Are you ready for some BASEBALL?

[garyd4sf]

Last week of spring training and the game today is on at 1:00PM for those that have the MLB channel. The hitting has picked up and. not strangely, resembles the LAD a few years ago. Patient at bats followed by full blooded swings. The Giants after a bad start own a second ranked among all spring training teams with an eighth ranked 356 OBP and with a .459 slugging percentage. Per Alex Pavlovic They are seeking another SS for depth beyond Crawford and Dubon. In Pitching likely go with 5 starters and 8 relievers early, though SP Aaron Sanchez may not be ready.


I've seen a lot of games on MLB channel and here's my take. The bats are aggressive and Home runs have resulted though some unusual weather conditions seem to have aided some of the HR shots. Solano and Flores remain real hitters but lesser fielders. The OF remains adequate, or a little higher, but with few standouts outside of Yastrzemski.


In pitching Webb looks like a much improved pitcher with a nasty drop on his pitchers. Gausman is the best equipped to be their 'ace'. DeSclafani looks good so far. Cueto is like a bunch of covered bon bons-you never know what you are going to get. Sanchez is not ready. Wood is returning from back procedure.

Looks better, but how much? I see LAD slowing down a bit but still the team to beat. The Padres have a pedigree.

[klaiggeb]

Great report, Gary!

I'm anxious and ready to go, too!

I haven't been able to watch any of the spring games.

Honestly, my own fault.

I should have remembered they were on the MLB channel!

Grrrr!

Old people; can't live with us can't shoot us!(:

[Islandboagie]

It's spring, homeruns are hit. 4-A players (like half our team) usually do pretty well. It'a all very exciting until the season starts and our lackluster pitching staff is exposed. I'll be surprised if we finish above .500 especially now that they have to play a full season. The best thing I saw this spring came from Ramos, who won't even be joining the team. I like the future, but for now it's gonna be a rough ride.

[garyd4sf]

Boagie a lot of what you say is absolutely right. As a Spring training attendee for 9 years (not last nor this year) here's what I found in general..

The first week is for for looking at prospects with limited starters. The second-third week starts in earnest and the last week is sprinkled with last second looks at farm prospects and the regular lineup. The Giants as a rule wait the longest in the regular player action, I don't know why.

Today the lineup is Slater-Yaz-Solano-Longoria- Flores-Belt-Posey- Crawford and Dubon. This is the lineup that has ben there for the last few weeks (minus Belt) in and out. Webb has started today and is the best pitcher in the camp with the most IP and an 0:53 ERA. - 6 innings today. He has added a down breaking pitch and gets lots of expected ground ball outs.

HRs are exaggerated with high winds accounting for some 20% more HRs but it also affects all clubs and they are showing similar results.

Most forecasters have the Giants a 3rd place ream in the west and that seems right but I also watch the Dodgers lately and whereas their pitching should be coming around they are getting pounded- time will tell.