Giants add more infield depth, add Cabrera to the mix:
Having already added two pieces to the lineup before the trading deadline, San Francisco made yet another move to aquire shortstop Orlando Cabrera from the Indians for a minor league outfielder.
Cabrera likely will signifigantly reduce the playing time of incumbant shortstop Brandon Crawford, who is hovering around the mendoza line and is has only four hits in his last 38 at-bats.
Heading to Cleveland will be Fresno (AAA) outfielder Thomas Neal who had 2 homeruns and 25 RBIs this season, but has put up impressive numbers at the plate in the past (22 HRs at single A San Jose).
Neal may get a shot at making the Indians 40-man roster and could even see a shot come September if Cleveland continues to struggle to find replacements for their injured starters in the outfield.
Unless the Giants are planning on aquiring a catcher after the deadline passes via waivers, it appears that Brian Sabean is confident in the Eli Whiteside/Chris Stewart combination for the remainder of the year.
Landing Cabrera gives the Giants a slew of veteran infielders with Miguel Tejada, Jeff Keppinger and Mike Fontenot up the middle, resembling many of Sabeans veteran-oriented teams of the past.
Crawford is the only youngster of the group and may be headed back to the minors if his bat doesn't heat up soon.
N.L. West Chatter: Rockies land two young arms, D-Backs get Marquis, Dodgers dealing Furcal?
Rockies land a pair of top pitching prospects for Ubaldo Jimenez:
The Indians made another move on Saturday, upping the ante in their offer for Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez by including two of their top pitching prospects in the deal.
Drew Pomeranz (0-1 2.57 ERA) and Alex White (1-0 1.90 ERA) will both be assigned to Colorado's minor league system and were highly regarded hurlers within the Cleveland organization.
White could contribute as early as this season having already tasted the majors in a short stint earlier this year for the Indians.
Pomeranz instantly becomes one of the Rockies prized arms of the future and could get a shot at breaking the rotation in 2012.
Their first round draft pick from last season (Tyler Matzek) has not pitched well in the minors and appears to have been overrated by high school scouts.
It may be a white flag of surrender for Colorado in 2011, but it certainly was a great package of talent they received for Jimenez, who hasn't come close to duplicating his 15-1 start of 2010 and was wearing out his welcome as a Rockie.
White is a former first rounder out of North Carolina and Pomeranz has done nothing but impress since being drafted out of Ole Miss.
Both arms could be centerpieces of a Rockies rotation in the future that underwent a drastic makeover with the Jimenez trade.
Jason Marquis heading to the D-Backs:
Looking to add another arm to the rotation, Arizon sent infield prospect Zach Walters to the Washington Nationals for starter Jason Marquis.
After a disaterous 2010 (2-9 6.60 ERA), Marquis has rebounded well by going 8-5 with a 3.95 ERA for Washington in 2011.
Having won 15 games twice at the major league level in 2004 (STL) and 2009 (COL), Marquis has the ability to be a key contributor for Arizona down the stretch if he can return to form.
The Nationals are building for the future and added another infielder while unloading a hefty contract.
Walters has hit better than .300 in both of his first two seasons of pro ball and could project as either a third baseman or shortstop.
In 2011, Walters was hitting .302 with nine homeruns and 56 RBIs before being traded.
Dodgers dealing Furcal?
While no official deal has gone through, the Dodgers and Cardinals are reportedly having discussions about shortstop Rafael Furcal.
If both teams can decide on the prospects involved and who pays Furcal's contract, a deal could get hours before the deadline or even after it passes if the teams can agree on waiver wire terms.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Phillies counter Beltran move by trading for Pence
Just a day after Carlos Beltran was offically introduced as a San Francisco Giant, the Phillies wasted no time in completing a deal for Hunter Pence from the Houston Astros.
Pence will add another offensive bat to an already fearsome Phillies lineup that features Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Raul Ibanez and others.
The Phillies parted with four prospects in the trade, two of whom were amongst considered top-tier talents within the organization.
Jarred Cosart was the top pitching prospect in the deal, a right-handed pitcher who has gone 9-8 with a 3.92 ERA in 2011 in the Phillies system.
Cosart wasn't a high draft pick (38th round in 2008), but pitched well enough in his first two years of pro ball to be considered one of Phillidelphia's top arms.
He has been a futures game selection (the minor league's version of the All-Star game) twice and posted a 2.22 ERA in 24 1/3 innings pitched his first year in low-A ball.
The top hitting prospect heading to Houston is a left-handed first baseman named Jonathan Singleton who has posted consistent offensive numbers in three pro seasons since being drafted out of high school in the eighth round.
Singleton hit .290 in both of his first two years of pro ball, showing improved power his second year in 2010 with more at-bats.
In 376 trips to the plate last year, Singleton blasted 14 homeruns and knocked in 77 while hitting at a .290 clip--his .393 on-base percentage and 62 BB also indicate he has a good understanding of the strike zone.
2011 has yielded similar offensive results as Singlton sits at .284/9/47 after 320 at bats, but his path to the majors was still blocked by Ryan Howard in Phillidelphia.
In Houston, Singleton will have a much better way of breaking the 25-man roster in the near future having to compete with Brett Wallace for playing time, rather than Howard.
Earlier this year, MLB.com named Singleton the 30th best prospect in all of baseball.
The other player in the deal was a minor league pitcher named Josh Zeid and a player to be named later.
Houston called up minor league outfielder J.D. Martinez who will vie to fill Pence's right-field position for the rest of the season.
Martinez has given the Astros enough of an argument to trade Pence this season, hitting .338 with 13 homeruns and 72 RBIs for AA Corpis Christi.
Last season, Martinez opened eyes within the organization by hitting .341 with 18 homeruns and 89 RBIs in 138 games.
The arrival of Pence in Phillidelphia likely means signifigantly reduced playing time for Dominic Brown, who hasn't proven he is ready to the the rightfielder of the present for the Phillies.
What it means for the Giants:
After taking two of three from the Phillies in a series last week, the Giants were riding high until news broke through of the Pence trade. He is a high-energy player who plays the game the right way and has been consistant at the plate and in the field his entire career. He is also another bat that adds to a fearsome collection of sluggers residing in Phillidelphia.
While landing Beltran was a big step for the Giants, Pence is a younger and more enthusiastic player who the Phillies have under contract for two more years (Beltran is a free-agent at the end of 2011).
He also is a well above-average defensive player with a tremendous arm that adds to an already solid Phillies defense. He could also could see a rise in his offensive numbers in a hitter friendly Phillies ballpark that could cater to Pence's approach at the plate.
Don't be surprised if Pence's offensive numbers are better than Beltran's down the stretch, but the true merit of the trade will undoubtedly be measured come October.
Pence will add another offensive bat to an already fearsome Phillies lineup that features Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Raul Ibanez and others.
The Phillies parted with four prospects in the trade, two of whom were amongst considered top-tier talents within the organization.
Jarred Cosart was the top pitching prospect in the deal, a right-handed pitcher who has gone 9-8 with a 3.92 ERA in 2011 in the Phillies system.
Cosart wasn't a high draft pick (38th round in 2008), but pitched well enough in his first two years of pro ball to be considered one of Phillidelphia's top arms.
He has been a futures game selection (the minor league's version of the All-Star game) twice and posted a 2.22 ERA in 24 1/3 innings pitched his first year in low-A ball.
The top hitting prospect heading to Houston is a left-handed first baseman named Jonathan Singleton who has posted consistent offensive numbers in three pro seasons since being drafted out of high school in the eighth round.
Singleton hit .290 in both of his first two years of pro ball, showing improved power his second year in 2010 with more at-bats.
In 376 trips to the plate last year, Singleton blasted 14 homeruns and knocked in 77 while hitting at a .290 clip--his .393 on-base percentage and 62 BB also indicate he has a good understanding of the strike zone.
2011 has yielded similar offensive results as Singlton sits at .284/9/47 after 320 at bats, but his path to the majors was still blocked by Ryan Howard in Phillidelphia.
In Houston, Singleton will have a much better way of breaking the 25-man roster in the near future having to compete with Brett Wallace for playing time, rather than Howard.
Earlier this year, MLB.com named Singleton the 30th best prospect in all of baseball.
The other player in the deal was a minor league pitcher named Josh Zeid and a player to be named later.
Houston called up minor league outfielder J.D. Martinez who will vie to fill Pence's right-field position for the rest of the season.
Martinez has given the Astros enough of an argument to trade Pence this season, hitting .338 with 13 homeruns and 72 RBIs for AA Corpis Christi.
Last season, Martinez opened eyes within the organization by hitting .341 with 18 homeruns and 89 RBIs in 138 games.
The arrival of Pence in Phillidelphia likely means signifigantly reduced playing time for Dominic Brown, who hasn't proven he is ready to the the rightfielder of the present for the Phillies.
What it means for the Giants:
After taking two of three from the Phillies in a series last week, the Giants were riding high until news broke through of the Pence trade. He is a high-energy player who plays the game the right way and has been consistant at the plate and in the field his entire career. He is also another bat that adds to a fearsome collection of sluggers residing in Phillidelphia.
While landing Beltran was a big step for the Giants, Pence is a younger and more enthusiastic player who the Phillies have under contract for two more years (Beltran is a free-agent at the end of 2011).
He also is a well above-average defensive player with a tremendous arm that adds to an already solid Phillies defense. He could also could see a rise in his offensive numbers in a hitter friendly Phillies ballpark that could cater to Pence's approach at the plate.
Don't be surprised if Pence's offensive numbers are better than Beltran's down the stretch, but the true merit of the trade will undoubtedly be measured come October.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Are the Giants done making deals? Can Whitside/Stewart endure the stretch?
After finalizing the Carlos Beltran trade today the Giants have been active early in the trade market and may still have a deal or two left up their sleeve.
Just last week, San Francisco aquired infielder Jeff Keppinger from the Astros for a pair of prospects and followed it up by dealing their top pitching prospect (Zack Wheeler) in order to land Beltran from the Mets.
While the Giants have addressed two positions of need with the additions, the catcher position remains a platoon between Eli Whiteside and Chris Stewart who are both hitting below .230 and have combined for just 16 RBIs on the season.
A trade for catcher Ivan Rodriguez was discussed earlier in the year but never went through, but looking at the market for available catchers before the deadline yields a slim list.
The best option may be adding the bat of Miguel Olivo from Seattle, who has hit 14 homeruns while driving in 41 on the season for a struggling Mariners team.
He has struck out more than any Seattle player in 2011 and is hitting just .217, but Olivo's pop is a much needed upgrade that wouldn't come at a high price.
Stewart and Whitside simply aren't power threats at the plate and Olivo's homerun total would instantly be second on the Giants behind the recently aquired Beltran.
He is also a career .243 hitter and has hit as many as 23 homeruns in a season (2009 -- KC), which may hint that he may improve upon his current .217 mark.
Seattle may part with Olivo for one or two pitching prospects and the asking price can't be that high considering the Mariners are looking towards the future and Olivo is 33.
The Giants don't need Olivo long term with Posey expected to recover by next season and wouldn't have to pay too much for a huge offensive upgrade at a position that has provided little with the bat.
It's a deal that makes sense for both teams and is really the only position left to address for San Francisco before the July 31st deadline.
Just last week, San Francisco aquired infielder Jeff Keppinger from the Astros for a pair of prospects and followed it up by dealing their top pitching prospect (Zack Wheeler) in order to land Beltran from the Mets.
While the Giants have addressed two positions of need with the additions, the catcher position remains a platoon between Eli Whiteside and Chris Stewart who are both hitting below .230 and have combined for just 16 RBIs on the season.
A trade for catcher Ivan Rodriguez was discussed earlier in the year but never went through, but looking at the market for available catchers before the deadline yields a slim list.
The best option may be adding the bat of Miguel Olivo from Seattle, who has hit 14 homeruns while driving in 41 on the season for a struggling Mariners team.
He has struck out more than any Seattle player in 2011 and is hitting just .217, but Olivo's pop is a much needed upgrade that wouldn't come at a high price.
Stewart and Whitside simply aren't power threats at the plate and Olivo's homerun total would instantly be second on the Giants behind the recently aquired Beltran.
He is also a career .243 hitter and has hit as many as 23 homeruns in a season (2009 -- KC), which may hint that he may improve upon his current .217 mark.
Seattle may part with Olivo for one or two pitching prospects and the asking price can't be that high considering the Mariners are looking towards the future and Olivo is 33.
The Giants don't need Olivo long term with Posey expected to recover by next season and wouldn't have to pay too much for a huge offensive upgrade at a position that has provided little with the bat.
It's a deal that makes sense for both teams and is really the only position left to address for San Francisco before the July 31st deadline.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Giants close to pulling the trigger on Carlos Beltran deal
ESPN has reported that the San Francisco Giants are very close to completing a deal for coveted centerfielder Carlos Beltran of the New York Mets.
The deal breaker has been discussions over Giants top pitching prospect Zack Wheeler, who the Giants are reportedly willing to part with in order to meet the Mets demands.
Wheeler was taken sixth overall by the Giants in the first round of the 2009 MLB draft and went 3-3 with a 3.99 ERA during his first year of pro ball for Augusta (short-season A).
In 2011, Wheeler has gone 7-5 for San Jose (A) while posting the same 3.99 ERA he finished with last year in Augusta.
He projects as a strikeout pitcher with a mid to upper 90's fastball and is still young and unpolished having been drafted out of high school two years ago.
While the Giants likely tried to pull off the trade without including Wheeler, General Manager Brian Sabean had to part ways with the former first rounder to get Beltran -- even if he is only a two month rental.
The likelyhood that the Giants will sign Beltran to a long-term deal is unlikely considering they are paving the way for Gary Brown (San Jose-A) to be the centerfielder of the future.
Unless Beltran wants to consider a move to a corner outfield position and a signifigant paycut in years to come, it appears he was aquired to be the bat the Giants need down the stretch to make a run at repeating in 2011.
While the price of losing Wheeler could prove to be costly, San Francisco has the rare luxury of having an abundance of young arms at both the major and minor league level -- something that could have postponed Wheelers accent to the majors in the Giants organization.
The young righthander will have a much better opportunity to break the rotation for the Mets in coming years and may even be promoted to AA this season for New York if they want to accelerate his learning curve.
Final Analysis: Beltran will certainly help the Giants offensively but giving up Wheeler was a move the Giants may regret in the future if he can master the control issues that have hurt him in the minors.
Opponents hit just .224 against Wheeler this season and he has struck out 98 batters in 88 innings pitched. Forty-seven walks has been the achilles heel for Wheeler, but learning to trust his stuff could go a long way for a guy with his talent.
It's possible the Astros or Rays would have considered trading Hunter Pence or B.J. Upton if the Giants had included Wheeler with a package of prospects, but Sabean clearly has his sights set on Beltran.
I loved Beltran when he was a five-tool player with the Royals, but since signing with the Mets it has become apparent he isn't the same player he once was after several injuries.
Personally, landing Upton or Pence and trying to sign them to long term deals would have been the route I would have taken considering current outfielders like Cody Ross, Andres Torres, Aaron Rowand and Pat Burrell all are in the final years of their playing careers.
Time will tell if Sabean gets enough value out of Beltran this season to garner the price he paid with Wheeler, but considering the Giants not having a single player with double-digit homeruns going into the second half of the season it was a move that had to be done.
Grade: B
The deal breaker has been discussions over Giants top pitching prospect Zack Wheeler, who the Giants are reportedly willing to part with in order to meet the Mets demands.
Wheeler was taken sixth overall by the Giants in the first round of the 2009 MLB draft and went 3-3 with a 3.99 ERA during his first year of pro ball for Augusta (short-season A).
In 2011, Wheeler has gone 7-5 for San Jose (A) while posting the same 3.99 ERA he finished with last year in Augusta.
He projects as a strikeout pitcher with a mid to upper 90's fastball and is still young and unpolished having been drafted out of high school two years ago.
While the Giants likely tried to pull off the trade without including Wheeler, General Manager Brian Sabean had to part ways with the former first rounder to get Beltran -- even if he is only a two month rental.
The likelyhood that the Giants will sign Beltran to a long-term deal is unlikely considering they are paving the way for Gary Brown (San Jose-A) to be the centerfielder of the future.
Unless Beltran wants to consider a move to a corner outfield position and a signifigant paycut in years to come, it appears he was aquired to be the bat the Giants need down the stretch to make a run at repeating in 2011.
While the price of losing Wheeler could prove to be costly, San Francisco has the rare luxury of having an abundance of young arms at both the major and minor league level -- something that could have postponed Wheelers accent to the majors in the Giants organization.
The young righthander will have a much better opportunity to break the rotation for the Mets in coming years and may even be promoted to AA this season for New York if they want to accelerate his learning curve.
Final Analysis: Beltran will certainly help the Giants offensively but giving up Wheeler was a move the Giants may regret in the future if he can master the control issues that have hurt him in the minors.
Opponents hit just .224 against Wheeler this season and he has struck out 98 batters in 88 innings pitched. Forty-seven walks has been the achilles heel for Wheeler, but learning to trust his stuff could go a long way for a guy with his talent.
It's possible the Astros or Rays would have considered trading Hunter Pence or B.J. Upton if the Giants had included Wheeler with a package of prospects, but Sabean clearly has his sights set on Beltran.
I loved Beltran when he was a five-tool player with the Royals, but since signing with the Mets it has become apparent he isn't the same player he once was after several injuries.
Personally, landing Upton or Pence and trying to sign them to long term deals would have been the route I would have taken considering current outfielders like Cody Ross, Andres Torres, Aaron Rowand and Pat Burrell all are in the final years of their playing careers.
Time will tell if Sabean gets enough value out of Beltran this season to garner the price he paid with Wheeler, but considering the Giants not having a single player with double-digit homeruns going into the second half of the season it was a move that had to be done.
Grade: B
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Top trading pieces for the Giants
With one of the most stocked minor league systems in baseball, San Francisco has an assortment of talent to offer sellers before the deadline who are looking to rebuild for the future.
The only player who I just don't see the Giants parting with is centerfielder Gary Brown who is being groomed as the centerfielder of the future.
Other than Brown, teams like the Astros, Royals, Cubs, Mets and Mariners will have plenty of options to consider when on the phone with Brian Sabean.
1. Zack Wheeler P (considered the Giants top pitching prospect, could be packaged in a deal to land a big bat)
2. Brandon Belt 1B (Has shown tremendous ability at the plate in the minors but hasn't matched success in SF)
3. Heath Hembree RP (A flame-throwing closer for class A San Jose, Hembree may be the best prospect in the pen)
4. Chris Dominguez 3B (Power hitting third baseman led the nation in homeruns in college)
5. Eric Surkamp P (Strong minor league numbers will likely lead to calls from teams who can't get Wheeler)
6. Francisco Peguero OF (Speedy outfielder could be the leadoff man of the future for a rebuilding team)
7. Hector Sanchez C (Already seen a brief stint in San Fransisco; could be the future for the Giants if Posey goes to 1B)
8. Thomas Neal OF (Has shown power and ability to hit for average in the minors; currently in AAA)
9. Charlie Culberson IF (Versitile infielder has shown good pop with the bat down on the farm)
10. Ryan Verdugo P (Drafted late but has put up great numbers in his first few seasons on the mound)
11. Tommy Joseph C/1B (Probably not going to stick at catcher but his bat will find him a spot on the field)
12. Ehire Adrianza SS (Slick fielding shortstop needs to prove he can hit; glove and arm are major league ready)
13. Steve Edlefsen RP (Another hard throwing reliever could be a closer in the future for the right team)
14. Jarrett Parker OF (Tall and lanky outfielder has pop and a plus arm, still being groomed in class A San Jose)
15. Roger Kieschnick OF (Has been up and down offensively in the minors, stuck behind a long list of outfielders)
The only player who I just don't see the Giants parting with is centerfielder Gary Brown who is being groomed as the centerfielder of the future.
Other than Brown, teams like the Astros, Royals, Cubs, Mets and Mariners will have plenty of options to consider when on the phone with Brian Sabean.
Here is a list of some of the Giants' most attractive targets for sellers at the deadline:
1. Zack Wheeler P (considered the Giants top pitching prospect, could be packaged in a deal to land a big bat)
2. Brandon Belt 1B (Has shown tremendous ability at the plate in the minors but hasn't matched success in SF)
3. Heath Hembree RP (A flame-throwing closer for class A San Jose, Hembree may be the best prospect in the pen)
4. Chris Dominguez 3B (Power hitting third baseman led the nation in homeruns in college)
5. Eric Surkamp P (Strong minor league numbers will likely lead to calls from teams who can't get Wheeler)
6. Francisco Peguero OF (Speedy outfielder could be the leadoff man of the future for a rebuilding team)
7. Hector Sanchez C (Already seen a brief stint in San Fransisco; could be the future for the Giants if Posey goes to 1B)
8. Thomas Neal OF (Has shown power and ability to hit for average in the minors; currently in AAA)
9. Charlie Culberson IF (Versitile infielder has shown good pop with the bat down on the farm)
10. Ryan Verdugo P (Drafted late but has put up great numbers in his first few seasons on the mound)
11. Tommy Joseph C/1B (Probably not going to stick at catcher but his bat will find him a spot on the field)
12. Ehire Adrianza SS (Slick fielding shortstop needs to prove he can hit; glove and arm are major league ready)
13. Steve Edlefsen RP (Another hard throwing reliever could be a closer in the future for the right team)
14. Jarrett Parker OF (Tall and lanky outfielder has pop and a plus arm, still being groomed in class A San Jose)
15. Roger Kieschnick OF (Has been up and down offensively in the minors, stuck behind a long list of outfielders)
Top three targets for the Giants before the deadline
1. B.J. Upton (CF) Tampa Bay Rays
Upton has shown flashes of being the cornerstone piece the Rays were hoping he would be when they took him as the second overall pick in 2002, but his inconsistant play and occaisional antics have prompted Tampa Bay to put him on the trade block.
A rare five tool player still entering his prime, Upton has the highest upside of any player on the market. He has stolen 40 bases or more three times in his young career, while showing off his power potential in 2007 with 24 homeruns in 474 at-bats.
Upton would instantly be the fastest player in the starting lineup for San Francisco who could chose to hit him at the top of the lineup or slide him somewhere between Sandoval, Shierholtz and Huff.
A flashy centerfielder with great range, Upton would be a great canditate to battle the spacious confines of AT&T park while also adding another great outfield arm into the mix to compliment Shierholtz and Ross.
With Tampa Bay still being in the playoff race, their asking price for Upton likely will include a player who is major league ready. It also may be the highest asking price of the three players on this list, but could bring the greatest long-term returns for San Francisco.
The Rays may inquire about Madison Bumgardner in the deal, but it's highley unlikely the Giants break up any part of their rotation unless they are completely blown away by an offer.
Their next target may be Brandon Belt, a home-grown prospect who has done nothing but assault minor league pitching since being drafter out of the University of Texas.
General Manager Brian Sabean will have to think long and hard about the deal considering Belt is the best pure-hitting first baseman to accend the minor league system since Will Clark. He will also have to give up additional prospects in the deal, possibly another pitcher or outfielder to aquire Upton.
Belt could be the first baseman of the future in Tampa Bay if Casey Kotchman doesn't replicate a great first half which won him the job. The Giants may have ideas about moving Buster Posey to first base in the future if catching prospect Hector Sanchez can prove he can handle major-league pitching.
The only way such a deal gets done is if the Giants have long-term plans about Upton being the centerfielder of the future. Andres Torres has struggled to replicate the success he has as the leadoff hitter a year ago and may be a more valuable asset to the Giants off the bench, considering his speed and defensive ability.
Upton will turn 27 towards the end of August and would likely enjoy the idea of playing in the same division as his brother Justin (Arizona). The right kind of deal could bring Upton to the Bay Area, but the only drawback will be deciding how much of the future to salvage for a player who has overstayed his welcome in Tampa Bay.
2. Hunter Pence (LF/RF) Houston Astros
With the Astros all but out of contention in 2011, many believe that they will part ways with their star outfielder Hunter Pence before the deadline if they can get a talented package of prospects in return.
The Braves have been mentioned as the front-runners for Pence, but a deal for the 27-year-old outfielder would solidify an inconsistant middle of the order for San Francisco who has better prospects to offer in a potential deal.
Houston desperately needs pitching and would likely ask for top pitching prospect Zack Wheeler in the deal, but with the Giants pitching depth at the major and minor league level it's a deal worth considering.
Atlanta has an intriguing trade piece in pitcher Mike Minor for Houston to consider, but if San Francisco packaged Wheeler with another minor league arm like Heath Hembree or Eric Surkamp the Astros may pull the trigger.
While most think the Giants are coveting a centerfielder, trading for Pence would allow the Giants to play Ross, Torres and even try Shierholtz in centerfield considering Pence has a well above-average arm in right or left field.
Having Pence would also give the Giants insurance in case Shierholtz isn't able to reapeat his breakout year in 2011.
It would also leave the future centerfielder job available to top prospect Gary Brown who will likely start the season in AA after having a standout year in San Jose this season (A). Brown could get an invite to spring training to allow the Giants a taste of how ready he is for major league pitching.
Landing Upton would force the Giants to wait longer on Brown and/or consider moving Upton back to the infield or to a corner outfield position once last year's first round pick arrives in San Francisco eventually.
If the Giants pass on both Upton and Pence and target Beltran, it is likely only for a two-month rental as the idea of re-signing him is unlikely considering his age and track record for ending up on the disabled list.
3. Carlos Beltran (CF) New York Mets
While the Mets aren't completely out of the playoff race at 51-51, trading Beltran will allow them to receive something rather than nothing in return for a player who will leave after his contract expires at the end of 2011.
Early indications are that the Mets have a high asking price for Beltran which has scared many potential buyers away who are not intending to re-sign him in the offseason.
As the deadline gets closer, New York will have to dampen their expectations if they want to move Beltran, or he will likely remain a Met.
Beltran has performed extremely well in the postseason during his career which is an attractive feature for any contender. He would immediately slide into the middle of the order for San Francisco and likely demote Torres to a bench role.
Trading too many prospects for Beltran could turn out to be a bad move for whoever lands him if his history with the injury bug becomes an issue down the stretch. Either way, whoever trades for Beltran will be giving up a large part of the future for a player who is on the back-nine of his career and likely won't return in 2012 because of his contract expectations.
Unless San Francisco can land him for an affordable price, a trade for Beltran may be too risky for the Giants to gamble on.
Knowing that Upton and Pence are only 27, the Giants would feel much more comfortable trading away part of the future if they knew they would be getting a player who would stay in San Francisco.
Upton has shown flashes of being the cornerstone piece the Rays were hoping he would be when they took him as the second overall pick in 2002, but his inconsistant play and occaisional antics have prompted Tampa Bay to put him on the trade block.
A rare five tool player still entering his prime, Upton has the highest upside of any player on the market. He has stolen 40 bases or more three times in his young career, while showing off his power potential in 2007 with 24 homeruns in 474 at-bats.
Upton would instantly be the fastest player in the starting lineup for San Francisco who could chose to hit him at the top of the lineup or slide him somewhere between Sandoval, Shierholtz and Huff.
A flashy centerfielder with great range, Upton would be a great canditate to battle the spacious confines of AT&T park while also adding another great outfield arm into the mix to compliment Shierholtz and Ross.
With Tampa Bay still being in the playoff race, their asking price for Upton likely will include a player who is major league ready. It also may be the highest asking price of the three players on this list, but could bring the greatest long-term returns for San Francisco.
The Rays may inquire about Madison Bumgardner in the deal, but it's highley unlikely the Giants break up any part of their rotation unless they are completely blown away by an offer.
Their next target may be Brandon Belt, a home-grown prospect who has done nothing but assault minor league pitching since being drafter out of the University of Texas.
General Manager Brian Sabean will have to think long and hard about the deal considering Belt is the best pure-hitting first baseman to accend the minor league system since Will Clark. He will also have to give up additional prospects in the deal, possibly another pitcher or outfielder to aquire Upton.
Belt could be the first baseman of the future in Tampa Bay if Casey Kotchman doesn't replicate a great first half which won him the job. The Giants may have ideas about moving Buster Posey to first base in the future if catching prospect Hector Sanchez can prove he can handle major-league pitching.
The only way such a deal gets done is if the Giants have long-term plans about Upton being the centerfielder of the future. Andres Torres has struggled to replicate the success he has as the leadoff hitter a year ago and may be a more valuable asset to the Giants off the bench, considering his speed and defensive ability.
Upton will turn 27 towards the end of August and would likely enjoy the idea of playing in the same division as his brother Justin (Arizona). The right kind of deal could bring Upton to the Bay Area, but the only drawback will be deciding how much of the future to salvage for a player who has overstayed his welcome in Tampa Bay.
2. Hunter Pence (LF/RF) Houston Astros
With the Astros all but out of contention in 2011, many believe that they will part ways with their star outfielder Hunter Pence before the deadline if they can get a talented package of prospects in return.
The Braves have been mentioned as the front-runners for Pence, but a deal for the 27-year-old outfielder would solidify an inconsistant middle of the order for San Francisco who has better prospects to offer in a potential deal.
Houston desperately needs pitching and would likely ask for top pitching prospect Zack Wheeler in the deal, but with the Giants pitching depth at the major and minor league level it's a deal worth considering.
Atlanta has an intriguing trade piece in pitcher Mike Minor for Houston to consider, but if San Francisco packaged Wheeler with another minor league arm like Heath Hembree or Eric Surkamp the Astros may pull the trigger.
While most think the Giants are coveting a centerfielder, trading for Pence would allow the Giants to play Ross, Torres and even try Shierholtz in centerfield considering Pence has a well above-average arm in right or left field.
Having Pence would also give the Giants insurance in case Shierholtz isn't able to reapeat his breakout year in 2011.
It would also leave the future centerfielder job available to top prospect Gary Brown who will likely start the season in AA after having a standout year in San Jose this season (A). Brown could get an invite to spring training to allow the Giants a taste of how ready he is for major league pitching.
Landing Upton would force the Giants to wait longer on Brown and/or consider moving Upton back to the infield or to a corner outfield position once last year's first round pick arrives in San Francisco eventually.
If the Giants pass on both Upton and Pence and target Beltran, it is likely only for a two-month rental as the idea of re-signing him is unlikely considering his age and track record for ending up on the disabled list.
3. Carlos Beltran (CF) New York Mets
While the Mets aren't completely out of the playoff race at 51-51, trading Beltran will allow them to receive something rather than nothing in return for a player who will leave after his contract expires at the end of 2011.
Early indications are that the Mets have a high asking price for Beltran which has scared many potential buyers away who are not intending to re-sign him in the offseason.
As the deadline gets closer, New York will have to dampen their expectations if they want to move Beltran, or he will likely remain a Met.
Beltran has performed extremely well in the postseason during his career which is an attractive feature for any contender. He would immediately slide into the middle of the order for San Francisco and likely demote Torres to a bench role.
Trading too many prospects for Beltran could turn out to be a bad move for whoever lands him if his history with the injury bug becomes an issue down the stretch. Either way, whoever trades for Beltran will be giving up a large part of the future for a player who is on the back-nine of his career and likely won't return in 2012 because of his contract expectations.
Unless San Francisco can land him for an affordable price, a trade for Beltran may be too risky for the Giants to gamble on.
Knowing that Upton and Pence are only 27, the Giants would feel much more comfortable trading away part of the future if they knew they would be getting a player who would stay in San Francisco.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Giants Top Prospects: Arms and outfielders top the list
Top Five San Francisco Giants Prospects:
1. Gary Brown (CF/San Jose) (High-A)
The Giants first round draft pick in 2010 out of Cal State Fullerton set a single-season batting average record for the Titians and has assaulted single-A pitching in 2011.
Brown’s batting average has been over .350 for much of the season, but a recent dry spell at the plate has caused it to dip to .316 entering Friday. Brown has just 7 hits in his last 37 at-bats (.189) which has accounted for his longest slump of the season.
One aspect of Brown’s game that hasn’t has a slump is his speed (graded 80/80 on the scout scale), a tool that has helped him swipe 33 bags in 73 games for San Jose as their leadoff hitter and centerfielder.
Projected out over an entire 162 game MLB season, Brown could be a player who steals 40-50 bases a season if he can hit around .300 consistently.
With a quick swing and up the middle approach that allows his to get the most of his ability, Brown could be the eventual replacement of Andres Torres as the Giants leadoff hitter and centerfielder.
2. Brandon Belt (1B/Fresno) (AAA)*
Belt is the only player on this list who has already tasted the big leagues, but his experience has been short-lived thus far after winning the first base job out of spring training.
He was sent back down to Fresno after being injured and hit just .211 with the Giants in 57 at-bats.
A return to the minors and regular playing time has served Belt extremely well, as he is hitting .333 with six home runs and 30 RBIs in 137 at-bats for Fresno since being demoted.
His .462 on-base percentage for Fresno is a great indicator of the quality at-bats Belt puts toghether on a nightly basis.
He has a great eye, solid understanding of the game and all of the tools to be a great hitter, both average and power.
He learned the game from a legend at Texas under Augie Garrido and was also a former pitcher in high school, so Belt has a solid foundation concerning his baseball intellect.
It’s not likely Belt is capable of matching the numbers he put up in single A San Jose two years ago (.352/23/112), but it is clear that it’s simply a matter of when, not if Belt will get his chance in San Francisco.
3. Zack Wheeler (RHP/San Jose) (High-A)
The Giants made Zack Wheeler the sixth overall pick in 2009, returning to a strategy of drafting pitching early and often that has yielded stars like Lincecum, Cain and Bumgardner.
A high schooler from Georgia, Wheeler possesses an upper 90s fastball and lanky frame that was too good for San Francisco to pass on.
Wheeler’s first two seasons have been solid but not spectacular, his first season in Augusta raising more concerns than his recent performances.
During 2009 in Augusta, Wheeler finished 3-3 with a 3.99 ERA in 58 2/3 innings pitched.
While he did strike out 70, Wheeler walked 38 batters which is a number that must go down as he progresses.
This season Wheeler was selected as a first-half All-Star and has gone 6-4 with an ERA of 3.76.
Wheeler continues to battle with his command having walked 45 thus far in 2011 (76 2/3 IP), but his strikeout numbers have remained solid at more than one per inning (80).
If Wheeler can cut down on the walks he has all the making of the next great Giants pitcher to come out of the system.
The only question being whether the Giants will trade him before the deadline for a bat, considering he is the top prospect on most teams lists who are talking with San Francisco about a trade before the 31st.
4. Thomas Neal (OF/Fresno) (AAA)
A 36th round draft pick in 2005, Thomas Neal flew under the radar as a raw, power-hitting junior college prospect from Riverside, CA.
The soon-to-be 24-year old has since established himself as one of the Giants most productive minor league hitters in the system, entering the 2011 midseason break hitting .311 with two home runs and 25 RBIs.
Last season Neal finished with more than 500 at-bats, hitting .291 with 12 home runs and 69 RBIs. He has hit double digit home runs three times in a season since 2005.
Neal’s best season came playing for San Jose where he hit .337 with 22 home runs and 90 RBIs in 2009.
Currently starting in Fresno, Neal is one of the first outfielders in line to get a shot if San Francisco decides to build from within the system in lieu of trading for another bat.
5. Ryan Verdugo (LHP/Richmond) (AA)
A ninth round draft pick out of LSU in 2008, Verdugo has put up staggering numbers in the minors since the Giants signed him as a slender left hander.
Over his first two seasons of pro ball, Verdugo went a combined 5-0 with a 1.77 ERA in 50 1/3 innings pitched while striking out 73 batters.
In 2010, his third season of pro ball, Verdugo posted an 8-1 record with a 1.87 ERA splitting time between Low-A Augusta and High-A San Jose. In 62 2/3 innings pitched, he allowed just 41 hits and struck out 94.
After being called up to AA Richmond, Verdugo has responded by going 5-3 with a 3.70 ERA in 73 innings of work as a starter. He has allowed 69 hits while striking out 76 in 14 starts for the Flying Squirrels. (Giants AA affiliate)
He was also named pitcher of the week for AA earlier this season on June 6th.
Verdugo could finish out the season in Richmond but don't be surprised if he is pitching in spring training for the big league club in 2012. Depending on what happens before the trade deadline with Johnathan Sanchez and Madison Bumgardner, Verdugo may get a promotion to AAA sooner than expected if SF wants to test his arm in Fresno.
Still just 24, Verdugo could be closer to making his Giants debut than Wheeler who is still being groomed in single A.
Hunter is worth the ExPence-- Beltran comes with "buyer beware" tag
To deal or not to deal?
Holding onto a 52-40 record at the All-Star break, the Giants can feel the Diamondbacks nipping at their heels with a slim three game lead and have hinted they may add a bat to address an offense that has done just enough to compliment the second-best pitching staff in baseball.
Carlos Beltran, the 34 year old outfielder of the New York Mets, has been rumored to be a primary target of the Giants who have attractive arms to dangle in the trade market for the rebuilding Mets.
Beltran has already said he would waive his no-trade clause if he were to be dealt to the Red Sox, saying it was a "no brainer" because they were in first place.
With San Francisco in first place heading into the second half of the season, Beltran may be as eager to accept a deal to the Giants as he would for Boston. He has spent most of his career in the cellar of the standings while playing for the Royals and Mets, making it plausable he wants to play for a winner during his final years.
That is exactely what worries me about a deal for Beltran. He is 34, hasn't had a full solid season in the last two years and still will demand a hefty asking price considering he was an All-Star this season and has 58 RBIs, 14 more than San Francisco's leading RBI man (Aubrey Huff--44)
New York will ask for highly prized minor league arms like Zach Wheeler and Ryan Verdugo, and will likely even try to push for Madison Bumgardner in the deal.
Learning from trade deadline blunders:
Trading two or three top prospects for a one or two year rental can and has come back to bite the Giants in the past. In a trade for catcher A.J. Pierzynski, Brian Sabean parted with three arms that would all go on to have productive major league careers for Minnesota.
The worst part of the deal was giving up a converted starter by the name of Joe Nathan (12-4, 2.96 ERA in 2003 for SF) who always had the stuff but couldn't crack the rotation for the Giants.
Nathan would go on to be one of the best closers in the American League for the Twins for the next six seasons, saving more than 40 games three times while never posting an ERA over three from 2004-2009.
The year after the Twins received Nathan from the Giants, he saved 44 games and posted an ERA of 1.62.
Meanwhile, the Giants were cringing over signing Armando Benitez to a long-term deal after he was never able to return to the form that made him an All-Star in Florida.
Nathan wasn't the only bad part of the deal for the Giants, Minnesota also received pitchers Francisco Lirano and Boof Bonser in the trade for Pierzynski who didn't make any friends in San Francisco and departed the following year.
While Lirano has struggled with injuries on several occaisions, he has shown signs of being one of the best lefties in the game at times.
In 2006, Lirano was 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA for the Twins in more than 120 innings pitched. He also won 14 games in 2010 and threw a no-hitter earlier this year.
While Bonser never won more than eight games in the majors, Liriano and Nathan alone made the deal one that the Giants should live and learn from.
Why Pence makes sense:
Watching Hunter Pence in this year's All-Star game confirmed my feelings about him as a much better fit for the Giants, both short-term and long.
He has more outfield assists (50) than any outfielder in the game since 2008 and showed off his arm by gunning down Jose Bautista of the AL at the plate in the Midsummer Classic.
At 28, he is six years younger than Beltran and has had far better numbers in the last three years, even including this season (Beltran's best since 2008).
Simply put, Pence is entering his prime as a hitter and Beltran is simply saving face on the back nine after his last two seasons didn't measure up to anyone's expectations, especially New York's.
If you include this year, in which both Pence and Beltran were All-Stars, the last three seasons havn't even been close productivity wise if you look at the numbers:
Hunter Pence: 61 Home Runs/223 RBIs/.295 batting average (2009-2011)
Carlos Beltran: 30 Home Runs/133 RBIs/.270 batting average (2009-2011)
Pence has hit 25 home runs in both of the last two seasons and entered the break with 11 this year. His 91 RBIs last season were a career high and his 60 so far in 2011 put him on pace to surpass that.
Beltran is having a great start to his 2011 season, but hasn't had 330 or more at-bats in a season because of injuries that have hampered him the last three years.
Because of his age and reputation for missing large chunks of the season, dealing for Beltran is a dangerous deal that could endager the depth of a solid minor league system.
Even if the Giants do have to give up a number of prized prospects for Pence, he doesn't carry the baggage and risk factors that come with Beltran.
Being six years younger, Pence has a much higher ceiling and would not only add a much needed bat to the Giants lineup, but would also put another one of the leagues best arm's in the spacious confines of AT&T park to go pair with Nate Shierholtz.
The Astros need pitching and giving up a surplus for a weakness is rarely bad business.
When the Giants parted with Nathan, Liriano and Bonser for Pierzynski they were trading away some of their top arms and didn't have nearly the pitching staff they have today in San Francisco which magnified the error.
Many of the Giants current top pitching prospects have their road to the majors blocked for years to come with the assembly of stars on the big league roster: Lincecum, Cain, Bumgardner, Sanchez, Vogelsong and Zito.
The Giants are in a rare and fortuitous situation where they have an abundance of the most important ingredient in the game: good pitching.
Mix in a little timely hitting, another power bat and possibly some help defensively-- San Francisco may be getting closer to the recipe that made them a champion last year.
Holding onto a 52-40 record at the All-Star break, the Giants can feel the Diamondbacks nipping at their heels with a slim three game lead and have hinted they may add a bat to address an offense that has done just enough to compliment the second-best pitching staff in baseball.
Carlos Beltran, the 34 year old outfielder of the New York Mets, has been rumored to be a primary target of the Giants who have attractive arms to dangle in the trade market for the rebuilding Mets.
Beltran has already said he would waive his no-trade clause if he were to be dealt to the Red Sox, saying it was a "no brainer" because they were in first place.
With San Francisco in first place heading into the second half of the season, Beltran may be as eager to accept a deal to the Giants as he would for Boston. He has spent most of his career in the cellar of the standings while playing for the Royals and Mets, making it plausable he wants to play for a winner during his final years.
That is exactely what worries me about a deal for Beltran. He is 34, hasn't had a full solid season in the last two years and still will demand a hefty asking price considering he was an All-Star this season and has 58 RBIs, 14 more than San Francisco's leading RBI man (Aubrey Huff--44)
New York will ask for highly prized minor league arms like Zach Wheeler and Ryan Verdugo, and will likely even try to push for Madison Bumgardner in the deal.
Learning from trade deadline blunders:
Trading two or three top prospects for a one or two year rental can and has come back to bite the Giants in the past. In a trade for catcher A.J. Pierzynski, Brian Sabean parted with three arms that would all go on to have productive major league careers for Minnesota.
The worst part of the deal was giving up a converted starter by the name of Joe Nathan (12-4, 2.96 ERA in 2003 for SF) who always had the stuff but couldn't crack the rotation for the Giants.
Nathan would go on to be one of the best closers in the American League for the Twins for the next six seasons, saving more than 40 games three times while never posting an ERA over three from 2004-2009.
The year after the Twins received Nathan from the Giants, he saved 44 games and posted an ERA of 1.62.
Meanwhile, the Giants were cringing over signing Armando Benitez to a long-term deal after he was never able to return to the form that made him an All-Star in Florida.
Nathan wasn't the only bad part of the deal for the Giants, Minnesota also received pitchers Francisco Lirano and Boof Bonser in the trade for Pierzynski who didn't make any friends in San Francisco and departed the following year.
While Lirano has struggled with injuries on several occaisions, he has shown signs of being one of the best lefties in the game at times.
In 2006, Lirano was 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA for the Twins in more than 120 innings pitched. He also won 14 games in 2010 and threw a no-hitter earlier this year.
While Bonser never won more than eight games in the majors, Liriano and Nathan alone made the deal one that the Giants should live and learn from.
Why Pence makes sense:
Watching Hunter Pence in this year's All-Star game confirmed my feelings about him as a much better fit for the Giants, both short-term and long.
He has more outfield assists (50) than any outfielder in the game since 2008 and showed off his arm by gunning down Jose Bautista of the AL at the plate in the Midsummer Classic.
At 28, he is six years younger than Beltran and has had far better numbers in the last three years, even including this season (Beltran's best since 2008).
Simply put, Pence is entering his prime as a hitter and Beltran is simply saving face on the back nine after his last two seasons didn't measure up to anyone's expectations, especially New York's.
If you include this year, in which both Pence and Beltran were All-Stars, the last three seasons havn't even been close productivity wise if you look at the numbers:
Hunter Pence: 61 Home Runs/223 RBIs/.295 batting average (2009-2011)
Carlos Beltran: 30 Home Runs/133 RBIs/.270 batting average (2009-2011)
Pence has hit 25 home runs in both of the last two seasons and entered the break with 11 this year. His 91 RBIs last season were a career high and his 60 so far in 2011 put him on pace to surpass that.
Beltran is having a great start to his 2011 season, but hasn't had 330 or more at-bats in a season because of injuries that have hampered him the last three years.
Because of his age and reputation for missing large chunks of the season, dealing for Beltran is a dangerous deal that could endager the depth of a solid minor league system.
Even if the Giants do have to give up a number of prized prospects for Pence, he doesn't carry the baggage and risk factors that come with Beltran.
Being six years younger, Pence has a much higher ceiling and would not only add a much needed bat to the Giants lineup, but would also put another one of the leagues best arm's in the spacious confines of AT&T park to go pair with Nate Shierholtz.
The Astros need pitching and giving up a surplus for a weakness is rarely bad business.
When the Giants parted with Nathan, Liriano and Bonser for Pierzynski they were trading away some of their top arms and didn't have nearly the pitching staff they have today in San Francisco which magnified the error.
Many of the Giants current top pitching prospects have their road to the majors blocked for years to come with the assembly of stars on the big league roster: Lincecum, Cain, Bumgardner, Sanchez, Vogelsong and Zito.
The Giants are in a rare and fortuitous situation where they have an abundance of the most important ingredient in the game: good pitching.
Mix in a little timely hitting, another power bat and possibly some help defensively-- San Francisco may be getting closer to the recipe that made them a champion last year.
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