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Around SBN: SB Nation interviews Jerome Bettis

Luis Gonzalez?

by Goat on Oct 30, 2006 9:44 AM PST Comment 64 comments

I am not too excited about this....

S.F., Texas show interest in Gonzo
By Jack Magruder, Tribune
October 30, 2006
Luis Gonzalez took over left field from Brent Brede after being acquired by the Diamondbacks in 1999. Is Barry Bonds next?

Gonzalez was a free agent for only hours Saturday before San Francisco and Texas came calling, major league sources confirmed Sunday, becoming the first two teams to initiate contact with Gonzalez in what could blossom into a bullish market for his services.

Gonzalez, 38, hit .271 with 15 home runs and 52 doubles last year and also has been linked to Detroit and Houston in published reports.

Although San Francisco's conversation was characterized as "general," the Giants' interest is the most intriguing and could indicate a fundamental shift in organizational thinking under new manager Bruce Bochy.

Giants management has expressed what can be described as only lukewarm interest in resigning left fielder Barry Bonds, who is 22 home runs short of passing Hank Aaron for the major league record and also filed for free agency Saturday.

San Francisco's contact could indicate a willingness to go in another direction, since Gonzalez's best position also is left field.

When Bochy managed in San Diego, he was an admirer of Gonzalez's work, and there were hints on the D-Backs' road trip to San Diego in September that the Padres would consider Gonzalez.

Gonzalez has indicated a preference to remain in the NL West, in part so he can be close to his Valley home and in part so he can play against the D-Backs 19 times a year.

Texas, which recently fired manager Buck Showalter and has not hired a replacement, appears to be interested in Gonzalez not only as a left fielder and designated hitter but also as a clubhouse stabilizer. Detroit is said to be looking to upgrade its designated hitter position.

Teams cannot talk about money to free agents other than their own until Nov. 12, when the open signing period begins.

This FanPost is reader-generated, and it does not necessarily reflect the views of McCovey Chronicles. If the author uses filler to achieve the minimum word requirement, a moderator may edit the FanPost for his or her own amusement.

0 recs | Comment 64 comments |

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Comments

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

If the giants sign this guy and not Bonds I will be utterly disgusted. Honestly I am appalled this is even mentioned as a possibility.

hung up on '02

by BondsApologist on Oct 30, 2006 10:06 AM PST reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

If the Giants are determined to part ways with Bonds, I ask Brian Sabean to weigh the potential stat lines (and salaries) Louis Gonzales vs. Todd Linden. Only difference? One is faster, younger, less injury prone, may have some upside, and is way, way cheaper...

Humm Baby!

by Kid Fresh on Oct 30, 2006 10:21 AM PST reply actions

Amen

"Robb Nen is going to get you" - Benito Santiago to Chipper Jones, 10/7/02

by Pants Man on Oct 30, 2006 10:26 AM PST up reply actions

who goofed? I got to know

I would like to know the genesis of Luis Gonzales as a possible Giant. Which BRIAN is the genius?

When you mention Linden as a possible OF in SF please also include Freddy Lewis in that mix. What has Freddy done? True, but what has Todd done? Give them both an opportunity and let the cards fall where they may. See if either can earn a spot on the 2007 club.

by wilriv21 on Oct 30, 2006 10:36 AM PST reply actions

What has Todd done?

.321/.437/.682/1.119 in AAA.

Sure it's the PCL, but it's more than Lewis has done to this point. If Lewis can't play CF, he'll have a tough time carrying enough lumber to be a big league corner outfielder IMO.

by mxmob33 on Oct 30, 2006 10:49 AM PST up reply actions

Re: What has Todd done?

Linden had a great season a couple of years ago in PCL and has flopped in MLB. Last season when Linden was promoted the light finally seemed to go on. Here's hoping the progression continues. As for Lewis give him an opportunity this spring to showcase his talent. If he does not seize the opportunity then off to PCL to hone his skills. If he does shine then SF could use a man of his talents.

by wilriv21 on Oct 30, 2006 10:58 AM PST up reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

The only role I could even wildly imagine Gonzo filling is a fifth outfielder; the veteran backup who warms the bench so the young bats in AAA are getting regular playing time.

Somehow, I don't think that's the role Gonzo wants to fill.

by Skaldheim on Oct 30, 2006 10:42 AM PST reply actions

Holy Hell

What? So now he can come to a stadium where he will hit for less power due to the conditions AND he'll be a year older. Don't forget he's got the arm of Tom Gordon.

I hope they're just messing with us. Bochy needs to get younger friends.

"Why you gotta be cardin' my hos?" - Charlie Hayes

by stevieg on Oct 30, 2006 10:43 AM PST reply actions

Re: Holy Hell

Tom Gordon? Is there a Tom Gordon I don't know about? The one I'm thinking of has a pretty damn good arm.

by Nick Schulte on Oct 30, 2006 4:25 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Holy Hell

Tom Goodwin?

Juan Pierre or Johnny Damon would work.

The Dodgers are evil.

by irwin on Oct 30, 2006 5:35 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Holy Hell

Perhaps Jeff Gordon?

"San Diego, which of course in German means a whale's vagina" - Ron Burgundy

by W8ingForATitle on Oct 30, 2006 7:26 PM PST up reply actions

Jeff Bridges?

LicenseToPills: barry bonds says words, they have nothing to do with his thoughts, they are just subjects and predicates in his mental kingdom

by Natto on Oct 31, 2006 12:49 AM PST up reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

It's hard to remain somewhat rational when the free agent we are showing interest in is Luis freaking Gonzalez. At this stage in his career he is a useless has-been, with next to no power and a throwing arm on par with your average D-League softball player. Not to mention last year he hit 15 jacks in a launching pad and would be playing home games at AT&T. Some retard will probably spend a couple million to sign this bum. All I am asking is that OUR retard doesn't. At this point Gonzalez is basically Steve Finley without the speed.

"San Diego, which of course in German means a whale's vagina" - Ron Burgundy

by W8ingForATitle on Oct 30, 2006 10:48 AM PST reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

At this point Gonzalez is basically Steve Finley without the speed.

...or the Gold Gloves.

"The first point is whether my brain is still operating...I'll figure that out after the season." - Felipe Alou

by EliminateMe on Oct 30, 2006 12:36 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

or the chippy, "I refuse to be the 4th outfielder and will not accept starting any less than 5 games every week, regardless of how crappy I might be hitting" attitude.

(we hope)

Hats for bats, keep bats warm !

by PacBellBoozer on Oct 30, 2006 2:15 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

No, few athletes are able to accept that they're not the player they used to be... I'm sure Luis would bring the Finley attitude along with him.

"Robb Nen is going to get you" - Benito Santiago to Chipper Jones, 10/7/02

by Pants Man on Oct 30, 2006 2:22 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

I completely agree with you...While it might be hard to keep someone from bringing that attidude along, that's what a GM and skipper are for. If Bochy catches wind of something like that, we hope he'll tell the "savvy-vet" to sit down and shut up. If history tells us anything, that probably isn't going to happy with this skipper.

That puts it squarely on the shoulder of the GM. It's his job to keep these kind of guys off our roster, and again, history tells us that Sabes is more than willing to fill the squad and empty the coffers to chase another past-his-prime old timer.

Please Lord, do something to keep our idiot-filled front office from picking up more savvy vets.

Hats for bats, keep bats warm !

by PacBellBoozer on Oct 30, 2006 2:39 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

Luis Gonzalez = leverage. Nothing more.

by cakes on Oct 30, 2006 10:49 AM PST reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

In what world does talking to Luis Gonzalez provide leverage on Barry Bonds?

Sabean: Gee Barry I don't know if we need you back next year, after all we have been talking to...LUIS GONZALEZ.

Barry: Damn, Luis Gonzalez, really. What if I come down a couple million on my demands and structure the contract to pay per plate appearance?

Sabean: Gonzalez wants to deal today, sounds like 4.5 Million will get it done and we really need the money to fill other positions, Pedro Feliz is in line for a nice raise, the Ted Lilly bidding war is getting out of control, and Hillenbrand's people are really playing hardball. The best I can offer at this point is 6 million, given that Luis is only asking 4.5 and you have added value to us with the home run record thing and all.

Barry: 8 mil and I sign now

Sabean: 6 is the best I can do, take it or leave it.

Barry: Alright done.

"San Diego, which of course in German means a whale's vagina" - Ron Burgundy

by W8ingForATitle on Oct 30, 2006 11:05 AM PST up reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

After the script doctors get through with making that one believable, it'll sound more like:

Sabean: Gee Barry I don't know if we need you back next year, after all we have been talking to...LUIS GONZALEZ.

Barry: Hahahahahahaha! Yeah, and I'm gonna sign with Tampa so I can mentor their up and coming young hitters. C'mon, man, I'm trying to be serious here.

"The first point is whether my brain is still operating...I'll figure that out after the season." - Felipe Alou

by EliminateMe on Oct 30, 2006 12:40 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

My point exactly, Luis Gonzalez provides no leverage whatsoever. Unfortunatly this means the Giants are probably seriously considering LGon a viable option.

"San Diego, which of course in German means a whale's vagina" - Ron Burgundy

by W8ingForATitle on Oct 30, 2006 12:53 PM PST up reply actions

While Bonds can Laugh We can only Cry

I would like to have heard the conversation between Sabean and Bochy

Sabean: Hey Bochy, Luis Gonzalez is available.
Bochy: I really like him a lot. He is a doubles hitting machine. And I think he also is a couple of years younger than that Bonds fella.
Sabean AND Bochy (in unison): Let's call him!!!!!

after conversation with Gonzalez completes

Bochy: Can I attract them free agents or what?
Sabean: What about trading for Crawford?
Sabean AND Bochy (in unison): Nah, the guy still in diapers

by wilriv21 on Oct 30, 2006 1:13 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

Hysterical. Well done.

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace." - Jimi Hendrix

by GiantJim on Oct 30, 2006 2:02 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

I totally agree. It is not just a matter of comparing each player's rate stats: obviously Bonds wins hands down. It is also a matter of who's going to be in the lineup day in day out and not have to be substituted for regularly.

It is also a matter of how much money one is asking over the other. Remember, Bonds at one point was talking about getting even more money, suggesting that if Clemens get that much for playing less games, why not him? Would you be willing to pay Bonds $22-25M for the 2007 season for the hope of him playing 100-120 games?

And given Gonzalez's age, declining production, and lack of overall performance, he shouldn't be expecting to get that much either.

I would also call this CYA-ing, because at best, the Giants can fill one OF position with an unproven farm product (Linden, Ortmeier, Lewis, Ellison), so if they just assume that Bonds is coming back, then they would be left with no chair when the music stops and Bonds is still not signed.

To me, it looks like the most logical thing the Giants can do in order to protect themselves from Bonds being intransigent, is to sign one corner OF (or CF and push Winn to corner), and then see what happens with Bonds: if he signs, new guy plays with Winn and Bonds in OF; if somehow Bonds don't sign, Giants plug in Linden or other youngster into RF with Winn and new guy.

by obsessivegiantscompulsive on Oct 30, 2006 2:42 PM PST up reply actions

Why Him?

Out of all the possible players to discuss and mention out the gate, WHY are the Giants calling Luis Gonzalez? OF is one of the easiest positions to fill. And another late 30yr OF at that! Please tell me Sabean and Bochy want him as an inexpensive and extra OF.

This is a very disheartening and frustating beginning to a busy winter.

by wilriv21 on Oct 30, 2006 3:04 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Why Him?

Right now, you need to see this as kicking the tires. Gonzalez's agent has an incentive to let teams know that other teams are interested in him via contact, we don't know the extent of the contact Sabean had with his agent.

Then we both can bemoan the move should it come to fruition.

by obsessivegiantscompulsive on Oct 30, 2006 9:03 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Why Him?

This theory sounds reasonable enough to at least let me get some sleep tonight.

"Robb Nen is going to get you" - Benito Santiago to Chipper Jones, 10/7/02

by Pants Man on Oct 30, 2006 9:47 PM PST up reply actions

Let's kick the tires

on youthful players like Crawford, Baldelli, Kotchman, Braves catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia and others

by wilriv21 on Oct 30, 2006 10:23 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Let's kick the tires

From what I recall, these players are all under contract to another team and the Giants would be fined for talking about them.

And Sabean never talks (or leaks talks) about trades with anybody, most of his moves are very stealthy, so anytime I see a leaked interest anywhere, it is either an agent or a team leaking that info. And I think many probably mirror him regarding potential trades with the Giants out of respect since that is the way he likes to operate.

And he did kick the tires on young players previously, the Giants were trying to get Derrek Lee before the Cubs got him and Richie Sexson before the D-backs got him. But when you don't have much of a farm system or many good young players on your team, it is hard to trade up with other teams unless you luck out and a team holds a fire sale of some sort and you happen to have some players they want. Sabean had the next 2-3 years to get the farm system to a new level of production, he has made some strides but must keep up the momentum to reach adequacy.

by obsessivegiantscompulsive on Oct 31, 2006 1:21 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Let's kick the tires

talk to their GM about them. Sabean might be an excellent poker player because he plays it close to the vest. Sometimes I wish he was as open as Beane in Oakland. Beane will target a player and talk with that team's GM. If he doesn't find a match he will invite a third team (and fourth in necessary) to make the trade a win/win situation. Unfortunately since Sabean is so secretive and has limited pieces to dangle he limits himself and the team.

by wilriv21 on Oct 31, 2006 2:01 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

DING! We have a winner.

Better sign fast, Barry. Time's a wastin'

by kintetsu on Oct 30, 2006 10:54 AM PST reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

Andy Van Slyke looked pretty spry during the World Series. You never know.

"Why you gotta be cardin' my hos?" - Charlie Hayes

by stevieg on Oct 30, 2006 10:58 AM PST reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

Van Slyke is only 45. Hasn't played since 1995, so he should be fresh. Could be a sleeper pick.

I suggest picking up Robin Ventura (only 39) and Julio Franco as well (a young 48).

by leewhee on Oct 30, 2006 11:40 AM PST up reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

Pete Incaviglia, Joe Carter, and fuckit...coax Mitch Williams out of retirement too. Buckner's ankle is just about heeled, and Ray Knight can still play a mean 3b. so that solves the corner outfield postitions, 1st and 3base and we get el mando out the door too.

by E Ticket on Oct 30, 2006 4:46 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

We need a catcher, so let's sign Tim McCarver and take him out of the booth and onto the field!

LicenseToPills: barry bonds says words, they have nothing to do with his thoughts, they are just subjects and predicates in his mental kingdom

by Natto on Oct 30, 2006 4:49 PM PST up reply actions

Win-win situation!

"The first point is whether my brain is still operating...I'll figure that out after the season." - Felipe Alou

by EliminateMe on Oct 30, 2006 4:59 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

Seriously, if they sign Gonzalez and pass on Bonds (in effect, replacing a 156 OPS+ with a 97 OPS+), I will be pretty pissed off. Gonzalez is a nice guy and he's had a good career, but he's a much worse hitter than Bonds, his arm is literally a wet noodle attached to his shoulder, and whatever power he has will be completely masked by SBC. He would be utterly worthless as a Giant... he really is another one of those players who should go to the AL and DH. Ugh.

LicensetoPills: they say this to my family. to barry bonds family. and i say, "i'll bust you up. here is a candy corn."

by jponry on Oct 30, 2006 11:35 AM PST reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

Don Mattingly is a nice guy too...and he can play first base.

by E Ticket on Oct 30, 2006 4:47 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

If the Giants sign Luis Gonzalez, I will shoot my grandma.

by OtisNixon on Oct 30, 2006 1:21 PM PST reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

I can see how that will solve YOUR problems but how will that solve OURS as we will still be stuck with Gonzo.

by wilriv21 on Oct 30, 2006 1:29 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

Shouldn't you be shooting Brian Sabean instead?

by War on Oct 30, 2006 1:33 PM PST up reply actions

Best of all worlds:

Shoot Brian Sabean's grandmother. But only after you go back in time Terminator-style, so you can prevent the signing from ever happening.

"The first point is whether my brain is still operating...I'll figure that out after the season." - Felipe Alou

by EliminateMe on Oct 30, 2006 3:54 PM PST up reply actions

Let's really nip this in the bud

How about we go back with Q and Captain Picard to view the Primordial Ooze from which Sabean sprang?

Set your Phasers on "Broil."

by Moggeee on Oct 30, 2006 11:19 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Best of all worlds:

Didn't going back in time Terminator-style never actually work for the various Terminators? Seems like a bit of a fruitless endeavor.

Coming to you by proxy

by howtheyscored on Oct 30, 2006 11:23 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Best of all worlds:

Just because it hasn't ever worked yet, you think it won't ever work? Sheesh, show a little faith, will ya! You probably don't even believe that Pedro Feliz will suddenly learn plate discipline if only we resign him to a five-year contract.

"The first point is whether my brain is still operating...I'll figure that out after the season." - Felipe Alou

by EliminateMe on Oct 31, 2006 12:12 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

This is the worst idea in the history of the world.

Read SFDugout.com. It'll make you a better person.

by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Oct 30, 2006 4:06 PM PST reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

No.

Signing him to a three year contract, would be the worst idea in the history of the world. Get your shit together or your going to be demoted from a Baron to an earlette.

by E Ticket on Oct 30, 2006 4:49 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

I laugh at your empty threats.

Read SFDugout.com. It'll make you a better person.

by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Oct 30, 2006 6:45 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

You may laugh now. But do not be surprised when you find that your vast outlying holdings have been confiscated and the peasants proceed to storm your castle with pitchforks and torches

by E Ticket on Oct 30, 2006 8:11 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

I thought that only happens to Victor Frankenstein?

by obsessivegiantscompulsive on Oct 30, 2006 9:04 PM PST up reply actions

You're mistaken

Nah. Vic was just promoted to master sergeant in a moat-digging guild.

by Moggeee on Oct 30, 2006 11:25 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

I'm a Baron like Baron Davis is a Baron.

Read SFDugout.com. It'll make you a better person.

by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Oct 31, 2006 8:57 AM PST up reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

So you make a living wearing tank tops, short pants running up and down hardwood floors passing and shooting balls?

WNBA roolz all!

by E Ticket on Oct 31, 2006 9:22 AM PST up reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

I may or may not have mad hops.

Read SFDugout.com. It'll make you a better person.

by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Oct 31, 2006 11:54 AM PST up reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

White Girlz Can't Jump.

by Moggeee on Oct 31, 2006 8:37 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

Haven't we had enough of 38-38-40-41-42-year oldsters. Hamstring City - strained left oblique creek - lazy legs - slow bat, etc.

Where's the logic in signing yet another 5th OF?

??????????????

by rcrusoe on Oct 30, 2006 4:56 PM PST reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

Yeah. I am sorry but if they sign Luis Gonzalez next year I wont watch a single game. From Bonds to Gonzalez. GIVE ME A FRAKKIN BREAK ALREADY. This is so sick I am tempted to not watch a single game simple over the fact that they even talked to this over the hill piece of used leather.

I hate the Giants sometimes.

by covenant on Oct 30, 2006 8:03 PM PST reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

Won't even try to play devil's advocate on this. Gonzo has had a great career, but Brian, please, don't do it.

by orangeandblackattack on Oct 30, 2006 8:39 PM PST reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

Texas, which recently fired manager Buck Showalter and has not hired a replacement, appears to be interested in Gonzalez not only as a left fielder and designated hitter but also as a clubhouse stabilizer.

The phrase "veteran savvy" is kinda overplayed. I'm liking "clubhouse stabilizer."

If you whine about Liriano, I will .gif you.

by Fog City Blues on Oct 30, 2006 9:30 PM PST reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

Sounds like some kind of seismic retrofitting.

"The first point is whether my brain is still operating...I'll figure that out after the season." - Felipe Alou

by EliminateMe on Oct 30, 2006 10:29 PM PST up reply actions

Clubhouse Stabilizer

Sounds like the upgraded suspension in my cool, chick-magnet, Chevy Van Conversion.

by Moggeee on Oct 30, 2006 11:28 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Clubhouse Stabilizer

A 4 wheel drive tree fort with a lift-kit and chrome exhaust tips.

by E Ticket on Oct 31, 2006 7:11 AM PST up reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

Ryan Klesko, 35, left handed hitter

Plays 1B & LF, career: .280 .372 .507

Might be worth it to pull him off the scrap heap, if it is at scrap heap prices.

Certainly better than Gonzo, and probably better and cheaper than Pedro or Hindenburg.

Humm Baby!

by Kid Fresh on Oct 31, 2006 12:25 PM PST reply actions

Re: Luis Gonzalez?

Klesko would have trouble putting the uniform on with the fork sticking out of his back. He would probably be a decent PH off the bench, but they already have Sweeney signed for that.

by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Oct 31, 2006 12:42 PM PST up reply actions

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