Giants Rumors

Odds & Ends: Mariners, Pujols, Indians, Lincecum

By Luke Adams 2 | October 20, 2009 at 6:52pm CDT

A few more evening links….

Geoff Baker of The Seattle Times says that Kenji Johjima's opt-out is "an early Christmas present" for the Mariners.
Meanwhile, Rob Johnson has one surgery down and one to go, according to MLB.com's Jim Street. Johnson will battle for time behind the plate in Seattle next season, with Johjima's departure resulting in one less competitor.
Speaking of offseason surgeries, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports is reporting that Albert Pujols will have elbow surgery tomorrow. Breathe easy though, Cardinals fans: according to Rosenthal, Pujols expects to be fully healthy for spring training.
Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com breaks down four of the confirmed finalists for the Cleveland Indians' managerial opening.
Of the candidates for the Indians' job, Manny Acta would be the best choice for appealing to the team's Latino players, writes Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Pluto anticipates Latinos to make up about a third of the team's 25-man roster in 2010.
The San Francisco Chronicle's Henry Schulman looks at the Super Two rule, and explains why Tim Lincecum's extra week of major-league service could mean a big payday for the Cy Young winner.

NL West Roundup: Giants, Padres, Dodgers

By Howard Megdal | October 19, 2009 at 7:11pm CDT

The Internet is filled with insight into the teams of the Pacific Coast…

MLB.com Giants beat reporter Chris Haft answered a number of reader questions, shooting down both the idea that the Giants can stand pat offensively and trade suggestions from a reader for Prince Fielder and Carl Crawford. Haft offers plenty to chew on in this comprehensive piece.
Haft's San Diego counterpart Corey Brock answers plenty of Padre questions as well. Brock believes Ken Griffey Jr. is not a good target for the Padres and Kevin Correia absolutely will return. Brock touches on the long-term plan for the Padres and other topics as well.
CBSSports.com's Danny Knobler discusses a trade not made by the Dodgers: Los Angeles' failure to acquire Cliff Lee, who shut them down in Sunday night's game.

Odds & Ends: Eyre, Rockies, Red Sox

By Tim Dierkes | October 19, 2009 at 9:45am CDT

Links for Monday…

Slate's Craig Fehrman writes about "the sports media's unique mindset toward [online] aggregators" and how MLBTR fits in.
On his MLB.com blog, Phillies reliever Scott Eyre suggests he and catcher Paul Bako are reconsidering retirement because they're having so much fun.
Dodgers GM Ned Colletti told CBSSports.com's Danny Knobler that he offered four players to the Indians for Cliff Lee back in July. Lee instead landed with the Phillies and shut down the Dodgers last night.
Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star believes it's very difficult for fans and reporters to create realistic trade scenarios. Do you agree?
The Rockies are "ready to finalize deals with general manager Dan O'Dowd and manager Jim Tracy," according to Tracy Ringolsby of Inside The Rockies.
The Yusei Kikuchi talks are moving along, says NPB Tracker's Patrick Newman. U.S.S. Mariner's Jay Yencich gives his scouting report on Kikuchi. In another post, Newman runs down the interested MLB teams. He notes that the Rangers sent pitcher Derek Holland along with Jim Colburn.
WEEI's Alex Speier passes along a Dale & Holley appearance by ESPN's Buster Olney. Olney guesses the Red Sox might stop at four years for Jason Bay, and their primary competition will come from the Mariners and Giants.
ESPN's Peter Gammons discusses Jed Lowrie as Boston's short-term answer at shortstop, with Jose Iglesias as the long-term answer.
Pete Grathoff of the KC Star writes about the 35-year anniversary of Tommy John surgery.

Randy Winn Wants To Stay With Giants

By Zachary Links | October 18, 2009 at 7:50pm CDT

Chris Haft of MLB.com reports that Giants outfielder Randy Winn wants to re-sign with the club as he enters the open market for the first time in his career. Haft writes that it is "easy to surmise" that San Francisco will choose not to retain the 35-year-old as he had his worst offensive production in a 100+ game season, posting .262/.318/.353 with two homers.

It should be noted that while he struggled at the plate, Winn was still strong defensively. Seeing time at each spot in the outfield (but mostly the corner positions), the one-time all-star posted a UZR/150 of 15.5.

Winn – who projects as a Type B free agent – is coming off of a three-year pact with the Giants worth $23.25MM. While Fangraphs valued his 2008 performance to be worth $20.4MM on the open market, his play in 2009 is quoted at $8.1MM.

Does anyone here think that Brian Sabean & Co. should look to retain Winn? What destinations make sense for him? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments section.

Odds & Ends: Nationals, Cardinals, Rangers

By Howard Megdal | October 16, 2009 at 9:05am CDT

Still tired from last night's NLCS?

This should brighten your morning…

Nationals GM Mike Rizzo describes Jim Riggleman as "a terrific in-house candidate" for the managerial position.
Cardinals GM John Mozeliak expressed "surprise" over Albert Pujols' lack of urgency to sign an extension.
NPB Tracker takes a look at possible acquisitions by the Hanshin Tigers, both from Japan and the United States.
The Rangers will begin meetings with groups interested in purchasing the team.
Carney Lansford, recently-fired hitting coach of the Giants, has some harsh departing words for San Francisco's hitters.
Ray Ratto of the San Francisco Chronicle thinks the McCourt divorce could lead to big trouble for the Dodgers.

Odds & Ends: Cubs, Nationals, Myers, Hudson

By Luke Adams 2 | October 15, 2009 at 9:01pm CDT

A slew of Thursday night links from around the majors….

Jon Heyman of SI.com reports (via Twitter) that coveted hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo appears likely to join the Chicago Cubs.
Byron Kerr of MASN.com doesn't expect Washington Nationals GM Mike Rizzo to name a new manager until at least November. According to MLB.com's Bill Ladson, the team will consider Chip Hale, Bobby Valentine, Bob Melvin, and perhaps Dave Duncan (if he's available), in addition to interim skipper Jim Riggleman.
Meanwhile, another managerial search continues in Houston. Adam McCalvy of MLB.com writes that candidate Ned Yost thinks he benefited from a year away from a baseball job.
Todd Zolecki of MLB.com wonders if Brett Myers is done in Philadelphia. Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. says that even though Myers didn't make the team's NLCS roster, that doesn't necessarily mean the righty won't be back in 2010.
Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that it doesn't sound like Will Clark will be a candidate for the San Francisco Giants' open hitting coach position.
David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution follows up on the recent Tim Hudson speculation. O'Brien thinks the Braves and Hudson might be able to agree on a three-year deal worth about $27-30MM.
Eric Byrnes met with Diamondbacks GM Josh Byrnes and manager A.J. Hinch to discuss his future in Arizona, according to MLB.com's Steve Gilbert.

Odds & Ends: Lansford, Rangers, Jaramillo

By | October 14, 2009 at 9:09pm CDT

A few more links, including big news out of L.A. and San Francisco…

According to the Los Angeles Times' official Twitter account, Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and his wife, CEO Jamie McCourt, have separated in "a move that could place the future ownership of the team in doubt." Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports notes that a similar situation in the Moores family resulted in the sale of the Padres last spring.
Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News reports the Giants have fired Carney Lansford as hitting coach. Giants manager Bruce Bochy informed him of the news with a phone call Wednesday night.
According to Tim Cowlishaw of the Dallas Morning News, Rangers fans who bought playoff tickets this season were told they won't see a refund until November because it's "tied up with MLB." Clearly the club is having serious financial issues and it'd be a surprise to see them chase any major free agents this offseason.
As Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post points out, highly touted hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo has been represented by agent Scott Boras in the past and Jaramillo is likely to use Boras again this winter. The Cubs, Mets and Astros are thought to have interest in adding him to their coaching staff.

Odds & Ends: Jaramillo, Varitek, D’Backs

By Tim Dierkes | October 14, 2009 at 12:49pm CDT

Links for Wednesday…

Longtime Rangers hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo turned down a one-year offer from the team and will explore free agency, according to Evan Grant. Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune thinks Jaramillo would be a perfect addition to the Cubs.
According to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star, the Royals re-signed three players eligible for minor league free agency: Scott Thorman, Kelvin Villa, and Carlos Rivas.
Dave Cameron of FanGraphs says this year's free agent class is pretty darn interesting, even if it lacks top-level talent.
Sean McAdam of the Boston Herald considers free agent alternatives should the Red Sox fail to sign Jason Bay.
McAdam's colleague Michael Silverman talked to agent Scott Boras, who had this to say about Jason Varitek's future: "Theo and I will be talking about Tek whenever he deems the time appropriate."
The Giants don't have much money to spend this winter unless they raise payroll, says Ray Ratto of the San Francisco Chronicle.
Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic says the Diamondbacks aren't likely to change their core, but the clubhouse could use a dose of veteran leadership.
The Rays ought to target free agent reliever Kiko Calero, in the opinion of Tommy Rancel of DRays Bay.
Padres third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff has no control over his future, but wants to stay in San Diego according to Bill Center of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Dodgers manager Joe Torre doesn't anticipate working past his current contract, which runs through 2010 (according to the AP).
Jose Cruz was shocked to be dismissed from his coaching job with the Astros, according to Jose de Jesus Ortiz of the Houston Chronicle.

Yusei Kikuchi To Meet With Seven MLB Teams

By Tim Dierkes | October 14, 2009 at 9:01am CDT

NPB Tracker's Patrick Newman has the latest on amateur lefty Yusei Kikuchi, based on reports from Nikkan Sports and Sanspo. Kikuchi still hasn't decided whether to start his career in MLB or NPB, but he's meeting with teams starting Friday. He'll first meet with a dozen NPB teams, followed by seven MLB clubs.

Nikkan's list of MLB suitors: the Giants, Mets, Dodgers, Yankees, Rangers, Mariners and Indians. MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince confirms the Indians' interest. Newman tells us all about Kikuchi in this post.

Giants Re-Sign Bochy, Sabean

By Tim Dierkes | October 13, 2009 at 1:53pm CDT

The Giants re-signed manager Bruce Bochy and GM Brian Sabean, according to Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News. Both deals are for two years with an option for 2012. According to Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle, Bochy and Sabean have incentives but it is not a vesting option.

Bochy and Sabean chatted at length about 2010 about a week ago, so this was expected. Read about the Giants' offseason plans here.

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