Plummeting free agent prices

by achiappanza on Dec 20, 2008 9:05 PM PST Comment 62 comments

It figures that *this* is the season that Sabean decides to run out ahead of 
the pack and sign free agents early.  This, the year of plummeting free agent prices.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3783423&name=olney_buster

Sabean's got to go.  He's had his chance to prove he had something going on without 
Barry Bonds, and he's proved that he doesn't.  I'm happy that he used to be
good.  But he's not any more.

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.

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huh?

Who cares what Onley says.

CC sabathia just signed a 160m $ deal. Burnett just hit big cash, too.

I hardly thinkg that Sabean overextended himself too early.

McC's Outstanding Newcomer '08.

by FairweatherFan on Dec 20, 2008 9:39 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

You’ll notice those two signings have something in common…

Olney is actually readlly good.

by cheno on Dec 20, 2008 10:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Olney is actually readlly good.

No no no no no no. He’s a moron. This isn’t debatable, it’s fact.

When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Dec 20, 2008 11:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

His blog where he posted all the links used to be a must-read. Don’t know if he does them anymore. Haven’t checked in a while.

by cheno on Dec 20, 2008 11:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

He just doesn’t really know much about baseball. I’m sure he’s got some inside sources and is fine at reporting, but his analysis is worthless.

When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Dec 21, 2008 12:13 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe...

we should trade you for Olney, then. You’re such an expert, maybe you should call ESPN for a gig.

2nd Infantry Division --- Second to None!

by Jeff_Fuller_49 on Dec 26, 2008 1:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Olneys kind of a dumbass

CC Sabathia was better than Tim Lincecum and Jake Peavy because they both lacked secondary pitches. Does that sound smart to you?

by boonitez on Dec 21, 2008 12:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Tim Lincecum just has 3 primary pitches and one tertiary pitch. That’s the issue here.

My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.

by howtheyscored on Dec 21, 2008 11:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Tertiary - at best!!

Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005.

by Lyle on Dec 21, 2008 1:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

In the meantime...

he led the league in strikeouts, won 18 games for a team with a record of 72-90, had an era or 2.62, and oh by the way, was the CY Young winner. If he only had 2 good pitches but had those stats, who cares about the number of pitches he can throw?

2nd Infantry Division --- Second to None!

by Jeff_Fuller_49 on Dec 26, 2008 1:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Four

Of Tim Lincecum’s four strikeout pitches, the one with by far the lowest swing-through percentage was his fastball, which itself is considered to be one of the best in the game.

You’re right. I wouldn’t worry about the number of pitches Tim throws. I don’t think it’s necessary that he add his knuckler yet.

by sharksrog on Dec 26, 2008 1:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think you missed the joke.

comics | art | Nattowear | McFAQ I & II

by Natto on Dec 26, 2008 2:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It always surprises me when they do, too. I mean, well… you know.

My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.

by howtheyscored on Dec 26, 2008 2:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Could Sabean have jumped the market...

…and overpaid for Affeldt, Howry, and Renteria?

Probably not, though I like to pick on him anyway.

VAE PVTO DEVS FIO

by Bhaakon on Dec 20, 2008 9:43 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Could Sabean have jumped the market...

With a po-go stick?

by lincysgiants on Dec 20, 2008 10:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Nah, one of these

"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.

by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Dec 20, 2008 10:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

like this?

Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all.

by baetown415 on Dec 20, 2008 10:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

A) The Giants didn’t overpay for any of their guys, except maybe Renteria
B) Even if they did overpay, it wasn’t by enough to matter.

GROUGTHINK ALERT

by groug on Dec 20, 2008 10:27 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Its not like there are a lot of SSs floating around either. If he didn’t sign Renteria what would be the options now? Not good.

by Lovejoy on Dec 21, 2008 8:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I would rather go with what we’ve already got. Yeah that’s right, you heard me.

"[Greg] Vaughn is in a funk so deep, George Clinton wearing a miner's helmet couldn't find him."
- Jim Baker, ESPN.com, May 2002

by achiappanza on Dec 22, 2008 11:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think you’re in the minority. While Burriss showed some OBP ability near the end of the season. I think most of us agree that relying on him to perform at the big-league level is pretty risky. He could benefit from a year at SS in the high minors. If his flashes at the end of the season were for real and he has a strong spring, he can still win the starting job at 2B. There’s also a spot for a utility infielder, but I’d rather see him get consistent playing time in AAA and put someone like Ochoa in that role.

My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman

by Goofus on Dec 23, 2008 8:38 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

ok

From this years “big” FA signings, the 09 payout is 12.75M (Renteria, Howry, and Affeldt) not including signing bonuses. Sabean got help for our bullpen and got a SS that is much better than the other internal options that the Giants would be forced to go with. I would much rather have the Renteria contract for 2 years that be stuck with Burrchoacock playing SS this year. Though Renteria is probably overpaid, it is only for two years with a .5M buyout for the 3rd Option year… Not too worried about it.

Do I think Sabean is the best at what he does? NO. But I do not really think he has done THAT bad of a job this offseason.

I Don't Tolerate Intolerance!

by Giant among Angels on Dec 20, 2008 10:27 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Burrchoacock

Nice

Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all.

by baetown415 on Dec 21, 2008 10:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005.

by Lyle on Dec 21, 2008 1:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I had a friend that dated a "girl" with a

Burrchoacock.

Not good.

Proud father of Eric Surcamp!

by The Thrill on Dec 21, 2008 4:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

are you sure that was a “friend”?

by wilriv21 on Dec 21, 2008 4:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe not for him.

My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.

by howtheyscored on Dec 21, 2008 4:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

A shortstop on a two-year contract, and two relievers for one and two years each. The signings were fine, the years short. Who cares if they’re “overpaid?”

"He called the sh** POOP!" -- Adam Sandler

by JRPhillips on Dec 21, 2008 9:38 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Prices

I think the prices are still high for the top free agents, but that the middle class is receiving less money. Next off-season I expect to see a drop in price for the top guys, as well.

Should Tim Lineum’s agent agree with me, that might bode well for Tim’s signing that long-term agreement the Giants should have signed him to when he first was brought up. You know. The one that Evan Longoria got a year later?

by sharksrog on Dec 21, 2008 10:02 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

You left out CC

Yin is to the Yang as the Yee is to the Haw!

by the degenerate on Dec 21, 2008 11:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe

Or it might be that teams are finally realising that paying Carlos Lee types $100M is a bad idea.

ZIPS: Milledge: 466 HR, 485 2B, 2282 hits, 278-379-524

by rfloh on Dec 21, 2008 10:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

They didn't overpay for Affeldt or Howry, but

probably did for Renteria. But as Groug says, it wasn’t enough of an overpay to matter. Sabean wanted to nail down his middle infield situation as soon as he could, and they weren’t going to go the “stupid” route like the Dodgers just did with Furcal. I am curious though about the eventual prices that will be paid for Cabrera and Hudson.

The problem is that next year’s FA class isn’t that helpful to the Giants either, unless they overpay for Beltre. And given Sabean’s comments about Dunn and Burrell as infield defenders, it appears that they’re prepared to go into Spring Training with what they have at the corners unless he signs RJ and then swings a package deal with Sanchez for an infield corner bat. I fully expect him to do these things.

Matt Cain's drinking buddy

by Buck Henry on Dec 21, 2008 11:03 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

The Rumors Say The Giants Are In On Wigginton

I am more then fine with the Giants signing the Big Unit but I wish they would pass on Wigginton. But, I am betting that he is signed by the Giants as well as Johnson.

by giantsrainman on Dec 21, 2008 11:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

On The Other Hand If Signing Wigginton Ends The Thoughts Of Trading Sanchez Then It Would Be The Least Of Two Evils

by giantsrainman on Dec 21, 2008 11:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, but how far would

you be willing to go with Wiggington? Apparently, the Casey Blake contract is being used as the model for Wiggington, but should the Giants really go 3/$20 million for Wiggington?

Matt Cain's drinking buddy

by Buck Henry on Dec 21, 2008 11:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

NO!

The Denker bus is now bound for San Diego. Those who were passengers on it are now angrily stranded at a gas station in Modesto, CA. Not much about baseball here .

by oldjacket on Dec 21, 2008 11:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Heck no

Even 20/$3 million would be too much money.

Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005.

by Lyle on Dec 21, 2008 1:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

If My Choice Is Trade Sanchez For 3B Or Sign Wigginton For 3Yrs @ $20M I Choose The Later

But I prefer neither. That said, I very much doubt that Wiggington will actually cost more or even Blake money. Blake;s deal was for $17.5M not $20M. I am thinking Wiggington will be signed for around $10.5M for 2 Years with $.5M of it a buyout for a third year $6M option. As an aside Chone projects both Blake and Wigginton to be -8 runs defenders at 3B next year.

By the way, and yes this is the pot calling kettle black, It is “Wigginton” not “Wiggington”.

http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/W/Ty-Wigginton.shtml

by giantsrainman on Dec 21, 2008 11:55 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The optimal choice is certainly neither. Subtracting Sanchez, then adding someone like Cantu or E5 while having Joey Martinez or Pat Misch take the ball every fifth day is no way to improve your team.

But paying a guy who can’t hit RH pitching like a starter is a seriously bad idea, unless you’re once piece away from the playoffs.

The Denker bus is now bound for San Diego. Those who were passengers on it are now angrily stranded at a gas station in Modesto, CA. Not much about baseball here .

by oldjacket on Dec 21, 2008 2:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the correction.

Do we think that Sabean would get into a contest for him though?

Matt Cain's drinking buddy

by Buck Henry on Dec 21, 2008 7:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes - But Again I Don't Think The Winning Bid Will Gat Above The Figure I Mentioned

Here is hoping I am wrong and Sabean is passing on both Wiggy and trading Sanchez.

by giantsrainman on Dec 21, 2008 7:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Just Noticed I Used Wiggington To In Line 2 Above

Glad I referenced that this was me being the pot and calling the kettle black.

by giantsrainman on Dec 21, 2008 7:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't sweat it; doesn't bother me.

And yes, at this point I would prefer they pass on Wigginton and keep Sanchez, whose value might be really high at the deadline this year.

Matt Cain's drinking buddy

by Buck Henry on Dec 21, 2008 8:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll say this much about Wigginton

He’s always raked lefties, and Sandoval has had a pretty consistant and large split through his career (though, for some reason, I hear/read more people worrying about Ishikawa’s platoon problems than Sandoval).

3/20 is too much, though. 2/12 maybe.

Also, I have no problem trading Sanchez… for value.

VAE PVTO DEVS FIO

by Bhaakon on Dec 21, 2008 11:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Or ValueOptions.

http://www.valueoptions.com/

You’re going to feel a whole lot better about being a Giants fan.

Who has the fun?
Is it always the man with the gun?
- The Stranglers

by victor frankenstein on Dec 21, 2008 11:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Whatever Ol-knee-jerk

I’m still giving Sabes a good grade this off-season.

Giants: World Series Champions...in 2011.

by Giants_Junkie on Dec 22, 2008 8:34 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Sabean/the Giants next moves

I would like to see Sabean:

- Sign Randy Johnson to a one-year contract (1 yr., 8-10 million). The Giants need another proven starter in the rotation, without a long term commitment. The Unit is a good fit.

- Pull Crede off the scrap heap (1 yr, 4-5 million). He’s still a plus defender, and would allow Sandoval to concentrate on 1B. Who knows, perhaps Crede’s “bromance” will re-energize Rowand and the bottom of the Giant’s line-up.

RF Winn
SS Reneria
LF Lewis
1B Sandoval
C Molina
3B Crede
CF Rowand
2B Burriss/Frandsen/Velez

Lincecum, Johnson, Cain, Zito, Sanchez

Depending on how cheap they get, Hoffman and Hudson would also be interesting additions… if the price is right.

Noah Lowry?

by Kid Fresh on Dec 22, 2008 7:14 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

And Cain is still a #3 starter…

My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman

by Goofus on Dec 23, 2008 8:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Wouldn't Hoffman and Hudson cost them a pick, or is the Giants' pick protected?

And to think the Sox or Yankees may end up getting Tex for $20 million per over 8-9 years.

Matt Cain's drinking buddy

by Buck Henry on Dec 23, 2008 11:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

#3?

I think it is safe to say that Matt Cain isn’t yet a #1 starter (and may never become one), but to say he’s a #3 starter doesn’t do him justice. Off the top of my head, I would say a #1 starter is a guy with an ERA below 3.50. A #2 starter is between 3.50 and 4.00. A #3 guy is between 4.00 and 4.50. A #4 guy is between 4.50 and 5.00. And a #5 guy is between 5.00 and 6.00.

I do know that Matt has pitched just slightly better than the average #2 starter over his career. He is a solid #2.

by sharksrog on Dec 25, 2008 11:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

comics | art | Nattowear | McFAQ I & II

by Natto on Dec 25, 2008 11:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I guess

I guess I fell right into it, didn’t I? :) I think I’ll be crashing into the ground soon.

by sharksrog on Dec 26, 2008 1:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Other suitors are dropping like flies

for Wigginton. Apparently the Twins and Pirates have dropped out of the running for him.

Matt Cain's drinking buddy

by Buck Henry on Dec 22, 2008 11:01 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Title of this Thread is a chuckler, particularly in light of Tex's 8/$180M deal today

Giants: World Series Champions...in 2011.

by Giants_Junkie on Dec 23, 2008 1:26 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Did he sign/agree with Washington?

They say some players get out of bed hitting; Pablo Sandoval doesn't wait that long

by bgunn on Dec 23, 2008 1:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Nope

Yanks

by Link on Dec 23, 2008 2:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

180M is less than I thought he'd sign for at the end of the season

I figured 200M, easy.

VAE PVTO DEVS FIO

by Bhaakon on Dec 23, 2008 2:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

And again, it’s the same club giving out these contracts.

by cheno on Dec 23, 2008 11:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think I’ve ever been more bored by free agency.

“Oh, there’s an interesting free agent! Oh, the yankees signed him for a billion dollars”

I know that’s kind of how it’s always been, but man… it’s painfully boring this year for some reason.

My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.

by howtheyscored on Dec 24, 2008 12:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Manny Ramirez

I hope he ends up playing in Japan for $5-8 million, “only.” After that stunt he pulled on the Red Sox, he should be banned from MLB. I mean, what is the difference between what Pete Rose did and what Manny did? Those plays in the outfield were obviously a ploy to force the Sox into trading him. He basically tried to drop some games by his lackadaisical effort.

2nd Infantry Division --- Second to None!

by Jeff_Fuller_49 on Dec 26, 2008 10:45 PM PST reply actions 0 recs