Archive for February, 2010.
Murph and Mac of KNBR the Giants Flagship Station. Did a phone interview this morning with Pablo Sandoval. He says feels great so far this spring.
Pablo says he’s going to stay a free swinger, but he will take some pitches this year. He’s still going to be aggressive, but when guys are on base and he’s trying to drive in runs. He will look for better pitches to hit.
Sandoval says he will be wearing new prescription glasses this year. He will be using them for defense and at the plate. They are sporty glasses (Oakley’s), so no goggles. He says he can see the ball better now with these glasses.
Brian Murphy asked Sandoval if he’s okay with whatever weight he’s at or if he wants to change his body. Sandoval said he does want to change his body, so he can prolong his career.
When asked about the new (team) socks. Sandoval said he’s going keep his pant legs down, and not sport the high pants to show the socks.
He thinks this year is going to be different. He believes they have a stronger team. They have the good pitching staff and now they have the offense. The Panda says everyone has to be-careful of the Giants this year.
~King of Cali
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Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle says reliever Sergio Romo limped briefly after he twisted his right ankle during pitchers fielding drills on Wednesday. It was a minor ankle turn that did not prevent him from continuing with drills or throwing a bullpen session.
Team president Larry Baer said tickets sales are up, and they are one pace to reach 3.1 million.
Bruce Bochy said Freddy Sanchez might take ground-balls as soon as this weekend.
King of Cali thoughts: I’m glad it’s just a minor sprain. I really think Romo is a good piece in our bullpen. He’s got an edge to him when he’s on the mound. He gets the crowd into it when he gets that strike out to end the inning, and runs off the mound. I’m sure his ankle will be better by opening day, and not worse.
I can see why the tickets sales have gone up this year. It seems like a lot more fans are excited going into the start of this season. We know what our pitching staff can do. Now we are starting this season with a more balanced offense than we did a year ago. We just needed to score more runs last year. This year we know we have the potential to score a few more runs.
It’s nice to hear that F-Sanchez is getting close. This guy is going to be a big key to our lineup. He’s going to be on base in-front of our middle of the lineup. He’s a great hitter that Giants fans haven’t really got to see yet. I’m sure he will change a lot of minds of the fans that have been critical of him since the trade.
~King of Cali
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Chris Haft of MLB.com chimes in on John Bowker. Bowker possesses more power than any other Giants with the possible exception of first baseman Aubrey Huff. Bowker has recorded his best numbers in the high Minor Leagues, since he has tended to swing over-anxiously during his stints in San Francisco in the previous two seasons.
Bruce Bochy said “Johnny has the power to this the ball out of any ballpark anywhere, [even] right-center in our ballpark.”
Bowker thrived last year at Triple-A Fresno, where he led the Pacific Coast League in batting average (.342), on-base percentage (.451) and slugging percentage (.596) while amassing 21 homers and 83 RBI’s in just 366 at-bats.
King of Cali thoughts: Bowker doesn’t seem like the same player in San Francisco than he does in Fresno. He starts to press and looks over-matched. He’s only going to get more comfortable in San Francisco with more at-bats. The power is there. It’s just getting him to his comfort zone at the plate. I really do see him turning into a major league player in the near future. He’s only got one option left, so he may not make the opening day roster.
One good thing is he does have the same hitting coach as he did in Fresno. He might be able to keep Bowker’s head in the game at the plate. If he can get hot at the plate and show some power. You better believe Bochy will find ways to get his power bat into the lineup. He can play left, right and first base.
~King of Cali
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Bruce Bochy told the media that the fifth spot in the rotation is more of an open competition now that the Giants have signed Todd Wellemeyer. Bochy also mentioned Kevin Pucetas and Joe Martinez as peripheral candidates.
Bochy also wanted to clear up some comments he made earlier this month. Buster Posey will take some grounders at first base, so the organization can have some options. This will also give him occasional rests from catching to stay fresh while keeping his bat in the lineup every day.
“He’s a catcher,” Bochy said. “We’re not trying to convert him.”
Uniform Number Change
Kevin Frandsen gave back his No.19 to pitching coach Dave Righetti and received No.9 instead. Frandsen said it’s time for a fresh start. Hence, the new number. He’s trying to win a utility job, but he still does have one more minor league option left.
Baggarly said in his article with the San Jose Mercury News that Aaron Rowand has lost 10 pounds. Rowand says he feels stronger and quicker. He’s been cycling since October, long before Bochy called to tell him that he would be the teams leadoff hitter. He averaged four days a week on the cycle and roughly figures he ticked off 2,200 miles.
King of Cali thoughts: I must say I’m really impressed. It’s one thing for players to say they are going to get in better shape during the offseason, and it’s another to do it. Rowand just looked to big and bulky last season. Like he couldn’t move good swinging the bat. I just hope he doesn’t try to hit homers and just makes good contact with the ball. If he does that. Then I’m sure we will see him on base a lot more. Maybe the leadoff spot is the best spot for him, cause he knows he has to get on base. Not try to drive in runs.
I think the open competition for the fifth spot in the rotation is a good thing. Let your pitching speak for itself on the field. I say whoever has the best stuff going into the start of the season. Should be the guy in the fifth spot of the rotation. With that said, I don’t see any of these guys beating out Madison Bumgarner. He’s going to show everyone that age doesn’t matter. When you’re ready… you’re ready!
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Aaron Rowand, Bruce Bochy, Buster Posey, Dave Righetti, Free Agents, Joe Martinez, Kevin Frandsen, Kevin Pucetas, King of Cali, Madison Bumgarner, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Rumors, SFGiants Blog, Todd Wellemeyer
Chris Haft of MLB.com gives us some mixed injury news. He reports that Freddy Sanchez said that his surgically repaired left shoulder was healing ahead of schedule. Sanchez will begin taking ground balls this week. He’s still unsure whether he’d be ready to play by Opening Day (April 5th in Houston).
Haft reports that Travis Ishikawa tore two ligaments in his left foot in a mishap at home three weeks ago and will not participate in workouts until early March. He slipped while descending a stairway. The injury is described as an extreme case of “turf toe.”
Ishikawa will be re-examined on Feb. 26 an he hopes to avoid an operation.
King of Cali thoughts: Well this isn’t the worse news possible, so lets be happy that Sanchez is on the right track. We need to get his bat in the lineup sooner rather than later. He will be a big key to sparking rally’s in-front of Pablo Sandoval, Aubrey Huff and Mark DeRosa. This isn’t really a sexy lineup, but I’m starting to really feel it. Baseball is in the air Giants fans!
The Ishikawa news is sad for him to start off hurt, but I’m just glad it’s not a key player that were banking on. Now with this injury and possibly surgery. I wonder if this will give the Giants more reason to get Buster Posey some playing time at first base. Things that make you go hmmmmm.
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Aubrey Huff, Buster Posey, Freddy Sanchez, Free Agents, King of Cali, Mark DeRosa, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, Spring Training, Travis Ishikawa
Chris Haft of MLB.com reports that Jonathan Sanchez has gained 12 pounds to boost his weight to 200 pounds. “Slender” still best describes the 6-foot-2 Sanchez’s physique says Haft.
Sanchez’s weight gain should help him impart more force on his pitches, particularly his already lively fastball. “it’ll have more velocity and it’s going to rise more,” and upbeat Sanchez said recently.
Imagine how formidable the Giants rotation, led by Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Barry Zito, would be with Sanchez, the projected fourth starter, winning 12-15 games. The Giants haven’t had four double-digit winners in one season since ‘02, when all five primary starters (Livan Hernandez, Russ Ortiz, Kirk Rueter, Jason Schmidt and Ryan Jensen) exceeded 12 victories apiece for the National League champions.
King of Cali thoughts: I believe Sanchez’s confidence is exactly where it needs to be going into this 2010 season. He’s always showed some dominate stuff, but once someone got a big hit off him. You knew it was all down hill from there. He just seems to have taken a big stride ever since he tossed that no-hitter. He may end up having a pretty good year in the 4th spot of the rotation this year.
Sanchez career numbers are 21-30 with a 4.81 ERA. It’s nothing to write home about, but I think he’s going to turn a corner this year. I’m hoping he’s going to hit the gas and not stop till he’s headed towards an elite pitching status. What are your thoughts on the kind of year you think Sanchez will have?
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Barry Zito, Free Agents, Giants, Jason Schmidt, Jonathan Sanchez, King of Cali, Kirk Rueter, Livan Hernandez, Matt Cain, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, Russ Ortiz, Ryan Jensen, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Rumors, Tim Lincecum
A glance at the everyday lineup shows none of that is happening. Six of the eight position players are in their 30’s and were acquired via free agency or trade.
Baggarly asks the questions. Will an older, slower lineup score more runs?
I think they can,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy said.”
King of Cali thoughts: This lineup is definitely a slow one. You won’t see many straight steals, or anyone really burning up the base paths. I do however think this team will be more capable of scoring more runs on a consistent basis. The lineup is much more balanced throughout the lineup. I’m sure a couple players will have some bounce back years as well.
I do get tired of hearing the Giants over achieved last year. How is it over achieving if your pitching staff is really just that damn good? You have an ace in Tim Lincecum who can pretty much win every time out if he can get some decent run support. Matt Cain is capable of being a 20 game winner as well. Barry Zito has his ups and downs, but he had a stretch where he looked like the Zito of old. Jonathan Sanchez got his confidence back when he tossed a no-hitter, and he can possible take a big step this year as a more elite pitcher. Now you’re even throwing Madison Bumgarner in the mix at the end of the rotation. This guy can flat out pitch, and in time will be a front of the rotation kind of a guy.
The Giants are starting out with another great starting rotation in 2010, so if you can get a few more runs here and there. Then you would be able to get a few more wins than you did last year. Let me guess Giants critics… This will be considered another year of over achieving?
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Barry Bonds, Barry Zito, Bruce Bochy, Free Agents, Jonathan Sanchez, King of Cali, Madison Bumgarner, Matt Cain, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, Tim Lincecum
Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune says why some people are picking the Giants to win the NL West: Rookie left-hander Madison Bumgarner, penciled in as the fifth starter, is 27-5 with a 1.65 ERA in 49 games as a pro. Imagine that stacked behind Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Barry Zito and Jonathan Sanchez.
King of Cali thoughts: I really can’t see anyone beat out Bumgarner for the fifth spot in the rotation. I’m sure the Giants management would like to see him get more seasoning in the minors, but he’s already proven that he’s far superior in the minors. He’s young, but he’s already got big league stuff. Do you think Bumgarner is ready to be our fifth starter?
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Barry Zito, Free Agents, Giants, Jonathan Sanchez, King of Cali, Madison Bumgarner, Matt Cain, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, Tim Lincecum
Today was the day that the Giants and Tim Lincecum had their arbitration hearing. It’s been reported that they were outside and asked for a little time so they can work out a deal before going in the arbitration room. Well they got the time they needed, because they got a two-year deal worked out. Lincecum and the Giants agreed to two years at $23 million. Lincecum will get $8 million this year, and $13 million next year. Yes, I know that doesn’t add up to $23 million. The remaining $2 million is going to be paid as a signing bonus, which will be paid over the two years.
Now that Lincecum has been signed. The Giants are pretty much set to start spring training. I don’t see anymore signings happening before the season starts. There has been a lot of players that have been linked to the Giants this offseason. Below is a list that SF Giants Rumors put together of who’s in for 2010.
Key Additions
Aubrey Huff - 1B (free agent from Detroit Tigers)
The Giants are hoping Huff can return to his 2008 form with the Baltimore Orioles. Where he hit .304 with 32 homers and 108 RBI’s
2009 - Huff had a down year. He batted .253 with 13 homers in Baltimore in 110 games. He was then traded to the Detroit Tigers where he hit .189 with 2 homers in 40 games.
Contract – 1 Year, $3 Million (2010)
Career – .282 AVG 203 HR’s
Mark DeRosa - IF/OF (free agent from ST. Louis Cardinals)
DeRosa will likely play left field for the Giants. The Giants are penciling him in to the 5th spot of the order where they are hoping he can turn into a RBI machine.
2009 – DeRosa started the year out with the Cleveland Indians and then was later traded to the St Louis Cardinals. DeRosa played 71 games for the Indians and batted .270 with 13 homers.
For the Cardinals he hit .228 with 10 homers in 68 games.
Contract – 2 Years, $12 Million (10-11)
Career – .275 AVG with 92 HR’s
Bengie Molina - C (re-signed by the San Francisco Giants)
The Giants shocked me with the signing of Molina. I mean if you would have asked me before if I would love Molina back for 4.5 million for 1 year. I would have have said yes in a heartbeat. I am ready for the Posey era but it can wait a bit for Molina. Pitchers love to pitch to him. Now we don’t need to replace his production of 20 homers and 80 RBI’s. The best part of it is he’s going to hit 6th in the lineup. He’s out of the cleanup spot. Molina wanted a muliti-year deal so the Giants counted themselves out of the hunt. The Mets didn’t give him what he wanted, he decided to pass the Mets $5 million offer to sign with the Giants for $4.5 million for one year.
2009 – .265 AVG with 20 HR’s and 80 RBI’s
Contract – 1 Year, $4.5 Million (2010)
Career - .276 AVG with 139 HR’s
Juan Uribe - IF (re-signed by the San Francisco Giants)
Uribe was the hottest Giants hitter towards the end of the season. He was having big hits and big homers. This Guy was a true asset to bring back because he can play multiple positions and he has some pretty good pop too. If Renteria isn’t pulling his weight. Uribe can force himself into the starting role at SS when Sanchez is back and healthy.
2009 – .289 AVG with 16 homers and 55 RBI’s in 122 games
Contract – 1 Year, $3.25 Million (2010)
Career - .257 AVG with 127 HR’s
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Aubrey Huff, Bengie Molina, Free Agents, Giants, Juan Uribe, King of Cali, Mark DeRosa, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Rumors, Tim Lincecum
