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2012 MLB Team Preview: San Francisco Giants

Posted by on 18 March 2012, 2:12 pm

San Francisco Giants logo.

Coming into 2011 the San Francisco Giants were the World Series Champions, but just as I predicted defending their title proved to be too much for this self-proclaimed band of misfits.

One Showtime reality show later and a 86-76 record, the Giants embarrassingly missed the playoffs in 2011. The party was over for San Francisco as nobody cared about last year’s team anymore.

And if the Giants players didn’t know that repeating as champs is how you get remember, they do now because all they did was verify what I already presumed…. that is 2010 was a bona fide fluke.

So the question now is was losing as champs enough motivation for the Giants players need to get back to élite status in 2012, or not?

Let’s take a look…

THE POSITIVES:

The return of slugging catcher Buster Posey is big for the anemically offensive Giants. Posey had been sidelined after breaking his left ankle on May 25th in a controversial collision as he was blocking the plate. The 24-year old happens to fall under that rare breed of player that doesn’t come around often, as I haven’t heard “the Giants version of Derek Jeter” said about anyone. Still, the team relies so much on Posey bat and it must be very stressful to have to hold your breath that he doesn’t get injured.

Giants’ starting pitching is impressive. Led by staff ace Tim Lincecum who posted a 2.74 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 220 strikeouts in 2011. Following Lincecum is another 27-year old Matt Cain and he is just as much and a #1 himself. Cain posted a 2.88 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 179 K’s last season. Rounding out the last three spots are Madison Bumgarner, Ryan Vogelsong, and prospect Eric Surkamp.

THE NEGATIVES: Continue reading ‘2012 MLB Team Preview: San Francisco Giants’ »

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New York Yankees Hey Captain You Are Welcome

Posted by on 12 July 2011, 3:00 am

Last weekend, Derek Jeter was the first New York Yankee (28th ever) in baseball history to join the élite 3000 hit club.

The Captain did it with class, hitting the mark with a homer and going five for five including the game-winning hit. Jeter’s achievement was amazing to watch, as he once again said he was so happy to do it at home in Yankee Stadium in front of the fans, who grew up with him.

Then there was the Yankee fan that caught Jeter’s 3000th ball. All he asked was for nothing more than to give it to the Captain, along with a signed ball and a handshake. Other than proving that classy Yankee fans do exist, it was the perfect ending and well-deserved.

All of the above is what made me so disappointed when I heard Jeter was not going to show up in Arizona for the 2011 MLB All-Star Game after being voted in by all the fans.

Look no one expected Jeter to play with his recent DL stint, but to not show up is like a slap in the face, especially after seeing that New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes was there.

Reyes is now on the DL, which gives him a legit excuse not to go but Reyes is there and Jeter is not.

It is no big secret that only one of the two New York shortstops is having an All-Star season and if you don’t know it ain’t the guy in the pinstripes.

Jeter is popular and that is why the fans, including myself voted up to 25 times for the Captain to get the nod. It is an annoying process but one taken seriously enough because fans wanted the Yankees Captain in Arizona.

What was so disappointing is that Jeter obviously did not care enough to just show up. ESPN New York reported that his excuse was due to suffering from “emotional and physical exhaustion” from his pursuit of 3,000 hits.

It would be safe to guess that most of the All-Stars there are beaten up, so why is Jeter an exception?

I was under the impression that the Captain lived by the motto of team first, and that any individual achievements were because of the group of guys that battle with you.

The Captain understood the disappointment his absence would bring, as even ex-Yankees skipper and Jeter mentor Joe Torre tried to convince him just to come for the game but supposedly he wouldn’t hear it.

One major-league official told to the New York Daily News, “Derek Jeter has done everything right during his whole career. He was wrong on this one.”

Jeter is the biggest name in the game today. He just reached a milestone the weekend prior to the All-Star Game, but didn’t feel the need to say thank you back. Continue reading ‘New York Yankees Hey Captain You Are Welcome’ »

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MLB Trade Rumors: Yankees Jesus Montero To Savior Of Giants Season

Posted by on 27 May 2011, 5:09 pm
Buster Posey

Image via Wikipedia

The Injury:

When the 2010 Rookie of the Year, Buster Posey broke his leg blocking the plate earlier this week it was unfortunate loss not only for the San Francisco Giants, but also for baseball.

Fans everywhere, even here in New York are very sympathetic towards the 23-year-old Posey. You’d be hard pressed to find a baseball fan that didn’t admired how Posey led his team to winning a World Series.

A player like Posey is what is referred to as rarified air, as they don’t come around very often. Speaking as a sports fan you appreciated the Posey-types for their magical abilities, both as a player and a person.

Posey is on the DL and what looks like for the season, so that means no one will see Posey till 2012 Spring Training.

This injury sounds pretty worrying and is detailed very clearly by Ali Mohamadi – SB Nation Medical Expert, who explains the severity of it.

What does this mean for the reigning World Champs?

Well, the fact is the Giants would not be the World Champs without Posey.

Posey is not just a stellar backstop, but he brings a big bat and happens to be the most productive hitter on a team that is not strong offensively.

With the majority of the 2011 season still yet to be played, the Giants might have to go shopping for a catcher or at least a prolific hitter if the Champs plan on keeping their crown.

The Giants have a 79-54 record, with a 3.26 ERA since Posey became their full-time catcher. Without question Posey earned the trust from the Giants pitchers, which is not that easy to do and he seemed to fit right in the San Francisco puzzle.

Where Could The Yankees Come In?

Need a young, talented catcher? The Yankees are the place to look.

Well, first a big thanks to Yankees GM Brian Cashman for building the Bombers farm system to be one of the deepest in baseball, as it houses three of the best young, catching talents in the minors.

Jesus Montero, Austin Romaine and Gary Sanchez are all familiar names to Yankees fans, and many have been keeping watch over these three kids for the last year.

Montero has been in trade talks since this time last season. Montero provides the biggest bat of the three; as he is ranked #3 prospect by Baseball America and is currently hitting .311 for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre.

Veteran pitcher Bengie Molina told Andrew Baggarly from the San Jose Mercury News if the Giants “are smart,” they’d move Posey to first or third base. Continue reading ‘MLB Trade Rumors: Yankees Jesus Montero To Savior Of Giants Season’ »

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New York Yankees: Uh-Oh You Forgot Derek Jeter Can Still Play Baseball

Posted by on 11 May 2011, 4:24 am

First let me make one thing clear, I have never once doubted the baseball ability of New York Yankees Captain Derek Jeter on this blog.

The same cannot be said for most of the sports media, as across the board no one has had Jeter’s back.

Has Jeter been struggling?

Yes, but the headlines were harsh and the stories themselves were even worse, especially for a player that has never left reporters hanging after a game.

To say all the negativity didn’t affect Jeter would be ludicrous, as it was one of the hottest topics since Brett Favre dropped off the earth.

Just rehashing the hysteria after Jeter was awarded the 2010 Gold Glove at shortstop makes my head spin. Articles like Rob Neyer‘s Gold Glove results mixed, as usual was just downright mean. A lot of the blame for articles like the above goes to ESPN, who should never let Neyer write about the Yankees in the first place. My guess is Rob Klapisch might regret writing this article a little to early It’s Tough To Watch Jeter’s Rapid Decline published just a week ago on May 2nd and makes you wonder why the person Klapisch quoted wanted to remain anonymous?

Did everyone forget who votes for the Gold Glove awards? The managers and coaches from all 30 teams, who probably know a lot more about what makes a good shortstop than most. And I highly doubt that they voted for Jeter because he is popular.

Capitalizing off players who are struggling is not the same as reporting it and Jeter is a prime example. I know it sells papers and draws in viewers but is it worth bringing down one of the good guys?

Remember when the NY Post photo-shopped Jeter wearing a Red Sox uniform; or when GM Brian Cashman and Skipper Joe Girardi‘s quotes were taken out of context to make it seem like Jeter was an incompetent shortstop and the outfield was inevitable? I sure do.

Just a week ago when Jeter exited the Tigers game in the eighth inning with a sore hip, the media reported him as being benched the next night, when Girardi clearly said he gave Jeter the night off. Big difference between the two scenarios.

I could go on forever rehashing examples of all the Jeter bashing that has gone on, but if you are thinking this is just another arrogant Yankee fan who would never insult the great Derek Jeter then you are completely correct.

I love Jeter and I want him to do well. At the same time I am realistic that age plays a part in his profession, but why doesn’t that rule seem to apply to everyone? I fully admit that Jeter is not the same player he once was, but I will not act like he should check-in to the nearest nursing home or imply that the Yankees should look into electric wheelchairs to cart the Captain in either.

I mean how many ‘baseball experts’ picked the San Francisco Giants to repeat in 2011 but just overlooked who would be manning shortstop for them? Or what about Marlins Hanley Ramirez just getting his first homerun last week after posting 21 strikeouts? Or why Boston’s Dustin Pedroia is struggling or how Phillies Raul Ibanez was 0-57 until three days ago and he will be 40 years-old this June?

All I am saying is play fair with all players, not just the popular ones. Especially since most of Jeter’s biggest critics have already hooped right back on the Captain’s bang wagon again, that is for sure.

Now go find someone else to pick on because the Captain is just starting to get his stride back, and I can assure you he won’t be the one looking foolish in the end.

 

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2011 MLB Team Preview: The Champion San Francisco Giants

Posted by on 24 February 2011, 6:03 am

As the reigning champs, the San Francisco Giants have a lot more to lose in 2011.

If the team thought last season was tough, get ready for life to get harder repeating it all over again.

Unlike being crowned champs, keeping that title again successfully is when a team becomes a dynasty.

For the Giants it would cement them in sports history; as no National League team since the 75’-76’ Cincinnati Reds, also known as ‘The Big Red Machine” has been able to accomplish the feat of repeat.

Well, the Giants do have their own ‘Machine’ whose ass is whiter than Powder. Still, whether San Fran’s version can keep his thong for 162 games is a whole different story.

Let’s take a look at the self-proclaimed ‘Castoffs and misfits’:

The Positives:

PITCHING

The young staff is lead by 26-year-old Tim Lincecum, who in his first four seasons has been an All-Star three times and won back-to-back CY Young Awards in 08’ and 09’. This guy is called ‘the freak’ because he is that good; posting career stats that read 907 strikeouts, a 3.04 ERA over a total of 811 innings pitched.

Look for Lincecum to only get better with the added experience and a newly added slider that debut in September to be thrown for a full season. As the saying goes, “where there’s dope, there’s hope.”

Three more youngsters in Jonathan Sanchez, Matt Cain and Madison Bumgarner follow Lincecum and if they can all maintain 2010 performances that would be welcomed. It would be ideal and more likely that they all take steps forward this rotation is not one any team will want to face.

The bullpen is pretty solid. Closer Brian Wilson racked up a major league-leading 48 saves last season and my dreams say he remains one of the best in baseball again.

BUSTER POSEY IS THE REAL THING

Catcher Buster Posey is a player that doesn’t come around often, as haven’t heard “the Giants version of Derek Jeter” said about anyone. Posey is just 23 and only became the full time Giants catcher on July 1, 2010, but that was all the time needed.

In 108 games, Posey posted a .305 batting average; hit 18 homeruns, 23 doubles, 67 RBIs and 124 hits. He also guided the pitching staff and the team to a record of 63-37, with 11 being postseason wins. Posey’s stats without question go from great to superior, but that is not why he is already a household name.

Posey displays a personality well beyond his years. He is a leader, humble, not attention seeking but holds guys accountable, as well as himself. Posey has baseball fans everywhere watching him for all the right reasons; he is what every team dreams to find. Well, the Giants certainly have found theirs in Posey.

THE FANS

The City of San Francisco hadn’t seen a playoff game since 2003 and since the team’s arrival in 1969 the city had never won a World Series Championship until last season.

Now that fact is just ancient history, and the City by the Bay has caught baseball fever. Nothing inspires a team more than the fans.

A lot has been written that it is the Giants team chemistry that is the glue, but who doesn’t get along when you’re winning? Fact, the fans are the oil when chemistry causes rust.

QUICK NOTES

Look for Giants top prospect 1B Brandon Belt to debut mid-season, as he is major league ready.

Following a dreadful 2010, Pablo Sandoval got to work in the off-season. Sandoval dropped 38 pounds and if he can get back to 2009 form of hitting 25 homeruns, that is good news.

The Negatives:

NO MOVES IS BAD NEWS

There was no comfort provided by the Giants only off-season moves of adding Miguel Tejada to be their shorting shortstop, resigning Pat the Bat and handing Audrey Huff $22 million bucks for two more seasons for what he did in 2010.

Pat Burrell might lose his regular outfield spot to Huff and we have all witnessed how unproductive Pat is with the bat as a DH. Huff’s deal prolongs seeing 1B prospect Brandon Belt promotion, and Tejada playing the most athletic position on the field for $6.5 million bucks….need I say more? Actually yes, it was a big waste of money, except Burrell inking a 1 for $1 million.

Wouldn’t getting an extra starting pitcher in case of injury have been a smarter move?

THE PHILLIES AND ROCKIES

Fact is the Phillies got much better and I don’t think they meant to lose to the Giants in the 2010 NLCS. Actually, the Phillies should have won because they were better last season. If the Giants want to look at an NL team as models for success, look to all aspects of what goes on in Philadelphia.

The Rockies off-season was even better than Philadelphia’s by inking stars SS Troy Tulowitzki and OF Carlos Gonzalez to long-term deals. Also, the Rockies were injury riddled last season and seemed more determined than ever. The Rockies bullpen is awesome, pitching is good enough and the bats can hit which makes for a very competitive team.

TOO MUCH ATTENTION

Champions draw media attention, but when players are acting more Hollywood than athlete it doesn’t fare well. Look I am all for having a personality, growing a beard and even a ‘Machine’ for a mascot, but having Showtime cameras documenting a team’s every move for a reality show will not fare well. Especially, in addition to the added media interest that comes with every championship team. Continue reading ‘2011 MLB Team Preview: The Champion San Francisco Giants’ »

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New York Yankees: A Few Offseason Notes and 2011 Hopes

Posted by on 24 January 2011, 3:30 pm

A lot has gone on in New York Yankee Universe since losing to the Texas Rangers in the 2010 ALCS and handing the title of “reigning champions” over to the San Francisco Giants.

So, how are the 2011 New York Yankees looking heading into the season? Let’s take a look.

The Offseason Summary:

The New York Yankees headed into the offseason with high expectations, but everything seemed to take a turn for the worst.

Yankee Captain and New York icon, Derek Jeter’s new contract negotiations became a soap opera and the press had their claws all over it.

Fans were pissed, some at Jeter but mostly at the organization for the belittling and penny pitching games being played on the Captain. It all worked out in the end, but it did leave bruises behind that hopefully won’t linger too long, but you never know.

That followed the news that Cliff Lee was not going to play in the Bronx, but instead went back to his old team in Philadelphia.

It came as a shock because the Yankees usually get whatever they go after.

Now that time passed since Lee’s decision, it was a humbling experience and a needed one, particularly in Yankee Universe.

For Yankee fans, it makes them realize that not every player’s dream is to be in pinstripes; for the team, they will have to work that much harder for anything they earn this season.

Hey, at least Yankee-haters can’t use “the buying championships” excuse any longer, as that torch has now been lit in Boston and Philadelphia too, and that is a fact.

One resigning that GM Brian Cashman sealed up without much drama, was that of closer Mariano Rivera for two more seasons.

Owner Hal Steinbrenner, who finally took some charge and made his daddy proud too, made a vital move by adding Rafael Soriano to the roster. Soriano was the AL’s best closer in 2010 and is elated to be Mo’s set-up man.

This move gives the Yankees the best eighth and ninth arms in the game, but it also provides a back up in case Mo’s age catches up to his talents.

So, how do the Yankees look heading into 2011? Continue reading ‘New York Yankees: A Few Offseason Notes and 2011 Hopes’ »

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2011 New York Yankees: Why Gardner And Granderson Need To Come In Hot

Posted by on 20 January 2011, 12:05 pm

In 2010, the Yankees were adamantly clear that it was repeat or bust.

The reigning 2009 champion New York Yankees lost in the ALCS, eventually passing the World Series crown to the San Francisco Giants.

Most teams would be elated if that was how their last two seasons had panned out, but up in the Bronx expectations run high.

Reading the 2011 roaster is not going to provide much comfort, as the Bombers have more holes to fill this season compared to the last two combined.

Still, there are positives that weren’t there in 2009 or 2010, in particular the emergence of outfielders Brett Gardner and Curtis Granderson.

Gardner and Granderson’s roles are more vital than ever this coming season.

The Yankees are confident in this duo’s abilities, so much so that GM Brian Cashman did not go after Carl Crawford or Jayson Werth during the offseason.

Why, and how, is this tandem so important in 2011?

Let’s look at both guys individually:

Curtis Granderson:

Granderson’s first year in pinstripes did not start on the right foot. After hitting a game-winning home run in Fenway on Opening Day weekend, Granderson started to struggle, which turned into a slump and fans were starting to stamp him as a bad trade.

Granderson had only posted seven home runs, 24 RBIs and 51 strikeouts in the first half of the 2010. He also missed the entire month of May due to a pulled hamstring.

Things were not looking good, and frustrations were growing on both sides. Had Grandy forgotten his talents in Detroit? At the All-Star break it sure seemed that way.

After tweaking his swing with Yankee hitting coach/miracle-man Kevin Long, Granderson starting crushing balls again, and he hasn’t looked back since.

In the second-half of 2010, Granderson more then doubled his home runs going from seven to 17. His meager 24 RBIs in the first half raised by 19, as in July, August and September he had 43 RBIs, 71 hits, nine double and four triples.

Granderson has been known to strikeout a ton, but in those three months he only bit it 72 times in 282 at-bats, which was a marked improvement.

Granderson has always been an elite outfielder and his skills never faltered defensively in 2010, which kept Yankee fans optimistic.

What I love about Granderson is that neither clutch situations, nor location faze him. It is as simple as, he is either hitting or he is not. Continue reading ‘2011 New York Yankees: Why Gardner And Granderson Need To Come In Hot’ »

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