tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post7303219692632495558..comments2024-03-28T09:55:54.830-07:00Comments on When the Giants Come to Town...: Hot Stove Update: Pablo or Bust?DrBGiantsfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574563470247927739noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-55222809140291638562014-11-08T17:17:07.837-08:002014-11-08T17:17:07.837-08:00True, but last offseason Sabes adhered to an unusu...True, but last offseason Sabes adhered to an unusually strict stepwise schedule of priorities starting with Hunter Pence followed by Tim Lincecum and later by lesser cost needs. He has been quite vocal about sticking to that schedule and he's laid out another one for this offseason. I don't think I have ever seen that from any other GM of any organization up to now. Maybe that's how it is usually done, but just isn't talked about, but Sabean has been unusually forceful about his statements saying he will stick to his agenda in the order of perceived importance, usually based on the cost of each decision.DrBGiantsfanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10699322384438591979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-64939701932606990492014-11-08T17:03:23.747-08:002014-11-08T17:03:23.747-08:00So Sandoval can not only choose whether to impover...So Sandoval can not only choose whether to impoverish the Giants with his contract demands but also whether to dawdle them out of any other offseason action? I believe that Sabean said at the recent press conference that the team has a rapid response capacity in case some new situation develops an immanent deadline. What that means in practice, he must know; we fans don't, any more than we know whether the brouhaha over Sandoval exists for the sake of candor, negotiations, anticipatory placating of fans, or what. Whatever its source, it has been keeping attention focused on the Giants, their beloved (roly-poly, intense, stalwart, or whatever else endears us) cast of characters, and their hard-working front office. Without the Pablo drama, fans' post-WS fascinations might well have strayed to some other sport.campanarinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-1217615216733503052014-11-08T16:29:25.663-08:002014-11-08T16:29:25.663-08:00I agree, but that is how they seem to roll these d...I agree, but that is how they seem to roll these days.DrBGiantsfanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10699322384438591979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-10351058996357301182014-11-08T14:09:58.544-08:002014-11-08T14:09:58.544-08:00It would baffle me to learn that the Giants couldn...It would baffle me to learn that the Giants couldn't focus on two things at once within that high powered front office of theirs.<br /><br />I have a feeling that, as much focus may be on Pablo right now, the SF front office has enough marbles to keep strict tabs on Tomas, Scherzer, and any other FA or trade piece that may be in their cross hairs through the early weeks. Pablo is the biggest offensive FA out there, and it may take all winter for him to decide where to sign. Were any front office to scorn all other moves to wait that one out...just doesn't seem like how the big league operates.RainBallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00725941337502884436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-6635109269436986002014-11-07T22:11:10.781-08:002014-11-07T22:11:10.781-08:00I would be surprised to see the Giants sign a FA t...I would be surprised to see the Giants sign a FA that costs a draft pick both because they seem to value their draft picks and because I don't think they want to spend that much on a FA unless it is to keep one of their own, such as Pablo.DrBGiantsfanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10699322384438591979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-86326872650515658212014-11-07T22:02:31.329-08:002014-11-07T22:02:31.329-08:00Are the Giants even considering a player who would...Are the Giants even considering a player who would cast them their top draft pick? Should they? In the past, signing high-priced free agents has usually been a bad idea. Maybe this history applies to Sandoval too. Certainly seems like it ought to apply to pitchers, where injuries are so common.Acornnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-39238251061535729792014-11-07T21:44:55.052-08:002014-11-07T21:44:55.052-08:00MLBTR is reporting that the Giants are one of the ...MLBTR is reporting that the Giants are one of the teams that Tomas had a private workout for so I assume they are doing their due diligence and kicking the tires. Right now, though, the focus seems to be strictly on Pablo and nothing else is going to get done until his status is settled. Tomas might be signed with another team by then.<br /><br />I would be very surprised to see Max Scherzer in a Giants uniform next season.DrBGiantsfanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10699322384438591979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-5988868154394019382014-11-07T20:17:12.419-08:002014-11-07T20:17:12.419-08:00BTW, any news on Yasmany Tomas, I like that cat a ...BTW, any news on Yasmany Tomas, I like that cat a lot, is it to much to ask for him and Scherzer. RBJnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-77582266899973104992014-11-07T20:13:20.516-08:002014-11-07T20:13:20.516-08:00If we can get someone to play defense that is on p...If we can get someone to play defense that is on par with Pablo I think we can make up the offense with a full season of Belt and Pegan. IMO Pablo is not even worth a Pence contract let alone 100+ million. I would just put Duffy at 3rd and sign Max Scherzer. With a rotation of Bum, Max, Cain, Hudson and Lincecum/Petit we would be just fine. RBJnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-86937233728689191582014-11-07T17:23:13.175-08:002014-11-07T17:23:13.175-08:00Someone over at MCC produced a list of third basem...Someone over at MCC produced a list of third basemen by WAR over the last three years. Miguel Cabrera was first, and Pablo Sandoval twenty- first. To repeat, twenty third basemen were more valuable by WAR than he was. None of them, to be sure, sold more panda hats or produced so many gasps and giggles by swinging at pitches outside the zone.campanarinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-6416686984111732882014-11-07T16:16:17.903-08:002014-11-07T16:16:17.903-08:00I like the Lowrie idea a lot. He has enough bat f...I like the Lowrie idea a lot. He has enough bat for 3B and should be good there defensively too.DrBGiantsfanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10699322384438591979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-470594682770905212014-11-07T16:03:12.853-08:002014-11-07T16:03:12.853-08:00I thought Casey McGehee was a free agent? Btw, th...I thought Casey McGehee was a free agent? Btw, the just won the NL Comeback Player of the Year award. I'd be ok with him if he really is available. Now, grasping at straws: Converting Jed Lowrie to 3B? Injury prone, but decent enough bat. Converting Rickie Weeks to 3B: he has failed to live up to the promise he once held, but maybe a change of scenery could help? Korean SS Jung-Ho Kang might be posted. Good offensive numbers. At least average defensively at SS, but would figure to be able to handle 3B. Might be a bit pricey with combination of posting fee and contract, but still likely to be less than Panda.baseballjunkienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-86823080169387030762014-11-07T16:01:42.745-08:002014-11-07T16:01:42.745-08:00I don't know there is anyone out there but i t...I don't know there is anyone out there but i think we will survive if we don't sign him. I love Panda, but he was super mediocre during the season. And while he was Mr. Clutch in two of our Series, I don't know that it makes sense to tie up our financials or have an out shape 34 year old at 3B. Let's be real--we almost didn't make the playoffs b/c of Scutaro, and it was only when Panik got there that 2B was fine. We almost didn't make the WS or even win because of Pagan's bad back (not to mention Morse's injuries and relying on Travis--totally dodged a bullet that he only had one defensive breakdown). We lost a WS because of a certain relief pitcher's bad arm. My point is that winning a series is a lot of things, and not making it can be equally so. We won because of the team, not Panda. And whose to say we don't get there with next guy up.<br /><br />If he's willing to do a 6 year deal that has performance ties (weight related), that's one thing. But if he wants us just to reward him for his play, not at that term. I'd rather give Duffy (probably better D) or Duvall (maybe as good a bat) a shot. It worked out fine with Panik, despite many (even on this board) screaming for a FA trade. <br /><br />Frankly, more worried that Timmy will be our 4th starter and who plays LF than I am about who plays at 3b.<br /><br />PiLamBearnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-42341755236402288742014-11-07T15:53:45.242-08:002014-11-07T15:53:45.242-08:00I would not resign Pablo unless we can get him on ...I would not resign Pablo unless we can get him on a 5 year deal. Anything longer and it will surely be a bad contract. As long as he stays around the same size his knees will likely hold up another 4 years. That fifth year is suspect but long term contracts always have a chance to kill you on the back end.<br /><br />I say we play a little numbers game and try to maximize our strengths somewhere else to create the WAR at 3B. This could either be in the form of a SP or LF. I think a healthy Matt Cain and a healthy Angel Pagan could definitely add several WAR just right there. Bochy said the other day that Angel feels incredible and could play right now if the season was still going. very encouraging words. Cain going back to being a solid #2 would be a huge gift. I think we just need someone who won't kill us on defense. I have to say Trevor Plouffe (respect to Ryan above) sounds like a good start.<br /><br />Plouffe v Sandoval<br />OBP .328/.324<br />WAR 3.9/3.3<br />dWAR 1.0/0.6<br /><br />For a team doing a huge rebuild over the last few years we could probably pry him away for a decent arm or 2. He is under team control until 2018 which makes tons of sense.<br /><br />Rogernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-78959868009161913982014-11-07T15:33:54.037-08:002014-11-07T15:33:54.037-08:00Troy trade from rebuilding Rockies: to a divisiona...Troy trade from rebuilding Rockies: to a divisional rival? Refusal. Fear of ferocious regrets. From Giants' POV, ditto, once rebuilding Rockies' trade demands were made.<br /><br />To those of us who hope PS goes off to the highest bidder so that the Giants can spend freely on a good SP, a proficient LF, and maybe some bullpen bolstering, the furor about Sandoval looks like post-season silliness. Crawford at 3B and Adrianza at SS, or a trial for Duffy at 3B can make do until the Giants can come up with some reasonable alternative, if one is needed, next year. Sandoval's 3-3.5 WAR doesn't seem so hard to replace if Belt and Panik can play for a full year, and we get 2 WAR from the starter who takes Sandoval's place. It's hard for me to believe that most of the fuss isn't based on sentimentality (PANDA!!!) rather than on what would be best for the team as to wins and World Series returns.campanarinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-79845962231835157562014-11-07T13:47:40.440-08:002014-11-07T13:47:40.440-08:00All GMs are envious to want to learn the secret of...All GMs are envious to want to learn the secret of going all the way, 3 out of 3, every time you get into the post season. Many will want his magic potion bat. If you are into, say, stamp collecting, often, the last one to complete the set will cost you a lot.BuyLowSellLowernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-66484836255604483162014-11-07T13:09:54.304-08:002014-11-07T13:09:54.304-08:00"….a bit tin-foil-ish." LOL!"….a bit tin-foil-ish." LOL!DrBGiantsfanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10699322384438591979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-84797965630263141732014-11-07T13:07:38.264-08:002014-11-07T13:07:38.264-08:00I agree with not acceding to Pablo's earlier d...I agree with not acceding to Pablo's earlier demands. I was just commenting on the fact that Sabes sounded kind of desperate to re-sign him yesterday. Well, if he's desperate now, why wasn't he desperate earlier. It's not like it was hard to see this situation developing from a long way away.DrBGiantsfanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10699322384438591979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-31728460839884355072014-11-07T13:05:08.410-08:002014-11-07T13:05:08.410-08:00Thing is, Pablo did have a mediocre year. Look up...Thing is, Pablo did have a mediocre year. Look up his slash line. If anything it is slightly worse than 2013. He was better on D. There are two things driving this: The alternative market is nonexistent and his performance in the postseason.DrBGiantsfanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10699322384438591979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-44937058503499701782014-11-07T12:17:43.340-08:002014-11-07T12:17:43.340-08:00What about Troy Tulowski--- he's from the Bay ...What about Troy Tulowski--- he's from the Bay Area, is signed to a hefty contract that the rebuilding Rockies want to move and could extend his career as a third baseman. As much as I would like to see Pablo re-sign--- 6 years and $120 million is an easy decision Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-4172289031970319582014-11-07T11:44:52.537-08:002014-11-07T11:44:52.537-08:00Contracts are all about supply and demand and 3B i...Contracts are all about supply and demand and 3B is going to be a position of demand. We can't compare deals signed at different times as 1-to-1 as we would like to think. Pablo is going to get paid, whereas if it were another year with a few 3B available, maybe he'd get less. You have to pay to play.<br /><br />As for Posey playing 3B, it diminishes his value! I'm surprised why everyone is so excited about the idea. Posey's bat at 3B is not the positional strength as it is if he plays catcher. Add to it that it seems Posey has become an elite pitch-framer and game-caller and all of a sudden we're asking for more than just a position change. Moving a guy from SS to 2B (Panik) is one thing, but moving a Catcher can really change the makeup of an entire team. Be careful what you wish for. <br /><br />I think Panda is going to get 6yrs/$110mil. That's my gut. Red Sox can swing for the fences because if he gets fat and out of shape, his bat still plays with the RF porch as a DH when another fat guy who can't play a defensive position moves on (Ortiz). It'll be interesting and I think the process is going to get drawn out for a while. <br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-48862001197888274352014-11-07T11:32:01.089-08:002014-11-07T11:32:01.089-08:00Very interesting concept, if a bit tin-foil-ish. ...Very interesting concept, if a bit tin-foil-ish. Do Panda a solid by building him up while also making it clear to the fanbase that it does not make sense to pursue him.<br /><br />I actually think that Duffy and/or Arias are not-horrible options. At least on par with Headley.calsnowskierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02746266404646821133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-44180185699149510752014-11-07T11:23:42.387-08:002014-11-07T11:23:42.387-08:00Regarding Sabean's comments regarding Pablo ye...Regarding Sabean's comments regarding Pablo yesterday, you gotta wonder...Is he trying to drive Pablo's price up so that the Giants can't re-sign him? Make the Sox (or whoever) overpay and be able to legitimately step back from crazy money?<br /><br />Considering the Pujol's situation in St. Louis a few years ago, it's a delicate situation letting a homegrown star go in the interest of the long-term success of the team.<br /><br />Extreme Longshot internal darkhorse: Scutaro.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-2665339493845788302014-11-07T11:22:24.103-08:002014-11-07T11:22:24.103-08:00Credit to Shankbone - Trevor Plouffe of the Twinki...Credit to Shankbone - Trevor Plouffe of the Twinkies (may need to make room for Miguel Sano at some time)<br /><br />ps - Fire Sabean for all the reasons you cited in first paragraphs ;-)Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08483153782366187271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7389427040394111033.post-61445806801291920992014-11-07T11:00:47.504-08:002014-11-07T11:00:47.504-08:00I have to agree. Bass are notoriously fair-weather...I have to agree. Bass are notoriously fair-weather fish with a strong affinity for Pandas. I wouldn't worry too much though. They don't get out to AT&T much and almost never purchase MLB merchandise.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com