The Giants received RHP reliever Steve MacFarland from the Pirates to complete the Matt Morris trade. He's 21 years old, and was the Pirates 9th round pick in the 2006 draft. He was 3-2 with a 4.80 ERA, 1.59 WHIP for Class A Hickory this season, his first full professional season.
The good news is that he doesn't allow a lot of H/9 and strikes out a lot (around 9 K/9 for his pro career). The really bad news is that he walks a ton as well, 6.5 BB/9 this season. And, unfortunately, he was like that in college as well, before he was drafted and signed by the Pirates.
The good news then is that his stats this year was skewed by a horrible April - he has been pretty good, stats-wise, except for his walks, from May to now. Despite the walks, his OPS has been very low, partly because he strikes out so many, partly because he strikes out so many that he doesn't give up that many homers. Plus, he's a groundball pitcher, 75 GB vs. 47 FB. Which is good for a relief pitcher.
Still, all those damn walks will haunt his outings if he doesn't get them under control. But, assuming the Giants think they (he) can solve that problem, he would be an awesome reliever, low H/9, high K/9. But none of the prospect books I got thought enough of him to include him, so he's a major project. But pitching is the Giants specialty, so let's see what they can do with him.
Other News
Chulk has blood clot; Tyler Walker up: Vinnie Chulk was diagnosed with a blood clot in his arm and put on the DL. Fan Favorite (for some :^) Tyler Walker was called up to take his place. He has been closing in Fresno for a while, 7 saves in his last 7 appearances, 1.23 ERA. He could be in the mix for the closer position in 2008. Chulk's injury is not that unusual - Kenny Rogers and Aaron Cook had it - but it sounds pretty serious, as they needed them repaired or replaced. Wait and see situation.
Giants AFL Roster Members Named: Jonathan Sanchez, Scott Munter, Nate Schierholtz, Nick Pereira, and Brian Anderson were named to the team. This usually serves as a test of a player against higher competition than they normally would get, to see if they might have something more than others. I'm surprised that Munter was put on the team, he's been doing better, but his callups since his good season have not fared well. I have to assume this is his last chance to impress.
Pucetas Named Most Outstanding Pitcher of the Year in the Sally League: RHP Kevin Pucentas won this award with a 15-3 record in Class A with Augusta, 1.81 ERA which led the league and ranks second in the entire minor leagues. His teammate Ben Snyder was named the leagues' top lefty, with a 15-5 record and 2.11 ERA. Quite a pair we have there in Augusta!
Obsessive compulsive? Hmm....possibly ;).
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