Quick Notes and a Tip of the Cap to a Close Friend
Short post this week as we recover from a nasty stomach bug that swept through our house these past two weeks. I wanted to post some quick/random thoughts that have been on my mind.
-The future game rosters were announced! The game itself is always a joy to watch and MLB does a great job creating a professional/fun environment for the players and staff involved. I do wish it was nine innings instead of seven. From a PD perspective, it isn't the best event to send players since it messes with their routine and takes away PA/IP, but in the end, the overall impact on development is minimal and the players always have a great time attending.
-A huge congrats to David Villar being added to the 40 man roster and making his MLB debut. Debuts are always special. From a PD perspective, they give you excitement about the work you are putting in to help a player achieve their dream. My favorite part of debuts are always the pictures/videos of the family. The sacrifices they have made helping the player reach the majors cannot be understated and watching them soak it all in is extremely uplifting.
-In case you missed it, I went on the "There R Giants" podcast with Roger Munter. Roger does an amazing job covering the Giants minor league system and is a must follow for any Giants fans. We discussed my time inside Baseball Operations/Player Development and went over a few players I like within the system.
-Finally, a big congrats to my close friend (and former colleague) Josh Warstler on his last day with the Giants after 12 years as he transitions to a new job outside of baseball. Josh, his wife and their pups were my second family during Spring Training when they allowed me to crash in their guest room. Spring training is 50+ days of being away from your family and working from 7am - 10pm. It can get lonely and depressing. Being able to stay at their house and have a "family" to come home to in the evening certainly made those days easier.
Josh was the Director of Arizona Field operations and one of the numerous unsung employees that played a role in any success the Player Development department has had over the past decade. The past few years he was beyond integral to the construction and completion of Papago Park. It isn't a stretch to say the new facility in Arizona may not be open at this time if it wasn't for Josh and his continued leadership on the project. There were a lot of internal voices, egos and snags throughout the construction process and Josh handled everything as a professional. Best of luck on your next adventure!