The Giants traded second baseman Ray Durham to the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday - the deal becoming final shortly after the Brewers completed a three-game sweep of the Giants. San Francisco will receive Class A outfielder Darren Ford and Triple-A left-hander Steve Hammond, a 26-year-old from Vallejo who has struggled since a promotion to Nashville. Despite an initial report that no cash would be included in the deal, the Giants will send approximately half of the $3 million remaining on Durham's salary to the Brewers.
over 3 years ago
Grant Brisbee
170 comments
0 recs |
Email
PrintComments
sigh...
when does the quote end? Where is the closing Giant white quotation marks?
Flossing a dead horse
Good. Now I feel a sense of closure on the Sugarman Era in SF.
by non sequitur on Jul 20, 2008 7:48 PM PDT up reply actions
A fanshot on the main page?
HE’S A WITCH!
Trent Kline: Decentish. Also, my website is called ChatterBalks Dot Com and on it I make jokes about things.
Nobody’s gonna reply.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Jul 20, 2008 8:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Nah...
FanShot. That’s too much information for a FanPost.
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
Waiting for the chicks to overflow from Omar Vizquel onto his daddy.
VERY SMALL ROCKS!
Trent Kline: Decentish. Also, my website is called ChatterBalks Dot Com and on it I make jokes about things.
widgety!
Meh.
3 mil would have been better than 1.5 which is better than nothing.
commutative property FTW!
you can't block the Bocock
Ray should be paying the team back for all the DL trips over the year.
Without killing anyone
We've won it 3 times
So long Ray, thank you for being a pretty good Giant when you were healthy enough to be out on the field. Hope you and the Brewers make the playoffs and have some success.
Well said.
Yes the D.L. trips were annoying. But what do you expect from a 33+ year old second baseman? And he followed what should be a H.O.F. guy at second and we rarely moaned about a huge drop off. Most of what irritated me was managements choices and not in his control. I never heard him say anything that was not classy. I really hope he gets a ring.
" Their still Shitty" - Major Leagues the movie.
I am a Giants fan. Thus I enjoy my pain. Currently enjoying it more then usual.
It’s not that exciting a trade, especially after the rumors of Salome, but I’ll take it. Hopefully it’ll be the first of several veteran-dumping trades.
yep. It’s all about playing the young players. This should have been done before the season even started. Hopefully someone will emerge at second base, but more probably Kevin Frandsen wins the job outright by taking the year off.
Brian Sabean's new dad: Firm believer in corporal punishment
Disagree
Durham probably would have brought back nothing more than Richie Sexson before the year. At least he got some semi-prospects now.
by kingofthacove on Jul 20, 2008 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions
I wonder if we’ll see Hammond pitch in the 5th spot any this year? Correia has struggled and still might not be healthy.
Hammond’s been pretty awful since moving to AAA ball. I would think Hennessey would get the first shot if they go in that direction. They might even give Nick Pereira a shot before they go to Hammond.
Brian Sabean's new dad: Firm believer in corporal punishment
or Victor Santos
Todd Jennings: Next up on the Non-prospect Backup Catcher Train. Next Stop: The Pine at AT&T Park, following a brief detour by the DL
by Speedforthewin on Jul 20, 2008 7:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Hennessey's line today in AAA
SP Brad Hennessey – 5.0 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO, 1 HR, 5.10 ERA, L (6-6)
Something ain’t right.
Billy Hayes: His job is better than yours.
Sounds to me like he’s….
Adoptive papa to Omar...so basically I'm screwed.
by PacBellBoozer on Jul 20, 2008 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions
am i the only one who sees a smily face on that toast?
by lincypoo i wuv u on Jul 20, 2008 11:59 PM PDT up reply actions
By slightly adjusting the color levels, I was able to confirm the existence of the smiley face.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Jul 21, 2008 12:15 AM PDT up reply actions
It's like the Zapruder film
only without the anybody cares
Fred Lewis can stand under my umbrella.
by S.F. Giangst on Jul 21, 2008 6:38 AM PDT up reply actions
Hennessey is done, in my opinion, I don’t ever see him starting a Giants game again. Likewise for Pereira, he’s just not that good. Hammond was basically homer unlucky in his brief AAA run, he was still striking out hitters, albeit in a small sample.
I’d try Palmer before either Brad or Nick.
Yeah, I forgot about Misch. He would probably be the first one to take Correia’s place. As for Brad Hennessey, last night was bad, but he had a complete game victory in the start before that one.
Brian Sabean's new dad: Firm believer in corporal punishment
Meh..
Cash too? That just kind of ruined the idea for me. Getting two no names from the Brewers to rid Durham’s salary is nice. Getting two no names from the Brewers for $3,000,000 isn’t as nice.
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
He'd also just sit around and not have internet access, like me.
Yea..
Mis-understood before. Still, halfway between nice and not as nice.
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
He'd also just sit around and not have internet access, like me.
Has Durham said something to indicate he’ll retire? If not, considering he’s 36 and still playing reasonably, it seems likely someone will give him a contract next year.
Earlier in the year I think he said he was thinking about retiring after this year. If I remember correctly.
I think he said that pre-season/early season.
I’d think his resurgent year has changed his mind. Are Ford/Hammond better than Comp round pick?
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
He'd also just sit around and not have internet access, like me.
From Chron on June 12
Asked Wednesday if he believes this will be his final year with the Giants, Durham said, “I don’t know. I really have to sit down and think of things. I know it’s the last year of my contract. More than that, I’ve missed a lot of my kids’ growing up. That’s what’s going to be weighing on my mind in the offseason.
“My girl is 14 years old and it’s like I barely know her. My son turns 10 tomorrow. They’re heavily involved in sports. I haven’t seen one of my son’s baseball games, not one. He’s been playing since tee ball. Thinking of that, that hurts me. I’ll weigh all the options this offseason, sit down and decide what direction I could go in.”
He won’t see too many of his kid’s games in Milwaukee, either. Sounded to me like he was ready to hang it up.
Twenty-seven years of waiting has come to an end.
Re: Picks
Considering when they figure compensation picks they use the last 2 years I have a real had time thinking Durham will be in the top 40 % of second baseman. I guess it could happen … in theory.
" Their still Shitty" - Major Leagues the movie.
I am a Giants fan. Thus I enjoy my pain. Currently enjoying it more then usual.
If we offered him arbitration then he’d get something close to his previous salary & so he’d certainly accept it as there’s no chance he gets anything like that amount in free agency! Knowing he’d accept we wouldn’t offer him arbitration & therefore there was no chance of getting draft picks, even if he did qualify, which as you pointed out, would probably not happen.
Proud owner of the most boring Username! Alex Hinshaw: Now showing in a bullpen near you!
It also means Durham’s salary is off the books in 2009. That’s what, 7 mil? That’s the good in this deal.
I’m heading to Fresno next month (I hope) and can go to SJ anytime. I hope to get the word from our new guys in my next trips.
"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 Jul 20, 2008 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Was he owed money?
Was there a buyout + deferred money? I thought he was only signed through this year. (Though lately I haven’t been paying enough attention to baseball to remember.)
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
He'd also just sit around and not have internet access, like me.
Yeah he was signed throught 2008, but I’m hoping this means he won’t be re-upped AGAIN. Durham’s over. That’s good.
"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 Jul 20, 2008 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Well..
We could resign him out of Milwaukee still.
:-(
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
He'd also just sit around and not have internet access, like me.
Quiet dammit
"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 Jul 20, 2008 8:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Better than having Durham on the roster for the rest of the year. Maybe this will bump us up a few draft positions.
Proud father of Eric Surcamp! I sure hope we sign him.
oplzoplzoplz
YESPLZ
BROCK BOND LIKES HIS MARTINIS PUNCHED IN THE FACE, NOT STIRRED.
by SloIsLonelyForTheOrange on Jul 20, 2008 7:38 PM PDT up reply actions
My mom is sad whenever the Giants trade anybody. I, on the other hand, am happy to see Durham going. He’s a good guy, but: Giants – Old = Good.
=D
no
Giants-Old=better
but
Giants-Old=Still bad, but younger.
BROCK BOND LIKES HIS MARTINIS PUNCHED IN THE FACE, NOT STIRRED.
by SloIsLonelyForTheOrange on Jul 20, 2008 7:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Implications
Does this mean Roberts takes Durham’s roster spot?
Another lefty hitting outfielder on the giants is like tits on a peacock.
Does anybody think that Burriss has the bat to play second? Is there any chance that we could see some Denker back on the big club?
you can't block the Bocock
I think it’s every man for himself at the 2B job. Velez, Denker, Burriss, and Ochoa should all get looks. I like Denker the most out of the bunch, his bat is the strongest. Burriss might not hit enough to play short but I think he should get most of his time at the position. I’m not a fan of Velez but while we have him, might as well run him out some.
Yeah, I’m not to high on Velez either, but we might as well see if he could contribute. I like Denker the most too, and I would also like to see Downs as a September callup. Those two at least have some power, and aren’t just slap hitters.
Less arm, more talk. Raisingcain is a GAMER.
Adopted Giant: Henry Sosa
Yes Please ! on Matt Downs. Time to find out yes or no.
My adopted son Matt Downs. Bill Mueller without the two-flap helmet .
why is time to find out yes or no? He’s only 24 and skipped from A+ to AAA this year. I think he has through next year at least to determine yes or no. Just excited to see your him in SF? I’d bet roster considerations keep him out of the bigs in 08.
Castillo hits doubles.
According to most....
(myself not included) 24 is ancient.
Would I like to see him promoted to the big club ? Not really. Just have to shill for my adopted son. Don’t make me break out the the baby pictures :-)
My adopted son Matt Downs. Bill Mueller without the two-flap helmet .
one ticket please
Can we hide a folding chair and few other “goodies” fro them to find in the Steel Cage Death Match for Second Base? PLLEEEAASSEE?
" Their still Shitty" - Major Leagues the movie.
I am a Giants fan. Thus I enjoy my pain. Currently enjoying it more then usual.
read on sfgate that they placed him on the 60 day DL to make room for Espinelli.
while at the same time saying they expect him back on Wednesday.
So, yeah, I’m thoroughly confused.
by ExcuseMeSwing on Jul 20, 2008 7:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Retroactive 60 day, they need the roster spot until durham was traded which opened a roster spot. Roberts has already been on the DL for more than 60 days so its just a formality
ahh, thanks…
roster management=waaayyy over my head. one day, years from now, it’ll be much clearer why they kept Frandsen on the 40-man roster for over a month after his season-ending achilles surgery.
by ExcuseMeSwing on Jul 20, 2008 7:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Don't know if this was ever researched or not..
But does the 40-man roster require 40 men on it? There could be a stipulation by the players union that requires 25-men on the 25-man and 40 men on the 40-man, or at least that a team can only keep 39 players on the 40-man roster for a limited amount of time.
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
He'd also just sit around and not have internet access, like me.
I think that what Natto thinks is the correct thought
Only 876 games until the end of Zito's contract
because then we would have lost him
To drop him off the 40 man roster, you would have had to waive him. Somebody could have picked him up (much like how the A’s traded for that OF who was out the whole season in 2007), put him on their 40 and wait for him to come back next season.
Adoptive parental unit of Kevin "Most Spectacular Pitcher" Pucetas.
"I'm a Giant now... I like watching the ball get up there" - Wendell Fairley
"I'm really proud to be on this team." - Nate Schierholtz
by obsessivegiantscompulsive on Jul 20, 2008 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions
No
Trent Kline: Decentish. Also, my website is called ChatterBalks Dot Com and on it I make jokes about things.
They also said that Espineli isn’t going to the Olympics now, so I take that as meaning he’s sticking in SF. Basically from what I understand Espineli is taking Durham’s spot on the 40 man and they’ll figure out Dave Roberts later.
"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 Jul 20, 2008 8:13 PM PDT up reply actions
They needed a hole on the 40 to bring up Espinelli, i assume that Velez will go down when it comes time for Roberts to come back
Yeah I’m guessing this too. With Ochoa and Burriss both getting time at second like we speculate, and the OF entrenched with Lewis-Rowand-Winn, there’s nothing for Velez to do in SF.
"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 Jul 20, 2008 8:31 PM PDT up reply actions
there’s nothing for Velez to do in SF.
Which hasn’t stopped the Giants from having a guy up on the ML team before.
Only 876 games until the end of Zito's contract
...and they’ll figure out Dave Roberts later.
They still shoot horses, don’t they?
Adoptive papa to Omar...so basically I'm screwed.
by PacBellBoozer on Jul 20, 2008 8:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Hopefully aging outfielders, too
"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 Jul 20, 2008 8:41 PM PDT up reply actions
I think Velez is going to get first crack, but Ochoa and Burriss will get chances as well. The key is getting rid of Omar now so that two of the three can play everyday. Enough with Omar already, Bochy, do you have a freaking clue??
Brian Sabean's new dad: Firm believer in corporal punishment
Maybe the Zoo will let us use a traqu gun on Boulder Skull before most games. We will just dose him enough to hand in the line up card. He might be a little groggy but he will remember the rest of the day. we can blame the grogginess on the fact its August and the club house can’t serve “leaded” coffee any more.
Well I did not say it was good plan.
" Their still Shitty" - Major Leagues the movie.
I am a Giants fan. Thus I enjoy my pain. Currently enjoying it more then usual.
With Ochoa & Burriss on the roster who can play SS there’s no point in having Omar around. He certainly should go by the trade deadline, be it via trade (it’s hard to believe he has any value) or DFA. I have a suspicion that he won’t be though.
Proud owner of the most boring Username! Alex Hinshaw: Now showing in a bullpen near you!
I’d be surprised if Omar has any value, otherwise they would deal him. If they DFA him, they’d be paying his salary anyway, so I bet he remains on the team in the tutor role others have mentioned.
My guess is that the Giants have too much respect for Omar (both the man and future HOFer) to DFA him.
Adoptive father of howtheyscored. The beatings will begin momentarily.
Mmmmm.... racky peacocks.
I'm adopting a true Giant and an awe-inspring gamer: tk. "Atta babe."
by Mayor of 311 on Jul 21, 2008 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Pure salary dump
The two guys we got are warm bodies as far as I’m concerned. Yes, Ford has elite speed, but he and Bocock went to the same hitting school.
Hammond might get a call up one day, but he’s just another lefty as far as I’m concerned.
I guess this was the best deal out there, but it sure as hell wasn’t much
www.wazzel.com (prove your sports knowledge if you can)
I hereby denounce my adoption of Omar Vizquel and would like to pick up this Ford kid. So basically I see this as a win/win situation. My memories of Omar going 0-fer can we wiped clean while I can look to the future and see my new son…the fastest man in the majors…turning triples alley into quadruples alley! I’m sure the kid can’t dance salsa, paint, or dress as nifty as ol’ Omar….but what the hell..change is good.
Is the McWiki page still up and running, and if so, does anyone have it bookmarked?
Adoptive papa to Omar...so basically I'm screwed.
I'll pick up Omar..
If not just for the chick overflow to me.
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
He'd also just sit around and not have internet access, like me.
Hold on a second…I need to be sure that Natto doesn’t want Ford. He’s earned the whole right of first refusal thing because of Ray Ray. Although, on second thought, I’d rather be done with Omar altogether at this point. He’s all yours! Now if only I could get my signature line to change like it’s supposed to.
Omar...I'm done with you. Hello Darren Ford! Come to papa.
by PacBellBoozer on Jul 20, 2008 9:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Sigs..
retroactive I think. So out signatures will always be time period relevant to the time the post was made.
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
He'd also just sit around and not have internet access, like me.
Sounds good to me, but only if you’re cool with it too. I’ll gladly go without if you want Ford.
Omar...I'm done with you. Hello Darren Ford! Come to papa.
by PacBellBoozer on Jul 20, 2008 9:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh, and about that chick overflow…It didn’t do SHIT for me. I guess the part about him being a snazzy dresser and good dancer is a bigger catch that I thought.
Omar...I'm done with you. Hello Darren Ford! Come to papa.
by PacBellBoozer on Jul 20, 2008 9:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Maybe you were just too drunk to notice..
On the topic of drunkeness, don’t know if you can get it out there but I’ve become addicted (figuratively so far) to Leinenkugel’s Sunset Wheat. Best beer I’ve tried in my short beer drinking days.
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
He'd also just sit around and not have internet access, like me.
Hmmmm…never heard of the stuff. Will definately have to give it a go. Looks like BevMo might have it in stock, so I might just be in luck. Thanks for the tip.
Omar...I'm done with you. Hello Darren Ford! Come to papa.
by PacBellBoozer on Jul 20, 2008 9:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Leinenkugel’s is a local brewery in Wisconsin, Eau Claire I think. But the Sunset Wheat has only a bit of bitterness, very sweet with blueberry taste as well. Above Sierra Nevada Pale Ale on my list.
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
He'd also just sit around and not have internet access, like me.
Women like gay men because they’re sweet, kind, and dashing to us without trying to get in our pants. Getting chick overflow from a gay man won’t do you much good.
"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 Jul 21, 2008 9:27 AM PDT up reply actions
gay as a goose
"They can trade me," Bonds said. "I don't think they will, though. It's not like I want to be traded, man. I'm a Giant. I'm stuck here till the end."
Geese are gay?
I thought they were just bitchy.
Man, that’s a lot of random things to learn over the weekend.
When it was thought that Taschner was part of the Durham deal, I learned from a Brewers website that Tasch has a hot mom.
you can't block the Bocock
I can’t confirm if he is or isn’t, but he sure has a lot of the qualities of an out man. All the women I know who love Omar love him for the same reasons I do. Those qualities I mentioned.
"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 Jul 21, 2008 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions
I’m not sure Baron was actually even talking about Omar. The comment she was responding to didn’t mention Omar specifically, and sometimes it’s really easy to skip context around here when you’re in a rush.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Jul 21, 2008 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions
You heard it here first.
Eugeniooooooo!!!!
by FairweatherFan on Jul 21, 2008 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions
Huh? Who said anything about the gay thing? All I was saying is that the guy is a Renaissance Man, that’s all.
Omar...I'm done with you. Hello Darren Ford! Come to papa.
by PacBellBoozer on Jul 21, 2008 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions
We currently hold the 4th pick, lets hope we get swept by the Padres!
by i wish we were good on Jul 20, 2008 9:02 PM PDT reply actions
what'a dump indeed
So we pay 3 million to lose Durham and get a pitcher who throws home run pitchers and an outfielder who can’t hit them.
A guy who throws people?
Hey, I’ll take him. And I don’t really want my outfielders to hit others.
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
He'd also just sit around and not have internet access, like me.
Definitely don't bring him to the Bay then..
PETA will go nuts. And not Peta Wilson.
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
He'd also just sit around and not have internet access, like me.
Last place bound team? Or first place division/wild card bound team?
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
Waiting for the chicks to overflow from Omar Vizquel onto his daddy.
I agree..
I have uprooted my life once, albeit a small life but it was difficult. Does this really mean he’s going to uproot his life though? It’s only for another few months, then when he hits the free agent market he can make that decision for the next few years again.
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
Waiting for the chicks to overflow from Omar Vizquel onto his daddy.
As for the trade, Durham said, “I understood it. I know the organization, they’re trying to go young and rebuild for the future. I could have said no. I didn’t say yes right off. I called my people first. It was a tough decision. I wanted to stay here, but it’s a better fit for both parties.”
Damn
I was on vacation, so he wasn’t able to reach me. (There were a couple of hang ups on my answering machine.) As one of Ray’s “people”, I’m sorry I wasn’t there for him.
Adoptive father of howtheyscored. The beatings will begin momentarily.
Well, sorta
He got paid a $20K fee of some sort according to one account I read, but that’s peanut change for a long-time major leaguer…
Adoptive parental unit of Kevin "Most Spectacular Pitcher" Pucetas.
"I'm a Giant now... I like watching the ball get up there" - Wendell Fairley
"I'm really proud to be on this team." - Nate Schierholtz
by obsessivegiantscompulsive on Jul 20, 2008 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Ray Ray
From across the Bay.
"If some people perceive me as being arrogant, then I'm sorry." - William Nuschler Clark, Jr.
Sigh
Au revoir, Sugarman.
Notgardo, I still love you -- but you're grounded. No Guitar Hero for a month, no Cheez-Its for two months, and NO BASEBALL! This hurts me as much as it hurts you.
Fare thee well, Ray-Ray
You were sometimes good. You were often not-so-good. (Remember the McCoven chant of DITS, Durham Is Teh Suck?) Your defense could be cover-your-eyes ugly and last season your hitting was even worse than that. But you were gracious in your departure today, you’re a very likeable guy, and you leave in your wake one of the great Giants TV commercials of all time (Lady: “What does the ‘G’ in ‘G-String’ stand for?” Ray: [flummoxed grin]).
You’re going to a much better team, and you get to play in a pennant race this year. Best of luck.
No, my Crazy Crab bobblehead is not for sale.
McCC Classic
“(Remember the McCoven chant of DITS, Durham Is Teh Suck?)”
Ah, DITS. That really brings back the memories. Good times. I think Salemicus came up with that one. It’s right up there with Kenshin’s DYG (Damn You, Grissom!) in the pantheon of Gameday Thread taunts.
"I been waitin' a long time for this! I been waitin' since the f**kin' amateurs!" --WILL "THE THRILL" CLARK
by Josh from Hollywood on Jul 20, 2008 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions
There’s pretty much no chance Durham becomes a Type-B at the end of the year, right? Because that would totally suck.
Even if he did, he might accept arbitration (which his team would have to offer him in order to get a draft pick).
Trent Kline: Decentish. Also, my website is called ChatterBalks Dot Com and on it I make jokes about things.
I like Ray-Ray, but it is best for the club that he got traded. The infield is a mess right now and the second half needs to be like open tryouts to see what we have, In order to accomplish this, Aurilia needs to be traded for salary relief and someone has to convince Omar to retire, for his and the team’s sake. If those two things happen, then Downs and Castillo can platoon at third, Ochoa and Burriss at Short, and Velez and Denker at Second. Bowker could get the rest of the season to show what he is made of. It’s not going to be pretty, but it is necessary.
Todd Jennings: Next up on the Non-prospect Backup Catcher Train. Next Stop: The Pine at AT&T Park, following a brief detour by the DL
Ray Durham: All Class
Per ESPN,
San Francisco traded the veteran to the Brewers for two minor leaguers, with both clubs waiting until after the teams played Sunday to announce the swap. That, in fact, was per Durham’s request as he didn’t want to suit up for his first game for Milwaukee against the Giants.
“Personally it was out of respect for the guys in this locker room,” Durham said, saying his goodbyes in the Giants’ clubhouse. “It really was a stipulation I asked for.”
Thank you Ray, for all that you did for the Giants and for handling this situation the way you did. You are a class act.
Todd Jennings: Next up on the Non-prospect Backup Catcher Train. Next Stop: The Pine at AT&T Park, following a brief detour by the DL
Nice touch
Of course the B’s didn’t need his bat to beat us. Just taking Ray out of our lineup was enough.
Enjoy the playoffs, Ray.
Fred Lewis can stand under my umbrella.
by S.F. Giangst on Jul 21, 2008 6:47 AM PDT up reply actions
The only bad thing for Ray in this is that it looks like Weeks is heating up. I don’t think Ray is going to play more than once a week. This trade really made no sense for the Brewers. Ray is not used to sitting on the bench for long periods of time, and I can’t see him helping the Brewers in that role. I wish him well though. He’s a good guy.
Brian Sabean's new dad: Firm believer in corporal punishment
Weeks is spectacularly injury/slump prone. Ray is a 1.5 mil insurence policy on Weeks’ wrist.
you can't block the Bocock
Also, Weeks does most of his damage against lefties. I can see them settling into a platoon situation for the rest of the season; they’d add up to one of the top second basemen in the game (at the plate only, of course).
Ray really needs to learn to play the outfield, though.
I think Ray has been hitting over his head this season though. Ray is not a .293 hitter at this stage of his career. I think if he was hitting about .240 you could expect him to get hot in Milwaukee, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he slumps in Milwaukee and winds up around .270 or so. Then again, when you’re fighting for a playoff spot, all it takes is one or two pinch hit homeruns or doubles or so to make it worth their while.
Brian Sabean's new dad: Firm believer in corporal punishment
A switch-hitter with a.385 OBP makes Durham an ideal guy off the bench or spot starting. I think we’re still under-valuing Ray’s bat after last year’s performance. His 112 OPS+ is almost exactly what he’s averaged over the last 5 years. This was a no-brainer for the Brewers, in my opinion.
Adoptive father of howtheyscored. The beatings will begin momentarily.
seriously
Ray’s not going to have to steal a second base to score runs either. His OBP will serve the team well with Hardy/Fielder/Braun/Hart driving him in.
by ExcuseMeSwing on Jul 21, 2008 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions
So long, Ray
On of the few Giants (non-BLB division) in the last 5 years who could actually take a freakin’ BB.
I guess we can pretty much put the value of Randy Winn at “nada” (unless some sad team thinks his contract for 2009 is somehow a plus)
FIRE BRIAN SABEAN
I’m actually kind of sad. From every standpoint this is about the best decision that could have been made. But he was a good guy both on and off the field. It was just time to go.
"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 Jul 21, 2008 9:33 AM PDT reply actions
Agreed. I wish we could have built a package that got us a more interesting return (from what I’ve seen of the guys we got, it’s nothing earth-shattering that we don’t already have). But we do need to open up some slots this year, and see the promised youth movement. This is the first step.
With that being said, I still don’t want Omar traded. I’d rather see him get some occasional work and mentor the guys we have coming up. I just like him too much to see him go. Plus, any value we’d get would be insulting to him at this point in his career.
It's my blarg! Quick Pitch
FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The purge begins. May it be fast and painless. Aurilla, Winn, Molina, Roberts, Omar…. and maybe even Zito. Rowand can be our token veteran. Just think of the money we can save and all the new faces coming up. Maybe the Cubs would trade Hall and prospects for Molina. Toby would be capable until the big S gets here. I like Denker and Timpner to be called up. Can we finally bring up Nate and let him start? Put Bowker and Nate in 1B and RF and leave them there. This purge has been long overdue and it will feel sooooooooo…. good when it is over. Go Giants….
Do you want to play hide the salmon?
Nate ain't getting any younger...
Please don’t let the one decent prospect we have rot at AAA for his whole life.
I mostly agree ...
we desperately need to see Roberts and Aurilia go now, and then Omar and Vizquel should be the next two
I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Molina and Winn stick around for a few more years, although the sooner Buster Posey is able the better. The question is can we use any of these vets to get a big reliable bat – preferably at 3B? And by big bat, I mean an up-and-coming one, a young guy who can hit but isn’t currently getting the playing time he deserves – maybe someone like Josh Fields (if the White Sox are going to stick with Joe Crede for a while, won’t Fields be looking elsewhere? – I’d rather get Fields than Crede anyway).
and then Omar and Vizquel should be the next two
That has to be a misprint, but I’m not sure who the last person you actually meant was. Molina? Winn? Bochy?
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Jul 21, 2008 12:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Omar's the guy who can't hit.
Eugeniooooooo!!!!
by FairweatherFan on Jul 21, 2008 12:26 PM PDT up reply actions
what the ...?
yeah, not sure why I had the feeling that our old loveable veteran shortstop was two different players
gotta hand it to all our old veterans, it always seems like they’re in two places at once
in other words, hey Chicago, we'll give you Dave Roberts, Rich Aurilia and Omar Vizquel for Josh Fields
why do I even dream of this nonsense
I think this was a good trade
Durham does us no good and we had already committed to pay him for the season. Hence, his salary was a sunk cost.
So we essentially just got 1.5 million + two MiL players who may not be completely worthless for free. The loss of Ray’s production for the rest of the season is a non issue for us.
Additionally, it forces Bochy’s hand into playing younger players at 2b.
Eugeniooooooo!!!!
by FairweatherFan on Jul 21, 2008 12:29 PM PDT reply actions
And perhaps sends a message to Bochy on what direction the team is headed regarding playing youth vs. vets.
Adoptive father of howtheyscored. The beatings will begin momentarily.
Well if he would just read this website
That message would be loud and clear.
Eugeniooooooo!!!!
by FairweatherFan on Jul 21, 2008 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions
"Message to Bochy".... I still question this whole meme
The message you mention must, I deduce, necessarily come from Sabean, yes? My inability to accept this theory of “Sabean brings guys up from AAA, Bochy plays them sporadically thus dooming them to failure, so Sabean has to send them back down a month later, lather, rinse, repeat” (thus leading to the need for “messages to Bochy”) rests on a very important assumption that I find implausible: Sabean doesn’t have Bochy’s phone numbers, and doesn’t know how or where to find him if he wants to tell him, superior-to-subordinate, to give certain guys certain amounts of playing time. The twin memes of the existence of “messages to Bochy” and “Sabean promotes/Bochy ignores/Sabean demotes and weeps” rest on the belief that Sabean has no control or influence on anything other than signings and roster management. I don’t think that makes any sense.
I'm adopting a true Giant and an awe-inspring gamer: tk. "Atta babe."
by Mayor of 311 on Jul 21, 2008 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions
You have clearly never worked for a large business
It can be very odd how these things go – it could very well be that part of Bochy’s agreement to come here is that he has absolute control over the lineup.
Eugeniooooooo!!!!
by FairweatherFan on Jul 21, 2008 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions
then if Sabes or ownership was unhappy with the lineup they could still can him, and let Wotus run the team on the cheap. this isn’t some subsidiary or branch manager not communicating with his “boss” but two highly public figures in the same group. it’s not like lineup cards are secrets.
Castillo hits doubles.
In what way is a baseball team a "large" business?
The entire baseball operations staff could fit in your living room, minus maybe the scouts, who aren’t relevant to this point anyway. We are not talking about far-flung operations in subsidiaries or different divisions that exist in different silos. We are talking about a MLB general manager who has a direct reporting line with the team manager. Pretty simple structure.
As to whether any team manager could have “absolute control” over any aspect of baseball operations, obviously you’re just conjecturing that and I have not seen the contract, but I find it impossible to believe that the GM would cede that level of power over something relatively central to overall baseball operations. Obviously, GMs should interfere with lineups RARELY and CAREFULLY, and could even go whole careers without doing it in much the same way that old-timey movie cops brag about never having had to draw their guns. But they would have to have that right in reserve.
More than that, though, is that the team manager HAS to be an instrument of the GM’s TEAM strategy, and if he’s a stumbling block to that, then he has to go. Bochy is an accomplished and respected manager, but he ain’t _ [fill in blank with Sparky Anderson, Earl Weaver, John McGraw, Connie Mack, of the handful of True Greats]. If Bochy doesn’t understand or share Sabean’s vision, then Bochy has to go. Both these guys know that, so it’s hard for me to envision that poor, meek, powerless Brian Sabean weally weally wants these young guys to play, but Crazy Tyrant Bochy won’t comply, so mild Brian just has to take it.
I'm adopting a true Giant and an awe-inspring gamer: tk. "Atta babe."
by Mayor of 311 on Jul 22, 2008 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Crappy Deal. But that's been the Ray story most years
About this Ray-Ray deal. We get nothing of note, and pay half of Ray’s remaining salary. That’s a trade?
Let us look clearly at what Ray wrought in San Francisco:
—Hired as an expensive leadoff guy and “godsend” gamechanger ($7 million per in 2003 was a handsome contract).
—For three years, never was a leadoff guy or gamechanger of any kind. But did limp a lot, rehabbed a lot, and hit a little (but rarely leadoff) while still picking up gamechanger checks.
—Year Four: Somehow morphed into a power guy with a respectable RBI total. Good for Ray. Even moggeee started cheering for him. Sabean cheered so much he re-upped (oops).
Then 2006 (yeech), and 2007 (feh).
Ray Durham: Not a Good Giant. More a part of the 2005-2008 problem than a part of any solution. His trade value (virtually NONE) validates that.
This is too harsh
Ray Durham OPS+ 2003-2006: 111,117,104,127
That’s pretty good for a 2B, even one who’s defense waned from acceptable to pretty bad. He was one of the few guys on the team that wasn’t a brain dead hacker.
That being said, resigning him after 2006 was not the move I would have made…
His 2008 has been awesome (111 OPS+) and actually got us some warm bodies, as opposed to the dead wood he was after his excreable 2007.
FIRE BRIAN SABEAN
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
