MLB Standings
The Giants lead is up to 10G, and their magic number down to 46 as impressive performances continue. The Reds are looking equally comfortable, while the Mets and the Braves are in a tight battle.
Over in the AL, the Royals are beginning to look like the Royals, while the Angels hold a slight lead over the Astros and the Mariners, while the Orioles hold an ever slimmer lead over the Blue Jays.
San Francisco Results
The Giants come out of the All Star Break with 10 games against NL West opponents and they go 6-4, beating the Diamondbacks 2-1 home and away and in between splitting a 4-game series in San Francisco against the Rockies.
San Francisco Stats
The Giants are a top six offense although in a non-traditional Stewart way, as they sit 9th in BA and OBP, but 3rd in HRs and 5th in Extra-Base Hits. The pitching staff are the best in the league, with the rotation slightly outperforming the bullpen to date.
A strong month for the majority of the line up, topped by Ernesto Pantoja. Pantoja had a 182 wRC+, batting .330 with 6 HRs, 19 R and 22 RBI to win the NL Batter of the Month.
There are two changes as Jaquan Willie loses his spot to Steve Freese and Gabino Galindo to Kevin Dobbs.
Pete Lamar’s first 4 GS have returned a 3-0 record with a 210 ERA+ but a 133 FIP- and a one-to-one BB:K/9 rate at 5.9. The Giants strong position means the former 1st rounder has a long lease but Stewart will be hoping to see that BB rate drop in the next month or two.
In the bullpen, Jesus Barbosa and Rickey Martino were the only two pitchers with a FIP- below 100
The National League announced the winner of the Pitcher of the Month Award. It went to bullpen ace Ricky Eggett of San Francisco for his outstanding work on the mound.
During the month, the Giants star stood out with 3 saves in 3 save opportunities, a 0.64 ERA and 3 wins and no losses. In 14 innings he struck out 21 and gave up 2 hits and 3 walks.
Eggett has earned 7 saves and a 6-0 mark this season with a 1.26 earned run average in 41 relief appearances. He has worked 43 innings, yielded 18 hits, struck out 61 batters and walked 13.
It's showtime when Ricky Eggett is on the hill for the San Francisco Giants. In July this budding star really did a number on National League hitters as he earned the Rookie of the Month Award.
Eggett earned 3 wins and no losses in 0 starts, striking out 21 and posting a 0.64 ERA in 14 innings.
This season, Eggett has made 41 relief appearances, recorded 7 saves and compiled a 6-0 won-lost mark and a 1.26 ERA. In pitching 43 innings, he has totaled 61 strikeouts and 13 walks.
Transactions & Injuries
The changes highlighted at the All Star Break all came to pass, with Pete Lamar earning his first call up to the Big Leagues at the expense of Nate Hudson while Kevin Dobbs and Steve Freese replace Gabino Galindo and Jaquan Willie respectively. Josh Parker’s latest return from injury means that Dan Caines is optioned to Sacramento but that will likely be a maximum of one month before September call ups.
The biggest move the Giants make is betting on Juan Montoya to perform to his ratings of a plus stuff, movement, average control pitcher with plus stamina. That bet is an 8-year, $96m contract, albeit with 2 TO years at the end so is a 6-year $12m per year deal. If Montoya can produce over 2 WAR each season that will be a win for the Giants.
Saturday, July 3rd , 2055
Optioned SP Nate Hudson to Triple A Sacramento.
Purchased the contract of SP Pete Lamar from Triple A Sacramento.
Wednesday, July 7th , 2055
Signed SP Juan Montoya to a 8-year contract extension worth a total of $96,000,000.
Tuesday, July 13th , 2055
Sent RP Mike Stark to Triple A Sacramento for injury rehab.
Thursday, July 22nd , 2055
Optioned 1B Gabino Galindo to Triple A Sacramento.
Optioned CF Jaquan Willie to Triple A Sacramento.
Purchased the contract of 1B Kevin Dobbs from Triple A Sacramento.
Recalled CF Steve Freese from Triple A Sacramento.
Wednesday, July 28th , 2055
Optioned RP Dan Caines to Triple A Sacramento.
Purchased the contract of RP Josh Parker from Triple A Sacramento.
Friday, July 30th , 2055
Signed international amateur SP Jorge Ramos out of Panama to a minor league contract.
Minor League Promotions
There are limited top prospects earning promotion at the midpoint of the year, reflecting the lacklustre performance of the farm this season. Mike Marez is the highest profile mover, the 2050 2nd round pick making it to Sacramento although a profile that doesn’t appear to have any element above average, the next step looks a long way for Marez.
Promoted 1B Jamie LaFerney from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose. 2052 8th Round
Promoted C Tim Custer from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose. 2052 4th Round
Promoted 1B Mike Marez from Double A Richmond to Triple A Sacramento. 2050 2nd Round