End of the Season Evaluation Part II-Infield

[klaiggeb]

1-Crawford played really good defense for us, as he always does, and added much more with the bat than I expected.
But that said, I'd move him this off season. Not going to bring a top prospect, but it's time to get out from under his age and contract.

2-Belt finally seemed to find himself this year...You know, what we've been waiting for, for the last 1,000 years! (it seems)
Right now, I believe he has the highest trade value he's ever had, and I'd take advantage of that.

3-Donnie Barrels-Yeah, he can hit and hit well, but on defense? He's like a leaky, nuclear reactor just waiting to spill over.
Is it worth bringing him back? Probably, because we can use the offense and we really have no one around to take his place.

4-Longoria-I'd love to see him moved, but that isn't likely to happen.
Down the stretch, IMHO, he was an embarrassment at the plate; a human rally killer as I dubbed him.
Everyone, (read Kruk and Kuip) continues to rave about his defense, but honestly? I'm not that impressed.
He's average, or even above average, but that's it.
He might have been lights out with his previous team, but not with us.
If Farhan can get anything for him, I'd take it. But Farhan won't, and probably can't move him, so we're stuck with the putz

5-Bart-Love, and I mean LOVED his defensive work! So smooth behind the plate.
He certainly does NOT posses the talent Buster has for working hitters, but Bart is much, much smoother than an Aging Posey.
I'd consider either him, or Buster at 1B next year IF we could move Belt.
At the plate, he was over matched at times, but that's all part of the growing pains that go with being a rookie.
I see a HUGE future for this guy! Huge!

6-Posey-Still a great handler of pitchers, and if healthy, he can still hit. Here's hoping he's healthy.

7-Flores-Just a shade better than Solano in the field, but lacks the range to play an adequate 2B
But his bat more than makes up for that.
Still, this guy is more suited for 1B, or DH
He can hit!


Bottom line: We need to make some moves to shed age and contract.

In particular, I'd seek out a SS and/or a 2Bman who can hit some, AND play defense.

I want to rebuild, and we DON'T rebuild if we keep Crawford and Belt.

[reedonly]

Crawford's 2020 season is a bit of an illusion. Through the course of a 162 game season, he tends to wear down for a couple of months, usually after the all star break.

[klaiggeb]

I tend to agree, Reed.

I haven't been happy with Crawford for a couple of years now.

I continue to post the same thing; time to move him.

[garyd4sf]

Excellent series of write-ups above. The Infield: I agree with most so I will just indicate where I differ in opinion.


Catcher: we need Posey back and strong. He has been a .302 lifetime hitter and had a WAR of 4.0 just 2 years ago before the last 2 injury plagued years. It affected his batting stroke and took away his occasional power. He is without a doubt the pitchers' friend from knowing how to deal with older pitchers (Cueto) to guiding the young ones through the toughest part of the opponent lineup. His health should allow him to assume a more normal foot planted swing as opposed to his often one foot based swings. He needs to tutor Bart, who needs another year of seasoning and just isn't ready IMO for full time.


On Brandon Crawford (1.2 WAR, 8 Hr, 28 RBI, .256 in 54 G) - he lost his way under personal problems a few years ago, and just now seems to be recovering. His fielding while down a bit is still one of the quickest glove to throw exchanges in league. His hitting when hot can help carry the team which is a plus from a SS. The comment made above on draining down in a long season (this was only 60 games) seems right on the money.  Brandon Belt (WAR 2.0, 9 Hr, 30 RBI, .309 in 51 G ) had his best year. He was more aggressive and found his HR swing. he also showed that he is willing to bunt his way past the shift. I admire his defense and throwing arm at the bag. 2B is a question but Solano (WAR 1.3, 3 Hr, 28 RBI, .326in 54 G) in 2 years has showed he that though he's a problematic defender he can contribute a consistent bat. Longoria (WAR 0.5, 7 Hr, 28 RBI, .254 in 53 G ) is a streak hitter with a good August/ Bad September. He still has a better than average 3B defense IMO. But he lost a step on coverage as has LA's Jason Turner. From here its uncertain.


Flores can hit and would be great as the DH, and sometimes 1B and 3B. The DH, IMO is here to stay in the NL. He's OK in the 1B catch, but needs work on that DP throw that starts with the first baseman. The Giants need a good 2B defender to prevent some of those late opponent rallies. I think Dubon should play more infield , possibly late inning, giving more range and a speed bump to an overall slow group.