SF Giants observations: Webb throws two perfect innings in first Cactus League start

TEMPE, Ariz. — Logan Webb made quick work of the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday in his first appearance of Cactus League play, pitching two perfect innings with four strikeouts as he gears up for the World Baseball Classic.

“I’ve struggled in the past with the first one, so I’m happy I could get it out of the way,” Webb said. “I think an easy way to get it out of the way is having to face Mike Trout in your second at-bat of spring training. But, it’s a good challenge.”

For some unknown reason, Baseball Savant accidentally listed Webb’s second pitch of the afternoon as being 111.8 mph. That, of course, would be the hardest-thrown pitch in recorded history — if not for the fact that it didn’t happen.

“Nice,” Webb laughed. “That’s right.”

Manager Tony Vitello said the Giants expect Webb to have one more start for San Francisco before joining Team USA. If Webb sticks with his normal routine, his second start would be Sunday against San Diego at Scottsdale Stadium.

From there, Webb will join his fellow Americans for the tournament. As things stand, Webb is in line to pitch against Brazil at Daikin Park in Houston to begin pool play during the WBC. Even with the tournament, Webb is still in line to pitch on Opening Day.

Webb did not confirm he would start that game for the U.S., saying he will leave it to Team USA manager Mark DeRosa to make any announcement.

The two-time All-Star did confirm, however, that he is available to make multiple starts if the U.S. advances, as expected. The same cannot be said of two-time AL Cy Young Award winner and Hayward native Tarik Skubal, who will only make one WBC start before returning to Tigers camp in Florida.

Skubal, who won a landmark arbitration case for $32 million earlier this month, is set to enter free agency at the end of this season, and Webb said he understands Skubal’s decision-making. Webb was originally slated to play for Team USA in the 2023 WBC but elected to remain with the Giants. Several weeks into the ’23 season, Webb signed a five-year, $90 million extension.

“I’m not in his shoes,” Webb said. “I got three years left on my contract. He doesn’t. He’s got one year, and then he’s a free agent. So, I get the thought of it. That’s a question for him. I don’t really have any thoughts on it. … Him and his team and his agents came up with this plan. It’s his life, his career. He can do what he wants.”

The Giants will host Team USA, which will train at the nearby Papago Park in Phoenix, on March 4. Webb will not start for Team USA that day, but said during the San Ramon leg of the Giants’ FanFest Tour that he wanted to face his teammates.

Riding the international wave

The World Baseball Classic begins March 5, 11 days after the conclusion of the Winter Olympics, which saw the United States capture 12 gold medals to break its previous Winter Olympics record.

One of the many highlights during the Winter Olympics came courtesy of Oakland’s Alysa Liu, who became the first American woman to capture Olympic gold in figure skating since Sarah Hughes in 2002. The men’s and women’s hockey teams also captured gold, and several Giants broke into chants of “U-S-A” after Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal in overtime against Canada.

“I think it’s perfect timing,” Webb said. “We get to watch that, then it fires you up for the guys going and playing. I didn’t play in (the tournament) last time, but I was just as excited to watch Team USA go out there. Now, I get to be a part of it and it’s extra special.”

“Like those hockey games, it’s like playoff intensity,” Vitello said. “The fans get what they want. If you’re ever going to watch the game and learn from it … it’s an elevated sense of the importance of plays and things like that. It’s fun to watch with coaches eyes, too.”

Roupp sharp in Cactus League debut

Landen Roupp couldn’t match Webb’s perfect outing, but the right-hander tossed a scoreless inning with two strikeouts in his first spring appearance.

After winning the fifth spot in the Giants’ rotation last spring, the 27-year-old Roupp has solidified a spot in this year’s rotation alongside Webb, Robbie Ray, Adrian Houser and Tyler Mahle. With his role set, Roupp said his main goal is to stay healthy and prepare to make 30 starts this season.

Webb said he has “an extra soft spot” for Roupp and the two regularly compete, one battleground being who can generate more horizontal and vertical movement on their changeups. Like Webb, Roupp hopes to one day play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

“I really enjoy watching him compete. He’s kind of cut from the same cloth that I am,” Webb said.

“I always tell him my changeup is going to be better than his one day,” Roupp said. “He’s got a really good changeup, so that’s kind of what I’m striving for. I think I got him on the velo today.”

When a reporter jokingly retorted that Webb threw an 111.8 mph sinker, Roupp said he wasn’t buying it.

“I saw that,” Roupp said. “He won’t get that one by me, I promise. On the real pitches, I got him today.”

Worth noting

• Catcher Patrick Bailey put together three excellent plate appearances, recording a double, a sacrifice fly and a walk. Bailey generated a 109.7 mph exit velocity on his double, as well as a 107.1 mph exit velocity on his sacrifice fly.
• Catcher Jesus Rodriguez played second base for a second consecutive day and made a nifty sliding play in shallow right field. “That’s a tough play,” Vitello said. “You got a big man from right field running full speed; (Victor) Bericoto was all over it. … Excellent play right there.”