Thank you for the great update lonestar! much appreciated!

Hey rcc,

My pleasure. It was fun going to these two games, but I'm heading back to Austin this afternoon.

The funny thing was that given where I was sitting, everyone around me were OLD time SJ Giant fans. As soon as I sat down, the people around me started asking questions to see how much I knew about the team, and the individual players that have gone through SJ in the past few seasons.

Once they realized I knew a little something, they were like..okay, he's okay, we can talk to him...;+)........

I didn't remember Johnny Monnell's name, though, when we were talking about all the catchers that have gone through the system.

But I got extra points for comparing High Desert's 3B to Chris Dominguez from the 2011 team. And a special note to chef...two of the old guys sitting around me were in awe of Dominguez' throwing arm....so there's that 80 you were talking about...;+)........

LoneStar

hah! that's great man. Then that means I wouldn't last too long in the stands because I'd be clueless... If they'd ask me questions, i would've been, "ummm... so how's the weather here lately LOL"

Panik is being groomed for 2nd base thats a fact... tks Lone..

I believe this interview is from 2 days ago. I gotta be honest, it doesn't give me a whole lot of confidence and I wonder what kind of possibility exists that Freddy's shoulder never really comes around.

When's he's asked about his shoulder he pretty much says that hitting is no problem but it sounds like throwing is still giving him problems.

At one point he implies that this rehab is intended to see if he can get the shoulder to come around. Usually a minor league rehab is more or less to get back up to game speed and get real game at bats. This one sounds like more of a test.

<http://www.csnbayarea.com/pages/giantsvideo?PID=hXWM2-snWFjTq48cV9sOxvls_zZ6t50wu29fJJ

this would be an ideal time to have played a weeks worth of American League games on the road. Belt, Pill and Sanchez could have all used DH spot to decide who gets playing time.

Hey viper,

While I do think 2B is where Panik will likely end up, the baby G's are playing him at SS, which is okay by me. It'll keep him challenged, and the experience will be beneficial no matter what position he ends up at.

Panik's a good defender, but Crawford has the range and arm to be exceptional, once he gets a better understanding as to what he can do in the context of the MLB game. Crawford is already exceptional in range, leading the majors in range factor performance, which I believe is due in large part to his understanding of optimized positioning. I've been saying this for a couple weeks, so it was nice to hear the KNBR heads talking about it last night after the game.

While Crawford's had a couple throwing errors, I again think this is the product of him not understanding when it makes sense to not make a throw, or to take more time to deliver a throw...kind of like Pablo Sandoval's occasional problems. But, like Sandoval, Crawford has a big arm.

In any case, I think it's going to be 2014, at a minimum, before Joe Panik sniffs a spot on the 25 man roster, unless he absolutely catches fire in the first half of 2012, and picks up a promotion to Richmond.

LoneStar

agree with it all Lonestar,, and don't forget how the Giants handle these things they may be grooming Panik for both positons and start him as backup infielder perhaps.. but best guess is 2nd base, heck they may even play him at 3rd for a stint...lol

hey vip;

deep down do you really think freddie will ever play again, let alone a majority of a season? my gut tells me if he comes back at some point, it will be a matter of time before something breaks again on his body (i am not hoping for this, for i want his glove and bat in that lineup everyday).

here is a thought (maybe kind of crazy). a possible trade to an al team where he can be used as a dh? i think freddie can still weld a bat on a ball. and maybe can be used sparingly in the field. just a thought.

Hey mm,

It's funny you bring up the idea of dealing Sanchez to an AL team, where he could DH. As I was watching him in SJ, I kept thinking how much I would like it for the Giants to be able to use him as a DH. The guy can hit...not for big power...but he's a line drive machine.

If his shoulder turns up lame, and he can't field in the near term, your idea of dealing him to an AL team might be a good one.

LoneStar

lone;

it was just a crazy thought. maybe dealt for a reliever. really want his bat and glove in the line-up. yet, i do not think that he can be an everyday player for the team.

sounds like another "minor" setback for freddie. more soreness in his shoulder.
geez. really looks like he is toast.

Not necessarily toast, but probably not gonna be ready within timeline expectations.

Sounds a lot like Omar's knee. It took too long for Sabes to justify keeping him on the roster, but what a backup he would be for our IF, even 5 years later.

he is taking grounders at at&t park right now.

Stick a fork in him, he's done! Seriously, he went out diving for a ground ball and hurt himself when he was healthy. What's going to happen when he has to dive for a ball now? I'll miss him, but it's time to move on without him.