When the Giants Come to Town, It's Bye-Bye Baby

05.31.2007
Roundup Ready

Not much shape to today’s post, but remember, kids, blog is an anagram of glob.

* Ryan Klesko isn’t playing much these days because of injury. I like what he’s done when he’s played, but the Giants shouldn’t count on him to contribute heavily down the stretch. And don’t be fooled by Rich Aurilia’s 4–for-4 yesterday. He’s not the answer, either. If the Giants are going to upgrade the offense, first base is first priority. Wow, that sounds familiar.

* What idiot wrote this last year? “But squinting at Vinny Chulk's scouting report and seeing the next Linebrink emerge from the mists is no less starry-eyed than anointing Jeremy Accardo, he of the lifetime 4.71 major league ERA, as the next great Kid Closer.”

* This week’s under-the-radar minor leaguer: Justin Leone, Fresno Grizzly third baseman. He’s 30 years old, he’s accumulated 103 major league at-bats, he has washed out of two organizations, but he’s hitting the tarnation off the ball in triple-A. What makes him stealth is his speed: 10 stolen bases, one caught stealing, and a good enough glove to be the Grizzlies’ backup CF, according to the unsinkable Steve Shelby. Don’t expect him to bat behind Barry Bonds, but if Ortmeier or Lewis — or even Feliz — becomes part of a trade package, Leone could play third and back up in the outfield.

* Barry Bonds is second among NL OF’ers in All-Star balloting, the only Giant within sniffing distance of a starting nod at the Selig Bowl. I voted online for Bengie Molina because it’s either him or a Dodger; and Omar, because J.J. Hardy is a terrible drummer, Hanley Ramirez wears teal, and Jose Reyes was talking shit about my momma.

* With so much excellent early-season pitching across the league, it could be tough for a Giant pitcher to be an All-Star this year. Matt Morris may have the best shot with his sub-3.00 ERA (2.90, 9th in the NL) and 5 wins (I don’t pay much attention to wins, but others do). No Giant is top-20 in strikeouts. Cain with 49 is tied for 21st. If Lincecum continues to shine he might be a candidate, but my guess is starters will have to post a sub-3 ERA to make the team.  
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[May 31, 2007 6:49 PM]  |  link  |  reply
pantalones said

Leone hits righthanded and can take a walk; sounds good to me. I'm always a sucker for a 4-A masher, particularly one like Leone who has never got a serious shot in the bigs. It's rare that someone breaks through from this group (hell, Jack Cust is now 1 for his last 23 with 10 strikeouts), but it doesn't cost that much to try.

As opposed to, say, trading a young pitcher for a fading Melvin Mora and his $25M contract.

[May 31, 2007 7:30 PM]  |  link  |  reply
ogc said

Too bad Klesko's not available today, he's 5 for 5 with 2 homers lifetime against El Duque.

If Leone is that good, maybe he should become Roberts platoon buddy when Roberts returns - Lewis can't be it since he's lefty too and it gives Leone a chance to see what he can do. Ortmeier has been nice but not exciting, they could bring him back up if Leone sucks.

Plus, Feliz hasn't been doing anything this season, usually he hits better before the All Star break, then fades in the stretch, but he's faded already. Maybe give Leone extended play at 3B, see if he can pull a Cust. Even if it lasts only two weeks, what a glorious two weeks it could be. :^)

[June 21, 2007 5:41 AM]  |  link  |  reply
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