SB Nation User Blog: steve S

minor lines, 9/19/09

steve S — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 15:06:14 -0000

In their final games of the year, the last two Giants' affiliates in action had different fates--Connecticut lost but San Jose won. The most individual highlight-worthy line in their final games of the year was (a) Eric Surkamp with 3 ER but 12 K in 8.0 IP.

AAA: Fresno ended its season on Labor Day

AA: Connecticut lost to Akron 10-6
(losing the Eastern League championship series 3-1)

Connecticut: 2B Brock Bond: 2 for 4, BB
Connecticut: CF Mike McBryde: 1 for 5, 2B, 2 SO, GiDP
Connecticut: LF-3B Brad Boyer: 2 for 4, SO
Connecticut: LF Bobby Felmy: 2 for 2
Akron: C Carlos Santana: 2 for 3, HR, 2 BB
Akron: RF John Drennen: 2 for 4, HR, BB, E

Connecticut: LHP Ari Ronick: 3.0+ IP, 6 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K--1 HR, 1 WP
Connecticut: RHP Geivy Garcia: 0.0 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB
Connecticut: LHP Wilmin Rodriguez: 0.2 IP, 3 BB
Connecticut: RHP Dan Griffin: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER--1 HR
Akron: LHP Scott Barnes: 5.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 7 K

Two Defenders in the starting lineup, Bond and Boyer, each had two hits; but they finished the post-season with very different AVGs, Bond at .367 and Boyer at .188. Felmy, who didn't enter the game until the bottom of the 6th inning, also had two hits, raising his post-season AVG to .368. McBryde had only one hit, but it was the Defenders' only XBH, and he finished with a .417 post-season AVG. He also had two outfield assists, twice throwing out runners at third base in his final game of the year. Santana, the Indians top prospect, whom the acquired from the Dodgers a year ago in the trade for Casey Blake, had his 3rd post-season HR and reached base four times. Drennen, a 23-year-old who was a supplemental first round pick of the Indians in 2005, also homered. With his two hits, he finished his post-season with a .379 AVG.

Ronick allowed just a single run in both the 2nd and 3rd innings, but the wheels came off for the Defenders in the 4th inning. Ronick and then Garcia allowed the first five batters to reach (one of them on an error), and Wi-Rod issued three walks before Griffin finally got the final out of the inning. Griffin did allow a two-run HR then in the 5th inning, though, to give the Aeros a 10-2 lead before the Defenders rallied for a few runs in the final two innings to close the gap. The Defenders' final loss of the year came to Barnes, whom the Giants traded to the Indians in July for Ryan Garko. He allowed just a couple hits and a couple unearned runs in 5.0 IP, while striking out seven of the nineteen batters he faced.

A+: San Jose defeated High Desert 4-3
(sweeping the Cal League championship series)

San Jose: CF Francisco Peguero: 2 for 5
San Jose: 2B Nick Noonan: 2 for 4, SO
San Jose: LF Thomas Neal: 1 for 3, BB, IBB, SO
San Jose: RF Roger Kieschnick: 1 for 4, 2B, 2 SO
San Jose: C Johnny Monell: 1 for 3, 2B, BB, SO, PB
San Jose: SS Brian Bocock: 2 for 4, 2 SO
High Desert: 3B Alex Liddi: 1 for 3, 2B, BB, SO

San Jose: LHP Eric Surkamp: 8.0 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 12 K
San Jose: RHP Rafael Cova: 1.0 IP, 1 BB--2 WP
High Desert: RHP Michael Pineda: 5.1 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 7 K

In their final game of the season, Peguero, Noonan, and Bocock each had two hits, raising their post-season AVGs to .387, .250, and .292, respectively. Neal and Monell also reached base twice. Monell and Kieschnick provided the Giants' two XBHs. Monell did have his 3rd passed ball of the post-season, though. Although Neal and Kieschnick led the Giants' offense for much of the regular season, they both hit just .242 in the post-season. The Mariners' Liddi, who had a huge breakout season, hitting .345/.411/.594 in nearly 500 AB, had the Mavericks' only XBH as he reached base twice. He hit just .185 in the post-season.

In his final start of the year, Surkamp had what I believe are career highs with 8.0 IP and 12 K. After a poor start in the previous series, he at least finished the post-season with an ERA below 9.00. All three runs he allowed came in the first two innings, and it might have looked like it would be another ineffective start for him, but he allowed just two hits and a walk in his final six innings. Cova pitched a scoreless 9th inning despite a couple wild pitches for his 3rd post-season save. Pineda, who entered the season ranked among the Mariners' top ten propsects but missed over three months of the season with an injury, took the loss in the final game of the year.

A-: Augusta ended its season on Labor Day

ssA: Salem-Keizer won the NWL championship series on September 10

R: Giants lost AZL championship game on August 31

DSL: The Gigantes finished their DSL championship series sweep on August 31

minor lines, 9/18/09

steve S — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:05:26 -0000

Both Giants' affiliate still in the post-season won their games, with these individual highlights: (a) Brian Bocock homered, doubled, and had a walk; (b) Thomas Neal reached base four times; (c) Mike McBryde had three hits; and (d) Paul Oseguera allowed 2 ER in 5.2 IP pitching at High Desert.

AAA: Fresno ended its season on Labor Day

AA: Connecticut defeated Akron 8-7
(but still trail 2-1 in the best-of-five series)

Connecticut: CF Mike McBryde: 3 for 5, SO, SB
Connecticut: DH Eddy Martinez-Esteve: 0 for 1, 3 BB
Connecticut: PH-LF Bobby Felmy: 1 for 1, 2B
Akron: C Carlos Santana: 1 for 4, HR, BB, SO
Akron: 3B Lonnie Chisenhall: 3 for, 4 BB
Akron: SS Carlos Rivero: 3 for 5, 2B

Connecticut: LHP Craig Clark: 2.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 0 K--1 HR, 1 HB, 1 WP
Connecticut: RHP Mitch Lively: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Connecticut: LHP Alex Hinshaw: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 K
Connecticut: RHP Matt Yourkin: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 K

The only Defender with a multi-hit line, McBryde continues to swing a very hot bat in the post-season, now with a .452 AVG. He also had his 3rd post-season SB. The only Defender in the lineup without a hit, EME still reached base three times. Felmy's pinch-hit, RBI double in the 9th inning provided a needed insurance run and was the Defenders' only XBH. Santana, the Indian's top prospect, had a two-run, one-out HR in the 3rd inning, his 2nd HR of the post-season. Chisenhall and Rivero, who both entered the season ranked among the Indians' top ten prospects, had three hits each. Chisenhall, the Indians' first rounder a year ago who had just a .183 AVG in 93 AB after being promoted to Akron in early August, has a .520 post-season AVG.

Clark had a short start, allowing 4 ER in 2.1 IP. His post-season ERA rose to 8.59. Lively provided long-relief, also with 2.1 IP. He stranded both his inherited runners, but Hinshaw was not able to do the same when he allowed the runner he inherited from Lively to score. Among six Defenders relievers to make an appearance, Lively, Hinshaw, and Yourkin all pitched at least an inning, with Yourkin getting the final five outs for his 2nd post-season save.

A+: San Jose defeated High Desert 7-5
(winning both of the first two games of the best-of-five championship series at High Desert)

San Jose: LF-CF Francisco Peguero: 2 for 5, 3B
San Jose: DH Thomas Neal: 1 for 2, 3 BB
San Jose: RF Roger Kieschnick: 2 for 4, BB, SO, E
San Jose: SS Brian Bocock: 2 for 4, HR, 2B, BB
San Jose: C Johnny Monell: 1 for 4, HR, BB, PB

San Jose: LHP Paul Oseguera: 5.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K--1 WP
San Jose: LHP Ryan Verdugo: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
San Jose: RHP Ryan Shaver: 0.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER
San Jose: RHP Dan Turpen: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 1 K

Bocock led the Giants' offense with his 1st HR and 4th double of the post-season, along with a walk. Peguero and Kieschnick joined Bocock with multi-hit lines. Neal had three walks while reaching base four times. Monell had his 2nd post-season HR.

Oseguera allowed just 1 R through the first five innings but came up a bit short of the quality start. Verdugo stranded both runners inherited from Oseguera in the 6th inning but then retired just three of six batters faced in the 7th inning. After Shaver failed to retire any of the three batters he faced to the start the 8th inning, Turpen got the final six outs to secure the victory.

A-: Augusta ended its season on Labor Day

ssA: Salem-Keizer won the NWL championship series on September 10

R: Giants lost AZL championship game on August 31

DSL: The Gigantes finished their DSL championship series sweep on August 31

minor lines, 9/17/09

steve S — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:09:40 -0000

San Jose, the Giants' one affiliate in action, won the first game of the Cal League championship series, with the top individual highlight being (a) Clayton Tanner allowing just 1 ER in 7.0 IP.

AAA: Fresno ended its season on Labor Day

AA: Connecticut had an off-day in its best-of-five championship series
(They trail 2-0 heading into game 3 in Akron tonight.)

A+: San Jose defeated High Desert 2-1

San Jose: RF Roger Kieschnick: 1 for 4, HR
San Jose: CF Francisco Peguero: 2 for 4, SB
San Jose: 1B Josh Mazzola: 2 for 3, HR
High Desert: RF Carlos Peguero: 2 for 4, 2 SO

San Jose: LHP Clayton Tanner: 7.0 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 9 K--1 WP
San Jose: LHP David Quinowski: 1.0 IP, 2 K
San Jose: RHP Rafael Cova: 1.0 IP
High Desert: RHP Steven Hensley: 7.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 K--2 HR

Kieschnick and Mazzola led off the 2nd and 5th innings with solo HRs, providing the Giants' only runs. Mazzola and Peguero each had two of the Giants' six hits. For the Mariners' affiliate, their Peguero had their only multi-hit line. He has emerged as one of the better prospects in the Mariners' organization this year after slugging .560.

Tanner had his second straight fairly dominant playoff start. He scattered 7 H over 7.0 IP, allowing just one run. He had a 10/2 GO/FO line. Quinowski and Cova each pitched a perfect inning to finish the game. Hensley, the Mariners' fourth rounder a year ago, came up on the short end of the pitchers duel in one of the most hitter-friendly ballparks in the minors. He had pitched a complete-game shutout in his previous post-season appearance with 3 H, 1 BB, and 10 K.

A-: Augusta ended its season on Labor Day

ssA: Salem-Keizer won the NWL championship series on September 10

R: Giants lost AZL championship game on August 31

DSL: The Gigantes finished their DSL championship series sweep on August 31

minor lines, 9/16/09

steve S — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:12:48 -0000

While one Giants' affiliate won and the other lost its post-season game last night, individual highlights included these two performances: (a) Conor Gillaspie homered while reaching base in all four plate appearances, and (b) Mike McBryde had 3 XBHs and a single.

AAA: Fresno ended its season on Labor Day

AA: Connecticut lost to Akron 7-6
(having now lost the first two games at home)

Connecticut: 2B Brock Bond: 2 for 4, 2B, BB, SO
Connecticut: CF Mike McBryde: 4 for 5, 3B, 2 2B
Connecticut: 1B Brett Pill: 1 for 4, HR, BB, SO
Connecticut: C Jackson Williams: 0 for 4, 2 SO

Connecticut: RHP Daryl Maday: 5.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Connecticut: LHP Joe Paterson: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 K
Connecticut: RHP Mitch Lively: 0.0 IP, 1 BB
Connecticut: LHP Alex Hinshaw: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 1 K
Connecticut: RHP Matt Yourkin: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB--1 HR

McBryde had four hits, including three XBHs. The four hits raised his post-season AVG to a team-leading .423. With the Defenders' only other multi-hit line, Bond reached base three times. Pill homered. Both Bond and Pill have post-season AVGs above .300. Williams was the only Defender to reach base, but his post-season AVG remains above .260--better than several of his teammates.

Maday allowed three runs in the 3rd inning but otherwise kept the Aeros from scoring. Paterson, Lively, and Hinshaw combined to allow another run in the 7th inning. Yourkin allowed 3 ER in the 9th inning to break the tie score (although the Defenders rallied for two runs in the bottom half of the inning to provide the final margin).

A+: San Jose defeated Bakersfield 12-3
(scoring eleven runs in the 7th and 8th innings in the decisive game 5)

San Jose: CF Francisco Peguero: 1 for 3, 2 BB, GiDP
San Jose: LF Thomas Neal: 2 for 5
San Jose: 3B Conor Gillaspie: 3 for 3, HR, BB, IBB
San Jose: SS Brian Bocock: 1 for 3, 2B, BB, SO

San Jose: RHP David Mixon: 6.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
San Jose: LHP David Quinowski: 1.0 IP, 1 BB, 2 K
San Jose: RHP Dan Turpen: 2.0 IP, 1 H

Gillaspie had three hits, including a HR to lead off the 5th inning, which provided the Giants' only run until the 7th inning; and he reached base in all four of his plate appearances. His .389 AVG led the Giants in this five-game series. Neal had the Giants' only other multi-hit line, raising his AVG to .250 after an oh-fer in the first two games of the series. Peguero reached base three times. Bocock's third double of the series was the Giants' only XBH in the final game asisde from Gillaspie's HR.

Mixon, who had just three starts among his 40 appearances this year, which were an emergency start for Fresno and then starts in his final two games of the year, had a quality start. He also struck out more batters than he allowed to reach base. Quinowski and Turpen finished the game with 3.0 scoreless IP to secure the win.

A-: Augusta ended its season on Labor Day

ssA: Salem-Keizer won the NWL championship series on September 10

R: Giants lost AZL championship game on August 31

DSL: The Gigantes finished their DSL championship series sweep on August 31

minor lines, 9/15/09

steve S — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:12:47 -0000

Both Giants' affiliates still seeing post-season action lost last night, with no individual lines really standing out as highlight-worthy, although an honorable mention would go to Eddy Martinez-Esteve for his home run while reaching base twice.

AAA: Fresno ended its season on Labor Day

AA: Connecticut lost to Akron 7-2
(in game 1 of the best-of-five EL championship series)

Connecticut: DH Eddy Martinez-Esteve: 1 for 3, HR, BB
Connecticut: SS Brandon Crawford: 2 for 4, E
Connecticut: C Jackson Williams: 1 for 2, BB, SO
Akron: 1B Beau Mills: 2 for 5, HR, 2B, 2 SO
Akron DH Matt McBride: 3 for 4, HR, HBP, SO

Connecticut: LHP Ben Snyder: 3.2 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 3 K--1 HR, 2 HB
Connecticut: RHP Geivy Garcia: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 3 K--1 WP
Connecticut: LHP Alex Hinshaw: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Connecticut: RHP Craig Whitaker: 0.2 IP
Connecticut: RHP Garrett Broshuis: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER

Crawford had two of the Defenders' six hits, raising his post-season AVG to .227; but he also committed his 3rd error in six post-season games. EME homered to lead off the 7th inning. He and Williams drew the Defenders' only two walks as they also reached base twice. Mills, whom the Indians selected 13th overall in 2007, had two XBH, including a two-run, one-out HR in the 4th inning to give the Aeros a 5-0 lead. I believe most McCovey Chronicles commenters were upset that the Giants selected Madison Bumgarner over Mills, who hit .267/.308/.417 in 516 AB this year. How many are still upset about that choice? McBride, the 75th overall pick a year earlier in 2006, reached base four times, including his 8th inning HR. After an early May promotion to the Eastern League, he hit just .247/.301/.427 in 361 AB.

After dominating in his previous post-season start, Snyder was roughed up in this start. He retired just 11 of the 24 batters he faced, inflating his post-season ERA to 5.40. Garcia retired seven of the eight batters he faced in long relief. Hinshaw and Whitaker allowed an unearned run in the 7th inning. Making his first post-season appearance, Broshuis pitched the final two innings.

A+: San Jose lost to Bakersfield 11-4
(tying the best-of-five semifinal series at 2-2)

San Jose: DH Darren Ford: 0 for 2, BB, HBP, SO
San Jose: 2B Nick Noonan: 1 for 3, BB, SF, SO
San Jose: SS Brian Bocock: 1 for 3, 2B, BB, SO
Bakersfield: 1B Ian Gac: 2 for 4, HR, SF, SO, E

San Jose: RHP Kyle Nicholson: 3.1 IP, 6 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 4 BB, 6 K--1 HR, 1 WP
San Jose: RHP Ryan Shaver: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K--4 WP
San Jsoe: RHP Trey Webb: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER--1 HB
San Jose: LHP Ryan Verdugo: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 3 K
San Jose: RHP Rafael Cova: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 3 K
Bakersfield: RHP Michael Main: 2.0 IP, 3 K

Bocock had the Giants' only XBH. Along with Ford and Noonan, he reached base twice. The Rangers' 24-year-old Gac, who had 22 regular season HRs but also a SO/AB ratio above 30% and an OBP below .300, had a three-run, two-out HR in the 3rd inning and 6 RBIs overall for the game.

Nicholson was roughed up in his post-season start. If I recall correctly, he pitched the AZL championship game a year ago, and although he pitched well in that game, he came up short in that pitcher's duel. Shaver managed to throw four wild pitches in less than two innings. Webb was ejected from the game after hitting the third batter he faced. Verdugo and Cova each had 3 K in their appearances. Main, the Rangers' first rounder a couple years ago, also had 3 K in his 2.0 perfect IP relief appearance. He has come back strong in a few relief appearances to end the season after struggling in the first half of the season as a starter. Mid-season he was diagnosed with an "unidentified viral infection" that had adversely affected his physical strength.

A-: Augusta ended its season on Labor Day

ssA: Salem-Keizer won the NWL championship series on September 10

R: Giants lost AZL championship game on August 31

DSL: The Gigantes finished their DSL championship series sweep on August 31

minor lines, 9/14/09

steve S — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:32:57 -0000

Only one Giants' affiliate was in post-season action last night, with San Jose losing. The most notable individual highlight was Thomas Neal having three hits.

AAA: Fresno ended its season on Labor Day

AA: Connecticut had an off-day in between its two playoff series
(The Defenders host Akron in game 1 of the best-of-five championship series tonight.)

Defenders on Eastern League leaderboards in selected stats:
--Hitters:
AVG: Bond 1st, Pill 6th, Boyer 9th, Martinez-Esteve 10th
OBP: Bond 1st, Martinez-Esteve 13th
SLG: Pill 4th
OPS: Bond 3rd, Pill 6th
HR: Pill 4th
2B: Pill 3rd, Martinez-Esteve 8th
H: Pill 3rd, Bond 4th
BB: Bond 5th
SO: (none--Crawford led team with 100)
AB: Pill 2nd
RBI: Pill 1st
R: Bond 2nd, Pill 7th
SB: McByrde 13th
--Pitchers:
ERA: Maday 13th
WHIP: Maday 13th
K: (none--Snyder and Griffin tied for team lead with 86)
IP: Maday 13th
BB: English 5th
G: Paterson 3rd, Yourkin 7th, Griffin 11th
W: Bumgarner 9th
L: (none--Griffin and English tied for team lead with 7)
Sv: Otero 3rd, Paterson 13th

A+: San Jose lost to Bakersfield 7-3
(allowing six runs in first two innings of game 3, but still lead best-of-five semifinals series 2-1)

San Jose: CF Darren Ford: 2 for 4, BB, SB
San Jose: LF Thomas Neal: 3 for 5
San Jose: RF Francisco Peguero: 2 for 4, 2B, BB
San Jose: 3B Conor Gillaspie: 1 for 4, 2B, BB, SO

San Jose: LHP Eric Surkamp: 2.0 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 2 K--2 HR
San Jose: RHP Oliver Odle: 4.0 IP, 4 H, 3 K
San Jose: LHP Ryan Verdugo: 1.0 IP, 2 K

After oh-fers in his first two playoff games, Neal paced the Giants' offense in their third playoff game, this time collecting three of their ten hits. Ford and Peguero had the Giants' other multi-hit lines as both hitters also reached base three times. Peguero has a .400 AVG through three post-season games. Gillaspie added a double and a walk.

Surkamp, who had a 3.30 ERA in 23 Sally League starts this year, did not fare well in his Cal League debut. Odle, whose regular season ERA was above 5.25, provided effective long relief with 4.0 scoreless IP. Verdugo had 2 K in a perfect 7th inning in his Cal League debut.

A-: Augusta ended its season on Labor Day

ssA: Salem-Keizer won the NWL championship series on September 10

R: Giants lost AZL championship game on August 31

DSL: The Gigantes finished their DSL championship series sweep on August 31

minor lines, 9/13/09

steve S — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:01:01 -0000

Post-season victories for both Connecticut and San Jose included these individual highlights on the Giants' farm: (a) Ari Ronick had 5.1 scoreless IP; (b) Paul Oseguera allowed just 1 R in 6.0 IP; (c) Brock Bond reached base four times; (d) Mike McBryde had three hits; and (e) Johnny Monell homered while collecting two hits in the same inning.

AAA: Fresno ended its season on Labor Day

AA: Connecticut defeated New Britain 2-0
(winning the best-of-five semifinal series in four games)

Connecticut: 2B Brock Bond: 2 for 3, 2 BB
Connecticut: CF Mike McBryde: 3 for 4, SH, SO, SB
Connecticut: 1B Brett Pill: 2 for 4, BB, SO
Connecticut: SS Brandon Crawford: 0 for 5, GiDP
Connecticut: C Jackson Williams: 1 for 2, BB
Connecticut: LF Bobby Felmy: 2 for 4, 2 SO, CS

Connecticut: LHP Ari Ronick: 5.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Connecticut: LHP Alex Hinshaw: 0.2 IP, 1 K
Connecticut: LHP Joe Paterson: 3.0 IP, 1 H, 2 K

Hitting in the top three spots in the Defenders' lineup, Bond, McBryde, and Pill combined for eight of the Defenders' twelve hits (all singles) and all four of their walks. Along with Felmy, all four hitters had an AVG above .350 in the four-game series. By contrast, the oh-fer dropped Crawford's post-season AVG to .167. Williams was a fifth Defender in the lineup to reach base twice.

Ronick, who had a 2.65 ERA in the Sally League this year, pitched 5.1 shutout innings in his upper minors debut, facing just two batters over the minimum through the first five innings. Hinshaw stranded both of his inherited runners in the 6th inning. Paterson finished the game facing the minimum nine batters in the final three innings for the three-inning save to complete the shutout.

A+: San Jose defeated Bakersfield 8-3
(rallying for eight runs in the 8th inning to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five semifinal series)

San Jose: LF Francisco Peguero: 1 for 3, 2 BB, E
San Jose: DH Thomas Neal: 0 for 5, 4 SO
San Jose: SS Brian Bocock: 1 for 2, 2B, 2 BB, CS
San Jose: C Johnny Monell: 2 for 3, HR, SO

San Jose: LHP Paul Oseguero: 6.0 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K--1 IBB
San Jose: RHP Ryan Shaver: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
San Jose: LHP David Quinowski: 1.0 IP, 2 K
San Jose: RHP Dan Turpen: 1.0 IP, 1 K
Bakersfield: LHP Tim Murphy: 7.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K

Although Monell didn't enter the game until the 5th inning, when he struck out as a pinch hitter, Monell had the Giants' only multi-hit line. He led off the 8th inning with a solo HR before singling later in the inning. Peguero and Bocock each reached base three times. Neal had another oh-fer, this time with the sombrero.

Oseguera had an effective start, allowing just 1 R in 6.0 IP. Shaver pitched a scoreless 7th inning but did not retire any of the three batters he faced in the 8th inning, which allowed a couple insurance runs in the top half of the inning, although those runs proved in the bottom half of the inning to not be nearly enough insurance. Quinowski and Turpen combined for 3 K in 2.0 perfect IP. This was Quinowski's first game with a full-season affiliate in over two years after he missed all of last season and had all of his appearances previously this year come in short-season ball. The Rangers' Murphy, who had an ERA close to 7.00 this year, had perhaps his best start of the year. In a mid-July start in San Jose, he had allowed 9 ER in 3.0 IP, but yesterday in San Jose shut out the Giants through seven innings.

A-: Augusta ended its season on Labor Day

ssA: Salem-Keizer won the NWL championship series on September 10

R: Giants lost AZL championship game on August 31

DSL: The Gigantes finished their DSL championship series sweep on August 31

minor lines, 9/12/09

steve S — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:06:06 -0000

While Connecticut dropped the third game of its playoff series, San Jose won its playoff opener. Individual highlights from those two Giants' affiliates last night: (a) Clayton Tanner had 7.0 shutout IP, and (b) Nick Noonan reached base three times.

AAA: Fresno ended its season on Labor Day

AA: Connecticut lost to New Britain 6-1
(but still lead the best-of-five series 2-1)

Connecticut: 1B Brett Pill: 1 for 3, BB, SO
Connecticut: 3B Ramon Castro: 1 for 3, 2B, HBP
Connecticut: RF Mike Mooney: 1 for 3, 3B
New Britain: C Wilson Ramon: 2 for 4, GiDP
New Britain: LF Brian Dinkelman: 3 for 4, 2 HR

Connecticut: LHP Craig Clark: 5.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 2 K--2 HR, 1 HB
Connecticut: LHP Wilmin Rodriguez: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB--1 HR
Connecticut: RHP Dan Griffin: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 1 K--2 IBB
New Britain: RHP Alex Burnett: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 5 K--1 HB

Pill and Castro each reached base twice. Mooney had a triple in his three at bats before being lifted for a pinch hitter in the 9th inning. Dinkelman, the Twins' eighth round pick in 2006, homered twice. Ramos had the game's only other multi-hit line to keep his post-season AVG above .500.

Clark, the Cal League's pitcher of the year, gave up a couple big flies but just three runs overall in his upper minors debut. Rodriguez, also promoted from San Jose to Connecticut for the playoffs, allowed three insurance runs in the 6th inning. Griffin finished with a couple scoreless innings. Burnett, who had just a .183 BAA this year, struck out five of the eight Defenders he faced in the final two innings of the game.

A+: San Jose defeated Bakersfield 1-0
(winning game 1 in the best-of-five series)

San Jose: CF Darren Ford: 0 for 4, SO, SB
San Jose: 2B Nick Noonan: 2 for 3, BB, SO
San Jose: LF Thomas Neal: 0 for 4, 2 SO
San Jose: 1B Josh Mazzola: 1 for 3, SO
San Jose: RF Francisco Peguero: 1 for 3, 2B, SO
Bakersfield: LF Michael Bianucci: 3 for 4, 2B

San Jose: LHP Clayton Tanner: 7.0+ IP, 7 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
San Jose: RHP Dan Turpen: 1.0 IP
San Jose: RHP Rafael Cova: 1.0 IP, 1 K
Bakersfield: RHP Ryan Tatusko: 6.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 9 K--1 WP

Noonan had the Giants' only multi-hit line and also drew their only walk. He also had the game's only RBI with a 3rd inning, two-out single. Mazzola and Peguero, the two hitters in the lineup promoted from Augusta for the playoffs, each contributed one of the Giants' six hits, with Peguero getting a one-one double in the 3rd inning to score the game's only run. Neal and Ford, the Giants top two hitters this year, both had oh-fers in their playoff opener. The Rangers' 23-year-old Bianucci, who had an OPS over 1.000 in 72 Sally League games before being promoted to the Cal League in early July and finished the year with 15 HRs in each, had three hits, including the Blaze's only XBH.

Tanner had one of his best starts of the season, scatting seven hits. He had allowed at least one earned run in each of his past nine starts, and had worked more than just 6.1 IP in only of his past ten starts, but he came through with 7.0 shutout IP in this start. Turpen and Cova each faced the minimum three batters to complete the shutout. The 24-year-old Tatsuko, who had an ERA just over 4.50 in sixteen starts this year had one of better starts of the year. Interestingly enough, when he faced the Giants on August 13, he allowed just 1 ER in 7.2 IP that evening.

A-: Augusta ended its season on Labor Day

ssA: Salem-Keizer won the NWL championship series on September 10

R: Giants lost AZL championship game on August 31

DSL: The Gigantes finished their DSL championship series sweep on August 31

minor lines, 9/11/09

steve S — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 15:31:53 -0000

The only scheduled game for a Giants' affiliate last night was postponed. Connecticut can sweep its series tonight, weather permitting. San Jose has its first playoff game tonight.

AAA: Fresno ended its season on Labor Day

AA: Connecticut at New Britain was postponed due to rain
(No makeup doubleheader scheduled, just all games pushed back one day.)

A+: San Jose has a first-round bye in the Cal League playoffs
(The Giants begin their semifinal series tonight against Bakersfield.)

Giants on Cal League leaderboards in selected stats:
--Hitters:
AVG: Neal 5th, Ford 13th
OBP: Neal 1st, Ford 9th
SLG: Neal 4th, Kieschnick 9th
OPS: Neal 2nd, Kieschnick 11th, Ford 18th
HR: Kieschnick 5th, Neal 8th
H: Neal 5th, Kieschnick 7th
BB: Neal 6th, Gillaspie 13th
SO: Kieschnick 11th
AB: Kieschnick 7th, Neal 18th
SB: Ford 4th, Graham 8th
--Pitchers:
ERA: Clark 2nd, Tanner 3rd
WHIP: Clark 1st, Tanner 3rd
K: Clark 5th, Tanner 11th
IP: Clark 7th, Tanner 13th
G: WiRodriguez 8th, Turpen 11th
W: Clark 2nd, Tanner 5th, Barnes 5th
Sv: Cova 8th, Turpen 10th, Edlefsen 10th

A-: Augusta ended its season on Labor Day

ssA: Salem-Keizer won the NWL championship series on September 10

Volcanoes on NWL leaderboard in selected stats:
--Hitters:
AVG: Biery 6th, Lollis 9th
OBP: Biery 7th, Cavan 11th
SLG: Cavan 6th, Biery 9th
HR: Cavan 5th, Dominguez 5th
AB: JuMartinez 11th
SB: Dominguez 11th
--Pitchers:
ERA: JoBucardo 3rd
WHIP: JoBucardo 1st
K: JoBucardo 9th, Quinowski 16th
IP: JoBucardo 3rd
G: JoCasilla 8th
W: Gloor 2nd, JoBucardo 4th
Sv: JoCasilla 2nd
(Note: JoBucardo was the only Volcano with enough IP to qualify for the ERA title.)

R: Giants lost AZL championship game on August 31

DSL: The Gigantes finished their DSL championship series sweep on August 31

minor lines, 9/10/09

steve S — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:07:22 -0000

Salem-Keizer won the NWL championship, and Connecticut won again. Highlights on an individual level for the winning Giants' affiliates: (a) Eddy Martinez-Esteve homered while having a couple hits; (b) Juan Martinez had three more hits; and (c) Quinowksi had 8 K in 3.0 scoreless IP.

AAA: Fresno ended its season on Labor Day

AA: Connecticut defeated New Britain 10-7
(taking a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series)

Connecticut: 2B Brock Bond: 2 for 4, BB, SO, SB
Connecticut: LF Brad Boyer: 1 for 4, HR, SO
Connecticut: DH Eddy Martinez-Esteve: 2 for 4, HR
Connecticut: SS Brandon Crawford: 0 for 4, 2 SO, E
New Britain: C Wilson Ramos: 4 for 5, HR, 2B

Connecticut: RHP Daryl Maday: 4.0+ IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 2 K--1 HR, 1 WP
Connecticut: LHP Alex Hinshaw: 2.0 IP, 3 H, 2 K

EME once again led the Defenders' offense. He was one of four Defenders with two hits each, one of which was his 2nd HR of the series. Boyer also homered. Bond reached base three times, as both he and EME are batting .500 or better through the first two games. Ramos, who entered the season ranked among the Twins' top five prospects and who had an OPS close to .800 this year in 205 AB, had a big game with four hits, including a HR and a double.

Maday, who had a 4.25 ERA during the regular season, allowed 5 R on 7 H in 4.0 IP. Aside from allowing one of two runners in herited from Maday to score, Hinshaw pitched a scoreless 5th and 6th inning to be credited with the win.

A+: San Jose has a first-round bye in the Cal League playoffs
(Bakersfield defeated Modesto to tie their best-of-three series at 1-1.)

A-: Augusta ended its season on Labor Day

GreenJackets on SAL leaderboards:
--Hitters:
AVG: D'Alessio 4th
OBP: D'Alessio 16th
SLG: Mazzola 11th, D'Alessio 16th
OPS: D'Alessio 12th, Mazzola 14th
HR: Mazzola 9th
H: Mazzola 5th, Culberson 13
BB: (none--Adrianza led team with 42)
SO: Mazzola 10th
AB: Culberson 2nd, Mazzola 8th
RBI: Mazzola 1st
SB: (none--Duggan led team with 23)
--Pitchers:
ERA: Ronick 2nd, Nicholson 6th
WHIP: Ronick 1st, Nicholson 2nd
K: Surkamp 2nd, Ronick 16th
IP: Ronich 12th, Surkamp 19th
G: (none--Wilson led team with 40)
CG: Nicholson 1st, Surkamp 3rd, Ronick 3rd
W: Surkamp 2nd
Sv: Runzler 14th, Wilson 17th

ssA: Salem-Keizer defeated Tri-City 2-1 (13 innings)
(winning the best-of-five NWL championship series 3-1)

Salem-Keizer: 1B Luke Anders: 2 for 4, 2 BB, IBB, SO
Salem-Keizer: DH Chris Dominguez: 0 for 6, 2 SO, 2 GiDP
Salem-Keizer: RF Ryan Lollis: 2 for 6, 2B, SO
Salem-Keizer: 2B Juan Martinez: 3 for 5, 2B

Salem-Keizer: RHP Wilbur Bucardo: 5.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Salem-Keizer: LHP David Quinowski: 3.0 IP, 1 H, 8 K--1 HB
Salem-Keizer: RHP Jason Stoffel: 3.0 IP, 2 H, 4 K
Salem-Keizer: RHP Gary Moran: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 2 K

Martinez had three hits, including his third post-season double in four games, pacing the Volcanoes' eleven-hit attack. He batted .500 in four playoff games. Anders led reached base four times, including two singles that made him just one of two Volcanoes with an AVG above .265 in the post-season. Lollis was a third Volcano with a multi-hit line. Dominguez may be the best hitting prospect on the Volcanoes, but he was the only Volcano without a hit in the final game. He struck out twice and twice ground into double plays, and finished the series just 1 for 19.

The older Bucardo brother allowed just 1 ER in 5.0 IP. Quinowski had a presumable career high 8 K, while facing 11 batters. Stoffell pitched three scoreless innings. After Bucardo allowed a run in the 1st inning, Moran finished a string of twelve scoreless innings by four Volcanoes pitchers.

R: Giants lost AZL championship game on August 31

DSL: The Gigantes finished their DSL championship series sweep on August 31