I have been asked what’s my thoughts on Sergio Romo. I really do like Romo and think he’s a great arm in our bullpen. Yes, he’s given up two big homers early in this season. The first to the Dodgers slugger Manny Ramirez and then Tuesday night to the Marlins slugger Dan Uggla. I guess I have a bias opinion towards Romo because my girlfriends dad was born and raised in Brawley California (same as Romo).
Romo got his chance for redemption in last nights ball game, and he didn’t disappoint! Barry Zito pitched a stellar game and it started to slowly slip away in the bottom of the 8th inning. Romo came in to face the most feared hitter in the Marlins lineup Hanley Ramirez. Did I forget to mention the bases were juiced and nobody out? Ramirez who’s the hottest hitter in the Marlins lineup looked foolish against Romo. Romo had his nasty slider (Frisbee like). He got Hanley to strike out on 3 pitches and then got Jorge Cantu to ground into an inning ending double play. That kept the score 3-1 Giants going into the 9th inning.
It’s nice to see Bruce Bochy throw Romo back into the fire the next day. He got a chance to redeem himself and didn’t have to dwell on the Uggla homer for too long. Romo wears his emotions on his sleeves when he’s out there on the mound. You know when he’s really pumped and you have to love a player for showing they care by wearing their heart on their sleeve.
The Giants did secure the series win yesterday. Matt Cain will lead the Giants tonight as they go for the sweep. It’s a very nice start to their East Coast road trip. Next stop will be New York to face the Mets.
~King of Cali
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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
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald says since the Giants are reluctant to trade pitcher Jonathan Sanchez for Dan Uggla, Florida will need to reengage Baltimore, Texas and Atlanta on Uggla talks. He says the Marlins also haven’t ruled out keeping Uggla if they can’t get good value. Florida is eager to stay just below $40 million in payroll.
Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe says There was a lot of early talk about Dan Uggla going to the Giants, but that seems to have quieted down. Some scouts believe Uggla is best suited for the American League as a DH or someone you can move around, like Mark DeRosa.
King of Cali thoughts: A lot of Giants fans that have visit this site have voted that they would trade for Uggla. With that said it seems like trade talks for Uggla have quiet down. This isn’t really a bad thing if you think about it. Sabean isn’t rushing in and giving up the farm for the deal. He’s seeing what free agents he can snag first before having to make the trade for Uggla. He could be hoping the Marlins just want to dump him so they don’t have to pay him and will take less for him. I’m sure we haven’t heard the last of the Uggla to Giants rumors.
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Dan Uggla, Free Agents, Giants, Jonathan Sanchez, King of Cali, Mark DeRosa, MLB Hot Stove, MLB Trade Rumors, MLB Trades, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, 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
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 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
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald says during the Marlins Dan Uggla trade talks with San Francisco, Giants players who were discussed were Jonathan Sanchez and Clayton Tanner (a top minor league pitcher) and a mid-level pitching prospect.
Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post says the Marlins are still trying to trade Uggla, who stands to make $8 million this year. There’s also a chance he could start the season with the Marlins, who won’t trade their slugger in a below-market deal.
King of Cali thoughts: I want the Giants to get Uggla, but the Marlins are going to want a lot for him. Sabean can’t count on the Uggla trade to happen. He needs to start kicking the tires on other ways to get some offense. I hope he’s really trying to make a move for an infielder and outfielder soon. All the big teams make moves and get who they want right away. You don’t see good teams waiting and hoping someone falls in their lap.
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Clayton Tanner, Dan Uggla, Florida Marlins, Free Agents, Jonathan Sanchez, King of Cali, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, SF Giants Trade Rumors
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
Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune says if the Giants don’t trade for Dan Uggla. They could sign non-tendered Rockie Garrett Atkins and leave Freddy Sanchez at second base.
King of Cali thoughts: Atkins I’m sure is someone that Sabean is kicking the tires on. He would be a fall back guy. If the Giants decide to spend a little more money on a free agent in the outfield. They can also add Atkins in the infield. I just see the Giants trying to get Nick Johnson at first or Mark DeRosa at third right now.
Chris Haft of MLB.com reported over the weekend that the Giants declined to tender first baseman Ryan Garko a 2010 contract, casting him into free agency. Garko being eligible for salary arbitration, which would have virtually guaranteed him a significant pay increase from his 2009 salary of $445,100.
King of Cali thoughts: We all know Garko pressed once he was traded to the Giants. I still think he could give the Giants more. He would be a good player to spot start at first and provide some pop off the bench. The Giants have said they are targeting a first baseman, so that’s what makes Garko expendable to them. I thought this was a good trade for Garko last season. Now that they are not bringing him back. It was a wasted move and they basically just gave Scott Barnes to the Indians for free.
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Dan Uggla, Freddy Sanchez, Free Agents, Garrett Atkins, Giants, King of Cali, Mark DeRosa, MLB Hot Stove, MLB Trade Rumors, Nick Johnson, NL West, Ryan Garko, San Francisco Giants Baseball, Scott Barnes, SF Giants Rumors
Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com says trade talks between the Giants and Marlins for Dan Uggla are getting “warmer”. Dialogue continues between the clubs, but they have yet to agree on names.
King of Cali thoughts: Giants and Uggla rumors were going on since last year. There is no denying the Giants interest in him. The more and more I hear about this trade. The more I want it done. Uggla is not a guy that will hit for average, but he’s a guy that has solid pop. He’s a righty and right handers that pull don’t have a problem at AT&T park. It’s the lefties that hit it to no-mans-land. Let’s see if Sabean can get this deal done.
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Brian Sabean, Dan Uggla, Free Agents, Giants, King of Cali, MLB Hot Stove, MLB Trade Rumors, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, Winter Meetings
