Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Hot Stove Update: Giants Don't Sign Nick Markakis

Pretty much everyone agrees the Giants biggest need in the Hot Stove League is an OF who is either a clear upgrade or at least a stabilizing factor.  Check off another available one who won't be coming here.  The Greek God of Plate Discipline, Nick Markakis, reportedly took less money and years than he was offered elsewhere to re-up with his old team, the Braves, for 1 year/$4 M with a $2 M buyout of a $6 M option for 2020.  Markakis was never the ideal fit for the Giants which would be a RH batter expected to hit 30 HR's while he is a LH batter whose modest power would likely disappear in Oracle Park.  He is, however, extremely durable with at least 670 PA's in his last 6 seasons and 11 out of his 13 MLB seasons.  He also keeps the line moving while reliably walking over 10% of his PA's and striking out in less than 15%.  He's exactly what the Braves need to hold down a position while more of their prospects mature.  Meanwhile the Giants offseason drags on.  Assuming they are out on Bryce Harper and AJ Pollock, at some point they are probably just as well off to hope for breakouts from the guys they have, as Alex P put it.

6 comments:

  1. Born in NY, grew up in Georgia, 9 years with Baltimore, Markakis picked comfortable over money -- SUPER for him! He's earned over $110,000,000 in his career, what the heck is another 3-5 over a sure 6?
    A good EVERYDAY player, he fits and is a happy man, celebrating with Dom, not Andre...

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  2. Nick is 7 months younger than Hunter Pence, who it appears, is still unsigned. Mildly curious if Pence gets signed to a minor league deal. Anyone know how he fared in off-season competition? Was he going to Winter Ball?

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    1. Saw a video of Pence getting a base but during winter ball. Full off-balance lunge topping a breaking ball into the hole between shirt and third.

      From what I could see, it looked like the same swing we’ve all seen.

      Pence’s numbers where okay. Maybe 80 ABs between regular season and playoffs. Something like a 280/320/400 slash. 1 HR.

      It was better than league average by a bit.

      It just doesn’t feel like like Pence is going to see much interest this Spring.

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  3. But Giants do sign Drew Pomeranz.

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  4. Pomeranz reminds me of Matt Moore, part 2. Hope they keep a short rope on him.

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  5. Pomeranz contract is so incentivized that he'd be an All Star before the Giants noticed his paycheck.

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