Giants didn't do anything to improve. I'm here to tell you maybe they didn't need to. For the purpose of this spring, I'm going to break the players into 3 categories: Returning Vets, Returning Kids, and New Additions. We'll take a look at how they are doing and compare them to Last years players they are replacing. Also, we'll only look at the most likely and projected lineups. If that changes as we go, we'll change as we go.

The Giants likely opening day lineup should be:
1-Randy Winn
2-Edgar Renteria
3-Fred Lewis
4-Bengie Molina
5-Pablo Sandoval
6-Travis Ishikawa
7-Aaron Rowand
8-Kevin Frandsen/Manny Burriss

the bench is likely to consist of: Juan Uribe, Eugenio Velez, Nate Schierholtz, Steve Holm, Dave Roberts/Richie Aurilia/John Bowker

My money tells me that unless Burriss is the greatest show in Scottsdale or Kevin Frandsen gets hurt, he is destined to go to Fresno as a SS. I love his game and want to see him in SF full time, but Uribe is the writing on the wall.

The Returning Vets consist of Randy Winn, Aaron Rowand, Bengi Molina, Dave Roberts, and Richie Aurilia.

The Returning Kids consist of Fred Lewis, Manny Burriss, Eugenio Velez, Steve Holm, and John Bowker

The New Additions consist of Juan Uribe, Nate Schierholtz, Kevin Frandsen, Travis Ishikawa, Edgar Renteria, & Pablo Sandoval.

New additions are based off not playing with the team for more than the late season call up last year. Pablo, only because his was over such a short span. Fred Lewis I consider a returning kid because he wasn't the given starter going into last season and has only 1 full season under his belt.

Check back in regulary as we'll keep a running total this spring based on these factors.