Odds & Ends: Giants, Cubs, Mets

Some links on this Monday evening…

• The Giants have hired Hensley "Bam Bam" Meulens as their hitting coach, writes Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle.  Meulens – who previously held the same position with San Francisco's Triple-A affiliate – recorded an OPS of .641 in his Major League career. 
• MLB.com's Chris Haft brings us a look at Bam Bam's resume.  Meulens was the only candidate manager Bruce Bochy spoke to before he and GM Brian Sabean made their choice, writes Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News.
• In a radio interview this morning on WGN-AM 720, Cubs owner Tom Ricketts said that he wants the Cubs' payroll to remain in the top three in baseball.  Signing John Grabow to a new deal would help towards that goal.
• MLB.com's Mets beat writer Marty Noble answered fan questions in his latest mailbag installment and says that he is not sure that the club wants to rid themselves of John Maine or Fernando Martinez.  However, the Mets would be willing to part with them in a deal to acquire a much needed number two starter or power hitter.
• More Mets news from Noble as Jeff Francoeur is expected to be ready in time for spring training after undergoing thumb surgery.  Francoeur, who is entering his second year of arbitration, will likely be retained by Omar Minaya & Co.  However, it remains a slight possibility that the Mets do not tender the 25-year-old an offer.