I've once heard a saying that there are only two seasons in the year. Winter and Baseball. While I am all for changing the calenders accordingly, I don't think people with yearly cat calendars will appreciate it. In regards to to the Giants winter this year, it hasn't been pretty thus far, but it hasn't been ugly either. Without going into depth about who had arbitration, salary raises, re-signings, and who dated who, I just want to discuss the two newest acquisitions to date. Melky Cabrera and Angel Pagan. I'm fairly certain that "The Franchise" will go on to have a quiet off season for the remainder, which makes for a closer debate on the two new Giants.
Melky Cabrera trade with the Kansas City Royals
Giants trade - Jonathan Sanchez, Ryan Verdugo (minor league prospect)
Royals trade - Melky Cabrera
Pros: Cabrera had a breakout year last year going .305/18/87 with 20 stolen bases and 102 runs. Adds speed to a slow lineup. Younger roster. Potentially saves money.
Cons: Cabrera has only one solid year, previous years are mediocre. Jonathan Sanchez has a more promising future on paper.
Overall: Not a fan of this trade. The key to being successful in baseball is consistency, and while consistency is also one of the hardest things to achieve, Cabrera has not been consistent. Too often in the MLB is one breakout season overvalued. Barry Zito is a perfect example. I know I'm being a pessimist but its hard to positive towards a player when the sport is relentless towards promising seasons. On the other hand, I do like Cabrera's speed and base running abilities, which is a very welcome addition. On the other other hand, Jonathan Sanchez was a personal gut blow to me. I believe that he can only get better due to his ridiculous high potential (I feel very biased here). I do understand however, that the Giants were very patient with him and that patience had grown thin. All the hate towards this trade aside, there is always a chance that Cabrera continues his breakout performance.
Angel Pagan trade with the New York Mets
Giants trade - Andres Torres, Ramon Ramirez
Mets trade - Angel Pagan
Pros: Veteran presence. Great speed to lineup. Great base stealer. Traded little for a greater upside.
Cons: Rumored to dislike the lead off spot. Mediocre defender. Lost a fast arm.
Overall: I like this trade (I could also be a little biased here). Pagan is a great base stealer with 37 in 2010 and 32 in 2011. Stealing 2nd base at the top of the line up could be crucial for Freddy Sanchez and Buster Posey who hit gap to gap, enabling Pagan to score easily. While It's obvious that this will won't happen all the time, fans can look for this formula throughout the season. I imagine that Pagan will have a on-going green light to steal, something Giants fans have missed in the last few seasons. I discourage the rumors about Pagan's personal preference to lead off, as a true lead off hitter is exactly what the Giants need.
Potential Lineup of 2012
1. Angel Pagan CF
2. Freddy Sanchez 2B
3. Pablo Sandoval 3B
4. Buster Posey C
5. Melky Cabrera LF
6. Aubrey Huff 1B
7. Nate Schierholtz RF
8. Brandon Crawford SS
9. Tim Lincecum P
This honestly scares me to death. If one of these players gets hurt, the wins above replacement in the lineup will take a plunge. Injuries do happen and the depth of the Giants is not what it was last year - which was severely tested as we all remember. Mike Fontenot and Emmanuel Burriss will be considered back ups for the infield while Chris Stewart will back up Buster Posey. The 2012 season could possibly make way for a new upcoming rookie or a breakout season for any non starter who gets a chance.
With the Giants winter meetings and off season acquisitions and trades potentially over, the two trades thus far will make an impact. Even if Cabrera and Pagan don't hit as subscribed, the changes in speed will help dramatically. Like every beginning to a season, breakdowns and analytics can only go so far. By the opening game, the "Pagan formula" will hopefully be in daily effect.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Shenanigans
Does anyone remember where they were and what they were doing when they heard that terrorists attacked on September 11, 2001? What about when Barack Obama was elected? Even more recently, what were people doing when Osama bin Laden was killed? How about when Scott Cousins collided with Buster Posey at a play at the plate leaving Posey with a broken leg. Sure, Buster Posey's injury is no where near the scale of the other events that I mentioned, but it still left a heart-sinking feeling into many Giants/Posey fans. Posey will ultimately miss the rest of the season after a successful surgery on his fibula and torn ligaments in his ankle. The rest of this year will be a continuous rehab for Posey as he continues to become healthier in preparation for the 2012 season. Posey's collision continues to be one of the central topics for Major League Baseball and its rules towards plays at home plate. Posey requested that the league look into changing the rule in anyway, to protect the catchers that sometime can be defenseless. On an even more depressing side note, Freddy Sanchez might miss the rest of the season as well due to a dislocated shoulder. So with the recent and past injuries, what does this mean for the Giants for the rest of the season?
Lets look at yesterdays lineup against the Cincinnati Reds: (June 12, 2011)
1. Torres CF
2. Tejada 3B
3. Schierholtz RF
4. Huff 1B
5. Ross LF
6. Crawford SS
7. Burriss 2B
8. Stewart C
9. J. Sanchez P
Honestly...kind of depressing. While fans want all these guys to do well and there is nothing but confidence in Bruce Bochy, this line up is definitely lack luster. A few things stand out here. Schierholtz is not a number 3 hitter. If you take away the last 3 games, Tejada is not a number 2 hitter. There is absolutely NO production from the catcher position offensively. So how do they improve: trade and/or play the waiting game. Currently, the trade talks and free agent signings are very quiet as there is still a month before the all-star break. However, there is some talk about the Giants acquiring Mark Ellis from the Athletics. Without breaking this down into intricate detail, I'm going to summarize this rumor by saying that I'd rather the Giants have Bill Hall (who they signed as soon as Sanchez went down), than Ellis. For the waiting game, the Giants have to do just that, wait. Wait for Brandon Belt to recover from the hit by pitch. Wait for Pablo Sandoval to start producing again (will start tomorrow against the Diamondbacks. June 14, 2011). Wait for Barry Zito to finish his rehab assignment. Make no mistake, Zito will open doors to trades in the future. After the all-star break, the line up could look like this:
1. Torres CF
2. Belt RF or 1B (if living up to potential)
3. Sandoval 3B
4. Huff 1B or RF
5. Ross LF
6. Crawford or Tejada SS
7. Burriss or Hall or a traded player 2B
8. Whiteside or a traded player C
9. Lincecum P
Definitely a lot less depressing, especially if the Giants pick up a player via trade. *cough* Jose Reyes *cough* To dive deeper into trading, I feel like the Giants could make a strong case for trading Ryan Voglesong as his value has never been higher. With so many teams looking for decent pitching, infield help would be most welcome and Zito would resume his role back in the rotation. All in all the Giants are still in first place as the division seems to be fairly weak right now. Also, injuries are extremely high this year on all teams throughout the league. So before other Giants fans start complaining about injuries, just tell them to take a look around. Thanks for reading and enjoy the summer!
Final food for thought: Major League Baseball is looking to change or remove divisions and leagues in different ways. Rumors currently have two suggestions. One is to take out all divisions and reward the play-offs to the top 5 teams in both leagues. The other is to remove both current divisions and leagues and create regional leagues. For example the California League, hosting the Giants, Angles, Dodgers, Athletics, and Padres. In any case, change seems to be immanent.
Lets look at yesterdays lineup against the Cincinnati Reds: (June 12, 2011)
1. Torres CF
2. Tejada 3B
3. Schierholtz RF
4. Huff 1B
5. Ross LF
6. Crawford SS
7. Burriss 2B
8. Stewart C
9. J. Sanchez P
Honestly...kind of depressing. While fans want all these guys to do well and there is nothing but confidence in Bruce Bochy, this line up is definitely lack luster. A few things stand out here. Schierholtz is not a number 3 hitter. If you take away the last 3 games, Tejada is not a number 2 hitter. There is absolutely NO production from the catcher position offensively. So how do they improve: trade and/or play the waiting game. Currently, the trade talks and free agent signings are very quiet as there is still a month before the all-star break. However, there is some talk about the Giants acquiring Mark Ellis from the Athletics. Without breaking this down into intricate detail, I'm going to summarize this rumor by saying that I'd rather the Giants have Bill Hall (who they signed as soon as Sanchez went down), than Ellis. For the waiting game, the Giants have to do just that, wait. Wait for Brandon Belt to recover from the hit by pitch. Wait for Pablo Sandoval to start producing again (will start tomorrow against the Diamondbacks. June 14, 2011). Wait for Barry Zito to finish his rehab assignment. Make no mistake, Zito will open doors to trades in the future. After the all-star break, the line up could look like this:
1. Torres CF
2. Belt RF or 1B (if living up to potential)
3. Sandoval 3B
4. Huff 1B or RF
5. Ross LF
6. Crawford or Tejada SS
7. Burriss or Hall or a traded player 2B
8. Whiteside or a traded player C
9. Lincecum P
Definitely a lot less depressing, especially if the Giants pick up a player via trade. *cough* Jose Reyes *cough* To dive deeper into trading, I feel like the Giants could make a strong case for trading Ryan Voglesong as his value has never been higher. With so many teams looking for decent pitching, infield help would be most welcome and Zito would resume his role back in the rotation. All in all the Giants are still in first place as the division seems to be fairly weak right now. Also, injuries are extremely high this year on all teams throughout the league. So before other Giants fans start complaining about injuries, just tell them to take a look around. Thanks for reading and enjoy the summer!
Final food for thought: Major League Baseball is looking to change or remove divisions and leagues in different ways. Rumors currently have two suggestions. One is to take out all divisions and reward the play-offs to the top 5 teams in both leagues. The other is to remove both current divisions and leagues and create regional leagues. For example the California League, hosting the Giants, Angles, Dodgers, Athletics, and Padres. In any case, change seems to be immanent.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Expect the....Expected
Its a week till pitchers and catchers report and I can already smell the hot dogs and pine tar. Coming off what just might be the biggest and celebrated off season in Giants history, optimism is certainly in the air. Optimism in repeating. Lets face that one championship is not enough, and look towards this season with eagerness, poise, and confidence, knowing that San Francisco is the world champion. So what will it take for another title? With spring training set to go underway, and the season forever approaching, take a moment (we'll keep it brief), and reflect on what needs to be done to establish a dominance once again.
The first and most important aspect in repeating a championship, is health. Personally, I feel that the biggest reason the Giants became so deadly throughout most of the season was because of the pitching staff staying healthy. The only pitcher to go on the disabled list last season was Todd Wellemeyer. The sole fact that Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez, Madison Bumgarner, and even Barry Zito, stayed healthy and made their respective starts, fueled their chance at a championship. Therefore, it makes no difference in this years goal. The starting staff staying healthy is unequivocally the utmost important thing towards this years chances. So lets flip it and look at the worst case scenario. Figuratively, lets say that Matt Cain goes down on the 15 day DL for a strained groin (knock on wood). The person to take his place would most likely be Jeff Suppan, if not an arm from the bullpen such as Dan Runzler. Suppan is definitely a experienced veteran, but is he a Matt Cain? Hell no. Its obvious that Suppan's best days are behind him and while losing a starting pitcher to this veteran wouldn't be the worst thing ever, I believe the Giants don't want to take their chances. Lets stay healthy starting staff, we all know San Francisco would be next to nothing without them.
On the offensive side, full seasons from Buster Posey, Freddy Sanchez, and continuing confidence from Aubrey Huff and Andres Torres will contribute greatly. Posey being the main key in this years line up, is projected to have a great season, hopefully without the sophomore slump (*cough* Sandoval *cough*). Miguel Tejada, being the new addition should have a mediocre year being at his older age. While he is a solid replacement for Juan Uribe, Tejada should project a 270/330/400 average, on base, and slugging percentage. I also expect Aaron Rowand to contribute more this year as well. The 33 year old veteran always seems to be on a tear before an injury, which seems to plague his second half. The biggest question for the offensive side is Pablo Sandoval. Sandoval has been reported to lose more than 20 lbs. during the off season, in hopes to be the player he was in 2009. With only one major signing to the offense, look for the numbers to be slightly better this year but more don't steer away from the familiar territory of "torture".
Tim Kirkjian, an ESPN Baseball analyst wrote a great article discussing the effects of pitchers arms in the postseason and their chances at a repeat. Kirkjian explains that tired arms have extremely low chances of repeating success in the following season, which he backs with statistics. Likewise, If anyone were to ask any of the pitchers who pitched deep into the post season, they would most likely receive a cliche answer (some answers are in the article). Being a baseball enthusiast first and a Giants fan second, I am inclined to agree with these numbers and history. Feel free to discuss these things with or without me, but my confidence in the Giants winning another championship is extremely small. However, I do feel like they will win the West, and make a good push during the post season. While I bring words of discouragement and foretold predictions, fear not! With a healthy starting staff, solid defense, and a familiar offense with an all-star catcher on the rise, more sweet torture is poised to make a comeback and I believe it will not disappoint. Have a safe and enjoyable 2011 season.
On a totally off topic side note, I recently read the famous book "Moneyball". A few weeks ago, I conjured up a question that I would love to discuss with anyone who read the book and watched Juan Uribe rake. In "Moneyball", the Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane, stresses the importance of on base percentage and its role. In contrast, Uribe had an a horrible on base percentage of about .300 but came up clutch with hits time and time again. According to the book, Beane would never play a player like Uribe. I personally believe that on base percentage is probably the most important stat of a hitter. But how important is it really when a player with a low percentage played a huge part in a championship. Perhaps on base percentage has changed as "Moneyball" was written in the beginning of the decade and the game is ever changing. Something to think about.
The first and most important aspect in repeating a championship, is health. Personally, I feel that the biggest reason the Giants became so deadly throughout most of the season was because of the pitching staff staying healthy. The only pitcher to go on the disabled list last season was Todd Wellemeyer. The sole fact that Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez, Madison Bumgarner, and even Barry Zito, stayed healthy and made their respective starts, fueled their chance at a championship. Therefore, it makes no difference in this years goal. The starting staff staying healthy is unequivocally the utmost important thing towards this years chances. So lets flip it and look at the worst case scenario. Figuratively, lets say that Matt Cain goes down on the 15 day DL for a strained groin (knock on wood). The person to take his place would most likely be Jeff Suppan, if not an arm from the bullpen such as Dan Runzler. Suppan is definitely a experienced veteran, but is he a Matt Cain? Hell no. Its obvious that Suppan's best days are behind him and while losing a starting pitcher to this veteran wouldn't be the worst thing ever, I believe the Giants don't want to take their chances. Lets stay healthy starting staff, we all know San Francisco would be next to nothing without them.
On the offensive side, full seasons from Buster Posey, Freddy Sanchez, and continuing confidence from Aubrey Huff and Andres Torres will contribute greatly. Posey being the main key in this years line up, is projected to have a great season, hopefully without the sophomore slump (*cough* Sandoval *cough*). Miguel Tejada, being the new addition should have a mediocre year being at his older age. While he is a solid replacement for Juan Uribe, Tejada should project a 270/330/400 average, on base, and slugging percentage. I also expect Aaron Rowand to contribute more this year as well. The 33 year old veteran always seems to be on a tear before an injury, which seems to plague his second half. The biggest question for the offensive side is Pablo Sandoval. Sandoval has been reported to lose more than 20 lbs. during the off season, in hopes to be the player he was in 2009. With only one major signing to the offense, look for the numbers to be slightly better this year but more don't steer away from the familiar territory of "torture".
Tim Kirkjian, an ESPN Baseball analyst wrote a great article discussing the effects of pitchers arms in the postseason and their chances at a repeat. Kirkjian explains that tired arms have extremely low chances of repeating success in the following season, which he backs with statistics. Likewise, If anyone were to ask any of the pitchers who pitched deep into the post season, they would most likely receive a cliche answer (some answers are in the article). Being a baseball enthusiast first and a Giants fan second, I am inclined to agree with these numbers and history. Feel free to discuss these things with or without me, but my confidence in the Giants winning another championship is extremely small. However, I do feel like they will win the West, and make a good push during the post season. While I bring words of discouragement and foretold predictions, fear not! With a healthy starting staff, solid defense, and a familiar offense with an all-star catcher on the rise, more sweet torture is poised to make a comeback and I believe it will not disappoint. Have a safe and enjoyable 2011 season.
On a totally off topic side note, I recently read the famous book "Moneyball". A few weeks ago, I conjured up a question that I would love to discuss with anyone who read the book and watched Juan Uribe rake. In "Moneyball", the Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane, stresses the importance of on base percentage and its role. In contrast, Uribe had an a horrible on base percentage of about .300 but came up clutch with hits time and time again. According to the book, Beane would never play a player like Uribe. I personally believe that on base percentage is probably the most important stat of a hitter. But how important is it really when a player with a low percentage played a huge part in a championship. Perhaps on base percentage has changed as "Moneyball" was written in the beginning of the decade and the game is ever changing. Something to think about.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
2010 Off Season = Ridiculousness
While I don't have the best past knowledge of Major League Baseball, I don't feel like I need any to understand how crazy this off season has been so far. The winter meetings are over, we are half way into December, and it feels like everything to be done is already done. The big three free agents have just been swept away by their new respective teams being Jayson Werth to the Nationals, Carl Crawford to Red Sox, and Cliff Lee to Phillies. ("The big three" seems to be a fixture in professional sports this year). Add the first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (Red Sox) to the mix and it becomes one of the most expensive and prolific off seasons in history. Almost as a chain reaction, one signing set off another, each more surprising than the last. With over 2 months left till spring training and many trades and/or transactions to still be had, the deals that have been made thus far, put a tag on this off season. And that demands much discussion and debate.
Jayson Werth - Washington Nationals - 7 year/$126 Million
An analogy for this deal would be a detonator for a bomb and most of the explosion. Not only did this deal set up the off season, it had a major influence on the amount at which the other major named free agents would be paid. First the good thing from this deal. It helped spread talent to a less talented club. The Nationals have never had a winning season, ever (granted they've only been established since 2005). Thinking of them being contenders over the last decade was extremely wishful. But, there is hope. Hope comes in the name of Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper. With the addition of Jayson Werth, the emergence of Ryan Zimmerman, and an upcoming pitching staff, this club has new hope and potential to be contenders. Now for the bad. It's just so much freakin money. Werth is a great outfielder and a great power hitter, but in no way is he worth $18 Million a year. And In no way is this Werth's fault. It's pretty agreeable that anyone would love to be extremely overpaid. All in all, the Nationals were aggressive, and congratulations to them, but because of this signing, congratulations are in order to the next two free agents as well.
Adrian Gonzalez - Boston Red Sox - 7 year extension/$154 Million
Boston should be having another tea party after this one, if they can afford it. Gonzalez will make $22 million a year. Another record setting contract for a first basemen. While Gonzalez is a better overall player than Werth, this doesn't exclude the fact that he is being paid a ridiculous amount of money. Being the face of the Padres most of his career, Gonzalez won't have a problem getting paid and succeeding in a lineup that is already greatly stacked. Gonzalez was nearing his end in San Diego and was demanding a high salary but it wouldn't be skeptical to believe that Werth's deal drove up Gonzalez's a few more mil than he deserves. While this deal is yet to be finalized because of Completitive Balance Tax, it still is imminent. Even with this thunder in the Boston lineup, there still needs to be a lightning.
Carl Crawford - Boston Red Sox - 7 year/$142 Million
Just in case Boston doesn't have enough offensive players, here is another. And yet again, at a high price. Crawford might be the epitome of a 5-tool player, meaning his speed, power, average, throwing, and fielding abilities are all exceptional. Coming off a great 2010 season with the Tampa Bay Rays, it's not surprising that Crawford was demanding this much money. To be competitive and grab this young and talented player, ball clubs knew they had to offer a multi-year, $120 million plus deal. Being that the Red Sox have the second highest payroll in all of baseball ($162,747,333 last season), Crawford was a perfect fit to general manager Theo Epstein. Because Boston signed these two deals that are almost worth $300 million, they become labeled with the thought of "buying" a championship, much like the label put on the 2009 Yankees.
Cliff Lee - Philadelphia Phillies - 5 year/$120 Million
The biggest face on the free agent market this year was the biggest surprise, making Cliff Lee the third highest paid pitcher ever behind CC Sabathia and Barry Zito. Many had already chiseled Lee in to be a Yankee because of New York's declining rotation. But Philadelphia came from the depths and swooped up Lee in a heartbeat, crushing the hopes for New York and Texas. Some writers, columnists, fans will argue that Lee was noble by not taking a boat load of cash that New York was offering. This deal is far from noble. While Lee will only make $11 million in 2011, in 2012 he will make $21.5 million, and $25 million in the remaining years of the contract. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to conclude that Philadelphia has a potentially wicked starting rotation and Lee knows it. Lee weighed his options and offers - all which would make him extremely rich - thus deciding to skip on some money (if this sentence were a text message, I would laugh out loud) and choose the club where he could see himself more successful.
These 4 players alone will be making a staggering combined amount of $542 million within the next 7 years. While it wouldn't be crazy to assume that 2012 will yield a Philadelphia, Boston world series, lets not get ahead of ourselves. Like everyone saw last year, The San Francisco Giants surprised everyone and were highly considered the underdogs the entire post season. So to the aggression of Washington, to the "monster" lineup in Boston (no pun intended), and the big 4 in Philadelphia, here's to a great off season. Have a safe and happy holidays.
Notable signings to date: (1/5/2011)
Hideki Matsui - Oakland A's - 1 year/$4.25 Million
Bobby Jenks - Boston Red Sox - 2 year/$12 Million
Zack Greinke - Milwaukee Brewers - trade for shortstop Alcides Escobar, center fielder Lorenzo Cain. and two prospects
Brandon Webb - Texas Rangers - 1 year/$8 Million
Adrian Beltre - Texas Rangers - 6 year/$96 Million
Lance Berkman - St. Louis Cardinals - 1 year/$8 Million
Ty Wigginton - Colorado Rockies - 2 year/$7.5 Million
Adam Dunn - Chicago White Sox - 4 year/$56 Million
Miguel Tejada - San Francisco Giants - 1 year/$6.5 Million
Victor Martinez - Detroit Lions - 4 year/$50 Million
Jayson Werth - Washington Nationals - 7 year/$126 Million
An analogy for this deal would be a detonator for a bomb and most of the explosion. Not only did this deal set up the off season, it had a major influence on the amount at which the other major named free agents would be paid. First the good thing from this deal. It helped spread talent to a less talented club. The Nationals have never had a winning season, ever (granted they've only been established since 2005). Thinking of them being contenders over the last decade was extremely wishful. But, there is hope. Hope comes in the name of Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper. With the addition of Jayson Werth, the emergence of Ryan Zimmerman, and an upcoming pitching staff, this club has new hope and potential to be contenders. Now for the bad. It's just so much freakin money. Werth is a great outfielder and a great power hitter, but in no way is he worth $18 Million a year. And In no way is this Werth's fault. It's pretty agreeable that anyone would love to be extremely overpaid. All in all, the Nationals were aggressive, and congratulations to them, but because of this signing, congratulations are in order to the next two free agents as well.
Adrian Gonzalez - Boston Red Sox - 7 year extension/$154 Million
Boston should be having another tea party after this one, if they can afford it. Gonzalez will make $22 million a year. Another record setting contract for a first basemen. While Gonzalez is a better overall player than Werth, this doesn't exclude the fact that he is being paid a ridiculous amount of money. Being the face of the Padres most of his career, Gonzalez won't have a problem getting paid and succeeding in a lineup that is already greatly stacked. Gonzalez was nearing his end in San Diego and was demanding a high salary but it wouldn't be skeptical to believe that Werth's deal drove up Gonzalez's a few more mil than he deserves. While this deal is yet to be finalized because of Completitive Balance Tax, it still is imminent. Even with this thunder in the Boston lineup, there still needs to be a lightning.
Carl Crawford - Boston Red Sox - 7 year/$142 Million
Just in case Boston doesn't have enough offensive players, here is another. And yet again, at a high price. Crawford might be the epitome of a 5-tool player, meaning his speed, power, average, throwing, and fielding abilities are all exceptional. Coming off a great 2010 season with the Tampa Bay Rays, it's not surprising that Crawford was demanding this much money. To be competitive and grab this young and talented player, ball clubs knew they had to offer a multi-year, $120 million plus deal. Being that the Red Sox have the second highest payroll in all of baseball ($162,747,333 last season), Crawford was a perfect fit to general manager Theo Epstein. Because Boston signed these two deals that are almost worth $300 million, they become labeled with the thought of "buying" a championship, much like the label put on the 2009 Yankees.
Cliff Lee - Philadelphia Phillies - 5 year/$120 Million
The biggest face on the free agent market this year was the biggest surprise, making Cliff Lee the third highest paid pitcher ever behind CC Sabathia and Barry Zito. Many had already chiseled Lee in to be a Yankee because of New York's declining rotation. But Philadelphia came from the depths and swooped up Lee in a heartbeat, crushing the hopes for New York and Texas. Some writers, columnists, fans will argue that Lee was noble by not taking a boat load of cash that New York was offering. This deal is far from noble. While Lee will only make $11 million in 2011, in 2012 he will make $21.5 million, and $25 million in the remaining years of the contract. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to conclude that Philadelphia has a potentially wicked starting rotation and Lee knows it. Lee weighed his options and offers - all which would make him extremely rich - thus deciding to skip on some money (if this sentence were a text message, I would laugh out loud) and choose the club where he could see himself more successful.
These 4 players alone will be making a staggering combined amount of $542 million within the next 7 years. While it wouldn't be crazy to assume that 2012 will yield a Philadelphia, Boston world series, lets not get ahead of ourselves. Like everyone saw last year, The San Francisco Giants surprised everyone and were highly considered the underdogs the entire post season. So to the aggression of Washington, to the "monster" lineup in Boston (no pun intended), and the big 4 in Philadelphia, here's to a great off season. Have a safe and happy holidays.
Notable signings to date: (1/5/2011)
Hideki Matsui - Oakland A's - 1 year/$4.25 Million
Bobby Jenks - Boston Red Sox - 2 year/$12 Million
Zack Greinke - Milwaukee Brewers - trade for shortstop Alcides Escobar, center fielder Lorenzo Cain. and two prospects
Brandon Webb - Texas Rangers - 1 year/$8 Million
Adrian Beltre - Texas Rangers - 6 year/$96 Million
Lance Berkman - St. Louis Cardinals - 1 year/$8 Million
Ty Wigginton - Colorado Rockies - 2 year/$7.5 Million
Adam Dunn - Chicago White Sox - 4 year/$56 Million
Miguel Tejada - San Francisco Giants - 1 year/$6.5 Million
Victor Martinez - Detroit Lions - 4 year/$50 Million
Friday, November 26, 2010
Speed and the Repeat
Here is a fun stat: The 2010 Giants stole exactly 55 bases last season. 55 is tied for the lowest in all of the league with the Chicago Cubs. Here's another one: The 2010 Giants committed 158 double plays, one below the league leading Minnesota Twins. While not all double plays are the typical 6-4-3, its clear that most of them are. While this shouldn't alarm those who witnessed most of the games, it gives more conclusive evidence on how solid and extraordinary the pitching staff was and how slow (meaning speed) the lineup was. It's no surprise that the Giants need a little hitch in their step. I personally feel that adding some speed will increase the chances for a repeat, because we all know, one championship isn't enough.
Obviously speed isn't the only thing for another championship, so I've broken down the off season into 3 subconscious to conscious ideas: (Insert "Inception" jokes here)
-The Dream. One name appears in this dream. Carl Crawford. Before we dive into this dream, consider this:
1. Andres Torres
2. Carl Crawford
3. Aubrey Huff
4. Buster Posey
5. Cody Ross
6. Mark DeRosa
7. Freddy Sanchez
8. Juan Uribe
9. Tim Lincecum
Sexy right? Not only does Crawford compliment Torres in the outfield, he helps set the table for Huff and Posey. Contributing with great contact hitting plus some power, Crawford is a great example of a full package with his speed. In 2010, Crawford led the Tampa Bay Rays with 47 stolen bases, a .307 batting average and had never hit into a double play the entire season. Lets not get ahead of ourselves, this is still just a dream. The Giants most likely will not sign Crawford as he will demand a huge salary. With the new signing to Aubrey Huff, raises to players, and depending if the Giants re sign Juan Uribe, the Giants salary seems to be close to capped. But while this is a dream, lets throw Cliff Lee and Jayson Werth into the roster. That's expensive food for thought.
-The Reality. Aubrey Huff is the reality. Juan Uribe is the reality. The top 2 RBI leaders last season, just so happen to be the free agents. While Huff is locked up for 2 more years, Uribe has just been offered arbitration. Thus, a short stop seems to be the pressing need this season. While no names have been thrown around yet, it feels as though Brian Sabean is looking to bring Uribe back. On a promising side note, Mark DeRosa will be back, and Buster Posey will have a full year if healthy. It might not be the most exciting thing not to sign a well known player, but with a roster that brought San Francisco it's first championship, why not bring the same roster back.
-The Dream within The Reality. Brandon Belt, Charlie Culberson, Conor Gilaspie. These 3 players, are top San Francisco prospects who played for the Scottsdale Scorpions in the Arizona Fall League. Belt standing at the top, hitting .352 with 23 HR and 112 RBI in the 2010 season. Belt has the whole bay area in anticipation as to when he will play with the Giants. The controversy is when to call these players up. These names, as well as others, will become huge staples in the organization, with their appearances coming straight around the corner.
Addressing the problems with speed should be the utmost priority followed by filling in the gaps. Base runners should be a threat to steal, take the extra base on the single, or even tag on a fly ball. Another key to a repeat should be staying healthy. It was a huge part of last season that most of the roster stayed healthy and contributed. One last factor and I believe to be the most important, is the clubhouse chemistry. If the players can keep the looseness and momentum flowing, it should lead to more success. While this breakdown feels like a scene with Leonardo DiCaprio and Ellen Page, fans can only hope that next season's dreams become a reality.
Obviously speed isn't the only thing for another championship, so I've broken down the off season into 3 subconscious to conscious ideas: (Insert "Inception" jokes here)
-The Dream. One name appears in this dream. Carl Crawford. Before we dive into this dream, consider this:
1. Andres Torres
2. Carl Crawford
3. Aubrey Huff
4. Buster Posey
5. Cody Ross
6. Mark DeRosa
7. Freddy Sanchez
8. Juan Uribe
9. Tim Lincecum
Sexy right? Not only does Crawford compliment Torres in the outfield, he helps set the table for Huff and Posey. Contributing with great contact hitting plus some power, Crawford is a great example of a full package with his speed. In 2010, Crawford led the Tampa Bay Rays with 47 stolen bases, a .307 batting average and had never hit into a double play the entire season. Lets not get ahead of ourselves, this is still just a dream. The Giants most likely will not sign Crawford as he will demand a huge salary. With the new signing to Aubrey Huff, raises to players, and depending if the Giants re sign Juan Uribe, the Giants salary seems to be close to capped. But while this is a dream, lets throw Cliff Lee and Jayson Werth into the roster. That's expensive food for thought.
-The Reality. Aubrey Huff is the reality. Juan Uribe is the reality. The top 2 RBI leaders last season, just so happen to be the free agents. While Huff is locked up for 2 more years, Uribe has just been offered arbitration. Thus, a short stop seems to be the pressing need this season. While no names have been thrown around yet, it feels as though Brian Sabean is looking to bring Uribe back. On a promising side note, Mark DeRosa will be back, and Buster Posey will have a full year if healthy. It might not be the most exciting thing not to sign a well known player, but with a roster that brought San Francisco it's first championship, why not bring the same roster back.
-The Dream within The Reality. Brandon Belt, Charlie Culberson, Conor Gilaspie. These 3 players, are top San Francisco prospects who played for the Scottsdale Scorpions in the Arizona Fall League. Belt standing at the top, hitting .352 with 23 HR and 112 RBI in the 2010 season. Belt has the whole bay area in anticipation as to when he will play with the Giants. The controversy is when to call these players up. These names, as well as others, will become huge staples in the organization, with their appearances coming straight around the corner.
Addressing the problems with speed should be the utmost priority followed by filling in the gaps. Base runners should be a threat to steal, take the extra base on the single, or even tag on a fly ball. Another key to a repeat should be staying healthy. It was a huge part of last season that most of the roster stayed healthy and contributed. One last factor and I believe to be the most important, is the clubhouse chemistry. If the players can keep the looseness and momentum flowing, it should lead to more success. While this breakdown feels like a scene with Leonardo DiCaprio and Ellen Page, fans can only hope that next season's dreams become a reality.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Spoiled
I've never been a spoiled person. Sure, I have had my moments with a parent bought car and a great first job, but I don't think I'll ever drive my own Dodge Viper. However, when it comes to being a San Francisco Giants fan the last two years, I might as well throw my own super sweet 16 birthday party on MTV. Before the 2009 season, I grew up a fan because of my father, but I never really followed anything. Never followed Bonds and his steroids. Never witnessed the great 2002 and 2003 seasons. I never really cared. Since last year, something has clicked inside. Not only am I a huge Giants fan, I'm a huge Baseball fan.
2009 for the Giants ended with 88 wins and 74 loses. It was my first year truly, truly following this franchise from top to bottom. It was a great scene to what was to come in 2010. Tim Lincecum received his second straight Cy Young. Matt Cain truly blossomed into an ace. Pablo Sandoval hit .330. Buster Posey made his debut. And Jonathan Sanchez threw a no hitter (one day before my birthday). Optimism was overflowing in every Giants fan. Needless to say, 2010 was no let down. "Giants Baseball...Torture!" remained as the main slogan throughout the entire season, that "Torture" was a good torture. The season was a nail bitter till the very last game, when the Giants beat the San Diego Padres 3 to 0. It was a game of pitching dominance by Jonathan Sanchez and the Giants bullpen. That very last game was the epitome or a short summary of the entire season. Low scoring games, backed by great pitching and solid defense. With a record setting September, a future rookie of the year, and a potential world series, The last game was the end to another winning season, and I remain a spoiled brat.
I couldn't care less to not being a true fan my whole life. I chose the right time. Destiny. Fate. Call it what you will. I promise that I will never ever become anything other than a Giants fan for the rest of my entire life. The fact that I became one a year ago is irrelevant to my faith in the future. Nor am I afraid to admit my short fanatical time because it is backed by knowledge of the entire league and its past. Sure I'm spoiled, but I wouldn't trade these two years for any other Giants seasons. If we win the World Series this year, it might as well be the equivalent to driving my own Dodge Viper. Being the fan that I have become, I'd rather win the World Series anyways.
2009 for the Giants ended with 88 wins and 74 loses. It was my first year truly, truly following this franchise from top to bottom. It was a great scene to what was to come in 2010. Tim Lincecum received his second straight Cy Young. Matt Cain truly blossomed into an ace. Pablo Sandoval hit .330. Buster Posey made his debut. And Jonathan Sanchez threw a no hitter (one day before my birthday). Optimism was overflowing in every Giants fan. Needless to say, 2010 was no let down. "Giants Baseball...Torture!" remained as the main slogan throughout the entire season, that "Torture" was a good torture. The season was a nail bitter till the very last game, when the Giants beat the San Diego Padres 3 to 0. It was a game of pitching dominance by Jonathan Sanchez and the Giants bullpen. That very last game was the epitome or a short summary of the entire season. Low scoring games, backed by great pitching and solid defense. With a record setting September, a future rookie of the year, and a potential world series, The last game was the end to another winning season, and I remain a spoiled brat.
I couldn't care less to not being a true fan my whole life. I chose the right time. Destiny. Fate. Call it what you will. I promise that I will never ever become anything other than a Giants fan for the rest of my entire life. The fact that I became one a year ago is irrelevant to my faith in the future. Nor am I afraid to admit my short fanatical time because it is backed by knowledge of the entire league and its past. Sure I'm spoiled, but I wouldn't trade these two years for any other Giants seasons. If we win the World Series this year, it might as well be the equivalent to driving my own Dodge Viper. Being the fan that I have become, I'd rather win the World Series anyways.
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