SB Nation User Blog: uber

Dye and/or Teahen?

uber — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:02:17 -0000

Dye and/or Teahen?

Baggerly suggests these two may be on the radar. Given our need for power I would be ok with either, or both. Your thoughts?

Matt Downs: Your Thoughts?

uber — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:31:25 -0000

A few weeks ago there was a lot of heated debate on this site over second base. Fransden v Burris: The Clash at the Cove. Not sure there ended up a clear winner in that fight. Anyhow, since then both Fransden and Burris have been sent down. Matt Downs has been, for 5 games, our starting second bagger. I know its a small sample size, but I so far like what I see from Downs. Mostly what I have noticed is that is taking good at bats. He appears very confident at the plate, has a good swing, and looks like he is going up with a plan. Kuip actually compared him (I think his approach and demeanor at the plate, not his actual skills) to Jeff Kent!

I know he booted a grounder in game 3 against the Angels, but I am willing to chalk that up to "getting used to the speed of the game." He made an impressive defensive play in yesterdays game and a smart base running play in Fridays. I'd like to keep him as the starting line up to see how both his AVG (currently .250) and his D develop.

Again, I know its only been 5 games, but I am curious to know what the rest of the group here think about Matt Downs so far. Thoughts?

Poll

Having watched Matt Downs, I feel....

OMG ITS DOWNS-A-MANIA!!!

20 votes

Keep starting him. Lets see what he's got.

216 votes

Send Downs down. Bring Fransden back

76 votes

Send Downs down: Bring Manny back

4 votes

Meh, at this point only a trade will make any improvement at 2nd.

23 votes

339 votes | Poll has closed

First Base Trades?

uber — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 23:53:05 -0000

It seems like the Giants are looking to make a trade for a bat rather than go to the FA market for one. To be fair, other than Burrell or Dunn, there isnt much out there. I posted earlier on the possibility of a trade for a 3rd baseman. This is somewhat based on my feeling (and I admit its just a feeling) that Pablo should start at first -- not to mention the fact that the Giants seem, based on every rumor, to be looking for one.

But, I am willing to conceed to what appears to be a majority opinion that Pablito can and should start at 3rd. So if convincing Dunn or Burrel to play 1st may not happen, which 1st baseman could the Giants trade for and what would it take?

Hot Corner Hot Stove

uber — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:19:51 -0000

An article on the giants site this morning the Great Goateed One had this to say:

"I don't see us acquiring an outfielder"

Assuming this isn't off-season misdirection, then a 3B bat seems to be the focus.

Given the relative glut of 3B talent on the FA market a trade is the only possibility for the Giants to bring on a third baseman with some power. Now, I know, some of you will say, "Play Pablito at 3rd and sign/trade for a 1B." For the sake of this Fanpost, lets assume that Sandoval is a better defensive choice as our starting 1st baseman. So the questions, and poll, is:

What 3B player would you trade for? What kind of relistic trade would you accept/propose? Why would this be the best for the team?

Poll

What 3rd base option would be best?

Hank Blalock

25 votes

Adrian Beltre

112 votes

Jorge Cantu

9 votes

Edwin Encarnacion

34 votes

Sign Case Blake trade for something else or not at all

5 votes

Sign Joe Crede trade for something else or not at all

20 votes

Forget this, I got a way better suggestion

26 votes

231 votes | Poll has closed

The Big Unit?

uber — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:20:40 -0000

Long time reader, first time poster (so please take it easy on me). Reading Crasnicks post today on ESPN. He calls out Randy Johnson as a possible Free Agent bargain, notes that Johnson would like to play in California, and only wants a one year deal. Could a Big Unit for one year be a bad thing for the Giants? Injuries are a issue and certainly we would be getting him in what would have to be his last year, but even if he pitched at the same level as he did last year in ARZ (3.91 ERA, 173 SO, 1.24 WHIP) this would be an upgrade at whatever spot in the rotation Zitos at (move him down). Certainly playing at ATT would be a bonus(in the last 3 seasons Johnson has posted a 1.66 ERA, 35K,1.28 WHIP at Mays Field).

Point is, could signing Johnson to a one year deal allow the team to focus on a longer contract for the bat they are looking for while strengthening the rotation with out much long term risk (other than having to look at him for a full season)?

Sorry: The numbers above were against the Giants, his 3 year stats at ATT are:

0.00 ERA, 9Ks, 1.25WHIP