Injury Updates and Recovery Watch:
Buster Posey: The most important position player on the Giants is making a swift recovery, he has been catching pitchers and taking batting practice against live pitching, Romo and Affedlt both pitching to him. Posey has been performing well in batting practice and feels good to be back, but is still not back to his normal form. Posey will be sitting out for the first few games due to precautionary measures but he is actually quite all right.Freddy Sanchez: Freddy Sanchez, who was out last year with a dislocated shoulder, has recently began to start throwing to first but has not begun turning double plays. Sanchez will not be playing in the preseason games at first, but will hope to get back in on the action soon with DHing and maybe even playing a few innings in the field. He is on track to being able to play by Opening Day.
Tim Lincecum: Lincecum suffered from a mild back strain, but recovered quickly and is back to pitching.
Brian Wilson: Wilson played through an enflamed elbow almost all of last season, but looks to be healthy again this year and is able to throw full-effort in the bullpen.
Ryan Vogelsong: Vogelsong suffered an injury early in preseason camp while balancing on a balance ball and lifting 70-pound dumbells and it looks to be a somewhat serious injury. Although Vogelsong will probably be back soon and be able to start the regular season, Bruce Bochy has changed up the starting rotation by putting Bumgardener in the 2 spot just in case Vogelsong can't start the season. Sandwiching Bumgardener between Cain and Lincecum would ensure that there wouldn't be three lefties in a row at the tail-end of the rotation. The three-in-a-row situation would occur if Eric Surkamp (who looks to be the No. 6 starting pitcher right now) started in place of Ryan Vogelsong. And him, along with Barry Zito and Madison Bumgardener, would make left-handed pitchers start at the 3, 4, and 5 spots.Position and line-up changes:
The starting outfield almost for sure will look like Melky Cabrera in left, Angel Pagan in center, and Nate Schierholtz in right. It seems like Angel Pagan will leadoff, with speed that Bochy said is even a little bit better than Andres Torres. The only other position of contention is first base and Aubrey Huff is given the obvious advantage because of his extensive track record, but Brandon Belt and Brett Pill (who had a very nice end of season last year) have an outside shot of winning the job.Giants season is around the corner, folks! Make sure to check out how your favorite players are performing over the next few weeks worth of games!
Great post Nathan. I don't keep up with baseball much so this is my one stop for all things baseball. Greta analysis and it looks like the majority of Giants players are healthy and ready to go for the season. Also, i found it interesting that you said Buster Posey, who was injured for quite a few games last season, is now healthy enough that "been catching pitchers", a direct quote from your blog. Posey must be in quite the shape if he is out there literally catching pitchers...if you ask me, that's one strong catcher the Giants got there, maybe he should be in World's Strongest Man. But seriously, I think you might want to proofread your blog a little closer
ReplyDeleteYeah, I certainly see Sriman's point about Posey being quite strong. Especially when speaking of his "Greta analysis". Anyway Nathan, I am intrigued to read about Sanchez as I always love his fighting spirit and his determination to come back. Although I am worried about Vogelsong not being eased back into this season with his injury instead landing him to just go out there in a regular season game. I would also love to see the new outfielders starting early this season, as I believe they will be the making or breaking point of this year team. Also the 1st base debate is one that will be compelling and most likely continue throughout the season. I would love to see Aubry Huff return to his old form, I don't want to have to wait around to hope that he gets better I would rather see him pulled early for the young kids.
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