Friday, April 22, 2011
Giants Pitching Audio Post
Hey guys, I wanted to try something new today with my blog. The link below will be to a youtube feed where I did my blog over the Giants updates and the pitching progress so far this season.
click here
Next post will be coming to you in the form of a video. Hope everyone enjoys the blog changes.
click here
Next post will be coming to you in the form of a video. Hope everyone enjoys the blog changes.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Fantasy Comparisons Continued
Now that we've discovered the Giants position players value within the fantasy league, we will now move onto describing the pitching staff's worth. Hint: very valuable
Pitchers (11)
41 Jeremy Affeldt LHP
Jeremy is a below average pitcher on the fantasy roster because people in the pen that aren't closers don't put up fantasy numbers. This could change quickly though due to Brian Wilson being placed on the DL to begin the season. He will be given the opportunity to step in as the temporary closer and therefore should be popping up on fantasy rosters across the league.
Jeremy is a below average pitcher on the fantasy roster because people in the pen that aren't closers don't put up fantasy numbers. This could change quickly though due to Brian Wilson being placed on the DL to begin the season. He will be given the opportunity to step in as the temporary closer and therefore should be popping up on fantasy rosters across the league.
40 Madison Bumgarner LHP
Bumgarner is a new guy to the league. He proved himself for the Giants last year during the playoffs and is currently fighting for the fifth spot on the Giants starting rotation. On average during this year's draft however, he has ranged from a late round pick to not being picked at all. Look for Bumgarner to make some noise for the Giants this year.
Bumgarner is a new guy to the league. He proved himself for the Giants last year during the playoffs and is currently fighting for the fifth spot on the Giants starting rotation. On average during this year's draft however, he has ranged from a late round pick to not being picked at all. Look for Bumgarner to make some noise for the Giants this year.
18 Matt Cain RHP
Cain is a stud among all the pitchers in the fantasy league. He has flown under the radar as far as publicity the past two seasons, but should be a strong arm this season. He isn't a first three rounds type of pitcher but definitely an early pick. If he stays healthy through out the season then he could lead the Giants (along with Lincecum) to a another league title.
Cain is a stud among all the pitchers in the fantasy league. He has flown under the radar as far as publicity the past two seasons, but should be a strong arm this season. He isn't a first three rounds type of pitcher but definitely an early pick. If he stays healthy through out the season then he could lead the Giants (along with Lincecum) to a another league title.
46 Santiago Casilla RHP
Casilla is a solid relief guy for the Giants, but he isn't the closer so he is pretty much useless in the fantasy league. Even though his WHIP( walks and hits per innings pitched), K/9 (strike outs per every nine innings pitched), and ERA (earned run average) is decently low, he doesn't chalk up to a fantasy pitcher.
Casilla is a solid relief guy for the Giants, but he isn't the closer so he is pretty much useless in the fantasy league. Even though his WHIP( walks and hits per innings pitched), K/9 (strike outs per every nine innings pitched), and ERA (earned run average) is decently low, he doesn't chalk up to a fantasy pitcher.
55 Tim Lincecum RHP
Timmy is a man among boys in the fantasy league. He is a work horse that has two cy young awards and a world series title under his belt in his young career. He is only second in the pitching ranks to Roy Halladay(bigger stud). If you can get a hold of Timmy for your fantasy team then you can pretty much guarantee a solid showing every week.
Timmy is a man among boys in the fantasy league. He is a work horse that has two cy young awards and a world series title under his belt in his young career. He is only second in the pitching ranks to Roy Halladay(bigger stud). If you can get a hold of Timmy for your fantasy team then you can pretty much guarantee a solid showing every week.
49 Javier Lopez LHP
Same story as Casilla; good for the Giants but worthless in the fantasy league. Pen guy with decent stuff but no power numbers.... Moving on.
Same story as Casilla; good for the Giants but worthless in the fantasy league. Pen guy with decent stuff but no power numbers.... Moving on.
59 Guillermo Mota RHP
Mota has struggled with his command the past couple of seasons for the Giants. He has powerful stuff but the numbers don't reflect that. ERA is higher, K/9 down, K/BB ratio is low, and he isn't getting any closing opportunities. Not a fantasy guy and needs to find his groove or he won't be a big guy out of the pen for the Giants.
Mota has struggled with his command the past couple of seasons for the Giants. He has powerful stuff but the numbers don't reflect that. ERA is higher, K/9 down, K/BB ratio is low, and he isn't getting any closing opportunities. Not a fantasy guy and needs to find his groove or he won't be a big guy out of the pen for the Giants.
52 Ramon Ramirez RHP
Helpful to the Giants pen but not a fantasy pitcher. He is looking at more innings and appearances than the other pitchers out of the pen, but again isn't the closer.
Helpful to the Giants pen but not a fantasy pitcher. He is looking at more innings and appearances than the other pitchers out of the pen, but again isn't the closer.
54 Sergio Romo RHP
Sergio is a "Fear the Beard" participant. He is the exception to the fantasy rule of not drafting middle relief guys. He has seen a lot of action and has fantasy numbers. He won't get any saves, but he could be a good band aid pitcher to have during the season is one of you're bigger pitchers go down from injury.
Sergio is a "Fear the Beard" participant. He is the exception to the fantasy rule of not drafting middle relief guys. He has seen a lot of action and has fantasy numbers. He won't get any saves, but he could be a good band aid pitcher to have during the season is one of you're bigger pitchers go down from injury.
57 Jonathan Sanchez LHP
Sanchez is a 3-4 pitcher in the Giants starting rotation. He is a work horse like Timmy with the potential to go with it. However, he is streaky to say the least. He can go out and shove one night and then get shoved the next outing. He ends up being a middle-end of the draft pick. In reality however, he is very valuable if he stays healthy for the Giants this year.
Sanchez is a 3-4 pitcher in the Giants starting rotation. He is a work horse like Timmy with the potential to go with it. However, he is streaky to say the least. He can go out and shove one night and then get shoved the next outing. He ends up being a middle-end of the draft pick. In reality however, he is very valuable if he stays healthy for the Giants this year.
38 Brian Wilson RHP
"Fear the Beard". Top rated closer this year in the fantasy relief pitcher rankings. That is pretty good when you have Soria, Soriano, Rivera, Bell, and Nathan in that category. He has everything a fantasy team wants and he's a character too so that is a plus.
A Few Closing Thoughts:
1. Giants are actually more solid as a staff than a majority of other MLB teams within the fantasy league this year.
2. In reality, the Giants have THE best combined staff in the MLB (when healthy)
3. Giants open the season off with rivals LA Dodgers in less than 24 hours!!
Coming Up Next:
Giants: 2011 MLB season
"Fear the Beard". Top rated closer this year in the fantasy relief pitcher rankings. That is pretty good when you have Soria, Soriano, Rivera, Bell, and Nathan in that category. He has everything a fantasy team wants and he's a character too so that is a plus.
A Few Closing Thoughts:
1. Giants are actually more solid as a staff than a majority of other MLB teams within the fantasy league this year.
2. In reality, the Giants have THE best combined staff in the MLB (when healthy)
3. Giants open the season off with rivals LA Dodgers in less than 24 hours!!
Coming Up Next:
Giants: 2011 MLB season
Monday, March 21, 2011
Giants and the Fantasy League
It's a sad and helpless feeling when you wake up the morning after the final game of the World Series, knowing that you have the next five months to sit around and wait for the next MLB season to begin. Some say that 162 games a season can be boring and that baseball isn't that entertaining, but to the real fans it really isn't enough. There are different ways to experience the maximum amount of baseball throughout the season such as watching the MLB Network(TV Channel or Online), ESPN.com, or Sports Center. However, the way a true fan goes the extra mile to experience the season at an entirely different level is to become part of a/multiple fantasy baseball league(s). I currently am part of a fantasy league with some friends at espn.com, and since the fantasy draft has already passed and the season has yet to start, I feel that it is only necessary to analyze the Giants players by how the espn fantasy league sees them. I'm sensing that this might take awhile so I will only cover last years active World Series roster, dedicate this blog post to the hitters, and write my next blog post over Giants pitching. Finally, I must admit that I only had minimal Giants players on my fantasy team roster, but between the eleven other teams in the draft, and my thirst for the strongest team possible this year, I couldn't allow myself to pick more Giants players than necessary. I'm sure they would understand.
Catchers (2)
28 Buster Posey C
Posey was a big surprise for the Giants last year when he won the catching position and went on to become the rookie of the year. He will see the vast majority of the action behind the plate this year and is projected to score more runs, hit more home runs and rbi's, and steal more bases. This makes sense due to him joining the club after the season had started last year. My brother still regrets trading me Posey for Kershaw last year. Ironically, he picked him up very early in this years draft.
22 Eli Whiteside C
Whiteside will get his chance to catch this year on days when Posey rests and only if Posey becomes Injured. No one drafted him this year or last year and he would only serve as a band aid in the catching position for someones team this year. His numbers were sub par last year and are projected to stay the same this season.
Infielders (7)
14 Mike Fontenot IF
Fontenot is a valuable reserved infielder that swings left handed. He has good career stats against righties and can relieve Freddy Sanchez at 2nd base or Miguel Tejada at SS (short stop). He may be valuable to the Giants, but he's worthless to the fantasy league. Every team wants the studs of the league so reserve players rarely see a fantasy start unless they catch fire when filling in for an injury.
17 Aubrey Huff IF
Huff is one of the fantasy favorites for our league this year due to his success during last years playoff race, and his multiple positions he can be put under. He is eligible as a first baseman, outfielder, as well as a utility player. Even though he isn't a top fantasy prospect, he can prove to be a valuable player during the fantasy season if he keeps his numbers the way they ended up last year.
10 Travis Ishikawa IF
Travis is a late inning defensive switch for first base. This can prove to be very valuable to an MLB club, but worthless to the fantasy league. His numbers are expected to increase slightly yet I highly doubt that when you take Belt into consideration for the first base job. Completely worthless to our league.
16 Edgar Renteria IF
Edgar should retire. Not only is he not on the Giants any more, but he's got one foot in the "MLB playing days" grave. He's washed out with only 1.3% of American fantasy baseball fans owning him. Moving on.
21 Freddy Sanchez IF
Sanchez is expected to have slightly higher numbers this year for the Giants at 2nd base this year. No one in my league owns him right now, but could prove to a big name later in the season if injuries begin plaguing the 2nd base position. Sorry that things didn't work out between us this year Freddy, I just had to move on to bigger and better things(Dan Uggla). Can't make a dynasty with any weak links.
48 Pablo Sandoval IF
Pablo is predicted to blow up this year with hitting. One of the top taken third basemen in our draft(even though there were about three legit choices). He had bad luck with pitchers not throwing to him, balls that became outs when put in play, and his weight. Well, he's lost 38 pounds and surely can't repeat his unlucky streak from the 2010 season. He could be a dark horse in our fantasy league this year.
5 Juan Uribe IF
Juan's a trader; no one likes him. Went to the LA Dodgers during the off season and is a band aid player in the league this season at best. He should go kick rocks.
Outfielders (5)
9 Pat Burrell OF
Burrell is on the down hill slope of his career. He is expected to have better numbers than last year, however remains to be picked up in our fantasy league because off the possibility of splitting time throughout the season. He might be a late addition, but there are way too many stud outfielders to pick up before anyone would give Pat the time of day.
13 Cody Ross OF
Ever since my girlfriend picked Cody up in the draft, I have respected her a little bit less. I'm glad she picked him up because she passed up a lot of top prospect talent to get him, which helped out the rest of the league. Cody is a flash in the pan who put it together at the right time last year. He will have mediocre fantasy numbers this season at best.
33 Aaron Rowand OF
Aaron Rowand will be an average player for the Giants. He will split time with the other outfielders on the team and never be able to put up any power numbers. He is owned by .1% of the fantasy nation and those must be the over the top die hard Giants fans out there.
12 Nate Schierholtz OF
Nate struggled last year against right handed pitching(which would be the sole reason he would be put in the line up to begin with). He's tabbed the fifth outfielder for the Giants and will most likely see minimal playing time this year. Only .1% of the fantasy nation owns him and they are dumb.
56 Andres Torres OF
Torres is a decent fantasy prospect. He isn't a stud outfielder, but is a good 3rd to 4th outfielder on a fantasy roster. The fantasy nation picked him up late in the draft on average, but he is currently 100% owned. He is overall a solid fantasy draft pick.
Final Thoughts:
After analyzing the Giants as far as fantasy quality, let me make it clear that the Giants are in fact a very good team when they play together, however there aren't too many hitting studs on the team since they are considered a pitching heavy club. In my next blog I will get into the Giants pitching staff, which prove to be fairly dominant are far as fantasy numbers go.
Giants Surging before Opening Day
The Giants are currently boasting one of the best Spring Training win/loss records. Most people will argue that records don't matter preseason and that spring training is just for looks, however the Giants are giving guys looks all while winning a majority of their games. This tells me that the Giants have showed up hungry, the competition among the players is high, and that the new guys are proving that they can hang at this level. Long story short; The Giants are on the right track to dominate the 2011 season.
In current news, the Giants recently either cut or reassigned 21 players from the big league camp roster. This cut is more than the average player cut at this time, but it seems that the Giants know what they are doing so I trust them. Among the 21 players, several previously perceived top prospects were sent back down the system to join the minor league system again, however Brandon Belt remained on the roster. Belt is the Giants number one prospect in their system currently and is competing for the first base job with team veteran Aubrey Huff. Huff, who received a two year contract extension in the off season, will most likely begin the season at first. This not mean however that Belt won't remain on the big league club and split time with him. It is even rumored that Belt could win the first base job from Huff, which would push Huff out to left field. Pat Burrell, who also received a one year contract extension in the off season, would not be an every day left fielder so it would make sense for this move.
Injury Report:
Matt Cain laid to rest any doubts about his previous injury when he dominated in his last pitching outing. Brian Wilson on the other hand has been plagued with nagging injuries through out the preseason and just recently went back on the DL (disabled list) with a left oblique muscle strain. This does seem to cause for concern since Brian Wilson is credited with 48 saves for the Giants last season. I'm sure he will be back sooner rather than later, but this brings up the question of who would replace him in the closer role this upcoming season if he does so happen to go down from injury.
In other news:
Pablo Sandavol looks to be moving around better after entering the big league camp a surprising 38 pounds lighter from last season. This weight loss seems to be helping him to become more athletic. Madison Bumgarner struggles in his last outing where he gave up four runs over a two inning span. Not a good day but not too worried since every pitcher has a bad day from time to time. Barry Zito looks strong in his most recent outing for the Giants. Hopefully he can come through this year and finally live up to his 180 million dollar contract.
With that being said, Giants look very strong coming into the 2011 season and should be fun to watch this year if injuries don't plague them.
In current news, the Giants recently either cut or reassigned 21 players from the big league camp roster. This cut is more than the average player cut at this time, but it seems that the Giants know what they are doing so I trust them. Among the 21 players, several previously perceived top prospects were sent back down the system to join the minor league system again, however Brandon Belt remained on the roster. Belt is the Giants number one prospect in their system currently and is competing for the first base job with team veteran Aubrey Huff. Huff, who received a two year contract extension in the off season, will most likely begin the season at first. This not mean however that Belt won't remain on the big league club and split time with him. It is even rumored that Belt could win the first base job from Huff, which would push Huff out to left field. Pat Burrell, who also received a one year contract extension in the off season, would not be an every day left fielder so it would make sense for this move.
Injury Report:
Matt Cain laid to rest any doubts about his previous injury when he dominated in his last pitching outing. Brian Wilson on the other hand has been plagued with nagging injuries through out the preseason and just recently went back on the DL (disabled list) with a left oblique muscle strain. This does seem to cause for concern since Brian Wilson is credited with 48 saves for the Giants last season. I'm sure he will be back sooner rather than later, but this brings up the question of who would replace him in the closer role this upcoming season if he does so happen to go down from injury.
In other news:
Pablo Sandavol looks to be moving around better after entering the big league camp a surprising 38 pounds lighter from last season. This weight loss seems to be helping him to become more athletic. Madison Bumgarner struggles in his last outing where he gave up four runs over a two inning span. Not a good day but not too worried since every pitcher has a bad day from time to time. Barry Zito looks strong in his most recent outing for the Giants. Hopefully he can come through this year and finally live up to his 180 million dollar contract.
With that being said, Giants look very strong coming into the 2011 season and should be fun to watch this year if injuries don't plague them.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Giants News
Brian Wilson:
It was reported that Charlie Sheen sent his private jet last week to the Giants Spring Training site to pick up Brian Wilson and bring him back to the actors house in Los Angeles. After going to Sheen's house, Brain Wilson was flown back in the jet in enough time to make the Saturday practice. Rumors spread the Sheen threw a party during Wilson's visit, yet Wilson cleared everything up with reporters almost immediately after. Brian Wilson was asked to come to Sheen's house to talk about his nutrition, workouts, and baseball memories in hopes of capturing his character for the movie Major League III( Sheen play's "the wild thing" relief pitcher).
Buster Posey:
Posey has become quite the celebrity among baseball fans since reaching the Majors last year. It became really apparent when he tried to exit Scottsdale Stadium after one spring training day. A mob of fan frantically tried to get his autograph while a few succeeded. However, one man kept trying to get the autograph even after Posey had made it inside his truck. The man didn't get it but succeeded in damaging Buster's truck. On the baseball side of things, Giants manager told media recently that Posey will not play first base off his days away from catching this season. Although he did mention that he could catch over 135 games for the Giants through out the year.
Tim Lincecum:
Lincecum reported to Spring training on a mission. He came to Arizona in what appears to be the best shape he has ever been. He went on a strict off season program after the world series title, and wants to silence all the doubters once and for all. Giants manager said he looked great off the mound and is planning on having him pitch on opening day against their long time rivals, the LA Dodgers. In other news, he was recently voted on by GQ to be the number one coolest professional athlete in 2010.
Google Charity Shootout:
Four Giants and four 49's squared off at Pebble Beach in a Charity golf match. The winning team would get to donate $10,000 to the charity of their choice. Of course, the Giants won the match behind the heroics of Cody Ross and Matt Cain. The money was donated to the Sunrise House which is an organized based out of California that helps troubled teens.
Just a little reminder for all you Giants fans out there: 3 more days until Spring Training games start. Get Excited!
Coming up Next: More News and Spring Training Updates
It was reported that Charlie Sheen sent his private jet last week to the Giants Spring Training site to pick up Brian Wilson and bring him back to the actors house in Los Angeles. After going to Sheen's house, Brain Wilson was flown back in the jet in enough time to make the Saturday practice. Rumors spread the Sheen threw a party during Wilson's visit, yet Wilson cleared everything up with reporters almost immediately after. Brian Wilson was asked to come to Sheen's house to talk about his nutrition, workouts, and baseball memories in hopes of capturing his character for the movie Major League III( Sheen play's "the wild thing" relief pitcher).
Buster Posey:
Posey has become quite the celebrity among baseball fans since reaching the Majors last year. It became really apparent when he tried to exit Scottsdale Stadium after one spring training day. A mob of fan frantically tried to get his autograph while a few succeeded. However, one man kept trying to get the autograph even after Posey had made it inside his truck. The man didn't get it but succeeded in damaging Buster's truck. On the baseball side of things, Giants manager told media recently that Posey will not play first base off his days away from catching this season. Although he did mention that he could catch over 135 games for the Giants through out the year.
Tim Lincecum:
Lincecum reported to Spring training on a mission. He came to Arizona in what appears to be the best shape he has ever been. He went on a strict off season program after the world series title, and wants to silence all the doubters once and for all. Giants manager said he looked great off the mound and is planning on having him pitch on opening day against their long time rivals, the LA Dodgers. In other news, he was recently voted on by GQ to be the number one coolest professional athlete in 2010.
Google Charity Shootout:
Four Giants and four 49's squared off at Pebble Beach in a Charity golf match. The winning team would get to donate $10,000 to the charity of their choice. Of course, the Giants won the match behind the heroics of Cody Ross and Matt Cain. The money was donated to the Sunrise House which is an organized based out of California that helps troubled teens.
Just a little reminder for all you Giants fans out there: 3 more days until Spring Training games start. Get Excited!
Coming up Next: More News and Spring Training Updates
Top Prospects
It's not hard to see why many baseball experts see the San Francisco Giants in the World Series again next season. The Giants return their dominant pitching staff from last year's title team, and haven't changed too many names for the 2011 season roster (refer to previous post). To add to the overall strength of the already elite team, the Giants also boast a strong minor league system. This minor system has produced recent stars such as Buster Posey and Madison Bumgarner, and look to continue this trend in the next few seasons. The rest of this post will be dedicated to breaking down the top five prospects currently coming up in the Giants organization.
1. Brandon Belt- 1B
Belt was drafted in the fifth round out of the University of Texas by the Giants in 2009. His minor league career batting average of .352 was just one of his jaw dropping stats in 2010. He received several awards while going up the minor league ladder in 2010, and is rumored to be the next first basemen in line for the Giants. If he doesn't join the Giants out of Spring Training, then he is scheduled to break in around the middle of the 2011 season.
2. Zack Wheeler- RHP
Wheeler was the 6th overall pick by the Giants in the 2009 MLB Draft. This big righty showed promise for a quick climb to the bigs with his 94-97 mph fastball. However, his first year in the minors was limited due to a cracked fingernail. He is currently in Class A, but is predicted to move up quickly when completely healthy again.
3. Francisco Peguero- OF
Peguero has been in the minor league system for the Giants since 2006. This Dominican outfielder was initially a free agent, but in the last two years has played his way into the Giants spotlight. His numbers have only gotten better since beginning his minor league career and now looks to bring his talents to the big league club as soon as possible.
4. Ehire Adrianza- SS
The Venezuelan player originally signed signed with the Giants as a free agent in 2002. He made it up to the 40 man roster in 2006, however was brought back down to the minors in 2007 due to an injury. Since then, he has been creating solid numbers for whatever level he has played for. His recent production just might bring him back on the 40 man roster before too long.
5. Brandon Crawford- SS
Brandon was selected in the fourth round by the Giants in 2008. He put together some pretty impressive power numbers last season for the AA team as well as having above average speed. His strike out to walk ratio could use some work, but has displayed quality hitting in every level he has played in so far. Giants look to keep moving him up through the system fairly quickly.
The top five prospects could be argued for other players in the Giants organization, but that is just evidence of how strong San Francisco's minor league system is in comparison to other MLB teams. That being said, the Giants have a lot to look forward to for 2011 and many more years to come.
For more information about other Giants prospects visit here
Coming up Next: Team News Before and During Spring Training
1. Brandon Belt- 1B
Belt was drafted in the fifth round out of the University of Texas by the Giants in 2009. His minor league career batting average of .352 was just one of his jaw dropping stats in 2010. He received several awards while going up the minor league ladder in 2010, and is rumored to be the next first basemen in line for the Giants. If he doesn't join the Giants out of Spring Training, then he is scheduled to break in around the middle of the 2011 season.
2. Zack Wheeler- RHP
Wheeler was the 6th overall pick by the Giants in the 2009 MLB Draft. This big righty showed promise for a quick climb to the bigs with his 94-97 mph fastball. However, his first year in the minors was limited due to a cracked fingernail. He is currently in Class A, but is predicted to move up quickly when completely healthy again.
3. Francisco Peguero- OF
Peguero has been in the minor league system for the Giants since 2006. This Dominican outfielder was initially a free agent, but in the last two years has played his way into the Giants spotlight. His numbers have only gotten better since beginning his minor league career and now looks to bring his talents to the big league club as soon as possible.
4. Ehire Adrianza- SS
The Venezuelan player originally signed signed with the Giants as a free agent in 2002. He made it up to the 40 man roster in 2006, however was brought back down to the minors in 2007 due to an injury. Since then, he has been creating solid numbers for whatever level he has played for. His recent production just might bring him back on the 40 man roster before too long.
5. Brandon Crawford- SS
Brandon was selected in the fourth round by the Giants in 2008. He put together some pretty impressive power numbers last season for the AA team as well as having above average speed. His strike out to walk ratio could use some work, but has displayed quality hitting in every level he has played in so far. Giants look to keep moving him up through the system fairly quickly.
The top five prospects could be argued for other players in the Giants organization, but that is just evidence of how strong San Francisco's minor league system is in comparison to other MLB teams. That being said, the Giants have a lot to look forward to for 2011 and many more years to come.
For more information about other Giants prospects visit here
Coming up Next: Team News Before and During Spring Training
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