Giants sign DURHAM!

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

Here's your infield now:

1B: some unspecified jerk
2B: The Sugar Man
SS: Dreamy
3B: Richie

So far, better than 2006! (Just removing Feliz makes it better, really.)

by Skaldheim on Dec 1, 2006 12:24 PM PST reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

Richie at first, Frandsen at third.

We'd be pretty good if we didn't suck so bad.

by nostocksjustbonds on Dec 1, 2006 12:46 PM PST up reply actions

True.

There we go.

I blame F.P. Santangelo, while F.P. somehow blames Kuiper.

by WalrusMan on Dec 1, 2006 12:47 PM PST up reply actions

How is that a better defensive infield? Do you really think Aurelia's defense as a third baseman is better than Feliz? Sorry, I think the edge goes to Pedro. Now, the lineup might well be helped by the addition of Richie over Pedro (that's not a given, however, as Richie's numbers will likely tumble in A.T.&T.,) but this lineup overall is looking much worse than 2006. I'm hoping that changes with some trades, but for now it's a disaster waiting to happen.

btw, I understand most folks here have an strange hatred for Hillenbrand, but how does "some unspecified jerk" mean improvement?

yob

by Sayhey on Dec 1, 2006 7:57 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

That's great news! As much as I like Frandsen and would like to see him get some playing time (which he probably will still get), it's nice that the Giants have at least one proven hitter in their lineup. And that bit about Feliz not coming back makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside as well.

by scotterduder on Dec 1, 2006 12:26 PM PST reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

I wonder if Frandsen starts getting a groomed as Omar's heir apparent since he's gone after this year.

Biggest mankinder in the history of no brain.

by Goofus on Dec 1, 2006 12:56 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

would be surprised if Franny winds up as a MLB SS. He has struggled with his defense when playing the position in the minors and AFL.

by wilriv21 on Dec 1, 2006 12:59 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

He seems to be much worse defensively at SS than at 2B. Most errors both in PCL and AFL came at SS. I assume, but don't know, that these are throwing errors and suggest a suspect SS arm.

by Roger on Dec 1, 2006 12:59 PM PST up reply actions

Fransden Doesn't Come Alive :(

Poor Keving, its ok, when Durhams hamstrings explode a month into the season it'll be our time.

[img]http://www.baycityball.com/images/ohnokevin.jpg[/img]

by xanthan on Dec 1, 2006 12:34 PM PST reply actions

Re: Fransden Doesn't Come Alive :(

Doh! Been using message boards too much recently

by xanthan on Dec 1, 2006 12:35 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Fransden Doesn't Come Alive :(

omg that is hideous LOL

Save The Pitcher. Save The World

by E Ticket on Dec 1, 2006 7:31 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

Put Durham at first base for Crimeny sakes!

by lunaticfringe1 on Dec 1, 2006 12:35 PM PST reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

he's too short.

We'd be pretty good if we didn't suck so bad.

by nostocksjustbonds on Dec 1, 2006 12:44 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

Be careful what you say about my people. We may end up biting your ankles.

by Giant Dwarf on Dec 1, 2006 1:48 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

Tall Power!

We'd be pretty good if we didn't suck so bad.

by nostocksjustbonds on Dec 1, 2006 2:46 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

guess we're not rebuilding.

I think I'll wait to pass judgement until we know the terms of the deal

2002? I'm over it.

by wjackalope on Dec 1, 2006 12:41 PM PST reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

The contract is for two years at just over $14 million.

by wilriv21 on Dec 1, 2006 12:44 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

Dirt Cheap!!! Hell, Durham will be extremely tradeable at the All-Star Break. Plus, he doesn't have 10/5 rights. I should start researching the prospects he could potentially bring back, but I'm too lazy.

by lunaticfringe1 on Dec 1, 2006 12:53 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

I would love that, but there was no figure in the article, where did you get it?

I was going to post something on this but will put link here: http://fantasybaseball.usatoday.com/content/news.asp?sport=MLB

According to this account, which uses Merc as source but then bring in their info, Durham was looking for a two year elsewhere but couldn't find one. That would suggest he only got a one year deal with us.

I agree, this is a perfect situation for us, we can trade Durham mid-year if 1) Frandsen plays and hits very well in the chances he gets, 2) the Giants are out of it by too much, or 3) some team desperately needs a hitter like Durham and the Giants are overwhelmed by the deal.

Whew, can we dodge yet another bullet?

by obsessivegiantscompulsive on Dec 1, 2006 1:08 PM PST up reply actions

here is the link with contract terms

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/baseball/mlb/san_francisco_giants/16142550.htm

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

Re: here is the link with contract terms

Thanks! Weird, the link above is for Merc also but this has more info. Good stuff.

Whew, can we dodge yet another bullet?

by obsessivegiantscompulsive on Dec 1, 2006 1:41 PM PST up reply actions

Re: here is the link with contract terms

Also, I have to say, what a bargain, relative to the insane salaries going around, that's basically his salary for the past two seasons.

We might just get a competitive team together!

Whew, can we dodge yet another bullet?

by obsessivegiantscompulsive on Dec 1, 2006 1:43 PM PST up reply actions

Thanks for the link

Great contract for the Giants. Nice work, Sabean.

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

by Fog City Blues on Dec 1, 2006 1:44 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

Good news, I like Ray-Ray and I'm glad he's coming back. If he comes close to matching the numbers he put up last season, plus matches the number of games he appeared in, then I don't really care what the terms of the deal are. Probably more than any of us would pay, but likely a decent deal in the new economic insanity which is the FA market. Any other available free agent second baseman would have been worse.

Between spotting Aurilia at third and Durham at second, Frandsen should still get plenty of playing time without the pressure of being a starter.

by Kitspool on Dec 1, 2006 12:49 PM PST up reply actions

I like it.

2/14 million for Durham does not sound too bad. Sure this is going to be another let's shoot for .500 and then see what happens, but hey, if Bonds comes back that's all it would be and I hope Bonds is back. I think this signals he will be.

I blame F.P. Santangelo, while F.P. somehow blames Kuiper.

by WalrusMan on Dec 1, 2006 12:47 PM PST reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

Ray Ray! He and Omar are my two favorite Giants, so color me pleased.

Like jackalope, I'm anxious to see the terms, especially the years. (I'm hoping it's a two-year deal with an option, but fear it might be three with an option.)

Biggest mankinder in the history of no brain.

by Goofus on Dec 1, 2006 12:48 PM PST reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

2/14 sounds good to me. I would have guessed something like that before the Matthews and Pierre deals, in light of all the crazy money being thrown around, this is money well spent.

Biggest mankinder in the history of no brain.

by Goofus on Dec 1, 2006 12:51 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

KNBR is reporting the deal is between $14 and $15 million. Still an excellent deal.

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

by GiantJim on Dec 1, 2006 6:51 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

+1. Ray Durham is awesome.

by Brother Bummer on Dec 1, 2006 12:57 PM PST up reply actions

Expect Giants News Fast and Furious

in the next few days. With the salary arbitration deadline tonight and winter meetings on Monday your 2007 SF Giants team will start to take form. Spend wisely Sabean. Giants still need another starter for 2007. Can a short term deal for Schmidt be next?

by wilriv21 on Dec 1, 2006 12:51 PM PST reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

One more good thing:

They did this without having to go to arb. I think Ray Ray would have got about $10 million in arb. Plus they avoid the unpleasantness that goes with it.

Biggest mankinder in the history of no brain.

by Goofus on Dec 1, 2006 12:53 PM PST reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

INDEED! :=D

Save The Pitcher. Save The World

by E Ticket on Dec 1, 2006 7:32 PM PST up reply actions

So...

CF Roberts
SS Vizquel
1B
LF Bonds?
2B Durham
3B Aurilia
RF Winn
C Molina?

If this happens we replace
Finly/Alou with Roberts/Linden
Feliz with Aurilia
Alfonzo/Matheny with Molina
Niekro/Sweeney with ____

by Nick Schulte on Dec 1, 2006 1:00 PM PST reply actions

Re: So...

My guess:

CF Roberts
SS Vizquel
RF Winn
LF Bonds?
2B Durham
3B Aurilia
1B Hillenbrand
C Molina?

Biggest mankinder in the history of no brain.

by Goofus on Dec 1, 2006 1:09 PM PST up reply actions

Re: So...

true, at 1B it looks like Craig Wilson followed by Hillenbrand as the best of the remaining 1Bs, depending on your judgment of whether Phil Nevin is capable of anything anymore.

Good signing. Hearing that Durham will be back is almost as thrilling as hearing Feliz is pretty much out of the equation... unless... no. he can't play first base. No. No! Sabes, don't... DON'T... BAD! BAD! STOP!

and so forth.

"Baseball is life, the rest is just details."

by nick @ McCovey Chronicles on Dec 1, 2006 1:19 PM PST up reply actions

Re: So...

CF Roberts
SS Vizquel
3B Aurilia
LF Bonds?
2B Durham
1B Hillenbrand
RF Winn
C NotGardo?

1B/LF Sweeney
IF Frandsen
OF Linden
C Greene?
?? Niekro/Lewis?

This lineup isn't entirely bad, except there is quite a bit of youth on the bench.

by sfgfan on Dec 1, 2006 1:25 PM PST up reply actions

Re: So...

I like the lineup better with Winn in the bottom half. Also, the Yankees have been kicking the tires on the Hilldenburg lately so we could dodge that bullet. "Oh the Humanity!!" Too soon?

"I want to dip my balls in it." Louie

by MeSoKrabby on Dec 1, 2006 2:22 PM PST up reply actions

Re: So...

Sometimes, it is better to bite certain bullets than it is to dodge them. Dodging the Hindenburg bullet may lead us to a Fleas infestation.

by sfgfan on Dec 1, 2006 2:47 PM PST up reply actions

Re: So...

Yep I agree, flea infestation sucks!!!

"It's hard to win when you can't keep the ball in the ballpark. I don't think they could hit more home runs if you told them what was coming." - Dusty Baker

by johngalt on Dec 1, 2006 4:04 PM PST up reply actions

Re: So...

That looks like a net improvement overall plus whatever happens at 1B.

Forgot to mention, thank goodness Feliz is probably out of the picture unless he signs really cheap. I'm glad his agent had to talk to the Giants about how it would be a "miracle" if he signed before the exclusivity period ended, because we know the Giants rarely underbids for a player, so to be so far apart from the Giants thinking means that Feliz's agent was probably thinking that he should get a contract similar to Adrian Beltre got from Seattle. HA!

But don't chortle so easily yet, if they are talking about returning to the Giants for $4M, as the Merc had suggested, that means that the rest of the league saw what we saw and said "pass", so he could still be around in January and sign with the Giants for $1-2M, something on the cheap. We still need a 1B, after all.

Whew, can we dodge yet another bullet?

by obsessivegiantscompulsive on Dec 1, 2006 1:24 PM PST up reply actions

Re: So...

I like the last part of this little scenario...the part about january on the cheap.

Save The Pitcher. Save The World

by E Ticket on Dec 1, 2006 7:34 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

I like this deal. I also want to admit I was wrong, and take credit for making Durham have a good year last year at the same time.

I claimed that Durham should bat eighth. This was on July 6.
Durham was way better in the second half after he sensed my shit talk and kicked it up a notch.

I do hope Frandsen gets enough playing time for us to make a judgement on him, but if the contract is only two years it doesn't mess up the rebuilding process much.

My VORP is higher than your VORP.

by Poe on Dec 1, 2006 1:17 PM PST reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

One of the top 3 contracts of the off-season.

Way to go, Giants, for this signing, and way to go, Ray Ray, for taking the "home town" discount.

Once Aurilia and Roberts get done, is Bonds next? Or Molina? Hopefully both.

Then pitching...

Humm Baby!

by Kid Fresh on Dec 1, 2006 1:30 PM PST reply actions

Some more prospective news...

My boss was at a Giants function last night and got these tidbits straight from Peter Magowan's mouth:

There will be news about Bonds in the next couple of days, the Giants have an offer on the table that Peter said should do the trick. Apparently only one American League team is in competition.
Molina is very close to signing as well
There are a number of trades and FA signings still being explored
Lowry's name is being bandied about the most as trade bait.

I know that none of this is earth shattering, but I though I'd pass on limited second hand info from the Giants' front office.

If I ever come back as a ghost, I won't be an Uncle Tom like that fuck, Slimer.

by CystedTwister on Dec 1, 2006 1:31 PM PST reply actions

Re: Some more prospective news...

If Lowry is trade bait then the Giants have their sights set on adding pitchers as eithe FA or thru trades.

While Magowan early stated the club would be getting younger and healthier I did not envision the likes of Aurilia, Roberts, Durham and Molina

by wilriv21 on Dec 1, 2006 1:38 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Some more prospective news...

Apparently, "younger, faster, healthier" is actually ancient Quechua for "older, slower, more injury prone".

If I ever come back as a ghost, I won't be an Uncle Tom like that fuck, Slimer.

by CystedTwister on Dec 1, 2006 1:41 PM PST up reply actions

what if they had a youth movement and nobody came?

cue: theme from "The Natural"

by VidaWantsYourCar on Dec 1, 2006 1:51 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Some more prospective news...

If Sabean could pull this Durham deal off (and he did so pretty quietly), I'm guessing a Schmidt deal might be in the works.

Biggest mankinder in the history of no brain.

by Goofus on Dec 1, 2006 2:29 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Some more prospective news...

technically, losing 40 year olds and adding some 35 year olds is getting younger.

We'd be pretty good if we didn't suck so bad.

by nostocksjustbonds on Dec 1, 2006 3:15 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Some more prospective news...

For Magowan to actually say all this stuff regarding Bonds and Molina would make one believe it's pretty much a done deal.

Biggest mankinder in the history of no brain.

by Goofus on Dec 1, 2006 4:01 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Some more prospective news...

If what you write is accurate as to fact, than No. 1 is the best thing for my blood pressure in months. Of course I will believe it, when I see it. This could simply be table setting for "Barry priced himself out of our range" kind of excuse-making.

Save The Pitcher. Save The World

by E Ticket on Dec 1, 2006 7:41 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

Durham should fire his agent. Oh, and Kudos Brian Sabean???!?!

by zenbitz on Dec 1, 2006 1:40 PM PST reply actions

Warming the cockles of my heart....

I'll give Sabean credit for quietly signing some good value deals in such a crazy offseason.

Roberts 3/15
Durham 2/14
Aurillia 2/7

All very solid short term contracts if they end being for those prices.

by mxmob33 on Dec 1, 2006 1:41 PM PST reply actions

Re: Warming the cockles of my heart....

The Roberts signing is the only one that I have a strong distaste for despite its relative bargain status.

He'll be 37 at the end of the deal and he isn't as good of a CF as Randy Winn. His OBP ain't bad over the last few years, but something in my gut just doesn't like this deal.

Hopefully he'll prove me wrong and have 3 solid seasons, but I just don't see it happening.

If I ever come back as a ghost, I won't be an Uncle Tom like that fuck, Slimer.

by CystedTwister on Dec 1, 2006 1:46 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Warming the cockles of my heart....

Roberts has never played a whole season, which gives him part-time status as far as I'm concerned and means he overpaid and isn't the bargain he seems to be, especially at 3 years.

He is good traid bait, though, and oozes "veteran savvy"

We'd be pretty good if we didn't suck so bad.

by nostocksjustbonds on Dec 1, 2006 3:17 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Warming the cockles of my heart....

The Roberts deal is 3 year $17 million. I'm not a fan either, except that it's a million times better than signing Pierre or Matthews. But I'd just assume play Linden and save $17 million.

Bottom line: it's $17 million that's not going to make us much better than going with our scrubs.

Still, I'll give Sabean his due. Durham and Aurila are excellent deals.

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

by GiantJim on Dec 1, 2006 6:23 PM PST up reply actions

How about Loretta?

Why not put Richie at 1st, and sign Loretta to play 3rd?

That way you've got:

Roberts
Vizquel
Loretta
Bonds
Durham
Richie
Winn
Catcher

Plus, you've got complete infield flexibility -- both Richie and Loretta can play anywhere.

Just one time before I die

by Katman on Dec 1, 2006 1:45 PM PST reply actions

Re: How about Loretta?

Catcher (see Molina)

If I ever come back as a ghost, I won't be an Uncle Tom like that fuck, Slimer.

by CystedTwister on Dec 1, 2006 1:47 PM PST up reply actions

Re: How about Loretta?

I'd do that only if I couldn't get Craig Wilson at good value or swing a good deal for Burrell.

Perhaps we could trade Benitez for Bu BANNED!

(Having admin rights allows me to ban myself.)

Biggest mankinder in the history of no brain.

by Goofus on Dec 1, 2006 1:52 PM PST up reply actions

Re: How about Loretta?

Is that what it takes to get you banned?

"I want to dip my balls in it." Louie

by MeSoKrabby on Dec 1, 2006 2:20 PM PST up reply actions

Re: How about Loretta?

Aurillia at 1B would be pretty bad offensively for that position. The only reason he's acceptable at 3B is because he still plays good D there and he's better than Feliz.

IF a Burrell/Sexson deal were to go down, this lineup would actually be pretty decent..

Pesky table setters at the top:
Roberts/Vizquel

Power in the middle:
Durham/Bonds/Burrell or Sexson

"Professional" hitters towards the end:
Aurillia/Winn/Molina

Plus it leaves some good players on the bench in Linden, Frandsen, Sweeney, Notgardo, etc.

by mxmob33 on Dec 1, 2006 2:03 PM PST up reply actions

Re: How about Loretta?

If a frog had wings it wouldn't bump it's ass a-hoppin'.

Banned.

by zenbitz on Dec 1, 2006 2:48 PM PST up reply actions

Re: How about Loretta?

I think Katman might be right. Giants might still sign Loretta and go with Aurilia at first.

I think they're making a decent offer to Bonds and plan to spend some $ on pitching.

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

by GiantJim on Dec 1, 2006 6:28 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

Brian Sabean, thank you. Durham is better than Pierre, better than Sarge Jr., and you got him for relative pennies on the dollar.

This is starting to look like a team of guys I can really root for. Omar, Richie, and Ray in the same infield? Right on.

by Skaldheim on Dec 1, 2006 1:58 PM PST reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

"This is starting to look like a team of guys I can really root for."

From a "likability" standpoint, I totally agree and would throw Roberts and Winn in the category of "good guys". Character doesn't win games, but I'd rather root for guys I'd like to have a beer with.

Biggest mankinder in the history of no brain.

by Goofus on Dec 1, 2006 2:07 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

I completely agree. All good guys, especially Dave Roberts. Plus the track record of the teams he's played on the past few seasons (Red Sox and Padres) has been not too shabby.

by Kitspool on Dec 1, 2006 2:20 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

Dave Roberts has a place in baseball legacy, because of his two-out-bottom-of-the-9th-one-run-down-down-3-0 stolen base vs. the Yankees.

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

by GiantJim on Dec 1, 2006 6:39 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

There were no outs actually. Roberts pinch-ran for Millar, who led the inning off with a walk. Just saying.

Looks like I picked the wrong year to stop sniffing glue.

by Punch Rockgroin on Dec 1, 2006 9:26 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

It's amazinbg how my brain has rotted. No outs, right. Which makes it all the better. A steal vs. a sacrafice in that situation. A great clutch play.

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

by GiantJim on Dec 2, 2006 8:52 AM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

I actually saw Randy Winn at a bar in SD and politely (I thought) introduced myself and said I was a fan. He blankly stared at me and said, "OK".

It didn't bother me or make me think he's an A-Hole, but he's not on my possible drinking buddies list.

by hammystyle on Dec 1, 2006 3:29 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

He was probably either shocked he still has any fans and/or expected you to verbally or physically assault him.

by Brother Bummer on Dec 1, 2006 3:32 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

It was two years ago early in the summer before we traded for him. I think he just had no interest in talking to me or my buddy. We were pretty housed at that point so maybe my mind saw a polite approach but my body executed a "Holy Fu*&in S#&t!! Its Randy F@&kin Winn!", along with a hearty blackslap and a request for two shots of jager.

by hammystyle on Dec 1, 2006 4:01 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

Goofus, I agree with you, as long as it doesn't cross the line of "I'm voting for Bush, because I'd rather hang out with him at a BBQ, and I don't care that he's ill prepared for the job".

But it doesn't, becuase we're getting decent players for a good price, and our expectations are low (or should be).

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

by GiantJim on Dec 1, 2006 6:36 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

nononononon Goofus! Character is exactly what wins games. Guys have to give it up for each other. There are rare rare exceptions in the instances of some superstars, but by and large "teams" of "characters" win championships.

To wit, Nobody can convince me that the Cards had the best players last year. Not even close. Yet they breezed to a WS win. Guys get hot at the end of a 6 month season precisely because of character.(not to neccesarily be confused with likeability)

Save The Pitcher. Save The World

by E Ticket on Dec 1, 2006 7:46 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

I had a beer with Winn before. He was actually as boring as batshit. But nice. I get your point.

Humm Baby!

by Kid Fresh on Dec 2, 2006 5:31 AM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

Durham, haven't I seen him someplace before? Oh yeah, the IR list.

by Rusty the Mechanical Man on Dec 1, 2006 2:15 PM PST reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

rusty, haven't i seen him someplace before? oh yeah, the inside of the right field wall cuz they haven't pulled him out in SIX YEARS

"Baseball is life, the rest is just details."

by nick @ McCovey Chronicles on Dec 1, 2006 2:46 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

Wow. Did anyone notice that the Giants' "manager of game entertainment" is a dude named... Bryan Srabian!? Are they joking?

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/examiner/archive/2000/03/28/SPORTS10805.dtl

by Brother Bummer on Dec 1, 2006 3:10 PM PST up reply actions

seen that before

and thought it must be a typo. then I saw it a few more times and realized it was for real. Pretty unbelievable.

2002? I'm over it.

by wjackalope on Dec 1, 2006 3:33 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

Wow. I totally remember Rusty. What a metalheaded douchebag he was. Good riddance.

If I ever come back as a ghost, I won't be an Uncle Tom like that fuck, Slimer.

by CystedTwister on Dec 1, 2006 4:20 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

he had a great smile, though, and an enthusiastic wave

cue: theme from "The Natural"

by VidaWantsYourCar on Dec 1, 2006 4:23 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

I always thought that Mr. Hilter, Ron Vibbentrop, Mr McGoering and Heimlich Bimmler were responsible for the in-game "entertainment".

by Cleophus on Dec 2, 2006 3:21 PM PST up reply actions

I may be Rusty

but I've seen a lot of baseball locked up out here in the shed, and Ray will be grabbing at his hamstrings before the ink drys on that contract you guys are so happy about.

Over / Under: Game Played This Year = 110 -- My bet: Under -- if I lose you can pour a beer on me.

by Rusty the Mechanical Man on Dec 1, 2006 6:34 PM PST up reply actions

Re: I may be Rusty

I'll take you up on that.

Over!

Coming to you by proxy

by howtheyscored on Dec 2, 2006 7:51 AM PST up reply actions

Re: I may be Rusty

It's not a bad bet, considering Durham has never played under 110 games in his career.

by Grant Brisbee on Dec 2, 2006 9:58 AM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

Didn't know Durham also played football. No wonder he's been on the Disabled List so often.

by da5id on Dec 1, 2006 3:06 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

YEESSS!

by Buzzword on Dec 1, 2006 2:46 PM PST reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

This may help keep Bonds happy too. As I recall, Durham said some very respectful things about Barry's hitting advice which pleased Bonds no end.

by NearestNorwich on Dec 1, 2006 3:01 PM PST reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

With Glavine signing for one year, 10.5, could a Schmidt for 3/35 deal be far off?

by bleacherman on Dec 1, 2006 3:16 PM PST reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

you know, that would actually be fine with me. sadly, 3/45 seems much more likely.

"Baseball is life, the rest is just details."

by nick @ McCovey Chronicles on Dec 1, 2006 4:11 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

Introduce yourself, right on, right on!
His name is Raaaay! And he's gonna staaaay!

Does this also mean Roberts will be wheelin' it big in the "outer outfield"?

Biggest mankinder in the history of no brain.

by Goofus on Dec 1, 2006 3:20 PM PST reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

Great job Sabes. Was really hoping ray ray would stay stay. Not that I'm expecting a repeat of next year (wouldn't mind though) With Frannie as starting as 2B it was a head scratcher who'd play when he got hurt, but this is great. Ray's good when he's in, and when he's not Frandsen will be taking his licks. Best of both worlds baby!

by orangeandblackattack on Dec 1, 2006 3:27 PM PST reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

It appears that perhaps this deal was agreed to before today.

After seeing this deal and the apparent Roberts deal, one has to ask, "What the hell was Sabean doing making those offers to Pierre and Mathews?!"

Perhaps he really was just blowing smoke to create some mis-direction.

Biggest mankinder in the history of no brain.

by Goofus on Dec 1, 2006 3:54 PM PST reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

Some have jokingly theorized that Sabean was trying to drive the prices up on players. Perhaps he knew Ned was hot for an outfielder and wanted to take advantage of Ned's agressiveness?

If you think about it: JD Drew's opt-out probably came after he got some kind of confirmation as to what teams were offering Matthews and Pierre.

Get Ned to overpay for Matthews/Pierre, get Drew to leave. Win/win!

Seriously though: if he was trying to drive up the prices on those players, he was surely playing with fire by offering Matthews what he did. That was probably "too close for comfort".

by sfgfan on Dec 1, 2006 4:07 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

Play to win baby! Win a lot, u gots to risk a lot. Payback on Colletti for last year. Sabean is still the master.

Save The Pitcher. Save The World

by E Ticket on Dec 1, 2006 7:49 PM PST up reply actions

Hidden Value

Aurilia and Ray Ray both have really tradable contracts if need be. Roberts too.

So if one of the next two seasons is totally in the crapper or if Frandsen plays great then it won't be hard to make a deal. It keeps us relatively competitive and also opens up avenues for helping the future.

I'm fired up, smart signings so far.

by hammystyle on Dec 1, 2006 3:55 PM PST reply actions

Re: Hidden Value

Good point. I'd add that the Roberts and Durham deals do a good job of allowing for the possibility of Frandsen, Linden and Lewis to turn into bonafied big league starters.

I know I might be in the minority here, but I still think Winn will return to his historical numbers next season and make his contract fair, too.

Biggest mankinder in the history of no brain.

by Goofus on Dec 1, 2006 3:59 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Hidden Value

Goofus, I'm in that minority too. Winn's contract wasn't based on his 2005 Giants spike. It is perfectly reasonable based on his normal performance, and I don't see anything in Winn's skillset that indicates he should be in freefall decline.

by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Dec 1, 2006 4:09 PM PST up reply actions

Getting Healthier in 2007

With a return to health of Winn, Morris and Benitez the club will improve dramatically. Add in some youthful indiscretion from any of the Messers Frandsen, Linden, Lewis, Sanchez, Sadler and my personal favorite Lincecum and voila watch out NL West.

by wilriv21 on Dec 1, 2006 4:15 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

This is excellent news. Durham isn't an excellent defensive player, but he certainly isn't that bad. Chris Dial had him at -3 runs saved/150 games.

He can both decline defensively and hit like he did from 2003-2005 (instead of how he hit last year).

Even if those things happen, at $7 million/year he is still a bargain. Nice signing. I would like to see what Frandsen can do, too, but there is almost no doubt that Durham will be better than Frandsen next year. This is great for the team. Nice work Sabean.

by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Dec 1, 2006 4:07 PM PST reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

Just got an email from the Giants. It's official on their site now, too:

http://giants.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061201&content_id=1749123&vkey=news_ sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf

Biggest mankinder in the history of no brain.

by Goofus on Dec 1, 2006 4:10 PM PST reply actions

Re: Giants sign DURHAM!

What a way to start the weekend!
Thank you, Brian Sabean.

by Giant Fan in Singapore on Dec 1, 2006 5:12 PM PST reply actions

Fantastic

I've been pretty scared about the Whole-Gary-Matthews-Juan-Pierre-Carlos-Lee-Contract-of -Death-Thing.

Ray is easily worth $7 million a year, and a two-year contract is right in line with what a lot of us have been hoping for. It's short enough, that even if Durham has a leg amputated, the team isn't hurt in the longrun.

Welcome back, Ray.

by Dan from NM on Dec 1, 2006 5:17 PM PST reply actions

I like it!

I gladly welcome Ray Ray back with open arms.

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 Dec 1, 2006 5:51 PM PST reply actions

Whoo!

I really like this deal! $7 million/year seems like a bargain for Ray, based on the sort of money that's being thrown around this year.

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 Dec 1, 2006 7:10 PM PST reply actions

Rooting for Ray-Ray

I wrote this last June, right around the time Ray-Ray snapped out of his slump.

I love watching guys who love to play. Watching Ray-Ray play is like watching a Little Leaguer trapped inside a Major Leaguer's body. Just pure freekin joy watching him play.

This after watching him in the 05 season not closely. Just a delightful human being. Guys like Ray Ray are why I relate so much more to ballplayers over NFL or NBAer's. Ray Ray is everyman. He is your best buddy. He is the guy you hang out with for beers. And he is the best man at your wedding. He is godfather to your firstborn and he's the guy who visits your kid in the hospital when he breaks his leg. Now his older car may get a flat on the way, but you know for sure that he is making a 100% effort to be present and accounted for.

This made my weekend.

Save The Pitcher. Save The World

by E Ticket on Dec 1, 2006 7:59 PM PST reply actions

I'm down.

I love Ray-Ray, and the deal is great. But come on people! I mean, with all the across-the-board praise from this group, doesn't it seem almost set in stone that Ray will play in 65 games and hit .217 next season? Let's get some more whining going on so we can offset this slippery slide down the jinx slope. I, however, am way too happy about this signing to do that.

by stress on Dec 1, 2006 9:24 PM PST reply actions

Meet the new third baseman

Same as the old third baseman.

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/12/01/SPGLLMNQ221.DTL

by trapper9 on Dec 1, 2006 9:45 PM PST reply actions

Re: Meet the new third baseman

Get Linden to play first, now!!! Aurillia can play third for all I care. I don't want Feliz. Kwyjibo will run amuck!

by kwyjibo on Dec 1, 2006 10:08 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Meet the new third baseman

Dammit! And this was such a happy thread and a happy day.

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

by Pants Man on Dec 1, 2006 10:26 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Meet the new third baseman

I know, I thought this was a great start to the weekend.

Now back to being depressed.

by sfgreg on Dec 1, 2006 10:50 PM PST up reply actions

Remember he can play many positions

If Pedro is signed does not necessarily mean he will be starting 3B. Pedro can be a starter at 1B, 3B or even an OF. He will allow both Sabean and Bochy some maneuverability and versatility.

by wilriv21 on Dec 1, 2006 10:33 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Remember he can play many positions

Why the man love for Pedro? Who cares what position he plays in the field while he is whiffing away at the plate. Pedro is a piece of crap and will continue to be a piece of crap. If he returns the Giants are worse for it. If we pay him actual currency to return the only logical explanation is that the brain trust did not realize that throwing the money away would be a better use.

Please do not resign Fleas!

by W8ingForATitle on Dec 1, 2006 11:19 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Meet the new third baseman

If the source for this is Feliz's agent, I'd take it with a large grain of salt. Just saying.

by hometownboy on Dec 1, 2006 11:43 PM PST up reply actions

If we resign Feliz...

I will have to seriously reconsider my fandom. Why, oh why, must Sabean keep pouring money into this useless player? Even if the deal is a 'reasonable' single-year contract for 4-5 mill, it will still be more than he is worth considering his production.

Sabean, I pray to the Gods of basball that you do not give this jerkoff anything remotely resembling a contract.

Why must I consider jettisoning my favorite team and most intimate of sports loves over a guy like Pedro "Slophacktastic" Feliz?

If I ever come back as a ghost, I won't be an Uncle Tom like that fuck, Slimer.

by CystedTwister on Dec 2, 2006 9:48 AM PST up reply actions