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
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
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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