I think that expecting another 25+ homer season for Beltre is optimistic, especially if he's playing in SF. But he's still very good on defense and won't be a complete black hole in the lineup, which is an improvement over what they have now. As always, it depends on how much he costs. In the current market, he might be affordable.
Hmmm ... you think so? He hit 25, 26, and 25 the three years before last year's injury plagued season, in a
park that is no picnic for home run hitters either. AT&T isn't as bad on right handed hitters as it is on lefties, so I wouldn't think there would be much drop off. I'm not expecting 40+ like he did in LA, but 25 doesn't seem outrageous for him to do. Ideally, I see him as a fifth place hitter behind Sandoval. I, like you, like his defense very much, and like the idea of moving Pablo to first and leaving him there. Sandoval is not bad defensively, but I think Beltre is a clear upgrade. Anyway, I haven't seen anything that says the Giants are thinking in this direction - it's just my wishful thinking.
Considering that Bradley's worn out his welcome wherever he's played, you must REALLY be tired of Rowand. I thought Rowand was a bad buy from the start for the Giants. His numbers were inflated in Philly and that was never going to carry over to a pitchers' park. His OPS+ the last two years has been in the 90s, so it's not like he can't hit at all.
And in answer to your last thought, the Cubs are desperate to unload Milton. You might be able to get Bradley AND someone else for Rowand.
Bradley is a gamble. His style of play - when he stays on the field - is just what the doctor ordered for the Giants. A high OBP guy batting before Sandoval and Beltre would be extremely helpful. Of course, he could blow up the clubhouse as well, but Rowand is a bust both offensively and defensively. I knew there would be a drop in the power numbers, but Rowand has disappointed all the way around. Good guy, but it looks like his best days are behind him. If the Cubs would do the trade, I'd go for it.
Sayhay, the Giants already signed Freddy Sanchez to a new two year deal, so second base is taken care of for a little while. Two years, $12 mil. Not a bad piece of business if last year's injuries were an aberration.
No, I like Sanchez as well. Very good defensively and a quality number two hitter. I thought it should be their first job of the offseason to sign him and I'm glad Sabean did so. My understanding of the
Uggla rumor isn't that he would play second, but rather that he would be moved to third. A horrible idea to my way of thinking. Hide him in left field maybe, but keep that guy out of my infield.
I do kind of like the idea of Adrian Beltre. I think he's really an NL kind of guy.
Not sure how I feel about Milton Bradley. Your scenario of acquiring him in exchange for Rowand is the only one that seems like it would be a win for the Giants.
They seem like good ideas to me. Glad to see you consider them.
Randy Winn's agent was informed that he would not be re-signed by the Giants. He was a good Giant and a great guy, but it's time for him to move on. Same thing for Rich Aurelia. Thank you for your great contributions to the Giants over the years, gentlemen! Godspeed.
I'm surprised both Randy and Richie haven't retired. I'd hire both of them as coaches in a minute, but their playing days should be over. I guess the money for the 25th man on a last place team's roster is too good to pass up, but I wouldn't sign either one.
P.S. - I'd also like to see the Giants sign both Brad Penny and Bengie Molina to short term contracts, but, alas, I think both players are bound for other teams. I'd love to see Penny in the rotation for a whole year while Bumgarner gets more work in Fresno, and the same for Bengie. Molina is the top offensive catcher in the FA market and can still handle the job defensively, but Buster Posey is the Giants catcher of the future and having Molina around for more than one year makes no sense. I'd be happy to be proved wrong in both Penny's and Molina's cases.
