Author Archives: Thomas Todd

SF Giants lineup: Crawford out again, in fact all Brandons on bench

Before the 2012 season I invented a segment for our blog/podcast called “Brandon Watch”, based on the premise that the Giants could be successful if their young (and cheap) position players performed at the level of major-league caliber starters. What followed was a great defensive season from Brandon Crawford and a really nice all-around performance by Brandon Belt.

There will be no Brandons for Giants fans to watch Friday night against Miami. Crawford sits for the third straight day after spraining two of his fingers on a stolen base attempt Tuesday. Crawford will be available to pinch-run and/or pinch-hit, according to Andrew Baggarly. The only hurdle to starting now is the discomfort he feels when releasing the ball on defense.

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Brandon Crawford injury: Giants shortstop out with sprained fingers, plus Wednesday’s lineup

Brandon Crawford is out of the Giants’ lineup Wednesday after spraining his right index and middle fingers in the fourth inning of Tuesday’s game against San Diego. The shortstop was injured while sliding into second base, and was called out to add insult to injury. Joaquin Arias slid over from third and Nick Noonan entered the game, batting in Crawford’s No. 6 spot. Noonan reached base twice in a game the Giants went on to win 5-4.

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SF Giants lineup: Scutaro returns, Perez gets another start

Giants second baseman Marco Scutaro returns to the lineup after missing a week with “mallet finger”. Scoots was struck by a pitch in Pittsburgh, sustaining ligament damage in his pinky finger. The Giants elected to not put their second baseman under the knife and therefore on the disabled list, choosing to let the veteran play through the pain. Tony Abreu and Nick Noonan had been filling in, and will be reserves in tonight’s game against San Diego.

With Angel Pagan set to come off the DL in a few days, the Giants corresponding roster move will likely to be sending Nick Noonan to Triple-A. As a young player, he would benefit from reps that a starting gig can provide. Though hobbled by a leg injury, Abreu has outplayed Noonan and wouldn’t need to be fully healthy to succeed in a utility role. Besides, you tell Juan Perez his defense hasn’t justified a roster spot.

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