1
SF Giants Press Clips
Sunday, March 26, 2017
San Francisco Chronicle
Giants’ Morse still hopes to play, will rehab rather than retire
Henry Schulman
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Michael Morse fans, rejoice. He is going to stay in Arizona and rehab his
hamstring injury when the Giants go north Tuesday and not retire.
“I don’t want to go out like this,” Morse said Saturday. “My plan is to stay here until I’m ready,
play some (extended-spring) games, then go to Triple-A and play games, then figure out what’s
next.”
Morse believes he is about two weeks away from playing. He was on track to make the team as
a reserve first baseman and outfielder — and power threat off the bench — before injuring his
left leg running the bases against the White Sox on Monday.
When general manager Bobby Evans persuaded Morse to sign a minor-league deal and come to
spring training to see if he had anything left, Morse declared he would make the team or go
home. He has no plans to play for another big-league club.
Morse still wants to wear a Giants uniform again.
“I’m going to get healthy,” he said. “I’m going to play games with the mentality of getting ready
for the big leagues. At that point, if the team is 20-0, I know I probably won’t get called up and
then it’s, ‘See ya.’ If they need me, great.”
2
Morse said he and Evans are “on the same wavelength” on this.
Cueto ready: Johnny Cueto’s abbreviated Cactus League was more than enough. He pitched in
two games plus two minor-league games, including one Saturday in which he struck out 10
Diamondbacks prospects over the equivalent of seven innings.
Cueto was so efficient in the high Class-A game, the staff had him face seven hitters in his final
inning just to get him to 85 pitches.
He even had time to coach 19-year-old D’backs shortstop prospect Jasrado Chisholm, who was
trying to take Cueto deep all day. In the final inning, from the mound, Cueto told Chisholm he
was pulling his eye off the ball. Chisholm singled on the next pitch. The lesson continued when
Chisholm took a huge lead off first base and Cueto picked him off, making players from both
teams chuckle.
“I was having fun with a kid who actually wanted to hit against me,” Cueto said.
Hwang wins honor: Jae-Gyun Hwang won the 2017 Barney Nugent Award for the best Giant in
his first big-league camp. Players, coaches and trainers vote on the award, which is named for a
onetime Giants trainer who died in 2014. The award formerly was named for Harry S. Jordan,
another longtime trainer.
Hwang, 29, celebrated with a walk-off single in the Giants’ 8-7 victory over the Padres. He is
ticketed for Triple-A Sacramento, where the organization wants him to play left field and first
base to become more versatile.
Hwang, 29, has 10 years of professional experience in South Korea. He has impressed the club
with his hitting and defense. Hwang is hitting .297 with four homers in the Cactus League. He
likely will start the season in Triple-A.
Trevor Brown was last year’s winner.
Briefly: Manager Bruce Bochy said the 40 players still in camp will go north for the Bay Bridge
Series, unless another veteran with an opt-out clause seeks his release sooner than Thursday’s
official date. ... Infielder Aaron Hill, who seemed a lock for a big-league job earlier in camp, is
3
mired in a huge slump that has dropped his average to .209. ... Gorkys Hernandez tied
Saturday’s game in the eighth with a two-out double, but Bochy was not pleased with
Hernandez getting thrown out trying for a triple because he did not run hard out of the box.
Henry Schulman is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.
Giants 8, Padres 7
Notable: Jae-Gyun Hwang’s bases-loaded, no-out single in the ninth capped a Giants rally. They
were down 7-1 in the third after Chris Stratton allowed seven runs. ... Buster
Posey and Brandon Crawford homered, Posey to the opposite field against left-hander Clayton
Richard. ... Jose Flores, Mark Melancon, George Kontos, Josh Osich, Cory Gearrin and Neil
Ramirez each pitched a scoreless inning. Manager Bruce Bochy has told Ramirez he is in the mix
for a job. The former Cub has 16 strikeouts in 91/3 innings.
Quotable: “Now is the time you’re hoping to tighten things up. Yesterday and the day before
we had our moments with the bullpen. This is when you want to see innings be a little more
normal, a little cleaner, and the guys did a good job today.” — Bochy on his relievers.
Sunday’s game: Giants vs. White Sox, in Glendale, Ariz., 1:05 p.m. Radio: 680
San Francisco Chronicle
Catching up with Sandoval, Donaldson, Romo, Vogelsong, Reddick
John Shea
The Giants haven’t said what they’ll do about left field or the final rotation spot. The A’s haven’t
identified their last two starting pitchers.
Similar stories are told throughout Arizona and Florida with teams trying to put the final
touches on their season-opening rosters.
Here are three compelling competitions that have come down to the wire:
Dodgers outfield: Andre Ethier has a herniated disk in his lower back that’ll likely keep him
shelved into the season.
4
Manager Dave Roberts appears set with Yasiel Puig in right and Joc Pederson in center. There’s
a hole in left with options including Andrew Toles, Scott Van Slyke and Trayce
Thompson. Franklin Gutierrez could be used against lefties, and ex-Athletic Brett Eibner is in
camp.
Toles appears the favorite, but Thompson is an intriguing choice. Klay’s younger brother, who
hit 11 homers in April and May, is making a nice recovery from back surgery and is hitting well,
but he’s being eased in and might open at Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Nationals closer: The competition is down to Koda Glover, Shawn Kelley and Blake Treinen.
Glover, a rookie, has the right makeup accompanying a potent arsenal but also has pitched just
19 games in the big leagues. Kelley has the most experience (seven saves last season), but two
Tommy John surgeries put into question his durability. Treinen has a nasty sinker that could
make him better suited for a setup role.
Manager Dusty Baker said Saturday that a decision has been made but the winner hasn’t been
told.
Red Sox rotation: The deepest and baddest rotation in the game has a vacancy. David Price will
open on the disabled list, leaving Chris Sale and Rick Porcello as the anchors.
Steven Wright has a job, but Drew Pomeranz has had triceps tightness. That could mean work
for young Eduardo Rodriguez or Kyle Kendrick, 32, who hasn’t pitched in the bigs since 2015.
More Panda-monium: Pablo Sandoval was destined to be a $95 million bust in Boston — one
down season, one missing season — but he seems determined to live up to his contract.
He’s smaller, though perhaps not much more than his listed 240 pounds. He’s healthier, having
overcome his shoulder injury. He’s saying all the right things, like needing to prove himself to
the Red Sox and their fans.
And he’s hitting a ton in spring training, especially left-handed. Right-handed has been a
struggle, at least before his three-run homer Saturday.
All signs point to Sandoval playing third base on Opening Day, and good for Pablo. But we’ve
heard this before, how he’s revitalized and ready to turn around his career. Now it’s up to him
to sustain it by keeping the weight off and numbers up.
5
Even with his rocky exit from San Francisco, it’s fair to say a good number of Giants fans
continue to root for him.
Time for Bam Bam: I always believed Hensley Meulens would succeed as a big-league
manager, and nothing he did in the World Baseball Classic with the Netherlands altered that
opinion.
Meulens took his underdog team, largely from Curacao and Aruba, to the tournament’s final
four for a second straight time before losing in 11 innings to Puerto Rico.
With a long resume coaching under Bruce Bochy, impressive communication skills (it helps to
know five languages) and an authoritative presence, Meulens makes an excellent candidate.
All he needs is an interview. He once told me he wouldn’t go to the minors to manage — and he
shouldn’t — and that the offer would have to overwhelm him because he likes his current gig.
Don’t tweet: Josh Donaldson got off to a slow start in Blue Jays camp thanks to a calf injury and
has spent time in minor-league camp, which generally has an informal vibe. Teams will put
hitters who need extra at-bats in minor-league games and have them lead off every inning.
In Donaldson’s case, the plan was to avoid running. He was to hit the ball and return to the
dugout. Simple thing — until someone took video of the home run he hit.
An assistant coach at the University of Texas, Sean Allen, criticized the former A’s third
baseman on Twitter without knowing the facts, writing, “This might be the worst video I have
ever seen. So much disrespect to the game of baseball. Baseball gods will handle this.”
Donaldson tweeted to Allen that he hadn’t been cleared to run, and Allen apologized. Another
life lesson, kids.
Around the majors: The Dodgers say Sergio Romo, 34, who’s supposed to set up Kenley
Jansen, will be ready for the season. But he returned from the WBC with a sore back and hasn’t
pitched much: 11/3 WBC innings and two early innings in the Cactus League before throwing a
perfect inning Saturday. Afterward he said he felt fine. … Cam Bedrosian could open as the
Angels’ closer, with Huston Street’s back bothering him. Bedrosian is the son of Steve
Bedrosian, the Giants’ closer on the 1989 World Series team. Cam, who was born two years
later, has one career save, just 183 behind his dad. … When the Twins released Ryan
Vogelsong, it was easy to imagine the end for the 39-year-old. But Vogelsong requested the
release knowing he wasn’t in the rotation plans and didn’t want to move to the bullpen. Twins
6
manager Paul Molitor said that by not waiting until the end of camp to release Vogelsong, he
has a chance to hook on elsewhere. … Josh Reddick played five years for the A’s without playing
a single game in left field, but that’s an option now that he’s an Astro. He’ll mostly play right,
but the bigger question is how much he’ll play against lefties. He’s a .270 hitter against righties,
.218 against lefties, but the Astros didn’t commit $52 million for a platoon player. … Baker is
entering the season without a contract beyond 2017 and wants an extension, but Nationals
GM Mike Rizzo is giving no hints it’ll be done. Not a great vote of confidence for an organization
seeking its first World Series title.
San Jose Mercury News
Giants honor Jae-Gyun Hwang with award, then he delivers game-winning hit
Andrew Baggarly
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Jae-gyun Hwang has tried to learn as many English words and phrases as
possible as he acclimated himself with the Giants this spring.
He picked up three of the most important words in the club’s first full-squad workout in
February.
I got it.
“The first day of practice, we are taking fly balls and I said, `OK! OK!’” Hwang said through
Korean interpreter Mark Kim. “The coaches came over and told me, `No, you have to say, I got
it.’”
On so many levels, Hwang got it this spring. He fit well on the field and in the clubhouse. His
jovial nature and confidence knew no language barriers. His game translated well, too. He is
hitting .308 with four home runs.
And on Saturday, the players voted Hwang as the Barney Nugent Award winner, honoring the
most impressive player who was appearing in his first major league camp. Hwang, a six-time All-
Star in the Korean Baseball Organization, celebrated by collecting the bases-loaded single in the
ninth inning that lifted the Giants to an 8-7 exhibition victory over the San Diego Padres.
Although Hwang remains in camp, the Giants plan to ask him to begin the season at Triple-A
Sacramento where they can gain a deeper evaluation of his skills. Hwang has the option to
escape his contract if he isn’t on the major league roster, but he gave every indication that he is
willing to prove himself further in the Pacific Coast League.
“Honestly to this point, I’ve only shown fans and teammates and coaches home runs,” Hwang
said in Korean. “That’s about it. There’s a lot more that I could show everyone. If it be that I get
sent down to Triple-A and start the season there, I’d be really looking to work especially on my
7
defense in left field and show that I’m a really versatile player — my defense, my running, and
everything else I wasn’t able to show up to this point. Playing day to day would definitely help
to be able to show all that.”
The Giants are full at third base, with Conor Gillaspie and likely Aaron Hill as fallback options in
case Eduardo Nuñez’s sore shoulder is not ready by opening day.
It would have been almost impossible for Hwang to win a roster spot out of camp, but he still
accomplished something important here. He won quite a bit of faith.
“It was my first time coming over to the States to play baseball and I really wanted to work hard
and show I belong here,” Hwang said. “I think my teammates have noticed at least a little bit
how hard I am ready to work for the team. So that was the most appreciative part.”
Head athletic trainer Dave Groeschner called Hwang into the middle of the clubhouse during
the morning meeting. He told players about Nugent, a beloved late former trainer with the
club, and then bestowed the award on the 29-year-old rookie who hazed himself when he
arrived at the ballpark wearing a ridiculous amount of green on St. Patrick’s Day.
Giants manager Bruce Bochy also raved about Hwang, not only for the way he has performed
on the field but how comfortable he has gotten with his teammates.
“The players love him,” Bochy said. “He comes out here early every day, working on first base
and left field. He’s been inspiring, the way he gets after it.”
Said Hwang: “There’s not much difficulty in terms of transitioning. I’m very comfortable and
satisfied with everything on the baseball field and off the baseball field. The only thing as of
now that I am still trying to learn and get accustomed to is the difference in the strike zone. “
If his spring performance is any indication, he’ll get it.
San Jose Mercury News
Giants notes
Andrew Baggarly
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Giants manager Bruce Bochy has informed several players remaining in
major league camp that they won’t make the opening day roster, barring an injury or
unforeseen circumstance. But Bochy said he is planning to break camp Tuesday without making
any more official cuts, taking all 35 healthy players – including nine non-roster invitees – to the
Bay Area for the final three exhibition games against the A’s.
8
It seems clear, then, that infielder Aaron Hill should bet on being a Giant to start the season. Hill
would receive a $100,000 retention bonus if he remains with the team through Tuesday, and
the Giants wouldn’t commit to that sum if he weren’t in their plans.
Hill has slowed down at the plate after a hot start. His average is down to .209. Bochy did not
express concern, though.
“He’s trying to find his swing, but he’s a good hitter,” Bochy said.
—
While Hill continues to get regular at-bats, infielder Jimmy Rollins is mostly coming off the
bench. The former NL MVP didn’t start Friday and didn’t play Saturday. He is hitting .083 this
spring, and although he has looked OK at both middle infield spots, it is hard to imagine a Bay
Area homecoming for the Oakland native.
Rollins does not have a retention bonus in his contract but can opt out of the agreement on
Thursday. Rollins has kept his career plans private in the event he does not make the club. If
this is the end for the respected 38-year-old, though, there are worse places he could play a
farewell game than in the last exhibition game against the A’s at the Coliseum.
Johnny Cueto and Matt Moore will start the first two Bay Bridge games, and then top pitching
prospect Tyler Beede will start the April 1 exhibition game at Oakland, Bochy said.
Although Beede has been optioned to Triple-A Sacramento and is expected to begin his season
there, his performance this spring convinced management that he would be ready when called
up at some point this season. Starting him in a major league stadium for an exhibition
appearance might help him manage the butterflies a bit better when that day does come.
—
The Giants bullpen had a highly impressive day, holding the Padres to two hits in six shutout
innings while the club rallied from a six-run deficit to take an 8-7 exhibition victory.
Mark Melancon hasn’t allowed a run in 9 2/3 innings, if you count his one appearance in the
World Baseball Classic. George Kontos struck out the side. Josh Osich struck out two in a
scoreless inning, and Cory Gearrin retired all three batters he faced.
Former Cubs right-hander Neil Ramirez also threw a scoreless ninth to lower his ERA to 1.93 this
spring. He has struck out 16 in 9 1/3 innings this spring. Bochy said he made a point to call
Ramirez into his office Saturday.
“The consistency has been as good as anybody here,” Bochy said. “I let him know that we’ve
seen what he’s done.”
9
Ramirez might not have a spot if the Giants decide to keep two left-handers in their bullpen,
though.
—
No, recently retired left-hander Javier Lopez isn’t thinking of making a comeback now that Will
Smith will be out for the year while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Lopez, who is in camp as a special instructor, was carrying around a weighted baseball
Saturday. But he insisted he was just limbering up to throw batting practice. And no, he doesn’t
require a longer L-screen to accommodate his sidearm delivery.
“Going over the top,” he said. “Back to my college days.”
—
Hunter Pence continues to look lost at the plate and his average fell to .136. The Giants gave
Pence the option to lead off every inning in a minor league game last week, but he preferred to
face major league pitchers. … The Padres pummeled right-hander Chris Stratton for seven runs
on nine hits (three homers) in three innings. Prior to that start, Stratton was having an
impressive spring. … World Baseball Classic gold medalists Buster Posey and Brandon Crawford
each hitting a home run in the comeback. … Maybe catcher Nick Hundley just needed a little
extra time to get his arm loose. After a rough start to the spring, he is throwing crisply to bases
again and catching would-be thieves. … The Giants reassigned right-hander Jose Dominguez to
minor league camp.
San Jose Mercury News
Johnny Cueto toys with minor leaguers, records six outs in an inning
Andrew Baggarly
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Johnny Cueto provides endless entertainment when he faces major league
hitters.
Stick him in minor league camp for a day, and the interplay gets even better. Cueto toyed with
an Arizona Diamondbacks A-ball squad on Saturday, holding them scoreless in seven innings
while walking one and striking out 10.
It was a controlled environment, designed to let Cueto build his pitch count. So he did seven
innings of work despite getting up and down just six times. In one inning, he worked so quickly
that the Giants had him stay out there. He recorded six outs.
Cueto had the most fun with Jazz Chisholm, a 19-year-old infielder from the Bahamas, who had
to laugh after one at-bat in which he took two fastballs for strikes on the inner half.
10
The next time up, Chisholm was determined not to get cheated. He swung hard twice and it
appeared Cueto was helping him out by telling him what pitch was coming next.
Actually, Cueto was teasing him by providing a few hitting tips.
“I was telling him to keep his eye on the ball,” Cueto said in Spanish. “Because every time he’d
swing, he’d take his eye off the baseball.”
You’ll do that when you’re swinging as hard as you can.
Chisholm managed to punch a single, but Cueto wasn’t done with him yet. He nearly picked the
kid off first base. Then Chisholm dared him with an even bigger lead. And Cueto used an even
better move to throw him out.
“He probably doesn’t know that I have a quick move,” Cueto said, smiling.
Cueto reported to camp 17 days behind schedule while tending to his father’s health, but
there’s little doubt he is all caught up now. He threw 85 pitches – including 25 during his six-out
inning – and proclaimed himself ready for the season.
He’ll appear in Thursday’s exhibition against the A’s at AT&T Park as a final tuneup for his
season debut as the No.2 starter on April 4 against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.
“I feel good, I feel healthy and I feel strong,” Cueto said. “I was having fun with the kid who
actually wanted to hit against me.”
Cueto pitched in minor league camp instead of the Cactus League exhibition against the San
Diego Padres because they are an NL West rival and he’ll face them in his second start of the
season.
San Jose Mercury News
Michael Morse will postpone retirement, attempt to work his way back with Giants
Andrew Baggarly
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Michael Morse knew this spring comeback attempt with the Giants would
go one of two ways.
“It was either I have a good spring and make the team, or I realize that I need to get out of here
and go home,” Morse said. “There was no in between.”
Life took a third path. Morse had a great spring, and then he pulled his hamstring. He was in
line to win a job as a right-handed pinch hitter and occasional left fielder. Now he’s out of
contention. But he proved enough to himself, and he agreed to keep the dream alive a bit
longer.
11
Morse said he would remain in Arizona after the team breaks camp on Tuesday, and he hopes
to be ready to play in games by the time Triple-A Sacramento begins its season April 6. Morse
knows there are no promises. The Giants’ roster needs change by the day. But he proved to
himself that he still has something left.
“I’m not just going to leave these guys hanging,” Morse said. “I’m at least going to get healthy
and see what happens. I don’t just want to end it being hurt.”
Morse, a 2014 postseason hero who drove in the tiebreaking run in Game 7 of the World Series
at Kansas City, hasn’t played in the majors since the Pirates released him last April. His
invitation to spring training grew out of an impromptu conversation with Giants GM Bobby
Evans at Hunter Pence’s wedding last November.
“This was to see if I had anything left,” Morse said. “Bobby told me, `At least you’ll know. You
don’t want to go the rest of your life doubting your decision.’ So, you know, it was a good
spring. But it was great being a part of this and seeing how I still fit with these guys in the
clubhouse. That’s why I can’t just leave them hanging like this.”
MLB.com
Posey, Crawford homer, Hwang, walks off vs. SD
Chris Haft and Owen Perkins
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- After Padres reliever Carlos Fisher loaded the bases in the ninth, first
baseman Jae-gyun Hwang hit a walk-off single to give the Giants an 8-7 victory over the Padres
in a Cactus League game Saturday at Scottsdale Stadium.
San Francisco set up Hwang's game-winner without hitting a ball out of the infield. Justin
Ruggiano walked, Rando Moreno reached first base on a sacrifice bunt attempt and Austin
Slater was hit by a pitch. Hwang blooped his hit into right-center field, giving the Giants their
fifth victory in their last six Cactus League games.
The Giants' rally complemented a strong effort by their bullpen, which shut out San Diego for
the final six innings.
"Now's the time you're hoping to tighten things up," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said.
Competing for a spot in San Diego's lineup, third baseman Cory Spangenberg rapped three hits,
including a second-inning home run. San Diego scored all of its runs in the opening three
innings. Spangenberg's first-inning bunt single set up Hunter Renfroe's two-run double off
Giants starter Chris Stratton, who was summoned from Minor League camp for this game.
12
Stratton yielded seven runs and nine hits in three innings.
"He's probably had our most consistent at-bats in the last week and a half," Padres manager
Andy Green said of Spangenberg's two-pronged approach. "He's hit the ball hard. The bunt
game's good to see. He really defended the field well at third base today. He was outstanding
over there."
Erick Aybar and Jamie Romak added homers for the Padres in the third inning.
Buster Posey delivered his first spring homer -- not including the pair he hit for Team USA in the
World Baseball Classic -- to open the Giants' scoring in the second inning off Padres
starter Clayton Richard, who gave up five runs (three earned) on eight hits in six innings. "I felt
like I was pretty sharp up until that sixth inning," Richard said. "I let a couple pitches go, and
they took advantage. They're good enough hitters that if you don't execute a pitch, they're
going to take advantage. The at-bat to Crawford and to Hundley, I felt as if I didn't do as well as
I should have. You have to give them credit for being able to take advantage of that. I was able
to lock it back in for the last few outs." Nick Hundley's first of two doubles and a Padres fielding
misplay led to a pair of Giants runs in the fifth inning. They added two runs in the sixth on
Posey's bloop single and Brandon Crawford's homer, and one in the seventh on Joe Panik's RBI
triple. Gorkys Hernandez's RBI double in the eighth tied the game at 7. Giants Up Next: Left-
hander Ty Blach, competing with Matt Cain for the fifth rotation spot, is scheduled to start
Sunday's 1:05 p.m. PT encounter with the White Sox at the Glendale Baseball Complex. Blach
has compiled a 5.02 ERA but has struck out 11 while walking just one. Watch live on MLB.TV.
Padres Up Next: The Padres play a pair of split squad games Sunday, with a 1:10 p.m. PT tilt
hosting the Rockies, and a 1:05 p.m. road game with the Cubs. Right-hander Jarred
Cosart starts against the Rockies. He's given up three runs in 6 2/3 innings this spring, walking
two and striking out six. Trevor Cahill faces the defending World Series champs in his sixth
spring start. He's allowed 10 runs (seven earned) on nine hits and seven walks while striking out
13.
13
MLB.com
Morse determine to come back from injury
Chris Haft
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Michael Morse doesn't intend to squander the effort he sustained this
spring.
Having revived his offensive skill, Morse affirmed Saturday that he will attempt to overcome his
left hamstring injury and resume his climb back to the Major Leagues.
Fading quietly into retirement was Morse's other option. Instead, the 35-year-old first
baseman-outfielder will attempt to sustain another burst of dedicated effort, much like the
surge that seemingly left him destined to make the Opening Day roster. Then he hurt himself as
he rounded first base during a March 20 exhibition against the White Sox and hasn't played
since.
Morse indicated that he won't rush himself.
"I want to be 100 percent [healthy] when I get back," he said.
To accomplish that, Morse said that he'll likely remain in Arizona to rehabilitate his hamstring
until he's fit enough to play. Then he'll begin performing in games at extended spring training or
with the Giants' Triple-A Sacramento affiliate.
"I'll figure it out from there," said Morse, who estimated that he might be able to resume
playing in two weeks. "If the team is 20-0, I know I'm not going to get called up. But if they need
me, great."
Right fielder Hunter Pence believes that any team could use Morse's dangerous bat and
engaging demeanor.
"He's definitely capable of helping us, or anyone," Pence said. "It's a matter of getting his body
back healthy now.'
Morse's pedestrian .265 Cactus League batting average is offset by his .930 OPS. He also has
three homers and eight RBIs in just 34 at-bats. Morse's spring hitting recalled his 2014
14
production for the Giants, which included 16 homers and 61 RBIs in 131 games, as well as key
hits in the National League Championship Series and World Series.
Morse impressed Giants insiders, who praised his ability to catch up with fastballs after
accumulating only 77 at-bats in the previous two seasons, including eight last year.
"He came into camp in tremendous shape. That should show him that he has some baseball
left. Good baseball," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said.
MLB.com
Cueto makes most of minor League tuneup
Chris Haft
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Question: When does a ballplayer occupy two roles at once?
Answer: When he's as fun-loving as Johnny Cueto.
Preferring to give Cueto the work he needed in a controlled environment, the Giants sent the
right-hander to the Minor League complex Saturday to face a band of D-backs farmhands. That
group included one Jasrado Chisholm, an ambitious left-handed batter.
Chisholm, 19, struck out twice against Cueto, who laughed at the novice's overaggressive
swings. Cueto felt compelled to serve as Chisholm's personal hitting coach.
"I was having fun with the kid," Cueto said through translator Erwin Higueros. "I was telling
Chisholm to keep his eye on the ball, because every time he would swing, he'd look away from
the ball."
Chisholm actually mustered a single off Cueto in their final encounter. Chisholm's sense of
triumph might have been short-lived, because Cueto picked him off first base.
Otherwise, Cueto prepared for the regular season by throwing 85 pitches, including 58 strikes,
in the equivalent of seven innings (his final inning lasted six outs; such is the nature of
15
simulated exhibition games). He yielded six hits, walked one, struck out 10 and toyed with the
Minor Leaguers.
"I feel good. I feel healthy. I feel strong," Cueto said.
Hwang honored
The Giants rewarded industrious third baseman Jae-gyun Hwang with the Barney Nugent
Award, given annually to the most outstanding player attending his first big league camp.
Hwang, who excelled in Korean professional baseball but yearned for a chance to demonstrate
his skills in America, captured a vote cast by teammates, coaches and the athletic-training staff.
"He's been inspiring with how hard he's getting after it every day," Giants manager Bruce Bochy
said. He delivered that remark moments after Hwang, fittingly enough, blooped a bases-loaded,
ninth-inning single to give San Francisco an 8-7 triumph over San Diego on Saturday.
Hwang owns a .308 batting average in 22 games and ranks among the most productive Giants
with four home runs and 11 RBIs. Bochy has given him chances to demonstrate versatility by
playing him at first base and left field.
"It was my first time coming over to the States to play baseball and I really wanted to work hard
and show that I belong here," Hwang said through his interpreter, Mark Kim. "I think that my
teammates have at least noticed a little bit about how hard I'm ready to work for the team."
Ramirez's right stuff
Bochy said that he had a chat with right-hander Neil Ramirez, the non-roster invitee who has
been one of the most impressive relievers in camp. With a scoreless ninth inning Saturday,
Ramirez trimmed his ERA to 1.93 with 16 strikeouts in 9 1/3 innings.
Bochy essentially wanted Ramirez to know that his efforts have not gone unnoticed.
"He's done all he can do to be on this club," Bochy said, adding that Ramirez's consistency has
"been as good as anybody's."
Not as fortunate was non-roster right-hander Jose Dominguez, who was reassigned to Minor
League camp. The move trimmed San Francisco's spring roster to 39 players.
Beede gets Bay Bridge start
Bochy said that right-hander Tyler Beede, the organization's top pitching prospect, according
16
to MLBPipelne.com, will start Saturday's Bay Bridge Series finale at Oakland. Beede will begin
the season at Triple-A Sacramento after posting a 0.96 ERA (one earned run in 9 1/3 innings) in
five Cactus League appearances.
CSNbayarea.com
Giants spring training day 41
Alex Pavlovic
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Jae-Gyun Hwang’s day started with an ovation from teammates who had
selected Hwang as the Barney Nugent Award winner. It ended in style, too.
Hwang’s walk-off single in the ninth gave the Giants an 8-7 win and raised his spring average to
.308. Barring an injury or sudden change, Hwang will not make the team out of camp, but he’ll
travel to San Francisco for the Bay Bridge Series next week and the Giants expect him back at
AT&T Park soon.
“He can keep the award now,” Bochy joked after Hwang’s walk-off. “Good for him. Players love
him, and the way he’s come out every day and the effort he puts in. He’s been inspiring with
how hard he has gotten after it every day.”
The Barney Nugent Award is given to the player in his first big league camp “whose
performance and dedication in Spring Training best exemplifies the San Francisco Giants spirit.”
It is meaningful in large part because the voters are teammates, trainers and coaches. Hwang
was called to the middle of the clubhouse by trainer Dave Groeschner on Saturday morning to
accept the award.
“With this being my first time coming to spring training to play baseball, I wanted to work hard
and show that I belong here,” Hwang said through interpreter Mark Kim. “I think my
teammates have noticed how hard I’ve worked for the team.”
The rest of the Giants have also noticed how easy Hwang has made the transition look. He said
that, outside of learning a new strike zone, the adjustment hasn’t been a difficult one. He has
four homers this spring, but doesn’t necessarily view that as a shining positive. Hwang said he
wants to show more of an all-around game, especially on defense, and a stint in Triple-A
Sacramento should provide that opportunity.
If the rosters play out as expected, Hwang should see most of the time at third base in Triple-A.
He can also play first, and he’s eager to show that he’s viable in left field.
17
“I want to show I’m a versatile player,” he said.
GAME RECAP: Chris Stratton was having a good spring, but he got knocked around by the
Padres early … Buster Posey and Brandon Crawford both hit deep homers in their second game
back from the WBC … Mark Melancon still has not allowed a run this spring … Hunter Pence's
March slump got a bit deeper with an 0-for-3 ... Bryan Reynolds, last year’s top pick, entered as
a pinch-runner and flew home from first on a Gorkys Hernandez double off the wall.
BULLPEN BATTLES: In the front office’s perfect world, Josh Osich would be the one to take over
for Will Smith, giving the team a hard-throwing lefty capable of neutralizing lefties and righties.
It’s been an up-and-down spring for Osich, but he was filthy Saturday, striking out a pair in his
lone inning.
George Kontos looked even better in his inning, striking out the side. Kontos has allowed just
five hits in 10 innings this spring, with 15 strikeouts. He seems forever stuck in that sixth-
seventh range, but given his splits have been just about even over the years, maybe it’s time
the Giants see what he can do in a more high-profile role.
Cory Gearrin followed the previous two with a perfect eighth. Neil Ramirez struck out one and
allowed one hit in the ninth. In 9 1/3 innings this spring, Ramirez has struck out 16 and allowed
just five hits and two runs. He has a real shot to take someone’s job in the bullpen next week.
ICYMI: The big news from this morning: Michael Morse will stick with the team and try to
rehab/play his way back to the big leagues. And from the early afternoon, Johnny Cueto had
a ton of fun with a 19-year-old he faced in a minor league game.
NOTABLE: Bochy said that all of the players left in camp are slated to head home on the team
flight Tuesday, but some guys have opt-outs on March 30, so moves are coming. This would
seem a great sign for Aaron Hill, who is due a $100,000 retention bonus on Tuesday. Hill has
slumped late in camp, but he’s still in position to make the team. Also noteworthy: Tyler Beede
is scheduled to start Saturday’s game in Oakland. The Giants surely want to knock some MLB-
stadium-nerves off before Beede heads down to Triple-A to wait for a call-up.
18
CSNbayarea.com
Cueto toys with young prospect in Giants minor league game
Alex Pavlovic
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — There is no way to really ramp up the intensity when an All-Star pitcher
makes an appearance in minor league camp, so Johnny Cueto instead found a way to have a bit
more fun.
While getting his work in against A-ball hitters, Cueto had a prolonged, smile-filled battle with
19-year-old Jasrado Chisholm, one of the Diamondbacks’ top prospects. The sequence between
Cueto and the shortstop from the Bahamas:
• Cueto just missed with a two-strike inside fastball, so he went right back to the same
spot, freezing Chisholm, who smiled and nodded at Cueto, who laughed back.
• The next time up, Chisholm took two vicious hacks, trying to crank a homer onto Hayden
Road. He missed both breaking balls by about a foot.
• Before the third pitch, Cueto yelled something at Chisholm and smiled. “I was telling
him to keep his eye on the ball,” Cueto said. “Because every time he was swinging, he
was taking his eye off the ball.”
• The advice worked. Chisholm hung in on the third pitch, lining a single to left-center.
Cueto laughed and pointed his glove at the teenager. He promptly picked him off of first
base. “He probably doesn’t know I have a quick move,” he said. “I was having fun with a
kid who wanted to actually hit against me.”
Nobody has more fun than Cueto, even on a sun-baked minor league field. He capped his day
by standing in for an at-bat of his own, and he stood and watched as a young Diamondback
struck him out.
The work on the mound was just what was needed: 7 innings, 85 pitches, 10 strikeouts, 0 runs.
Cueto, who missed the opening weeks of camp, is ready for the season.
“I feel strong,” he said. “I feel really good."
19
CSNbayarea.com
Injured Michael Morse will stick with Giants, work way up from Triple A
Alex Pavlovic
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Michael Morse isn't ready to give up on his comeback.
Morse, sidelined by a hamstring injury, said he will continue to rehab with the organization,
with the plan of eventually going to Triple-A and working his way up to the big leagues. Morse
hasn't played since getting hurt March 20 in Glendale. He was initially given a two-to-three
week diagnosis, but because he wants to let the strain heal completely, he anticipates missing
closer to a full month.
Morse said he's on the same page with general manager Bobby Evans. He will get healthy at the
minor league facility in Scottsdale.
"I'll then go to Triple-A and play games and figure it out from there," he said. "I'm going to get
healthy and play some games and if that point the team is 20-0, I know I probably won't get
called up. If they need me, that'd be great."
The Giants are hopeful it works out. Before getting hurt, Morse had three spring homers and
was in position to make the opening day roster. Without Morse, the Giants are light on right-
handed power options for the bench.
ESPN.com
Mike Trout proposes umpire change
Buster Olney
Mike Trout is widely regarded as baseball’s best player, and you’d also be hard-pressed to find a
player who is more universally liked than Trout. He seems to have a running banter with almost
everyone when he plays, from opposing catchers to infielders, to umpires.
It was during one of those chats with a veteran umpire earlier this spring that Trout offered a
thought: As the experienced umpires work their way back into game shape in spring training,
just as the players do, why not have them work five or six innings and turn over the last innings
to umpires who would normally work minor league games on back fields?
The idea is simple, but has a lot of helpful layers, beyond allowing an older plate umpire a little
more time to work into condition in spring to see 350 or so pitches in a given game. It is
extraordinarily difficult for young umpires to advance in the industry because there is little
annual turnover among umpires in the big leagues. For a young umpire slated for Class A or AA
to get a few innings in a major league exhibition -- with the packed ballpark and major league
20
players -- would be something of a reward, as it is for the minor league players.
One evaluator noted that it would also give baseball officials another chance to see the young
umpires at work, under conditions closer to those they experience in the higher levels.
When Trout’s idea was conveyed to baseball officials over the last week, they loved it. "It makes
a lot of sense for a lot of different reasons," said one official.
Added another: "That’s Trout -- he’s always paying attention to stuff beyond what he’s doing."
Giants hitting coach Meulens is breakout star of WBC
One longtime executive noted one of the benefits of the World Baseball Classic: Some players
who would not normally have the opportunity to play on a big stage this spring -- or even this
year -- got the chance to play in packed ballparks, under pressure, with high stakes. "They get a
chance to show something," said the executive.
But this is true for some of the staffers, as well. It may be that we remember the 2017 WBC as
the time that Hensley Meulens, the San Francisco Giants hitting coach who served as manager
of the Netherlands, became a serious candidate to manage in the big leagues.
Officials from some major league teams singled out Meulens as being particularly organized
and communicative in the way he handled MLB players, developing plans and making sure
those with a vested interest were aware of how each member of his squad was deployed. The
Netherlands advanced all the way to the semifinals before losing to Puerto Rico. And Meulens
seemed very comfortable in his role, getting his players to buy in with text messages, working
with his coaches in strategy meetings, and showing his comfort with media members from
around the world -- partly because of his mastery of language. He spoke Korean with reporters
while the Netherlands played games in Korea, and Japanese when his team shifted to Japan.
Meulens has a relaxed personality, as Giants players will attest, but his competitiveness came
through when he pushed for mercy-rule wins, and beat Team Israel in a return match. Meulens
has spoken about how he would like to get the chance to manage a big league team someday,
and he has probably helped his chances through the WBC.
Banister's fight with his pitching coach
Texas Rangers manager Jeff Banister had his neck broken in a home plate collision while
catching for Lee College, so he did not take it well when he was playing for Class A Macon
Georgia against the Charleston Rainbows in 1987 and again he was run over on a play at the
21
plate. A fight erupted, but Banister was not ejected. So when he walked to the plate for his next
at-bat, he knew there was a chance that he would get thrown at by the opposing pitcher. The
catcher for Charleston happened to be Mike Basso, who had grown up with Banister in Texas.
Banister warned his friend that if the pitcher hit him, he would charge the mound. The first
pitch was behind him, and as Banister told the story the other day, he then turned to Basso and
told him that if he was hit by a pitch, he would go after Basso and the pitcher.
The next pitch hit Banister, who made good on his promise, charging the mound and punching
the pitcher.
And that’s the first time he met Doug Brocail, who now serves as his pitching coach for the
Rangers.
Banister and Brocail each told their side of that story on Friday's podcast, with some laughter.
Baseball Tonight Podcast
Friday: Richard Griffin of the Toronto Star on the Toronto Blue Jays' lineup concerns, Karl
Ravech and Justin Havens on the greatness of Clayton Kershaw, and Bryce Harper.
Thursday: Mike Napoli about Adrian Beltre, his unexpected departure from the Indians and
losing two of MLB’s most memorable games. Kansas City Royals GM Dayton Moore on
rebuilding the team’s rotation in the aftermath of Yordano Ventura's death and the impending
free agency of Eric Hosmer and others. Keith Law on Theo Epstein’s ranking as the No. 1 World
Leader, with mid-podcast input from Theo, and the WBC.
Wednesday: Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on the St Louis Cardinals' makeover
and Kolten Wong; Pedro Gomez and Tim Kurkjian on the WBC.
Tuesday: Jayson Stark on taking the WBC to the next level, Los Angeles Dodgers second
baseman Logan Forsythe talks about his trade to L.A. and Corey Seager, and ESPN.com's Scott
Lauber on David Price and Pablo Sandoval.
Monday: The Pittsburgh Pirates' Gerrit Cole goes rapid-fire, Pedro Alvarez discusses his move to
the outfield, Jerry Crasnick on the Boston Red Sox's pitching depth and Todd Radom ranks the
28th greatest logo of all time, before his uniform and logo quiz.
And today will be better than yesterday.