madbuster
ROOKIE PHENOM
Registered: 06-2014
Posts: 10
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Second base
So it's safe to say Scutaro can't be the plan going forward, so where does everyone stand?
Hicks-had a lot of big hits and I really like the guy, but I do have concerns that he just doesn't hit enough home runs or walk enough to make up for his AVG and SOs. if he could hang out around .220 with a .330 OBP I'd be okay with him going forward for the full year as the plan, but currently he isn't doing that and I am not sure he can.
Panik- Will leave it to the better prospect guys like LS, but I don't know if on a year like this you want to hand the reigns to a guy who is probably being rushed a little for need.
Other options with trade and who? The very unlikely Utley/Altuve trades will bang around, but who could actually happen and should it? Maybe a cheap guy like a Bonafacio everyone thinks they are in it though Cubs are only like 6 back in WC thanks to the mediocrity out there.
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6/9/2014, 8:46 pm
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ChimpsDigTheLongBall
PROVEN VETERAN POSTER
Registered: 11-2012
Location: Silicon Hills
Posts: 122
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Re: Second base
Hey mb,
You know...I'd be delighted if the Giants had Arias and Hicks on the bench as UI, rather than Arias and Adrianza.
The question becomes who's going to be starting at 2B.
I have no faith the Giants will see Marco Scutaro any time before next Spring, if then. I hope he enjoys the $18M retirement gift as much as we all enjoyed the second World Series championship his play enabled.
Regarding the players the Giants have in the minors who could step up...man...Joe Panik is the guy, if they'd be willing to bring him up and let him play through whatever happens. I wouldn't want them to bring him up to sit the bench. Over the last 10 games, Panik has been insane at the plate, with a .349/.417/.605 slash line. 7 of his last 15 hits have been for extra bases.
So the question becomes whether the club is motivated/ready to move on from Brandon Hicks, who I think is the perfect #8 bat and an excellent 2B defender.
Bochy likes to make rookies work their way into the offensive mix, starting from the #8 hole, which is EXACTLY the wrong place to put a rookie trying to make a great impression, as he's not going to get ANYTHING to hit.
So, if Panik isn't going to be put in a position to succeed, who else might be on tap?
Well, how about Mark Minicozzi, who can play pretty much anywhere on the IF other than SS? Minicozzi is tearing up AAA pitching to the tune of a .403/.494/.653, with 4 HR in 72 AB. Minicozzi would make a lot of sense as a swap-out for Adrianza, should they decide to move him at the Trade Deadline...although I'm not certain he'd be enough of a defender to displace Hicks at 2B.
My guess is that the Giants will seek an upgrade at 2B, a la the Scutaro move in 2012. I've been craving me some Martin Prado from the DBax. He'd be under contract through the end of the 2016 season, giving the Giants enough time to properly groom Panik to take over at 2B. Now...whether the DBax would give up Prado...or the Giants would be willing to pay his price tag of $11M per season...those are questions to which I have no answer.
I just look at Prado and see Darrell Evans Junior.
Chimps
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6/10/2014, 12:17 pm
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ChimpsDigTheLongBall
PROVEN VETERAN POSTER
Registered: 11-2012
Location: Silicon Hills
Posts: 122
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Re: Second base
Hey mb,
And now, the Giants FO reiterates their intention to leave Panik in Fresno, to allow him to continue his development...while delivering a vote of confidence in Brandon Hicks AND a hopeful note regarding the potential return of Marco Scutaro.
I don't know...I think the Giants are going to make a move outside the organization...try to capture lightning in a bottle at the Trade Deadline, a la 2012. We all know the Giants like to do what's worked before...and what's ever worked better than the acquisition of Marco Scutaro for Charlie Culberson?
Well...at least until Scoots was extended...
Chimps
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6/13/2014, 10:41 am
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