From Extra Baggs;

"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?

I am thinking about making a road trip to SF to enjoy the games.  I realize the chance of getting tickets are low unless I am willing to sell my first child (should I consider offers?).  I'm curious if I could get some recommendations on the best places to watch the game and enjoy the atmosphere.  I'm hopeful that either the Giants or the City will create a public area that will show the game, similar to what I saw other countries do for World Cup games. 

I'd be interested in hearing the native San Franciscans thoughts, plans and ideas.  Go Giants.

I'm not sure that anyone should care what I would like to see with the rest of the off season but I've read everyone else's rosterbation crap :) so now it's my turn.  Enjoy.

Despite the fact that it has become a punch line to trade Cain I still think it makes the most sense for the franchise.  My dream trade is Matt Cain, Jeremy Affeldt and maybe 2 million for Smoak and Feliz.  If the Rangers offered those two for Josh Johnson then this is doable.  It really solidifies Texas' pitching and the offense is already packed.

Knowing Sabean (nor Daniels) is not likely to make this trade then another option I would like to see the Giants consider is a trade for Mike Lowell to play 3B next year.  The Sox will eat most of the salary and take a relatively low level prospect to make this deal.  Although I wouldn't hate Adrian Beltre I don't believe he would be worth the money on a multi year contract. I suppose this moves DeRosa to LF which isn't ideal but wouldn't be awful either. 

I'm absolutely on board the Kiko Calero bandwagon and would also like to see Bedard or Sheets.  Would probably prefer Bedard but both are nice risk/reward relatively low dollar signings. 

I also think there are some relatively undervalued players who could possibly be had.  Brandon Wood or Reid Brignac would be ideal.  I also believe that Delmon Young is going to blow up.  Unfortunately, he probably wouldn't blow up with the Giants because he is too much of a free swinger and there is no one on the team to be a take a walk mentor. 

I'm not terribly fond of the LaRoche idea as I'd rather they just kept Garko.  Unless he could be had reasonably cheap, which might be likely this year, I'd prefer they ride with Ishi, Bowker or Guzman and see what happens.  I could get excited about a one year deal for Tejada to play 3B and then move Sandoval.  

I don't care whom the Giants sign to play C for a few months to delay Buster's arb clock.  I'd probably prefer Yorvit but anything more than a year and a couple million would be way too much.  

Only 47 more days until pitchers and catchers report.  Here's hoping the next decade is kinder than the last 5.

I had the opportunity to be at a convention in the east this last week and hit a number of games.  I went to games in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and new Yankees stadium.  PNC is an absolutely stunning park for anyone that might be in the area. 

The most interesting thing I noticed is that the Pirates flash the Pitch f/x data after every pitch.  They also show the velocity of each pitch at release and after it crosses the plate.  Both the Yanks and Phils only show the basic velo and pitch type. 

I haven't been to a game at AT&T in two years so I was curious if the Giants show the Pitch f/x data during the games?

Not that the draft is over it has got me to thinking about some of the other players that are in the farm system.  There are a number of Giants minor leaguers that we have not heard from this year and I'm curious as to their current status.  I'd appreciate any updates anyone has on the following players.  The McCoven insights and wisdom is greatly appreciated.

Dallas McPherson?

Jason Jarvis?

Hector Correa?

Hector Sanchez?

Bucardo brothers?

Francisco Peguero?

My Prospect Handbook arrived today.  In my opinion, Baseball America puts together a top quality book and I always look forward to receiving it.

Thanks to the indefatigable Andy Baggarly.

1. Bumgarner

2. Posey

3. Villalona

4. Alderson

5. Noonan

6. Adrianza

7. Gillaspie

8. Rodriguez

9. Barnes

10. Romo

11. Joaquin

12. Fairley

13. Sosa

14. Kieschnick

15. Pucetas

16. Williams

17. Ishikawa

18. Hinshaw

19. McBryde

20. Tanner

21. King

22. Peguero

23. Neal

24. Downs

25. Quirarte

26. Matos

27. Culberson

28. Perdomo

29. Sadler

30. Martinez

31. Valdez

Elias Rankings - Ask BA

"The Elias Sports Bureau statistical rankings have been released, so we can take our first look at which free agents could command draft-pick compensation this offseason.

Players who rate in the top 20 percent of their position group (catchers; first basemen, outfielders and DHs; second basemen, third basemen and shortstops; starting pitchers; and relief pitchers) are designated as Type A. Players who rank in the 21-40 percent bracket are designated as Type B.

If a Type A or B free agent's former club offers him arbitration, then it will receive compensation if he signs elsewhere. Type A free agents yield the signing team's first-round choice and a supplemental first-rounder, while Type Bs return only the sandwich-rounder. Clubs who finished in the bottom half of the major league standings can't surrender their first-round selection, and compensation picks for failure to sign draftees from the previous year can't change hands either.

With that out of the way, below are the potential Type A and B free agents by position (listed in order of Elias ranking). Not all of these players have filed for free agency yet."

If I have done my math correctly and understand the draft rules we officially locked in the 6th pick in the 2009 draft tonight.

The current order would be: Washington, Seattle, San Diego, Pittsburgh and Baltimore and then the Giants.  Even though we could still tie with the Braves the tiebreaker goes to the team who had the higher draft pick in 2008 which would give us the 6th pick.

It'll be interesting to see who gets the 10th pick because they will in effect get the 11th pick.  There are 4 teams that could still end up in 10th spot (maybe the White Sox/Tigers game on Monday will have draft implications as well as playoff implications).

I'm a diehard Giants fan but I've have really enjoyed watching the Rays play this year and am definitely rooting for you.  With that being said, the last 48 hours have been incredibly painful.

I'm curious what the consensus is on what the next step should be?  

From my outsider's point of view, I think the Rays need to trade for an OF bat and should be willing to trade any prospect minus Price (outsider's perspective).  I don't know who will clear waivers but I'm curious what the Rays diehards think.

The OFer's (Giles would have been ideal but that's obviously dead) that are most interesting to me are:

1. Holliday - Would he clear waivers? Cost in terms of prospects would be expensive.

2. Ibanez - Waivers? Shouldn't be too expensive unless Mariners continue to be ridiculous.

3. Winn - Should clear waivers but a tad pricey for next year.  Shouldn't be terribly expensive in players and used to play in Tampa.

4. Kemp or Either - Waivers? Would Dodgers trade either of these young players because of the surplus/glut they currently have in the OF. 

5. Mark Kotsay

6. Sheffield or Bonds - Headaches galore.  I would hate to see the Rays win the division after picking up one of these guys and the media give all the credit to them.  The flip side is the opportunity to win the division in the AL East is always going to be difficult so those opportunities need to be taken advantage of. 

I've never been worried about Buster signing but I have had my doubts about some of the other key Giants draftees.  I'm still shocked at the low number of picks that haven't signed.

Regardless, I did stumble across this little ditty on Rivals.com College Baseball coverage.  Let's hope their predictions come true.

OF ROGER KIESCHNICK

Our prediction: Signs pro contract
The skinny: The Dan Spencer era at Texas Tech is officially in business, and the Red Raiders would love to get back hard-hitting outfielder Roger Kieschnick this fall. Kieschnick was selected in the third round of the MLB Draft, but is strongly contemplating a return to the Hub City. In a few words, his return would be huge for the Red Raiders. In 2008, Kieschnick batted .305 with 17 homers and 65 RBIs. He also slugged .632 and had a .407 on-base percentage. While the Raiders should show improvement in 2009, Kieschnick would certainly help their chances.

SS BRANDON CRAWFORD

Our prediction: Signs pro contract
The skinny: This has been an interesting story to follow. Once considered to be a lock to sign, Crawford is contemplating a return to UCLA for his senior season. While Crawford didn't have a flashy junior campaign, he certainly compiled respectable numbers. The shortstop hit .302 with seven homers and 51 RBIs. He also slugged .491 and had a .394 on-base percentage. In the field, he had a .957 percentage. Though many observers believe Crawford has the ability to be a first rounder next summer, turning down fourth-round money is always a risky proposition.

Baseball America is running a Midseason update to their Top 100 list and Tim Alderson ranked 19 and Madison Bumgarner ranked 25.

In addition, Pablo Sandoval was the catcher on the mid season all star all surprise team. 

I also emailed Andy Baggerly looking for draft updates.  I want to give a major shout out to Andy for always being so classy and willing to respond to Giants fans.  I have dealt with a number of reporters over the years and Andy strikes me as a genuinely good guy.  Here is his response;

"The Giants' first three picks all slipped past their projections so I'm sure Gillaspie and Kieschnick want more than slot. Not a surprise those are taking time. Same with the UCLA shortstop. He was projected as a first-rounder before having a terrible season. I'd be surprised if any of them fail to sign, but we've got a long, long time before the deadline. Even if they aren't signed before Aug. 1, I wouldn't worry. The Giants cant afford not to sign them.

Outside of the Yankees, no one in baseball evokes the love/hate feeling like Billy Beane does.  Is he the shrewd genius GM or a self-promoting arrogant hack?  As Giants fans we may be too close to be objective but in light of the Harden trade and accompanying media I would be interested in hearing your thoughts.

Personally, I'm not a huge Beane fan but I'm not a hater either.  I like that he has pushed statistical analysis and other forms of analyzing players but he was not the first to push this concept.  I like that he has run a small market team with precision but his trade ledger is not the slam dunk in his favor that everyone would make it out to be.  His draft record has gems and busts as all GM's drafts do.  He's had some brilliant pickups (Big Hurt) and he's had some poor pickups (Piazza).  He's traded some guys at their peak value but some of the young players he locked up for big money instead of trading have not worked out (see Eric Chavez and Bobby Crosby).

My real problem with Beane is that he's essentially a fantasy GM - constantly trading and reloading almost for the sake of trading and reloading.  Is this a Beane problem or a small market/competitive standpoint problem?  Many will legitimately claim that he has never won a World Series which is not entirely fair but his teams have not performed well in the playoffs where they have largely been the home team in every series. 

I guess I just detest the constant fawning and adoration he receives in the media.  (The ESPN radio guys were saying that other GM's shouldn't even pick up the phone with Beane because he'll fleece them so bad and that just seems ridiculous).

Beane - brilliant, hack or somewhere in between? 

I apologize for dedicating an entire fanpost to the topic but no one responded to the question in a recent Minor Leagues post and it's killing me to not be able to find any information on Nate Schierholtz.

Nate hasn't played in days, was named to the Futures Game, rumored to maybe be on the Olympic team, I know I need 75 words, but no word on why he hasn't played.  Could someone give some information as to Nate's whereabouts?

I've been unable to check the web for the last number of days and am wondering what is the latest on the Giants draft signings.  I know it's too early to "panic" but it surprises me that the Giants have only signed 4 of their top 10 picks and none in the first 4 rounds. 

I expect Buster to sign right around Aug 15 but let's get these other guys signed and moving.  Is there anything new, inside info, made up gossip, anything?

I am perfectly content with the Giants draft today (although I would have preferred last year's 5th pick catcher to this year's) but I am tired of Sabean's arrogance.

He was quoted by Andy Baggarly in Baseball America saying, "And Posey is far more advanced than he gets credit for by people who have no business evaluating him."

This air of defiance and arrogance is so entirely grating.  I want a GM who actually cares that the fans are passionate about the team and who they draft.  So what if there are folks on McCovey and elsewhere who wanted Smoak and not Posey.  We may not be experts but Sabean has hardly proved himself a genius with the majority of his moves particularly in the last 6 years.

Please Mr. Neukom; Fire Brian Sabean and bring in a new fresh voice.  And, fwiw, I hope Buster Posey proves Brian Sabean correct and becomes an absolute stud because even though Sabean sucks I would love the Giants if Stalin was the GM.

As it has been reported before the Giants were unable to sign Angel Joseph, a promising young latino player, because of a paperwork dispute.  This article from today's NY Times states that the Giants did tender an offer but it was never consumated because Angel was unable to obtain a birth certificate. 

Angel's parents were born in Haiti and had immigrated to the Dominican Republic to work in the sugar cane fields.  Apprently there is a crackdown by the Dominican government on Haitian immigrants including on their children even when they are born in the DR like Angel.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/25/world/americas/25dominican.html?hp

I would love if one of our resident prospect experts could give some insight into Alex Hinshaw.  He was an after thought in Baseball America's Propsect Handbook but has put up some excellent numbers in relief the last two years. 

What little I have seen I am impressed but clearly he's not going to become the next Johan Santana either - what is a realistic expectation?

BTW, and clearly I'm just trying to get to 75 words but I am kinda of excited about our young bullpen.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=766

No surprise.

I'm in agreement with the majority that we should take a flyer or two on players such as Dallas McPherson but I also hope the Giants offer an incentive laden deal to Prior.

The downside is minimal but the upside potential is enormous plus if he can't cut it as a starter there is always life in the bullpen.

What a waste of a playoffs.  Regardless, I can't wait until March rolls around and live pitches are being thrown.  

Go Giants!!

Watching Kenny Lofton tonight make a spectacular catch in left reminded me that I am still upset with Dusty Baker.  

Why didn't Dusty play Shinjo in center, Lofton in left and have Bonds DH?

Is it time to let it go?

I hope we see some waiver moves.  Renteria went on the DL today.  

Please Sabean, send Vizquel to the Braves.

Thoughts, rumors, inside info anyone??

A very interesting article in the NY Times about the increasing prevalance of Tommy John surgery and how many young kids want to have the surgery done as an elective surgery in hope of strengthening the elbow.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/20/sports/baseball/20surgery.html?hp

Does anyone have any updates (or gossip at worst) on the status of our 3 first round picks?

There used to be a McCovenite who worked for Fresno.  Let's get Grant and Steve an interview with Timmy.

I want an interview for McCoven ears only.  

Let's force Grant and Steve to do more work for little pay.  

Bring me more Lincecum!!!