The 25-Man Roster
by Grant Brisbee on Mar 23, 2009 1:05 PM PDT
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PrintRosterbation, fancy table-style:
Points:
- Andrew Baggarly wrote that Sergio Santos was acquired to play short for Fresno because Burriss is staying with the big club, so I’m comfortable with Burriss in the "almost certainly"-column. His .407/.458/.463 line is probably helping his cause. Burriss’s line, that is. Not Baggarly’s.
- If Eugenio Velez makes the team, it’s because the team thinks he can do okay in the outfield, so I’m putting him down under the "OF" heading. Also, that amuses me. This team doesn’t need three second basemen, and I don’t think the Giants are going to send down Frandsen to make room for Velez.
- I tried to rank the bubble RP in order of likelihood of making the final roster. If Romo can’t go on Opening Day, the Giants will grab a couple from that column.
- After I made the fancy table, Sadler and Joaquin were cut, but I’m not redoing the fancy table because I’m scared that I’ll lessen the fanciness.
If I were in charge and forced to pick from the above table, I’d take Taschner and Perdomo for the bullpen, Torres as the fifth outfielder, Uribe as the backup shortstop, Frandsen as the second-base starter, and Aurilia as the designated lefty-masher. I still believe in Taschner, kind of, but I believe in Hinshaw’s control struggles even more.
I can’t remember the last time a Giants roster was this unsettled this close to Opening Day. You’d think it’d be more exciting. You’d be wrong.
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Fancy Feast
Minor White > Ansel Adams
by say hey nation on Mar 23, 2009 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Fancy Play Syndrome (Poker)
FIRE BRIAN SABEAN... UNLESS HE KEEPS DRAFTING WELL. .. AND SIGNS UNDERRATED PLAYERS LIKE AFFELDT OR PHELPS. .. OR ALRIGHT WHO'S PLAYING WITH THE ALIEN MIND-SWITCHING RAY?
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PARPG- Indy post-apocalyptic roleplaying game currently in early planning stages.
Fancy Lad
(Hugh Grant)
You probably know it as MYANMAR, but it will always be BURMA to me!
by NuschlerFace on Mar 23, 2009 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down.
Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005.
fancy that!
"ever so cynical yet whimsical giants related signature"
by The Gene Hackman on Mar 24, 2009 10:38 AM PDT up reply actions
Fancy Schmancy
Sergio Romo will gladly hand you a bench to sit on / GIANTSPACE™ / Adopted brother of the AnVil
by SoFa King Mike on Mar 24, 2009 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions
Goodbye Agent Jack
Sergio Romo will gladly hand you a bench to sit on / GIANTSPACE™ / Adopted brother of the AnVil
by SoFa King Mike on Mar 23, 2009 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Tasch
Taschner has said he was working on a new pitch (2-seam FB) this spring and that has led to some of his control issues. Bochy called Tasch in on the carpet and told him produce or vamoose. Tasch has since trashed the pitch so now let’s see how he pitches the rest of spring. If he as so hiccups he is a goner.
I don’t want Hinshaw in the major league bullpen. I don’t want Taschner in the major league bullpen either.
I think Valdez would be ranked the highest on the bubble bellpen list.
by Lars The Wanderer on Mar 23, 2009 1:13 PM PDT reply actions
I think Perdomo and Valdez have a better chance of making the team than Hinshaw and Medders if only because of their roster status (Rule 5 draft and out of options respectively). Also I would bet on the Giants keeping Velez on the team rather than being taken in by Torres’s great spring.
by FluLikeSymptoms on Mar 23, 2009 1:16 PM PDT reply actions
Only fancy boys make fancy tables
By virtue of their name alone:
- Bullet
- Points
- Are
- More
- Manly
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
Is Merkin out of options?
Rafael Rodriguez: Your number 8 organizational prospect before stepping a foot on American soil and has "looked just super so far," according to Felipe Alou...according to Baggs.
I think we have to offer him back to the disabled list for $25,000 if he doesn’t stick on this roster.
by Grant Brisbee on Mar 23, 2009 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Ah ok
I hope he makes it. Lets just give Taschner away.
Rafael Rodriguez: Your number 8 organizational prospect before stepping a foot on American soil and has "looked just super so far," according to Felipe Alou...according to Baggs.
hmmmm…
/rubs chin merkin
Sergio Romo will gladly hand you a bench to sit on / GIANTSPACE™ / Adopted brother of the AnVil
by SoFa King Mike on Mar 23, 2009 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions
if it’s a LHP that can’t throw the damn ball over the plate, then who gives a shit?
I’d rather have another RHP that gets people out.
Fairley odd parent to Wendell
I am thinking the same. I would love to have a 2nd solid LHP, but I would not do it just to do it with the current options available.
Giant Dirtbags: Brian Anderson, Todd Jennings, Steve Hammond, John Bowker
Don't F with the Affeldt
by Giant among Angels on Mar 23, 2009 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions
At the risk of soundlng like a broken record, what else does Guzman need to to do to make the team?…At the risk of soundlng like a broken record, what else does Guzman need to to do to make the team?…At the risk of soundlng like a broken record, what else does Guzman need to to do to make the team?…and so on
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
I'm resigned to the conventional wisdom
that Jesus needs regular playing time and won’t be on the roster as the 25th man. We’ll just have to wait until Ishi’s performance necessitates a lefty-hitting platoon-mate or both of the 2nd basemen pull a Bocock.
I’m banking on the former.
by thethrillisgone on Mar 23, 2009 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions
conventional wisdom?
popular opinion?
=/=
http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2009/3/19/803847/jesus-guzman-and-the-case
co-dad of IshikaBOOM w/AfDC.
Ishikawa, let the boy hit against lefties.
Play more better defense
If his defense was even average at one of 3rd, 2nd and 1st and LF he would almost certainly be on the team. I like him too, but it probably would be the more responsible thing to have him playing everyday in AAA. Might be called up at some point this year though if he does start at Fresno.
"Oh, you're Lisa Stevens from Wells Fargo Bank."
"You can't say enough about..." -Buce Bochy
Stop getting fielding tips from Velez, for one.
Adoptive father to the All-Father. Does that make me the All-Grandfather?
Do you need Uribe
with Burriss on the roster? Especially if he’s not starting at 2nd (not sure) Burriss can back up Renteria leaving a roster spot for Velez or Guzman.
Both of the latter have upsides or potential for spectacular failure that promise far more suspense and entertainment than the dependable back-up average-ness of Uribe.
by thethrillisgone on Mar 23, 2009 2:24 PM PDT reply actions
That’s a good point. I’m really doubful that Uribe makes the team.
by Grant Brisbee on Mar 23, 2009 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Assuming the keep 11 pitchers...
…and assuming Burriss wins the 2B job, I think a bench of Frandsen, Guzman, Schierholtz, Velez, Holm and Aurilia would give you what you need. About the only thing Urible brings is the ability to play SS, but Burriss can slide over to SS when Renteria needs a rest.
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
Sabean + Bochy = Uribe’s on the team…I think.
by Bay Area Sports Guy on Mar 23, 2009 3:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Is Don Nelson the Giants’ GM now, too?
by Bay Area Sports Guy on Mar 23, 2009 5:11 PM PDT up reply actions
no
If he was, he’d announce he was giving Randy Winn, Bengie Molina and Aaron Rowand scheduled days off. Then he’d bench Molina and Rowand every other game for a the first week or two and sit Winn the entire season.
by Bay Area Sports Guy on Mar 23, 2009 11:40 PM PDT up reply actions
no
he’d just want to run and place way to much stock in small speedy players…….doh (clasps forehead with hand)
by shaolinironlion on Mar 24, 2009 12:23 AM PDT up reply actions
I really hope they give Frandsen a real shot at the 2nd base gig. He was slumping for a bit there, but has turned it on again lately. If he doesn’t get a shot now, he may never get one with the Giants.
by AndOnTheDrums... on Mar 23, 2009 2:27 PM PDT reply actions
They will certainly take 5 OFs and 12 Pitchers. 3 open spots
So, it’s Hinshaw and X. That leaves 1 spot, and it must be an OF. I have never even heard of Andres Torres – I had to look up him up. It’s hard to believe that there’s someone who give Velez a shot to make the the team… but that’s Torres for ya. (unless he plays some fantastic defense).
I hate to disagree with Grant… but I am not sure that all 3 of Frandsen/Burriss/Aurillia all make the team. I think they will give Guzman one of those spots, and use Velez as the 5th OF/backup 2B.
Hmmm… interesting quandary… who plays a worse 2B now? Velez or Aurillia?
FIRE BRIAN SABEAN... UNLESS HE KEEPS DRAFTING WELL. .. AND SIGNS UNDERRATED PLAYERS LIKE AFFELDT OR PHELPS. .. OR ALRIGHT WHO'S PLAYING WITH THE ALIEN MIND-SWITCHING RAY?
-------
PARPG- Indy post-apocalyptic roleplaying game currently in early planning stages.
I hate to disagree with Grant
Wait, what? Since when?
by Grant Brisbee on Mar 23, 2009 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions
uhhhhhhhhhh
sarchasm?
or perhaps:
“Busted”
FIRE BRIAN SABEAN... UNLESS HE KEEPS DRAFTING WELL. .. AND SIGNS UNDERRATED PLAYERS LIKE AFFELDT OR PHELPS. .. OR ALRIGHT WHO'S PLAYING WITH THE ALIEN MIND-SWITCHING RAY?
-------
PARPG- Indy post-apocalyptic roleplaying game currently in early planning stages.
I hate to be the guy to overvalue ST numbers, but...
could Posey be on this team mid-season? I was hoping for one more year of Bengie after the last season thinking Posey would need more time, but the dude can seriously hit.
September is lovely in San Francisco
And that’s probably the soonest we’ll see young Gerald barring any injuries.
"Oh, you're Lisa Stevens from Wells Fargo Bank."
"You can't say enough about..." -Buce Bochy
Darn it!
"Oh, you're Lisa Stevens from Wells Fargo Bank."
"You can't say enough about..." -Buce Bochy
It was in the Chronicle today that they want Posey in the minors for this whole year.
MadBum too.
GROUGTHINK ALERT
Chatterbalks dot com: Now with updates!
I wouldn’t be shocked to see Posey get a September call-up, though.
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
Yeah, I could see Posey up when the minor league season is over.
GROUGTHINK ALERT
Chatterbalks dot com: Now with updates!
I could see the Giants giving Posey the Wieters treatment next year to keep his service time down.
by Grant Brisbee on Mar 23, 2009 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions
They Did It To Lincecum In 2007 And They Are Very Likely To Do It To Posey In 2010.
by giantsrainman on Mar 23, 2009 10:15 PM PDT up reply actions
well they did it wrong then because the odds are pretty good that Lincecum will be a super two.
Fairley odd parent to Wendell
I think they keep him down till september
so he can refine his game-calling skills
Still defending Rich Aurilia, and the Niners' classic unis
Options vs Roster Spots vs LHH vs RHH vs Backup SS vs Backup CF
Most of the guys vying for bench spots are RHHs. How does Bochy want to use his bench? Who does he have as a LHH off the bench, Schierholtz? If so, who is his defensive replacement OF?
Many questions for the Giants brass.
You're right
(and Zenbitz above) about them probably going with 5 OFs. I suppose Velez could be the extra guy because he can also play second (and I use the word “play” as a figure of speech) but if Frandsen and Burriss both make it then the need for a third guy to play second becomes less important. I’d like to see Torres get a shot.
My plans for 2009: getting married and attending Tim Lincecum Bobblehead Day.
Torres switch hits, so him and Schierholtz can be lefties off the bench. Uribe is kinda useless unless he’s hitting a HR and you’d have to give him a lot of at bats for that to happen. Burris and Frandsen can both backup SS when necessary (and Frandsen can play 3rd when necessary as well). I’d like to hear a report on Guzman’s defense at 1B, because if he can do that, do we need Aurilia? Probably for his defensive flexibility, lefty-mashing prowess, and veteran status. So my position players:
OF: Lewis/Rowand/Winn/Schierholtz/Torres (5)
IF: Ishikawa/Burris/Frandsen/Renteria/Sandoval/Guzman/Holm/Aurilia (8)
Pitchers: Besides the starting 5, I dunno. I read yesterday they may looking for a long reliever (prolly not a bad idea). I’m rooting for Valdez and Perdomo.
Fresno Youngins: Velez (learn some D!) Bowker, Rohlinger, EME
Keeping on SWOOPing in the free world! Also, by the reflexive property of the rubber/glue playground comeback, I enjoy wearing hats on my ass.
by SneakToBetterSeats on Mar 23, 2009 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Umm, Molina?
In your scenario (and in general, actually) , I’d like to see them ditch Aurilia to make room for the team’s starting catcher. I get how Richie is useful, but if Guzman can supply the same bad defense at three positions and rake against lefties, then why not.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
C Molina, Holm
1b Ishi, Aurilia (Sandoval, Guzman)
2b Burriss, Frandsen
SS Renteria, Burriss (Frandsen)
3b Sandoval, Guzman (Aurilai)
OF FLew, Rowand, Winn, Schierholtz, Torres
I saw Torres this weedend, the kid is nearly as fast as Velez and plays the OF better than Rajai Davis. I saw him run down a line drive off the bat of Jermain Dye at the warning track in LCF from straightaway CF. He’s at about 380 ft and makes the catch to his left at about 420 ft. He adds a lot. I hope he makes the team over Velez
As for the the 6 RPs to start the season: Wilson, Howry,Affeldt, Valdez, Medders, maybe J Miller or one of the new guys (trade, signing), BB Hinshaw, or BB Taschner
by allfrank on Mar 23, 2009 3:46 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
probability that the giants start the season with an 11-man pitching staff:
zero…. unless they do a temporary thing while the schedule has a lot of off days.
FIRE BRIAN SABEAN... UNLESS HE KEEPS DRAFTING WELL. .. AND SIGNS UNDERRATED PLAYERS LIKE AFFELDT OR PHELPS. .. OR ALRIGHT WHO'S PLAYING WITH THE ALIEN MIND-SWITCHING RAY?
-------
PARPG- Indy post-apocalyptic roleplaying game currently in early planning stages.
It sounds like that’s their plan. It won’t be forever, just until the schedule gets more intense.
by The Double Deuce on Mar 23, 2009 4:11 PM PDT up reply actions
+1!
Good to hear from someone who’s seen his D. When it comes to him and Velez, both have speed and probably can hit, but Torres is actually a legit fielder. He can use that speed in the outfield for extra range, not for making up misjudged balls like Velez undoubtedly would be doin’ Torres for number five!!!
Keeping on SWOOPing in the free world! Also, by the reflexive property of the rubber/glue playground comeback, I enjoy wearing hats on my ass.
by SneakToBetterSeats on Mar 23, 2009 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions
funny
when I read the threads talking about keeping Velez as the 5th OF, I keep thinking how much better Davis would have been as that option. If he’s fast, can hit just a bit, and won’t continually endanger seagulls on the rim of the stadium with his throws a la Herbie Velez, I’m with you.
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
by natteringnabob on Mar 24, 2009 5:49 AM PDT up reply actions
If Burriss is indeed on the roster, I’d like to see him starting at second, not sitting on the bench. Frandsen would be a good fit as a utility infielder and pinch hitter, which is how I’ve always seen him ultimately. Plus, if Sandoval doesn’t stick at third, Frandsen can play there.
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
I think that's a given
Burriss is starting somewhere. If it’s not here, it’s Fresno.
Does Frandsen have options left? I thought not, but now I’m not so sure. I wonder if the Giants might send him down to play everyday (assuming Burriss wins the starting job) and keep Aurilia and Uribe as the IF backups. That would leave a 5th OF job for either Velez or Torres. I still don’t believe they’ll carry only 11 pitchers, so I’m assuming a 5 man bench.
Adoptive father to the All-Father. Does that make me the All-Grandfather?
I’d rather keep Frandsen as a backup. Uribe is pretty close to worthless. His only value is his alleged ability to play all the infield positions, but if they have Frandsen and Aurilia on the bench, it’s pretty much covered – Aurilia can play 1B and some 3B, Frandsen can play 2B and 3B, and Burriss can move over to SS to spell Renteria.
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
I'm not thrilled with Uribe but...
…he does have three 20+ HR seasons in the majors to point to, while Frandsen has 13 HRs in his entire minor league career.
Adoptive father to the All-Father. Does that make me the All-Grandfather?
Is it really a given?
Burriss can play both SS and 2b. I could easily see them keeping him up with Franny and Renteria and rotate the 3 of them. It seems like that has been what they have been toying with in ST too.
Also, would there be any serious long-term benefit of keeping Burriss down in AAA? It seems like they would only do that if they were grooming him as the SS of the future, which I’d be surprised if anyone considered him their shortstop of the future.
Given Burriss’ age and how highly the Giants think of his defense, I think they certainly see him as a future starter either at 2B or SS. Given that they plucked him straight from single-A last season, he certainly could benefit from some AAA time – if the Giants feel his bat isn’t ready for the majors.
Adoptive father to the All-Father. Does that make me the All-Grandfather?
Noonan has the ‘2b of the future’ locked up, so you could be right about him being the SS of the future, but I doubt it. I don’t know many organizations that would be excited about him as their SS of the future, especially with his struggles in the AZ Fall League. I’m not sure how much more his bat projects to improve by staying in AAA. He looks like he projects as a low ops, decent average hitter, with decent defense.
Myth
Sergio Romo will gladly hand you a bench to sit on / GIANTSPACE™ / Adopted brother of the AnVil
by SoFa King Mike on Mar 23, 2009 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Rainman Thoughts
I am with you on the “Guarenteed (18)” with just the slightest chance that the Giants might sign or trade for what they think is an upgrade at backup catcher to replace Holm. I think this is a very small chance but none the less the chance does exist.
I really don’t see any the “Almost Certainly (4)” you do. I am sure at least one one of Frandsen and Burriss will make the opening day roster but I think the chance that they both do is just not so certain. I really don’t see any reason to see Aurilia’s odds of making the team as being any higher the Uribe’s. Both Richie and Juan have good shots to make the team but I do see real competation both between them and from others. With regards to “special agent Jack” if I were to bet I would bet he is traded or released. I think his odds of making the opening day roster is less then 50%.
You have already addressed Joaquin and Sadler as both have already been cut and therefore are no longer even on the bubble. I see Burriss, Frandsen, and Aurilia joining Uribe, Velez, Torres, and Guzman on the position player bubble and somewhat in that order battling for 4 or 5 slots. With regards to the bullpen I would put the order at Medders, Miller, late addition by trade or free agency, Taschner, Hindshaw, Valdez, and Perdomo battling for 3 or 4 slots.
It is indeed much more wide open with lots of decisions still to be made they I can ever recall it being in the past. One minute I find myself expecting mainly veterans and the next mainly youngsters. I like the fact that the Giants are making these players battle for their jobs. I think I am going to be fine with whatever decisions the Giants end up making.
Everyone (Including Me) Forgot About Osiris Matos
I see him on the bullpen bubble just before Valdez and Perdomo. Technically Martinez has not yet been optioned to AAA but I agree with you that he really is not on the bubble as I see him in the rotation for Fresno.
by giantsrainman on Mar 23, 2009 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Luis Perdomo has been MIA
I watched the game the last time he pitched, which was last Monday against the Angels, when he had a terrible outing. I don’t think the box score, or Giants Jottings really captured how terrible his outing was. He was throwing pitches to the back stop and seemed like the only way he could hit the strike zone was if he slowed his speed way down. I don’t remember a spring training game pitched by someone other than Zito where the crowd actually booed a giants pitcher, and he got it pretty bad.
So, he’s either injured, or not pitching because they don’t think he can pitch. He didn’t even get in during the split squad games on Saturday. At this point I’d consider him a longshot to make the team.
Perdomo looked terrible in that game. He’s rail thin and his arm moves really fast when he throws. He looks like he’s throwing 200 mph. He lost a batter after getting two strikes, gave up a double, and then proceeded to walk the next two batters on straight balls. Then the wild pitches.
Since then he hasn’t thrown any better so I don’t expect him to be a factor for the Giants.
"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 Mar 24, 2009 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions
25 man roster thoughts
-I like the idea of Renteria, Burriss, and Frandsen to cover SS and 2b. Burriss has proven that he can hit major league pitching, so I imagine the starts at 2b being split between Burriss and Franny, with Burriss getting starts at SS also.
-Merkin has to be on the team. When he’s healthy the guy is lights out. Miller and Medders have both been really good and I hope they both make it. But I think the bullpen is far from settled with Agent Jack bombing the way he is and no real candidates for long relief. Although with the days off in April, they could use Sanchez in long relief. I really hope they find a replacement for Jack (Will Ohman).
-Uribe’s spot on the team is already covered by Aurilia. Plus Aurilia probably still has as much range as Uribe at short if they were ever in that big of a jam. Keeping Burriss also makes him expendable.
-I think the toughest call is Torres or Velez. I’d have to lead towards Torres because he is a legitimate defender. It seems to make a lot more sense to keep him as a late inning pinch runner/defensive specialist in CF/LF than to keep Velez, who gets picked off frequently and plays terrible defense.
A few rosterbatory thoughts & questions
- Whither Osiris Matos? I’d say he’s pitched well enough this spring to at least be included on the “Bubble List”.
- I guess I just have to come to grips that Brian Sabean can’t stop thinking about Jack Taschner. Personally, I’m not seeing the fascination. Evidently, he fits the role of LOOGY, without actually showing any evidence whatsoever of being any less ineffective against LHH than he is against RHH.
- I don’t understand why Nate Schierholtz should be a lock for the 25-man roster, unless he’s out of options. He strikes me as another in the line of AAAA outfielders the Giants have long produced. If JuggerNate is out of options, then yeah, I guess he goes north, plays sparingly and provides little of value.
- I’m really torn on guys like Torres and Guzman. Guzman’s numbers (.404 / .440 / .872) are just astounding. He resembles someone who actually can hit home runs (as opposed to yet another guy with "pop").
- Torres has won me over by being a guy who has done every single thing the Giants would want in a 4th outfielder. Dude just has The Hunger.
- The problem with both of them is this: Non-Roster invitees’ Spring Training hitting stats always seem to end up resembling AAA stats in their lack of transferability to the Major League stage. Worse than AAA, even. I’m trying to think of even one time that a Giants’ non-roster invitee set the Cactus league ablaze with his wondrous hitting, and then continued to do so—even moderately—in the regular season.
- I don’t care about #6. I want Torres and maybe Guzman on the team.
- I think Romo isn’t going to be available for a while.
- That leaves us with 21 Guaranteeds + Almost Certains. I wish Taschner wasn’t one of these 21, but I must yield to the inevitability of it all.
- If we’re playing “what I would do” (versus predicting what Sabean will do), then I would add Torres, Guzman, Medders and Matos.
Why couldn't McCovey have hit the ball just three feet higher??
Schiertholtz is indeed out of options. Even if he wasn’t, I’d say he’s earned a shot at a full year in the big leagues.
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
This
If he is another AAAA guy, at least give the guy extended big league at-bats to try to prove otherwise. I’m pretty certain he’s going to be a better big-league hitter than Torres.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
Bringing the Math Fail on a weekly basis...
First off, when I concluded that Nate shouldn’t make the team and that Romo would not be ready for a while, I actually should’ve dropped Grant’s list of (Guaranteeds + Almost certainlys) to 20, not 21. Umm…oops. OK, so Nate is out of options, in which case I agree he needs to stay. More inevitability (see Jack, Agent). That brings us back to 21.
One more thing about Nate: If he does make the team, I hope Bochy will give him plenty of opportunities to start. I don’t think he has much of a chance to develop into any kind of useful player with once-a-week starts. In my dreams, the Giants trade Scott or Winn and install Nate as the starting RF. Not because I think Nate will then blossom into an All-Star, but at least he would have a chance to find his swing and, who knows, maybe even develop some major league power.
I’d also keep Torres (now we’re at 22), since he provides a versatile bat, speed and defense in all 3 OF positions, none of which Nate can do. By the way, I would say the question isn’t whether Nate is going to be a better big-league hitter than Torres. Torres is never going to be anything more than a fourth outfielder/defensive replacement/pinch-hitter/runner. Torres has been battling Velez, not Nate for that role with the Giants, and it is in that role that Torres can help the Giants right now. The question is whether Nate will be better than Guzman. And I say the answer to that question is “no”.
I would then keep Guzman, over Uribe and Velez (23). I can imagine the Giants going with the more “known quantities” of Velez or Uribe over Guzman. I prefer to hope for promising upside over confirmed mediocrity, but maybe I’m being unfair to Velez there. The problem with Guzman—why he might have long odds of making the team—is he really has no viable position defensively. This relegates him to odd pinch-hitting roles, which probably isn’t the best fit for him at this stage of his career. Personally, I’d bite the bullet, keep him on the team and give him a few starts at 1B and 3B, spelling KF Panda and Ishi. What harm could come from that?? Come on—it’ll be fun!!
After that, I’d still bring Medders and Matos north (24 and 25). The Giants might be thinking that with a stronger starting rotation (and hitting that is a known weakness), there might not be as much of a need to carry 7 relievers, and that one more bat could be more useful. Once Romo is healthy, he would probably replace either:
- whichever of Medders & Matos has proven less effective, or,
- whichever reliever is injured, or,
- Guzman or another bench player, if the Giants are needing more bullpen help
Why couldn't McCovey have hit the ball just three feet higher??
The Hunger is Delish...
The sad part about that video is that it looks like the blind deaf mute who made it actually thought they were making something really god
by Great Success! on Mar 23, 2009 9:05 PM PDT up reply actions
The Hunger
The degree to which the guy is impressed with his prodigious talent is indeed sad. And it’s also what I love most about the video.
Why couldn't McCovey have hit the ball just three feet higher??
Matos has pitched very well this spring, aside from that last outing where he blew up. I’d like to see him have a shot.
"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 Mar 24, 2009 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions
velez, perdomo, and valdez, on the roster. guzman for franny (traded or sent down) 2-3 months in. taschner gone for long reliever in trade.
by shaolinironlion on Mar 23, 2009 6:32 PM PDT reply actions
Please don’t rosterbate on my fancy table.
by Johnny Disaster on Mar 23, 2009 6:56 PM PDT reply actions
The table should be fine as long as Grants wipes up the names right afterward.
by Lars The Wanderer on Mar 23, 2009 7:00 PM PDT up reply actions
4A GUYS AND the DL
Not sure that Schierholtz is a 4A guy ala Linden, Jacob Cruz, Ortmeier, etc. He has been able to hit over 300 in the majors so far, and with more AB’s his power numbers could start to show-up. With the current roster conundrum the GM will have to make excellent use of the DL. Looks like Romo, Valdez, and maybe Taschner could go on the DL. If Taschner cannot throw strikes, maybe something is wrong with the guy. As much as I would like to keep Perdomo, it looks like he is not ready for the 25 man roster, and the giants will have to release him. Problem with Valdez is that the dude cannot stay healthy. The Giants may lead Spring training in runs scored, but without checking the stats, my guess is that they lead Spring training in Walks issued by the pitching staff.
Perdomo wouldn’t be released. He would be offered back to the team he was drafted from, and if they didn’t want him back, he would have to clear waivers before being assigned to AAA.
The main thing that’s wrong with Taschner is that he’s not a very good pitcher.
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
OK, Giants fans, so just to confirm...
…Juan Uribe’s roster spot is looking shaky at best, correct? The Cubs have a glaring need to add depth to the left side of the infield, and Uribe may fit the bill as a 3B/SS backup.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Too many bodies, and Uribe has a bit too much on his body, too.
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
Yeah, I live in the Chicago area...
…so I know from his years on the Sox that he’s always been a bit on the chunky side.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
OK, thanks! It'll be something to keep an eye on.
Right now, the Cubs essentially have a couple of second baseman (Aaron Miles and Mike Fontenot) backing up shortstop and third base. It’s not a pretty picture.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
As the gentleman below avers, I’d sell him to you for a nice piece of pie.
Yummm.
Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005.
Sorry, we already pawned him off on the Orioles.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Well, he's not my ideal choice.
That would probably be Maicier Izturis. Over at BCB, we’ve floated the idea of trading RHP Chad Gaudiin for him, but it’s uncertain whether a deal like that is feasible. I do know Uribe bailed out the White Sox to a certain extent last year when Joe Crede went down, so I’m hoping he could at least provide some sound defense in a backup role. I know his bat is nothiing to write home about.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
That would be "SOTO."
And that ain’t happenin’. How ’bout Soto for Lincecum straight up? The Cubs could probably get by with a couple backup catchers if they added Tim to their rotation.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Ugh
First the Cardinals didn’t want to do our Feliz For Pujols deal.
Now the Cubs don’t want to trade Soto for Juan Uribe.
The whole NL Central is so disappointing.
GROUGTHINK ALERT
Chatterbalks dot com: Now with updates!
I prefer this one.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Edgar Renteria
With Emmanuel Burriss showing enough to win a starting position, the $18.5 million signing of Edgar Renteria is looking very foolish. I expect a bounce-back season from Edgar, but since the Giants didn’t add enough to be true competitors unless most of their key players have very, very good years, spending that much money on Edgar was foolishness.
Well you know
Ever since I won the lottery, wasting all that time getting a college education seems downright foolish.
by FairweatherFan on Mar 24, 2009 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions
I believe he can be bought out after one year can’t he?
too lazy to look it up.
Fairley odd parent to Wendell
At the beginning of the offseason, my assumption was that Burriss would start at SS, and they’d sign a second basemen. When they signed Renteria, I figured they wanted to give Burriss more time in AAA. Now that they have Renteria and they’re still starting Burriss, it seems a little odd.
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
I disagree. Renteria can be moved to a less demanding defensive position in 2010 if Burriss ends up emerging as an everyday player (something that, in my opinion, hasn’t happened, despite a strong spring). It’s not like we have a lot of amazing players at 2B or 3B.
Pretty much. Pre-Renteria, SS depth on this team was non-existent. It was, and still is, a good pickup.
Why?
Why was the Renteria pickup a good one? At best the Giants overpaid for him, and at worst they really didn’t need him.
Do you think that signing Edgar makes the Giants a true contender? At the time they signed him, I felt it would take at least two big moves to make them into a contender. The signing of Randy Johnson qualified to me as a big move, but there was no follow-through with moves #2 and hopefully #3.
I’m not predicting failure for Edgar. I do think he will bounce back. I just don’t see him as a difference maker — and his high salary may make him untradeable.
I really liked the Randy Johnson signing and was OK with the risks the Giants took on the two relievers, as well as REALLY liking the signing of Justin Miller to a minor league contract. The signing of Brandon Medders may turn out even better.
But why Renteria? Why not give both Burriss and Frandsen a season to prove themselves, and if one or the other didn’t work out, pick someone up after the season?
Being a fan of a team that has Aaron Rowand and Barry Zito on it makes me incapable of seeing 2 years and 18 mil as a disaster contract.
I'm spent, just can't rosterbate anymore.
Not really
Burriss is going to be down in Fresno by June anyway…
Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all
If Dustin Pedroia played in Seattle, not many people would be talking about him.
I see Taschner as on the bubble.
The # of walks he issues in his next appearance may determine whether he stays or goes.
I'm spent, just can't rosterbate anymore.
It’s not like he’s trying to throw a knuckleball. Taschner’s control sucks with or without ‘experimentation’ with new pitches.
this
He was borderline several times prior to this trouble.
"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 Mar 24, 2009 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Apparently, he has been working on this new pitch since 2005. He has always had an unacceptable WHIP.
by Lars The Wanderer on Mar 24, 2009 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Snark aside
A two-seamer can indeed be harder to control. I’m willing to see if his control improves now that’s ditched it.
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
I think the snark is OK in this instance. Taschner has never had good control, so saying that he should improve his control now that he’s stopped throwing a two-seam fastball seems like faulty logic to me. It might get better, but it’ll still be terrible.
Jack Parkman: What do you call that garbage?
Rick Vaughn: It’s my eliminator. I’ve got another pitch. You get a piece of it, I’ll let you name it.
Jack Parkman: I’d, uh, call it the masturbator.
Giant Dirtbags: Brian Anderson, Todd Jennings, Steve Hammond, John Bowker
Don't F with the Affeldt
by Giant among Angels on Mar 24, 2009 9:20 PM PDT up reply actions
burriss
manny is not a total lock. For one thing, he is hitting better and harder. Partly against minor league pitching. If he slumps these next 2 weeks, sending him to Fresno is an easy decision. Side benefit—use that roster spot to evaluate Torres or Guzman at the major level, see if there is anything worthwhile.
Likewise, DL or injury rehab for Nate bides some time too. Nate is not hitting at full strength yet, why waste bigleague atbats on him.
So I’d start with Frandsen at second; reserves Velez, Aurilia, Guzman, Torres, Holm
They always fall back to 7 relievers (mentioned that as a maybe recently in the Merc or Chron), I’d go Wilson, Affeldt, Howry, Perdomo, Medders, Tash (could be Hinshaw); and Miller, with Romo and Matos joining later. I am Sad about Sadler.
For bullpen
adopter/sponsor of "Go, Antoan" Richardson
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