Archive for the What If? category.
Posted on February 8th, 2010 by admin in
What If?
What If…Freddy Sanchez isn’t ready for Opening day? What does it mean for the Giants lineup
By Darrin Reyes
Guest Post
Freddy Sanchez had shoulder surgery in the off season and may not be ready for opening day. Based off the signing this off season the easy stand in for Freddy would be Juan Uribe. I think that putting Uribe in while Sanchez is away would be a good move but I’m not sure if it would be the best move for the Giants. All Giants fans hope that Freddy Sanchez will be ready for opening day. What if he isn’t?
Freddy Sanchez is a career .299 hitter with only 38 career home runs in 9 MLB seasons. He is not the big bat that all Giants fans are accustomed to but he serves a different role in the Giants line up. He is a great situational hitter that will help the Giants greatly when healthy. His absence will change the whole dynamic of the Giants line up.
Projected Line up with Sanchez
1. Rowand 2. Sanchez 3. Sandoval 4. Huff 5. DeRosa 6. Molina 7. Renteria 8. Schierholtz
The Giants have 4 players that could fill in as second baseman in Freddy’s absence. Juan Uribe, Eugenio Velez, Mark DeRosa and Emmanuel Burriss.
Juan Uribe
Juan Uribe was third on the team with 16 home runs last year but with the additions made this off season he becomes the player with the 5th most in 2009. Everyone knows that he is a free swinger and is the complete opposite of what Sanchez is. I think he would be a good fit but not the best for the Giants. He wouldn’t be a player you would want batting 2nd in your line up.
Possible Line up with Uribe at 2B
1. Rowand 2. DeRosa 3. Sandoval 4. Huff 5. Molina 6. Uribe 7. Renteria 8. Schierholtz
Eugenio Velez
After being called up in July he was one of the most productive Giants in 2009. He is someone that can be put in at the top of the line up and not damage the heart of the line up that the Giants have built from the moves this off season. He had 10 stolen bases while batting in the lead off spot in 2009. Having Velez at the lead off would bring Rowand to bat 2nd. Moving Rowand to 2nd in the batting order could give him better pitches to hit because he would have Sandoval batting behind him. The other benefit of having Velez is that he is also able to play outfield. Which brings one of the other possible players that could stand in for Sanchez.
Mark DeRosa
DeRosa has been a utility man for most of his career. He is projected to be the starting left fielder but he has spent 282 games of his 12 year career at second base. He only has 12 more games at third base over second. It is very possible for him to start at second base while Sanchez is away then move him back to outfield upon his return. There is no downfall to him being at second or in the outfield. I believe the most important factor would be keeping him in the heart of the line up.
Possible Line up with Velez 2B/LF and DeRosa at LF/2B
1. Velez 2. Rowand 3. Sandoval 4. Huff 5. DeRosa 6. Molina 7. Renteria 8. Schierholtz
Emmanuel Burriss
Burriss has arguably the best arm for a position player in the Giants organization. He is among the fastest on the team. He’s a switch hitter that can possibly be the table setter that the Giants need at the top of the line up. He was sent down last year and did suffer a season ending foot injury in July. In 2009 he beat out Velez, Uribe, Aurilia and Frandsen in spring training to become the opening day second baseman. If he does well this spring training he may be able to win his spot as the stand in. This is something that could happen but I don’t it happening. I think he should stay down and would be better to be the short stop of the future.
Possible Line up with Burriss
1. Burriss 2. Rowand 3. Sandoval 4. Huff 5. DeRosa 6. Molina 7. Renteria 8. Schierholtz
Kevin Frandsen and Matt Downs are not currently at the level of even Emmanuel Burriss. One of them could have a great spring training that could earn them a spot on the opening day roster but its something I don’t see coming. Burriss won the starting second baseman job last year only to be sent down mid season. The versatility of DeRosa could change the future for a Giant in 2010 while Sanchez is away. A good spring training for Torres or Bowker could even win one of them the spot in left field and have DeRosa start the year at second base.
I think the best fit for the Giants on opening day would be Velez put in at the top of the order while Sanchez is away. Having Velez at the top would keep the new core of the giants line up intact. That would bring Rowand to second in the order and may help him improve his numbers. I think any change to the line up should be only done at the first and second place in the order. I believe that Uribe does not make the best fit for the Giants line up in Sanchez absence. Uribe may be a better replacement for Renteria but that What If has not been written yet….
This is a Guest Post. If you would like to write a Guest Post. Please submit your article to me via the contact us page.
Technorati Tags: Emmanuel Burriss, Eugenio Velez, Freddy Sanchez, Giants, Guest Post, Juan Uribe, Kevin Frandsen, Mark DeRosa, Matt Downs, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, San Francisco Giants Rumors, SF Giants Blog
Posted on November 19th, 2009 by admin in
What If?
What If Barry Zito had Adrian Gonzalez in the line up when he pitched?
by Darrin Reyes
Last year Barry Zito had the lowest run support for the Giants rotation in 2009. As Giants fans we know that one big bat added to the line up could have added a lot more wins and possibly a playoff birth. If Adrian Gonzalez was on the team it could be the added push that the Giants need to get into the playoffs. The difference that he may have brought is going to examined here.
Only Barry Zito starts are being talked about in this post. Other pitchers and other hopeful Giants will be brought up in future post. Here are guidelines:
1. On the day of the pitcher start, the players stats from that day will be used in the Giants line up that day.
*If player was off that day the next days stats may be used.
2. The players stat will be placed in the spot in the line up of the player he is replacing.
*If Ishikawa batting 6th than Gonzalez will be 6th. This is just to show the difference the player makes to the line up.
3. If the players current team is against the Giants the current Giants roster players stat will swap.
4. On the days Pablo Sandoval played first base, the numbers from the third baseman will be switched for the inserted player.
The changes to the line up may not all be good. It may increase more losses as well as wins.
After reviewing all the games that Zito pitched and including the numbers of Adrian Gonzalez the results are as follows. Zito’s record would be increased to have 16 wins and 10 losses compared to last years record of 10 wins and 13 losses. The Giants would have an additional 3 wins to their record. The additional 3 wins would’ve made the Giants record to be 91 and 71. One of the games that was changed from a loss to a win included the Monday Massacre against the Colorado Rockies on August 24. This would have changed the Rockies record to be 91 and 71 which matches the Giants record. Its very possible that the addition of Adrian Gonzalez would’ve made a couple more wins that would set the Giants passed the Rockies and maybe even the Dodgers.
As Giants fans all we can do is hope that a big bat is acquired this off season. Once an addition is made to the roster will the What If questions be answered? It will also bring more What If questions to all Giants fans. We know a change needs to be made and all we can do now is wait and see.
Technorati Tags: Adrian Gonzalez, Barry Zito, Free Agents, Giants, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Rumors, What If?
Posted on November 12th, 2009 by admin in
What If? What If the Giants Don’t Sign Molina, Who’s Out There?
by Darrin Reyes
There is a big possibility that the Giants may not re-sign Bengie Molina for the 2010 season. All the Giants fans know that Buster Posey is moving his way up the Giants farm system, but he probably wont be ready by opening day in 2010. The Giants will need to sign a catcher that would be willing to sign for only one year. However if they sign a player for 2 years the second year may be in a back up role.
Rod Barajas
His numbers look to match up to Molina’s the most out of the four candidates. He finished last year with 19 Doubles, 19 Home Runs and 71 RBIs while Bengie has 25 Doubles, 20 HR and 80 RBIs. Rod Barajas has spent 11 years as a major league catcher which is only 1 year less than Molina. The upside is that he’s not a player that going break the bank. He made $2.5 million last year while Molina made $6 million. The Giants could give him a two year deal for $8 million and I think that would be a good deal for him. They could do have the deal be $6 million for ‘10 and $2 million for ‘11 or $5 million for ‘10 and $3 million for ‘11. I think the $6 million and $2 million deal would be better for the Giants because his role in 2011 would be more as back up rather than an everyday catcher. The Giants could also add a buyout option for ‘11.
Henry Blanco
Henry Blanco seemed to be a Giant killer in 2009. He batted .357 vs. the Giants in 2009 with 3 of his 6 Home Runs against the Giants. Blanco has played for 12 seasons with most of his time as a back up catcher. He’s only caught over 100 games twice in his career with the last time being in 2004. He is not a catcher that will stunt the growth of Posey since Blanco is used to being a back up anyways. He only made 750k last year so he’s not someone that is going to be asking for a whole lot. I think the Giants could offer him a 2 year deal for $5 million. Splitting the contract per year would be good but a safer bet would be adding in a buyout option just in case Posey makes his way up faster through the farm system then expected.
Jason Kendall
Jason Kendall is a player that is also on the down side of his career. He will be going into his 15 season in 2010. He would be the type of player that Giants could use to help Posey as well as the rest of the offense. He has been a big contact hitter for his career. He’s not someone that is going to hit a lot of home runs like Molina but he will help manufacture a run. These abilities has made him a lead off hitter for most of his career. On the Giants I don’t think he would be a lead off hitter but he could help Velez become the everyday lead off hitter they need. He is a very skilled catcher that could also help the growth of Posey as well. He made $5 million in 2009 so he is going to be a little more pricey than Blanco or Barajas. I think he would be a good player to sign, but the money should be used elsewhere.
Ivan Rodriguez
Pudge was a player that was unsigned going into the 2009 season. He showed everyone in baseball that he can still play from his performance in the World Baseball Classic. He has played for 19 seasons with 13 Gold Gloves, 14 All Star appearances, 7 Silver Slugger Awards and 1 MVP. He is a player that his credentials speak for themselves. As long as he still has the drive to play I believe he will do well. He would be a player that would be willing to take a one year contract. Last year he was only signed for 1.5 million. He clearly wants to play and he’s not the type of player to ask for a lot. However the Giants may need to pay more for him to come, because he will have options.
I think the Giants need to go after Barajas or Rodriguez. Bengie Molina was a great Giant but I think his time as a Giant has ended. The Giants should go after a lower costing catcher so the money could be used elsewhere.
Technorati Tags: Buster Posey, Free Agents, Giants, Henry Blanco, Hot Stove, Ivan Rodriguez, Jason Kendall, MLB Players Contracts, Rod Barajas, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Rumors, What If?
Posted on November 10th, 2009 by admin in
What If? What If that we know Part 2 Cain for Fielder
By Darrin Reyes
Matt Cain for Prince Fielder
Comparing contracts. Matt Cain is signed until next year for 4.25 Mil with a club option for 2011 for 6.25 mil. Prince Fielder is signed until 2010 and will be making 10.5 Mil for the Brewers. The Giants should be willing to take the additional payroll for a player that is well worth the amount. Agreeing to pay the extra amount should be fine with all the extra money coming off the Giants payroll in 2010.
Giants need a big bat desperately but is it worth the cost of losing one of their big arms? Prince Fielder is ahead of every Giant in all category except for Pablo Sandoval’s batting average and total hits.
How the Numbers compare
In 2009 Fielder had 46 Hrs, 141 RBIs, 103 Runs, 110 BBs and 138 SOs.
Bengie Molina 20 HRs +Pablo Sandoval 25 HR would match up to Fielder’s 46 HR
Bengie Molina 80 RBI + Aaron Rowand 64 RBI exceeds Fielder’s 141 RBIs
No one on Giants had over 80 Runs in 2009
Bengie Molina 52 Runs + Juan Uribe 52 Runs would be behind Fielder’s 103 Runs
Randy Winn 47 BB + Edgar Renteria 39 BB + Juan Uribe 25 BB barely passes Fielder’s 110 BB
Prince had 138 SOs in 2009 and only Aaron Rowand had over 100 SOs last year.
The input of Fielder would give an instant surge to the Giants line up. The home runs increase would be great but I believe that the bigger stats that he would bring to the Giants are the RBIs and the walks. The Giants players are a bunch of table setting players and they really don’t have anyone that can close the deal. Last year the Giants got shut down over 2 dozens times with no runs when they had bases loaded with no outs. Most Giants fan still have nightmares about this true story. Prince Fielder had 51 RBIs more than Pablo Sandoval last year. Looking back, that many additional runs could have given the Giants more than 10 more wins. If the Giants had that many more wins they would’ve made the playoffs and led the National League in wins.
Matt Cain had his best year in 2009 with 14 wins and a 2.89 ERA. His numbers do validate his worth for the trade to be a possibility for the Brewers. He would be among the leaders on Brewers if on there staff. If the Giants sign Brad Penny it could increase the possibility of putting Matt Cain on the trading block. The Giants do have a few good young arms to add to their rotation in case of a trade.
Projected Line up with Fielder (with current Giants roster)
Velez LF
Sanchez 2B
Sandoval 3B
Fielder 1B
Schierholtz RF
Molina C (if resigned)
Rowand CF
Renteria SS
Technorati Tags: Aaron Rowand, Bengie Molina, Edgar Renteria, Hot Stove, Juan Uribe, Matt Cain, MLB Trade Rumors, Pablo Sandoval, Prince Fielder, Randy Winn, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Rumors, What If?
Posted on November 9th, 2009 by admin in
What If?
The What Ifs that we know…. Part 1
by Darrin Reyes
During the 2009 season many What If style transactions were talked about on sports talk radio, forums and even on twitter. Many are still possible but what they could mean to the giants are still unclear.
Aaron Rowand for Milton Bradley Straight up.
Milton Bradley has been a cancer to the Cubs. He was suspended for the remainder of the season on 9/20/2009. Aaron Rowand has been a good locker room Giant but that’s the only good thing he has brought to the Giants since signing.
Both have similar contracts. According to Cot’s Baseball Contracts. Rowand is signed until 2012 with making 12 million a year. Bradley has 2 years left with a performance based club option for 2012. 9 mil for 2010, 12 mil for 2011 with club option for 12 mil. The Cubs would be losing 3 mil by taking the deal but may be worth it to get rid of the problems that Bradley has brought to the organization.
Aaron Rowand and Milton both had similar numbers in the 2009 season. Rowand had a higher batting average by 4 points, 3 more home runs and 24 more RBIs. Rowand played 20 more games than Bradley due to his suspension which gave Rowand 106 more At-Bats and 30 more Strike Outs. Strike Outs have always been an issue for Rowand with having over 100 SOs for 4 of the last 5 years. Bradley has only had over 100 SOs in 1 of the last 5 years.
What Milton Bradley will bring to the Giants. One big downside for the Giants is that Bradley has baggage. He doesn’t have a Bonds style baggage but he may be a problem for a young locker room. Going to the Giants can give him a fresh start that he will not get from the Cubs. It also keeps a right handed bat in the line up to a team that already has a lot of left handed batters. He is a switch hitter which would keep in the everyday line up because we know how Bochy likes to go with “The Match-Ups.” This factor will help the Giants by maintaining stability in the line up due to his presence. Often in 2009 the Giants did not have the same line up on back to back days because of Bochy following the Lefty/Righty match ups. From looking at his number he has performed better while on a young team rather than a team with more veteran players. He had his best year in 2008 on a young Texas Ranger team which he helped get to be 2nd in the AL West after being last in AL West in 2007.
If he would come to the Giants I see him as being a Left Fielder, with having Velez and Schierholtz filling out the rest of the outfield. The Giants would still need to get a big bat to play in the infield because the outfield is still crowded.
Possible Line Up with Bradley (with Giants current roster)
Velez CF
Sanchez 2B
Sandoval 1B
Bradley LF
Uribe 3B (if he re-signs)
Schierholtz RF
Molina C (if he re-signs)
Renteria SS
Technorati Tags: Aaron Rowand, Milton Bradley, MLB Rumors, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Rumors, Trade Talk, What If's
Posted on November 6th, 2009 by admin in
What If? The “What If Game”
by Darrin Reyes
As fans and players we are all striving to have the best team. Players need to be ready for any situation that comes up. Fans hope that nothing bad happens to our players. Everyone is thinking of what may happen at every moment of the game. In baseball this is called the “What If game.”
The What If column will be bringing the baseball/giants fans the written form of the What If game. All the What If’s will be brought up with your opinions and analysis to be talked about.
First what if….
The Giants Trade Kurt Suzuki for Fred Lewis and Ryan Garko
Upside is that Giants will get a mobile catcher that had a better statistical year over Bengie Molina. Bengie only passed Suzuki in home runs in 2009. The trade will keep a right handed presence in an already left handed heavy line up. Sending Fred Lewis away will give him a chance to succeed in another organization. Right now he seems to play with the “I’m only a starter” attitude. The outfield is already crowded and if the Giants go after a Type A free agent outfielder they’ll need to make room.
The Ryan Garko experiment didn’t work. He can be sent back to the American league where he should be able to thrive. This can also give the Giants a chance to move Pablo to 1st to go after a big bat that plays 3rd. They can also keep Pablo at 3rd and go after a big bat that plays 1st.
Upside for t he A’s. It can give them a first baseman that could actually produce. The A’s used 5 different players at the first base position. Ryan Garko can give them a potential everyday player. Fred Lewis can give them an everyday outfielder also. He has more major league experience than all but two of Oakland’s current outfield position players.
Downside for Oakland is that they would be taking on more payroll because they would be getting 2 current MLB players. All players are currently making around 400k. This deal might need to have the A’s throw in the famous “player to be named later.”
This story was not subject to the approval of MLB or its clubs, its just one mans opinion.
Technorati Tags: Bengie Molina, Fred Lewis, Giants, Kurt Suzuki, MLB Rumors, Ryan Garko, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Rumors, Trades, What If?
