Samardzija has to Lower the HR totals

Jeff Samardzija had a great year if you like strikeouts versus walks. And who doesn't? But it is those at-bats when he gets ahead of the hitter that he gives up too much of the plate and the ball goes a long ways. Usually over the fence in fair territory.

Listening to Jon Miller you got the feeling he couldn't emphasize enough how Samardzija would get an 0-2 count on someone and then lay one in there. Come on, man! When you are ahead in the count you make the hitter hit something out of the strike zone. Anything in the strike zone is a gift.

The other pitchers on the Giants's staff gave up their fair share of home runs but it was usually because the home plate umpire had an intermittent strike zone and they had to put one in the strike zone for fear of walking the batter. 

Now if only the Giants can figure out a way to get an umpire to be more consistent with calling balls and strikes.


Kevin Marquez

Kryptonite for the 2017 San Francisco Giants

Home plate umpire, Doug Eddings, it was announced by David B. Fleming, is second among major league umpires in calling strikes. It led Dave to to speculate that this made Eddings a "pitcher's umpire."

Listening to the entire broadcast I have a few ideas of my own about Dougie behind the plate. This season, when you listen to a Giants' broadcast you can expect a lack of execution AND the occasional brain fart because it's what this collection of talent does more often than not. 

In this game, on July 20, there were two incidents that immediately come to mind. One was Eduardo Nunez's stealing of third base only he could not control his slide with the "oven" mitt he wore on his hand for protection. This mitt has no fingers! So rather than having Noony on third base with one out there was nobody on base with two outs. 

The second was when there was a runner on third base with less than two out and Brandon Belt at the plate. The Padres defense was playing back willing to concede a run in exchange for an out. This was genius by the San Diego manager (Green) because this type of opportunity is kryptonite for the 2017 San Francisco Giants. Belt would take a called third strike. The words of Duane Kuiper, 'Right down the middle.'

Back to Eddings. He may call the second most strikes in the majors but he has the kind of strike zone that doesn't favor anyone. Both the pitcher and the hitter have no idea what to expect. It is inconsistency at its worst when the umpire isn't even sure when the pitch is a strike. Are you kidding me? The sudden arm pump, convulsion if you will, (by Eddings) as if he were in the middle of an epileptic seizure, is why it appears he himself doesn't know it's a strike.

Unpredictability is a batter and pitcher's nightmare and I'm sure the umpire isn't comfortable with the knee-jerk reaction himself. But his job isn't in jeopardy like the man throwing the ball and especially the man attempting to hit it with someone behind him saying 'STRIKE' unexpectedly.  


Kevin J. Marquez

Should We Look at the Panda?

Should we look at the Panda? If he is in shape, why not?  The man helped us win two World Championships. We owe it to ourselves to give him another chance. The Giants would only have to pay him the league minimum. Who knows, he may only deliver the goods wearing orange and black.

He may forever have his face carved into pumpkins in the city by the bay. And that image is just scary enough to be effective. When orange is how you are identified, by the fans that root for your team, why not etch his countenance into the gourd that recognizes the departed every October 31st ?

I can still hear Jon Miller's call of his third World Series homer in the same game...'looking like the Babe himself as he rounds the bases!'

We know he made a mistake leaving us. And that it would be different for him in Beantown. But we all have to find out for ourselves how things materialize and he too needed to know how things would work out. Live and learn.

This is not a Shame on You thing. Where if they fool you once, shame on you but if they fool you twice it's shame on me. The guy was sensitive over the comments made about is expanding girth and he had to find out for himself that it was no different wherever he went. If you don't produce the hecklers will form a line to assuage their own disappointment by ridiculing your performance. But all in all the San Francisco Giant's fans loved them some Pablo. And allowing him the opportunity to tryout for them may be what get's the Giants going again.


Kevin J. Marquez

The Span Man isn't Alone in Killing the Giants!!!

On Friday, June 16, 2017, a pop fly into shallow center field looked harmless to the Giants' broadcasters as shortstop Brandon Crawford went out to see if he could get to the falling orb. It was thought, by Giants' broadcasters, that perhaps this was the reason why center fielder Denard Span just stopped. Did Brandon call him off? That will be discovered when the question is asked. But the broadcasters, both Jon Miller and Dave Fleming agreed it was Span's ball all the way. After all, he IS the center fielder. The captain of the outfield? Not on this Giant's team. 

Man, oh man, this guy is proving every day what a horrible sign he was by the Giants' management. Yesterday, at the Golden State Warriors's rally after their parade for winning their second NBA championship, it was said by GM Bob Myer that Draymond Green just wins. Denard Span just finds ways NOT TO WIN.

When you play the hard-hitting Rockies at Coors Field you do not give any team more than the allotted three outs per inning. Span either didn't see the memo or chose not to read the numerous papers attached to the bulletin board. But he is not the only player who did not read the memo. Hunter Pence is shagging some flies that are acting like some sort of repellent to the leather of his glove. Oh, those 2017 San Francisco Giants.

(The Span Man is killing the Giants. His hesitation from third base, on a wild pitch, in the June 15th game contributed to their 10-9 loss to the Rockies.)


Kevin J. Marquez

Unbelievably Catchy

It is unbelievable what is happening to the 2017 San Francisco Giants. Indescribable things that are easier to explain if you saw it happen rather having to listen to it on the airwaves. Because these days, those guys calling the game are all but waving the white flag.

In Wednesday's game vs. the Royals on June 14th there were a couple of "duck snorts" just out of the reach of a Giant's fielder and then a base hit. In a game of inches you need to be within the grasp of the ball or else those inches turn into feet running around the base paths.

Then the 15 games under .500 (26-41) Giants head on to Colorado. To face a team whose record is 42-26. Bottom of the first went: Leadoff hitter hit a roller he beat out and Buster's throw hit him sending him to second base. Next batter hit was was described as a seeing-eye hit. Then Nolan Arenado hit what was described as a looping liner where nobody was. And just like that it was 2-0. Nobody hit the ball hard.

Top of the 2nd the Giants have the bases loaded and Story robs Span. Time to turn off the radio. Just too tough to listen to. Maybe tune in later. But the length of the game, where the game is being played (Colorado) and how it becomes endemic because you get a domino effect reaction that becomes Murphy's law. To use a baseball term, it's "catchy."

Fast forward to the 8th inning. Giants get a 3-run jack from Brandon Crawford, after a two-run shot by Buster Posey and a solo by Todd Hundley. They are now trailing by one run, 9-8.

In the 9th the Giants give Greg Holland his first blown save. But rather than take the lead going into the bottom half of the ninth they remain tied. How is this so? Because Denard- has a noticeable-Span between the ears. He hesitated on a passed ball in the 9th. This was a play where the runner just busts butt from third and just lets the chips fall where they may. Unlike Span's approach which was musical chairs all of the way. 


Kevin J. Marquez

(Denard) Span Between His Ears is Noticeably Vacant

One must think that Denard Span is a good ballplayer because he made it into the Major Leagues. And there is some merit to that belief because many players aren't good enough for one reason or another to make a career in major league baseball. Denard Span has had a career in major league baseball.

But it could be SO much better.

Long ago, when baseball cards cost .25 cents a pack, I was told by my father that baseball was a thinking man's game. You always had to be going over in your mind what you could do to better place yourself in scoring position or maneuver yourself to make a defensive play that will help prevent the opponent from being in position to score. THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING YOU COULD BE DOING!!

Backing up fielder on throws, taking the extra base when the fielder doesn't field the ball cleanly or just challenging the arm of an outfielder by taking the extra base. These aforementioned chances to help out his team don't often register for Denard Span. He's one of those guys coaches would be screaming, "Why don't you get a ticket and watch the game from the stands?"

Getting picked off base, once he reaches the base safely, or getting caught in a rundown because he misread the flight or direction of the ball is something he does with enough regularity you could hear the audible exhale from a Giant fan who recognized the guilty party. Denard Span's head is just not in the game. The span between his ears is noticeably vacant. 

And as far as his defense the only thing he gives you is the ability to catch up to some well-hit balls. But because he doesn't take the best angle on balls you would not be incorrect thinking he was fortunate when he does actually catch the fly ball. I am really surprised that every team doesn't challenge his arm whenever the ball is hit to him. His arm is that weak. 

Kevin J. Marquez

Okert Not Major League Worthy

What is it about this guy, Steven Okert, that provokes Bruce Bochy to call his number? I, from my position of listening to the radio, just don't see it!! His numbers are inflated when they should be ERA- 3.00 or lower. (He's 5.00+ and after today probably at 6.00+.) How often has this guy gotten his man out? Not often enough!!

(Games-18,IP-12.2, H-11, R-8, BB-5, K-7...before tonight May 24, 2017.)

With the Giants trailing 4-2, Bochy brings this bum into the game to keep the score at 4-2 and the leadoff batter promptly belts a triple. Next batter hits a deep fly ball to easily make the score Cubs-5 Giants-2. Didn't do his job, again.

Bottom of the 9th inning, Mac Williamson hits a 2-run homer over the right field fence. Score: Cubs-5 Giants-4. Unfortunately, Giants couldn't score another run. They did enough to extend the game into the bottom of the ninth tied, but with their bullpen...

This is getting old. From last year, after the All-Star break up until now, Bochy has yet to find guys in the bullpen he can trust. Guys like Okert, Cory Guerrin, and George Kontos are making Bochy look bad when he usually looks like he knows what he is doing.

When your record is 20-28 time is running out. It truly is a lost season if they don't find help in the bullpen.


Kevin J. Marquez

Bullpen Cannot Keep Surrendering Leads

Every San Francisco Giant fan knows the perils of this 2017 season. Beginning the season at 12-wins and 24-losses and then showing signs of hope by winning 5 in-a-row only to lose to Clayton Kershaw to make their record 17-25.

But things were looking good. The bats began to come alive and the pitching was stopping their opponent from big innings which is the characteristic necessary to keeping a team in the game. And this is why they were winning.

Then after an off day they fly to St. Louis and after coming from behind 2-0 they take the lead only to have a rain delay. Once play resumes the long delay was cause for the starter (Matt Moore) to be replaced by Steven Okert. 

First batter up is walked.  Next batter hits a bloop. Would you like to guess what happened next?  Dexter Fowler, a player who sought some batting tips from Barry Bonds, blasted one over the wall for a 3-run homer.

You cannot come back from being eight (8) games below .500 when the bullpen cannot get outs. An inability to throw strikes and then when the pitcher does throw a strike it is in a location that gets too much of the plate. Which then makes the pitch a meatball and that is something that makes most hitters salivate. Comfort and confidence at the plate spells disaster for the pitcher almost every time.

This year the bullpen has a couple of characters who have yet to find their niche coming into a game. Two of them would be Steven Okert and George Kontos. Both of these guys seemed to contribute to the demise of the Giants on May 19th in St. Louis.

But baseball is a beautiful game. There were still six (6) outs the Cardinals needed to get. And they would get those six outs but only after the Giants roared back with three runs. 

Bryan Morris pitched a perfect 8th inning and Mark Melancholy, uh, Melancon came on to close the game out in the 9th inning. Leadoff hitter raked a single. Of course, did anyone expect anything else? Next batter flew out. Then up came the Cardinals' star of the game Dexter Fowler. But he hit one back to Melancon hard enough for the Giants to turn a 1-6-3, game ending double-play.

Bryan Morris, the winner of the 17-inning marathon, got the win.



Kevin J. Marquez

Two years to the Day- Oh Baby!!

Exactly two years to the day (May 10) the Giants comeback win over the Mets, 6-5, in New York, was the first time they have won a game when trailing after the 8th inning. 

The fact that it came at a time when nobody knew what to expect is serendipitous. But I find it interesting that a team struggling like the orange and black has been (in 2017) does something in which to build upon.  God is good, but never dance in a small boat. 

Christian Arroyo hits a bases-clearing double. Buster goes yard for the third game in-a-row. Eduardo Nunez contributes with a line drive snaring snag at third base and singles to lead off the 9th inning.

Their outfield is reprehensible. Guys getting to balls and then not putting them away (in their gloves) is all too common. And unacceptable. I mean, come on!  I grew up watching Willie Mays. And a Giant outfield that evolved into Garry Maddox, who was described by Ralph Kiner, Mets announcer, as, "Two-thirds of the Earth is covered by water. The other third is covered by Garry Maddox." (Maddox's best days were as a Philadelphia Phillie.)

There will be more roster moves. I once heard that talk is cheap because supply exceeds demand. So I'll leave it at that, for now.

Kevin J. Marquez

So far the 2017 San Francisco Giant season has been Crap!

Brandon Belt, the often maligned ballplayer by his hometown Giant fans, (many of whom feel he is grossly overpaid for his production numbers) truly has fallen into a steady role of: all or nothing.

When he is hot he blasts the ball to all fields and off the walls of home and away ballparks. But when he is cold, a frosty chill effects his ability to hit the ball because he does a whole lot of swinging and missing. 

Listening to the Giants on the radio, when Belt is in one of his frost-bitten slumps you can hear the lilt of 'hear we go again' in the announcer's voice. Regardless of whose turn it is to call the play-by-play.

Are the Giants obligated to stick with Belt? Or is he often a name thrown into trade talks? Because in order to get something you have to give something up but you don't want to give more than you get. It's a fine line in the art of wheeling and dealing. 

Aside from the Adam Duvall trade, the Giants usually get their fair share in trades. But that was a big blunder because Duvall's ability to play left field may have eliminated the early 2017 circus in left field for the Giants. And that alone could have prevented the horrendous beginning to the 2017 season. 

I am inclined to add another player's name to the list of those to be offered in trade talks. Eduardo Nunez. His defensive play is questionable at best. Sure, a ball hit right at him he generally catches, but those he has to go to his left or right get by him at an alarming rate. He doesn't charge the ball or anticipate the bounce of the ball and is often flat-footed when a ball changes direction on its last hop. On fly balls, he would rather let them fall in front of him than hustle in and try to catch it before it lands safely. Jon Miller described him as being timid. The kind of play that has Giants' fans beside themselves. Wringing their hands, disgusted at having to tolerate such a lack of effort.  

So far the 2017 season has been crap. A chance for me to recall, in the book Instant Replay, a time when Vince Lombardi was in newly drafted center, Bob Hyland's face for bad technique. 'You can't go right and you can't go left. You can't pull straight ahead. You have nowhere to go. The only thing you can do in that stance is take a crap.' And that's the Giants as of May 9, 2017.


Kevin J. Marquez

Leaving Runners On, Shows the Eggs of a Goose

This tune begins with a strum of the acoustic guitar and then the slapping of some drum skins. As of May 3, 2017, this is Giants' baseball. And it's not good. 



"Getting men on base
   not moving them along
   forgetting the fundamentals it takes
   to get some runs home.

Just leaving runners on
  not knowing what to do
time and time again, failing to get it done
and the scoreboard shows eggs of a goose (0)

Got to touch 'em all to score
but what to do when the runner doesn't advance
how to move the runners
to give the next batter a chance

Just leaving runners on
  not knowing what to do
time after time, failing to get it done
and the scoreboard once again shows the eggs of a goose."



(lyrics need some work. Much like the 2017 Giants.)


Kevin J. Marquez

Can't Stop Rooting, I'm Addicted!!!

I can't turn my radio dial from 680-AM without incurring adverse effects. Besides, I have this uncontrollable "need to know" what the Giants did on a scheduled date. 

Yesterday, May 2, 2017, was tough because it happened against the Dodgers. Any time the Giants lose, to the team that came West with them in 1958, things have a tendency to get enhanced to a point where embellishment plays a key role.

Mike Moore was lacking concentration. And his ball was moving where the hitter preferred to see it. Not a good combination for pitcher versus hitter in any league, let alone the major leagues. 

Personally, it was tough to listen to after the Giants had just scored four runs. With Moore's help! For Moore to give up the homer on an 0-2 count and then walk the next batter, well, that was just, in Homer Simpson speak, "DOH!!!"

Kevin J. Marquez

Bochy Botched Sunday's April 30th game

Watching Ty Blach mow through the San Diego Padres was beautiful. Three up, three down. Innings one through seven, Ty Blach was masterful.

Then as the eighth inning began there was no Ty Blach. Did he get a blister? Why wasn't he allowed to start the 8th? Dammit,if a pitcher is going good you don't do the other team a favor by removing him from the game.

Sure enough, in the 9th, up steps former Giant Hector Sanchez. And it was set up to break the hearts of every Giant fan. Bang, zoom, game tied off of Mark Melancon. Ole melancholy Melancon giveth the lead to San Diego,never again to be re-gained. 

And then in the 12th inning George Kontos served up a nice and juicy pitch for Will Myers to deposit into the left field stands. 

Kevin J. Marquez

The Milkman Part Two with 2010 and 2014 Serendipity?

We all remember the splinter that got stuck in our collective throats when we learned that Melky Cabrera got caught when he was tested for performance enhancing drugs (PEDs). How Buster gathered the troops and they got to kicking some tail? Well, fast-forward to April 21, 2017, and this team has to show the baseball world, once again, what happens when a team pulls together and gets a little something for the effort.

Madison Bumgarner gets injured dirt biking. Okay. It's not like he was 4-0 with an earned run average under two runs. He's a bit like the Giants' version of Kevin Durant. Now the Giants can show they can win without him. What? No wins when Bumgarner pitched? Hmm. The similarity is that we know he will do what it takes to come back on time and perhaps even earlier. And when he returns it will be in time for the second half. Think of what a weapon that will be!

Imagine how electrified the locker room and AT&T will be when he returns. Like Durant, right?

Now is this when the Giant brass adjusts its Active Roster in order for Tyler Beede to get called up to fill Bumgarner's spot in the rotation. And maybe even the hot-hitting Christian Arroyo gets his chance. Much the same way young stars named Buster Posey (got his call-up in 2010) and Joe Panik (in 2014) joined the big league club and contributed significantly.

Move Eduardo Nunez into the outfield and put Arroyo at third base. Come on Giants, the time is NOW!!

Kevin J. Marquez

Character Matters

When you are a team that is struggling it never fails that when a rally is taking shape those players mired in a slump get the call. Hitters like Chris Marrero and Denard Span to name a couple, in this young 2017 season.

And because struggling is contagious, just as being hot can cause hitters to feed off of one another, even Brandon Crawford grounds into double-plays.

But when it's all said and done, you look for the character of a team. Guys who pull in one direction because they know their teammates represent the same values they themselves are mindful of, it's a brotherhood. All for one and one for all in its very essence.

Guys who believe when fans may be having cause for doubts. It has been three times since 2010, (that the Giants have won the World Series title) and yet with the media conjuring up stories that may sell more than just papers, some fans get to thinking TOO MUCH!

Remember the Beatle song, Eleanor Rigby? When (singer) Paul asked about the Lonely People?
All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong?  Keep with the pessimistic, negative, and cynical thoughts and YOU will find the doom and gloom where no party hats and confetti exist because you will belong with the lonely people.

Kevin J. Marquez

Why was Willie McCovey the Rookie of the Year in 1959?

I always wondered why Vada Pinson didn't get the Rookie of the Year. Because when you look at the numbers it is a no-brainer.

1959 (Vada Pinson)  G-154, AB-648, R-131*, H-205, 2B-47*, 3B-9
                    HR- 20, RBI-84, BA-.316, SB- 21,CS-6

1959 (Willie McCovey) G-52, AB-192, R-32, H-68, 2B-9, 3B-5, HR-13,
                      RBI- 38, BA-.354

Currently rookie status applies to any player with fewer than AB-130
or IP-50 or 45 days on a major league roster in a previous season.

In 1959, fewer than 75-at bats or 45 innings pitched in a previous
season. 

McCovey won the Rookie of the Year award on a mere technicality, Vada Pinson played too much. He had 96 at-bats versus 75 at-bats.

Nobody else had a good enough season to give McCovey any competition.


Kevin J. Marquez

Extra Inning games of Yesteryear

On September 1, 1967, at Crosley Field, the Giants and the Reds played a night game that went 21 innings. The game lasted five hours and forty minutes but I doubt the 13,745 fans who attended the game were complaining. They got a whole lot of bang for their bucks on that Cincinnati evening.

The starting pitchers were Gaylord Perry for SF and Mel Queen for the Redlegs.

Pitching lines: Queen IP-9.1, H-8, BB-1, K-10
Ted Abernathy IP-3.2, H-1, K-2
Don Notre Bart IP-5, H-3, BB-1, K-3
Bob Lee IP-3, H-3, R-1, BB-2, K-3

Perry IP-16, H-10, BB-2, K-12
Frank Linzy IP-5, H-2, K-3
WP Linzy. LP B Lee

Home plate umpire: Tom Gorman

Game ended on a bases-loaded walk to Dick Groat.

Jimmy Ray Hart scored the game's only run.
Red rookie catcher, Johnny Bench had three hits in eight at-bats.

Remember "Downtown" Ollie Brown? He had four hits in eight at-bats.

Side note: On the same night at Forbes Field, Pittsburgh Pirate lefty Woodie Fryman pitched a gem. IP-9, H-3, R-0, BB-1, K-15.  Against the Phillies.

In December of 1967, Fryman was traded to the Phillies with Don Money for Jim Bunning.

Kevin J. Marquez

Kyle Crick is Ready for Bullpen Duty

There are many people who believe the way to break a pitcher into the bigs is to season him and work on his finer points to see how he matures as a starter. But not all players are cut from this tried and true method of molding a prospective starting pitcher.

After last year's horrific bullpen experience, when relievers were unable to get outs for a starter who got the game past the 7th inning with a two or three run lead. That much of a cushion should have been darn near automatic for the bullpen. But the beauty of baseball is you have to execute because in the truest of phrases Yogi Berra ever uttered, 'It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over.'

During spring training Kyle Crick showed the demeanor of someone who can be successful in the bullpen. No nonsense shut down stuff and boy could the Giants use a guy like that out of their bullpen.

I don't know who the odd man out might be, Matt Cain? But we have games that need to be won in April and May.

We need someone with tenacity who is looking for any way to crack the Major League team's lineup. Kyle Crick is that guy.

Kevin J. Marquez

Jack HARSHman

In reading about Juan Marichal vs. Warren Spahn I saw a footnote about other such marathons. Of course, since these other games didn't have the marquee names of Spahn and or Marichal, these tale of yore got tucked away on a dusty shelf to be read another day.

On August 13, 1954, while a member of the White Sox, Jack Harshman faced Al Aber of the Tigers.  The lefty Harshman, is the only guy to give the opponents 65 chances without allowing a run, a feat that hasn't been matched before or since in the live ball era.

Harshman's pitching line: IP-16, H-9,R-0, BB-7, K-12. W (10-6).

Harshman was also a good hitter, hitting 21 career home runs, twice hitting as many as six (6) in a season. (1956 with the Chisox and 1958 with the Baltimore Orioles.)

There have been a lot of ballgames played in the majors and many more in the minors so it shouldn't be too surprising to come across games with unbelievable accomplishments every now and then.

I completely forgot about the game at Shea Stadium, on August 19, 1969, when Juan Marichal had another shutout going into the 14th inning when with one out Tommie Agee hit a walk-off homer. This was the year of the Miracle Mets. History would be written in two months of that year (1969).

The pitching lines were:

Marichal 13.1 IP, 6-H, 1-R, 1-BB, 13-K
Gary Gentry 10-IP, 4-H, 4-BB, 5-K
Tug McGraw 4-IP, 1-H, 1-BB.
WP- McGraw (6-2)
LP- Marichal (14-9)

Giants starting lineup for that game:
Bobby Bonds-RF
Ron Hunt-2B
Willie Mays-CF
Willie McCovey-1B
Bob Burda-LF
Bobby Etheridge-3B
Bob Barton-C
Hal Lanier-SS
(Lanier was only Giant with 2 hits.)

Kevin J. Marquez

The Real Problem in Baseball

The real problem in baseball is how the strike zone is interpreted by major League umpires.

On those days when the home plate umpire can't distinguish a ball from a strike, why not give the pitcher the benefit of the doubt and call pitches hard to decipher STRIKES!

Because the umpire calling balls and strikes is being fooled the pitcher should be rewarded with strikes being called, not balls. (Note: This is predicated on the notion that there will be days the umpire calling balls/strikes will have little difficulty in determining balls from strikes.)

If an umpire, say C.B. Buckner, is regularly butchering the strike zone he should not be given the opportunity to spoil a baseball game with his incompetence.

Kevin J. Marquez

Diamonds in the Rough

A non-roster invitee to the 2017 SF Giants is right-hander Bryan Morris. A 6'3," 29-year-old who turns 30 on March 28.
Morris was the first pick of the L.A. Dodgers in 2006, 26th overall.
On the Marty Laurie show, KNBR680AM, February 25, Tom Hudson was a guest. Marty asked him who he liked and the name Bryan Morris came up. How he has a Mariano Rivera type cutter and how the Giants have had their eyes on this guy. When he became available the Giants pounced.
Something the fans have to know about the Giants' scouting and personnel department, they can spot the diamond in the rough. They don't go after the marquee name because an Andres Torres (to name drop) can contribute just the same.
(Note: A similar thing happened with Chris Marrero. As soon as they heard he was available, whoosh, there they were to snap him up.)

Brian Sabean has a stellar crew working for him. They spend on players they want to keep in the organization. This crew deserves some financial security for keeping the Giants ultra competitive. It sure makes me, a Giant's fan, feel secure.

Kevin J. Marquez

Aaron Hill You are the next...for the 2017 SFGiants

Remember the old Bob Barker "Price is Right?" The voice (Rod Roddy) that would call out the next contestant for the show? Well that's exactly how the Giants are handling this year's Spring training.

They are looking to make the most complete roster with utility players who have quality experience and hopefully still more to offer the game they have added so much to.

Aaron Hill, a name baseball fans are familiar with, especially Giant fans. He's hurt them as a member of the Diamondbacks. He was a first round pick for the Blue Jays, went to Arizona and last season with the Brewers. And I seem to recall him helping the Brewers defeat the Giants in the 2016 campaign last year.

With Jimmy Rollins, Michael Morse, Nick Hundley, and now Aaron Hill, the Giants are hoping to find a spot for these guys to contribute something to a team that can compete with the best the majors has to offer.  I am getting stoked.

Kevin J. Marquez

Warm and Fuzzy

An interview with KNBR's Ray Woodson revealed that Nick Hundley is best friends with Mark Melancon. This is the kind of move that has to make Giant fans feel good about how this organization is run.

Newly acquired Hundley knows the National League (NL) West as good as anyone because he has spent his entire career in this division (San Diego and Colorado).  Sees an opportunity to join his pal on the NL West Giants and it's a done deal.

Pretty cool. The kind of cool that becomes warm and fuzzy at the end of September as the post-season enters October.

Kevin J. Marquez

Hope Springs Eternal for Pitching Staff

Prospects: RHP-Sam Coonrod, RHP-Joan Gregorio, LHP-Andrew Suarez (don't confuse him with Albert Suarez, who is coming off a respectable season as the Giants' fifth man.)

Something I noticed with the up and coming hurlers: Ty Blach throws left bats right (like Mr. Bumgarner); Kyle Crick throws right and bats left; Clayton Blackburn throws right and bats left. Reliever Will Smith bats right, throws left.

Top prospect Tyler Beede throws and bats right-handed. Just as Josh Osich and Steven Okert throw and bat lefty.
Newly signed David Hernandez may have something to show the team.

Kevin J. Marquez

Note: Once spring games are over the airwaves I will be taking notes and sharing insights.

2017 San Francisci Giants: Non-Roster Invitees and 40-man roster

Let's go to the familiar veterans in camp.
Jimmy Rollins, how much can he offer?
Nick Hundley, does he solidify the catcher position?
Michael Morse, can he improve enough defensively that we won't hold our collective breath every time he's in the outfield?
Justin Ruggiano, what say he?
Same for Kyle Blanks, Chris Marrero
 and Catcher Tom Federowicz and Josmil Pinto. Or is hot prospect, Aramis Garcia ready to burst onto the scene? Remember, the Giants scouts have an eye for the catcher position. What with Buster and Pablo Sandoval being drafted as catchers.

Could it be that Steve Duggar takes over an outfield spot. He's coming off a season at Richmond when he batted .321.  And perhaps Austin Slater shows he belongs. Or is it Christian Arroyo's time in the big show. Last, but not least, Jae-Gun Hwang will bring his talents from the Orient, something of a trend the major leagues has seen infused into their game.

Kevin J Marquez