Peep this homeskillets!

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3686992

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64lanlEb0Ys

The first link is to an article on espn.com about an Indian reality show called "The Million Dollar Arm". The two winners of which were trained in California by a former major leaguer in the hopes of signing a major league contract. The scout they interview at the end of the article is from the Giants.

The second link is a couple of clips from Indian news shows explaining the event. Brian Wilson's all over it like a cream cheese on a bagel.

I know this would probably work better as a fanshot but those things are dumb...and I don't partake in dumb...except those times when I do.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/10/cubs-searching.html

I came across the interesting idea of swapping Winn for Derek Lee.

I would personally approve of a straight swap because it would accomplish a few things:

PROS:

1. Schierholtz could play everyday in right

2. We acquire a first baseman with a gold glove, high batting average and at least moderate power

3. Sandoval could try his hat at 3rd or catcher if Molina is traded

4. Lee's Contract lasts only 2 more years; so we're not saddled with him long term

CONS:

1. We'd add about 5 million per year to the team payroll for this year and 12 million next year. (since Lee's contract lasts through 2010 and Winn is in the last year of his contract)

2. Ishikawa and Bowker get pushed back into reserve roles. (Though Bowker can still man the outfield corners and would be a very nice 4th outfielder)

3. Both players have no trade clauses, I think it would be more of an issue with Lee than Winn.

What does everyone else think?

Hey Guys and Gals,

This probably doesn't warrant a whole post but since we're on a baseball break I thought I'd ask:

Does anyone have any updates on draft signings? I've heard from various sources (in other words I can't remember who) That the top 4 picks are almost assuradly locks to sign, though they will obviously come down to the deadline.

The people I'm looking for info on are Juan Carlos Perez and Ryan O'Sullivan. I heard that Perez had visa problems that might prevent him from signing and O'Sullivan has the upside where people think he could go much higher if he ends up going to school.

Any info would be most appreciated, Thanks!

Yesterday, in the wake of the Brian Wilson bummer I was surfing through the minor league rosters and noticed a few transactions

1. C Dayton Buller promoted from AA to AAA
2. 2B Travis Denker promoted from AA to AAA
3. SP Paul Oseguera pitched his first game of the year for AA
4. C Nester Rojas promoted from low A to AA
5. 2B Brad Boyer promoted from Hi A to AA
6. OF Mike Mooney played his first game since coming off the DL for Hi A

All in all most of these moves (at least the ones involving catchers) seems to be in reaction to the Alfonzo suspension, but of course it is what was not done thats making me scratch my head. Why promote Buller to back up Jennings in Fresno when Jennings is hitting like he's swinging a dishrag at the plate? Why not take the opportunity to promote Witter who at age 25 would be more age appropriate in AAA and who has clearly been hurt my the unfriendly confines of Dodd stadium? Not only that but promoting Witter to AAA would also allow the Giants to promote Sandoval to AA as he clearly seems ready to make the jump as he is hitting .442/.491/.842 through the first month! That promotion in turn would also allow the Giants to start either Elio Sarmiento or Tyler La Torre full time, two players who have put up solid numbers in part time duty; I'm especially interested to see what Sarmiento can do with some more at bats.

I do agree with the Denker move, I hope he salvages his season after a rough start in AA though I'm not holding my breath, if he can't handle Fresno a demotion to Hi A would probably be in the cards. I don't have a problem with Boyer being promoted either as he was hitting pretty well in Hi A.

Its nice to see Mooney and Oseguera back from their injuries as well

I know he seems spookily similar to Feliz in respects to their gloves and low obp. but I was wondering what people think about the Giants going after Brandon Inge to fill the 3rd base hole? A couple years ago he hit 27 homeruns albeit with a 250ish average. I've always liked him and he's signed fairly reasonably at around 6.5mil a year over the next 3 years, he's also still fairly young (31 next year) He had a tough season last year and reportedly the Tigers are having a difficult time unloading him, He could probably be had for a low level prospect depending on how much salary the receiving team is willing to take on.

So like the title says, the Giants non-tendered Scott Munter today before the deadline at midnight thursday. I believe that leaves the roster set at 39 so far. It seems odd to me that they would leave send him to the AFL and non-tender him, were they attempting to show him off to other clubs? Giving him one last shot? I don't know. I always rooted for him because he was such a late round pick and he occasionally showed flashes of effectiveness. I predict that the giants will resign him to a minor league contract.

the end.

Spring Training Invites I'd like to see (In no specific order) Based off of MLB's FA Tracker (Which doesn't seem complete to me):

1.   SP Jorge Campillo
   
2.   2B Jorge Cantu
   
3.   2B Jose Castillo
   
5.   RP Willie Eyre
   
6.   3B Eric Hinske
   
7.   C J.R. House
   
8.   3B Corey Koskie (maybe 1 yr incentive deal)
   
9.   1B Scott McClain
   
10.  1B Josh Phelps
    
11.  RP Chin-Hui Tsao
    
12.  UTL Craig Wilson