Confused... once again

[klaiggeb]

Once again, Bochy's line up left me mouth agape; jaw bouncing on the floor.

Duval at 1B and NO Susac.

Man. I flat out don't get it.

Susac takes Price to the RCF wall with a long double...and his hitting well.

Duval is not even hitting his weight, and shows no signs of reversing the trend.

Posey is CRUSHING the ball when playing 1B

Result: Posey's behind the plate, no Susac.

And we score but one run.


He came up with a lame excuse as to why Susac was not in that last Colorado game, I can't wait to hear his political rhetoric on this one.

boly

[rxmeister]

I like Duvall, Boly, and don't think he's really getting a chance to show himself, so I'm not really disappointed when I see this, although I agree that Susac is by far the hottest hitter right now and I would have gone this way too. I don't like to see Ishikawa in there though instead of either kid. The guy's a journeyman, useful as a pinch hitter or defensive replacement, but he shouldn't be getting starts. The righty-lefty Bochy obsession never ceases to amaze me.

[klaiggeb]

I like Duvall, too, Mark. Although Rog isn't as big a fan as you and I seem to be.

Rog has had an uncanny ability to 'predict' who will make it and who won't.

He's not always right, but more often than not, in the last 5 years, he's been right. And I seem to remember his research on Duvall saying he won't make it very big.

Still, I like the kid's swing, but at THIS moment? Susac

boly

[donk33]

the funny thing is no one has complained about the catching of Posey in Sunday's game...if that was Sanchez catching, this post would hang him from the back stop and demand he be sent some where...Posey was putrid, to be kind...couldn't catch the ball, couldn't throw the ball and couldn't get together with the pitcher...please, put him on first and be done with it.....

[klaiggeb]

I didn't write about it, Don because I was so disgusted with other aspects of the game.

But it was frickin' TERRIBLE!

2 runners who COULD HAVE BEEN thrown out... weren't, and that RIDICULOUS, lazy, past ball.

then again, for ME, he would have been playing 1B with Susac behind the plate.


My opinion?

Different game.

boly

[donk33]

Sept 9, 2014 8:38:39 GMT -5 rxmeister said:

I like Duvall, Boly, and don't think he's really getting a chance to show himself, so I'm not really disappointed when I see this, although I agree that Susac is by far the hottest hitter right now and I would have gone this way too. I don't like to see Ishikawa in there though instead of either kid. The guy's a journeyman, useful as a pinch hitter or defensive replacement, but he shouldn't be getting starts. The righty-lefty Bochy obsession never ceases to amaze me.

dk...why not play Duvall at 3B against LH starters...Pablo just gets tied in a knot when he has to bat RH...Duvall has played 3B in the minors...not as good as Pablo, but his bat may (?) be better against a LH pitcher...

[Rog]

Very small sample, but Duvall has actually hit southpaws as badly as Pablo -- and I believe Pablo is improving a little as the season has gone on. With Pablo's being the better fielder and a player who wouldn't usually be replaced if a right-hander later entered the game, Pablo seems the better bet.

I see Duvall as a right-handed power hitter who might run into one. A decent pinch hitter if you're down a run with two outs in the 9th and a lefty on the mound.

Regarding Ishikawa, he's actually played pretty nicely for the Giants this season.

Ishikawa usually plays first base against right-handers to Posey can stay behind the plate, where the Giants feel he is most valuable (even though he has hit better playing first base). If Morse comes back healthy and hitting, I don't think we'll see all that much of Travis.

I'm trying to think where the Giants are badly playing the right-lefty thing. Most of the guys who are being replaced by a different-handed hitter either aren't very good anyway or are getting some rest.

Should Duvall be playing against right-handers in lieu of Ishikawa? One could argue on his behalf, but not based on his productivity as a major leaguer. Travis is easily the better fielder, so why not play him?

I would play Posey, Belt, Panik, Sandoval,Pagan and Pence unless they need a rest. Since Blanco has been so hot, I would pick and choose a bit between him and Morse -- although favoring Morse a bit despite the platoon aspect. Since Arias has been so hot, I might give him some of Crawford's time. I think that pretty much sums it up from my perspective, except to say that I would catch Susac when Buster plays first base.

It might be intriguing when Belt comes back, leaving him, Posey and now Susac for two positions.

[rxmeister]

I doubt Susac sees October time, even as impressive as he's been. As for Posey having a bad time behind the dish Sunday, the reason it stands out is that it happens so rarely. With Hector it's every time he's back there.

[klaiggeb]

I have to disagree, Mark.

IF...IF Morse or Belt don't return, Susac becomes THE option. Not Duvall. Not Ishikawa.

Morse might not return with that Oblique injury. Looking at the history of guys with that injury... it usually requires more than a couple of weeks.

I'm also skeptical about Belt's contribution when he returns.

Sooooo many games missed. His timing will be off, and in the playoff against really quality pitching THAT'S a bad thing.

Thus, if I'M running the circus, it's Susac behind the plate and Posey at 1B.

For heaven's sake, Bochy NOT Arias!!!

boly

[Rog]

If the Giants make the World Series, look for Susac to do a lot of DH-ing.

[islandboagie]

I'd imagine Morse would be slated as the DH with Blanco playing LF. Just a hunch.

[klaiggeb]

Boagie! You're back! Can't speak for the others, but I MISSED you!


IF Morse is healthy, which, as you read, I don't think he will be, I totally agree.

For us, he's the perfect DH.

Man! We sure could use him there!

boly

[Rog]

Boagie -- I'd imagine Morse would be slated as the DH with Blanco playing LF. Just a hunch.

Rog -- Excellent hunch. I would think it would come down to whether Brandon Belt is available and productive. If so, I think you're right on the money.

Read more: sfgiantsmessageboard.proboards.com/thread/2436/confused-again#ixzz3CxmrDocm

[Rog]

Another thing that might affect the lineup is whether a lefty or righty is pitching. With several players' being productive, we're seeing a lot of platooning right now.

[islandboagie]

Thanks, Boly. I didn't go anywhere, I've been reading all the posts, I just haven't felt the need to respond.

I guess I haven't been reading up too much on the injury updates, I had no idea Morse is likely out for the rest of the season. If that's the case, I don't want him back next season. I've grown tired of the injury prone players we have.

[Rog]

Boagie -- I guess I haven't been reading up too much on the injury updates, I had no idea Morse is likely out for the rest of the season. If that's the case, I don't want him back next season. I've grown tired of the injury prone players we have.

Rog -- Both Pagan's and Morse's injury problems come as no surprise based on their injury histories. That was one of the reasons discussed why even after Pagan returned, the Giants would probably need another outfielder. Fortunately, that other outfielder was already on the roster going by the name of Gregor Blanco.

As previously discussed, if Morse does come back, the Giants could certainly use a right-handed hitting outfielder who could play either center or left in case of injury. Don't think it's likely to happen, but if he can turn things around, Gary Brown would be a very nice candidate for that role.

I'm hearing talk of Buster's moving to first or third base next season, although based on what the Giants and Buster himself have said, that seems unlikely to me. Such a move would significantly change the Giants' roster needs.

Personally, I love the idea of versatility. Almost every player on the Giants' bench -- and most of the starters -- are capable of playing multiple positions. As an example, Pablo Sandoval has caught more than just about any emergency catcher I can think of (and he might might be only the emergency emergency catcher).

[klaiggeb]

I keep saying the same thing; we don't need to go out and get a player for LF.

Belt in LF (Heck, I'll bet he's better by a LOT than Morse), Posey at 1B, Susac catching.

boly

[Rog]

Boly -- I keep saying the same thing; we don't need to go out and get a player for LF.

Belt in LF (Heck, I'll bet he's better by a LOT than Morse), Posey at 1B, Susac catching.

Rog -- I don't disagree. But here's the thing. The Giants and Buster both seem to be committed to his catching for a while yet. Thus, if the Giants can get Morse back cheaply, he could be a good re-signing. That would give the Giants seven players (Buster, Belt, Morse, Sandoval, Pagan, Blanco and Susak) to man five positions. The only player in that group who would have a strong backup would be Sandoval, which is why I would like to see the Giants teach third base to Posey.

I like options, and while the Giants and Buster may want to keep him behind the plate for a while longer, they and he should be willing to make a temporary adjustment in case of an injury, say, to Sandoval. The Giants appear to have decent backups (Arias, Duffy and Adrianza) for the middle infield, and I'd like to see them add another right-handed hitter, preferably one who could play center field if necessary. That would provide platooning and rest options, as well as added protection should the Giants lose a player in center or left fields.

Who have been the most injury-prone Giants (aside from Marco Scutaro)? That would be Pagan, Morse, Belt and Sandoval. Posey (ankle) and Susac (concussion) have each suffered debilitating injuries behind the plate. By having seven or more reasonably strong players for five positions, the Giants should be able to handle an injury or even two at those positions. Especially if they add another right-handed hitting outfielder.

Morse may cost too much or get a contract too long to come back. But while he's been streaky (which Giant player hasn't been?), he's had a nice season and can fit the versatility model by being able to play two positions. He's horrible in left field, but I think he's better at first base. I agree with you that a move by Belt to left field and a move to first base by Morse would benefit the Giants if Morse is back next year.

That said, the Giants have had very poor luck in re-signing outside "heroes" who came from outside to aid in these even-numbered championship seasons. Aubrey Huff was a disaster, as has been Marco Scutaro. Hunter Pence and Angel Pagan have worked out well. Morse seems more a Huff/Scutaro type than a Pence/Pagan type.

That said, I think Morse has added very nice chemistry to the team. But then, so did Huff and Scutaro (who might have been a plus-side signing if he had remained healthy).

As well as Scutaro played in 2012, it seemed tough NOT to re-sign him. I think I would have balked at the third contract year, since as was discussed at the time, it cut into Panik's time table. Continuing to catch Posey is cutting a little bit into Susac's time table, although that is easier to accept.

As is usually the case, the Giants don't have skads of money to throw at the free agent market this winter. The market is very thin. It may be that re-signing Sandoval and Morse would give the Giants the biggest bang for their buck. If the Giants put together seven players for five positions, at least it gives them flexibility and options. As well as defensive replacements and pinch hitters.

[rxmeister]

I wouldn't re-sign Morse. I'd go with Blanco in LF next year, with lots of starts for Belt out there when Susac is starting. Since both Blanco and Belt are lefties, I expect to see an early call up next year for Daniel Carbonell to provide a right handed option.

[klaiggeb]

Mark---I wouldn't re-sign Morse. I'd go with Blanco in LF next year, with lots of starts for Belt out there when Susac is starting. Since both Blanco and Belt are lefties, I expect to see an early call up next year for Daniel Carbonell to provide a right handed option.

---boly says--


I'll pass on Blanco in LF next year, Mark. No thanks. Now if he wants to stay as the 4th outfielder, fine. But for ME, his history with the bat condemns him.

As I said, and you also said, lots of Belt in lf.

What do you know about Carbonell that I/we don't?

What info can you pass on about him?

boly

[islandboagie]

Melky Cabrera is a free agent. I'd like to see him in a Giants uniform again. Obviously Allen would be against this idea, is anyone else ready to forgive and forget?

[Rog]

Mark -- I wouldn't re-sign Morse. I'd go with Blanco in LF next year, with lots of starts for Belt out there when Susac is starting.

Rog -- Good ideas, although I would want at least one more solid right-handed hitter in the mix.

Mark -- Since both Blanco and Belt are lefties, I expect to see an early call up next year for Daniel Carbonell to provide a right handed option.

Rog -- Is Carbonell that advanced? I guess the answer might be yes. I see he's playing for Richmmond in the Eastern League playoffs. Hitting .250 (6 for 24) leading off. Struck out only three times, but has yet to draw a walk. I think he's a bit further away than that, although it would be wonderful if he were able to become that right-hand hitting outfielder we have been discussing.

Moving all the way up to Richmond after just 128 minor league at bats is impressive. He's playing center field. Wish that K/BB ratio were better, although that doesn't seem to be as important with Latin players. Carbonell will turn 24 just before next season.

Read more: sfgiantsmessageboard.proboards.com/thread/2436/confused-again#ixzz3D7lDN7Jm

[klaiggeb]

Boagie-Melky Cabrera is a free agent. I'd like to see him in a Giants uniform again. Obviously Allen would be against this idea, is anyone else ready to forgive and forget?

---boly says---

I am, Boagie.

Hey, the guy screwed up. He did.

He isn't the first and he isn't the last.

He paid the price, time to move on.

boly

[Rog]

I would have simply re-signed Melky when he became a free agent. He was a nice bargain, as we discussed at the time.