Like so many in a fast-track season, the possible end of Tony Watson’s three-year tenure with the Giants has crept up on him, the Giants and their fans
His time in San Francisco was crowned with success You could argue that the 35-year-old southpaw was the most valuable in 2020 despite the length of the season
Watson avoided disaster in the opener of Friday’s doubles match against the Padres, allowing three runs in the seventh but securing the last three strikeouts on a 5-4 in the win – an aberrant performance He came into the game with a 053 ERA, second only to San Diego southpaw Drew Pomeranz among National League pitchers who pitched at least 15 innings Pomeranz hadn’t allowed a run, Watson just one
Watson held left-handed hitters with two hits in 21 batting, but right-handed hitters also struggled to hit him (9 for 45), demonstrating what Giants watchers have long known: that he was not a specialist who could disappear with the new minimum of three hitters
None of these numbers describe Watson’s biggest contribution As a member of the rankings, he turned a field full of rookies, companions and former starters into one of the best in the sport The giant relievers led the majors with a 226 EER in the past five weeks until Thursday
Even if he moves on, many relievers who studied under Watson will be part of this enclosure in 2021 and beyond, a future Watson sees as bright.
« These guys are stallions, » he said ahead of Friday’s double. « They know how to present They know what they’re doing »
The coaching staff has a lot to do with this, of course, while Watson has embraced his role as assistant pitcher
« There are two types of leaders, » he said, « the ones who are vocal and rah-rah and push guys forward, and those who set an example and stand up every day. to get the job done I feel like a harness guy, that’s how I hung my hat on my career, showing up, pointing everyday, doing the same routine
« If these guys do the same see what I do and, trying to follow a plan and a routine and have success on the mound, I think I’m doing my job »
Watson and wife Cassie have also embraced San Francisco When the time comes after the season, he would be open to discussing a new Giants contract
“I have only good things to say about this organization,” he said “It’s a great place, first class all around. Hope we can be successful this weekend and experience Giants baseball in the playoffs «
Shark sighting: Manager Gabe Kapler explained his decision to start Jeff Samardzija in Friday’s final double drink after he hadn’t pitched since Aug 7 due to a Kapler shoulder injury said Samardzija looked good in alternative camp matches and was good for five or more innings depending on his pitch economy
“One of the things I respect the most about Shark is how much he wants baseball,” Kapler said. “It’s an opportunity he’s pushed for, asked for, and he’s very excited to get «
« He wants the ball in the best moments. He’s happy to put the team on his shoulders if he’s able to handle it. We believe in him I’m glad Jeff has this opportunity »
Henry Schulman has covered the San Francisco Giants since 1988, starting with the Oakland Tribune and the San Francisco Examiner before moving on to the San Francisco Chronicle in 1998 His career spanned the « Earthquake World Series » in 1989 and the three Giants championships in 2010, 2012 and 2014 In between, he covered Barry Bonds ‘controversial career with the Giants, including Bonds’ successful quests for home-run records and his place in baseball’s performance-enhancing drug scandal. Known for his perspective and wit, Henry also appears frequently on radio and television speaking about Giants, and is a popular follow on Twitter.
San Francisco Giants, Jeff Samardzija, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres
World News – United States – Giants’ Watson Watch the example to stimulate young people last year of contract
SOURCE: https://www.w24news.com
