Archive for December, 2009.
Posted on December 31st, 2009 by admin in
Q&A
King: We all know Sabean is usually pretty active when it comes to the offseason. He said this year they were going to take it slow. We all didn’t think it would be this slow. What are your thoughts on the Giants taking the slow approach this offseason to make some moves?
Tim K: You know, the way this off-season has set up, I don’t know that Giants fans should’ve wanted Sabean to move too swiftly. Unless you’re throwing around huge money for Holliday or Bay–and we know the Giants aren’t doing that–then there wasn’t a lot of the Big Deal kind of player available this time around.
So the pick-up of Mark DeRosa this week was certainly not franchise-altering, but better than, say, last December’s Edgar Renteria signing, right? Or Zito, Dave Roberts and Klesko two Decembers ago.
Now, this is not going to stir up the Giants populace, nor should it. They have GOT to add 50 to100 runs or else they risk wasting another year of Lincecum-Cain.
I just don’t see how this administration–which, the last time they had large money to blow, spent it on Aaron Rowand–can do it, given this set of circumstances, unless they were suddenly willing to trade Cain, which I don’t think will happen.
The Giants just aren’t going to go over 100M in payroll. You can be upset about that, fairly. But if that’s the ceiling, with Zito and Rowand choking up the space and Lincecum’s deal to come… well, they’re sort of stuck trying to scour the bargain bin. That’s DeRosa. Maybe Jermaine Dye, etc.
King: I’m sure you’re not going to sugarcoat this answer. What do you think of Bill Neukom so far? Do you think he will open up the wallet and let Sabean get some good players?
Tim K: I’ve been fine with Neukom so far–he’s definitely analytical, which means he’s a lot less apt to go hog-wild on impulse for somebody like Zito. I think that’s a plus. Again, fans want the Zito-like deal (well, not ZITO, but many did love the Zito signing at the time,if I remember correctly), the magic fix.
Neukom’s not a magic-fix guy. Is he being stingy? Well, that’s for the bankers and ticket-buyers to decide. If the Giants remain a top-15 payroll team, which I think they will, and if they’re still loaded down by Zito, Rowand, Renteria… I’m not sure how much Neukom is going to let the money flow for anything new.
He’s counting on Posey and the next wave, if it comes, and maybe a new GM and manager in 2011 or 2012. Does that sound drastic? I think that’s where this is headed. Sabean and Bochy only got two-year deals, remember.
King: If you were the Giants GM. What would moves would you be trying to make this offseason?
Tim K: I’d buy a time machine and go back and prevent myself from ever signing Zito or Rowand. Barring that… I sure would start trying to short-sell Rowand and maybe throw in Brian Wilson if that’s what it took.
I know Wilson’s a fan favorite, TV show, all that. But unless you’re Mariano, closers don’t usually have long shelf-life. Plus Wilson is a closer coming up on arbitration who has a history of high ERAs and WHIPs. If I was the GM–and thank God I’m not–and I knew I couldn’t get a Bay or a Holliday (or trade for Adrian Gonzalez–ain’t happening), then I’d try to be forward-thinking and plan to clean my salary roll into 2011.
That means dumping Rowand, who really isn’t any good and will get increasingly less good, and if it takes sacrificing Wilson or Jonathan Sanchez to do it… Again, sounds drastic. Giants fans won’t like it. But how else is this team going to get the money to really go after the top-level hitters?
King: There is reports that the Giants have offered Mark DeRosa a two year, $12 million contract. Do you see this as a good move for the Giants if he accepts?
Tim K: Obviously, you sent this to me before the DeRosa deal came down. Not a terrible deal, but again, certainly DeRosa, at 34, coming off of wrist problems, is not going to be scaring NL pitchers or adding 50 runs to the Giants offense. He’s OK. He can play third, first, left, right… But is he a huge improvement over Randy Winn? Not really. I was not a Winn fan, but… If this offense is going to get better, the upgrade has to be more than DeRosa for Winn (or for Lewis, or Ishikawa, or whoever).
So you have Freddy Sanchez for the whole season, if his knee lets him be there for the whole season. I thought Uribe was just as good or better than Sanchez last year, and the Giants line-up stunk. Where’s the upgrade? Lose Bengie, and have nobody at center. Where’s the upgrade?
They need a thumper. I just don’t think a thumper’s out there for them. Same old, same old. But at least DeRosa’s only 34. A bit younger than Sabean’s normal free-agent signee.
King: I just wanted to say thanks again to Tim Kawakami for taking the time out of his busy life to do this Q&A for us.
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Aaron Rowand, Barry Zito, Buster Posey, Edgar Renteria, Free Agents, Giants, King of Cali, Mark DeRosa, Matt Cain, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, Pablo Sandoval, Q&A, Randy Winn, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, Tim Kawakami, Tim Lincecum
Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News says unless something crazy happens soon, in 2010 the Giants will have the same great pitching, the same fitful hitting and the same prayers that somehow this gangly group lifts the Giants close to the 95-victory mark.
Kawakami says owner Bill Neukom seems to have no urgency to push the payroll beyond $100 million, and frankly, Sabean’s history gives Neukom no reason to approve a mega-deal. December has been the time that Sabean would sign players for big money. Kawakami says fans probably should cheer when Sabean doesn’t sign anyone in December.
Basically, for 2010, the Giants need Lincecum, Cain & Co. to pitch at least as well as they did last season, which might not be possible, and, even if it happens, still might not get them to 95 victories.
King of Cali thoughts: Kawakami loves to tell it the way he see it. Which I’m sure a lot of Giants fans out there love about him. The Giants haven’t done anything yet to make Giants fans feel like we are trying to win the division. With the players we currently have signed for next season. We still do need our pitchers to go out and pitch gems every night. I really do believe Sabean isn’t done with adding a bat or two to our offense for next season. He knows that he got the free pass last year, but we can’t go into next season still saying Lincecum, Cain and pray for rain!
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Bill Neukom, Brian Sabean, Free Agents, Giants, King of Cali, Matt Cain, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, SF Giants Rumors, Tim Lincecum
Mark DeRosa
DeRosa loves the city and AT&T Park. He said it was nice to be wanted by the San Francisco Giants. He feels like the Giants are on the verge of something special. Thinks very highly of their young pitching.
When asked about how he feels about not having to face Tim Lincecum or Matt Cain. He’s happy that he’s playing defense behind them now, and not having to face them.
DeRosa said his role will be formulated in spring training. He knows he will probably be moving around to different positions. As long as he’s in the lineup, their winning and the clubhouse is fun it doesn’t matter. He does like the infield better, but it doesn’t matter he said.
DeRosa thinks his home run totals have gone up cause he picks the heads of power hitters. He waits for better counts now. DeRosa believes pitching will take you to the promise land and thinks very highly of Lincecum and Cain at the top of the rotation.
His surgery went fine. He hasn’t’ started hitting yet. He’s going to wait two more weeks before picking up a bat. He’s just been going through his offseason workout.
When asked about Albert Pujols. DeRosa believes when his career is over. He can be the best right handed hitter ever.
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Albert Pujols, AT&T Park, DeRosa, Free Agents, KNBR, Mark DeRosa, Matt Cain, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Rumors, St. Louis Cardinals, Ted Robinson, Tim Lincecum
Posted on December 30th, 2009 by admin in
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King of Cali
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Jon Heyman of SI.com said via twitter that Juan Uribe has agreed to a deal to go back to the San Francisco Giants. The signing is just pending a physical.
King of Cali thoughts: Now the ball is rolling for the Giants. First DeRosa and now Uribe. This Uribe signing is a big one to me. No he’s not a new player coming in, but he really was a force for the Giants last year. Uribe had the team having fun in the dugout and was showing his power at the plate. Uribe will be the utility player again for the Giants. The good thing about re-signing Uribe is if Edgar Renteria isn’t pulling his weight again this year. I’m sure the Bochy would have no problem turning Renteria into the utility guy and giving Uribe the everyday shortstop position. Let’s hope Sabean is still seeking another bat, so we can still add some punch to this lineup.
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Edgar Renteria, Free Agents, Giants, Juan Uribe, King of Cali, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, SF Giants Rumors
Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News said via twitter that after signing Mark DeRosa, Giants GM Brian Sabean says he’s focused on getting another bat. He has multiple offers on the table.
Baggarly also said via twitter that Giants manager Bruce Bochy isn’t sure where DeRosa or Pablo Sandoval will play/hit yet. Will be contingent on other moves to add a bat.
King of Cali thoughts: Now this is good news to hear. This is Sabean letting Giants fans know that they are not just going to settle on DeRosa. They still are looking for another bat to get some thump back in this lineup. Which makes the DeRosa signing good, because he’s a good compliment player.
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Brian Sabean, Bruce Bochy, Free Agents, Giants, King of Cali, Mark DeRosa, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, SF Giants Rumors
Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle says the Giants have had interest in third baseman Adrian Beltre. Sabean has always liked Beltre. It’s not immediately clear how the signings of DeRosa and Juan Uribe would impact their pursuit of Beltre or an outfielder.
King of Cali thoughts: If Sabean goes forward and signs Beltre. Then he’s on the same page that I’m on. We can still add Beltre or Tejada, and get this offense moving in the right direction. One of these two guys can help add some pop to a powerless Giants lineup.
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Adrian Beltre, Brian Sabean, Free Agents, Giants SF Giants Blog, Juan Uribe, King of Cali, MLB Hotstove, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Rumors, SF Giants Rumors
Chris Haft of MLB.com says the Giants are expected to announce a two year agreement with Mark DeRosa. Giants Spokesman Jim Moorehead said DeRosa flew to San Francisco on Monday and passed a physical examination.
It’s believed that the contract is worth $12 million. DeRosa is coming off wrist surgery, but is expected to be ready by spring training. Haft says that DeRosa’s signing almost certainly ends the Giants search for a first baseman, because he ans Sandoval can combine to handle the infield corners.
King of Cali thoughts: The most appealing thing about this signing is that he’s so versatile. Yes he’s 34 and will be 35 before the season starts. Yes he’s a typical Sabean signing. The good thing is that he can really help this team. He has a career .275 AVG. and did manage to hit 23 homers last year. He’s not known for his power. Which is what the Giants still need to find somewhere during this offseason still. Let’s hope Sabean is just starting to improve the offense. DeRosa is a nice compliment hitter to help the Giants lineup, but he’s not the big bat that the Giants are still looking for.
Mark DeRosa
Career Statistics
Games Played By Position
First Base 23
Second Base 304
Shortstop 139
Third Base 311
Left Field 59
Right Field 160
12 Career Games as Designated Hitter
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Free Agents, Giants, King of Cali, Mark DeRosa, MLB Hotstove, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Baseball Blog, SF Giants Rumors, SF Giants Rumors
Andrew Baggarly of San Jose Mercury news writes on his blog some of the main news points of the Mark DeRosa conference call. DeRosa doesn’t care where he plays as long as he’s in the lineup everyday. Pablo Sandoval’s position is still in limbo, because the Giants are still looking to add another bat.
Brian Sabean remains focused on adding another hitter: “it’s a chess game at this point. We’re engaged in a lot of possibilities. We’ve still got some offers on the table.” Strides have been made in bringing back Juan Uribe. There is a possibility he could be the everyday third baseman.
Matt Holliday doesn’t seem like a fit for the Giants. His contract demands are too high for the Giants. Baggarly says other sources say the Giants haven’t re-engaged Scott Boras on Adrian Beltre, either.
Buster Posey is a perfectly fine option to start the season if free agent catchers continue to demand multiple years at high figures.
DeRosa said he came up as an infielder, which is where he feels more involved in the flow of the game, but he doesn’t care where he plays. He has always enjoyed playing in San Francisco and the Giants showed the greatest interest in him. “I was just tired of being a lot of teams plan B,” DeRosa said.
King of Cali thoughts: I’m sure most of the Giants fans that keep it real to themselves knew the Giants wouldn’t be a real contender to land Bay or Holliday. The Giants can still put a good team together for 2010. Now that Sabean has said the Giants are still looking to add a bat.
The Giants still had a very good season last year, and that was with a very bad offense. This year we will have Freddy Sanchez for a full season, and now DeRosa as well. That’s already two positive things to look at for next season. I’m not saying that’s enough, but at least we are moving in the right direction. Let’s see what else Sabean has cooking.
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Adrian Beltre, Brian Sabean, Buster Posey, Freddy Sanchez, Free Agents, Giants, Juan Uribe, King of Cali, Mark DeRosa, Matt Holliday, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants Baseball, Scott Boras, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, SF Giants Rumors
Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com says via twitter that Mark DeRosa is close with the San Francisco Giants on a two year deal.
The Giants are expected to use DeRosa at third base and also as a super-utility man who could fill in at multiple positions.
King of Cali thoughts: Now this isn’t the deal that I’m sure most Giants fans have been looking for, but at least it’s a step in the right direction. This isn’t a bad move as long as they continue to sign or trade for another player. Let’s just be happy that our team is now starting to improve. Lets now sign Tejada, Beltre or trade for Uggla!
UPDATE
It has been said via twitter by ESPN that DeRosa has take a physical for the San Francisco Giants.
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Free Agents, Giants, King of Cali, Mark DeRosa, MLB Hot Stove, MLB Rumors, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, SF Giants Rumors
