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Post by Rog on Dec 9, 2016 20:04:57 GMT -5
Phil Bickford, the pitcher the Giants traded along with Andrew Susac for reliever Will Smith has been suspended 50 games for being caught with a drug of abuse for the second time. Bickford was also caught using marijuana prior to the 2104 entry draft. Major leaguers aren't subject to such a suspension, but Bickford isn't on the Brewers' 40 man roster.
One wonders if this was indicative of why the Giants were willing to part with the pitcher some viewed as their top prospect. Bickford has posted double digit strikeout rates in each of his three seasons in the minors, and last season struck out 10.1 and walked 3.2 per nine.
He won't be walking many over the first 50 games of his 2017 season.
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Post by Rog on Dec 9, 2016 20:35:18 GMT -5
In news on another former Giants prospect, the Dodgers have outrighted utility man Charlie Culberson, who is expected to report to the Dodgers' minor league camp. The move may signal an imminent free agent signing or trade.
Culberson appears to be in a similar position to the Giants' Ehire Adrianza in that he might wind up going up and down during the season, although Adrianza is on a split (higher salary in the majors than minors) contract, while the contract Culberson recently signed with the Dodgers is one-way (same salary in either league) as far as I know.
Culberson was the Giants' fifth of the top 52 choices in the 2007 draft, but the only player of true significant was #10 overall pick Madison Bumgarner. Culberson and Nick Noonan were the only other two of the five who made the majors.
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Post by Islandboagie on Dec 10, 2016 9:56:33 GMT -5
Speaking of former Giants, I was saddened to learn the passing of Andres Torres' wife due to cancer. Of course, I didn't know her, but I learned over his 3 seasons with the Giants how genuinely kindhearted Andres was. I'm not a person of faith, but it certainly begs the question of how a higher power could allow this to happen to such a nice guy.
Andres' 2010 season still goes down (for me) as one of the best leadoff/centerfielder seasons in Giants history, and arguably the best defensive season by any Giant ever.
I hope Andres gets through this tough time in his life and finds happiness.
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Post by klaiggeb on Dec 10, 2016 11:08:41 GMT -5
that was sad to hear, boagie.
Andres was indeed, a kind hearted man, who worked and labored his fanny off just to GET to the show.
My prayers go out to him.
boly
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Post by Rog on Dec 10, 2016 23:40:31 GMT -5
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Post by Islandboagie on Dec 11, 2016 1:44:36 GMT -5
"Willie Mays" is not a defensive season. But I figured someone would inject his name into the conversation. I never saw him play, except for one old timers game.
What I do know is Willie made a high number of errors for being an outfielder.
Andres played a significant time at all 3 outfield positions and only made one error. Willie never did that.
Is Andres' 2010 season the best ever by a Giant? Might not be, but you could make an argument for it, which is what I originally said.
You could also make a case for Crawford these last few seasons. Also JT Snow had some really good seasons.
And some people won't agree with this because their not paying attention, but Posey's defense was outstanding this season, an argument could be made for him as well.
Not saying you're wrong, Rog. Willie was obviously one of the best all-around players ever, but as far as one season goes, there are other good arguments.
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Post by Rog on Dec 11, 2016 11:11:29 GMT -5
Remember, many consider Willie to be the greatest defensive center fielder of all time, with Tris Speaker being the other player most frequently mentioned in that light.
Andres' 2010 season was indeed a great one. I'd probably have to rank it behind Brandon Crawford's past two seasons, but it was probably the best defensive season by an outfielder since at least Darren Lewis.
Andres was ranked only 10th for the Fielding Bible Award in center field, but I attribute that to two things. First, he wasn't well known. Second, he played only half his games in center field, playing roughly a quarter of them in each corner outfield position.
But he was truly excellent that season. Fundamentally, he was about as good as they came, since unlike almost any other outfielder, he was often there waiting for the ball, not gliding to it.
One reason Mays is considered by some as the greatest outfielder of all time is his excellent arm. Willie is the only player I am aware of who played at a Hall of Fame level in each of the five tools. Andres' arm wasn't bad, but it certainly wasn't in that category. On the other hand, Willie could throw the ball all the way from the center field warning track to home plate.
One thing to remember though. Fielders are better today than they were back then. Andres' season was indeed a great one.
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Post by Rog on Dec 11, 2016 11:16:53 GMT -5
The Gold Glove Award wasn't begun until 1957, Mays' fifth season in the majors. He won each of the first dozen years and has more Gold Gloves (12) than any other center fielder in history. Had the Gold Glove been in effect his entire career, he likely would have won at least three more.
Here are the National League players with the most Gold Gloves at each position:
P -- Greg Maddux
C -- Johnny Bench
1B -- Keith Hernandez
2B -- Ryne Sandberg
SS -- Ozzie Smith
3B -- Mike Schmidt
OF -- Willie Mays
Roberto Clemente
Andruw Jones
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Post by Rog on Dec 11, 2016 11:17:44 GMT -5
By position, who have been the SF Giants' best defenders?
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Post by Rog on Dec 11, 2016 11:21:21 GMT -5
I'll take a crack at it:
P -- Juan Marichal
C -- Buster Posey
1B -- J.T. Snow
2B -- I'm going with Joe Panik over Robby Thompson, even if Joe hasn't really played enough. At this point, Robby is probably the better choice.
SS -- Brandon Crawford
3B -- Matt Williams (with apologies to Jimmy Davenport)
OF -- Willie Mays
Barry Bonds
Bobby Bonds
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Post by Rog on Dec 11, 2016 11:22:19 GMT -5
How about the best SF Giants offensively?
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Post by Rog on Dec 11, 2016 11:25:39 GMT -5
I'll try:
P -- Madison Bumgarner
C -- Buster Posey
1B -- Willie McCovey
2B -- Jeff Kent
SS -- Rich Aurilia
3B -- Matt Williams
OF -- Barry Bonds
Willie Mays
Bobby Bonds
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Post by Rog on Dec 11, 2016 11:26:38 GMT -5
Best five starting pitchers?
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Post by Rog on Dec 11, 2016 11:29:13 GMT -5
I'll go with:
Juan Marichal
Madison Bumgarner
Gaylord Perry
Matt Cain
Tim Lincecum
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Post by Rog on Dec 11, 2016 11:30:00 GMT -5
Top five relievers?
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Post by Rog on Dec 11, 2016 11:34:05 GMT -5
I'll try:
Brian Wilson
Robb Nen
Sergio Romo
Rod Beck
Gary Lavelle (tie)
Santiago Casilla (tie)
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