Roster Crunch?

by slcgiant on Feb 20, 2011 2:29 PM PST

"Aside from a battle for playing time, there’s also the roster issue. Even if the Giants solve it temporarily by starting with 11 pitchers, perhaps optioning Madison Bumgarner to begin at Triple-A Fresno and use off-days to go with a four-man rotation for the first road trip, they eventually will go back to a 12-man staff. And they basically have 14 players for 13 spots — plus one more, if Belt forces his way onto the team.

1. Posey 2. Whiteside 3. Huff 4. Freddy Sanchez 5. Tejada 6. Sandoval 7. Ishikawa 8. Burrell 9. Torres 10. Rowand 11. Ross 12. Schierholtz 13. Fontenot 14. DeRosa

There’s already speculation that Schierholtz or Rowand will be traded this spring. I don’t have to tell you that Rowand, still due $24 million over the next two years, will be tougher to move."

A question; Can Fontenot realistically back up Tejada all season? I'd say no.

Belt clearly takes TI's spot whenever he comes up but this team seems a middle infield player short even with a trade of Rowand/Schierholtz.

Thoughts?

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Comments

Has anyone actually heard any Rowand or Schierholtz trade rumors?

by Scottsdale on Feb 20, 2011 3:16 PM PST reply actions

I’ve heard rumors of rumors.

by Rorsavelt on Feb 20, 2011 3:42 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

That's funny

I’ve heard rumors about those rumors of rumors, also called “wishful thinking.”

In case you're wondering, I'm working out and plan to be in the best shape of my life come spring.

by Giant Torture on Feb 21, 2011 8:45 AM PST up reply actions

The MadBum is NOT going to Fresno. Dude pwned in the World Series. More likely is a 6 man bullpen. Belt will likely start at AAA. Unless he absolutely destroys in AZ and/or there is an injury. (TI may get DFA’d is Belt is chosen, as well) Rowand is gone if they can find a taker.

Back on the market.

by positiveuphemism on Feb 20, 2011 3:27 PM PST reply actions

Didn't say that

Bagga doesn’t say Bumgarner would go to Fresno other than for a very short opening stint. I think it would be a possibility as he is one of the very few guys on the roster who has a minor league option.

Regardless, barring injury, we all know that Madison will be pitching in the majors this year.

by slcgiant on Feb 20, 2011 3:33 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

It makes sense

I’d be stoked if the Giants managed Bumgarner’s innings by skipping him in the rotation for the first few weeks…

by Tynan on Feb 22, 2011 8:22 PM PST up reply actions

Assuming Rowand is on the team forever (and also assuming DeRosa is ready to go), I guess I could do without Ishi or Nate. Neither excite me all that much on the playing field.

I USED TO NOT BELIEVE YOU

I tweet (more often than I blarg).

by can of corn on Feb 20, 2011 3:36 PM PST reply actions

“I guess I could do without Ishi or Nate. Neither excite me all that much on the playing field.”

Where do they excite you?

"This is a street fight, and we win those." -- BRIAN SABEAN, 10/23/10

by Josh from Hollywood on Feb 20, 2011 7:37 PM PST up reply actions

Have you seen Nate’s abs? I think it’s pretty self-explanatory.

I USED TO NOT BELIEVE YOU

I tweet (more often than I blarg).

by can of corn on Feb 20, 2011 9:41 PM PST up reply actions

The Secret Society of the Orange and Black XX Chromosome have certain value systems which operate out in the open here some of the time. All readers are advised to respond (if at all) wisely.

"It's too LATE to stop now!" - John Lee Hooker

by Rolfyboy on Feb 20, 2011 9:56 PM PST up reply actions

Having a strictly defensive back up 1B is a luxury, sure he did a nice job pinch hitting last year, but TI is not long for the team.

by Rorsavelt on Feb 20, 2011 3:45 PM PST via mobile reply actions

Besides Belt’s impending promotion, it’s not like Huff curled up around first base crying last year. By the end othe season Bochy stopped pulling him for late inning defensive subs.

by Rorsavelt on Feb 20, 2011 3:47 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

What would people like to bring in with an Ishi/Nate trade?

Upper minors pitching?
Another backup SS?

by Deleuzian on Feb 20, 2011 4:21 PM PST reply actions

I don’t think either of them could bring in a decent backup SS (or, at least anything better than what the Giants have already), so I guess some pitching? Maybe a backup catcher type?

I USED TO NOT BELIEVE YOU

I tweet (more often than I blarg).

by can of corn on Feb 20, 2011 4:32 PM PST up reply actions

75K

Obviously any links in the above post are probably NSFW
The baseball gods do not always punish the wicked but they will not just allow people to spit in their faces -- Joe Posnanski
Kudos, You are a sick, sick man, but you are very good at it -- wcw

by jctGamer on Feb 20, 2011 5:00 PM PST up reply actions

Sabes is sure to be watching this like a hawk

He’s waiting for the end of ST to see who needs help. Then value/return goes up.

Could be either pitching or infielders. Whaddya got to trade with?

"It's too LATE to stop now!" - John Lee Hooker

by Rolfyboy on Feb 20, 2011 11:30 PM PST up reply actions

Cash considerations.

About enough to pay for the team charter from Scottsdale back to the Bay Area.

VAE PVTO DEVS FIO

by Bhaakon on Feb 21, 2011 12:10 AM PST up reply actions

Some of this....

….depends on how they perform in the spring as well. But I wouldn’t expect much – I’m guessing a very low level power arm that Dick Tidrow thinks he can teach to throw strikes.

"Don't trust anyone under the age of 30" - Brian Sabean

by Smotheredinhugs on Feb 21, 2011 6:45 AM PST up reply actions

Fontenot’s fine.

Assuming DeRosa will have a roster spot is silly. If I had to choose one of the two today, I’d take Rohlinger.

Schierholtz and Ishikawa are equally ineffectual, but Nate’s more useful given the current roster construction.

I’d set Rowand’s value at $2.5 million per year. If anyone’s willing to take him off your hands and cover at least that much of his salary, you should do it.

by Evan on Feb 20, 2011 5:04 PM PST reply actions

Agree

I would prefer to this happen. If the FO could find someone willing to pay 2.5M, they should jump at the chance. Nate has value as fourth outfielder with speed and plus arm.

I'm a Giants Fan, but I'll always be rooting for Matt Downs
Where is Dan Burkhart going to play ?

by nvsfg on Feb 20, 2011 10:34 PM PST up reply actions

. Nate has value as fourth outfielder with speed and plus arm and the ability and willingness to play the corners.

I have just now conceived of a world in which Barry Zito is Lestat. But who is Armand?

by howtheyscored on Feb 21, 2011 9:03 AM PST up reply actions

Thanks for the correction

Scott has none of those attributes.

I'm a Giants Fan, but I'll always be rooting for Matt Downs
Where is Dan Burkhart going to play ?

by nvsfg on Feb 21, 2011 11:45 AM PST up reply actions

I think it's same to assume DeRosa has a roster spot

barring a total collapse or another injury. No way that Rohlinger makes the team over him.

by kezargiants on Feb 20, 2011 5:13 PM PST reply actions

If DeRosa’s healthy and playing well a month from now, sure. But I wouldn’t bet on that.

by Evan on Feb 20, 2011 5:44 PM PST up reply actions

I don't even think it matters if he's playing well

I think if he’s healthy he gets a roster spot because of his PMLV status and contract. (See: Rowand Theory of roster management).

by kezargiants on Feb 20, 2011 9:50 PM PST up reply actions

I don't think it's same to assume anything

The thong is, it happened.

by Goofus on Feb 21, 2011 9:11 AM PST up reply actions

It omten meels like it’s same to assume very mew things.

"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring."
—Rogers Hornsby

by Lyle on Feb 21, 2011 4:06 PM PST up reply actions

I have no idea why

But every single time I look at the title, I think It says “Roger Crunch.”

Hensley "Bam Bam" Meulens!
Better than you! Mejor que tú! Beter dan jij! 良い場合も! Mehor than abo!
"The trouble with baseball is that it is not played the year round." - Gaylord Perry

by GrahamCrakalaka on Feb 20, 2011 5:59 PM PST reply actions

You're hungry?

Still the father of two-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum.
"Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be." - John Wooden

by SFGuy on Feb 20, 2011 6:45 PM PST up reply actions

Roger Crunch is much easier on the top of your mouth.

I have just now conceived of a world in which Barry Zito is Lestat. But who is Armand?

by howtheyscored on Feb 21, 2011 9:03 AM PST up reply actions

I kind of regret saying that.

I have just now conceived of a world in which Barry Zito is Lestat. But who is Armand?

by howtheyscored on Feb 21, 2011 9:04 AM PST up reply actions

I kind of regret reading it.

2010 World Series Champions!
Adopted 'nephew' to the ever avuncular and always awesome Jon Miller

by Johnny Disaster on Feb 21, 2011 9:27 AM PST up reply actions

Ouch!

MY DAD WAS WRONG!
MY BOY NEEDS TO THROW HARDER!

by Roger on Feb 20, 2011 7:01 PM PST up reply actions

See, I expected you to say “Crunch.”

"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring."
—Rogers Hornsby

by Lyle on Feb 21, 2011 4:07 PM PST up reply actions

Hulk Smash! Roger Crunch!

The thong is, it happened.

by Goofus on Feb 22, 2011 8:28 AM PST up reply actions

You’re right — that would have been a better direction to go. Must have been feeling overly vulnerable.

MY DAD WAS WRONG!
MY BOY NEEDS TO THROW HARDER!

by Roger on Feb 22, 2011 9:31 AM PST up reply actions

With a chewy center

Dearest, Susan - The Patron Saint of Patience

by Lars The Wanderer on Feb 20, 2011 6:21 PM PST reply actions

/thread gets eaten by CC Sabathia

Your 2010 World Champtions - San Francisco LOLGiants

by DividedByZero on Feb 20, 2011 6:52 PM PST up reply actions

CC said he lost weight

Maybe his fat teammate, Joba?

Still the father of two-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum.
"Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be." - John Wooden

by SFGuy on Feb 20, 2011 8:18 PM PST up reply actions

You can't call Joba Fat....

Maybe portly, or big-boned, but not fat, even though he is.

In case you're wondering, I'm working out and plan to be in the best shape of my life come spring.

by Giant Torture on Feb 21, 2011 8:49 AM PST up reply actions

I made this joke before, but I’ll make it again. This offseason, CC Sabathia lost a bunch of weight. Joba found it, and he won’t give it back.

I have just now conceived of a world in which Barry Zito is Lestat. But who is Armand?

by howtheyscored on Feb 21, 2011 9:04 AM PST up reply actions

Roster crunch is an important part of a balanced breakfast.

by apistat on Feb 20, 2011 6:29 PM PST reply actions

I just loves me some roster crunch for breakfast every spring. We don’’t have it often enough. Breakfast of Champions!

"It's too LATE to stop now!" - John Lee Hooker

by Rolfyboy on Feb 20, 2011 8:23 PM PST up reply actions

I GIS “Roster Crunch”. Some interesting pictures came up (no idea why these pictures came up).

Still the father of two-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum.
"Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be." - John Wooden

by SFGuy on Feb 20, 2011 8:39 PM PST up reply actions

The adult in me likes the complex discussion of the merits of each player, but the kid in me likes the marshmallows!

by apistat on Feb 20, 2011 9:19 PM PST up reply actions

And it’s high in fiber.

I'm a Giants Fan, but I'll always be rooting for Matt Downs
Where is Dan Burkhart going to play ?

by nvsfg on Feb 20, 2011 10:36 PM PST up reply actions

All this talk of Roster Crunch....

Makes me think this is just a cover for some serious rosterbation.

In case you're wondering, I'm working out and plan to be in the best shape of my life come spring.

by Giant Torture on Feb 21, 2011 8:50 AM PST up reply actions

We see what you did there

switching to rosterbation. We were trying to be funny. There’s nothing funny about the heartbreak of rostebation.

"It's too LATE to stop now!" - John Lee Hooker

by Rolfyboy on Feb 21, 2011 1:31 PM PST up reply actions

Roster Crunch is murder on the top of your mouth.

I have just now conceived of a world in which Barry Zito is Lestat. But who is Armand?

by howtheyscored on Feb 21, 2011 9:05 AM PST up reply actions

Some perspective is in order

How awesome is it that our biggest roster concerns are 5th OF and whether we should keep a backup defensive 1B?

Sure, there are some places an upgrade would be nice (backups SS and C), but I really like this roster. It’s easy to fret about two bad contracts, but at a total payroll of about $110M, it sure seems to be worth it.

Also, screw Aaron Rowand. Dude you’re backup OF on this team, how about doing all you can to add some value.

The thong is, it happened.

by Goofus on Feb 21, 2011 9:18 AM PST reply actions

Also, screw Aaron Rowand. Dude you’re backup OF on this team, how about doing all you can to add some value.

So very much this.

by kaliber on Feb 21, 2011 10:11 AM PST up reply actions

That really makes it sound like they’re thinking they can trade him in ST, doesn’t it?

MY DAD WAS WRONG!
MY BOY NEEDS TO THROW HARDER!

by Roger on Feb 21, 2011 10:14 AM PST up reply actions

Wishful thinking is wishful, but I’ll hop on that bandwagon. Yes, it does make it sound like they can trade him.

In case you're wondering, I'm working out and plan to be in the best shape of my life come spring.

by Giant Torture on Feb 21, 2011 10:15 AM PST up reply actions

Also,

They could be planning on DFA’ing Rowand if they are unable to deal him.

In case you're wondering, I'm working out and plan to be in the best shape of my life come spring.

by Giant Torture on Feb 21, 2011 10:16 AM PST up reply actions

Pretty good roster

Especially if Sandoval can bounce back. That being said, I would still like to see a trade deadline deal for a SS and perhaps a true middle of the order bat who can play one of the two corner OF spots. That being said, it’s easy to forget that RF last year was a near automatic out and that Burrell didn’t really take over LF until late June. I think Cody Ross and Pat Burrell for a full season are really going to help, along with the subtraction of Rowand-2 from the starting lineup.

In case you're wondering, I'm working out and plan to be in the best shape of my life come spring.

by Giant Torture on Feb 21, 2011 10:14 AM PST up reply actions

I think if they need a "middle of the order bat"

they’ll call up Belt

The thong is, it happened.

by Goofus on Feb 21, 2011 10:18 AM PST up reply actions

That’s what I’m hoping happens, too.
I’m excited to see what this kid can do

I came, I saw, I told bad jokes and left.

by IanRogue on Feb 21, 2011 4:03 PM PST up reply actions

I have nothing to add to this accept to say that I completely agree and that I really don’t understand Aaron Rowand’s thought process on this one. He should really be more open to learning another outfield position. Maybe he’s not really thinking about the fact that it might add value to the team but I’m surprised the more selfish reason – expanding his own possibilities of having Bochy write him into the starting lineup on a regular/semi-regular basis – haven’t motivated him to try out the corners.

The San Francisco Giants: 2010 World Series Champions
♥ Brian McCann ♥

by Prussian Creole on Feb 21, 2011 10:39 PM PST up reply actions

You'd think he'd want to play corner OF since there are more walls to run into

Seriously though, the only thing I can think of is that at some point he played corner OF and found out he really sucks at it. I know I always thought CF was the easiest place to judge fly balls.

When you play corner OF, balls hit right at you are really hard to jugde. You also tend to get more hooking line drives, which are the hardest to run down since they get there in a hurry.

The thong is, it happened.

by Goofus on Feb 22, 2011 8:33 AM PST up reply actions

I absolutely agree that it’s harder to judge balls on the corners but I’m still surprised Rowand isn’t at least willing to try. I’d understand if he didn’t want to play RF at home – that makes a lot of sense – but I would have thought he’d be more open to LF/RF on the road.

Also,