The Morning After

by UnleashTheGore on Jul 30, 2009 8:43 AM PDT Comment 52 comments

Sigh.

We've all (or at least most of us) had a night's sleep to mull over yesterday's bombshell. Whether you hated the trade or were "meh" about it (the two seemingly prevailing opinions), what's done is done. When the season is over, we can all hope that Sabean's contract isn't extended, yell about how promising Alderson is and what a bum Sanchez is, yada yada yada.

But today is July 30. There are still two more months of baseball left. The Giants, who most of us hardly gave us a chance to make it to .500, have currently retaken the wild card lead, even after a 3-6 road trip against the powerhouse franchises of Pittsburgh, Colorado, and Atlanta. And like the trades Sabean made or not, two positions of need were upgraded, however moderately it may have been. And for the most part, we probably won't have to see the likes of Burriss, Velez, and Aurilia anymore. Zito is actually pitching well, and we have two legitimate Cy Young candidates. The bullpen is pitching light years better than it has in many years. Not to mention, WE JUST SAW A NO HITTER!

We have all winter and most of spring to throw down hate on the organization. For now, let's enjoy baseball for the few more months we have, because in February we will be wishing we could watch a 10-inning, 1-0 game just to get our baseball fix.

Giants baseball is exciting again, folks! Don't let the hurt of losing Alderson ruin this season for you, and don't let the pessimism that so easily entangles Giants fans drag you down. It's a new day of baseball, with new, better players on the team. Enjoy it!

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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After sleeping on it, I’m actually not as mad about losing Alderson as I was last night- still not thrilled, but the initial “WTF OMG SABES” anger has subsided a bit.

Also, I know they’re probably done dealing now, but is anyone else still hoping for another move? Not to give up anyone significant, but something where Frandsen or someone is moved for another piece. Maybe I’m nuts for saying that, but I can’t help thinking it…

by oneflapdown on Jul 30, 2009 8:55 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think you’re nuts. I had the same feelings yesterday.

STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.

by UnleashTheGore on Jul 30, 2009 8:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I really wish we could trade some of our AAAA players even if it’s just for some lower level pitching prospects.

by OTTOMATIC on Jul 30, 2009 9:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly. We have a surplus of Quadruple-A’s, a few of whom are obviously not going to get a shot here (Frandsen especially).

by oneflapdown on Jul 30, 2009 9:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The problem is the Pirates have WANT these players.

by SFGuy on Jul 31, 2009 12:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

There’s got to be a morning after…

by Lars The Wanderer on Jul 30, 2009 9:02 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Wait, isn’t that what she was singing before the ship went

glug *
* glug *
* glug *

by Merope on Jul 30, 2009 9:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I believe it is. =)

by Lars The Wanderer on Jul 30, 2009 9:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good post. I’m still pretty pessimistic about the season, but it beats the hell out of the last few years.

by Evan on Jul 30, 2009 9:04 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

And this is as good a place as any to say this: I’m really glad we kept John Bowker. Yes, he looked like ass in his 32 at-bats with the big club, but he has been the best hitter in the PCL this year and he still has a decent shot at having Josh Willingham’s career, basically.

by Evan on Jul 30, 2009 9:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I really wish they’d give him a legit chance to show it.

Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.

by jponry on Jul 30, 2009 9:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Me too

It shouldn’t surprise anyone that he got 32 at bats, though. This is the Giants Modus Apparandi in regards to young hitting prospects. It’s a good thing that Pablo tore it up right from the start, or he never would have gotten past his early season struggles this year; he would have been sent down before getting a chance to correct them.

"Catcher are base running. Hitters are offense."
Only [hella] games left until the end of Zito's [no, make that Rowand's] contract.
Adoptive father of "Poncho" Villalona: This Angel don't fly. Nothing about him is light.

by thehavenot on Jul 30, 2009 9:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can’t complain about Bowker’s treatment too much. He did suck, and he was being squeezed by three sorta-similar players who were all out of options. But he does need to get an extended shot eventually.

by Evan on Jul 30, 2009 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Then maybe he shouldn’t have been up in the first place?

by thehavenot on Jul 30, 2009 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I see what you’re doing here. You’re trying to manuever me into actually defending the Giants’ arbitrary, feckless, indefensible treatment of their up-and-coming youngsters! Well you can just forget it, mister! I won’t be fooled!

But IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE it seems okay to me. He raked in AAA to the point where it was absurd to keep him down, so they called him up; but once he was up he looked awful, so they sent him back down. It was worth a shot.

by Evan on Jul 30, 2009 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also he was called up in a situation where the Giants could have used an extra player anyway. Sadowski wouldn’t get another start until after the All Star Break, so it didn’t hurt to have another player on the bench for a little bit.

Judgment Day has been indefinitely postponed. :(
comics | art | Nattowear

by Natto on Jul 30, 2009 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

So perhaps an infielder would have been a better choice?

If it was absurd to keep Bowker in AAA because of how well he was doing, then wouldn’t it have been prudent to give him more of a chance up here? Because now he’s right back in AAA, where we already know he was successful. We need to know if his improvement is real or if he’s just gonna rake against inferior AAA competition. 32 at bats does not tell us this.

Yes, he didn’t look very good. But then, neither did Pablo towards the beginning of this year.

by thehavenot on Jul 30, 2009 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What about last year? How can you compare bowker to Pablo?

by dynamics on Jul 30, 2009 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Missed the point

The point was that players, especially young players, will go through stretches where they might not look good. Pablo did this and look how he has turned it around. Bowker (and Frandsen and a plethora of other hitting prospects) did not get that chance.

Last year was last year. It appears, from his AAA stats, that Bowker has made an advancement in his approach. During his 32 at bats in the majors he didn’t look very good. How much of that was simply his getting reacquianted with major league ball? How real were those 32 at bats?

by thehavenot on Jul 30, 2009 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I dunno

I wanted them to keep him up, but there was a logjam in the outfield. Plus we already have a billion lefty hitters. I understand why they did what they did.

Mr. F!
comics | art | Nattowear

by Natto on Jul 30, 2009 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It wasn’t a case of it telling us anything, or an attempt to evaluate him, it was just a case of us trying to get some short term help for the team.

We had an extra roster spot going spare (due to not needing the extra starter) and so called up the player who was hottest at the time to try & jump start the offense a little, although it obviously didn’t work out that way. As expected we eventually needed the roster spot back & he made most sense to send down (due to him having options) and so they sent him down again.

I really don’t see the issue, they didn’t call him up to replace somebody or become a starter, he was just a stop gap to help the team.

Proud parent of Waldis Joaquin!

by GiantFan on Jul 31, 2009 1:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Giants have never needed a stopgap in the outfield, this year

by thehavenot on Jul 31, 2009 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Give him a chance? He played alot last year, and whenever he played this year he stunk! It is time they stopped switching around and keep Nate in right, Winn in center or left ( when Rowland is heatlhy) and forget about the rest of them. Also need to move Bengie out of 4 slot. Nate three and Pablo four.

by dynamics on Jul 30, 2009 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bowker has a significant hole in his swing that many AAA pitchers can not take advantage of and most Major League pitchers can take advantage of; so, until and unless he figures out how to stop swinging at sliders down and away or figures out how to hit them, he will not succeed in the Bigs – the Giants saw what they needed to see, even if it was only 32 at bats. Mashing in AAA does not a major league hitter make.

by APGiantsFan on Jul 30, 2009 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

Good point, but ultimately irrelevant.

Sadly, “major league hitter” is not a requirement to play for this team.

VAE PVTO DEVS FIO

by Bhaakon on Jul 30, 2009 2:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

They don't have sliders in AAA?

by thehavenot on Jul 30, 2009 3:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

In agreement

Yes, I’m bummed to lose Alderson, it was definitely an over-payment.

We have 3/5 of the rotation (4/5 if you count on Sanchy 1.0) locked up for atleast 2 more years, the likes of Pucetas/Martinez/Sadbowski to vie for the 5th spot, and some guy named Bum for a little further out.

One thing the giants do well is draft/develop pitchers – and when you have it as a strength, you have to be willing to use it. Should we have gotten more for Alderson? Yes. Am I happy we have a pretty decent guy for more than a year to show for it (and not some AJ Pershitztkysyaasd)? Yes.

So, could be a lot worse, even though it could be better.

I’m excited to see what a healthy Freddy can do.

ps Unleash, I got the Bobbahead, and its awesome. Thanks man.

Proud new co-dad of Travis Ishikawa. And ishikaBOOM Goes the Dynamite.

by Andy from DC on Jul 30, 2009 9:08 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

glad you like it

it’s actually one of the better bobblehead representations that i’ve seen, it looks just like him, I think.

/stares dreamily at bobblehead above desk

STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.

by UnleashTheGore on Jul 30, 2009 9:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Day After Reactions

We overpaid for Sanchez. Period. I’m not happy about it, but it happens.

Honestly though I’m pretty excited about the next two months. Today, for the first time in a really long time, I caught myself day dreaming about meaningful September and October baseball. I still feel that this team will be on the outside looking in when the playoffs start, but damn it feels good to have a chance – and Freddie Sanchez improves that chance. So, for now, I’m ok with the deal.

Adopted brother of Jason Jarvis.

by j14 on Jul 30, 2009 9:17 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I think it was the bait and switch that got people in a tizzy.
I could have lived with the Frandsen/Bowker/Guzman for Sanchez angle.
Yay! Roster space!!

But then to find out it was Alderson, and all the Giants could get for him was a 1 for 1 trade for a guy with a bum knee?

It left me feeling misled by all the Giants PR regarding Alderson, makes me wonder wtf is the TRUE story with our other prospects, and well, I’ve always been a little concerned about Sabean’s negotiating prowess. The trade may not be that terrible; however there are layers beyond just the names being moved.

Giants promotions department should really consider giving away vouchers for free psychological consultations.

by Merope on Jul 30, 2009 9:20 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Exactly…. I was pretty much expecting to have to give up Alderson for Sanchez – I even made a couple comments about it in the last week. But all the rumors of AAAA guys being traded instead, and money coming back from Pittsburgh completly messed up my expectations.

Now that I’ve had time to digest it, I’m happy we made the upgrade. I think we have a real good chance to compete this year and next year (which has been an awesome surprise this year), and we can always draft a couple college pitchers the next couple years to quickly replentish our farm system.

by OTTOMATIC on Jul 30, 2009 9:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Caincecumgarner

There simply aren’t (m)any organizations that could give up Barnes and Alderson in a week and still claim to have the SP depth that the Giants have. The organization’s strategy of drafting and developing pitching is very good, imo, and it is one that doesn’t appear to be going away any time soon.

It’s easy to forget that the Giant’s drafted Wheeler this year. Given the recent track record, I trust that the pick was good and that the Giants will be able to develop his talent properly. If not, there will surely be another SP picked next year. Whether he sticks with the team or is traded for a positional prospect is another story, but the fact remains that the team has been consistently good with their SP picks lately.

Maybe Alderson and/or Barnes will become good major league SP’s. Maybe not. But the Giants will continue drafting/developing/and trading pitching talent either way. If they can sprinkle in a few solid positional players, we have the beginning of a well run organization!

by AllHailMightyBruins on Jul 30, 2009 9:33 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Well

As far as today, this was an awful trade for Sabean. He truly gave up a awesome prospect for a guy that is a good player, not great but an upgrade over the plastic bags we put there this year. I think what hurts the most is reading that we might get him for some combo of Bowker, Frandsen, and Guzman and then not only finding out it wasn’t them, but our biggest trade piece we were willing to give. Also, If Alderson were to go, I was hoping it was for a Willingham or Uggla type who would finally solve our cleanup issue.

We just put a diamond encrusted band aid on a bullet wound. But hey, our offense might be a little better, still no power, but better.

by Giant Voodoo on Jul 30, 2009 9:37 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

sympathetic knee pain

NL West TempestTeapot
Nothing matters , and what if it did?

by victor frankenstein on Jul 30, 2009 9:50 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The morning after pill.

Alprazolam, in this case.

And suddenly I realize, I actually hate the Barnes/Garko trade more.

My son is Madison Bumgarner, the Spacebat of pitching prospects. My other son is a Porsche.

by multiphasic on Jul 30, 2009 10:59 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I’ve thought on this sometime cuz like every one of you, I was pissed off last night. But heres my take on things:

1. We possibly overpaid for Sanchez and maybe Garko. But they were both 1 for 1 swaps. Look at what happened when we traded for ( I hate to bring it up) AJ…we gave up 3 for 1. I dont think Liriano and Bonser were as highly ranked as Alderson, maybe Barnes. I think Sabean cut down his margin for error by giving up less prospects.

2. How happy would you have been if we gave up a prospect or two plus someone that Huntington deemed as a throw-in, such as Franny? Im still hoping that he gets his chance, but here, in our organization.

Im still not all that excited about this just dealing with it

by Scronjsn on Jul 30, 2009 11:32 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Psy?

Cy?

I’ve been up since 5am, to get the hell out of Fresno. I barely slept while I was down there, and driving back up here put me on edge. I still don’t like the trades, but I’ll give Sanchez and Garko a break. Maybe after some sleep and a day back in the real world will clear my head.

Supporting San Francisco Dugout since 2005 and Manny Burriss since 2006, and bringing you all your California League needs since 2009.

by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Jul 30, 2009 12:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Mr. F!
comics | art | Nattowear

by Natto on Jul 30, 2009 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

it's super effective

Supporting San Francisco Dugout since 2005 and Manny Burriss since 2006, and bringing you all your California League needs since 2009.

by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Jul 30, 2009 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Whats with the Fresno hate – some of us live in this central valley heat.

by APGiantsFan on Jul 30, 2009 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It’s not my favorite place in the world. I enjoy going down there to do sportswriting stuff, but I really hate driving. Being in a car for 3 hours (or more, depending on traffic) is nervewracking.

Supporting San Francisco Dugout since 2005 and Manny Burriss since 2006, and bringing you all your California League needs since 2009.

by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Jul 30, 2009 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not mine either

and… I live here (Visalia). MAN, I HATE SUMMERS IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY! (dry heat or not)

by Jakespaar on Jul 30, 2009 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

First 18 summers of my life. To this day, come late summer I get periodic flashbacks to the beginning of HS football practice — two-a-days in August in full pads back in the sadistic days when football coaches thought drinking water was a sign of weakness.

My Bucardo is better than yours.

A hot August weekday, before a small crowd, when the only thing at stake is the tissue-thin difference between a thing done well and a thing done ill. Insofar as the clutch hitter is not a sportswriter's myth, it is a vulgarity, like a writer who writes only for money.

by Roger on Jul 31, 2009 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Now I have the oh so pleasant DC summers. It’s raining right now, of course.

My Bucardo is better than yours.

by Roger on Jul 31, 2009 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

At least it's a dry heat.

Some people say that doesn’t matter. Those people haven’t been to the South East in summer recently.

VAE PVTO DEVS FIO

by Bhaakon on Jul 30, 2009 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

true

I was in Kansas City, Mo. for two weeks in August several years ago. It was disgusting. I’ll take 106 of dry heat over 96 of humidity.

Supporting San Francisco Dugout since 2005 and Manny Burriss since 2006, and bringing you all your California League needs since 2009.

by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Jul 30, 2009 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was in Baltimore when it was really hot with the humidity (heat index of 118). I learned to appreciate it when it gets hot in SF.

by SFGuy on Jul 31, 2009 12:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I do not believe that there was ever a realistic chance that the Pirates were willing to take our AAAA players in exchange for their All Star second baseman. The Giants may have offered, but I don’t think the Pirates ever really considered that deal. If Alderson was the price – then so be it. It is a position of strength in the farm system and is part of Sabean’s M.O. – trading pitching prospects in mid season for veteran help. Timmy A. was a prospect and just that – there is no telling how he will turn out. We have traded away many prospects – some worked out for the other team and many – Vogelsong, Grilli, Bump, Bonser to name a few – have not turned out that well. We know we have an upgrade at second and an upgrade at first and we still have our prize SP prospect in AA and should soon sign our #2 SP prospect. From what I have read getting Uggla was never realistic and who knows if Willingham was ever available – I imagine his price went up after the two Grand Salamis. All-in-all I am satisfied with the moves the Giants made and am hopeful they will carry them into the playoffs – when was the last time any of us could say that.

by APGiantsFan on Jul 30, 2009 1:37 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

UTG: What is this “enjoying the Giants, free of pessimism” of which you speak? I have no familiarity with this concept. Does not compute…

by Jakespaar on Jul 30, 2009 2:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It mean's he's a dodger fan.

VAE PVTO DEVS FIO

by Bhaakon on Jul 30, 2009 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

There is no morning after. Sabean killed baseball forever. /McCoventhink

Fred Lewis can stand under my umbrella.
31 May 2007, 21:38 EST - the last time Matteh's career W-L wasn't below .500
We are at war with Los Angeles. We have always been at war with Los Angeles.
Lowering the Quality of Internet Discourse Since 1985™

by S.F. Giangst on Jul 30, 2009 6:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm numb

Yesterday I went through a fun range of emotions
ecstasy after the walk off hit-
intrigue after hearing we acquired sanchez-
rage/depression after we gave up alderson.

Now i look back at the trade and my head tells me that this trade was awful but instead of getting pissed and wondering why the hell sabean is still collecting a paycheck i just say I hope sanchez can lead us to the post season and have a quiet acceptance that sabean will haunt the giants forever.

Grab Some Pine Meat!

by Gobroks on Jul 30, 2009 11:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs