San Francisco Giants Baseball (SF Giants Rumors) » King of Cali

SF Giants Rumors: Cain Deal Could Be In The Works, Pill Could Land Last Roster Spot

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:31:59 +0000

Chris Haft of MLB.com answers fans questions in his inbox article. Haft expects Matt Cain and the San Francisco Giants to reach a deal during Spring Training.

This would put a lot of Giants fans at ease since Tim Lincecum is in a two-year deal, and Giants fans wouldn’t be able to stomach the possibility of losing both pitchers to free agency. There is still two years to convince Lincecum that San Francisco is where he belongs.

When asked about Conor Gillaspie, Brett Pill and Justin Christian fighting for one of the last spots on the roster. Haft believes Pill has the best chance among this trio of making the club, because the Giants might need an extra right-handed bat.

Pill showed us his power last season, and it’s nice to have some pop coming off the bench. If he can show consistency at the plate, he could even force the issue that he should be getting some starts at first base. Let’s see if the 2010 version of Aubrey Huff shows up to Spring Training, cause that would guarantee Pill’s playing time will be off the bench.

~King of Cali (Steven)

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Technorati Tags: Aubrey Huff, Brett Pill, Conor Gillaspie, Giants Hot Stove, Giants Trade Rumors, Justin Christian, King of Cali, Matt Cain, MLB Rumors Giants, San Francisco Giants, SF Giants Rumors, Tim Lincecum

SF Giants Rumors: Vogelsong Not Concerned With Offense, Main Goal Right Now Is To Prove 2011 Wasn’t A Fluke

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:38:59 +0000

Rael Enteen of CSNBayArea.com says Ryan Vogelsong isn’t concerned about the San Francisco Giants offense heading into the 2012 season.

“Not concerned at all. We’re getting two really good players back from injury (Buster Posey, Freddy Sanchez) so it’s almost like we signed two free agents,” said Vogelsong.

Vogelsong is going to be the number four starting pitcher in the Giants rotation. He’s coming off a spectacular 2011 season, and this is what Vogelsong said when asked about proving that 2011 wasn’t a fluke and it was legit.

“That’s the main goal right now. I’d be lying if I said it was different then that because it’s not. I know that as soon as I take one bad step or have a bad game. That’s what’s going to be said and I’m going to have to try to keep that down to a minimum and put up as many quality starts up as I can,” said Vogelsong.

What’s your thoughts on the Vogelsong not worried about the Giants offense, and do you think he can relive his 2011 magic?

~King of Cali (Steven)

Technorati Tags: Buster Posey, Freddy Sanchez, Giants Hot Stove, Giants Trade Rumors, King of Cali, MLB Rumors Giants, Ryan Vogelsong, San Francisco Giants, SF Giants Rumors

SF Giants Rumors: Two Players In The Giants Organization Crack The Top 10 Second-Base Prospect List

admin — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:19:59 +0000

Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com has published the Top 10 Second-Base Prospects List. You know I wouldn’t be posting this for no reason right? Yes, there is a San Francisco Giants prospect on the list. Okay, there is actually two!

Number 7 on the top 10 list is Charlie Culberson. Below is what Mayo had to say about Culberson.

“Culberson made the big jump up to Double-A in 2011, and his numbers definitely suffered in the Eastern League. There’s still plenty to like about his bat — he has some legitimate extra-base ability — but he needs to work on his pitch recognition and plate discipline so he can tap into those tools more consistently. In Culberson’s second year as a full-time second baseman, he got more comfortable defensively. He may have Joe Panik coming up from behind him soon, so this season could be a big one for his development.”

The 2nd player from the Giants organization that made the top 10 list is Joe Panik at number 10. Below is what Mayo had to say about Panik.

“A shortstop at St. John’s, Panik rewarded San Francisco’s faith in him (many didn’t see him as a first-rounder) by leading the Northwest League in hitting. Then he headed to the Arizona Fall League and more than held his own against the advanced competition. Panik also played second base regularly for the first time in the AFL, with scouts being impressed with his overall game and his baseball IQ. Even if he plays some shortstop during his first full season of pro ball, the right side of the infield looks like a good long-term home.”

What’s your thoughts on Culberson and Panik making the list, and who do you think will be the Giants second baseman of the future?

~King of Cali (Steven)

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Technorati Tags: Charlie Culberson, Giants Hot Stove, Giants Trade Rumors, Joe Panik, King of Cali, MLB Rumors Giants, San Francisco Giants, SF Giants Rumors, SFG Rumors

SF Giants Rumors: Wilson, Sanchez and Posey

admin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:37:59 +0000

Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News gives some insights on a few players. Baggarly said closer Brian Wilson arrived in Arizona last week to get a jump on his throwing program. In the next few days he’s expected to throw off a mound for the first time since the San Francisco Giants shut him down because of recurring elbow soreness last season.

The injury did not require surgery, so the Giants are hoping the time off will help his cranky elbow. Wilson shouldn’t have any restrictions during Spring Training.

Freddy Sanchez has made steady progress with his surgically-repaired right shoulder, and will start making throws to bases next week. Hitting hasn’t been a problem for Sanchez since he started swinging the bat this offseason.

Everything is pointing in the right direction for a healthy Sanchez at the start of the 2012 season. Sanchez is in a contract year, and he’s a guy that puts everything out on the field at all times. I expect him to have a solid year if he can avoid the injury bug.

Buster Posey will be in Arizona on January 31 for a few days of rehab before attending FanFest at AT&T Park on February 4th. It’s a guessing game for everyone right now to see how Posey will be behind the plate until he’s put in some games in Spring Training. The Giants are sure looking forward to seeing Posey back in the middle of the lineup in 2012. Your teams offense sure did miss you in 2011!

What’s your thoughts on Wilson, Sanchez and Posey being healthy in 2012?

~King of Cali (Steven)

Technorati Tags: AT&T Park, Brian Wilson, Buster Posey, Freddy Sanchez, Giants Hot Stove, Giants Trade Rumors, King of Cali, MLB Rumors Giants, San Francisco Giants, SF Giants Rumors, SFG Rumors

SF Giants Rumors: Romo Deal Is Done, Next Up Is Lincecum

admin — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:44:59 +0000

The San Francisco Giants have signed pitcher Sergio Romo to a one-year deal, worth $1.575 million. Both parties were not far off on reaching an agreement. Team Romo was asking for $1.75 million, and the Giants were offering $1.3 million. Maybe both parties read SF Giants Rumors yesterday, as I suggested they meet at $1.5 million and call it a day. The only arbitration eligible player still not signed is ace, Tim Lincecum. They should keep Timmy happy and just give him the $21.5 million that he’s asking for.

~King of Cali (Steven)

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You can follow SF Giants Rumors Facebook page for more Giants updates! Want an email alert when the is a new post? Click the “Contact Us” tab and request to be added to the email list. You can also follow on Twitter @SFGiants_Rumors.

Technorati Tags: Giants Hot Stove, Giants Trade Rumors, King of Cali, MLB Rumors Giants, San Francisco Giants, Sergio Romo, SF Giants Rumors, Tim Lincecum

SF Giants Rumors: Giants Remaining Arbitration Eligible

admin — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:37:59 +0000

There has been a total of 142 players that have filed for salary arbitration. Tomorrow (Jan. 17, 2012) is the day that salary arbitration figures are going to be exchanged. The players/teams that do not reach an agreement will be going through hearings that will start February 1 – 21 in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The San Francisco Giants have seven players that have filed. Giants ace Tim Lincecum leads the group. The others are Pablo Sandoval, Nate Schierholtz, Melky Cabrera, Angel Pagan, Sergio Romo and Santiago Casilla.

The team and players can still come to an agreement before their scheduled hearings. It was just two years ago, Lincecum was moments away from his arbitration hearing when he and the Giants came to an agreement (two-years, $23 million).

~King of Cali (Steven)

Technorati Tags: Angel Pagan, Giants Hot Stove, Giants Trade Rumors, King of Cali, Melky Cabrera, MLB Rumors Giants, Nate Schierholtz, Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants, Santiago Casilla, Sergio Romo, SF Giants Rumors, Tim Lincecum

SF Giants Rumors: Is Pablo Sandoval An Elite National League Hitter?

admin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:17:59 +0000

Chris Haft of MLB.com says it’s easy to envision Pablo Sandoval becoming one of the National League’s elite hitters. However, Sandoval can’t vault into baseball’s upper echelon by himself. Sandoval needs a consistent, effective complement in the lineup to prevent teams from pitching around him or prevent himself from trying to do too much.

Haft also points out that Sandoval hit .329 with 12 homers and 32 RBIs with Carlos Beltran hitting ahead of him (final two months). Prior to Beltran joining the Giants. Sandoval was hitting .304 with 11 homers and 38 RBIs.

Now that Beltran isn’t returning to the Giants. Who’s going to fill that void and take some pressure off of Sandoval? The San Francisco Giants have a lot of hope going into 2012, so it’s really a guessing game for now.

They hope Buster Posey and Freddy Sanchez will be healthy. They hope Brandon Belt will overcome his struggles, and Aubrey Huff will have a bounce back year since he’s reportedly in better shape.

Sandoval is a career .307 hitter with 64 homers. Do you see Sandoval staying consistent and becoming an elite hitter in the National League for years to come?

~King of Cali (Steven)

Technorati Tags: Aubrey Huff, Brandon Belt, Buster Posey, Carlos Beltran, Freddy Sanchez, Giants Hot Stove, Giants Trade Rumors, King of Cali, MLB Rumors Giants, Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants, SF Giants Rumors

SF Giants Rumors: Chris Haft Chimes In On 2012 Offense

admin — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 22:08:59 +0000

Chris Haft of MLB.com tells SF Giants Rumors that he sees Melky Cabrera and Angel Pagan as assets overall, but thinks the offensive help they’ll provide will be only incremental. He says the San Francisco Giants are hoping both players will be motivated to have big years because they’re heading into free agency.

Haft does believe the Giants can have a decent lineup if Buster Posey and Freddy Sanchez return healthy and effective. Aubrey Huff will also have to rebound or Brandon Belt and Nate Schierholtz take quantum steps forward.

What’s your thoughts about the Giants offense in 2012?

~King of Cali (Steven)

Technorati Tags: Angel Pagan, Aubrey Huff, Brandon Belt, Buster Posey, Freddy Sanchez, Giants Hot Stove, Giants Trade Rumors, King of Cali, Melky Cabrera, MLB Rumors Giants, Nate Schierholtz, San Francisco Giants, SF Giants Rumors, SFG Rumors

SF Giants Rumors: Jonathan Sanchez Replacement, DeRosa, Velez

admin — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:14:59 +0000

The San Francisco Giants have traded away starting pitcher Jonathan Sanchez, but are not looking to replace the starter. They are however willing to bring in a pitcher on a minor league deal with an invite to spring training, says Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle (via twitter).

Side Notes

The Nationals are close to signing ex-Giant Mark DeRosa to a one-year major league deal. DeRosa will play the super-utility role and serve as a right-handed hitter of the bench, says Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports (via twitter). DeRosa is a good player to have off the bench for a one-year deal if his wrist can hold up.

Derrick Goold of St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Cardinals have signed ex-Giant Eugenio Velez to a minor league contract. Velez wasn’t able to get himself a batting average for the Dodgers in 2011 (0-for-37).

~King of Cali (Steven)

Technorati Tags: Eugenio Velez, Giants Hot Stove, Giants Trade Rumors, Jonathan Sanchez, King of Cali, Mark DeRosa, MLB Rumors Giants, San Francisco Giants, SF Giants Rumors, SFG Rumors

SF Giants Rumors: Ross Lowers Demands, Beltran Still Available

admin — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 20:09:59 +0000

It’s been reported that Cody Ross has lowered his contract demands. David O’Brien (tweets) of the Atlanta Journal Constitution said Ross wanted a 3-year deal to stay in San Francisco, and it’s pitcher friendly ballpark. O’Brien is hearing a 2-year offer is now what Ross is looking for.

Nate Stuhlbarg of CSNBayArea.com speculates that it’s possible Ross and the San Francisco Giants could resume talks.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Ross isn’t coming back to San Francisco. The Giants now have Melky Cabrera and Angel Pagan as part of the outfield mix. Once they traded for those guys. That closed the door on a Ross return.

Now if we were talking Carlos Beltran falling into the Giants lap. That would be a different story because he would easily be one of the Giants top hitters. Beltran would lock an outfield spot the day he signs. It sure would be nice if the Giants went over budget and signed Beltran, but as of now they’re sticking to their guns.

What’s your thoughts on Ross lowering his demands, and Beltran still available?

~King of Cali (Steven)

Technorati Tags: Angel Pagan, Carlos Beltran, Cody Ross, Giants Hot Stove, Giants Trade Rumors, King of Cali, Melky Cabrera, MLB Rumors Giants, San Francisco Giants, SF Giants Rumors