Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com gives us his predictions on some of the top remaining free agents. He does mention that the Braves and Giants could see Johnny Damon as a strong fit. The Giants ranked 11th in the NL last season in on-base percentage out of the lead-off spot. Damon batted second for the Yankees, but his OBP the past six seasons is .366. He hasn’t forgotten how to hit first. With that said Rosenthal predicts Damon will end up with the Braves.
King of Cali thoughts: I really hope Damon does end up somewhere else. I just don’t see him as a good fit in San Francisco. I think his homers were up too because he was at the new Yankees stadium. I see this signing as a typical Sabean signing. A player who is a Big-Name-Player and is on the decline.
Rosenthal did mention other players, but did not link any of them to land in San Francisco. Adrian Beltre is still out there and it’s reported that he’s close to choosing his next team. It’s been reported that the Red Sox are not a front runner as once reported. Which means the A’s are probably the front runners. The Giants can be a mystery team that still has a chance to land Beltre.
Another player still available is Miguel Tejada. I would have to say this would be a good signing, but it would be a typical Sabean move as well. Tejada is going to turn 36 in May. He’s still a good hitter. I can see him helping the Giants. As long as they can sign him for a decent amount. He’s not a guy to get in a bidding war over, or over pay as well.
I have been taking a look at possible free agents out there, and have seen what a lot of writers are saying their possible homes for 2010 will be. It’s not looking good for Giants fans if we go by that, cause most of them don’t have the Giants signing anyone in the top of the free agent class that’s left. With that said there is no need to worry, because some of these people have been off about other free agents that have already signed as well.
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Adrian Beltre, Free Agents, Giants, Johnny Damon, King of Cali, Miguel Tejada, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, 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
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
Chris Haft of MLB.com who’s the Giants beat reporter answers fans questions. When asked about the Jonathan Sanchez and Dan Uggla rumors. Haft said his Florida counterpart Joe Frisaro has suggested that the Marlins might be willing to “sweeten” a potential deal by offering to send a player or two along with Uggla.
When asked about Adrian Beltre. He said there’s almost no way the Giants or any other team will pay Beltre $10 million annually, and it’s unlikely any suitor will offer him a four year deal. If you would like to read more of the questions and answers in this article click here.
King of Cali thoughts: I’m curious as to which players the Marlins may be willing to add to the Uggla deal. If the Giants don’t land Beltre, DeRosa or Tejada any time soon. They will end up forcing themselves into pulling the trigger on the Uggla deal. Which isn’t a bad thing, cause he does have the power that we need. It just depends how desperate Sabean gets and what he parts with in the deal that’s kind of scary. I know a lot of Giants fans are back and forth with trading for Uggla. Do you think we should move forward with the trade or sign DeRosa, Tejada or Beltre?
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Adrian Beltre, Dan Uggla, Florida Marlins, Giants, Jonathan Sanchez, King of Cali, MLB Hot Stove, MLB Trade Rumors, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, SF Giants Rumors
Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com says the Giants still looking to add some pop. The Giants have already lost out on Nick Johnson to the Yankees and could lose Mark DeRosa to the Yankees, Braves or Cardinals too. The Giants still remain confident that they will get a free agent hitter.
One source with knowledge of the teams (Giants) thinking says they wouldn’t say it’s impossible for the Giants to land Matt Holliday or Jason Bay. The Giants believe Holliday and Bay will receive more attractive offers from other clubs, the source said. They also might prefer to distribute their money to several players rather than allocate most of it to just one.
Rosenthal believes Adrian Beltre is a logical fit, because defense remains a priority for the Giants. The Giants still want to add a catcher and fifth starter as well as a big bat.
King of Cali thoughts: I’m sure a lot of Giants fans out there would love to see the Giants sign Bay. I just don’t see this happening. If they did sign Bay or Holliday. They would have a lot of money tied up into a few players. We still have Zito, Rowand and Lincecum that are going to take a big chunk of this year’s payroll.
I’m sure the Giants are going to try to spread the money out a little bit to get multiple players. I can see them trying to sign Beltre, but that won’t be until next month. Once Beltre brings down his contract demands. Then the Giants might try to zero in on him. They still have the Uggla deal to fall back on if other players sign elsewhere.
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Adrian Beltre, Free Agents, Jason Bay, King of Cali, Mark DeRosa, Matt Holliday, MLB Hot Stove, Nick Johnson, NL West, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, SF Giants Rumors San Francisco Giants Baseball
Chris Haft of MLB.com says the Giants short list of hitters they’d consider acquiring has become shorter. Nick Johnson’s tentative agreement with the New York Yankees could signal to the Giants that the time to make their first major player move of the winter has drawn closer.
Haft says he head reports that Mark DeRosa has dropped his reported salary demand to three years and $18 million from three years, $27 million.
Haft chimes in on the following free agents:
Adrian Beltre: He thinks the Giants can take their time with him, because no other clubs appear to meet Beltre’s reported with for a four year, $40 million deal.
Mark DeRosa: If the reports on DeRosa lowering his demands. Then the Giants will have to act quickly. Twelve teams were reported interested in DeRosa, but that has since dwindled as most teams have balked at his request for a three year deal.
Adam LaRoche: Teams may try to court LaRoche more ardently. Since Johnson has already signed with the Yankees. He also says teams could resist offering him a deal with an average annual value far exceeding Johnson’s.
Dan Uggla: Haft does believe the Giants could have made this trade by now. Even though Uggla has averaged 30 home runs and 90 RBI’s in four Major League Seasons. Giants still are concerned with his sub-par defense and second base and they’d have to part with Jonathan Sanchez. The Giants are hoping that the Marlins will back off it’s desire for Sanchez as time passes. Giants might have to consider Uggla more seriously if they’re unable to sign a free agent.
Jason Bay and Matt Holliday: The Giants don’t seem to be major players for either of the top two sluggers.
King of Cali thoughts: Now this is the stuff Giants fans should want to see. Now Brian Sabean and the Giants are feeling the pressure. The time is now to make a move. We know Scott Boras will try to keep Beltre on the free agent market for a while. He doesn’t like to let his clients sign fast. That could help the Giants. If other teams fill their needs and Beltre’s options dwindle. He can fall right into the Giants laps.
I don’t think the Giants have much interest in LaRoche. He’s a lefty and we know how AT&T Park plays for left handed hitters. The Giants wanted Johnson to play first. Now that he’s off the table. I’m sure they would like to find a third baseman and move Pablo Sandoval to first base. If the Marlins continue to want J-Sanchez for Uggla. The Giants will hold off until Beltre is off the table before making that trade. If they end up signing Beltre. Then they will pass on Uggla and keep Sanchez.
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Adam LaRoche, Adrian Beltre, Brian Sabean, Dan Uggla, Florida Marlins, Free Agents, Giants, Jason Bay, King of Cali, Mark DeRosa, Matt Holliday, MLB Hot Stove, MLB Trade Rumors, Nick Johnson, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, Scott Boras, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors
Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com say the Giants haven’t given up on Beltre. The Giants remain in contact with Scott Boras regarding free agent Adrian Beltre, but the sides aren’t close to a deal.
Beltre is the best pure third baseman left on the free agent market. The Giants and Boras remain some distance apart on the years and dollars it would take to sign Beltre. Sources have told Ken Rosenthal that Beltre is looking for four years and $36 million.
Brian Sabean has downplayed the chances of the Giants signing Beltre when asked at the winter meetings. The Giants are also pursuing Mark DeRosa as an everyday third baseman.
King of Cali thoughts: I’m glad to hear the Giants haven’t ruled Beltre out. I think he’s a good free agent to sign. I would rather have Beltre playing third than DeRosa. Beltre didn’t have the greatest numbers last season, but he’s still got that right handed pop that we need. There is also rumors going around that the Red Sox might be done trying to sign Beltre. Which means his options can be dwindling.
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Adrian Beltre, Brian Sabean, Free Agents, Giants, King of Cali, Mark DeRosa, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, Scott Boras, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, SF Giants Rumors, Winter Meetings
Jon Heyman of SI. com chimes in on big teams that still have moves to make. Heyman says no team could use a big hitting star more than the Giants. Even though the organization is doing well financially, they don’t appear t be aiming as high as they could. Baseball executives keep wondering whether they’ll jump in on one of the big stars, but for now it appears they are more seriously looking at Nick Johnson, Dan Uggla, Jermaine Dye, Scott Podsednik, Mark DeRosa, Adrian Beltre and others.
King of Cali thoughts: The Giants front office doesn’t feel the pressure of needing to go out and sign a big player. They have a nice stadium and loyal Giants fans that are just happy to get out to the park and see their team. Fan’s out here don’t demand a World Series. In New York the Yankees want a World Series every year or it’s a bad year. Here the Giants are just happy with competing in September and let it turn into a crap shoot if they make the playoffs. If they are doing well financially. Then it’s time to bump that payroll a little bit and get a Super-Star-Slugger!
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Adrian Beltre, Dan Uggla, Free Agents, Giants, Jason Bay, Jermaine Dye, King of Cali, Mark DeRosa, Matt Holliday, MLB Hot Stove, MLB Trade Rumors, New York Yankees, Nick Johnson, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, Scott Podsednik, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, SF Giants Rumors
Andrew Baggarly of San Jose Mercury News says Brian Sabean expressed his annoyance with agent Scott Boras. Boras made some comments yesterday about Adrian Beltre and the San Francisco Giants. Boras said the Giants can’t win with a meager offense and Beltre should interest them.
“Well you know, I never knew that we needed any more offense,” said Sabean, tongue firmly in cheek. “I’m shocked to hear I’m the last to know. Scott’s a very smart man. He’s got enough money to buy a club. Maybe that’s the route he should go.”
King of Cali thoughts: We all know that Boras was just pumping up Beltre and trying to get the Giants to start a bidding war for him. Boras is really good at his job and getting teams to start bidding wars and way over pay for his clients. Sabean on the other hand knows he got screwed on over paying for Zito, so I’m sure that’s why he had a comment ready to fire back at Boras. I think it’s just a bummer now to know that the Giants are not interested in Beltre. He’s the kind of hitter we need to add to our lineup. Someone with power that can drive in runs.
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Adrian Beltre, Brian Sabean, Free Agents, Giants, King of Cali, MLB Hot Stove, MLB Trade Rumors, San Francisco Giants Baseball, Scott Boras, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, Winter Meetings
King of Cali thoughts: The two free agents that keep getting brought up for the Giants to sign are Nick Johnson and Adrian Beltre. If it’s a choice of these two. Let’s go with Beltre. He’s a great defender and he does have right handed pop that the Giants need. Johnson doesn’t have the pop, but he will be on base a lot. The Giants need someone who can drive in runs with one swing of the bat. Last season we got guys on. That wasn’t the problem. The problem was driving them in. I’m on board with a Beltre signing. Who’s with me?
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Adrian Beltre, Brian Sabean, Free Agents, Giants, King of Cali, MLB Hot Stove, Nick Johnson, San Francisco Giants Baseball, Scott Boras, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, Winter Meetings
