The opener. Executed to perfection.
That’s what Gabe Kapler did yesterday. What was apparent – a kid was struggling with the pressure of the big-league environment as a starter – directed the logic. The reliever with the best win/loss record was given the start with the intention of only using him for two innings. Then the change was made, despite it being unorthodox, and the move was a huge success.
Logan Webb, a 23-year-old rookie who has struggled mightily this year – so much so I said he shouldn’t be a Giant next year – was due to pitch in this very important game against the Rockies.
Kapler started Caleb Baragar, a win-vulture (5 – 1) among the middle inning relievers, just for two innings. When Webb got to the mound in the third, he was much cooler and at ease. Settled in, handled it.
I have never seen the strategy of “the opener” used before. That was a clinic.
Giants won 7 – 2. Longo went yard, Dubey went yard and Belt, Crawford and Duggar all had RBIs.
It will be Kevin Gausman on the mound for the G-men. He will be facing Chi Chi Gonzalez (0 – 2, 7.53), a righty. Donovan Solano gets a well-earned rest. Wilmer Flores will take his spot in Kapler’s lineup, which is the only change from yesterday:
Austin Slater (DH)
Alex Dickerson (LF)
Wilmer Flores (2B)
Brandon Belt (1B)
Brandon Crawford (SS)
Evan Longoria (3B)
Mauricio Dubon (C)
Joey Bart (C)
Steven Duggar (RF)
Kapler said we might see a bench appearance by Yaz as soon as today! Hopefully he’s not necessary, but that would be awesome to see him back out there again.
Let’s Go Giants! Let’s Make that Playoff Push!!!! I want to play the Bums!
Pound the Rocks! Pulverize the Rocks! Crush em!
Let’s Gooooooooooooooooooo!
Giants Baseball Corner 
2 responses to “Gabe Kapler Uses “The Opener” Brilliantly to Set Up the Struggling 23-Year-Old Logan Webb; Longo and the Kids Knock ’em in. Big Win!”
commented on
[…] Kapler’s use of the “opener” was brilliant and effective. He changed the order with intent successfully. His goofy shifts were mind-boggling, and sometimes worked – that’s math! Math made guys pick up where others left off, so there was always a hot hitter: Longoria to Yaz to Donnie Barrels to Dickerson. It was exciting, the best baseball in SF in a while, and we almost made the playoffs. […]
commented on
[…] in a row before losing to the Rockies last night. Gabe Kapler employed the Opener Strategy again. He started it last year for the benefit of Logan Webb. Without a fifth starter this year, Kapler has now tried the Opener […]