Wow! I didn't see that coming! Ha-Seong Kim IF who has long been assumed to be a free agency fit with the Giants due to positional need and personal ties to Jung Hoo Lee CF agreed to terms with the Rays, of all teams. The deal is for 2 years/$29 M with an opt-out after one season and an additional $2 M in incentives. Kim is coming off a down season that ended early due to an injury to his shoulder that required surgery. It is unclear when Kim will be recovered enough to play. His agent, Scott Boras, suggested he could be ready by April. His former employer, the Padres, said it might be as late as July.
Injury situation aside, Kim is an excellent fit for the Giants even after they signed Willy Adames SS, but if I am sitting in Buster Posey's position, I would not agree to this deal for several reasons. First of all the obvious uncertainty of when he will be able to play and whether it would be a full strength. Secondly, the whole 1 yr/opt out model of contracting which was a hallmark of the FZ regime seemed to contribute to the team's lack of continuity and forward progress from year-to-year. The tea leaves I am reading out of Buster Posey's front office say he is avoiding opt-out contracts like the plague and I am in favor of that stance.
I agree with you on all points. Especially with the injured shoulder as a negative. I know for pitchers, shoulder injuries can be difficult. Given that throwing is a big part of being an infielder, I am glad they gave it a pass. The Giants need to come hot out of the gate to get some juju going. With Kim missing the first month or two, that doesn’t help. Derald Cook
ReplyDeleteSo, what's the deal with the Giants trading a pretty darn good lefty reliever in Taylor Rogers for some 25 year old never will be minor league schlub and 6 million? Are the Giants ownership that hard up for money that they are willing to leave the team with only ONE LHRP in not so sure shot Erik Miller? ......Or are they clearing up some payroll for an OF/IB/DH bat..wait they got jake Lamb for that....
ReplyDeletesteveVA
I wanted Kim for the Giants but still have reservations about the severity of his injury and did not appreciate the opt-out attached to the contract. Buster is not putting up with Boras' shenanigans and I agree with the move. $15 million AAV is a lot even with the opt-out.
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