Chris Haft of MLB.com reports that Jonathan Sanchez has gained 12 pounds to boost his weight to 200 pounds. “Slender” still best describes the 6-foot-2 Sanchez’s physique says Haft.
Sanchez’s weight gain should help him impart more force on his pitches, particularly his already lively fastball. “it’ll have more velocity and it’s going to rise more,” and upbeat Sanchez said recently.
Imagine how formidable the Giants rotation, led by Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Barry Zito, would be with Sanchez, the projected fourth starter, winning 12-15 games. The Giants haven’t had four double-digit winners in one season since ‘02, when all five primary starters (Livan Hernandez, Russ Ortiz, Kirk Rueter, Jason Schmidt and Ryan Jensen) exceeded 12 victories apiece for the National League champions.
King of Cali thoughts: I believe Sanchez’s confidence is exactly where it needs to be going into this 2010 season. He’s always showed some dominate stuff, but once someone got a big hit off him. You knew it was all down hill from there. He just seems to have taken a big stride ever since he tossed that no-hitter. He may end up having a pretty good year in the 4th spot of the rotation this year.
Sanchez career numbers are 21-30 with a 4.81 ERA. It’s nothing to write home about, but I think he’s going to turn a corner this year. I’m hoping he’s going to hit the gas and not stop till he’s headed towards an elite pitching status. What are your thoughts on the kind of year you think Sanchez will have?
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Barry Zito, Free Agents, Giants, Jason Schmidt, Jonathan Sanchez, King of Cali, Kirk Rueter, Livan Hernandez, Matt Cain, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, Russ Ortiz, Ryan Jensen, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Rumors, Tim Lincecum
A glance at the everyday lineup shows none of that is happening. Six of the eight position players are in their 30’s and were acquired via free agency or trade.
Baggarly asks the questions. Will an older, slower lineup score more runs?
I think they can,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy said.”
King of Cali thoughts: This lineup is definitely a slow one. You won’t see many straight steals, or anyone really burning up the base paths. I do however think this team will be more capable of scoring more runs on a consistent basis. The lineup is much more balanced throughout the lineup. I’m sure a couple players will have some bounce back years as well.
I do get tired of hearing the Giants over achieved last year. How is it over achieving if your pitching staff is really just that damn good? You have an ace in Tim Lincecum who can pretty much win every time out if he can get some decent run support. Matt Cain is capable of being a 20 game winner as well. Barry Zito has his ups and downs, but he had a stretch where he looked like the Zito of old. Jonathan Sanchez got his confidence back when he tossed a no-hitter, and he can possible take a big step this year as a more elite pitcher. Now you’re even throwing Madison Bumgarner in the mix at the end of the rotation. This guy can flat out pitch, and in time will be a front of the rotation kind of a guy.
The Giants are starting out with another great starting rotation in 2010, so if you can get a few more runs here and there. Then you would be able to get a few more wins than you did last year. Let me guess Giants critics… This will be considered another year of over achieving?
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Barry Bonds, Barry Zito, Bruce Bochy, Free Agents, Jonathan Sanchez, King of Cali, Madison Bumgarner, Matt Cain, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, Tim Lincecum
Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune says why some people are picking the Giants to win the NL West: Rookie left-hander Madison Bumgarner, penciled in as the fifth starter, is 27-5 with a 1.65 ERA in 49 games as a pro. Imagine that stacked behind Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Barry Zito and Jonathan Sanchez.
King of Cali thoughts: I really can’t see anyone beat out Bumgarner for the fifth spot in the rotation. I’m sure the Giants management would like to see him get more seasoning in the minors, but he’s already proven that he’s far superior in the minors. He’s young, but he’s already got big league stuff. Do you think Bumgarner is ready to be our fifth starter?
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Barry Zito, Free Agents, Giants, Jonathan Sanchez, King of Cali, Madison Bumgarner, Matt Cain, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, Tim Lincecum
Mark DeRosa did a phone interview today with Murph & Mac on KNBR. DeRosa was on his way to the airport to fly out to San Francisco, so he can be here for Fan Fest. DeRosa was close to signing with the Giants before he signed with the Chicago Cubs three years ago. He said the Cubs made him an offer that he couldn’t refuse.
DeRosa feels like the Giants are on a verge of something great. Tim Lincecum has won two Cy Young’s, Matt Cain is one of the better pitchers in the league, and Barry Zito had a strong second half of the season. He thinks if the Giants can offensively give this pitching staff some early runs. The sky is the limit.
DeRosa said Pablo Sandoval, Aubrey Huff and him sound good as 3-4-5 hitters in the lineup. He thinks the 5 hole in the lineup is a RBI spot to drive in runs. He said he really doesn’t care where he hits. He will let Bruce Bochy figure out the lineup and where he will play defensively.
DeRosa closes out the interview by saying he’s never liked the Dodgers, so now that he’s a Giants. He can hate them (was said while laughing). Are you excited to have DeRosa on board?
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Aubrey Huff, Barry Zito, Free Agents, Giants Rumors, King of Cali, KNBR, Mark DeRosa, Matt Cain, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, Tim Lincecum
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
Posted on December 31st, 2009 by admin in
Q&A
King: We all know Sabean is usually pretty active when it comes to the offseason. He said this year they were going to take it slow. We all didn’t think it would be this slow. What are your thoughts on the Giants taking the slow approach this offseason to make some moves?
Tim K: You know, the way this off-season has set up, I don’t know that Giants fans should’ve wanted Sabean to move too swiftly. Unless you’re throwing around huge money for Holliday or Bay–and we know the Giants aren’t doing that–then there wasn’t a lot of the Big Deal kind of player available this time around.
So the pick-up of Mark DeRosa this week was certainly not franchise-altering, but better than, say, last December’s Edgar Renteria signing, right? Or Zito, Dave Roberts and Klesko two Decembers ago.
Now, this is not going to stir up the Giants populace, nor should it. They have GOT to add 50 to100 runs or else they risk wasting another year of Lincecum-Cain.
I just don’t see how this administration–which, the last time they had large money to blow, spent it on Aaron Rowand–can do it, given this set of circumstances, unless they were suddenly willing to trade Cain, which I don’t think will happen.
The Giants just aren’t going to go over 100M in payroll. You can be upset about that, fairly. But if that’s the ceiling, with Zito and Rowand choking up the space and Lincecum’s deal to come… well, they’re sort of stuck trying to scour the bargain bin. That’s DeRosa. Maybe Jermaine Dye, etc.
King: I’m sure you’re not going to sugarcoat this answer. What do you think of Bill Neukom so far? Do you think he will open up the wallet and let Sabean get some good players?
Tim K: I’ve been fine with Neukom so far–he’s definitely analytical, which means he’s a lot less apt to go hog-wild on impulse for somebody like Zito. I think that’s a plus. Again, fans want the Zito-like deal (well, not ZITO, but many did love the Zito signing at the time,if I remember correctly), the magic fix.
Neukom’s not a magic-fix guy. Is he being stingy? Well, that’s for the bankers and ticket-buyers to decide. If the Giants remain a top-15 payroll team, which I think they will, and if they’re still loaded down by Zito, Rowand, Renteria… I’m not sure how much Neukom is going to let the money flow for anything new.
He’s counting on Posey and the next wave, if it comes, and maybe a new GM and manager in 2011 or 2012. Does that sound drastic? I think that’s where this is headed. Sabean and Bochy only got two-year deals, remember.
King: If you were the Giants GM. What would moves would you be trying to make this offseason?
Tim K: I’d buy a time machine and go back and prevent myself from ever signing Zito or Rowand. Barring that… I sure would start trying to short-sell Rowand and maybe throw in Brian Wilson if that’s what it took.
I know Wilson’s a fan favorite, TV show, all that. But unless you’re Mariano, closers don’t usually have long shelf-life. Plus Wilson is a closer coming up on arbitration who has a history of high ERAs and WHIPs. If I was the GM–and thank God I’m not–and I knew I couldn’t get a Bay or a Holliday (or trade for Adrian Gonzalez–ain’t happening), then I’d try to be forward-thinking and plan to clean my salary roll into 2011.
That means dumping Rowand, who really isn’t any good and will get increasingly less good, and if it takes sacrificing Wilson or Jonathan Sanchez to do it… Again, sounds drastic. Giants fans won’t like it. But how else is this team going to get the money to really go after the top-level hitters?
King: There is reports that the Giants have offered Mark DeRosa a two year, $12 million contract. Do you see this as a good move for the Giants if he accepts?
Tim K: Obviously, you sent this to me before the DeRosa deal came down. Not a terrible deal, but again, certainly DeRosa, at 34, coming off of wrist problems, is not going to be scaring NL pitchers or adding 50 runs to the Giants offense. He’s OK. He can play third, first, left, right… But is he a huge improvement over Randy Winn? Not really. I was not a Winn fan, but… If this offense is going to get better, the upgrade has to be more than DeRosa for Winn (or for Lewis, or Ishikawa, or whoever).
So you have Freddy Sanchez for the whole season, if his knee lets him be there for the whole season. I thought Uribe was just as good or better than Sanchez last year, and the Giants line-up stunk. Where’s the upgrade? Lose Bengie, and have nobody at center. Where’s the upgrade?
They need a thumper. I just don’t think a thumper’s out there for them. Same old, same old. But at least DeRosa’s only 34. A bit younger than Sabean’s normal free-agent signee.
King: I just wanted to say thanks again to Tim Kawakami for taking the time out of his busy life to do this Q&A for us.
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Aaron Rowand, Barry Zito, Buster Posey, Edgar Renteria, Free Agents, Giants, King of Cali, Mark DeRosa, Matt Cain, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, Pablo Sandoval, Q&A, Randy Winn, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, Tim Kawakami, Tim Lincecum
Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News says unless something crazy happens soon, in 2010 the Giants will have the same great pitching, the same fitful hitting and the same prayers that somehow this gangly group lifts the Giants close to the 95-victory mark.
Kawakami says owner Bill Neukom seems to have no urgency to push the payroll beyond $100 million, and frankly, Sabean’s history gives Neukom no reason to approve a mega-deal. December has been the time that Sabean would sign players for big money. Kawakami says fans probably should cheer when Sabean doesn’t sign anyone in December.
Basically, for 2010, the Giants need Lincecum, Cain & Co. to pitch at least as well as they did last season, which might not be possible, and, even if it happens, still might not get them to 95 victories.
King of Cali thoughts: Kawakami loves to tell it the way he see it. Which I’m sure a lot of Giants fans out there love about him. The Giants haven’t done anything yet to make Giants fans feel like we are trying to win the division. With the players we currently have signed for next season. We still do need our pitchers to go out and pitch gems every night. I really do believe Sabean isn’t done with adding a bat or two to our offense for next season. He knows that he got the free pass last year, but we can’t go into next season still saying Lincecum, Cain and pray for rain!
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Bill Neukom, Brian Sabean, Free Agents, Giants, King of Cali, Matt Cain, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, SF Giants Rumors, Tim Lincecum
Mark DeRosa
DeRosa loves the city and AT&T Park. He said it was nice to be wanted by the San Francisco Giants. He feels like the Giants are on the verge of something special. Thinks very highly of their young pitching.
When asked about how he feels about not having to face Tim Lincecum or Matt Cain. He’s happy that he’s playing defense behind them now, and not having to face them.
DeRosa said his role will be formulated in spring training. He knows he will probably be moving around to different positions. As long as he’s in the lineup, their winning and the clubhouse is fun it doesn’t matter. He does like the infield better, but it doesn’t matter he said.
DeRosa thinks his home run totals have gone up cause he picks the heads of power hitters. He waits for better counts now. DeRosa believes pitching will take you to the promise land and thinks very highly of Lincecum and Cain at the top of the rotation.
His surgery went fine. He hasn’t’ started hitting yet. He’s going to wait two more weeks before picking up a bat. He’s just been going through his offseason workout.
When asked about Albert Pujols. DeRosa believes when his career is over. He can be the best right handed hitter ever.
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Albert Pujols, AT&T Park, DeRosa, Free Agents, KNBR, Mark DeRosa, Matt Cain, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Rumors, St. Louis Cardinals, Ted Robinson, Tim Lincecum
Buster Olney of ESPN.com said via Twitter – “Remember that if SF (San Francisco Giants) signs Jason Bay to to 4 years at $64 million type deal, They’d owe him, Barry Zito and Aaron Rowand $46 million annually for the next 3 years. Before even paying Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain.
Technorati Tags: Aaron Rowand, Barry Zito, Free Agents, Hot Stove, Jason Bay, Matt Cain, MLB Hot Stove, MLB Rumors, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants, SF Giants Rumors, SF Giants Rumors, Tim Lincecum
Posted on November 16th, 2009 by admin in
Q&A Hey Giants fans here is a Q&A that Dan Dibley was willing to do for us. As most of you reading this know Dibley works for KNBR. The Giants Flagship Station. Dibley is the Sports/Traffic Anchor. He has been a part of the KNBR Morning Show and Gary Radnich Experience since 2005.
King: What’s your thoughts on Bruce Bochy and Brian Sabean coming back in 2010?
Dibley: I think Bruce Bochy did a nice job by enlarge of making that collection of players successful in 2009. I don’t think many skippers would have gotten 90 wins out of the group of hitters. I’m glad to see him back. As for Sabean, while some of his free agent signings are questionable, I applaud him for “trying” to upgrade the offense with Sanchez/Garko. That said, this is his last contract, unless they make a big run in the next 2 years.
King: Who is your favorite player, current and all time?
Dibley: My current favorite player is probably Brian Wilson. He has really nasty stuff and just an odd-enough personality to succeed as a closer. I’d put Affeldt and Velez as my two runners-up, though I have a big soft spot for Freddie Lewis and Randy Winn. My all-time favorite would have to be Willie McCovey. He was in his heyday while I was growing up.
King: What is your best Giants memory?
Dibley: I’d have to say my best memory, and I cannot recall the exact date, was the night of the double-header with the Dodgers back at the Stick when anarchy ruled. I was in the outfield seats when fans began jumping over the wall, clamoring for home run balls, even on short pop ups. It was the last night they allowed fans to leave the seats and chase down HR balls. The crowd was unruly a bit but it was an awesome night.
King: What free agent player out there would you like to see the Giants go after?
Dibley: I would like them to go after Jason Bay, a power hitter who will not totally kill the Giants defense.
King: There has been rumors about a Cain, Fielder trade. If you were the GM would you make this trade?
Dibley: Initially, I would have made that trade but something about the deal does not feel right for me. Maybe it’s the fit of Fielder with the Giants but my gut says don’t do it.
King: There are some 09 Giants players that are now free agents. Which players would you like to see brought back?
Dibley: I would love for them to bring Bengie Molina back, but for only one year, a pipe dream I realize. Aside from that, it’s good that Freddy Sanchez is coming back but aside from that, they can all pretty much go away.
King: There is a lot of people that want to see Posey as the starting catcher next season. Do you think Posey is ready for that role?
Dibley: I don’t think he is ready to be the everyday catcher. The inside word is that he needs to get more musculature. Once he gets bigger he will tear it up.
King: What’s your thoughts on the NL having a DH?
Dibley: Hate the DH. Always have, always will. Baseball is a game of 9 on 9. We teach kids the ethos of playing the field and getting rewarded with an AB. The DH ruins that.
King: For the record… Who do you enjoy working with more.. Murph and Mac or Gary?
Dibley: Murph and Mac are the main course and Gary is the dessert. I get a well balanced meal from 5-9 then I get a terrific, varied “treat” from 9-10:30ish. I’m the the luckiest broadcaster in the market to be able to span two great, yet different shows.
King: Is there anything you want to let Giants fans know about you that they might not know?
Dibley: I love my job at KNBR and it is a partial culmination of my dreams. The fact that a mediocre student who never played professional sports can be such an integral part of a 50,000 watt sports station is testimony to the fact that dreams come true. I want people to know that dreams do in fact come true so keep believing and don’t give up, don’t ever give up.
I just want to say thank you very much to Dan Dibley for taking the time to do this Q&A for us. You can check out Dibley’s blog at dandibley.com and you can also follow him on twitter (twitter.com/dandibley).
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Baseball, Bengie Molina, Brian Sabean, Brian Wilson, Bruce Bochy, Buster Posey, Dan Dibley, Giants, Jason Bay, KNBR, Matt Cain, MLB, Prince Fielder, Q&A, Randy Winn, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Rumors
