SAN FRANCISCO – Seeing a new pitcher on the mound, the Giants’ coaches are like fans in one respect. They spend some time trying to find compensation for the young player.
After Caleb Baragar threw two strong innings in an intrasquad game on Thursday, manager Gabe Kapler dropped an impressive one. He said the delivery of the left-handed reliever reminded the coaches of Andy Pettitte.
“I’m not saying Caleb is a member of the Hall of Fame,” said Kapler, smiling. “But the delivery reminded us of that at the Pettitte shelter.”
That smooth delivery hid a powerful fastball that baffled his teammates in Thursday’s game. Baragar struck out Austin Slater, Mike Yastrzemski and Patrick Bailey, allowing just one single to Will Wilson.
“The ball explodes from his hand,” said Yastrzemski. “He looked very, very good. I think he has a good future ahead of him and I hope we will see him as soon as possible. Today he threw the ball very well.”
Yastrzemski could fulfill his wish. The Giants brought Baragar and right-hander Sam Wolff to camp late, but made it clear that both were added to cheer on the bullpen competition.
Baragar had a solid year in the Double A rotation last year and has two good starts against the major league staff. With Tony Watson coming back from the tightness on his shoulders and Jarlin Garcia after spending just two days at camp, the bullpen is a bit light on the left-handed depth.
“He has really attacked the strike zone on both exits,” said Kapler. “He has missed the bats. His fastball has been taken. It is definitely encouraging to see him come out and be so aggressive and comfortable on the mound.”
[PODCASTINSIDERDEGIGANTES:[GIANTSINSIDERPODCAST:[PODCASTINSIDERDEGIGANTES:[GIANTSINSIDERPODCAST: Listen to the last episode]
— The Giants could start the season with three of their mid-level hitters. Buster Posey opted to go out, Brandon Belt has heel pain and now Evan Longoria has right oblique strain. Longoria felt it while swinging a bat and has not played in recent camp games.
There wasn’t much information on Longoria on Thursday night, but the obliques are notoriously cumbersome for hitters and it doesn’t sound good. Longoria was having a good camp and was potentially one of the two to three daily players in the lineup.
— Two veterans homered in the intrasquad game: Wilmer Flores and Hunter Pence, who hit a screamer on the left.
We have a Hunter Pence home run. It was loud. pic.twitter.com/E7Zq8pSvR9
– Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) July 16, 2020
— Joey Bart has really impressed defensively the past few days, throwing out a couple of runners. This is not the best angle for the entire play, but take a look at the release and the seed on the second.
This is almost as easy to catch and release as what you’ll get from a catcher with a pitch at this location.
Joey Bart shoots Will Wilson trying to steal the second. pic.twitter.com/XjMs1n570N
– Kerry Crowley (@KO_Crowley) July 16, 2020
— Shaun Anderson was fired from camp just before spring training closed, but now he’s back and right in the mix for a job in the bullpen. Anderson got the final inning and punched Bart before striking out.
[RELATED:[RELATED:[RELACIONADO:[RELATED:Hamilton Giants Camp Debut Receives Big Cheers From Peers]
— It has become commonplace for older Giants to be asked about younger ones who have brought a lot of energy to camp. This is what Yastrzemski said: “Will Wilson’s swing has gone very well. I like the adjustments he’s been making. Obviously, looking at guys like Joey and Ramos, they’re like the pedigree guys that seem to fit.” “
— Finally, the most important question of the spring, from the great Hank Schulman: How did Boston react to the confusion of the quarterback?
“Everyone was excited about (Cam) Newton. He is an amazing athlete and obviously brings a high level of competitiveness to the team,” said Yastrzemski. “With (Tom) Brady, we had it random. We had people who were sad and angry and people who lived on past memories. It was floating in the middle. It hurts. It will be weird not seeing that No. 12 is our quarterback. , but we will overcome it. “
