What is up party people? Just when it looked like Luis Matos was going to have the chance to bat every day and work through his struggles, the Giants got some veteran outfielders back from the IL and deemed it appropriate to send Matos back to AAA. Now I can’t deny that he’s been a rut at the plate with just 2 hits in his last 19 at bats and hasn’t had an extra base hit in what feels like a year. Combine that with a complete lack of walks and you get a guy who went hotter than the surface of the sun to absolute zero. I’m still a believer in his talent and hope that this is just a short stint in the minors to get right and then he’ll be back.
Nolan Gorman – He may never hit for a high average but man does he have some great power for a second baseman. I’ve lost count of how many bombs he has over the past week but I think it was a ton. He blasted 27 last year so this outburst isn’t out of nowhere. The swing and miss part of his game that has always been a concern is still very much there and it will hold him back from stardom and consistency. Even on this recent power binge, he’s still managed to strikeout 8 times in 24 at bats. He’s worth a roster spot if you’re feeling frisky and your team can absorb some volatility but he can cost you a week just as easily as he can win one. Over the past month, he’s been one of the best points league hitters out there.
Matt Vierling – Touched on him last week and he rewarded anyone who snagged him with another solid week with his bat. Can’t be too unhappy with another pair of bombs and an average over .300.
Davis Schneider – Now that he’s been batting leadoff he can really show off that glorious stache. Batting average has been a bit on the low side for my liking but it doesn’t seem to be that far out of line with his minor league numbers so I think we may just have to take it. After his big performance a couple weeks ago he may no longer be available but if he’s out there he’s a fine option at second or the outfield.
Nelson Velazquez – Once you get past his terrible batting average you can see a player with the power to stack points in bunches as evidenced by a pair of strong weeks. Playing time has been there and he could push for 25-30 home runs if things break right. In the right matchups i.e. parks that play up power he could be a smash but with his contact, he’s tough to trust outside of that. Fortunately, the Royals home park is positive for hitters but you’ll still want to pick your spots.
Heliot Ramos – Matos struggles combined with the injury situation in the outfield have opened the door for Ramos to get another crack at playing time. Unfortunately for him, the outfield just got more crowded even with Matos being optioned. Right now he’s hitting too well to ride the bench but as soon he shows any signs of cooling they have replacements ready and waiting. I’m not saying don’t add him if you need a boost, because frankly, he’s more talented than any of the Giants other outfield choices, just be aware of what you’re getting into.
Ceddanne Rafaela – He’s still an upside play but he did just have a nice stretch to close out the month of May. I’m not ready to jump all the way in but he has that sweet power/speed combo that could make him a guy who breaks out in a big way down the stretch if he can make enough contact to get his average up to the .250-.260 range. Based on his defense he should have every opportunity to figure things out.
Colt Keith – Another upside guy, Colt struggled out of the gates before showing signs of life the last two weeks of May. His stats are not pretty, batting .220 with only 2 home runs, but it should be noted that both bombs came in his last 15 games. It should also be noted that despite the poor average he has kept his strikeouts rate below 20% which is encouraging. He is only 55 games into his major league career and the Tigers believed in him enough to give him a 6 year extension back in January. If you’ve got the space to stash him I would do it.
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