Giants Spring Training...

[KHenry14]

Well, Spring Training is upon us, and optimism reigns supreme! News seems to be good on Wilson and Posey, but Sanchez seemingly needs more time.

BTW, evidently young fireballer Heath Hembree wowed everyone today. Kid seems to have the goods to be a closer. It will be interesting to see where he ends up this year. Probably Fresno at some point. BTW, for those of you who haven't seen him, here's an example of the kid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDP70Y_Uk5Q enjoy!

And I will be very interested to see how the competition for 1B ends up. Gotta think Pill, Belt and Huff all make the squad, wonder who will play and where.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

I hope Hembree can be Wilson's replacement when Wilson becomes a free agent.

[CandlestickBum]

I hope Hembree can be Wilson's replacement when Wilson becomes a free agent.

You know that's what the Giant's are thinking. wouldn't mind seeing Wilson becoming our own Rivera either though.

Yeah, yeah, it's spring fever talking.

That Hembree looks like he has pretty nice control.

Is it me, or do they seem to have given up on Belt in LF?

[Blue387]

I think Barry Zito should learn how to throw the knuckleball.

[CandlestickBum]

I think Barry Zito should learn how to throw the knuckleball.

He calls it his fastball is all.

[KHenry14]

Evidently Wilson threw very well today, and Weezy says he'll be ready for opening day. He also said that there should be a "Machine" bobblehead day....Now that's something I'd buy a ticket for!!

[KHenry14]

gotta love this quote: Felipe Alou says Joe Panik is one of best young hitters he's ever seen. "I've never seen him swing and miss," Alou said. "It's ridiculous."

That's pretty high praise

[Honus Wagner Rules]

gotta love this quote: Felipe Alou says Joe Panik is one of best young hitters he's ever seen. "I've never seen him swing and miss," Alou said. "It's ridiculous."

That's pretty high praise

If Panik can stay at shortstop...oh my. He's one of the Giants minor leaguers I plan on keeping a close eye on this season. Hopefully, I'll get to see him at San Jose this spring.

[KHenry14]

Well, things seem to be rounding themselves out well this spring. Vogy and Buster seem to be OK, and only Freddy is looking like he'll be on the IR by opening day. And of all people, Gregor Blanco is wowing everyone with his speed and baserunning ability. And seeing that this lineup likely wont have more than 2 20 hr guys, scratching out runs will be at a premium, and Blanco fits that scheme well.

A few more thoughts..

Crawford is the real deal defensive SS. I mean Gold Glove real deal. If he hits at least .220, Boch and Sabes will leave him out there since he's just that good with the glove.

The Giants seemingly have a wealth of catching prospects all of a sudden. Buster in SF, Sanchez in Fresno, and Joseph in Richmond. I expect one of them to be dealt this season.

Not sold on Zito's new delivery. I guess they have to keep him on the staff, but I expect Surkamp to be the #5 guy before the ASG.

I'm guessing that Belt starts in Fresno, while Pill will be the backup to Huff at 1B. Belt just wont get the playing time he needs to develop with the big club. However, if Huff stinks it up again, I expect that Sabes will launch him like they did Rowand, and that Belt becomes the full time 1B at that point. The other variable is Nate in RF. Bochy and Sabes evidently LOVE Nate's defense in a tough RF...but if he doesn't close the hole in his swing, its going to be hard to keep playing him .

Still optimistic on the future of Brown and Panik. Evidently Panik is getting crosstrained at 2B, if he can learn the position he'll be a nice fit next to Crawford in a year or so.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Don't forget the the Giants 2011 top draft pick catcher Andrew Susac as well. He's highly rated and many think he'll fly through the Giants minor league system. He projects as an everyday catcher with power and good defensive skills.

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=14690363&topic_id=18682064

I'm just not sold yet on Tommy Joesph. His complete utter lack of ability to draw walks will hinder him greatly IMO. He has yet to dominate in the minors. In 1,033 plate appearances Joseph has 218 K's with just 55 walks.

So the Giants have three top catching prospects. I think for sure one of them will be traded. Susac can't be traded until one year after he signing date which was last August.

[KHenry14]

I'm just not sold yet on Tommy Joesph. His complete utter lack of ability to draw walks will hinder him greatly IMO. He has yet to dominate in the minors. In 1,033 plate appearances Joseph has 218 K's with just 55 walks

Looks like the PTB think Joseph's issue with plate discipline is a maturity issue. He better grow up quick, because he'll get eaten alive in Richmond if he doesn't.

And you are right, I did forget about Susac, mostly because he's so new. But with 4 quality guys in the system, something will have to give. Can't we package Huff and Joseph for something???

[CandlestickBum]

Looks like the PTB think Joseph's issue with plate discipline is a maturity issue. He better grow up quick, because he'll get eaten alive in Richmond if he doesn't.

And you are right, I did forget about Susac, mostly because he's so new. But with 4 quality guys in the system, something will have to give. Can't we package Huff and Joseph for something???

So, does anyone else now suspect that Posey will end up at 1B and Hector/Joseph or Susac behind the bag?

Boy, am I glad that St. Patty's day is during spring season. Those green hats looked awful with Giants colors.

[KHenry14]

So, does anyone else now suspect that Posey will end up at 1B and Hector/Joseph or Susac behind the bag?

I think that's somewhat depends on how well Belt does in LF. From what I've seen, Brandon will be fine out there. Which will then open up 1B in 2013, since obviously Huff wont be back.

[chris14]

Was in Goodyear today. Pill hit another blast. A 3 run shot.
I just don't understand why we can't just release Huff.

[KHenry14]

Was in Goodyear today. Pill hit another blast. A 3 run shot.
I just don't understand why we can't just release Huff.

There are about 10 million reasons why Huff wont just get cut.....yet. HuffDaddy fully admitted he wasn't prepared to play last year, and there is evidence that that has changed this year. So Sabes/Boch are going to give him every opportunity to recapture his 2010 performance. With that said, Aubrey well knows that Belt/Pill/Buster all can play 1B, and if he doesn't perform, they will Rowand him. I'm guessing that he'll get to at least the ASG to prove himself.