San Francisco Giants Morning Minute: Former Giants and Future Giants

On this edition of the San Francisco Giants Morning Minute, we discuss a Giant of the past, and Giants of the future.

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Good morning, San Francisco Giants’ fans, and welcome to another edition of the Giants Morning Minute. On Monday, the Giants dropped the first game of their series with the Atlanta Braves for just their third loss in the past 18 games.Mike Foltynewiczearned his second win with a great performance, whileJeff Samardzijatook his third loss.

It was far from a banner day for the entire division, as all five NL West teams were on the losing side on Monday. The standings remained exactly the same as when the day began.

Normally in this space, we’d go over pieces of what went on during the Giants’ game, but while they came out flat against the Braves, there were other great performances worthy of a discussion. So in a different direction than usual, let’s talk about a former Giant making the most of his chances, and potential future Giants making waves.

1 –Adam DuvallMaking Most of Opportunity

When the Giants traded young corner infielder Adam Duvall to the Cincinnati Reds last season as part of theMike Leakedeal, it seemed like a great situation for the potential slugger. In San Francisco,Brandon BeltandMatt Duffywere, and still are, locked into their positions at first and third base. With Cincinnati, a rebuilding team with more at-bats to go around, Duvall had an opportunity to showcase himself.

Getting the majority of his playing time as a left fielder, Duvall’s power has translated to the big league lineup. In 155 at-bats, Duvall has slugged 13 home runs, leading the Reds and ranking him tied for ninth in the major leagues, as well as 13 doubles. His .606 slugging percentage is fifth-best in baseball.

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On Monday, Duvall crushed a pair of home runs in Coors Field, marking his first career multi-home run game as the Reds downed the Rockies 11-8 in a Coord Field Special.

Duvall’s power is enticing, but he doesn’t really fit with the Giants’ typical offensive philosophy. His 29.4 percent strikeout rate is 13th-highest in baseball, and 10 percent higher thanBrandon Crawford‘s rate, which is highest among Giants’ regulars. His .302 on-base percentage (just six walks in 160 plate appearances) would be lowest on the team.

Cincinnati doesn’t necessarily have that contact-oriented philosophy, and that allows Duvall to be himself. He’s in a good place, and he’s doing well. Good for him.

2 – Minor League Hurlers Shine

Jeff Samardzija had one of his worst starts as a Giant Monday, but a number of Giants’ minor league pitchers turned in great performances. In Triple-A with the Sacramento River Cats,Clayton Blackburnthrew seven fantastic innings, giving up two runs (one earned) on four hits while striking out a season-high eight batters. Blackburn was called up earlier in this season as an insurance arm in the bullpen and didn’t appear in a game, but if he continues to pitch as he did Monday, he’ll be back soon.

Down another rung on the minor league ladder, the Richmond Flying Squirrels hadAdalberto Mejiaon the mound. The 22-year-old lefty enjoyed the best start of his young minor league career, going a career-high 8.2 innings, striking out a career-high 10, and allowing no runs on four hits and a walk. The youngster has been in a great groove lately, going 30.2 innings in his last four starts while giving up just two runs on 20 hits, and striking out 25 compared to just five walks. His ERA and WHIP on the season are 1.87 and 0.925, respectively. He certainly appears ready to make that jump up to Triple-A.

In San Jose, with the Giants’ High-A affiliate,Sam Coonrodcontinued his tremendous season. In 6.2 shutout innings, he allowed two hits and three walks while striking out seven. His ERA on the season is even lower than Mejia’s at 1.18. Coonrod put himself on the map with a huge breakout season in 2015, and he’s been even better this year.

And finally, in Augusta with the Greenjackets, 2015 first-round pickPhil Bickfordkept his nice season going. In five innings, he gave up five hits and a run while striking out seven. He was done in by pitch count, as three walks contributed to his 90 pitches (the ceiling for most players at the level).

Next: Giants Morning Minute: Cueto Pitches Through Adversity

And that will do it for this edition of the Giants Morning Minute. Up next,Jake Peavytakes the mound on his birthday as the Giants continue their four-game series with the Braves. Atlanta sends one of their highly-touted young players,Matt Wislerto toe the rubber.

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