Much like the San Francisco Giants and their other minor league affiliates, 2017 has not been kind to the Sacramento River Cats. Currently, the team sits in last place in the Pacific Coast League’s Northern Division due in large part to the struggles of their starting rotation.
“One thing about the (Pacific) Coast League, it’ll humble you real quick,” said the longtime voice of the River Cats, Johnny Doskow, in the latest edition of the KNBR Minor League Podcast. “This is a league that’s very unforgiving on pitchers…but I do think a lot of (the pitching struggles are) growing pains, but I think the future is bright.”
One of the more notable pitchers going through said growing pains is top prospect Tyler Beede, who is currently sporting a 5.12 ERA. But Doskow believes he still has the stuff to be a major league starter, just maybe not this season.
“He’s gonna have the great games and he’s gonna struggle some,” Doskow said of Beede, “but it’s just a matter of time. He might be a September call up but I don’t think it would hurt him to get even more time in AAA next year before he does get called up.”
Despite the overall struggles for Sacramento, outfielder/1st baseman Chris Shaw has been a major positive for the organization and has caught the attention of Giants fans. Shaw hasn’t missed a beat since being called up to AAA, batting .295 with 9 homers and 25 RBI in 176 at bats. Doskow spoke very highly of the top prospect’s ability both on and off the field.
“He’s good man, he’s fun to watch too…he has a really mature approach…I think Giants fans will be impressed with this guy once he does arrive.”
To hear more from Johnny Doskow and learn about the Sacramento River Cats and some of their most notable players, check out the latest edition of the KNBR Minor League Podcast below.