San Francisco Giants - 2052 and beyond...

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MLB Standings

The Giants find themselves on top of the NL West, one of only 6 teams to have reached 30 wins at the end of May. Stewart is under no illusions that this is a team of contenders but these are all banked wins for when the tough stretches come. The Yankees continue to lead baseball with a 35-19 record, and the top three teams are all in the AL as the Royals and Angels lead their divisions.



San Francisco Schedule

The Giants only lost two series in May, and took 6-9 from division rivals over the course of the month.



San Francisco Stats



The bullpen continues to outperform the starting rotation this season while the offense seems to be keeping the team alive by avoiding Ks (4th) and taking BBs (1st).



The OF continues to have its struggles with Juan Zetino and Jaquan Willie both struggling with the Mendoza line. Jesus Castro is quietly having a very effective season while Ernesto Pantoja might be enjoying a breakout season.



The Giants two highest-paid pitchers struggled in May with Andy Frederick and Cason Willard both hosting FIP- above the league average. Willard’s contract is looking worse through every start but hopefully he is still finding form after his long injury last season. In the bullpen, Rickey Martino remains excellent with an 85.7% save success rate while David Silva continues to impress with a MD-free month.

Transactions & Injuries

Some frustrating injuries for the Giants this month as RP Steve Feister will miss at least a month with a strained oblique and SP Andy Frederick will miss two months with an elbow strain. RP Chris Gordon got hurt on the last day of the month and the Giants are waiting to see how severe that turns out to be. The positives are the chances it has given others with Arturo Bello giving up too many walks in his 3.2 IP so far but also recording a 2.45 ERA while Juan Barboza has a 2-0 record from his first two starts, with a 55 FIP-.

Saturday, May 3rd , 2053
C Arturo Arellano did not elect for free agency and will remain in the San Francisco organization.
CF David Arieta did not elect for free agency and will remain in the San Francisco organization.
C Jorge Carvajal did not elect for free agency and will remain in the San Francisco organization.
CL Greg Hyder did not elect for free agency and will remain in the San Francisco organization.
Tuesday, May 13th , 2053
RP Steve Feister was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: strained oblique. He's expected to miss about 4-5 weeks.
Purchased the contract of RP Arturo Bello from Triple A Sacramento.
Saturday, May 17th , 2053
SP Andy Frederick was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Monday, May 19th , 2053
SP Andy Frederick diagnosed with an elbow strain, will miss 2 months.
Purchased the contract of SP Juan Barboza from Triple A Sacramento.
Thursday, May 22nd , 2053
Signed international amateur 2B Daniel Vazguez out of Venezuela to a minor league contract.
Saturday, May 31st , 2053
RP Chris Gordon was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.

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MLB Standings

A tough month for the Giants as they lose 4.5 G to the Rockies in the standings but they do hold the first Wild Card so it is not all doom and gloom in the bay. The Royals are the hot team in baseball and they now share the best record in baseball with the Yankees.



San Francisco Schedule

Five lost series including getting swept by the Cubs is a poor return although the Giants did win their only divisional series of the month, sweeping the Diamondbacks in Arizona.



San Francisco Stats





A very mixed month for the position players as Kevin Dobbs, Nevio Clinton, and Steve Boyd were all excellent but W. Chesney, Mike Berger, and Wilfredo Polo were very poor with neither Chesney nor Polo making the Mendoza line this month.



A tough month for the pitchers as only the Juans, Barboza and Montoya, managed a FIP- below league average amongst the starting rotation while there were only three bullpen arms that did the same – Dan Caines, David Silva, and Rickey Martino.

Transactions & Injuries

A mix of moves and injuries for the Giants this month. Stewart sent two pitchers back to their original teams in Andres Castro (for the second year in a row) and Mike Stufft, with Greg Hyder getting called up and Steve Feister making it back from injury.

The Giants lost SP Juan Barboza for the season to a torn labrum and Donte Lebeaux will miss 5-6 weeks with a strained tricep to put a real strain on the Giants starting rotation. That included signing Sean LeVan to a minor league with option contract and he slots into the rotation.

Joel Hudson will also miss some more time this season, 5-6 weeks with a sprained knee this time.

Sunday, June 1st , 2053
Released former Rule 5 draft pick RP Andres Castro, returned to original Organization San Antonio Avalanche.
Purchased the contract of RP Greg Hyder from Triple A Sacramento.
Monday, June 2nd , 2053
RP Chris Gordon diagnosed with a dead arm, will miss one week.
Saturday, June 7th , 2053
SS Joel Hudson was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: sprained knee. He's expected to miss about 5-6 weeks.
Monday, June 9th , 2053
Steve Feister has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another one week.
SP Juan Barboza was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Signed free agent SS Nelson Covarrubias to a minor league contract with a major league option.
Purchased the contract of SS Nelson Covarrubias from Triple A Sacramento.
Thursday, June 12th , 2053
SP Juan Barboza diagnosed with a torn labrum, will miss 9 months.
Purchased the contract of SP Jaedeyn Hogan from Triple A Sacramento.
Friday, June 13th , 2053
SP Donte Lebeaux was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: strained triceps. He's expected to miss about 5-6 weeks.
Saturday, June 14th , 2053
Signed free agent SP Sean LeVan to a minor league contract with a major league option.
Recalled RP Sean LeVan from Triple A Sacramento.
Tuesday, June 17th , 2053
Sent RP Steve Feister to Triple A Sacramento for injury rehab.
SS Nelson Covarrubias was injured while throwing the ball. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Friday, June 20th , 2053
SS Nelson Covarrubias diagnosed with a herniated disc, will miss 2 weeks.
Recalled SS Jeff Abbott from Triple A Sacramento.
Friday, June 27th , 2053
Released former Rule 5 draft pick RP Mike Stufft, returned to original Organization Kansas City Royals.
Purchased the contract of SP Steve Feister from Triple A Sacramento.

Minor League News

The latest news from the San Francisco (ACL) Giants Orange clubhouse is this: starting pitcher Luis Burgos is expected to be out of action for another 11 months. He has a torn labrum, sustained on 06/11/2053. Burgos expressed a bit of relief. "At least now I know," he said.

Burgos has a 1-1 season record so far. In 7 starts, he has fanned 48 batters in 27.2 innings with a 2.60 ERA.

Frank Calleja was at the top of the hit parade in the Eastern League throughout June. For the outstanding month, the talented Richmond left fielder was chosen the Batter of the Month.

He compiled a .341 average with 30 hits, 6 home runs, 22 RBIs and 17 runs scored.

This year, Calleja is batting .324 with 11 home runs. 

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Mid Season Review



Team Record:
I knew there was a good reason to give you that big contract - you have been doing a great job with the team during the first half of the season. Keep it up during the second half so we can hit our goal to Play close to .500 ball.

Improve team stats:
So far so good with improving the team Bullpen ERA. I want to see how the rest of the season plays out, but I'm happy for the moment.

Acquire a player:
I see you did listen when I asked you to bring in a Most Valuable Player Award winner. While Ernesto Pantoja may not be exactly who I had in mind, he's close enough. Still, I know there are guys out there who look more like what I asked for, so I'd suggest you still keep your eyes open. That said, I'm not upset with Pantoja.

Increase Attendance:
I love the increase in attendance we've seen. The number of families making their way out to Oracle Park that have never come to a game previous years is truly exciting. Make sure the team can pick up a good number of wins down the stretch, and I have little doubt that you'll complete this goal.

Improve Team Chemistry:
The team has some positive juju. Continue to build on that.

Improve your fan interest:
Fan interest is growing. Keep working to improve it.


During our time working together, I have been very happy with your progress towards the goals I have set out for you. Considering your current and past successes, I am delighted with your overall performance. It's important to have success on-field and in the boardroom, and you seem to be on that path.

The final evaluation towards these goals will come at the end of the season. Good luck in the second half!

Marquis Quivers

Minor League Farms

Heading into the draft with the 5th overall pick the Giants have the 4th best farm in baseball, led by the their two pitching prospects Luis Burgos (2052 International Amateur but out for the year) and Pete Lamar (2052 1st Round). The big mover is OF Gianvito Heaton (2050 1st Round), who has gone from 238th to 76th on the back of a 2.5 WAR half season in AA.

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The Giants had moved up from 12th to 4th in the draft lottery, giving Colin Stewart back to back top ten draft picks for the first time in his career. That did become the 5th pick once the Red Sox got their compensatory pick but still a great chance add another quality player to the farm.

With another high pick, Stewart was looking for a college aged player who can help the team soon. Stewart’s first choice was SS Johnny Williamson, but the Red Sox took him with the first of their back-to-back picks. That left the next best player available as another SP and, despite having invested heavily in pitching in International Amateurs and the draft last year, Stewart didn’t shy away from taking the best available player. That was SP Jahsiiyah Garza, a 21-year old out of Middle Tennessee State University. High stamina goes with potential above average stuff, plus movement and above average control. Garza is unlikely to be having his number retired at any point but is relatively close to providing the Giants with quality innings.



The Giants were very college player heavy in the 2053, with 13 of their 20 picks coming from the college ranks, including all of their first six selections. All of these players will start in A ball to gain the opportunity for more development this season.

Round 2, Pick 15 - SS Juan Mendoza, age 21 out of college (Dallas Baptist University; Dallas, TX)
Round 3, Pick 12 - SP Amari Pappillion, age 21 out of college (Birmingham-Southern College; Birmingham, AL)
Round 4, Pick 12 - SS Mike Lloyd, age 21 out of college (Valparaiso University; Valparaiso, IN)
Round 5, Pick 13 - CF Juan Severiano, age 21 out of college (Oklahoma State University; Stillwater, OK)

The Giants signed all 20 of their picks, with both 9th round pick 3B Jared McGuigan and 11th round pick SS Jorge Revuelta demanding signing bonuses. The Giants were able to offer them $650k each as the clearing of salary has given plenty of financial freedom.

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The Giants strong first half of July has them 3.5 G ahead of the Padres at the top of the NL West, and holding the best record in the league. The Royals are in a class of their own for the best record in baseball, 6 G up on the Angels.



The Giants strong first half of the season is rewarded with five named to the All Star Game. On the pitching side, Andy Frederick is a beneficiary of the fan vote to earn his second selection as his 2-5 record, 4.50 ERA and 1.27. WHIP in 9 GS doesn’t scream All Star. Rickey Martino, however, fully deserves his second nod, 20 SV and a 2.67 ERA from 30.1 IP meaning he has been involved in well over a third of the Giants wins.

More surprisingly are the three position players selected, all earning their first selection with new arrival Jesus Castro and Germains Curtis justifying their signing to put up 2.4 and 3.0 WAR respectively while Ernesto Pantoja’s breakout season is recognised, a 140 wRC+ with 15 HR and a 2.2 WAR making his selection well earned.

SP Andy Frederick (SF) - 2-5, 4.50 ERA, 48.0 IP, 1.27 WHIP, 9.2 K/9, 0.4 WAR (Injured)
CL Rickey Martino (SF) - 2-3, 20 SV, 2.67 ERA, 30.1 IP, 1.22 WHIP, 11.9 K/9, 1.4 WAR
C Jesus Castro (SF) - .298/.387/.444, 248 AB, 7 HR, 136 wRC+, 2.4 WAR
2B Ernesto Pantoja (SF) - .280/.362/.505, 293 AB, 15 HR, 140 wRC+, 2.2 WAR
RF Germains Curtis (SF) - .272/.348/.433, 356 AB, 10 HR, 27 SB, 120 wRC+, 3.0 WAR

The Giants actually have more selections than Stewart’s old team, the best in baseball Royals. A strong Stewart team make up is clear though with both teams having a Catcher, and middle Infielder and an Outfielder selected.

C Nelson Saiz (KC)* - .315/.402/.540, 276 AB, 11 HR, 156 wRC+, 2.8 WAR
2B Juan Montelongo (KC)* - .304/.343/.478, 247 AB, 9 HR, 11 SB, 122 wRC+, 2.2 WAR (Injured)
CF Mike Gronkiewicz (KC)* - .271/.365/.463, 339 AB, 13 HR, 63 SB, 126 wRC+, 4.3 WAR

The Royals once again have three All-Star Prospects selected with Arturo Varela making his second trip, along with Beau Wartel and first timer Pete Lamar.

SP Pete Lamar (SF-A+) - 7-3, 2.82 ERA, 105.1 IP, 1.09 WHIP, 12.6 K/9, 3.2 WAR
RP Arturo Varela (SF-AAA) - 0-1, 12.46 ERA, 17.1 IP, 1.85 WHIP, 8.3 K/9, -0.6 WAR
2B Beau Wartel (SF-R) - .311/.422/.497, 177 AB, 7 HR, 2 SB, 122 wRC+, 1.3 WAR

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MLB Standings

The Giants hold a 3.5 G at the trade deadline, with the Rockies and the Padres holding the 2nd and 3rd Wild Card spots. The Royals continue to hold the best record in baseball while the Nationals have taken the lead in the National League.



San Francisco Schedule

The Giants won their first two games coming out of the All Star Break before losing the last five games of the month, all against NL West rivals, a four game sweep by the Dodgers included.



San Francisco Stats





Jesus Castro continues his strong season, while Kevin Dobbs and Mike Berger are the stand out bats of the month. Jaquan Willie is the only player to really struggle but his strong defensive play means he remains a positive part of the line up.

The Giants had two players win Player of the Week Awards, with LF Juan Zetino having an 8-20 week, with 3 HR and 12 RBIs, then Kevin Dobbs went 6-10, with 3 HRs and 9 RBIs.



Jaedeyn Hogan is the pick of the starting rotation as he settles into a role in the big leagues. Jesus Barbosa had a strong month while the rest of the rotation struggled. A mixed month for the bullpen, with Rickey Martino the pick, a 3 FIP- and a 100% save record.

Transactions & Injuries

The Giants welcomed back several players with Joel Hudson and Donte Lebeaux completing an injury rehab and returning to the big leagues while Andy Frederick is now on his own rehab stint.

On the trade front it was a surprisingly busy month as the Giants gave up several organisational depth pieces in AAA for a combination of younger prospects and one year relief pitcher rentals. The result is a weaker Sacramento squad but stronger bullpen options. The minor leagues get a little younger, increasing the chance for major league production down the line.

Wednesday, July 16th , 2053
Sent SS Joel Hudson to Triple A Sacramento for injury rehab.
Thursday, July 17th , 2053
Sent SP Donte Lebeaux to Triple A Sacramento for injury rehab.
Tuesday, July 22nd , 2053
Signed international amateur 3B Juan Elizondo out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
Friday, July 25th , 2053
SS Jeff Abbott was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
Purchased the contract of SS Joel Hudson from Triple A Sacramento.
SP Sean LeVan was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
Purchased the contract of SP Donte Lebeaux from Triple A Sacramento.
Saturday, July 26th , 2053
Sent SP Andy Frederick to Triple A Sacramento for injury rehab.
Sunday, July 27th , 2053
Traded 29-year old minor league RF Dave Rahn to the Chicago Cubs, getting 35-year old RHP Jong-hun Hong, 23-year old minor league LF C.J. Ost, and 19-year old minor league 1B Alfredo Perales in return.
Optioned RP Arturo Bello to Triple A Sacramento.
Placed RP Jong-hun Hong on the active roster.
Monday, July 28th , 2053
Traded 30-year old minor league SS Sergio Aguilar to the Miami Marlins, getting 34-year old LHP Joe Manley, 21-year old minor league 2B Alejandro Soto, and 20-year old minor league CF David Mesa in return.
Thursday, July 31st , 2053
Traded 33-year old minor league 2B Jorge Moreno to the St. Louis Cardinals, getting 30-year old RHP Mike Stark, 23-year old minor league CF Dave O'Mera, and 20-year old minor league RHP Edgar Sandoval in return.
Released former Rule 5 draft pick RP Sean Billings, returned to original Organization Chicago Cubs.
Placed RP Mike Stark on the active roster.
Optioned RP Greg Hyder to Triple A Sacramento.
Placed RP Joe Manley on the active roster.
Traded 28-year old minor league C Alejandro Villa to the St. Louis Cardinals, getting 31-year old LHP Estivinson Nosrati, 19-year old minor league LF Mike O'Malley, and 22-year old minor league RHP Juan Espinosa in return.

Minor League News

Minor League Promotions

Promoted international complex member 3B Ramiro Corona to Rookie League San Francisco (DSL). 2053 Int Amatrur
Promoted SS Hidehiko Ishida from Rookie League San Francisco (DSL) to Class A San Jose. 2050 Int Amatrur
Promoted 3B Luis Morales from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose. 2050 6th Round
Promoted 2B Beau Wartel from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose. 2051 1st Round
Promoted CF Jared Warshaw from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose. 2051 6th Round
Promoted RF Tim Beck from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose. 2051 8th Round
Promoted 2B Dan Cassel from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose. 2050 18th Round
Promoted LF Eric Stinson from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose. 2050 16th Round
Promoted RP J.H. Matson from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose. 2050 17th Round
Promoted SP Chris Varrone from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose. 2052 2nd Round
Promoted RP Chris Lewright from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose. 2051 9th Round
Promoted RP Josh Beadnell from Rookie League San Francisco (ACL) to Class A San Jose. 2052 13th Round
Sent SS Sam Gazouski from Class A San Jose to Double A Richmond 2050 12th Round
Sent RP Korbyn Guitar from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene. 2053 19th Round
Sent RP Jonas Mendiguren from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene. 2049 Int Amateur
Sent RP Brad Nolt from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene. 2049 14th Round
Sent SP David Arredondo from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene. 2050 10th Round
Sent RP Jeremy Polycarpe from Class A San Jose to High-A Eugene. 2049 13th Round
Promoted 2B Mike Martz from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond. 2050 13th Round
Promoted SS Jeremy Mills from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond. 2052 5th Round
Promoted SP Eric Ritz from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond. 2050 5th Round
Promoted SP Pete Lamar from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond. 2052 1st Round
Promoted RP Mike Rudolph from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond. 2049 9th Round
Promoted CL Ricky Eggett from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond. 2052 6th Round
Promoted LF Gianvito Heaton from Double A Richmond to Triple A Sacramento. 2050 1st Round
Promoted SS Ben Thomas from Double A Richmond to Triple A Sacramento. 2047 16th Round
Promoted CF Chris Conner from Double A Richmond to Triple A Sacramento. 2048 16th Round
Promoted SP Greg Ward from Double A Richmond to Triple A Sacramento. 2049 7th Round

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MLB Standings

The Giants get through the month with a slim half lead over the Rockies, who themselves hold a 1.5 G lead over the Cardinals and the Pirates in the Wild Card standings. The Giants are on track for a winning record, 10 wins in September being enough to achieve that goal, but the postseason will still require a strong final month. The Royals have all but wrapped up the best record in baseball as well as another AL Central title.



San Francisco Schedule

It is another mixed month as the Giants only win three series, escape the month with a .500 record but lose the biggest series, at home to the Rockies.



San Francisco Stats



The Starting Rotation has struggled since the All-Star Break, but hopefully with Frederick back in the rotation that can be shored up and complement what has been a dominant bullpen.



The Giants C and IF corps had a great month, with Kevin Dobbs in particular excelling. The OF, however, has struggled, only Mike Berger managing a wRC+ above league average.

Kevin Dobbs picked up a NL Player of the Week Award when he went 13-32, with 4 Rs and 7 RBIs.



Andy Frederick had a strong first month back in the big leagues, a 77 FIP- a rare bright spot in the pitching corps. Rckey Martino provides a second, with a 26 FIP- in 9 G, another month with a 100% SV rate.

Transactions & Injuries

The Giants buy out the contracts of Sean LeVan and Jeff Abbott when their time on waivers expires. They lose Chris Gordon for 6 weeks with a rotator cuff strain, but Andy Frederick has returned just in time to give the Giants a 6-man rotation for the rest of the month.

Friday, August 1st , 2053
Assigned SS Nelson Covarrubias to Triple A Sacramento.
Released SS Jeff Abbott.
Released SP Sean LeVan.
Optioned RP Steve Feister to Triple A Sacramento.
Placed RP Estivinson Nosrati on the active roster.
Saturday, August 2nd , 2053
RP Chris Gordon diagnosed with a rotator cuff strain, will miss 6 weeks.
Purchased the contract of SP Andy Frederick from Triple A Sacramento.
Thursday, August 7th , 2053
Signed international amateur SP Juan Ramirez out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
Friday, August 8th , 2053
Signed international amateur SP Eddy Duenas out of Cuba to a minor league contract.
Sunday, August 17th , 2053
Signed international amateur SP Jorge Morales out of Venezuela to a minor league contract.
Wednesday, August 20th , 2053
Signed international amateur CF Ismael Arambel out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.

Minor League News

When Jorge Ramirez takes the hill, chances are good for a Richmond victory. At least that's the way it was in May.

He excelled with a 4-1 mark and 2.13 ERA in 6 starts, tossed 38 innings, fanned 35 and held others clubs to a .220 average.

That's why the Flying Squirrels star was honored today as the Pitcher of the Month by the Eastern League.

This year, Ramirez has worked 41 innings with 37 strikeouts en route to a 4-1 record and 3.29 ERA.

The #1 pitcher in the Northwest League this month was Eugene Emeralds reliever Jeremy Polycarpe. He won the league's Best Pitcher Award for August by saving 5 games in 6 save opportunities.

Over the period Polycarpe also had 4 wins and no losses. The Emeralds relief ace had 15 strikeouts and 2 walks in 13 innings, surrendered 11 base hits and registered a 2.08 ERA.

For the year, Jeremy Polycarpe has made 11 relief appearances and nailed down 6 saves. In 14.2 innings he has fanned 17 batters and walked 3. His record is 4-0 with a 2.45 ERA and the opposition is batting .222 against him.

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MLB Standings

The Giants are two games from the post season and only a second divisional title since 2038 and first since 2047. The American League is all but decided with the Royals having secured another 100-win season, AL Central title and best record in baseball while only the final WC spot is still to be decided with the Mariners just needing one more win or one Orioles loss to secure that spot.

The National League is a lot more competitive with no teams assured of post season baseball on October 1. Ten teams still have a mathematical chance with a half game separating teams at the top of the East and the Central.



San Francisco Schedule

23 September saw the Giants secure a 1-0 win which was their 82nd of the season. While not impressive in Stewart illustrious career, to secure a winning season in only his second season is impressive with a postseason appearance the next goal to show this franchise is heading in the right direction.



San Francisco Stats





An interesting month with the September call ups upsetting the balance of the squad somewhat. Ernesto Pantoja bucked the trend with a 181 wRC+ while Luis Castro was the lone call up to grab his chance, a 169 wRC+ albeit from a very small sample size demonstrating his potential.



The starting rotation improved in September with Andy Frederick once again leading the way, with a 1.0 WAR for the month and a 78 FIP-. The bullpen had another mixed month with Rickey Martino having his first difficult month of the season.

Transactions & Injuries

Five players earned September call ups, Greg Hyder and Arturo Bello both earning recalls after struggles during the season saw them demoted while Luis Castro, Gabin Galindo, and Chris Herman earn their chance after strong AAA seasons.

A couple of prospects also earn September promotions with C Ed. Collins moving up to Sacramento and RP Brad Nolt to Richmond.

Among the Scouting Discoveries for the month was Arturo Ramirez, the 16-year old SP showing plus potential based on a projected plus movement and 80-grade control rating.

Monday, September 1st , 2053
Purchased the contract of RP Greg Hyder from Triple A Sacramento.
Purchased the contract of RP Arturo Bello from Triple A Sacramento.
Purchased the contract of LF Luis Castro from Triple A Sacramento.
Purchased the contract of 1B Gabino Galindo from Triple A Sacramento.
Purchased the contract of 2B Chris Herman from Triple A Sacramento.
Friday, September 5th , 2053
Signed international amateur SP Arturo Cedillo out of Venezuela to a minor league contract.
Tuesday, September 9th , 2053
Signed international amateur SP Nelson Archibugi out of Venezuela to a minor league contract.
Saturday, September 13th , 2053
Signed international amateur SP Jesus Ceballos out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
Tuesday, September 16th , 2053
Signed international amateur SP Arturo Ramirez out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract.
Promoted RP Brad Nolt from High-A Eugene to Double A Richmond.
Promoted C Ed. Collins from Double A Richmond to Triple A Sacramento.
Friday, September 19th , 2053
Activated RP Chris Gordon from the injured list.

Minor League News

The Pitcher of the Month Award has been announced and the Pacific Coast League winner is Sacramento hurler, Jesus Piedra. For his standout performances in September he has been named the league's best pitcher.

During the month, Piedra excelled with a 2.05 ERA and 3 wins and no losses. In 26.1 innings he struck out 23 and gave up 20 hits and 14 walks.

For the season, Piedra has compiled a 12-3 record with a 3.34 ERA.

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The Giants enter October needing two wins to secure the division. They will start with the final game of their series in Arizona, before a final series in San Francisco against the NL Central chasing St Louis Cardinals. The Rockies are the only team that can overtake the Giants, with Colorado starting with the last two games of a home series against the Cardinals before finishing with a three game home series against the Dodgers.

October 1

It’s a tough 2-8 L for the Giants against the Diamondbacks. Juan Montoya has a tough outing for the loss, only managing 3.1 IP, with 7 H and 7 R. That saw the Giants fall 7-0 behind, which became 8 in the bottom of the 6th. The Giants scored single runs in the 7th and the 8th but with only 5 H on the day, didnÂ’t generate enough to earn the win. Meanwhile, the Rockies had a walk off victory 12-11 against the Cardinals. The Giants still require two games to secure a place in the postseason.

October 2

While the Giants have a rest day the Rockies ensure that the pressure remains on with an 11-8 win over the Cardinals to complete the three game sweep. The Cardinals are now at risk of missing out as they head to San Francisco while the Rockies host the eliminated Dodgers.

October 3

A huge result for the Giants as they take game one of their final series of the year, 6-4 over the Cardinals. Donte Lebeaux gave up 6 H and only 3 R in 5.1 IP but it was Arturo Bello who gets the W while Rickey Martino secured his 33rd SV of the season. The Giants did the damage in the 6th inning, trailing 4-0, PH Joel Hudson had a 2-run HR as part of a 5-run inning to take the lead. They tacked on an insurance run in the 8th to secure the victory. The Rockies refuse to go away though, a comfortable 10-3 victory over the Dodgers meaning the Giants still require another one from the final two games of the season.

October 4

The Giants blow a 4-3 lead, giving up 5 runs in the final three innings to drop game two 8-6. Dan Caines takes the loss, giving up 2 R in 1.1 IP after Jesus Barbosa gave up 3 R in 5.0 IP. Luckily for San Francisco, the Rockies were unable to take advantage as they dropped an extra-inning game 4-3 to the Dodgers. That defeat secured the NL West for the Giants, while a win on the final day will give the Giants a bye into the NLDS. ItÂ’s only a fourth NL West division title in the 30 years of this world, and 13th division title overall.

October 5

Cason Willard takes the mound for the Giants for the final game of the regular season and finishes with 5.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R. That was enough to earn the win as Wilfredo Polo and Ernesto Pantoja hit HRs and the Giants win 6-3. Martino finishes the game off to secure his 34th SV of the season, two more than he managed in his first full season with the Giants. That win, the Giants 88th secured the bye in the playoffs.

Final Standings

Despite losing of three to the Giants, the Cardinals manage to secure the NL Central, joining the Giants and Washington Nationals as division winners. The Braves and Mets both win more games than the Cardinals but have to settle for a Wild Card series while three teams tied for the final wild card spot, the Rockies taking the spot courtesy of their 5-1 record against the Pirates, giving them an overall .583 winning percentage in the mini table, ahead of the .474 of both Chicago and Pittsburgh.

Over in the American League the Royals finished as the only 100-win team in baseball, while the Yankees and the Angels won the East and West respectively. They are joined in the playoffs by the WestÂ’s Rangers and Mariners, and the Blue Jays from the East.

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The Wild Card series in the American League will feature three teams from the West, with division winners the Texas Rangers taking on the AL East’s Toronto Blue Jays for the right to face the Royals while the Mariners and Angels will face off with an ALDS against the Yankees on the line.

Over in the National League, the Giants will face the winners of the NL Central winning Cardinals and the Giants division rival Rockies, while the Mets and Braves face an all-NL East series to take on their division-winning rivals the Nationals.

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The Wild Card Series are split between home and road teams, with the Seattle Mariners and New York Mets winning on the road in game threes to set up Division Series against the Yankees and National respectively while the Rangers and the Cardinals enjoy home sweeps over the Blue Jays and Rockies to set up series against Stewarts former team the Royals and current team the Giants.

The Cardinals-Giants series will be the 7th post season match up between the two sides, making St Louis the most common NL post season opponent for San Francisco. This will be a rematch of the Giants last post season appearance, in 2047, when the Cardinals comfortably won the series 3-1 also as the Wild Card.

The teams split the regular season series 3-3, with the Giants taking 2-3 in the final series of the season to secure their place in the postseason. Making Stewart feel old is the fact that the Cardinals are managed by former Royals player Tim Storer, who played for Stewart from 2031-2036.

The Cardinals are a fairly balanced team, ranking 6th in both runs scored and against. A strong batting line up was led by 2B Julio Roca, who hit .283 with 31 HRs and 99 RBIs, all team highs. SS Chad Schmidt had a 20-20 season with 27 HRs to go with 38 SBs while adding 90 RBIs. Schmidt has had to move over to SS from 3B, as St Louis are missing starting SS Luis Ortega. They are a team that struggled against LHP but with Cason Willard the only LHP among the Giants staff this is unlikely to see a big change to pitching plans.

On the pitching side, Luis Moreno led the team with a 3.93 ERA as part of an all RHP rotation. The bullpen is where the talent lies in this team, with Closer Pat Black recording 37 SV with a 3.55 ERA while leading the team in wins, with 11. He was ably supported by SU Dan Kauffman, the former 11th round pick by Stewart for the Royals in 2042, with a 2.12 ERA in 46.2 IP while Josh Collins also recorded an ERA under 3.00.

Game 1 in San Francisco: Andy Frederick vs Luis Moreno (2052 Free Agent)

• San Francisco wins 10-7
• Frederick (W): 5.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R
• Moreno: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R
• Randy Cameron (L): 3.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R
• Rickey Martino (SV): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• St Louis HRs: Jesus Palos (3rd, 2R), Nelson Mora (8th, 3R)
• Luis Moreno (STL) INJ pitching DTD 1 day
• POTG: Jaquan Willie (SF) 3-4, BB, 2 RBI
• 1-0 San Francisco

Game 2 in San Francisco: Juan Montoya vs Christoph Bondar (2049 Free Agent)

• San Francisco wins 7-6 (10)
• Montoya: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R
• Bondar: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Juan Peralta (W): 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• Sanik Gearhart (L): 0.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R
• Martino (BS): 1.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R
• San Francisco HRs: Wilfredo Polo (7th), Mike Berger (8th, 2R), Steve Boyd (8th, 3R)
• St Louis HRs: Julio Roca (3rd, 2R)
• 2-0 San Francisco

Game 3 in St Louis: Jesus Barbosa vs Nelson Briones (2039 Scouting Discovery)

• San Francisco wins 6-5
• Barbosa: 0.1 IP, 7 H, 5 R
• Briones: 6.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R
• Joe Manley (W): 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Pat Black (L)(BS): 1.0 IP. 3 H, 3 R
• Juan Peralta (SV): 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• St Louis HRs: Chad Schmidt (1st), Tanner Meilleur (1st, 2R), Marc Bauser (1st)
• Donte Lebeaux (SF) INJ pitching DTD 4 days
• POTG: Kevin Dobbs (SF) 2-2, BB
• 3-0 SAN FRANCISCO WINS

Series MVP: Steve Boyd (SF) 4-13, HR, 4 RBI

 

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Two teams get the sweep in the Division Series, Stewarts Giants and his former Royals. That win takes the Giants to their first NLCS since 2036, the last year they won the World Series. In 2036 they came through the NLCS against the Phillies; this year it will be the New York Mets, who took out the league-best Nationals in game five.

In the American League the Royals will take over the Mariners, another Wild Card team to take out the higher seeded team, 3-1 victors over the Yankees.

The Giants and the Mets shared the regular season series 3-3, and are similarly constructed teams with pitching that is superior to their hitting – for the Mets, that was the 13th ranked runs scored compared to the best runs against total in the league.

The Met have two Cy Young winners in their rotation in Ed Lanham and Mike Poirrier. Lanham led the team with a 2.45 ERA while Mike Poirrier sported a 3.35 ERA. Alfredo Barajas might claim to be the ace of the staff though, with 249 Ks in 220.1 IP for a team high 4.9 WAR. Both his Ks and IPs led the National League. Dave Umana completes an all RHP rotation, the only one with an ERA over 4.00 for the season. In the bullpen, SP Pete Bruder has moved into the Closer role for the postseason as one of LHP in the bullpen while Dave Watson pitched 52 IP with a 2.25 ERA.

The Mets are on their third choice Catcher due to injury, Juan Llamas was a Rule 5 pick up from the Royals so is well known to Stewart. SS Pat Harris led the Mets bats, a .273 Average with 22 HRs enough for 5 WAR while 3B Edgar Herrera justified his lead off spot with a 20-20 season, 20 HRs with 54 SBs.

In addition to Llanas, the Mets have three other former Royals on the roster, RF Vicente Pimentel, RP Art Putney, and RP Flossy Giordano.

Game 1 in San Francisco: Andy Frederick vs Alfredo Barajas

• San Francisco wins 5-3
• Frederick: 6.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R
• Barajas: 5.1 IP, 9 H, 3 R
• Rickey Martino (W): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Pete Bruder (L): 1.0 IP, 1 H, 2 R
• Joe Manley (BS): 0.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R
• San Francisco HRs: Germains Curtis (9th, 2R W-O)
• Pete Brooks (NY) INJ running the bases OUT pending
• 1-0 San Francisco

Game 2 in San Francisco: Juan Montoya vs Mike Poirrier (2044 1st Round)

• San Francisco wins 9-5
• Montoya (W): 5.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R
• Poirrier (L): 3.2 IP, 5 H, 6 R
• Martino (SV): 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• San Francisco HRs: Steve Boyd (3rd, 2R), Wilfredo Polo (4th, 2R), Curtis (4th, 2R)
• New York HRs: Frank Razo (1st), Pete Brooks (6th, 3R)
• Joel Hudson (SF) INJ base collision DTD 1-2 weeks
• POTG: Pete Brooks (NYM) 2-3, 3R HR, BB, 2 RBI
• 2-0 San Francisco

Game 3 in New York: Jesus Barbosa vs Dave Umana (2046 7th Round)

• New York wins 5-4
• Umana: 7.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R
• Barbosa: 6.1 IP, 7 H, 4 R
• Bruder (W): 1.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R
• Martino (L): 0.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R
• San Francisco HRs: Boyd (9th, 3R)
• New York HRs: Brooks (6th)
• Edgar Herrera Walk-Off Single
• Gilberto Garnica (NYM) INJ running the bases OUT pending
• 2-1 San Francisco

Game 4 in New York: Cason Willard vs Ed Lanham (2050 Trade TB)

• New York wins 4-2
• Lanham: 7.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R
• Willard: 5.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R
• Jeremy McCreight (W): 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Juan Peralta (L): 1.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R
• San Francisco HRs: Polo (4th, 2R)
• New York HRs: Edgar Herrera (8th, 2R)
• Jaquan Willie (SF) INJ defensive play OUT 3-4 weeks
• 2-2 Series Tied

Game 5 in New York: Frederick vs Barajas

• New York wins 11-7
• Barajas (W): 5.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R
• Frederick (L): 2.2 IP, 9 H, 7 R
• San Francisco HRs: Polo (7th, 2R)
• New York HRs: Pat Harris (2nd), Brooks (6th, 2R)
• Donte Lebeaux (SF) INJ pitching OUT pending
• POTG: Wilfredo Polo (SF) 3-3, 2R HR, BB, 2 RBI
• 3-2 New York

Game 6 in San Francisco: Montoya vs Poirrier

• San Francisco wins 6-3
• Montoya: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R
• Poirrier (L): 4.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R
• Donte Lebeaux (W): 3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R
• New York HRs: Brooks (6th, 2R)
• Juan Montoya (SF) INJ pitching DTD 3 days
• POTG: Ernesto Pantoja (SF) 2-3, BB, 2R
• 3-3 Series Tied

Game 7 in San Francisco: Barbosa vs Umana
San Francisco win 8-4

• Barbosa: 2.2 IP, 8 H, 4 R
• Umana (L): 4.1 IP, 4 H, 5 R
• Dan Caines (W): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Peralta (SV): 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• San Francisco HRs: Polo (3rd), Kevin Dobbs (8th, 3R)
• New York HRs: Razo (1st, 2R), Brooks (1st)
• POTG: Wilfredo Polo (SF) 3-3, HR, BB, 2 RBI, 3 R
• 4-3 SAN FRANCISCO WINS

Series MVP: Wilfredo Polo (SF) 11-22, 4 HR, 9 RBI