.jpg)
Burriss has plenty of big league games ahead of him. Ben Margot, AP
Emmanuel Burris hasn’t had a hit since June 4th (0-27), his next won’t come as a big leaguer. The 24 year old Burriss won the second base job in the spring, beating out Kevin Frandsen. It came as little surprise as Burriss was on fire during the Cactus League, and Frandsen was still trying to get back to full strength after missing all of last season.
Beyond the tangibles, speed and defense, Burriss impressed the Giants enough to hand him the opening day job only a year after he was an opening day short stop in Single-A.
His defense, at times brilliant, had regressed along with his hitting. When asked if he had noticed anything similar, manager Bruce Bochy agreed, telling the media; “I’d say a little bit, to be honest. This game can humble you. Manny was battling, but it affects you. I don’t care if you’re a young player, a rookie or a veteran.”
Where’s Kevin? No he wasn’t left www.youtube.com/watch, but due to his most recent trip up to the Giants, rules preclude him from rejoining the team. Once a player is optioned they must spend a minimum of 10 days off the 25 man roster. It’s unknown if Frandsen will take over for Matt Downs, the near term starter at second, once he’s eligible.
Bochy told the Mercury News the following about Downs; “He’s a hard-nosed player. He’s been playing second base down there. He plays the game the way you want, all out. He’s got some pop in his bat, he’s good on the pivot. He’s young there, still. We felt we needed a little more offense here right now. He had a good year last year, did a good job in major league camp. That was our best option.”
The last sentence may be the bit of foreshadowing for another Frandsen return.
Juan Uribe has been out with a tight leg muscle and may be nearing a return; and is more than capable of filling in at second when healthy. He also may play there anyway so Pablo Sandoval can move back to third, and the Giants can keep Uribe’s hot bat in the line up.
I asked Sandoval Monday night about his elbow: He said; “Oh yeah, it’s good.” He has been taking ground balls from third, and making throws to first during batting practice the last couple of days.
Reiterating that this is not a sign of failure for Burriss, more so an opportunity to succeed, Bochy called the move a "hiccup" in Burriss' career. Bochy went on to tell the SF Chronicle; "We feel now's the time Manny needs to go down and work on some things. It's fair to say he's had his struggles... He'll be back."
Steve Holm was designated for assingment in order to make room on the 40 man roster.
Comments
How about an article on the AAA position prospects which are the closes to getting on the Giants? Why they are close to being ready and what is holding them back.
As with most teams, the Giants best prospects are at Double-A (and for the Giants, San Jose). Triple A often is for guys trying to get back to the big leagues; i.e. Scott McClain, Bowker, Frandsen.
Really the gems in the organization are Buster Posey, Brandon Crawford, maybe a kid named Thomas Neal, but they'll likely just be at Double-A by years end.
The cupboard is pretty thin in regards to position players. My guess is we'll see Frandsen and Bowker soon.
If you get the chance, Dave Flemming did a great interview with (I believe it was) Kevin Goldstien of Baseball Prospectus. I'd check knbr.com to see if they posted the pod cast yet. It was very comprehensive, and touched on names I don't know about. Also, check out our SJ Giants Examiner in the San Jose edition.
Downs looked good defensively last night (turned a couple of double plays) and his first couple of at bats went well even though he didn't get a hit (but his last at bat was shaky). As for major league debuts, how about the Angels' pitcher O'Sullivan (on Irish Night at AT&T park no less) - he got a win and a base hit!
PS thanks Theo :-)
phew they got that guy burris out--the giants are doing better than the US Senate!!!!!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!