SB Nation User Blog: AngelintheInfield

Adding insult to injury?

AngelintheInfield — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 19:25:07 -0000

Adding insult to injury?

OPERATION BLAME BOWKER

AngelintheInfield — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:32:20 -0000

While reading the Chronicle this morning on my lovely 5:45 AM trip on CalTrain, I was subjected to John Shea's most recent article - Bowker may be playing his way out of a job.

Now, dont get me wrong, Bowker has been anything but spectacular for the past two months, and Ishikawa is tearing minor league pitchers up. They should absolutely switch places in the immediate to very near future. But is Bowker really to blame in this situation?

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Here's how Shea, Bochy, and Sabean see it: (Quotes taken from the article)

"Bowker, who hasn't homered since July 2 and seems to struggle with plate discipline - he swings at too many high fastballs and chases breaking balls out of the zone - might be playing himself out of the lineup."

"It's something Sabes and I have talked about. I'll leave it at that," said manager Bruce Bochy..."

"He's got to adjust a little better. He's got to discipline himself a little better," Bochy said about Bowker, who is hitting .141 with three RBIs since July 12. "It's hard enough when you're facing major-league pitchers. When you're chasing pitches out of the zone, it gives the pitchers a lot more options."

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Here's how I see it: Bowker came up through the system when the completely idiotic "Ortmeier as 1B no switch cleanup hitter extrodinare!!!!" experiment tanked at the beginning of the season. When all seemed lost at first base, we bring up a 24 year old minor leaguer with solid AA numbers. Granted, he only played 9 games in AAA, but thats never stopped the Giants before!

Bowker exploded for huge numbers to start his career, and the Giants and the fans felt as if they had found gold in their stale fruit loops. However, Bowker couldn't sustain this Bondsian run, and he tailed off a bit, even though he continued to hit the ball well.

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Fact of the matter is, it's not Bowker's fault that he's seen his production drop a bit here. He didn't have time to develop plate dicipline, and the whole learning major league pitching on the fly system that the Giants have employed this year just isn't working. (Will it be long before Shea writes a similar article about Burriss?) He needed more time in the minors; he was rushed to the major leagues in an attempt to cover up an organizational disaster. He did well (exceeding expectations even!) in his time here, but I think it's time he heads back to Fresno to develop.

I guess I just took the tone of the article as a stab at a guy who did a decent job of providing the fans with a little hope for the future. Instead of saying that he's playing his way out of a job, how about being suprised that a AA RF came to the MLB, learned a new position, and lead the team in HR's for a while before going back to AAA to further hone his skills.

I appretiate you, Mr. Bowker.

Lincecum and Rush

AngelintheInfield — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 21:29:04 -0000

So, if you didn't know, there is an epic Rush debate going on in the McCovey Chronicles Prospect Night Thread. As I was listening to Tom Sawyer at my desk twidling my thumbs due to the slowness of the day, I decided to rewrite the song about Timmy. It couldn't just sit in that thread, I had to post it.

A modern-day warrior
who throws 95,
Today’s starting pitcher,
Mean mean pride.

Though he looks as if he nine,
He’ll get you swinging every time.
His windup, mechanics so fine,
Might as well just grab some pine.
Lin-ce-cum

You know this kids got the pedigree
Been working on his stuff since he was three.
Modern day legend, he’s no myth
You just cant hit him, catch the drift?

His curve is, his curve is,
sharp and it buckles knees,
come on, have another try….

Todays Nolan Ryan,
He throws strikes on you,
And the zone he invades
He waves “bye bye” to you.

No, his arm is never spent
so Barbieri likes to vent,
To be the greatest, his one intent,
He'll blow the mustache off Jeff Kent,
Go Tim-my

Yea his ERA is under three
Best pitcher alive, we’d all agree.
Gets Martin, Pujols and Holiday,
Lookin' like children, come and play.

The league is, the league is,
on its respective knees,
Go ahead, Connor Jackson, cry…

Exit the warrior,
better hire a lawyer
He throws strikes on you,
leaves with 13 K’s,
He gets right through, recievin’ Cy Young’s like bouquets.

Slow Day at work... and I'm pretty proud of that.

Take a swig of whiskey and bite down on something, this (rebuilding) is gonna hurt.

AngelintheInfield — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:21:04 -0000

I felt compelled to write this post after the .420 Kevin Fransden bashing rant yesterday. Although this isn't designed to be a pro-Frandsen support piece, I do want to say that I went to high school with Kevin, and if he wasn't hurt he'd be giving us everything he had on the field. The kid has had good (if not great) minor league numbers (better than Ishikawa, who everyone is clammoring for) and only 73 more major league at bats than Bowker. Oh yeah, he's only a year older too (25). So, lets let the guy come back from injury and show us what he has. He may never be an all star infielder, but I know the guy can play.

Now, the reason that I'm writing this is in response to all of the people who think we "should" be good right now. I've been a Giants fan longer than I can remember (I'm named after Matt Nokes... long story), and these three years are some of the worst that I can recall. However, EVERY TEAM has these stretches, and it's up to the fans to just grin and bear it.

The problem with the Giants, however, is that we (both the fans and the org) have been so used to the grand hullaballo of homeruns and pennant chases that we became a little spoiled. I'ts not easy going from the most feared lineup in the NL to the oldest bunch of has-beens in the MLB. However, it HAD to happen, and I think we're on the right track to recovery (Posey, Noonan, Villalona, Bumgarner, Alderson, Gillaspie, et al)... albeit a slower, more painful one than necessary.

Although I like some of the things that the Giants have done recently, that's not to say that I support all of the decisions that the organization has made, in fact, I flat out disagree with most of the things they've done 2006-Present. I don't believe that there is much to this team that will contribute to the next great Giants team (Lincecum, Cain, and Wilson for sure, Lewis and Burriss maybe, Bowker possibly), but the fact that we are opening up some positions is reason to be somewhat optimistic.

That being said, I don't think were doing enough, and rebuilding shouldn't have to hurt this much. Who's tha main problem? I think many of us can agreee it's Sabean. I don't fault the guy for trying to build a winner, because that's what expected of him. The problem is, he's never had to build a winner around complete crap. He's always had something to add to. He's a good GM for a good team who needs to get great, and an ok GM for a moderate team who wants to get good. He's not the kind of GM that the Giants need right now. You cant add a few pieces to this team to make it compete, it needs a complete makeover.

I know I'm not the only one who was pissed after the trade deadline. However, I was even more furious when I heard him say that Molina and Winn weren't traded due to the fact that they were important to our chances in 2009. There is no way, barring instant Villalona explosion and Posey moving to shortstop and hittin 1,000,000 homeruns, that we will win next year. Molina was one of the hottest names at the deadline, there is no question that he should have been traded.

So, yes, rebuilding will hurt. But it shouldn't hurt this much. We as fans need to accept the process for what it is... and Sabean needs to go. My master plan?Management has got to get rid of Sabean. His replacement? How about trying to pry Andy Friedman away from the Rays by offering him an ownership stake (Think Beane, Billy). He's exactly the type of GM that the Giants need (drafts well, willing to make a risky trade, signs his young players), and he would make this process a lot more bearable. I know that's sort of a pipe dream, but in a time like this, thats kinda all we have.

An in-depth look at the Trade Deadline (What we've got and who may want it)

AngelintheInfield — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:48:59 -0000

I went through the depth charts for the teams in their respective division / wildcard races (with exception of the NL West) in an attempt to figure out which teams have a need for what we could be selling. After deciding that doing a breakdown for 1st base, Lefty Reliever, and SS would be too long, I decided to combine as best I could). This is what I came up with:

*Disclaimer: This is all pure speculation, feel free to tear me a new one.*

Catcher

Like it or not, Bengie is our most marketable and desirable asset this year. Although he's slumped as of late, he's still an above average catcher who could add offense to a team. Here are the teams who could use Molina's services.

1. Florida Marlins - The Marlins have two catchers on the roster, and both are having absolutely abysmal years at the plate. For a team who is so focused on the HR (they lead the league), their catchers have produced relatively no pop, a shown a complete aversion to getting on base, as both are hitting below .235. Although Bengie hasn't hit a ton of homers this year, he has hit for a decent average and some good power numbers. The team depends on its offense, as their starter's ERA is around 5. This seems like a perfect fit, and I'd love to pry AA infield prospect Chris Coghlan from them, as he's currently blocked by Dan Uggla and Hanley Ramirez. It was pointed out in another thread that the Marlins may be hesitant to take on Bengie's salary, but if they want to make a serious run at the playoffs, Bengie might be an option.

2. LA Angels - Bengie's former team, the Angels, would also seemingly love to have his services. Jeff Mathis is hitting .209 for the year, leaving alot to be desired at the position. Bengie would be a huge upgrade, and as sharksrog pointed out in the "Trade Bengie Now?" thread, Bengie still has alot of friends in the organization. As far as prospects we could ask for in return, give me AAA SS Sean Rodriguez, who's behind both Macier Izturis and Eric Aybar. Thanks to Dan from NM for bringing up the possibility.

3. Yankees - With Jorge Posada down, and with the hole left in the offense due to Matsui's injury, could the Molina’s be reunited in NY? The Yankees could always use the extra offense, and Molina is more dependable at the plate than his younger brother. If he wasn't catching, Molina also provides insurance if the Sexon signing doesn't pan out, as he could fill in as DH. What could we ask for in return? How about Class A+ 2B Damon Sublett or SAL League 3B Bradley Suttle? Both could fit well in the Giant's system. I suggest packaging him with Aurilia as well, as the Yankees could use some insurance at 1B if Sexon doesn't pan out.

Other Options: Phillies, Mets, Red Sox (even though Varitek is struggling, I don't see a scenario where they bring in anyone to replace him, even though Molina would be a better option at the plate)

Outfielder

It's hard to market an outfielder who is somewhat pop-less. However, Randy Winn is a good asset for a team to have, as speedy utility type outfielders who can hit near the top of the order aren’t necessarily easy to come by. Here are the teams where I think Sabean should look to send Mr. Dwight Winn. I see him as a 2004 Dave Roberts type, older outfielder who hits for average with good base running #'s (19 SB, 1 CS).

1. Chicago White Sox - Nick Swisher has been absolutely awful in center for the White Sox, and they gave up a bunch to get him this off-season. He's currently hitting .237 with some pop (14 HR's), but he's also been playing atrocious defense in the outfield (just listen to KNBR's own Bob Fitzgerald). Randy Winn would give them a good defensive replacement for Swisher, and wouldn't cause too hefty of a drop off in production if they decided to start him in an outfield spot. The White Sox could also use his speed, as they rank 25th in the league in SB's. Winn wouldn't command as much as Molina, so how about John Shelby, a Class A+ 2B/OF?

2. Texas Rangers - Who would you rather have? Marlon Byrd or Randy Winn? In my opinion, Winn would be a significant upgrade over Byrd, and if the Rangers decide to go for it, Winn could be a great addition to the team. He leads Byrd in all major batting categories, and could add some more speed to a team who ranks 18th in the MLB in SB's. Possible return? Class A+ 3B Johnny Whittleman. He's fallen out of favor a little in Texas, but he's a good young player (20) who could still turn it around. Packaging Aurilia in the deal could also be a possibility, as 1B is a position of weakness for Texas as well.

(As an aside, I'm hoping we could package Walker in this deal, for obvious reasons)

3. Tampa Bay Rays - This is a little bit of a longshot, but reuniting Winn with his old team may work out for both parties. He wouldn't be getting a starting role, but Winn would be a better 4th OF option than either Johnny Gomes or Gabe Gross. Winn adds speed and defense, and a better on base percentage than Crawford in the two hole. You could also bat Winn 9th, as an additional set up spot for the top of the order. Hinskie is only playing against righty's right now, and Winn could supplant Gross as the starting RF against left handed pitching. I would consider sending Taschner as well in this deal, but I still wouldn't expect to get alot in return. I'd love someone like Reid Brignac... but a more realistic return would be someone like Fernando Perez.

Other Options: New York Mets (They seem more interested in a power hitting OF, which Winn just aint), Minnesota Twins.

CONDENSED - Aurilia, Taschner, Vizquel

Aurilla - Yankees, Rangers

Taschner - Yankees, Tigers, Angels, Cardinals

Vizquel - Red Sox (only as a defensive replacement) - Don't expect this one.

Rumor: Say goodbye to Dodd... and Connecticut?

AngelintheInfield — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:16:02 -0000

While actually doing work (search: lease, san francisco) I ran across this article:

http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-07-18-0224.html

In the article, it names the Defenders as one of the possible teams eyeing a move to Virginia. I whole-heartedly support this move, and hope that it gets done before Angel and Noonan make the eventual move to AA. Granted, Pablito is kinda destroying the ancient "Ye Giants prospects shalt not hit whilst at Dodd" declaration.

P.S. When I saw this, I thought that they meant Richmond, CA. Why would anything ever willingly move to Richmond? (Sorry, you Richmondites out there).

Schierholtz... snubbed!

AngelintheInfield — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:05:21 -0000

The U.S. Olympic team was just announced, and Nate Schierholtz will not be travelling to Beijing as origionally expected. I guess that extremely poor futures game appearance did nothing to help his cause. Perhaps, however, the Giants prevented Schierholtz from going, which is possible.

On another note, after just a quick look at the roster, it appears as if there will be only one Giants prospect on the Olympic roster (Gino Espineli)... so much for organizational strength! (From a U.S. standpoint, at least)

Poll

Schierholtz...

was jipped!

28 votes

was left off the roster due to the Giant's wishes.

17 votes

didn't deserve to be on the team.

55 votes

100 votes | Poll has closed

Semi OT: Best topic for a Giant's movie?

AngelintheInfield — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 22:15:43 -0000

The best baseball movie thread got me thinking... the Indians have a movie, the White Sox have a movie, so do the Yankees, Mets (can I count Frequency?), the Twins, and even the Rays have a movie.

Taking CalTrain from SJ to SF gives me plenty of time to think about these things: If I was going to make a movie about the Giants, what would it be? There are so many stories possible, what would be the best choice? I tried to eliminate the Bonds-era, since I didn't want this to be a downer movie about steroids.

So, what do you think? If you could watch a movie about the Giants, what would be your story of choice?

P.S. If the idea is really good, I might just dust off the old playmobil and camera and make a stop action film. (Great idea for a college presentation by the way... my Org. Behavior teacher loved "How to deal with Vikings in the workplace.")

It's probably too late now, but...

AngelintheInfield — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:44:07 -0000

... shouldn't the Giants have brought up Schierholtz for the American League road trip? I've heard many times that Bochy and the front office don't want Schierholtz up here until he can start everyday like he does in Fresno.

Although it is a small sampling of games, to me, this is the perfect opportunity to give Schierholtz some reps (play Rowand, Winn, or Lewis at DH), and another taste of the majors. He's absolutely killing the ball right now, and I for one believe that he deserves to be in San Francisco more than the likes of Horwitz (even though I really like Horwitz).

My one reservation to that, however, is the up and down promotion-demotion might kill his confidence even more.

Poll

The Giants should...

Bring him up now!

12 votes

Wait untill possible trades open up a roster spot.

62 votes

Uhm, Dave Roberts is coming back in three weeks. Who is this Schierholtz you speak of?

10 votes

84 votes | Poll has closed

Reshaping the MLB Draft

AngelintheInfield — Wed, 14 May 2008 04:05:58 -0000

My last post was a fake post, this one is gonna be pretty serious. (Or, at least as serious as I can manage)

Looking at the lack of young talent in the Giant's minor league system (at least in the higher levels), and our apparent inability to trade our older players for any meaningful prospects; the only semi-successful way that the Giants have refilled their minor league system is through the draft.

However, that process can take years, and it can be an extremely cyclical process. A team, with a high pick, can take a player which they believe will be good in the future. That prospect, once ready for the major leagues, could then be traded for another prospect, since the talent surrounding the original prospect is so poor. A team may trade away a prospect if they think trading them will help them in the present, as the team thinks they have a better chance with the new players. This is nothing new to anyone here. But this, often, doesn't help a team prepare for the short term.

Take the Pirates and Royals, for example. These teams used to be powerhouses, but they have been pushed into the cellar of the MLB for years, if not decades. Granted, they don't spend much, but a team that consistently finishes last in their division (or league, for that matter) should be able to more easily build their teams through the draft.

We, as Giants fans, know that you cant build a team around one player. So how does one high pick (followed, of course, by others), help a team advance in the league? The Giants definitely were smart with their recent choices, Lincecum and Cain were great first round selections. However, who's to say that more picks wouldn't have served the Giants better?

***Don't shoot me for that, I'm as big a Cain and Lincecum supporter as anyone***

This post has pretty much been building up to the fact that I think picks in the MLB Draft should be tradable, as they are in the NBA and the NFL. Many people claim that the process wouldn't work, as MLB players taken in the draft don't usually pan out the way that players in other leagues do. Sure, there is risk involved in the MLB, but try telling the 49ers that Alex Smith wasn't a risky signing. Point is, every draft comes with risk.

I think it would be easier for the Giants to build a competitive team if they were able to trade players for draft picks. Randy Winn has been hard to trade for prospects, but he is a good player that plenty of teams could use. I could see a team trade a second round pick for Randy Winn rather than parting with a prospect.

Enabling the trading of draft picks, in my estimation, could increase the amount of veteran players traded, bring more attention to the MLB draft itself, give teams the ability to rebuild faster, and give fans and teams a greater sense of ownership of their minor league players.

MCC contributors are all very savvy (veteran savvy AND normal savvy), so I'm hoping to stir up some discussion rather than laying out my master plan for improving the draft other than starting the thought process. Any thoughts?