Vogelsong or Runzler? What am I Missing?

Posted in Uncategorized by Flavor on March 9, 2011

The *beat guys* (I love that term) seem to be suggesting that one of the relief spots is going to come down to Vogelsong or Runzler. I’m not sure how that makes any sense. For starters, one of them is RH and one is LH. And then there is this difference: one of them sucks and one of them has a ton of potential and an electric arm.

Dan Runzler is on the verge of something very cool. He had some control problems last year but his DOM # of 10.2 screams that this guy is a monster waiting to happen.

Conversely, Vogelsong has been bouncing around Japan for the last few years after he failed to take advantage of his many, many opportunities at the major league level. This guy is no Marc Kroon (a guy who dominated in Japan. I’m disappointed he’s not getting more of a shot this Spring). Volgelsong is Todd Wellemeyer Lite. And I don’t want to see what that looks like in a real game. That sparkling 1.04 ERA this Spring in 8.2 innings needs to be compared against the 6 walks he’s issued……

If the brass want to send Runzy down to Fresno to turn him into a long guy, I can dig that. But if they go with Vogelsong over him just because of their Spring Training numbers then Sabean will be making a huge mistake. I think Dan Runzler could be the next Brian Wilson and in the short term he could be a dominating set up guy or late inning lefty specialist……..

78 comments

78 Responses

Subscribe to comments with RSS.

zumarust said, on March 9, 2011 at 7:23 am

Nice little interview with Lincecum on video at the Giants website:
http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=sf
stixwiz said, on March 9, 2011 at 8:12 am

Runzler does have the great potential. No question. At this point, as i noted yesterday, my nod would go to Vogelsong, though. Comparisons to Wellemeyer may be a bit over the top. Over all those years, V. has continued to develop as a pitcher. Wellemeyer was more of the same old, same old. Things could change, of course, over the course of the remaining ST outings. Those walks are a bit troubling. However, if Ryan continues to dominate, i say give him the shot. Some other team would snap him up, otherwise. Dan does have remaining options. Little doubt he will get the call during the season if not immediately. Somebody’s likely to go on the D.L. and its damned nice to know that reliable help is only a phone call away.

The human interest story in Vogelsong, who developed in the SF organization, would be heart-warming, if after all these years, those new pitches he has developed and his greater understanding of the game; finally contribute to a strong and positive return to The Show.
twinfan said, on March 9, 2011 at 8:17 am

Mota and Suppan are also in the running for that spot. Working against Runzler is that they have two LH relievers and more importantly, he needs to be stretched out. You freak out over shit like this all the time, chill out.
Giant Head said, on March 9, 2011 at 8:18 am

Vogelsong likely is headed to Fresno and ready for the potential clal-up if Zito screws the pooch.

Doesn’t Suppan have the right to leave if he does not make the roster? Also, how has Affeldt’s health been? I have been completely swamped at work and not paid much attention to Spring Training.

I think Runzler is going to make the bullpen out of Spring Training…
twinfan said, on March 9, 2011 at 8:30 am

I’d guess that Vogelsong and Runzler both go to Fresno,Mota is released, and Suppan gets the spot initially..
Unca Chuck said, on March 9, 2011 at 9:13 am

Mota over Suppan? Ehhhh. Mota was squirrelly, but he did have some excellent outings last year. Haven’t seen much of what Soupy has done thus far.
Unca Chuck said, on March 9, 2011 at 9:14 am

Is Ted going to say it, or should I?
zumarust said, on March 9, 2011 at 9:17 am

Doomer vs. Polly, 2010 version:
- ewisco said, on March 9, 2011 at 9:45 am
  
  Zumie, I think you nailed it.
  - ewisco said, on March 9, 2011 at 9:58 pm
    
    zum, i must have watched this at least 4 or 5 times and it still kills me.
    
    atta babe!
- Bozo said, on March 9, 2011 at 11:01 am
  
  So that’s what that guy soph looks like. Very funny Zum.
- ferrethead said, on March 9, 2011 at 5:11 pm
  
  Brilliant!!!
Flavor said, on March 9, 2011 at 9:51 am

We don’t need more than one long relief guy— he’ll come in for Zito most of the time. I’d take Runzler 1000 times over Affeldt, he’s got much more dominating stuff….
Kevin said, on March 9, 2011 at 10:14 am

I think BF is right, a guy that bounces around the league and then ends up in Japan can’t be all that good.
3bagger said, on March 9, 2011 at 10:16 am

Zum with an early lead for post of the week.
twinfan said, on March 9, 2011 at 10:57 am

Affeldt is a lock, doesn’t matter what the proles want. He’s not the “long guy” anyway. He was forced into that role some last year because they didn’t have one…That’s between Runzler, Suppan, Vogelsong, and maybe Mota…
twinfan said, on March 9, 2011 at 11:01 am

I thought it was only on the Splash that the posters blamed Sabean for what the beat writer said he MIGHT do.
Mega Flavor said, on March 9, 2011 at 11:07 am

I didn’t suggest affeldt was a long guy, merely that I prefer runzler’s stuff to affeldt. I’d rather see runzler late than early
twinfan said, on March 9, 2011 at 11:12 am

Don’t worry about Runzler, he’ll be here a long time. The only issue with him is that he’s soft, as in, uh: fleshy..
eddacker415 said, on March 9, 2011 at 12:30 pm

Tuning into the game: one thing we like about ST? Day games.
I like what I saw with Vogel: most of the analysis I heard was that he did learn in Japan and is a better pitcher now.
Besides, I thought Casey Daigle would be our long guy 😛
The Texas game on csba surely showed Panda looking good, light and energetic.

Sox have a lot of offense: let’s see how ZeeTow does.
PawlieKokonuts said, on March 9, 2011 at 12:50 pm

Well, go figure: Zito pitched well in his last game and is pitching very well right now (careful, don’t jinx it). In fact, he’s down to a 3.12 ERA for ST. Maybe the little imbroglio (I like that word) over his status did him and the team a world of good. That would be f-i-n-e (I like that word, too but not as much as b-a-s-k-i-n-g).
- xootsuit said, on March 9, 2011 at 1:27 pm
  
  21 pitches thru 5 ip
eddacker415 said, on March 9, 2011 at 12:52 pm

huff goes yard
berry pitching well
eddacker415 said, on March 9, 2011 at 12:55 pm

ya know, I get that b-a-s-k-i-n-g thing.
in little ways everyday the world seems different now.
would I be greedy or ungrateful to want more?
go Giants!
PawlieKokonuts said, on March 9, 2011 at 12:56 pm

getting free audio on MLB.com, which is good for me as I work, or pretend to work
PawlieKokonuts said, on March 9, 2011 at 12:56 pm

utterly boring announcer, a real snoozer
eddacker415 said, on March 9, 2011 at 1:00 pm

oh, dear, my comments are not being published.
so if you can’t read this send me a note.
eddacker415 said, on March 9, 2011 at 1:01 pm

that one would go through
pffftttt!
eddacker415 said, on March 9, 2011 at 1:03 pm

I think I will get two copies of the same comment.
maybe
eddacker415 said, on March 9, 2011 at 1:06 pm

nope, between each of my oneish o’clock comments I have posted a short ditty, but it is not showing and these others are
colour me confused
- ewisco said, on March 9, 2011 at 1:14 pm
  
  ok, but it’s coming out as a washed-out fuscia sort of color.
  - PawlieKokonuts said, on March 9, 2011 at 1:26 pm
    
    hahahaha too clever by half, or at least 0.48999973
    
    Giants 2-0!
eddacker415 said, on March 9, 2011 at 1:32 pm

that noise you hear is Sox pitcher Grey
Unca Chuck said, on March 9, 2011 at 1:35 pm

What channel? I ain’t getting the game on TV . . .
- PawlieKokonuts said, on March 9, 2011 at 1:53 pm
  
  audio on MLB.com if you are signed up with them, ever, for any reason
Flavor said, on March 9, 2011 at 1:37 pm

ED– not sure why you were going into my spam but you were.
- eddacker415 said, on March 9, 2011 at 1:39 pm
  
  you did it on purpose
  or
  I wonder if it was the b-a-s-k-i-n-g?
  spam filters prefer Kokonuts 🙂
eddacker415 said, on March 9, 2011 at 1:37 pm

bottom of the lineup in next:
sandoval
burrell
ross
and the DH
TedSpe said, on March 9, 2011 at 1:48 pm

best…bb…ever
(sorry for the delay. I’ve been at a HIFCA Round Table all morning)
- Rough Trade said, on March 9, 2011 at 3:39 pm
  
  My day is complete.
Unca Chuck said, on March 9, 2011 at 2:26 pm

You a narc, Ted?
Kevin said, on March 9, 2011 at 2:38 pm

I am on MLB and they show the game as over 4-2 giants, where the hell are you guys listening to it
- ewisco said, on March 9, 2011 at 2:39 pm
  
  2 homers in the top of the ninth for the sox. i think soups was pitching.
- eddacker415 said, on March 9, 2011 at 3:30 pm
  
  hey, don’t you get it over the air on the knbr giants network?
  we were listening (I was) via mlb.com gameday audio which is free during ST
  sometimes.
  They also carry the comcast video feed when comcast is broadcasting a game.
  Arizona is one hour ahead of California until the time switch on Sunday.
  - ewisco said, on March 9, 2011 at 4:01 pm
    
    knbr is not doing weekday games yet. mlb.com audio feed seems to be blocked here at the ol’ jobsite so no joy there either. i do “watch” on mlb or espn gameday. nothing beats the excitment of waiting for some junior sportscaster wannabe to update the stupid thing.
ewisco said, on March 9, 2011 at 2:38 pm

A day without Rowand is like a day without hemorrhoids: no pain in the ass and no itch to scratch him.
- Unca Chuck said, on March 9, 2011 at 2:51 pm
  
  Actually you would WANT to scratch Rowand.
  
  From the lineup . . .
  
  hyuk . . .
  - ewisco said, on March 9, 2011 at 3:34 pm
    
    but he’s not in the lineup, so i can’t! but yes, that’s exactly what i was thinking.
twinfan said, on March 9, 2011 at 3:42 pm

First guy to get excited about the Zitmeister gets permanent Room B residence…
ewisco said, on March 9, 2011 at 4:02 pm

is there room service? i might be checking in for the duration.
xootsuit said, on March 9, 2011 at 4:11 pm

Fucking Zito barely got a workout today. Couple dozen pitches. The guy’s a lazy SOB, no doubt about it.
Rough Trade said, on March 9, 2011 at 4:12 pm

Also Room B for those getting excited about Suppan or Vogelsong?
- twinfan said, on March 9, 2011 at 4:13 pm
  
  Yep.
Del Mar Dennis said, on March 9, 2011 at 4:33 pm

I won’t get excited about any of those guys, but I’ll remain excited about having NO Whitey.
- xootsuit said, on March 9, 2011 at 4:46 pm
  
  PB for Stewart today.
Flavor said, on March 9, 2011 at 4:57 pm

Ewisco, you are this week’s champion and have been re-posted in the POTW page to the right. You can bask in that honor for about a week. You are also the first to christen the POTW archives.
Current Standings:
Ewisco: 1
Everyone else: 0
- ewisco said, on March 9, 2011 at 6:06 pm
  
  Thanks Craig. Truly an honor.
Flavor said, on March 9, 2011 at 5:10 pm

and I’d love to replace the current POTD but I haven’t seen much creativity out of this group today……
stixwiz said, on March 9, 2011 at 5:11 pm

Ten and four record in early ST puts the World Champs on toppa baseball once again. Only this time it doesn’t really count. Nice anyway. Hitting was light but timely. Four regulars did go Ought for Trey, though. Zito? No need to go all lady Ga-ga on him yet. True. But it is very good to see him work a quick, efficient game. Soup Pan did okay for a couple innings but then promptly fell behind Vogelsong with those two solo shot dingers in the 9th. So he got the save. Got a ways to catch up with Casey Daigle who has three of them plus a win. Quite meaningless, but fun anyhoo.

From his performance this spring Suppan should get picked up by some ML team by the opener. Zito’s performance today probably has a couple American League scouts perking their ears a bit. My feeling is that he is a misplaced AL hurler. He’s an adequate 5th starter for SF, but if those contract things could be overcome, he would be the #4 man on several AL outfits and #3 for a few.
ferrethead said, on March 9, 2011 at 5:16 pm

I’ve been lurking, but not posting. I’m totally bummed, I lost my job last week. I’m hopeful that I’ll find another, but it’s some scary-assed shit!!!

However, it did give me time to play the MLB2K11 demo I downloaded. I was really excited because it was the Giants vs. the Rangers, and I got to be the Giants. I’m afraid that the Giants lost 15 – 0 in three innings. I could only manage to get one pitch over consistently, Matt Cain made the loudest contact I could manage, and the stupid fielders didn’t know what the hell they were doing. Dumb game!!! (Or, just maybe, I SUCK!!!!)

So, if you’re so inclined, please send some positive job-getting vibes in my general direction, okay? Thanks!!!
- TedSpe said, on March 9, 2011 at 5:20 pm
  
  sux, ferret, I know. All my positive vibrations to ya
- ewisco said, on March 9, 2011 at 6:09 pm
  
  having been there i can only say, huge bummer. it is damn scary out there. I’ll keep you in my thoughts and what passes for prayers. what do you want to be when you grow up? maybe someone knows someone etc.
- xootsuit said, on March 9, 2011 at 8:05 pm
  
  Good luck, FH.
Flavor said, on March 9, 2011 at 5:34 pm

fh– I saw that on FB and I was bummed for you. I’ll keep god thoughts for you, I was out of work for a few months 2 years ago–bad, bad times. Scary is an understatement, I was awake all night freaking myself out. But I bet you come out of this with a better gig than you had before. Everything happens for a reason….
As excited as I am for The Flap Fantasy League, I am playing in several leagues and wanted to see if any of you wanted to get into one of my leagues that’s still got spots open. You go to nfbc.stats.com. Under “Leagues” click on “double play online”. Under available leagues click on March 27th, 7pm EST. That’s my league. It’s $350 to play. That’s one of their smaller leagues, if you check on what those dudes made last year they are playing for some pretty big dollars. But it’s the best $350 you’ll spend, tons of fun for 6 months. I’ve placed a few times since I started playing with them in 2007, they pay out 2 weeks after the season is over. They’ll 1099 you and everything, it’s all legit. They do an actual live draft and then you get 1000 play dollars to use to buy free agents as the season progresses. No trades to prevent cheating. Anyway, I’m done advertising for those guys, just wanted to see if any of you wanted to play in a league with a little different format than what we’re doing in the $10 Yahoo Flap League………
Rough Trade said, on March 9, 2011 at 6:29 pm

Soup can is strictly insurance against injury. It will actually be good news if he’s released and bad news is if he’s retained. Same deal with Vogelsang, imo.

Forget Wellmeyer. How about Russ Ortiz in 2007? Former 21 game winner came in and convinced everyone he was back! Reg season began, he cratered. Overall very Wellemeyer like:: 2-3, 5.51 1.571
Rough Trade said, on March 9, 2011 at 6:31 pm

Of course, I’d be happy to be proven dead wrong.
twinfan said, on March 9, 2011 at 7:04 pm

So sorry to hear about that FH. I’m sure that with your experience,you’ll find another real soon…
Of course, you have that hot PC to search online 😉
I’m not sold on that pitch count for the Zitter-or the Sox are the dumbest fucks at the plate..
DJLoo said, on March 9, 2011 at 7:13 pm

The Splash was edgy and entertaining 3-4 years ago.
- twinfan said, on March 9, 2011 at 7:25 pm
  
  That ought to get you Post of the Month, Loo..
- xootsuit said, on March 9, 2011 at 8:05 pm
  
  Zito only threw a few dozen pitches today. Fucking wimp.
- Flavor said, on March 9, 2011 at 9:16 pm
  
  gold, Loo, gold!
  - twinfan said, on March 9, 2011 at 10:13 pm
    
    How much does he pay for these?
  - twinfan said, on March 9, 2011 at 10:22 pm
    
    Well, maybe this one will fare better than the last- 0 votes. Flavor is shortchanging some good posts from Zumie, Zoot, and others for this ridiculous crap.Loo can post some cute stuff, but POTD for this? Get off the pole..
xootsuit said, on March 9, 2011 at 8:13 pm

Good luck, FH.

(BF, I tried twice to post that message as a reply and it got bounced. Maybe it’ll show up three times. Well, who cares. Only thing I’ve posted in years that deserves repetition.)
Kevin said, on March 9, 2011 at 9:05 pm

FH, I will send good vibes to find a job your way.
BF, have not heard whereto send the $10?
Might just get excited about Zero just to be the first permenant resident of Room B, does the BB show up there?
Flavor said, on March 9, 2011 at 9:30 pm

Kevin—We’ll sort that all out later but thanks for the due diligence……
Twin and I have different ideas about BB’s so his BB is unlikely to show up on my page and vice versa……..
Unca Chuck said, on March 10, 2011 at 6:34 am

Best………BB………ever………..

Honorable mention?
Unca Chuck said, on March 10, 2011 at 6:40 am

God I hate 6 am meetings.

FH, very sorry to hear about your layoff. My wife just went through that.

She was told, a week before Christmas, that she and 5 others in her co were being let go. The owner was a total asshole about it. Nothing like, ‘thanks for your hard work these past 6 years . . .’ , ‘good luck’. It was ‘listen up you guys, I’m onyl going to say this once. All the remote employees are terminated, effective immediately.’

Funny thing is, my wife just got a job (starting 3/1) with their biggest competitor. A company that passed her old company last year.