Twinkle Toes Sanchez and other tidbits

[sfgdood]

Something happened Sunday that I'd never thought I'd see. Hector Sanchez legged out TWO infield singles. Hector did report to camp in much better shape this year. Probably the injury-plagued season of 2014, along with the emergence of Susac, motivated Hector. Now clearly Hector doesn't have a sculpted Adonis-like body still and he wont soon be beating Gregor Blanco in a foot race. But one of those infield hits would not have been a hit for Hector last year, so I applaud him for doing what needed to be done.

Kontos didn't help his case for making the roster by giving up a 3 run bomb late in the game yesterday. Machi also gave up a run in the 9th but his was unearned thanks to Duffy's error.

A bit concerning that Peavy is getting cuffed around this Spring. Even more concerning that he told Bochy he has a dead arm. A DEAD ARM in Spring? I thought that happened late in the year. Not liking this one bit.

Panik looked ON POINT yesterday. Didn't get off balance even once. I hope Joe has a solid sophomore campaign. I'm skeptical still but I love this kid's approach, strike zone discipline and self confidence. With Joe and Craw set in stone, Duffy should be getting starts at 3rd base and hitting the weights if he gets sent down to Sac.

I have to admit I'm enjoying watching Aoki hit...I'm still concerned about the lack of power in the lineup but he is fun to watch.

[sfgdood]

Oh and one other thing. I think I like Maxwell better than Ish. If Pence had not gotten hurt, I'd be seriously considering cutting Travis loose

[rxmeister]

Jon Lester also has a dead arm, so it's obviously not a rare thing to see this time of year. Hopefully it doesn't last, because I'm pretty sure he's pitching the second game of the season.

[Islandboagie]

Randy, I know you're quite critical of the Giants for not being more active in the international market, but what do you think of Daniel Carbonell this spring?

I like what I see. I don't think he'll be a huge run producer, but from what I've seen this spring he has the ability to be a table setter type, with a little pop (much like a 2012 Pagan.)

I wouldn't be surprised to see Carbonell in September, perhaps sooner.

[sfgdood]

He's a very good athlete but from what I've seen Roberto Kelly is right that he needs a season or more in AAA before he's ready for a go. Could be a gem but we shall see.

[Rog]

Randy -- I think I like Maxwell better than Ish. If Pence had not gotten hurt, I'd be seriously considering cutting Travis loose

Rog -- We're talking about two very marginal major leaguers. Travis nearly gave up the game in frustration last season, and Maxwell has struck out once every 2.8 at bats in the majors (and once every 3.2 at bats in the minors). That no doubt has contributed to the Silver Hammer's .224 career batting average.

I'd darn near take Juan Perez and Gary Brown instead.




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[Rog]

Just as it is hard to think of anyone who has struck out more frequently, it is hard for me to think of a baseball player standing 6-foot-3 with longer legs.

[rxmeister]

Maxwell hit 18 HR's for Houston in 2012 in just over 300 at bats, so he's been far more successful than the players you mentioned. He also stole 9 bases in that little over half the season. When Pence returns he'll go to the bench or join the others in the minors, but that combination of speed and power greatly overshadows the criticism of "he strikes out a lot."

[Rog]

Mark -- Maxwell hit 18 HR's for Houston in 2012 in just over 300 at bats, so he's been far more successful than the players you mentioned. He also stole 9 bases in that little over half the season. When Pence returns he'll go to the bench or join the others in the minors, but that combination of speed and power greatly overshadows the criticism of "he strikes out a lot."

Rog -- Justin has indeed showed pop, with a homer every 23.7 at bats -- best on the team. If he can cut down on his strikeouts, he could turn into something. But a strikeout every 2.8 at bats is flat-out scary. Can you think of anyone whose K rate is that high?

Adam Dunn came close, with a strikeout every 2.9 at bats. But the difference is that Dunn hit a homer every 14.9 at bats and walked once every 5.2 AB's. Maxwell does take a walk, but his walk per 8.5 at bats is well behind Dunn's.

Now, Justin is merely a 5th outfielder, and he's not too bad in that roll. But we're talking about a .224 career hitter here. He hit only .260 in the minors.

Holding on to Maxwell is a good idea. I was glad when he became a very low risk signing over the winter. He's a decent fielder who can run a little (26 steals in 35 attempts). Juan Perez had options.

But he's still a marginal major leaguer IMO. He first reached the majors in 2007, yet he has only 808 career at bats.

He's still only 31 years old though, so perhaps he has saved the best for last. As a #5 outfielder, he's not bad. Many 5th outfielders are marginal major leaguers. I don't think Justin is an exception.

If he can cut down on his strikeout rate, the Giants might have something. But last season he struck out once every 2.8 at bats in the minors.

Read more: sfgiantsmessageboard.proboards.com/thread/2775/twinkle-toes-sanchez-tidbits#ixzz3W44j6GUt

[klaiggeb]

Jon Lester also has a dead arm, so it's obviously not a rare thing to see this time of year. Hopefully it doesn't last, because I'm pretty sure he's pitching the second game of the season.

***boly says***


Trust me, this is totally normal for pitchers.

Happens to every pitcher EVER year, just like it always did to me.

boly

[Rog]

It appears Travis will start the season on the disabled list, which led Brandon Belt to take fly balls the last day in Arizona and will likely lead to a postponement of which utility infielder to keep up.

As for Brandon's not taking fly balls until the last day in Arizona, what are the Giants thinking? I don't like the idea of his having to move from first base, but his ability to do so would make it easier to play Buster at first base when Hector Sanchez is catching. Otherwise, there will be 32 games in which either the bat of Belt or the pop of Posey won't be in the lineup.

That Travis or Joaquin Arias might become injured is almost irrelevant to that planning.

[Rog]

IN THE MINORS!