Pablo Sandoval

I thought that ship had sailed? I also thought it was certain that Bengie Molina would be a New York Met in 2010. New York was dangling a two year deal, but Molina's camp wanted a third year option. Something went terribly wrong in the negotiations, and the two sides parted ways, which is good news for the Giants! It's hard to get greedy in this current market place, especially when you're an older player (who turns 36 in July), and playing a demanding position like catcher. I thought Molina might have ended-up in the American League where he could also be a DH.   Whatever happened at the end of last season (not playing hurt?), I say forget any bad blood that may have bubbled to the surface between Molina and the Giants, and welcome him back behind the plate with open arms. The pitchers love him. He's a club house presence and leader. He will be an excellent mentor to the young Buster Posey. He comes at a relative bargain for one year and $4.5-million, and can hit! Fortunately though, he won't be relied upon to bat clean-up for San Francisco this year (assuming the off-season acquisitions come through as expected). Molina should be much more comfortable further down in the order as a number-six hitter, behind a 3-4-5 combination of Sandoval, Huff, and De Rosa. Now I'm digging this line-up a lot more than I was just a couple of weeks ago.  Yorvit Torrealba? Rod Barajas? Bengie's going to be a better hitter than both of those guys. Last year, Molina struggled through some injuries, but still managed to play in 132 games and had 491 at-bats. The rest of the pertinent numbers: 130 hits, (only) 52 runs scored, 25 doubles, 20 homers, 80 RBI's, and an incredibly low 13 walks...Yikes! That's reflected in a .285 on-base percentage, but a fairly solid .265 batting average. Molina drove in 95 runs with 16 homers and 33 doubles in 2008; with a .292 average, and .322 on-base percentage. So, assuming he plays most of the season, you know roughly what kind of numbers you're going to get. But what if Posey is ready to go mid-season and gets the call-up? That remains to be seen. I would say Eli Whiteside begins the year as Molina's back-up with Posey down in Triple-A Fresno.  By-the-way: Torrealba sported a .351 on-base percentage and a .291 average in just 64 games with the Rockies last season, sharing time with Chris Ianetta. It's hard to really compare any other stats with fewer than half the number of at-bats, but Yorvit did manage to work 21 walks in just 213 at-bats. So, he would easily have more than 50 BB's with 500 A.B's. Barajas, meanwhile, had a descent season with the Blue Jays in 2008 as far as power numbers (19 and 71), but his batting average and on-base were dreadful in roughly the same number of at-bats. So, considering Bengie's familiarity with the Giants' pitching staff, and his overall better hitting, he was clearly the best choice of the three. The fourth choice, Miguel Olivo, had already signed with Colorado -- essentially replacing Torrealba.   Merkin Valdez, who was designated for assignment earlier last week, has been traded to Toronoto for cash considerations. Valdez just never realized his potential, but maintained a dominant fastball even after returning from Tommy John Surgery. The bullpen has depth, despite the departure of both Valdez and Bobby Howry. Brandon Medders, Sergio Romo, Dan Runzler, Waldis Joaquin, and even Joe Martinez can fill the void; bridging the gap to Jeremy Affeldt and closer Brian Wilson. We'll see how things shake out in spring training. There's about a half dozen other bullpen candidates, including one-time short stop Tony Pena, Jr.   So, one more time, let's view what the opening day line-up should look like (with the assumption that Aaron Rowand will lead-off): CF Rowand2B Sanchez3B Sandoval1B Huff LF De RosaC  MOLINASS RenteriaRF SchierholtzSP Lincecum  I would say pretty solid, but is there another potential right fielder out there with more experience? Is the team willing to spend any more money? I would say probably not because they still have to sign Lincecum who has asked for $13-million in salary arbitration for 2010 -- the Giants are offering only $8-million. He'll get at least ten, and probably closer to twelve. Regardless of Timmy's final number, that will boost the team payroll somewhere around 100-million-dollars, and that includes about five-million in deferred money to Barry Bonds.  So, although it would be nice to add an Eric Byrnes (Bay Area kid for probably for not much money), Xavier Nady (former Cal Bear, most recently with the Yankees), or Jermaine Dye (Sacramento kid and one-time Oakland Athletic), it just doesn't appear financially feasible. I believe it was me last season who said that Schierholtz deserves an extended look to prove himself. Now that Randy Winn is gone, it appears the time is now for Nate to play everyday in right field for the Giants. There is some young depth for the outfield as well with Andres Torres, Eugenio Velez, John Bowker, and (I would say very reluctantly) Fred Lewis.  

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oubles and maybe twenty-something home runs, especially hitting behind guys like Freddy Sanchez and Pablo Sandoval. Let's re-visit that opening line-up scenario with the addition of Huff: 2B SanchezSS Renteria3B Sandoval1B HuffLF De RosaRF Schierholtz (Byrnes???)CF RowandC   PoseySP Lincecum  O.K., who hits lead-off? I was thinking Velez would get a look, but that was before they signed Huff, and now have to move De Rosa to left field from third base. My assumption is Sanchez would be at the top, but I would prefer to see him in the number two hole, and bat Renteria seventh where he belongs. Is Buster Posey going to be the opening day catcher? Who knows? Remember, Aaron Rowand was at his best last year in the lead-off slot.   And what's the deal with Adam LaRoche? He turned down a two-year deal for more money from the Giants to accept a one-year deal with Arizona? I thought it was location (East Coast versus West Coast), but apparently, it's all about the ball park. Let's be sure to boo La Roche heartily when the D-Backs come to town. It's kind of like Colorado's Todd Helton, who openly displays his disdain for hitting in the Giants' yard (although I saw him launch a home run in S.F. last season).  To make room on the 40-man roster, Arizona released Eric Byrnes, who has suffered through two miserable, injury-riddled seasons. To me, he would be an ideal fourth outfielder. He's a local guy who grew up here, and still has a home here. In 2007 in 160 games for Arizona, Byrnes had 626 at-bats, 179 hits (.286 average), .353 on-base percentage, 21 homers, 83 RBI's and 50 stolen bases. That was the year Arizona played Colorado in the NLCS. Anyway, I don't know if his body is breaking down as a result of age (33-34ish), or if there's another explanation, but he would be a great get. Hey, Eric Byrnes at 85% is better than Fred Lewis as a fourth outfielder (sorry Fred). If the lead-off slot becomes and issue, Byrnes could (I didn't say "should") be considered an option, and play right field.  Oh, and good bye Merkin Valdez -- you freaking gas can! Great fast ball, but no control. The Giants dumped Valdez to make room on their 40-man roster for Aubrey Huff, and look; we're right back at the beginning of this conversation.  Spring training is getting closer everyday. Let's go!   

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 Add De Rosa to the mix with Pablo Sandoval (a three position player), and the possibilities are unlimited. It's a good insurance policy, but I would like to see a set, everyday line-up. U

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He should easily score 90-to-100 runs hitting in front of guys like Pablo Sandoval -- assuming of course that Sanchez collects at least 550 at-bats, and the team adds another slugger to the middle of their batting order.

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 Yes, they've built up the pitching big time. Yes, Pablo Sandoval can rake. But that's not enough -- we need two or three more hitters like Pablo. Hey, you've got to give up something to get something, and the time is now to part with a starting pitcher, and acquire a bat. It's not the most desirable scenario, but consider the lack of available sticks in free agency. In addition, they will have to invest some money to keep the young guys happy (Tim Lincecum and Brian Wilson are due for BIG raises, and I say, give them whatever they want!).

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Should we assume that Pablo Sandoval will eventually be the everyday guy?  What about Ryan Garko?  I don't think it's fair to judge his brief appearance since the trade deadline. O.K., the guy did nothing with the bat except for that one game in Colorado when he blasted a pair of homers. Garko, like Ishikawa, is still very young and could be a future asset.  I think everyone is overlooking John Bowker, who, like Eugenio Velez, can play the outfield too. All that being said, let's assume the team will not be looking to acquire a first-baseman in the off season.    Second Base: Freddy, Freddy, Freddy...Come back and help us Freddy Sanchez! Void out your 2010 option for 8-million-bucks, sign a fresh new contract with San Francisco, and prove yourself to the fans.  We know your track record, and this brief glimpse was not enough to compensate for what we traded to the Pirates at the deadline (pitcher Tim Alderson). This is a guy who has won the N.L. Batting Title in 2006. He could be a huge addition (if healthy). I would say, as the team stands now, Eugenio Velez and Juan Uribe should be the back-ups to Sanchez in addition to what they've done all year - play multiple positions, and allow Bruce Bochy to mix-and-match when necessary. You know what that means....Goodbye Kevin Frandsen, and next time you're sent down to Triple-A, keep your mouth shut and accept it!      Short Stop: The underachieving Edgar Renteria still has one more year on his contract at $9-million-dollars for 2010 --Ahhhhhhhhhhh!  Dude, hit the ball!  One grand slam against the Rockies does not an entire season make.  What a slug! The fastest I saw him run all year was out of the dugout to defend

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nbsp;Not only were the Giants short-handed themselves - playing without Freddy Sanchez (15-Day DL), Pablo Sandoval (strained calf), or Molina - they had to go up against Danny Haren, who is one of the top pitchers in the entire league.  So it was crucial to get the offensive contributions from Ishikawa and Juan Uribe, who has gone deep in each of the first two games of the series (numbers 7 and 8 on the season).  On the other side of the ledger:  Velez, Garko, Rowand, and Winn really need to get things going period.  Pablo and Bengie (and Sanchez) will all be back in the line-up soon, but it's not fair to rely on guys like Ryan Rohlinger; just called up from Fresno (0-for-3 Wednesday night), or Eli Whiteside (batting .228 after also taking an 0-for-3).

Continue reading ""Giants Go for the Sweep Over Arizona""

 Pablo Sandoval, who left Monday's game in Denver with a tight calf is expected to miss a couple of games, and Bengie Molina is dinged with an apparent quad injury.  This on top of a

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finally be coming out of his funk just in time, boosting that average, and picking-up the slack for Pablo Sandoval and Bengie Molina, who each struck out three times Tuesday.  Randy Winn may also be awakening from his deep freeze, collecting two more hits (five in the last two games), and two more RBI's. Juan Uribe, who has been hobbled by injury in recent days, smacked a home run early in the game off Homer Bailey. Bailey pitched great through five-innings, but lost it in the sixth, surrendering four more runs. San Francisco also broke through against Reds' closer Francisco Cordero, touching him up for three runs - and the loss.  Two more games against Cincinnati with Barry Zito and Matt Cain scheduled to pitch Wednesday and Thursday.  Then, it's the big finale of the road trip with four games in Coors Field against the front-running, wild-card-leading Rockies.  

Continue reading ""Will The Hits Keep Coming for the Giants?""

 Jeff Weaver started the game, followed by McDonald, who hit Pablo Sandoval with a pitch.  Sandoval didn't like it, and took a couple of steps towards the mound, shouting at McDonald.

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 Wednesday's 13-hit attack featured three hits apiece for Pablo Sandoval and Freddy Sanchez, and two more hits for Ryan Garko, who appears to be finding his comfort level in the National League.   

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gly plentiful at home were basically nonexistent Monday night.   On a positive note, Pablo Sandoval went 3-for-5 win an RBI, boosting his average to .327.  Ryan Garko went 2

Continue reading ""Same Old Story for the Giants on the Road""

 As a matter of fact, let's not overlook Pablo Sandoval's three-run blast that put the game away and took a lot of pressure off Sanchez.  Sandoval, all-star or no: 14 and 53 to go with a .331 batting average.

Continue reading ""JOANATHAN SANCHEZ, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?""

It's still not too late to vote for Pablo Sandoval, in fact, it's not too late to vote 1,000 times for Pablo before Thursday's "unlimited" voting deadline!  I guess it depends on how much extra time you've got on your hands, but in this quick-click society, what's 10 (or 100) votes over the course of the day.  I must admit, I've voted for Sandoval and Ian Kinsler of the Texas Rangers 40 times since Sunday, and feel very good about my contribution.  However, let's not get too carried away this process.  If everyone had just one vote, or maybe 10 votes?  That, to me would be a better indicator of who is deserving for the final roster spot.   What I REALLY think is that the players should vote for that final spot, and have it over and done with when the main rosters are announced in the first place.  Why drag it out?  Oh...I forgot, the "Mid-Summer Classic" has become a crucial match-up between leagues in JULY, to determine home field advantage in October.  That sure makes sense Bud Selig - brilliant idea!   I think the players (or coaches) would see the value of Pablo as a multi-positional option later in the game. Extra Catcher? Extra third baseman? Extra first baseman? Hello?? As for Wednesday's finale with Florida, the Giants were shutdown 7-to-0 by Marlins' right-hander Chris Volstad, who tossed a complete game five-hitter.  Easily his best effort of the season, improving to 6-and-8, Volstad (zero BBs and Six Ks in 105 pitches) helped Florida avoid the three-game sweep at the hands of the Giants.   The "Big Sadowski," Ryan Sadowski didn't have his best control with four walks allowed, as well as his first two earned runs in three starts.  Sadowski worked five innings, gave up five hits, three runs (two earned), walked four and struck out four. Sadowski has posted an ERA of 1.00 with only today's two runs allowed in 18-total-innings of work.  The bats were completely silenced by Volstad, while Merkin Valdez in relief served-up a three-run bomb to Dan Uggla, his 16th homer of the season.  As appealing as Uggla may be in a possible trade scenario, I would have to say that he strikes out way too much and needs to think more about his batting average (.223 after today) and on-base percentage, (around .332) rather than his home run count. Hey, I'll take two out of three over the "fish," but it sure would have been fun to see super stud short stop Hanley Ramirez.  Ramirez, an all-star starter, missed his fourth consecutive game with a hip injury.  Oh well... The Giants are 26-and-15 since Memorial Day, and welcome San Diego for a four-game weekend series.  The Padres are a team on the ropes and already willing to trade some of its pieces, including Scott Hairston to the A's.  Tim Lincecum gets the ball Thursday night, and looks to match fellow all-star Matt Cain with 10 victories.

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It's still not too late to vote for Pablo Sandoval, in fact, it's not too late to vote 1,000 times for Pablo before Thursday's "unlimited" voting deadline!  I guess it depe

Continue reading ""Have You Voted For Pablo Sandoval ..."

 Third Baseman Pablo Sandoval did not make the roster today, but is one of five finalists that can still be voted in by the fans.  Go to sfgiants.com or mlb.com to log your votes for Pablo, and from what I understand, there is no limit on how many times one can vote.  The deadline to cast your ballot is Thursday. Here's a look at Pablo's competition for the final roster spot:  Cristian Guzman, WSH  Matt Kemp, LAD  Mark Reynolds, ARI 

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  We are officially halfway through the season, and I'm trying not to get too excited about these Giants.  However, if the last three games are any indication of where this team i

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l fan, who doesn't rely on the Internet for their sports news to find out about the Mendoza Line)...Pablo Sandoval was quoted on SFGATE.COM that he has figured out his problem and and has fixed

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Giants up, facing Jorge Julio.

Winn homered and I missed it.

Renteria walks and Lewis ropes one to right for a line out.

Molina pops out for the third time.

Sondoval hits it hard, straight up the middle, on the ground, for a hit. It's about time the Giants had a good young grown hitter.

Continue reading "Brewers at Giants, Bottom of the Eighth"

Brewers up, facing Bob Howry

Kendall is out before I even knew what happened.

Craig Counsell pinch hits and earns a walk.

Sandoval is showing that he's not that great throwing on the run; Weeks beat his two-hop throw by a mile.

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Giants up, facing Dave Bush.

Molina crushes it to left again. This time it's over the wall. And Molina likes 'em low because that pitch was fished out of his heels.

Sandoval does his best Bengie Molina impression for a double in the gap.

Continue reading "Brewers at Giants, Bottom of the Seventh"

Brewers up, facing Martinez

Cameron - Base hit. Steals second on the second pitch.

Hall - Strikes out and is none too happy about it. He gave the ump a piece of his mind.

Kendall - Martinez makes an always risky pick off throw to second and just missed getting Cameron out. Grounder to third and Sandoval tags Cameron instead of throwing to first. Great heads up play by Sandoval, but a bad mistake by Cameron.

Continue reading "Brewers at Giants, Top of the Fifth"