Baseball
Ray Ratto thinks the Alderson-Sanchez deal will turn out good for the Giants just because the Pirates suck and his evidence to back it up? Armando Rios. I was listening to Tim Kawakami on with Ralph Barbieri yesterday and was surprised that Ralph said most of the response to the trade was positive. Kawakami was quick to note that the response was less positive outside the Bay Area. The fact is, most fans don't know about minor league prospects, especially AA prospects. Ignorance is bliss.
This is what you call "turning the corner" and I ♥ Matt Cain.
Despite our recent Beane bashing, at least he was able to turn his SS into a new prospect while the Giants are stuck with their SS for another season and $9.5M.
Jonathan Sanchez had a "show me" start last night and fared well.
Football
DHB has signed his contract and is at Raiders' camp. Best DHB related tweet from Nancy Gay yesterday: nancygay Did his hamstring hold up? RT @bydavidwhite DHB is stretching. I know, breathless stuff. I'll post if he actually gets on the field.
Andrew Walter was released yesterday, and if you read between the lines, he couldn't be happier.
If you listened to the latest amateur RT and Koski podcast you'll hear that my assumption that contract talks with Crabtree would be resolved after DHB signed his contract. WRONG!
Meanwhile, the 49ers camp schedule has been termed "brutal" by several vets. Included in the schedule will be tackling drills. Justin Smith says he's never done tackling drills in the NFL. To me, that's ridiculous. I know injuries are a main concern and most season ending injuries occur in training camp, but how frustrating is it to see missed tackles in the NFL? "They" often say you play how you practice, so if you don't practice tackling...?
Candid Cam went to Raiders' camp and came away yawning.
Basketball
MTII asks if the Warriors should pick up Brandan Wright's option? I say yes. If you saw Kawakami's blog yesterday you'd know the Warriors have ZERO of their first round picks on their roster since 2002 (Wright was acquired via trade). It's time to put some faith in their youth.
Miscellaneous
Gwen Knapp says it's Diva Time in the sports world.
TENNIS stuff, OMG!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wire Check - 7/29/09
I am dedicating this wire check to a few of my friends who might need a little clarity today
Baseball
For my buddy Andrews - The Giants have (had) 4 untouchable prospects (Alderson, Baugartner, Posey and Villalona) going into the trade deadline. Teams looking to win the World Series usually only trade such prospects for super star players (Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, Matt Holliday, etc.). Teams looking to just make the playoffs trade them for one dimensional players.
For my buddy adrock - Adrock is a HUGE Warriors fan so I figured I would give him a basketball comparison that would allow him to better understand the Sanchez trade. The Corey Maggette signing and the Sanchez trade are very similar. Just like the Warriors, the Giants gave up too much (in a prospect as opposed to dollars) for a guy that only does one thing well. There is no doubt that Maggette can score and Sanchez can hit but that is ALL they can do.
For Koski - If we offered the Indians Villona, Alderson and a mid-level prospect for this guy, do you think we get him? I say Yes. Of course, the Giants front office is not interested in acquiring big name players that help you win World Series.
For Brian - I will hire you as Director of Trading once I run the Giants. If for no other reason then to avoid this headline.
Football
For AJ - Your team will always be terrible as long as this guy is in the quarterback conversation.
For Tino - This guy could use some of your sound advice when it comes to personal finance. (HINT: the real money comes when you dominate on the field not in your head.)
For all Wifes, Fiances and girlfriends - This will make the perfect gift for your significant others birthday.
Basketball
For Drew H. - Let the Devean George era begin!! Let's go Warriors!
For Ben - According to NBA.com, this Warrior has yet to fulfill his promise. I was hoping you could inform me on what exactly that promise was. Thanks
Baseball
For my buddy Andrews - The Giants have (had) 4 untouchable prospects (Alderson, Baugartner, Posey and Villalona) going into the trade deadline. Teams looking to win the World Series usually only trade such prospects for super star players (Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, Matt Holliday, etc.). Teams looking to just make the playoffs trade them for one dimensional players.
For my buddy adrock - Adrock is a HUGE Warriors fan so I figured I would give him a basketball comparison that would allow him to better understand the Sanchez trade. The Corey Maggette signing and the Sanchez trade are very similar. Just like the Warriors, the Giants gave up too much (in a prospect as opposed to dollars) for a guy that only does one thing well. There is no doubt that Maggette can score and Sanchez can hit but that is ALL they can do.
For Koski - If we offered the Indians Villona, Alderson and a mid-level prospect for this guy, do you think we get him? I say Yes. Of course, the Giants front office is not interested in acquiring big name players that help you win World Series.
For Brian - I will hire you as Director of Trading once I run the Giants. If for no other reason then to avoid this headline.
Football
For AJ - Your team will always be terrible as long as this guy is in the quarterback conversation.
For Tino - This guy could use some of your sound advice when it comes to personal finance. (HINT: the real money comes when you dominate on the field not in your head.)
For all Wifes, Fiances and girlfriends - This will make the perfect gift for your significant others birthday.
Basketball
For Drew H. - Let the Devean George era begin!! Let's go Warriors!
For Ben - According to NBA.com, this Warrior has yet to fulfill his promise. I was hoping you could inform me on what exactly that promise was. Thanks
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The Top Ten Reasons you should love the Freddie Sanchez Trade
10. Roberto Kelly can teach anyone how to steal a base including a guy with 10 career steals
9. The Giants pitching staff is so good they don’t need range at second base
8. The recent success of home grown pitchers leaves something to be desired.
7. Players in the early 30s only get better with age
6. Needing two different opinions on a player’s knee is a good indicator of success.
5. If Sanchez doesn’t produce (highly unlikely), the Giants can decline his option and have nothing to show for giving up some mediocre minor leaguer.
4. Bonds, Schmidt … Sanchez.
3. The Giants were getting too young. Teams built around older, experienced players always have winning seasons.
2. The Giants did not have to give up some of their best young players (Fransen,
Bowker, etc.)
1. It was about time the Giants got another light hitting .300 hitter … Edgardo Alfonzo we continue to miss you.
9. The Giants pitching staff is so good they don’t need range at second base
8. The recent success of home grown pitchers leaves something to be desired.
7. Players in the early 30s only get better with age
6. Needing two different opinions on a player’s knee is a good indicator of success.
5. If Sanchez doesn’t produce (highly unlikely), the Giants can decline his option and have nothing to show for giving up some mediocre minor leaguer.
4. Bonds, Schmidt … Sanchez.
3. The Giants were getting too young. Teams built around older, experienced players always have winning seasons.
2. The Giants did not have to give up some of their best young players (Fransen,
Bowker, etc.)
1. It was about time the Giants got another light hitting .300 hitter … Edgardo Alfonzo we continue to miss you.
Sanchez for Alderson: Koski is not Happy!!
It appears the Giants have traded for Freddy Sanchez. That's not the worst part, they gave up one of their top prospects, Tim Alderson. I'm flabbergasted. I don't get it. Freddy Sanchez? Couldn't the Giants be patient and look for, I don't know, a bat with power after the season for Alderson? I'm praying the Giants saw something they didn't love in Alderson that urged them to sell high, but I really don't get this move. Sure, 2B is fixed for the time being, but the Giants biggest weakness has been power all season. Freddy Sanchez does not hit for power. Sanchez is also 31 years old and could be a rent-a-player if the Giants decide not to pick up his $8M option for 2010. I hope Ralph Barbieri is happy.
Here's some Sanchez stats, per Baseball-reference.com:
.300 hitter who doesn't walk
No power with 37 HRs in four and a half full seasons.
Below average fielder.
Alderson was 6-1 with a 3.47 ERA in AA. The only thing I can think of is he's not a strikeout pitcher, but I'm grasping at straws here.
A mere three hours ago, Baggs posted this on his blog regarding the deal:
Here's some Sanchez stats, per Baseball-reference.com:
.300 hitter who doesn't walk
No power with 37 HRs in four and a half full seasons.
Below average fielder.
Alderson was 6-1 with a 3.47 ERA in AA. The only thing I can think of is he's not a strikeout pitcher, but I'm grasping at straws here.
A mere three hours ago, Baggs posted this on his blog regarding the deal:
"Names such as John Bowker, Kevin Frandsen and Jesus Guzman have been bandied about by si.com as guys who might be going the other way."I would give up ALL of those guys for Sanchez if I could keep Alderson. I don't get it!
The Barry Zito Signing: A Complete Upper Management Failure
It is time to clear up who is to blame for one of the worst signings in the history of baseball and how the biggest failure is not the performance on the field but the performance on the third floor of the Giants building.
Here is my take on what happened in the week leading up to the signing of Barry Zito:
Meeting Attendees: Peter McGowan (Owner) and Brian Sabean (General Manager)
Here are two other individuals that should (could) have been at the meeting –
1) Director of Marketing: This position is an actual job within the club and should be consulted before any major league ready player is acquired.
2) Director of Trading: This position does not exist. Every team should have a person responsible that understands the fundamentals of buying and trading assets. It doesn’t matter if you are talking about buying bananas at a Farmer’s market or trading distressed corporate debt, there are basic fundamentals that need to be followed. This person would make sure those fundamentals are strictly enforced.
McGowan: “We have some money to spend and it is time we find the new face of the franchise. This player must be the exact opposite of Barry Bonds. Bonds doesn’t treat me with any respect and there isn’t a person I despise more than him. As the result of my extreme dislike for Bonds, I feel like Barry Zito is the perfect player and, more importantly, person for this franchise.”
DOT: The number one rule in trading is “Do not trade on emotion.” I already feel like this decision to sign Zito is based on your personal relationship with Bonds and not on Zito’s projected value on the field.
Sabean: “It is going to take a lot of money to sign him because I know the Mets are very interested. I have to believe that we are going to need to offer him ~$15 mm a year.”
McGowan: “Do whatever it takes to get it done. He is the perfect player to transition this franchise away from the Barry Bonds era. Unlike Bonds, I am sure Zito will return my phone calls and resurrect the reputation of the franchise.”
DOM: Barry Bonds has made us a LOT of money over the past 6 years. I realize he is difficult to deal with, but the fans love him. Your belief that the fans of the Giants want a new face of the franchise seems to be somewhat unfounded.
Sabean: “We project Zito to be a number 2 starter, but I cannot justify paying him more than $15 mm. After all, Zito was not the number 1 starter on the A’s last year … Dan Haren was.”
McGowan: “He is worth at least $3 mm more in public relations and marketing. In two years, every young Giants fan is going to be wearing Zito jerseys and they will all but have forgotten about Barry Bonds. Zito is the perfect combination of talent on and off the field.”
DOM: Actually, starting pitchers are like left tackles in football. While they are very important when it comes to winning games and championships, they are never the face of the franchise. Paying up for an everyday player for marketing reasons makes a lot more sense. Big Papi and Manny sell jerseys for the Red Sox not Curt Schilling.
Sabean: “Let me see what I can do. Let’s talk later in the week.”
Later in the week …
Sabean: “We believe the Mets have offered him something between $15 - $17 mm a year. I am not comfortable going over $15 mm.”
DOT: If you don’t feel comfortable offering more than $15 mm than you shouldn’t do it. At the minimum, we should review our due diligence process to make sure we are not missing anything.
McGowan: “Brian, please stop looking at this signing as a pure baseball decision. This franchise needs a fresh start and players like Barry Zito do not come along very often. Offer him $18 mm a year.”
Sabean: “There are rumors that Zito has contacted the Yankees and told them he would be willing to accept a deal that is less than what the Mets are offering. Furthermore, the Yankees have told Zito they are still not interested. There is something they know that we might not. I would like a little bit more time to think about how we approach this deal.”
DOT: The biggest player, the Yankees, in this market place is not willing to take this guy at $15 mm a year!! Under no circumstances can we offer him more than $15 mm!
McGowan: “I could have run you out of this town over the Joe Nathan trade but I stuck with you and I have remained loyal despite rampant criticism over that deal. Now, I am telling you to get Barry Zito in a Giants uniform before the calendar turns over to 2007. GET IT DONE!”
Sabean: Yes, Sir
DOT and DOM: Did we fail to mention that starting pitchers are signed to win championships and soft tossing pitchers generally don’t win in the playoffs?
To be clear, Peter McGowan should be remembered for saving the Giants in San Francisco and building one of the most beautiful ballparks in the history of the game. However, there is little doubt that he had a significant amount of influence over the Zito signing.
There are two lessons to be learned here:
1) All General Managers should consult a marketing person and a trading person before making any personnel decisions about the big league club.
2) Owners should have very little say when it comes to the team on the field because the majority of them made their money doing something else besides winning sports Championships.
(I know many of you are thinking that Lincecum is the perfect face of the franchise for the Giants. While I will not disagree that his outstanding performance on the field and his near perfect personality off it, the goldmine for the Giants is Pablo Sandoval. If he becomes a regular in the All-Star game, he will sell more tickets, jerseys and t-shirts than Lincecum ever will.)
Here is my take on what happened in the week leading up to the signing of Barry Zito:
Meeting Attendees: Peter McGowan (Owner) and Brian Sabean (General Manager)
Here are two other individuals that should (could) have been at the meeting –
1) Director of Marketing: This position is an actual job within the club and should be consulted before any major league ready player is acquired.
2) Director of Trading: This position does not exist. Every team should have a person responsible that understands the fundamentals of buying and trading assets. It doesn’t matter if you are talking about buying bananas at a Farmer’s market or trading distressed corporate debt, there are basic fundamentals that need to be followed. This person would make sure those fundamentals are strictly enforced.
McGowan: “We have some money to spend and it is time we find the new face of the franchise. This player must be the exact opposite of Barry Bonds. Bonds doesn’t treat me with any respect and there isn’t a person I despise more than him. As the result of my extreme dislike for Bonds, I feel like Barry Zito is the perfect player and, more importantly, person for this franchise.”
DOT: The number one rule in trading is “Do not trade on emotion.” I already feel like this decision to sign Zito is based on your personal relationship with Bonds and not on Zito’s projected value on the field.
Sabean: “It is going to take a lot of money to sign him because I know the Mets are very interested. I have to believe that we are going to need to offer him ~$15 mm a year.”
McGowan: “Do whatever it takes to get it done. He is the perfect player to transition this franchise away from the Barry Bonds era. Unlike Bonds, I am sure Zito will return my phone calls and resurrect the reputation of the franchise.”
DOM: Barry Bonds has made us a LOT of money over the past 6 years. I realize he is difficult to deal with, but the fans love him. Your belief that the fans of the Giants want a new face of the franchise seems to be somewhat unfounded.
Sabean: “We project Zito to be a number 2 starter, but I cannot justify paying him more than $15 mm. After all, Zito was not the number 1 starter on the A’s last year … Dan Haren was.”
McGowan: “He is worth at least $3 mm more in public relations and marketing. In two years, every young Giants fan is going to be wearing Zito jerseys and they will all but have forgotten about Barry Bonds. Zito is the perfect combination of talent on and off the field.”
DOM: Actually, starting pitchers are like left tackles in football. While they are very important when it comes to winning games and championships, they are never the face of the franchise. Paying up for an everyday player for marketing reasons makes a lot more sense. Big Papi and Manny sell jerseys for the Red Sox not Curt Schilling.
Sabean: “Let me see what I can do. Let’s talk later in the week.”
Later in the week …
Sabean: “We believe the Mets have offered him something between $15 - $17 mm a year. I am not comfortable going over $15 mm.”
DOT: If you don’t feel comfortable offering more than $15 mm than you shouldn’t do it. At the minimum, we should review our due diligence process to make sure we are not missing anything.
McGowan: “Brian, please stop looking at this signing as a pure baseball decision. This franchise needs a fresh start and players like Barry Zito do not come along very often. Offer him $18 mm a year.”
Sabean: “There are rumors that Zito has contacted the Yankees and told them he would be willing to accept a deal that is less than what the Mets are offering. Furthermore, the Yankees have told Zito they are still not interested. There is something they know that we might not. I would like a little bit more time to think about how we approach this deal.”
DOT: The biggest player, the Yankees, in this market place is not willing to take this guy at $15 mm a year!! Under no circumstances can we offer him more than $15 mm!
McGowan: “I could have run you out of this town over the Joe Nathan trade but I stuck with you and I have remained loyal despite rampant criticism over that deal. Now, I am telling you to get Barry Zito in a Giants uniform before the calendar turns over to 2007. GET IT DONE!”
Sabean: Yes, Sir
DOT and DOM: Did we fail to mention that starting pitchers are signed to win championships and soft tossing pitchers generally don’t win in the playoffs?
To be clear, Peter McGowan should be remembered for saving the Giants in San Francisco and building one of the most beautiful ballparks in the history of the game. However, there is little doubt that he had a significant amount of influence over the Zito signing.
There are two lessons to be learned here:
1) All General Managers should consult a marketing person and a trading person before making any personnel decisions about the big league club.
2) Owners should have very little say when it comes to the team on the field because the majority of them made their money doing something else besides winning sports Championships.
(I know many of you are thinking that Lincecum is the perfect face of the franchise for the Giants. While I will not disagree that his outstanding performance on the field and his near perfect personality off it, the goldmine for the Giants is Pablo Sandoval. If he becomes a regular in the All-Star game, he will sell more tickets, jerseys and t-shirts than Lincecum ever will.)
Wire Check - 7/29/09
Baseball
An excellent article from Tim Kurkjian on the evolution of the 100 pitch count. It's a good read and Orel Hershiser drops a lot of good knowledge even going back to the lowering of the pitching mound forcing pitchers to depend more on movement than stuff.
Bruce Jenkins says, "C'mon!" to Cooperstown inducting Pete Rose. I feel the same way. Buster Olney echoed the same thoughts yesterday about steroid users. The Hall of Fame should record baseball history, good or bad.
The rumors swirl that the Giants almost added and still could add Freddy Sanchez, but Baggs is beginning to doubt it. Baggs also mentions the Giants are really interested in Dan Uggla at 2B and would bat him clean up. Both those potential deals frighten me.
Who hits the shortest home runs? Surprisingly, no Giants on the list, probably because they don't hit ANY home runs. (h/t Neyer)
Football
Training camp opened up yesterday and if you've been feenin' for some football here's Kawakami's transcripts of Alex Smith and Mike Singletary. The main things being Alex Smith feels good and Mike Singletary understands Crabtree's contract situation.
Gwen Knapp thinks Michael Vick will have no problem landing a job in the NFL.
Ray Ratto dusts off his College Football hat and says Cal's road to the Rose Bowl is going to be tougher than before...even though they haven't been in how long?
Is Scott Ostler the the Chronicle's Milton from Office Space? He just writes stuff and they publish it so they don't have to deal with him?
Matt Miaocco with more on Mike Singletary's personal history with holding out.
David White has Raiders reporting day notes.
Where to find Los Raiders en espanol this season.
An excellent article from Tim Kurkjian on the evolution of the 100 pitch count. It's a good read and Orel Hershiser drops a lot of good knowledge even going back to the lowering of the pitching mound forcing pitchers to depend more on movement than stuff.
Bruce Jenkins says, "C'mon!" to Cooperstown inducting Pete Rose. I feel the same way. Buster Olney echoed the same thoughts yesterday about steroid users. The Hall of Fame should record baseball history, good or bad.
The rumors swirl that the Giants almost added and still could add Freddy Sanchez, but Baggs is beginning to doubt it. Baggs also mentions the Giants are really interested in Dan Uggla at 2B and would bat him clean up. Both those potential deals frighten me.
Who hits the shortest home runs? Surprisingly, no Giants on the list, probably because they don't hit ANY home runs. (h/t Neyer)
Football
Training camp opened up yesterday and if you've been feenin' for some football here's Kawakami's transcripts of Alex Smith and Mike Singletary. The main things being Alex Smith feels good and Mike Singletary understands Crabtree's contract situation.
Gwen Knapp thinks Michael Vick will have no problem landing a job in the NFL.
Ray Ratto dusts off his College Football hat and says Cal's road to the Rose Bowl is going to be tougher than before...even though they haven't been in how long?
Is Scott Ostler the the Chronicle's Milton from Office Space? He just writes stuff and they publish it so they don't have to deal with him?
Matt Miaocco with more on Mike Singletary's personal history with holding out.
David White has Raiders reporting day notes.
Where to find Los Raiders en espanol this season.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Quick Hitter: Ryan Garko
The Giants traded for Cleveland 1B, Ryan Garko yesterday. While Garko will never, ever, ever be mistaken for Albert Pujols, he will be an upgrade at 1B where he will platoon with Ishikawa. Bochy said he's going to bat Garko 5th or 6th, so that gives you an idea Garko's limitations.
Here is Rob Neyer's take on Garko, which includes Kawakami's points within.
Here are some Garko nuggets from Baseball-reference.com:
.280 career hitter with .355 OBP, 20-30 HR power and is right handed (good for AT&T power compared to lefties)
He hits .318 v. lefties, .270 v. righties. Same average v. righties as Ishikawa, but half as many Ks.
He's never played at AT&T so it will be interesting to see how well he adjusts.
Doesn't strike out too much (94 Ks is career high)
He's under team control for two more seasons at reasonable price and is 28 years old. (Cot's Contracts)
All in all, a decent move. The Giants traded a Single A(Scott Barnes) pitcher who probably tops out as a middle reliever. Sabean has said the team is not finished, so look for the team to add possibly a corner outfielder or 2B.
Here is Rob Neyer's take on Garko, which includes Kawakami's points within.
Here are some Garko nuggets from Baseball-reference.com:
.280 career hitter with .355 OBP, 20-30 HR power and is right handed (good for AT&T power compared to lefties)
He hits .318 v. lefties, .270 v. righties. Same average v. righties as Ishikawa, but half as many Ks.
He's never played at AT&T so it will be interesting to see how well he adjusts.
Doesn't strike out too much (94 Ks is career high)
He's under team control for two more seasons at reasonable price and is 28 years old. (Cot's Contracts)
All in all, a decent move. The Giants traded a Single A(Scott Barnes) pitcher who probably tops out as a middle reliever. Sabean has said the team is not finished, so look for the team to add possibly a corner outfielder or 2B.
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