Off-Season Contract Signings

by Kid Fresh on Aug 31, 2006 11:20 AM PDT Comment 67 comments

To retain, or not to retain; that is the question.

Poll

Which player would you most like to see the Giants re-sign?

Moises Alou

1 votes

Ray Durham

8 votes

Pedro Feliz

10 votes

Shea Hillendbbrand

12 votes

Jason Schmidt

42 votes

Steve Kline

5 votes

Mike Stanton

3 votes

Barry Bonds

48 votes

129 votes | Poll has closed

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 67 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Not

by wilriv21 on Aug 31, 2006 11:22 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Off-Season Contract Signings

None of the above.

DFA Everybody

by JakeS on Aug 31, 2006 11:36 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Surprisingly,

the player I would least like to see the Giants sign is....Pedro Feliz (with Hildensuck a photo finish second).

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

by GiantJim on Aug 31, 2006 11:47 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm torn

I voted Schmidt because I think he's the most important to the team's chances of winning next year. But if Bonds is definitely coming back for another year, then he'd be at the top of my list for sentimental reasons. I want him to retire as a Giant.

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

by EliminateMe on Aug 31, 2006 11:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: I'm torn

Schmidt is probably the guy I'd least like to see back. His next contract will be a horrible one. He's been a great Giant, but it's the right time to let somebody else pay for his declining years.

by mxmob33 on Aug 31, 2006 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: I'm torn

I also think Schmidt is the most important guy to sign. Even if they are just rebuliding, which I never think will happen (vets4evr!), I think it is good to have a #1 to anchor the staff. But particuarly if they aim to compete, I think they should go after Schmidt or Zito.

I also agree with the Durham comment below. If the Giants aim to compete, I think he's a no-brainer. But they shouldn't go longer than 2 years, in which case they may lose out to another team (Yankeees, etc..).

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

by GiantJim on Aug 31, 2006 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: I'm torn

I agree. I'll have a tough time seeing Barry in another uniform. I've always been of the belief that he chose to sign with us in '93 for sentimental reasons (Yankees had reportedly offered him more $$$), and I can't imagine the Big Phone being built without him. I don't want to see him play for anybody else.

by Roger on Aug 31, 2006 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Off-Season Contract Signings

Outside of Soriano who will likely get an outrageous contract, is there a better 2B available than Durham? I'd be in favor of a two year contract for Ray, maybe $12M. Let's not make change just to change.

And I'm among those who don't believe Frandsen will be ever hit enough to be a league average 2B. Going from Durham to Frandsen would be a huge downgrade.

by mxmob33 on Aug 31, 2006 11:49 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Off-Season Contract Signings

Ditto. When healthy, Durham is an offensive force (relative to other middle infielders). With his health risk, however, the Giants should make much of his contract incentive-based. I don't think he'll go for that.

Also ditto on Frandsen, at least in '07. I'd like to see him as the utlitiy infielder next year.

Never mind whatever I do!!! Fan is my tresure!!!

by leftymalo on Aug 31, 2006 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Off-Season Contract Signings

Key is "when healthy." He has been this year, I am almost sure though it was because it was his contract year. This is the last chance he has for a big contract. Don't bring him back.

by rod beck on Sep 1, 2006 12:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Off-Season Contract Signings

MLB4U.com says the following 2Bmen are free agents after this season:

Ronnie Belliard
Craig Biggio
Miguel Cairo
Mark DeRosa
Damion Easley
Chris Gomez
Jerry Hairston Jr.
Damian Jackson
Adam Kennedy
Mark Loretta
Tony Womack
Chris Woodward

None of those names excite me much. There are also guys like Julio Lugo out there who might be willing to move to 2B. Again, not thrilling.

I'm not certain that Frandsen can be an everyday guy, but I really want to see him get a shot at it.

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

by EliminateMe on Aug 31, 2006 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Off-Season Contract Signings

Mark DeRosa would look great in black and orange. Having a break out season in Texas. Can play many positions. Has XB power.

by wilriv21 on Aug 31, 2006 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Off-Season Contract Signings

The big question with DeRosa is whether this is a breakout season or a career year. He does offer a lot of versatility defensively.

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

by EliminateMe on Aug 31, 2006 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Off-Season Contract Signings

Can play many positions, none of them well.

I seem to remember his 2B defense being characterized as brutal.

by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Aug 31, 2006 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Off-Season Contract Signings

I think Feliz and Hillendbbrand should be retained because there aren't better options available in FA. I also wouldn't mind signing Ray to a 1 year deal with an option for a 2nd.

by huro1010 on Aug 31, 2006 11:59 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Off-Season Contract Signings

How about Carlos Lee at first and whoever at third, that would be a better option.

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

by W8ingForATitle on Aug 31, 2006 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Contract signings

None of the above. I don't want any of these guys back.

by starburst on Aug 31, 2006 12:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

at what salaries?

Assuming FA market prices, none of them. But at the right price, I would take:

Pedro (and I cannot believe I am saying that) at $4-5M/year X 2-3 years;

Glenallen Hillenbrand (ibid.) at $4-5M/year X 2-3 years;

Ray 'Medicare' Durham at the same price and length of term.

And if we could get Schmidt at a decent price (which we won't), I would take him, but I fear that his best days are behind him and I no longer have the confidence in him.

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more/ Or close the wall up with our Giants dead.

by Mayor of 311 on Aug 31, 2006 12:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Off-Season Contract Signings

Dear Brian Sabean,

I say sign 'em all. Let's bring everyone back. Can't wait for another season just like 2004 and 2005.

Sincerely,

Hugh Jass
V.P., Marketing
Pepto-Bismol Division, Procter & Gamble Corporation

by leewhee on Aug 31, 2006 12:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Off-Season Contract Signings

and, have you noticed Jose Cruz is available? Let's bring him back, too.

by Roger on Aug 31, 2006 12:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Off-Season Contract Signings

As others have pointed out, it's all about what it would take to sign these various guys. If money weren't a factor, I'd most want Schmidt back. That said, I think Durham might provide the best value.

Putting the "Goof" in "Goofus" every day since 1964.

by Goofus on Aug 31, 2006 12:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Bonds...

has been one of the more valuable outfielders in baseball this season. Just saying.

Flossing a dead horse

by kenshin1 on Aug 31, 2006 12:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh yeah

I didn't talk about him below but I voted for Bonds. I would definitely resign him and I'd be surprised if Magowan doesn't. The only way I see him leaving is if Bonds wants to DH.

by Nick Schulte on Aug 31, 2006 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or retire.

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

by EliminateMe on Aug 31, 2006 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That would probably surprise me the most

by Nick Schulte on Aug 31, 2006 12:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who cares?

The majority opinion on this site is to get younger regardless - just sign rubbish players who are young. In fact, a significant number are in favor of signing rubbish players who are actually quite old.

Let's sign Lee, for more money and more years than Bonds would command, and get less production than Bonds - both at the plate and in the field. It's genius!!!

This post certified to be 100% SFW and swear-free.

by Salemicus on Aug 31, 2006 12:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Off-Season Contract Signings

After seeing what Oswalt got the other day (5yrs/$73M and he wasn't going to be a free agent until after next year) I am all in favor of letting Schmidt go. I think he'll get something in the neighborhood of 4yrs/$50-55M.

I would be in favor of resigning Durham if it is for 2 or 3 years only. I'm curious to see what level of interest ($$$) teams have for him. I would rather resign him than Feliz for sure.

by Nick Schulte on Aug 31, 2006 12:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Schmidt

Because Oswalt isn't as well known as other star pitchers, it masks the fact that he's probably as valuable a pitcher out there, because of his age, stats and even innings pitched.

Although I think Schmidt is a legitimate #1, he has some downside. Age, injuries, inconsistent until he was in his late 20's and if he finishes this season weakly, it will hurt his value. That would make two poor finsihes and one poor year in the last three.

If Oswalt is worth $15/yr, Schmidt is probably worth $11-12 year, depending on how he finishes the season.

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

by GiantJim on Aug 31, 2006 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Schmidt

Would you really want to give Schmidt $12M/year for even 2-3 years? He had a pretty bad seaon last year, and has had some equally bad stretches this season (and some very good ones too). I just think he's a bad gamble at this point.

Since the ASB Cain has been significantly better:

Cain
3.07 / IP:58.2 / H:45 / BB:25 / K:64
Schmidt
4.72 / IP:55.1 / H:57 / BB:25 / K:47

by mxmob33 on Aug 31, 2006 4:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Schmidt

Two words: sample size.

So far this season, Schmidt has 18 quality starts and 9 non-quality starts, Cain 11 and 14.

Schmidt has been a #1 quality starter in 2003, 2004 and 2006, although I'd rather buy stock in Cain right now.

As I mentioned above, pay attention to how Schmidt finishes the season. If he continues to fade like he did in 2004, it should hurt his market value. If teams are going to pay for a high quality pitcher, they will want him to pitch strong well into the playoffs, not to fade in August-September.

I think he'll finish strong and my guess is that the Giants will sign him. I think Zito will get more of an Oswalt type deal, which may be a little to dear for them. Plus, he's too young for Sabean.

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

by GiantJim on Aug 31, 2006 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Schmidt

Paying Schmidt based on his 2002 - 2004 seasons is the mistake that some team will make and I hope it's not the Giants. He is simply not the same pitcher he was. He has all the signs of a declining power pitcher (lower velocity, less K's, More BB's) which makes him a pretty bad signing for a big mult-year deal.

by mxmob33 on Aug 31, 2006 8:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Schmidt

I would sign him for 3/36, definitely. Four years I start to get nervous about.

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

by EliminateMe on Aug 31, 2006 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Off-Season Contract Signings

The Giants w/o Bonds is like.... a fat kid w/o cake all over his face.

I just hope he comes to his senses and signs for a Frank Thomas like contract -- maybe then we could actually reload and get a solid team built around him.

I love Schmidt, but am afraid of making anything more than a 2 year commitment. At this point, it seems more practical to sign Zito, although the way Hudson and Mulder have broken down recently make me slightly nervous. It should be noted that both Hudson and Mulder had injury woes with the A's, while Zito has been the model of pitcher health.

Durham - wouldn't mind seeing him for another year or two.

If the Giants re-upped both Feliz and Hillenbrand, the clubhouse might collapse upon itself in an overabundance of hacktastic suckitude. Let's just sign Hilly cuz it'll be cheaper. Let someone else deal with Peter Happy.

Losing California Productions

by losingcalifornia on Aug 31, 2006 12:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Off-Season Contract Signings

Durham won't stay healthy. I don't think a coincidence he's playing better this year in a contract year. I hope the Giants aren't foolish enough to think a guy with injury problems in the past won't keep having them as he gets even older.

Schmidt would be nice to keep, but getting older and I'm afraid due for injury.

Bonds won't stay healthy either.

If the season was only 80 games, maybe re-sign most of these guys. But the Giants most of these guys and they don't finish .500 yet again.

If going to lose, I'd rather they do it with a younger club and more money put into the farm system.

by BarryR on Aug 31, 2006 12:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Totally Disagree

I see no point in losing with a bunch of young non-prospects. There isn't even any hope in that, only despair. I don't have a problem playing the young guys if they have a chance to be good, but that doesn't cover very many positions for the Giants, or any everyday position really. Unless you're high on Frandsen or Linden.

I say go with the young pitchers because they have some talent, but try to put a decent team on the field behind them.

by Nick Schulte on Aug 31, 2006 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Amen Brother...

I have no problem going with a young pitching staff next year because there is a lot of talent there. But as you mentioned, outside of Linden possibly, there just aren't any young position players that deserve a shot.

The money has to be spent somewhere, use the FA and trade market to bolster the field, then see what Cain, Lowry, Sanchez, Hennessy, Lincecum (maybe) can do. Unlike others, I think it could be surprisingly good team next yer.

by mxmob33 on Aug 31, 2006 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Amen Brother...

"The money has to be spent somewhere"

We're all taking for granted that the Giants control their destiny as long as they make good decisions. But, of course, one problem with this many FA is you open yourself to another possibility that I've seen happen up the road in Baltimore a few times. You get spurned by the FAs you target who choose to go elsewhere, your own FA are ready to blow town because the situation has grown stale, and other teams looking at your roster aren't impressed enough to make a deal with you unless you say Matt Cain. And there you sit with your xtra $40 mil and nobody to spend it on.

The nightmare scenario.

by Roger on Aug 31, 2006 1:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Totally Disagree

I didn't say go with youngsters from their farm for position spots. There are players out there, maybe not big names, but guys they could get such as Teahen, Shealy, or Huber from the Royals and I'm sure there are other such teams that have prospects or younger position players ready to play but behind someone and no spot available. The G's have quite a few arms they could offer.

I see no sense in dealing 6-10 mil. per to players who can't play a full season and don't even fit the ballpark.

I don't get having a spacious ballpark, yet having one of the slowest teams in the majors, which is what this team has and re-signing most of these guys doesn't change that.

This team is currently old, veteran team, it's slow, injury prone in some places, and they can't even play .500 ball, in a weak division no less. You want to fill up the payroll again with this foolishness? I don't. They've done this for a few years and I've seen enough losing seasons to see this isn't cutting it.

by BarryR on Aug 31, 2006 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Totally Disagree

Well, I don't want most of those guys back either. Bonds and Durham are the only good hitters that are FA (Alou doesn't count because he never plays). I would sign Bonds for sure and take a look at Durham, see how much that would cost. As to the other positions I would be open to trades or signing FA.

When you say we have arms to deal from, I think the only guys that have real value are Cain, Lincecum, Lowry, and Sanchez. I kind of want to hold onto all 4 of them. That looks like the problem with trying to trade for position players, especially young ones. If we can get someone good for any other pitcher, then great, I just don't think it's realistic. If you were the Royals what would it take to give up Teahan, Shealy, or Huber? Is there a package we could put together without the 4 young pitchers above? Maybe for Shealy.

We might be able to trade for a guy that has a contract some team doesn't want to pay anymore. I think that's a better possibility.

by Nick Schulte on Aug 31, 2006 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Totally Disagree

Why would KC want to trade Shealy months after acquiring him? Also, Lincecum can't be traded this winter. I do however think Hennessey, Correia, and Wilson are all potentially worth something, as might be Billy Sadler. But you really have to hit the right situation (with maybe an arbitration eligible player someone doesn't want to pay).

by Roger on Aug 31, 2006 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That was kinda my point

I don't think we can get those guys.

I'd be surprised but happy if Hennessey, Correia, Wilson, or Sadler brought back anything worthwhile.

I think taking on a contract and sending one/some of these guys looks like the best way to trade for a position player.

by Nick Schulte on Aug 31, 2006 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: That was kinda my point

You're probably right. Way, way back early in the season I was in favor of shaking up the squad and trading Schmidt etc -- not because I wanted to rebuild but because of exactly this dangerous potential for the winter. If we get into the FA season and people start signing elsewhere, we just don't have much to either trade with or put on the field. It just seems to me that it will be very easy for this offseason to become a debacle where, as they say in mob movies, we're just standing around with our dick in our hands, or in perhaps a more family-friendly cliche, we got no chair when the music stops.

by Roger on Aug 31, 2006 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The upside of standing around with our...

If you've got a little money to spend when the market dies down, you could sometimes sign short-term deals to free agents who have also found themselves without a chair. Sometimes this works out well (Nomar, Piazza, Big Hurt)... sometimes it doesn't (Jeff Weaver).

But, yeah, there is always the risk that you'll end up emptyhanded. Add this to the fact that the Giants have a lot of holes to fill and a lot of season ticketholders to appease, and I would expect Sabean, as usual, to be reckless early in the offseason.

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

by Pants Man on Aug 31, 2006 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Totally Disagree

Good point about trading for arb-elgible players... there are always a few interesting non-tenders as well.

I'm praying that Hennessey can finish strong and regain some trade value. There are GM's out there who will trade for a guy with poor peripherals... but a guy with poor peripherals and a 6.43 ERA since the All-Star Break is a tough sell.

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

by Pants Man on Aug 31, 2006 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Totally Disagree

They actually have a serious problem coming up with Alex Gordon absolutely wrecking shop at 3B... they need to move at least one of either Teahen, Shealy or Huber.

Honestly, I think they'll try to keep Teahen so the Beltran trade doesn't look so terrible.

by dangjackson on Aug 31, 2006 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Totally Disagree

No need throwing out pipedreams of the "Hennessey, Ishikawa, and Munter for Gordon" variety. Let's be realistic.

Matt Cain for Alex Gordon.

Who's in?

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

by Pants Man on Aug 31, 2006 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

NO

We're keeping Matt Cain and he's going to win 433 games for the Giants and lead us to 6 World Series championships and have a career ERA of 1.77 and cure cancer and nothing you say will convince me otherwise.

I've grown up a lot since before dinner, when we last talked.

by groug on Aug 31, 2006 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Totally Disagree

Completely agree. I wrote a simliar post reagrding a proposed Teahan trade on the Pedro Feliz diary. The Giants can't get a good young everyday player without giving up one of the big four.

I liked Rehornet78's Benitez + prospect for Pat Burrell trade.

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

by GiantJim on Aug 31, 2006 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can he play 1B?

Seriously.

by Nick Schulte on Aug 31, 2006 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Can he play 1B?

Played 58 games at 1B in 2000 for the Phillies.

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

by GiantJim on Aug 31, 2006 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Interesting

by Nick Schulte on Aug 31, 2006 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Interesting

That's a really, REALLY bad contract (and I don't know that the Phils have anyone attractive to add to the deal to make it feel better). Can't we start out with just a sorta bad contract.

by Roger on Aug 31, 2006 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The thing about sorta-bad contracts...

...is that the team only sorta wants to get out of it.

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

by EliminateMe on Aug 31, 2006 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Interesting

Well, if we sent Benitez in the deal then the really bad contract turns into a sorta bad contract. It goes from 2yrs/$27M to 2yrs/$16M or so (depending on who pays Benitez's deferred money).

by Nick Schulte on Aug 31, 2006 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Interesting

Exactly. That's going to be cheaper than Carlos Lee, whom I believe Burrell is a better hitter than. And it would be much cheaper then going after Soriano, whom will probably end up with a huge contract.

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

by GiantJim on Aug 31, 2006 4:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Interesting

I've advocated Burrell in the past as well. If you could include Benitez or Morris in the deal, it would be worthwhile in my opinion.

by mxmob33 on Aug 31, 2006 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Interesting

Burrell is an awful fielder and seems to have trouble keeping his head in the game. And he strikes out at a painful rate.

by NearestNorwich on Aug 31, 2006 6:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Off-Season Contract Signings

None of these guys are particularly compelling, other than Bonds' run at Aaron. Schmidt will probably be worth the most of length of contract but will be hugely expensive.

Just about everyone on this list is guarenteed to be overpaid for too long.

by zenbitz on Aug 31, 2006 1:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Off-Season Contract Signings

What's the proper amount of time to overpay someone?

by Roger on Aug 31, 2006 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Off-Season Contract Signings

If we have to really overpay a few free agents with one-year deals to avoid overpaying a few free agents for 3+ years... "one year" might be the right answer given the perfect storm of mediocrity, money to spend, and a weak free agent market that we're facing.

May all of the Giants poor 2007 payroll decisions be short-term ones!

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

by Pants Man on Aug 31, 2006 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Off-Season Contract Signings

"May all of the Giants poor 2007 payroll decisions be short-term ones!"

A battle-cry for the ages.

Putting the "Goof" in "Goofus" every day since 1964.

by Goofus on Aug 31, 2006 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Off-Season Contract Signings

There's a parody of "White Christmas" just BEGGING to be written, with that as the closing line. Picture Bing Crosby singing, "and may all your overpays be shoooooooort..."

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more/ Or close the wall up with our Giants dead.

by Mayor of 311 on Aug 31, 2006 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Off-Season Contract Signings

Nobody good ever accepts 1 year deals. Only long shots and comebacks (i.e,. Nomar) Why would they?

Since free agent contracts are primarily based on past performace to players in the late-middle of their careers, they are usually for too much money. The exception is when someone outplays expectations (Bonds, Kent, Schmidt come to mind).

Let's just consider 2007-08 - how many people on that list are likely to OUT perform their 2006 numbers? How many are likely to take a pay cut from 2006 salary? How many would you consider "underpaid" in 2006 (i.e, so paying them more for less performance is still a good deal)?

Bonds I think is worths signing on box office draw alone, that effectivly discounts his contract. I would also consider something like a lifetime contract, whether or not he plays.

Schmidt probably has a couple nice years left in him. But he's a huge albatross risk, and starting pitching looks to be a strength (only strength?) for SF in the next couple years.

We should not buy high on Durham, we should be glad we got what we did out of his contract.

Alou - obvious injury risk. This is one guy who might take a 1-year contract to show he can play 140-150 games in 07, plus play with his Dad.

Feliz and Hillendbbrand suck. The only advantage of Hindenburg over Feliz is that he's SO bad that might get him relatively cheap

I'm not going to even talk about relievers.

by zenbitz on Sep 1, 2006 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Off-Season Contract Signings

Play with his dad? You think Felipe will be back next year? From everythng I've read, I thought it's a foregone conclusion that it's over for the old man.

Putting the "Goof" in "Goofus" every day since 1964.

by Goofus on Sep 1, 2006 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Off-Season Contract Signings

I'll believe it when it happens and not before.
But if true, you can cross m.alou off the list, I think.

So, Giants going to be bad next year? Or 49ers bad?

by zenbitz on Sep 3, 2006 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Off-Season Contract Signings

According to the poll, Bonds & Schmidt are the most wanted...

Whereas I think that Bonds would sign a one year, $5M-$10M contract with the Giants (not counting his stack of deferred money), Schmidt will command an AJ Burnettesque 5 yrs/$55M. At least.

Humm Baby!

by Kid Fresh on Sep 2, 2006 10:15 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs