B.J. Rains of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat chimes in with some Brad Penny insights. Rains says Penny choose the Cardinals over the San Francisco Giants, wanting to fulfill a life-long goal of playing in St. Louis.
He also picked the Cardinals for another reason.
“I think St. Louis has a better chance of winning to be honest with you,” Penny said. “It should be a lot of fun. That’s the reason I signed here, the reason you put the uniform on – to play in October.”
SIDE NOTES
Emmanuel Burriss X-rays did not reveal a fracture to his foot.
Travis Ishikawa is no longer wearing a walking boot and has started to take batting practice.
Mark DeRosa said his wrist becomes fatigued, but if the season opener were today, he’d be able to play
King of Cali thoughts: It was obvious why Penny didn’t re-sign with the Giants, and opted for St. Louis. They are a team that is on the brink of something great. I would be willing to wager the farm (I do not have a farm) that his numbers will not be as good as when he was in San Francisco. AT&T Park is a pitcher’s park. There is so much space to track down balls that would be homers in other parks.
I never was a Penny fan, and when he came to San Francisco I loved him! He’s a player that you only root for when he’s on your team. At least that’s just my opinion on him.
I’m not sure if anyone cares, but the Giants are looking like they could be the Spring Training Champions, and might not lose a came in Arizona. I’m only kidding, so please save the hate emails.
~King of Cali
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Technorati Tags: Brad Penny, Emmanuel Burriss, Free Agents, King of Cali, Mark DeRosa, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, Spring Training, Travis Ishikawa
Dan Uggla – The Giants have been linked to Uggla all offseason. The Marlins wanted Jonathan Sanchez in the deal. The Giants have lost Randy Johnson (retired) and Brad Penny (Cardinals). With that said I’m sure that’s why the Giants felt like they couldn’t part with J-Sanchez.
Nick Johnson – It was reported that the Giants had an offer on the table for Johnson, but he decided to take less money to sign with the Yankees ($5.5 million). The Giants had upped their offer to Johnson to $6 million, but that wasn’t tempting enough to land him.
Johnny Damon – The Giants have been linked to Damon. This is because it’s been known that the Giants needed a outfielder and leadoff hitter. When the Giants decided Mark DeRosa was going to be in left-field. That pretty much shut the door on any Damon signing in San Francisco. Damon is still a free agent, so let’s wait and see where he lands.
Adam LaRoche – The Giants had a two year contract offer on the table for LaRoche. He declined it, and the Giants ended up signing Aubrey Huff. LaRoche signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks for a one year contract for less money ($4.5 million). The Giants had offered him a 2-year contract worth $17 million.
Eric Byrnes – The Giants never came out and said they were interested in signing Byrnes. KNBR the Giants Flagship station had Byrnes on the air a couple times and he made it public he wouldn’t mind playing for the Giants. Byrnes has since signed with the Seattle Mariners for the league minimum ($400,000). The Arizona Diamondbacks are paying his remaining $11 million that they owe him before they released him.
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Adam LaRoche, Arizona Diamondbacks, Aubrey Huff, Brad Penny, Dan Uggla, Eric Byrnes, Florida Marlins, Johnny Damon, Jonathan Sanchez, King of Cali, Mark DeRosa, New York Yankees, Nick Johnson, NL West, Randy Johnson, San Francisco Giants Baseball, Seattle Mariners, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, St. Luis Cardinals
John Manuel of Baseball America has an article on SI.com. He has listed his the top 20 prospects. I’m not going to run through the list, but did want to pass along to Giants fans. That number 9 and number 10 on the list are Buster Posey and Madison Bumgarner. Below is what he had to say about each player.
Buster Posey, C, Giants
Why he’s here: The 2008 College Player of the Year, Posey combines athletic ability and hitting prowess with playing a premium position.
What he’ll be: Remember Russell Martin before Joe Torre played him 150 games a year? Posey may not have Martin’s fiery leadership, but he’ll be a similar catcher with better hitting ability.
When he arrives: As soon as he shows he can receive effectively for pitchers such as Brian Wilson and Matt Cain, who have premium velocity. Then he’ll have to take it up another notch to handle Tim Lincecum.
Madison Bumgarner, LHP, Giants
Why he’s here: No pitcher has had Bumgarner’s sheer results the last two seasons, when he went 27-5. He did it in 2009 with diminished velocity but it didn’t seem to matter as he mowed down Double-A competition at 19.
What he’ll be: Bumgarner’s mound presence and ability to pitch off his fastball evokes Cliff Lee. He has similar mound presence and could match Lee if he regains some of his slider’s lost bite.
When he arrives: The Giants have enough other rotation options to keep Bumgarner on the farm for at least part of 2010, and perhaps until late in the season, when he could get another bullpen cameo.
King of Cali thoughts: Now this is good to know that we have two of our top prospects in the top 20 list. Fans had said to me they would rather have Bengie Molina back, and aren’t confident in Posey. I hope this post changes their mind a bit. No he’s not going to come in and just be the best catcher in the Majors, but he does have a nice upside. I think he’s ready to get his feet wet in the pro’s and see what he can do out there.
Sabean wanted to re-sign Brad Penny and leave Bumgarner in Triple-A for more seasoning. He has recently said that Bumgarner does have a shot to be the teams No. 5 starter. Yes, he’s young, but he’s shown that he can dominate the minors. I think Bumgarner is ready to be a starter for the Giants. I’m not saying he’s going to be lights out, but I’m sure we will see him grow into a front of the rotation guy right before our very eyes.
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Bengie Molina, Brad Penny, Brian Wilson, Buster Posey, Cliff Lee, Free Agents, Joe Torre, King of Cali, Madison Bumgarner, Matt Cain, MLB Hot Stove, Prospects, Russell Martin, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, SF Giants Rumors, Tim Lincecum
Chris Haft of MLB.com answers some questions from Giants fans. He does say that Jonathan Sanchez is a keeper, and if the Giants wanted to trade Sanchez. The other GM’s of the 29 other teams would pull muscles by reaching for their cell phones so quickly to call Brian Sabean.
When it comes to Garrett Atkins. Haft says “Let’s not and say we did”. Atkins overall batting average has declined steadily. Since hitting .329 in 2006, Atkins finished at .301 in 2007, .286 in 2008 and .226 last season. He has hit .230 (35-for-152) at AT&T Park.
King of Cali thoughts: Well now that Brad Penny has signed with the Cardinals. I would say J-Sanchez is a keeper as well. Although I would be willing to part with him for the right deal. If he can get us a pretty good bat that will be around for a while. Then I would pull the trigger on that deal. The Giants do have some pitching prospects that can step up to the challenge. I’m excited to see Kevin Pucetas get his shot and see what he’s all about.
As for thoughts on Atkins. He is a lot cheaper than other free agents that us Giants fans would like to see signed. He has been dipping in AVG. as well. If we can get a an outfielder with good pop. Then Atkins wouldn’t be a bad signing as well. We would just be hoping his AVG will start to rise. With that said, I’m waiting for a Dan Uggla trade to happen. His AVG. isn’t great but he sure does have the pop that we need.
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Brad Penny, Brian Sabean, Dan Uggla, Free Agents, Garrett Atkins, Giants, Giants Trade Rumors, Jonathan Sanchez, Kevin Pucetas, King of Cali, MLB Hot Stove, MLB Trade Rumors, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors
Two players that have been linked to SF Giants Rumors have signed elsewhere. It’s nice to see deals starting to happen. The Giants have made any moves yet, but I’m sure it won’t be long.
Ivan Rodriguez – Jon Heyman of SI.com reports Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez has agreed to a two-year, $6 million contract with the Washington Nationals. The 38-year old Rodriguez hit .249 with 10 home runs and 47 RBIs last season.
King of Cali thoughts: Pudge couldn’t pass that offer up. I’m glad the Giants didn’t sign him for 2 years, $6 million. There is no need to if Buster Posey is pretty much ready to start a platoon job and learn the ropes.
Brad Penny – Jon Heyman of SI.com says Penny has signed a one-year, $7.5 million deal with St. Louis. The deal includes an additional $1.5 million in innings-based bonuses. Penny went 11-9 last season with the Red Sox and Giants.
Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News says the Giants gave it their best shot on signing Penny. They’re out and not looking back. The Giants made several offers to Brad Penny in November. It’s believed that the Cardinals didn’t outbid the Giants by much.
King of Cali thoughts: I was really hoping that Penny would re-sign with the Giants. He brought a lot of attitude and emotion out on the field every time he pitched. Now it’s time to let Bumgarner take that 5th spot in the rotation and start the Bumgarner era. Not a bad fallback is it?
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Baseball, Brad Penny, Free Agents, Giants, Ivan Rodriguez, King of Cali, MLB Hot Stove, MLB Trade Rumors, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Rumors, St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Nationals, Winter Meetings
Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News says a few of them (media) caught up with Brian Sabean after the Tim Lincecum press conference. With the Free Agent period beginning tonight at 9 p.m. Pacific Time. Doesn’t sound like Sabean’s going to race to throw out a multi-year, mega-offers to Jason Bay or Matt Holliday. He sounds much more interested in “second-tier” guys.
When asked if Buster Posey could be ready April 1 next year. Sabean said he doesn’t know yet. Fall League is just finishing and they will have some meetings today, tomorrow, and the week before the winter meetings to see if they think he will be ready or if they think he needs more time.
Sabean does not want to deal from their strength. He’s hate to give up pitching, unless it’s for a sure-thing offensively. Sabean says they also are involved with some talks with Brad Penny.
The Giants have already contacted pretty much who they think is going to have mutual interest. They don’t want to be involved with people that are going to use them on the way to somewhere else. If it’s legitimate mutual interest, we’ll have meaningful talks Sabean says.
Sabean doesn’t think Bay or Holliday would have much interest in the Giants.
Technorati Tags: Baseball, Brad Penny, Brian Sabean, Buster Posey, Free Agents, Giants, Jason Bay, King of Cali, Matt Holliday, MLB Hot Stove, MLB Trade Rumors, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Rumors, Tim Lincecum
Ben Reiter of SI.com has his Top 50 Rankings of the top free agents. He has Matt Holliday listed as the #2 free agent available behind John Lackey. The #3 free agent is Jason Bay. Sorry Giants fans, but he doesn’t have either one of these players signing with the Giants.
#2 Matt Holliday -LF
Current Team: Cardinals
Best Fit: Mets
#3 Jason Bay -LF
Current Team: Red Sox
Best Fit: Red Sox
Now the players that Reiter predicts will sign with the Giants:
#5 Nick Johnson -1B
Current Team: Marlins
Best Fit: Giants
#32 Juan Uribe -IF
Current Team: Giants
Best Fit: Giants
#37 Pudge Rodriguez -C
Current Team: Rangers
Best Fit: Giants
#41 Brad Penny -SP
Current Team: Giants
Best Fit: Giants
Technorati Tags: Brad Penny, Free Agents, Giants, Hot Stove, Jason Bay, John Lackey, Juan Uribe, Matt Holliday, MLB, Nick Johnson, Pudge Rodriguez, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Rumors
Joel Sherman of the New York Post says the Giants have some flexibility to pursue help for it’s woeful lineup because Pablo Sandoval could play first or third base and recently re-signed Freddy Sanchez could play second or third.
Sherman said a team insider says payroll will be in the $90 million range and would leave the Giants from landing Jason Bay or Matt Holliday. Officials from other teams expect the Giants to be players on the two big free agents.
Sherman also says the Giants would like to bring back Brad Penny back on a one-year contract to pitch behind Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Barry Zito.
Technorati Tags: Barry Zito, Brad Penny, Freddy Sanchez, Hot Stove, Jason Bay, Matt Cain, Matt Holliday, MLB Trade Rumors, Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Rumors, Tim Lincecum
Chris Haft of MLB.com says Brian Sabean might chart a new course by taking a “wait-and-see” approach toward players on the market.
Today began the 15-day period during which eligible players can file for free agency. Haft believes Bengie Molina, Brad Penny and Juan Uribe could be among the most highly sought performers at their respective positions once bidding expands to all Major League teams on Nov. 20th.
Molina is believed to be seeking another multi-year deal. The Giants appreciate Molina’s contributions but are unlikely to offer him that kind of contract. Top prospect Buster Posey could be ready for everyday duty behind the plate by 2011 at the latest.
Haft says Penny probably pitched his way into a handsome contract by posting a 4-1 record with a 2.59 ERA in six starts after the Red Sox released him.
Uribe carried San Francisco’s offense in the season’s second half, heightening his value as a utillity man. He hit .289 with 16 homers and 55 RBI’s, garnished by a .347 September batting average as the Giants attempted to stay in the postseason contention.
It’s not likely the Giants will sign all three. And they’ll need to reinforce their roster if any of them depart.
Losing Penny probably would eliminate any chance that the Giants would trade one of their prized starting pitchers for hitting help.
Technorati Tags: Bengie Molina, Brad Penny, Brian Sabean, Buster Posey, Hot Stove, Juan Uribe, MLB Rumors, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Baseball, SF Giants Rumors
Chris Haft of the MLB.com answers Giants fans questions. Haft does say that the Giants must acquire at least one accomplished hitter, besides re-signing Freddy Sanchez and possibly Bengie Molina to have a chance at seriously contending again next year.
He also believes the Giants must add a hitter or two, but not while sacrificing the asset which separates them from the almost every other team, which is their pitching.
When asked about potential fifth starter for 2010. Haft said if the Giants re-sign Brad Penny, Jonathan Sanchez would be the fifth starter. If Penny isn’t re-signed, or Sanchez or another starter is traded, Madison Bumgarner could fill the role, though some within the organization believe that he needs more Minor League seasoning. Joe Martinez will be a candidate, and Kevin Pucetas or Ryan Sadowski could get a look if they’re invited to Spring Training.
Technorati Tags: Baseball, Bengie Molina, Brad Penny, Freddy Sanchez, Giants, Hot Stove, Joe Martinez, Jonathan Sanchez, Kevin Pucetas, MLB Hot Stove, Ryan Sadowski, SF Giants Baseball. San Francisco Giants, SF Giants Rumors, Trades
