San Francisco Giants Trade Rumors

Cain not making any promises about his next contract
February 4
San Jose Mercury News
 
"The Giants made their roster available to the media on the eve of their annual FanFest, and no, there wasn't a surprise news conference to announce a long-term extension for Matt Cain. The Giants certainly hope to convene such an event soon, though -- perhaps even before pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 18. As for Cain, he's playing it down the middle. "We've talked ... and it's a process," Cain said. "We'll see what's going to happen. We're definitely here for this year." It's been reported that Cain would accept a hometown discount. If true, he's smart enough to know you don't come out and admit that in public. When asked about that possibility, Cain gave a cagey answer. "That's"
Ryan Theriot gives Giants' infield righty bat
January 28
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The Giants' infield could be ragin' with Cajuns in 2012. With Mike Fontenot already in the fold, the team agreed Friday to a one-year contract with fellow Louisianan and former LSU teammate Ryan Theriot, who could be a right-handed-batting complement to second-year shortstop Brandon Crawford. Theriot still must pass a physical. The Giants also announced that Tim Lincecum passed his physical and his two-year, $40.5 million deal is official. Given Emmanuel Burriss' presence, Fontenot and Theriot, who are old friends and former Chicago Cubs teammates, might compete for one job in spring training, though manager Bruce Bochy said by phone that he would love to have both. Fontenot ($1.05"
Theriot, Giants agree on one-year contract
January 27
MLB.com
 
"The Giants on Friday welcomed in Ryan Theriot via a one-year deal in a move that provides the club with added infield depth, a source confirmed to MLB.com. Theriot's veteran presence complements that of young shortstop Brandon Crawford and also offers insurance if the rehabbing Freddy Sanchez (right shoulder) is not deemed ready to play second base by the start of the season."
Giants sign Hensley, who yielded No. 755 to Bonds
January 27
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The pitcher who surrendered the Barry Bonds home run that tied Henry Aaron is coming home to the Giants. Right-handed reliever Clay Hensley and the team agreed Thursday to a one-year, $750,000 contract, pending a physical. He is well-known both to general manager Brian Sabean, who drafted Hensley out of Lamar University in 2002, and manager Bruce Bochy, who had him in San Diego in 2005 and 2006. The Giants traded him to the Padres in 2003 for Matt Herges, who saved 23 games for San Francisco in 2004. Hensley's contract is not guaranteed. As recently as 2010, Hensley had a 2.16 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP in 68 games for the Florida Marlins, who used him to close. A shoulder injury last year"
Tim Lincecum, Giants agree on two-year, $40.5 million contract
January 24
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Tim Lincecum is expensive in arbitration. If he has two more superlative seasons, he'll be ridiculously expensive as a free agent. The Giants and Lincecum reached an agreement on a contract this morning, but it won't guarantee that the beloved, two-time Cy Young Award winner will remain a Giant upon hitting free agency when he's eligible after the 2013 season. Lincecum will receive $40.5 million over two years. The contract only takes him through his final two seasons of arbitration eligibility. The contract, which is pending a physical, will pay Lincecum $18 million this season and $22 million in 2013. He also receives a $500,000 signing bonus."
SF offers Tim $100M-plus but more able on Cain
January 24
CBSSports.com
 
"The Giants are talking to franchise pitchers Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain about multiyear deals, but while there are early indications they'll have a decent or better chance to lock up Cain into his free-agent years, the team seems to be focusing on deals of two years or one with Lincecum after he rebuffed an offer of at least $100 million for five years. Giants people are saying only that talks are "ongoing'' with Cain, but there is said to be a fair amount of optimism they can keep Cain on a longterm deal for under $20 million a year. Cain already took one long team-friendly deal, but Lincecum, who has so far gone year to year, seems more likely to wind up with a two-year deal now rather"
Giants, Lincecum make progress toward a deal
January 21
San Jose Mercury News
 
"The Giants and the agent for Tim Lincecum have made significant progress in the 48 hours after arbitration figures were exchanged Wednesday, and sources say both sides are confident of a resolution before a hearing would be scheduled to determine a salary for the two-time Cy Young Award winner. But both sides are remaining tight-lipped on the expected duration of the contract; Lincecum would hit the open market after the 2013 season and has been hesitant to let the Giants buy out any of his free-agent years. At least there appears to be plenty of common ground on the value of a one- or two-year contract that would take Lincecum through his final seasons of arbitration. Lincecum asked for"
Giants reach deal with reliever Sergio Romo
January 21
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The Giants cleared their final potential arbitration case besides Tim Lincecum's on Friday when they reached a one-year deal with reliever Sergio Romo worth $1.575 million. Romo gets slightly more than the midpoint between his formal request of $1.75 million and the team's offer of $1.3 million. The Giants started the offseason with 13 potential arbitration cases, their most ever and most in the majors this year. They traded three (Jonathan Sanchez, Ramon Ramirez and Andres Torres) and acquired two (Melky Cabrera and Angel Pagan). They also let Jeff Keppinger and Eli Whiteside leave as free agents (before re-signing Whiteside) and settled with Romo, Cabrera, Pagan, Ryan Vogelsong, Santiago"
Veteran infielder Cabrera plans to retire
January 19
MLB.com
 
"Long-time utility infielder Orlando Cabrera announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on Wednesday while a guest on a Colombian radio station. Cabrera, a 15-year veteran of nine different franchises, retires after hitting .238 with five home runs and 51 RBIs in 130 games in 2011, split between the Indians (91 games) and the Giants (39 games). The 36-year-old leaves the game having won one World Series with the Red Sox in 2004 and two Gold Glove Awards, with the Expos in '01 and the Angels in '07. Originally signed by the Montreal Expos as a free agent out of his native Colombia in 1993, Cabrera spent his first eight seasons in Montreal, including arguably his best year in 2003"
Giants give Pablo Sandoval 3-year deal; Tim Lincecum asks for $21.5 million
January 18
San Jose Mercury News
 
"The Giants and Tim Lincecum might have grabbed baseball industry headlines Tuesday when they exchanged record-setting figures in arbitration, but the club made its most declarative investment of the day in All-Star third baseman Pablo Sandoval. The Giants signaled their confidence in the Kung Fu Panda's conditioning and commitment, agreeing to a three-year contract that guarantees Sandoval $17.15 million. The club offered Lincecum $17 million and the two-time Cy Young Award winner asked for $21.5 million -- both figures setting records for a player with less than six years of service time."
All quiet on Tim Lincecum contract front, but Giants say talks with Matt Cain have been "healthy, ongoing"
January 12
San Jose Mercury News
 
"The Giants have Ryan Vogelsong under contract, but the heaviest case in their arbitration file is yet to be resolved. They still must come to terms with Tim Lincecum. The Giants and Lincecum's representatives have not spoken in over a month. Rick Thurman, the agent for the two-time Cy Young award winner, told me today via text message that he is "just preparing his arbitration brief" and has had no dialogue with the club since the winter meetings in early December. That's not necessarily a bad sign. In fact, the Giants and Lincecum will make two very big statements one week from today. That's when the two sides will exchange arbitration figures. After that, the strategy and expectations"
Gap still exists in Giants/Lincecum talks
December 29
CBSSports.com
 
"After some more negotiating this winter, indications are that there's still a sizable gap in long-term contract talks between the San Francisco Giants and their ace pitcher Tim Lincecum. Neither side would speak directly about the specifics of the negotiations that have been kept remarkably quiet this winter, but it is thought the sides are still at least a couple years and tens of millions of dollars apart. The Giants had made locking up Lincecum and his rotation mate Matt Cain their top priorities this winter, priorities 1 and 1A if you will. The Giants are believed to have raised an offer they made this summer that was said to have been for four years and presumably about $80 million"
Cardinals sign All-Star Beltran
December 23
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"All-Star outfielder Carlos Beltran finalized a two-year deal with the Cardinals on Thursday evening, a source familiar with the negotiations confirmed to the Post-Dispatch. The switch-hitting outfielder brings some desired depth to the Cardinals outfield while also restoring some sock to the middle of the lineup that will be without three-time MVP Albert Pujols. The total deal, which does not include an option, is worth $26 million. The contract includes a no-trade clause."
Cardinals' talks with Beltran intensify
December 22
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Cardinals intensified their talks with the agent for switch-hitting outfielder Carlos Beltran late Wednesday night and into Thursday morning. Beltran has been a target of the team since Albert Pujols signed with the Los Angeles Angels. The Cleveland Indians joined the handful of teams that are making bids for the free agent and former All-Star, according to two reports late Wednesday night and later confirmed by the Post-Dispatch."
Nationals nearing a deal with utility player Mark DeRosa
December 22
Washington Times
 
"The Washington Nationals continued their efforts to restock their bench, closing in on a deal with utility man Mark DeRosa late Wednesday night, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations. DeRosa, who has missed much of the previous two seasons with a wrist injury, can play infield and outfield and will serve as a right-handed bat off the bench. The utility player has been a target of the Nationals all offseason, their courtship starting early in November when manager Davey Johnson called DeRosa to recruit him. Johnson, who managed DeRosa in the World Baseball Classic in 2009, speaks highly of the 36-year-old."
Sources: Cards still interested in Beltran
December 18
Foxsports.com
 
"The Cardinals did extensive background work on free-agent outfielder Carlos Beltran last week and maintain strong interest in him, according to major league sources. Other teams remain in the mix, however, and Beltran is weighing a variety of two- and even three-year options, sources say. A three-year deal might seem like a stretch for Beltran, who is 34 and had injury-marred seasons in 2009 and '10 before appearing in 142 games for the Mets and Giants in '11."
Rockies making a push for Beltran
December 13
CBSSports.com
 
"The Colorado Rockies, a surprise player for top free agents, are making a push for star outfielder Carlos Beltran. The Rockies would like to sign either Beltran or Michael Cuddyer for the outfield. Colorado has competition for Cuddyer, who was offered $25 million over three years by the incumbent Twins. Minnesota is still hoping to re-sign Cuddyer. Beltran's market has been something of a mystery, but it is believed Colorado would go two years to add him to the middle of their lineup, where he'd combine with Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez."
Amazin's ink Rauch, Francisco, deal Pagan for Torres, Ramirez
December 6
MLB.com
 
"In a rapid succession of moves, the Mets fortified their bullpen Tuesday evening, acquiring two free-agent relievers and one via trade. The Mets have signed right-handers Jon Rauch and Frank Francisco to free-agent contracts, and traded for right-hander Ramon Ramirez of the Giants, according to multiple people with knowledge of the situation. The trade with San Francisco also includes a swap of outfielders Angel Pagan and Andres Torres. The Mets have not confirmed any of the transactions."
Giants will avoid luxury items at winter meetings
December 4
San Jose Mercury News
 
"The last time Giants general manager Brian Sabean spent any significant time on the ground in the Dallas area, he jetted off with champagne sticking to his skin and the 2010 World Series trophy in tow. Sabean and his phalanx of trusted advisers return to the Metroplex on Sunday for baseball's winter meetings, and while they don't expect to wrest away the biggest prizes at the industry's annual swap-fest, they hope to make enough lineup tweaks to give their lethal pitching staff another shot at that trophy. No, they won't spend much time leafing through superagent Scott Boras' thick binders proclaiming the value of Prince Fielder. They won't set up a meeting with agent Dan Lozano to discuss"
Winter meetings could shape A's, Giants outfields
December 4
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The Giants pledged no "big splash," and the A's put free-agent spending on hold because Major League Baseball continues to keep them on hold, 33 months into its supposed ballpark probe. So how are these teams going to fill their outfields? The A's have as many as three open spots, the Giants at least one. The winter meetings begin Monday in Dallas, and both teams hope to return home Thursday with better outfield depth or at least a good idea on how to attain it. As it stands, Melky Cabrera, a Giant all of four weeks, is the only guy on either side of the Bay with a set job in 2012, whether it's in center or left. Nate Schierholtz is a decent choice for right, and a third outfielder could"
Market for J. Hairston heating up
November 23
Foxsports.com
 
"Infielders have been the hottest commodity in the early stages of the free-agent market. Now it's Jerry Hairston's turn. The Dodgers, Brewers and Giants are among the clubs showing interest in Hairston, major-league sources say. Hairston, 35, spent last season with the Nationals and Brewers, posting a .727 OPS in 376 plate appearances, then going 15-for-39 (.385) with four walks and six doubles for the Brewers in the post-season."
Rockies one of many teams chasing Sizemore
November 15
MLB.com
 
"The Rockies are among the teams gathering medical information on outfielder Grady Sizemore, a three-time All-Star with the Indians before he was slowed by injuries. Sizemore, 29, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Oct. 3 to promote healing from a bone bruise that he attempted to play through during the season. Sizemore also underwent microfracture surgery on his left knee after the 2009 season. Sizemore's agent, Joe Urbon, said Tuesday that the prognosis is good. "Grady is on schedule to be ready at the start of Spring Training," Urbon said. "He has been working out every day since his Oct. 3 arthroscopy and will be ready to be in the Opening Day lineup next season.""
Giants will give away 20,000 Brian Wilson garden gnomes in 2012
November 15
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"After a setting attendance records in the season following their 2010 World Series title, what do the Giants plan on doing to maintain their sellout crowds? Four words: Brian Wilson garden gnome. Last season, Wilson's minor league team, the Hagerstown Suns, gave out 1,000 of these gnomes with the bearded closer dressed in his former uniform. The Giants are now planning on repeating this campaign on the big league level for the 2012 season. The 2012 gnomes may be a little different, probably feature a longer and more scraggly beard."
Trade was no surprise for Sanchez
November 11
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"In his first public comments since being traded to the Royals last week, Jonathan Sanchez sounded as though he was ready to leave. "I saw it coming," Sanchez said during a visit to his new baseball home Thursday, as reported by the Kansas City Star. "It's been that way since I got to the big leagues in 2006 that they wanted to trade me. Nothing came out but, every year, it was the same thing. "It was time for me to go to a different place and another team. My name kept coming up every trading deadline. It never happened. It did now." Otherwise, Sanchez said he was happy in San Francisco. "They showed me everything about how to play baseball in the major leagues," he said. "I grew up from"
Pablo Sandoval rejoins trainers to prep for '12
November 10
San Francisco Chronicle
 
""Beautiful morning in Arizona," Pablo Sandoval's Tuesday morning tweet said. "Operation Panda (begins) again today. Time to get better for next season." Just days after Sandoval returned from the Major League Baseball exhibition tour in Taiwan, the Giants' third baseman reported to Triple Threat Performance in Tempe, Ariz., the private facility that whipped him into shape last winter. Head trainer Dave Groeschner said Sandoval also hit in a cage at the Giants' facilities in Scottsdale on Tuesday."
Red Sox yet to express interest in free agent OF Beltran
November 9
Boston Herald
 
"It's very reasonable to expect that the Red Sox will explore signing free agent Carlos Beltran as an option to fill their opening in right-field. However, the team has not had any contact with the 34-year-old since he became a free agent, according to a source tonight."
Pablo Sandoval gives Bochy assurance on weight
November 8
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Pablo Sandoval looked bigger when he got to Taiwan for a just-concluded Major League Baseball exhibition series, not only on television, but in person. Bruce Bochy, who managed the team, said he thought Sandoval had gained weight since the season ended, but got a denial. "I mentioned to him that he did look a little bigger," Bochy said Monday. "He said, 'No, I'm very close to where I was.' He thought it was the uniform that made him look bigger. He's going to do what he did last year. ... He assured me he's right around where he finished the season."
Sources: Giants willing to deal Jonathan Sanchez
November 6
Foxsports.com
 
"In an effort to free up money so they can pursue offensive upgrades, the Giants are willing to trade starter Jonathan Sanchez, according to major-league sources. The Giants have one of the best (and most expensive) starting rotations in baseball. One rival executive projected that, including salary arbitration awards, the team's six returning starters – Sanchez, Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum, Ryan Vogelsong, Madison Bumgarner, and Barry Zito – could combine to earn as much as $60 million in 2012. That is roughly half of the team's payroll."
Sources: Giants willing to deal Jonathan Sanchez
November 5
Foxsports.com
 
"In an effort to free up money so they can pursue offensive upgrades, the Giants are willing to trade starter Jonathan Sanchez, according to major-league sources. The Giants have one of the best (and most expensive) starting rotations in baseball. One rival executive projected that, including salary arbitration awards, the team's six returning starters – Sanchez, Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum, Ryan Vogelsong, Madison Bumgarner, and Barry Zito – could combine to earn as much as $60 million in 2012. That is roughly half of the team's payroll. When including the bullpen – with well-compensated relievers like Brian Wilson, Jeremy Affeldt, and Javier Lopez – San Francisco is on track for perhaps the"
Is Giants' best hope trading Lincecum?
November 4
Foxsports.com
 columnist Jon Paul Morosi
"At this time last year, the baseball industry was raving about the San Francisco rotation. After going more than a half-century between titles, the Giants had the pitching to win multiple championships. But young starters are rarely as perfect as they seem. They get older. They get more expensive. Ultimately, difficult decisions must be made. That's precisely where the Giants stand with Tim Lincecum, one year and three days after their shared triumph in Texas. Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez and Ryan Vogelsong are on pace to become free agents after the 2012 season; Lincecum is up the year after that. Meanwhile, an offense that scored the fewest runs in the National League is in need of major"
Giants lefties Lopez, Affeldt will stay
October 31
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Giants general manager Brian Sabean was not lying when he said that keeping the pitching staff intact was his highest priority. In his first two player moves of the offseason, Sabean has made an expensive investment to preserve the left side of the bullpen. He signed lefty specialist Javier Lopez to a two-year, $8.5 million contract and exercised Jeremy Affeldt's $5 million option. Lopez will earn $4.25 million in 2012 and 2013, which means this offense-starved team has allotted $9.25 million for next season on two relievers."
New player in Yanks RF derby: Beltran
October 27
ESPN.com
 
"Not long ago, it was considered a slam-dunk that the Yankees would pick up Nick Swisher's $10.25 million option for 2012, despite another miserable postseason performance. Now, it's not so clear. The reason? Carlos Beltran, a free agent after seven up-and-down, and mostly down, seasons with the Mets. Beltran is being shopped hard by his agent, Scott Boras, and his name came up in discussions at the Yankees organizational meeting in Tampa on Wednesday. "He's on our list,'' said a team official who was present at the meeting. "But we have to make a decision on Swisher first.''"
Pat Burrell to start in left field Wednesday in perhaps the final game of his career
September 28
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Burrell's start Wednesday might be last of career From the moment Pat Burrell arrived with the Giants in June of last year, he and manager Bruce Bochy got along famously. Burrell respected the way Bochy trusted his players to police the clubhouse. Bochy valued Burrell's ability to imbue the room with confidence. So when Burrell asked to start in left field in the regular-season finale Wednesday, very likely suiting up for the final time as a big leaguer, Bochy didn't hesitate to grant the request. "When he came over, it changed us," Bochy said. "And when he wasn't here, we missed him. Even if he's not hitting the ball out, he finds ways to get walks, get on base, grind out at-bats.""
Giants' Ryan Vogelsong finishes strong; Brian Wilson done for season
September 27
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Vogelsong finishes strong; Wilson done for season A record-breaking sellout crowd sent off Ryan Vogelsong with a rousing ovation Monday night. But they couldn't deliver a final salute to their bearded wonder in the bullpen. Vogelsong pitched seven shutout innings in the Giants' 3-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies, capping an out-of-nowhere All-Star season in which his 2.71 ERA led a brilliant starting staff. Closer Brian Wilson did not pick up the save, though. Manager Bruce Bochy confirmed that Wilson, who had missed a month with an inflamed elbow before making two appearances last week, will be shut down for the season. "I don't see the point of throwing Brian out there now," Bochy"
San Francisco Giants prospect Gary Brown is too valuable to be rushed
September 27
San Jose Mercury News
 
"The most-heralded player in the Giants farm system says he tried "to keep the blinders on," ignoring the buzz that grew throughout the season. Still, Gary Brown heard things. "Mostly through the grapevine," said Brown, who spent this season with the Single-A San Jose Giants. "I'd hear something on the radio or my host family would ask me, 'Did you listen to what Brian Sabean is saying about you?' " As San Francisco fought a losing battle to stay in playoff contention, a frustrated fan base grumbled for the organization to do something, anything, to save the season. That included the desperate notion of finding out if the kid roaming center field at San Jose Municipal Stadium might be an"
Giants face divisional elimination game after losing to Los Angeles Dodgers
September 23
San Jose Mercury News
 
"It seems impossible to believe, but it's 100 percent true. For all the stomach-churning torture the Giants inflicted on the way to their World Series championship last year, they didn't play one elimination game in 2010. Win or go home? They never faced that situation once. Now their N.L. West lives are down to one game, and their backs are pressed ever so snugly against the wall. It isn't yet time for the defending champs to deliver concession speeches. But after their lineup flat lined again in an 8-2 loss at Dodger Stadium on Thursday night, the draft is complete, and the telepromter is all cued up. They needed to sweep the Dodgers. They lost two of three. Cy Young Award front-runner"
Lincecum prefers short-term deals
September 23
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Contract talks with Tim Lincecum might be Job One for the Giants this winter, and though Lincecum said he would listen to whatever the team has to say, he told The Chronicle on Thursday he is not keen on locking himself into a long-term deal that would buy out future free-agent years. In one bit of good news for Freak fans, Lincecum said his criminal lack of run support in San Francisco will not factor into his thinking."
SF Giants' Pablo Sandoval might need surgery
September 21
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Manager Bruce Bochy on Tuesday acknowledged that third baseman Pablo Sandoval might need surgery after the season to repair the left shoulder he strained while swinging the bat in Atlanta last month. Sandoval still cannot hit right-handed and did not start Tuesday night's game against the Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw. Sandoval struck out in a pinch-hitting appearance in the eighth against right-handed reliever Kenley Jensen and stayed in the game to play third. Another left-hander, Dana Eveland, pitches for Los Angeles tonight. That leaves the Giants without one of their two big hitters in one, perhaps two, critical games."
SF Giants Brian Wilson off DL
September 19
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Closer Brian Wilson came off the disabled list Sunday, just short of five weeks after he hurt his elbow, and struck out his first two batters in a 1-2-3 eighth inning. Justin Christian dived into the seats to catch Eric Young Jr.'s foul ball. Before the game, Wilson talked to print reporters for the first time since the injury and scoffed at the widely held notion that he should have stopped throwing to ensure his arm is healthy next year. "I'm not worried about 2012, and the Giants shouldn't be worried about 2012 either," Wilson said. "That's why I'm activated today. We're not eliminated. I don't care what percentages you talk about. There's still baseball left. There's always a chance,"
SF Giants to replace managing partner Bill Neukom
September 15
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"In a stunning turn for a team less than one year removed from a World Series championship, the Giants announced Wednesday night that managing general partner Bill Neukom will retire at the end of the year, a decision that sources said came at the request of the ownership group's powerful executive committee. Neukom will be replaced on Dec. 31 by team President and Chief Operating Officer Larry Baer, who will become chief executive officer. Neukom will be named chairman emeritus, the team said. He is expected to sell his stake in the team to other investors. Though the bow-tie-loving lawyer ran the Giants during their most glorious season in San Francisco, other partners, particularly those"
SF Giants' Eric Surkamp wins in 2012 audition
September 13
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Nobody knows who'll win the job as the Giants' fifth starter next year or where Barry Zito or Jonathan Sanchez fit - if at all - but Eric Surkamp is doing enough for now to enter spring training as a legitimate candidate. The Giants are 3-0 in Surkamp's first three starts in the majors, including Monday night's 8-3 victory over the Padres. The rookie left-hander pitched into the sixth inning and exited with a 4-1 lead, which quickly became 4-3 when reliever Steve Edlefsen failed to finish the inning. Surkamp, 24, dominated hitters in the Double-A Eastern League and has pitched well enough to handle his share of big-leaguers, posting a 3.24 ERA in 16 2/3 innings. On Monday, he benefited"
SF Giants' roster - who won't be back in 2012?
September 9
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"In modern baseball, the stability of the Giants' roster from 2010 to 2011 was unique. Juan Uribe left for Los Angeles and Edgar Renteria for Cincinnati. Aside from that, the bulk of the World Series championship team returned. This winter will be different. Though key players such as Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum, Brian Wilson, Aubrey Huff, Freddy Sanchez, Buster Posey and Pablo Sandoval are locked in, because they already have 2012 contracts or are not eligible to leave via free agency, some familiar and popular faces from the title team might not be back."
SF Giants aren't going to the youngsters - yet
September 6
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The populace wants to see Brett Pill play first base this month. He would like that, too, but it will not happen much as long as the Giants mathematically stay in contention. With a smile and a soft-spoken tone, Pill said he understands. "Obviously, these guys have been here forever," Pill said of the Giants' regulars. "They know what they're doing. They're the best guys to play. They were here last year. They know the pressure." Pill's call-up surprised him even though he mashed 25 home runs and drove in 107 runs for Triple-A Fresno. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound first baseman had been removed from the 40-man roster and figured he had no spot. So he packed his gear and planned to go home to"
Giants' Bumgarner fans career-high 13
September 6
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Manager Bruce Bochy calls Madison Bumgarner "country strong" and has plenty of statistical evidence behind him, including the left-hander's 121-pitch performance Monday. Bumgarner established a career high with 13 strikeouts. He has four double-digit strikeout games in 2011, including the past two. That he has done that at this late stage shows that the increased workload during the 2010 postseason, and the shorter offseason that followed, has not weakened him. "He's so mature beyond his years," Bochy said. "Going back to last year, pitching in the World Series, he's really grown up as a pitcher. He's not getting rattled anymore, or unraveled, when things go bad.""
San Francisco Giants update: Angel Villalona might return
September 3
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Villalona might return once lawsuit is resolved Overcoming long odds, it appears that one-time highly regarded first base prospect Angel Villalona, whom the Giants signed to a then-record $2.1 million bonus in 2006 when he was just 16, might be rejoining the organization after murder charges against him in his native Dominican Republic were dropped recently. Villalona, now 21, was charged with the murder of a man in a Dominican nightclub in September 2009. He was on the disabled list with the Single-A San Jose Giants at the time and was allowed to return home to visit his mother. Staci Slaughter, the Giants' senior director of communications, said Friday it was her understanding that the"
Former San Francisco Giants employee accused of stealing $1.5M
August 31
San Francisco Examiner
 
"A former Giants payroll manager has been arrested and accused by federal prosecutors of embezzling more than $1.5 million from the team over the past year. Robin O'Connor of American Canyon allegedly took the money from nine unidentified Giants employees between June 2010 and July of this year, according to a recently unsealed affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in San Francisco by FBI Special Agent Jason Richards. The affidavit said O'Connor, who earned an $80,000 salary, was fired by the Giants on July 6. "We did discover evidence of possible misconduct by one of our employees which resulted in that employee's dismissal," Giants spokeswoman Shana Daum said Tuesday. Daum said the"
Jonathan Sanchez's return is in doubt
August 29
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Has Jonathan Sanchez thrown his last pitch as a Giant? Manager Bruce Bochy stopped short of making that pronouncement Sunday, but he left open the possibility that the erratic left-hander would not make it back this season because of his sprained left ankle. "The way he's going, it's going to be a close call between he and Buster," said Bochy, comparing Sanchez to catcher Buster Posey, who is out for the year. "These sprains are so hard to read. ... The longer this goes with him not throwing, you start to get concerned whether he'll be ready." Sanchez is eligible for arbitration and cannot receive a pay cut of more than 20 percent from his $4.8 million salary if he and the team go through"
Wilson throws, return date remains unknown
August 26
MLB.com
 
"Brian Wilson played catch for six or seven minutes Thursday afternoon, Giants manager Bruce Bochy said, but it's still unlikely that the All-Star closer will be ready to return from the 15-day disabled list when he is eligible on Wednesday. Wilson, nursing an inflamed right elbow, had not thrown since going on the DL Sunday, and he will be evaluated by trainers Friday before deciding the next step in his recovery. As he has since going on the DL, Wilson declined to comment on his recovery. "We haven't ruled it out, but that's going to be tough for him to be ready to go when his time is up," Bochy said. "We'll see where he's at tomorrow and then make a call.""
ESPN says San Francisco Giants have won a waiver claim on Heath Bell
August 24
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"ESPN baseball scribe Buster Olney is reporting that the Giants have won a waiver claim on Padres closer Heath Bell. With Brian Wilson and Sergio Romo out, the Giants certainly could use Bell, but the chances of him coming north are very slim. That the Giants won the claim is not surprising. Claims are awarded in reverse order of the standings, and the Giants have the worst record among NL teams with a chance to reach the playoffs. They have probably won a bunch of waiver claims that have not become public."