San Francisco Giants Trade Rumors

DeRosa hoping to return soon
Comment
March 5
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"What an erudite conversation that must have been behind the batting cage Thursday when Dartmouth graduates Bill Neukom and Mike Remlinger chewed the high-brow fat with Mark DeRosa of Penn. Perhaps the three Ivy Leaguers were debating whether the International Monetary Fund had the political will to help all Third World countries escape the global recession, or if Pluto really should be designated a planet. More likely, DeRosa was complaining to Neukom and Remlinger, one the Giants' managing general partner and the other a former San Francisco pitcher, about his inability to play in these early Cactus League games. That soon could change. DeRosa, who continues to build strength in his ..."
Cuban slugger Ruiz could sign soon
Comment
February 15
MLB.com
 
"It may only be a few more days before Cuban first-base prospect Jose Julio Ruiz picks his first Major League organization, according to a Saturday report by El Nuevo Herald. The Spanish-based newspaper affiliated with The Miami Herald reported that negotiations for Ruiz have "intensified" as Spring Training looms, with concrete offers from big league clubs trickling in for the 25-year-old lefty hitter. "By next week, he should be signed already," one of Ruiz's agents, Jorge Luis Toca, told El Nuevo Herald in Spanish. "Perhaps Wednesday we'll announce something." Toca told El Nuevo Herald the Blue Jays, Rangers, Red Sox, Giants, Rays and Rockies have been the most interested in signing ..."
Lincecum's arbitration hearing will set a record
Comment
February 12
San Francisco Examiner
 columnist Glenn Dickey
"Unless Tim Lincecum and the Giants can reach a last-minute compromise settlement, they'll go into an unprecedented arbitration hearing today. The Giants are offering $8 million, which in itself would be more than a 1,200 percent increase over Lincecum's 2009 salary. His agent has countered with a $13 million figure. The arbitration panel must pick one figure or the other. If the panel chooses the figure proposed by Lincecum's agent, the young pitcher, just 26 on June 15, will get the biggest settlement for a player in his first-time arbitration settlement, beating the previous record of $10 million for Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard. The nearest pitchers in previous ..."
Despite 3-year contract offer, Lincecum and Giants appear destined for arbitration
Comment
February 12
MLB.com
 
"Despite reports of a multiyear contract offer from the Giants, Tim Lincecum appears headed for a Friday salary arbitration hearing with his employers. An industry executive familiar with the proceedings indicated to MLB.com on Thursday that the sides probably would not forge a compromise on the Giants' proposal. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that the club offered Lincecum a three-year, $37-million package on Wednesday featuring salaries of $9.5 million this year, $12.5 million in 2011 and $15 million in 2012. The two-time National League Cy Young Award winner and his representatives reportedly responded with a counteroffer exceeding $40 million. Giants officials and Lincecum's ..."
Tim Lincecum, Giants discussing deal
Comment
February 11
ESPN.com
 
"San Francisco Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum and the team are not close to a contract agreement, baseball sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney on Thursday. The San Francisco Chronicle reported earlier Thursday that, according to a major league source, the Giants have made a three-year, $37 million offer to the two-time Cy Young Award winner, with annual salaries of $9.5 million, $12.5 million and $15 million. The newspaper reported that Lincecum's camp responded with an offer worth more than $40 million. However, baseball sources told Olney that as of noon ET Thursday, the two sides were not close to a deal."
Lincecum hearing expected Friday
Comment
February 11
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Discussions between the Giants and the agent for right-hander Tim Lincecum have remained stalled in recent days. And time for talk is running out. Lincecum's arbitration hearing is set for Friday in St. Petersburg, Fla., according to numerous reports. The two-time Cy Young Award winner said last weekend that he intended to attend the hearing, in which an arbiter would listen to arguments before selecting the Giants' submitted salary figure ($8 million) or the amount Lincecum's camp is seeking ($13 million). The $5 million gulf would represent the widest in the history of the arbitration process. Also, Lincecum could establish a record salary for a first-year arbitration case. An arbiter's ..."
Giants, Lincecum still in negotiations
Comment
February 11
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The Giants are taking their negotiations with Tim Lincecum down to the wire. With an arbitration hearing scheduled for Friday, the sides have discussed parameters for a multiyear contract. A major-league source said the Giants have made a three-year, $37 million offer with annual salaries of $9.5 million, $12.5 million and $15 million, and that the Lincecum camp countered with a proposal north of $40 million. Assistant general manager Bobby Evans, the Giants' point man in negotiations, wouldn't confirm or deny the offer. Lincecum's agent said they would have no comment. Evans said talks have been "ongoing," though he added he hasn't spoken with the Lincecum camp in 72 hours. Such a lapse ..."
Wellemeyer gets minor-league deal from Giants
Comment
February 10
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Todd Wellemeyer, a 13-game winner for the Cardinals in 2008 who slumped badly in 2009, has signed a minor-league contract with the San Francisco Giants. Wellemeyer, 31, also received a non-roster invitation to the Giants' spring training camp and will be given a chance to compete for the No. 5 starter's job. Rookie lefthander Madison Bumgarner, 20, is considered the favorite for that role. Other candidates are righthanders Kevin Pucetas and Joe Martinez, who with the righthanded Wellemeyer also might be considered for a long-relief role."
Lincecum has right attitude on deal: 'Whatever'
Comment
February 9
San Francisco Chronicle
 columnist Scott Ostler
"Will a nasty arbitration hearing be the end of the love affair between the Giants and Tim Lincecum? That seems to be a major concern as zero hour approaches. Experts and baseball insiders warn that arbitration can cause relationship damage because the ballclub goes to great lengths to highlight the player's shortcomings. Look, we love Timmy, but have you seen his clubhouse locker? Here's a photo. It looks like a gypsy camp. He leaves his Cy Young Awards lying around, someone's going to trip and break a leg. Lincecum is asking $13 million. The Giants are offering $8 million. What we're worried about, then, is that Lincecum might go into a huge sulk if the arbiter rules that Timmy must play ..."
Debate rages over Lincecum's case
Comment
February 4
MLB.com
 
"There's a good chance Tim Lincecum found out sometime Wednesday night that the Tigers and Justin Verlander agreed to a five-year, $80 million contract, avoiding arbitration. And even though Lincecum grew up near Seattle as a Mariners fan, he could have been raised in Wichita and still be well aware that Felix Hernandez and the Mariners re-upped for five years and $78 million a few weeks ago, also avoiding arbitration. So naturally, with the Giants ace right-hander's arbitration case still looming and starting to take up more and more space in the daily headlines, the baseball world collectively asks one question: How much is Tim Lincecum really worth? The basic guidelines have been set to ..."
Lincecum, Giants, wont be agreeing anytime soon
Comment
February 4
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"t appears the Giants and Tim Lincecum won't be agreeing on any long-term deal and that the pitcher will have to "settle" for whatever the arbitration panel concludes. In a recent SFGate poll, most readers said they thought the Giants should give Lincecum a five-year deal, but that's probably not going to happen."
Phillies to observe workout of former Giants lefty Lowry
Comment
February 2
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"Ruben Amaro Jr. confirmed that the Phillies plan to watch Noah Lowry, who hasn't pitched since 2007 because of a series of arm injuries, when he auditions for scouts in Arizona. That was supposed to happen today, but the session was postponed to give the 29-year-old lefthander more time to prepare. The Phillies general manager last night characterized the team's interest as "moderate." The Astros, Mets, Rangers and Red Sox also are reportedly interested. About half the teams are expected to be represented when he has his open bullpen session. Lowry's agent, Damon Lapa, told the Associated Press that the former Giants No. 1 draft choice hasn't had a setback, but decided it would be to his ..."
Sabean playing with fire
Comment
January 23
Contra Costa Times
 columnist Gary Peterson
"Best case scenario, Freddy Sanchez isn't out long enough to be missed. He's back in the lineup before taxes are due. His left shoulder feels like $12 million over two years. By the time the Giants take the field for Game 1 of the NLDS, his offseason medical misadventures are long forgotten (think Jeff Kent's wrist in 2002). Worst case scenario, one or more of the variables in the best case scenario fails to materialize. The Giants are unable to forge their pleasantly surprising 2009 into a pleasantly confirming 2010. Sanchez becomes a magnet for fan dissatisfaction, the Armando Benitez of the 20-teens. If you want to go full doomsday, Tim Lincecum free-falls to third in the Cy Young ..."
Giants deal reliever Merkin Valdez to Toronto
Comment
January 21
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Merkin Valdez, a right-hander with a blazing fastball once considered closer material, is a Giant no more. The team, which designated him for assignment a week ago, traded the 28-year-old to Toronto on Wednesday for cash. Why dispatch a pitcher with that type of fastball? The Giants needed his roster spot for first baseman Aubrey Huff and decided they had enough younger relievers with more upside. "Roster flexibility gets limited," vice president of player personnel Bobby Evans said. "Merkin doesn't have any minor-league options. By maintaining your other players, you have the ability to option them down. With Merkin, he has been with us a long period of time. He fit well into our bullpen ..."
Sanchez, Giants agree on one-year contract
Comment
January 19
MLB.com
 
"The Giants have avoided salary arbitration with Jonathan Sanchez by agreeing to a one-year, $2.1 million deal with the left-hander on Tuesday. The settlement, initially reported by SI.com, includes performance bonuses and nearly quintuples Sanchez's 2009 base salary, $455,000. Sanchez, 27, finished the 2009 season at 8-12 with a 4.24 ERA in 32 appearances. After a brief stint in the bullpen to refine his mechanics and recharge his confidence, he emerged to pitch San Francisco's first no-hitter in 33 years, an 8-0 decision over San Diego on July 10. A member of Puerto Rico's World Baseball Classic squad last year, Sanchez finished fourth in the National League with 9.75 strikeouts per nine ..."
Giants' Tim Lincecum could set a new salary mark in arbitration
Comment
January 18
Oakland Tribune
 
"Tim Lincecum owns two Cy Young Awards, and soon he will be able to afford one heck of a trophy case. The Giants' 25-year-old ace, who filed for salary arbitration Friday, is expected to break the salary record of $10 million for a player in his first year of eligibility. The entire baseball industry — agents, club executives, the players' association, and yes, commissioner Bud Selig — will be monitoring the proceedings with intense interest. The arbitration process is like a game of chicken and Texas Hold'em rolled into one. The club and the player's agent blindly submit figures. A hearing is scheduled. If the two sides cannot settle before the hearing date, an arbitrator listens to ..."
Torrealba could return to Giants
Comment
January 14
MLB.com
 
"Catcher Yorvit Torrealba and the Giants maintain mutual interest in a one-year contract agreement, though the free agent might wait until after the weekend to make a deal with the Giants or any club. According to a tweet from Diario Meridiano in Venezuela, Torrealba indicated that he soon will meet with the Giants. First, however, Torrealba wants to finish participating for Bravos de Margarita in the Venezuelan Winter League round-robin playoff. The Bravos could be eliminated as early as Sunday. Giants officials and Torrealba's agent, Melvin Roman, could not be reached for comment. One industry insider with knowledge of the club's functionings said that a Torrealba signing, if it indeed ..."
Sources: Bengie Molina has lowered asking price
Comment
January 12
Foxsports.com
 
"Free agent catcher Bengie Molina has lowered his asking price, multiple sources said Tuesday, raising the likelihood of a long-expected union with the New York Mets. Molina had been asking for a three-year contract, but one source believes he is now willing to sign for two years. Molina is thought to be the key to the remaining marketplace for free agent catchers. Rod Barajas, Yorvit Torrealba and Molina's brother, Jose, are among those still available. It's been assumed for weeks that Bengie Molina won't return to San Francisco. He batted .265 with 20 home runs and 80 RBIs for the Giants last year."
Adam LaRoche turns down $17 million
Comment
January 6
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"When he was with the Pirates, Adam LaRoche never seemed to be a guy lacking in confidence in his ability, even during those times when he was slumping. And those times were not infrequent. There apparently is a carry over to his contract negotiations. LaRoche, traded by the Pirates to Boston in July and then quickly to Atlanta, is a free agent and, according to Buster Olney of ESPN, he turned down a two-year $17 million contract from the San Francisco Giants. LaRoche finished strong after his trade, hitting 12 homers and driving in 40 runs in August and September, while batting a robust .347. The web site mlbtraderumors.com gives some more information on LaRoche's contractual situation."
Giants, Uribe near 1-year deal
Comment
January 5
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The Giants as soon as today could announce a one-year deal to bring back infielder Juan Uribe, an unexpected source of offense last season. Uribe, originally signed to a minor-league deal, batted .289 with 16 homers in 398 at-bats and became a fan favorite. Uribe's return would give manager Bruce Bochy even more flexibility in writing a lineup."
Giants set to sign Uribe
Comment
January 5
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Juan Uribe cleared the final hurdle to the long-rumored re-signing with the Giants by passing his physical exam on Monday, according to various media reports. Uribe's return, which was first reported on CSNBayArea.com, is believed to be for a one-year contract with an option for 2011, and is expected to be made official today. A non-roster invitee last season, Uribe filled a variety of utility roles but started 40 of the Giants' final 43 games and batted .317 during that stretch. Overall, Uribe played in 122 games, including 44 appearances at third base, 41 at shortstop and 38 at second base, on the way to batting a career-high .289 with 16 homers, 26 doubles and 55 RBI while making a ..."
DeRosa is set to sign with Giants
Comment
December 29
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Mark DeRosa, the versatile fielder the Cardinals saw as a Plan B if they failed to sign outfielder Matt Holliday, was poised Monday night to stop waiting for the Redbirds. DeRosa was in San Francisco for a physical, which multiple news outlets there said he passed. His contract with the Giants is expected to be announced today, the San Francisco Chronicle reported on its website. According to multiple reports, DeRosa has agreed to a two-year deal worth in the neighborhood of $12 million. The Giants were among the first teams to make a contract offer, doing so around the winter meetings. The Cardinals, according to DeRosa's agent, remained in a "holding pattern" with their pursuit until ..."
Four teams left in Bay bidding?
Comment
December 23
Foxsports.com
 
"With three days left before Christmas -- and the unofficial intermission of the Hot Stove season -- Jason Bay still doesn't know where he will play in 2010. But an official of one interested club believes that four teams remain involved in the bidding: the Mets, Mariners, Giants and Angels. And while the Yankees are signaling that they're not in on Bay -- or Matt Holliday, or Johnny Damon -- they have been known to shift course rapidly at this time of year."
Giants' deliberate search for hitting
Comment
December 20
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"If Brian Sabean actually has inquired about every hitter about whom the Giants have been rumored to be inquiring, his foot would be worn to mid-shin for all the tire-kicking. But so far, the prototypical Giants offensive signing is a pitcher, right-hander Eric Hacker. Yes, yes, we know, too easy. But between Brad Ausmus, Rod Barajas, Jason Bay, Adrian Beltre, Marlon Byrd, Mike Cameron, Jack Cust, Johnny Damon, Mark DeRosa, Ryan Doumit, Jermaine Dye, Nick Johnson, Jason Kendall, Kevin Kouzmanoff, Adam LaRoche, Xavier Nady, Miguel Olivo, Scott Podsednik, Ivan Rodriguez, Yorvit Torrealba and Dan Uggla, all mentioned this month alone as potential Giants, it is clear that the market hasn't yet ..."
Giants, Mariners join Johnson chase
Comment
December 17
Foxsports.com
 
"While the Yankees remain interested in Nick Johnson, the Giants have increased their offer and the Mariners remain in the mix, according to a major-league source. Johnson, as reported by the New York Post, is discussing a one-year contract with the Yankees. The Giants, too, are offering one year, but have raised their offer to the $5.5 million to $6 million range, the source said. The Mariners also want to sign Johnson for one year, but the level of their financial interest is not known. Johnson would prefer a two-year deal."
Giants haven't given up on Beltre
Comment
December 17
Foxsports.com
 
"The Giants are remaining in contact with Scott Boras regarding free agent Adrian Beltre, one major-league source said Thursday, but the sides aren't close to a deal. The person indicated that the Giants and Boras remain some distance apart on the years and dollars it would take to sign Beltre. Sources have indicated to FOXSports.com senior baseball writer Ken Rosenthal that Beltre is looking for a four-year deal worth at least $40 million. Beltre is the best pure third baseman left on the free-agent market, after Chone Figgins signed with the Mariners for four years and $36 million. (The Mariners remain open to re-signing Beltre and shifting Figgins to second base.) Beltre batted .265 with ..."
Uggla to Giants getting "warmer"
Comment
December 12
Foxsports.com
 (scroll down)
"The Giants' trade discussions for Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla are getting "warmer," according to a major league source. Dialogue continues between the clubs, but they have yet to agree on names. The Marlins plan to offer Uggla a contract if they cannnot trade him beofre Saturday's midnight ET deadline for tendering offers to players who are eligible for salary arbitration."
Marlins Trying Hard To Deal Uggla
Comment
December 11
Miami Herald
 
"When the checkered flag was waved at baseball's winter meetings Thursday, Dan Uggla still belonged to the Marlins, Matt Lindstrom didn't and the club returned home with more work to do before spring training. ``There's still some stuff simmering,'' said Larry Beinfest, the Marlins' president of baseball operations. ``My guess is people will take a little timeout now, fly home, wait for the tender date Saturday, and then go on from there and reengage next week. There's still going to be a lot of action.'' The Marlins made one trade during the annual meetings, dealing Lindstrom to the Houston Astros for a pair of minor-leaguers and a player to be named, who turned out to be Jorge Jimenez, a ..."
Sabean reiterates Giants' standing on Holliday, Bay
Comment
December 10
Foxsports.com
 
"As Giants general manager Brian Sabean prepared to leave the winter meetings on Thursday, he reiterated that free agent left fielders Jason Bay and Matt Holliday will likely be out of San Francisco's price range. "They're beyond our limits," he said. "We don't have the wherewithal to pay them the dollars they want." That is probably welcome news to the Red Sox and Cardinals, who are still trying to re-sign Bay and Holliday, respectively. The Angels, Mariners, Yankees and Mets are also in the marketplace for corner outfielders. Sabean also downplayed the possibility that the Giants would sign free agent third baseman Adrian Beltre. Sabean likes Beltre but doubts that an offer from San ..."
Rule 5: Orioles lose Steve Johnson
Comment
December 10
Baltimore Sun
 
"The San Francisco Giants have chosen Orioles prospect Steve Johnson with the 23rd pick in today's Rule 5 Draft. Johnson, the son of former Orioles pitcher and current Orioles broadcaster Dave Johnson, was acquired from the Dodgers along with third baseman Josh Bell in the deal for reliever George Sherrill. The Orioles knew they ran the risk of losing Johnson when they left him off their protected list, but gambled that no major league club would be willing to keep him on a 25-man roster all season since he has never pitched above the Double-A level. Johnson was 3-2 with a 2.84 ERA in seven starts for the Baysox. He was 12-7 with a 3.41 ERA overall at the Class-A and Double-A levels last ..."
Johnson has edge, scouts' honor
Comment
December 10
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Nick Johnson has a .402 career on-base percentage. Mark DeRosa is an all-over-the-diamond guy. Adam LaRoche hit 25 homers with three teams last season. The three free agents are on the Giants' list of first-base candidates, club officials confirmed Wednesday. General manager Brian Sabean wants a new first baseman to bat fifth behind Pablo Sandoval and wants to grant a multiyear deal, preferably two years. "We may be getting closer to getting something done," said Sabean, who reiterated his preference to keep Sandoval at third base, leaving a job open at first. All candidates - Johnson and LaRoche bat left-handed, DeRosa right-handed - offer something different but have red flags that could ..."
Sabean eyes first baseman, not Beltre
Comment
December 10
MLB.com
 
"Scott Boras has virtually everything the Giants need in his grab bag of free-agent clients. A power-hitting corner outfielder? Boras, baseball's highest-profile player agent, has Matt Holliday, this offseason's highest-profile free agent, gift-wrapped for the most generous bidder. A defensively skilled, offensively capable third baseman? Look no further than Adrian Beltre, who has hit 20 or more home runs seven times and won two Gold Glove Awards. How about someone who can play a corner outfield spot or first base? Check out former University of California star Xavier Nady. Boras arrived Wednesday at the Winter Meetings ready to do business with any club that's willing to listen to him. He ..."
Byrd, Cameron on similar paths?
Comment
December 9
Foxsports.com
 
"The markets for free agents Marlon Byrd and Mike Cameron continue running parallel to one another. One major league source pointed out Wednesday morning that many of the same teams are interested in both players: The Braves, Angels, Cubs, Yankees, Mariners, Mets and Giants have checked on each of them. Byrd and Cameron entered the marketplace as center fielders but have drawn interest from teams seeking help in the corners, the source said. Byrd, 32, has the advantage of being younger than Cameron, who will play at 37 next year. The Cardinals also view Byrd as one fallback option if they fail to re-sign left fielder Matt Holliday. The Mariners, meanwhile, believe Cameron would be an ideal ..."
Padres 3rd baseman Kouzmanoff creating a buzz
Comment
December 9
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Suddenly, the hottest trade chip the Padres have to play seems to be third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff. Eight teams have apparently contacted the Padres regarding Kouzmanoff, although San Diego days earlier seemed to be facing an uphill battle in hopes of creating interest in Kouzmanoff against a deep pool of free-agent third basemen. Then Seattle spent $36 million to get Chone Figgins for four years. And the Phillies signed Placido Polanco for $18 million over three seasons. With visions of big paydays apparently in the heads of the top three remaining free-agent third basemen — Pedro Feliz, Adrian Beltre and Mark DeRosa — teams are seeing Kouzmanoff as an affordable (and playable) option. ..."
Decision on Big Unit's future near
Comment
December 9
MLB.com
 
"Randy Johnson is still deciding whether to come back for a 23rd Major League season or retire, his agent told The Associated Press on Tuesday. Johnson's agent, Alan Nero, speaking from the Winter Meetings in Indianapolis, said the left-hander is currently spending time with his family in Arizona and could begin working out again soon. Johnson, 46, is expected to make his decision in the next few weeks, Nero told the AP. Johnson went 8-6 with a 4.88 ERA with the Giants this past season and became the 24th pitcher to reach the 300-win plateau in June. But Johnson missed two months because of a strained left shoulder and returned as a reliever in late September, posting a 6.23 ERA in five ..."
Florida's Dan Uggla not Giants' top choice
Comment
December 9
San Jose Mercury News
 
"The Giants are looking to add thump to their lineup, but not if it leads to more clanks in their infield. So they haven't amplified efforts to acquire Florida Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla, who might be the surest run-producing infielder available via trade or free agency. Instead, club and industry sources said the Giants are hoping to sign one from among the following pool of infielders: first baseman Nick Johnson, third baseman Adrian Beltre and versatile Mark DeRosa. They would play DeRosa at third, allowing Freddy Sanchez to remain at second. One other possibility, second baseman Orlando Hudson, brings enough defensive upside that it might be worth moving Sanchez to third and ..."
Giants are shopping at winter meetings, but considering their options, maybe "wait for spring" is their best move
Comment
December 9
Oakland Tribune
 columnist Gary Peterson
"Someone once asked Rogers Hornsby what he did all winter when there was no baseball. "I'll tell you what I do," he said. "I stare out the window and wait for spring." The Giants aren't staring out the window this week at the baseball winter meetings. There is real talk about real people, enough to generate real rumors. As for generating real hope that the Great Rally Famine of 2009 won't spill over into 2010, well, let's put it this way: They sure could use a fellow like Hornsby — big right-handed bat in a home park that favors right-handed bats; .358 career hitter; two-time home run champ; good speed; keen eye; mighty fine second sacker. Of course, he'd be 113 years old if he were still ..."
Several clubs interested in Kouzmanoff
Comment
December 8
MLB.com
 
"Kevin Kouzmanoff, one of four prominent Padres who are eligible for arbitration and due for a substantial raise, has apparently drawn the interest of several teams at the Winter Meetings. Kouzmanoff, a third baseman with power, has been linked to the San Francisco Giants as well as the Minnesota Twins in various online reports Tuesday. Kouzmanoff, who last season finished second in the voting for the Gold Glove Award in the National League, has averaged 19.7 home runs in the past three seasons and could be a fit for several teams looking for a third baseman. Kouzmanoff, who made $432,000 last season, could be looking at a pay raise for 2010 that could approach $4 million. The Padres have ..."
Pirates, Blue Jays talking Doumit
Comment
December 8
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"The Pirates and Toronto are discussing a trade involving catcher Ryan Doumit, but the Blue Jays are not the only team in the mix. More tentative word is floating that the Mariners -- who were known previously -- and Giants are in there, too. Among those I have crossed off the list this morning are the Mets, Rangers and Marlins. Not much word at all about Matt Capps today."
Giants move on after making 'our best offer' to Brad Penny
Comment
December 8
San Jose Mercury News
 
"At this time last winter, when the Giants couldn't find a suitable hitter on the free-agent market, they used their available funds to fortify their rotation with Randy Johnson. But after watching the runs slow to a trickle in another frustratingly lean season, they aren't willing to repeat that strategy. So they refused to extend themselves to re-sign Brad Penny, who rejected three contract overtures from the Giants before taking a one-year offer from the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday. Pending a physical today, Penny will be guaranteed $7.5 million with an additional $1.5 million in reachable incentives. "Our timing might not have fit his knowledge on the market," said Sabean, whose ..."
Panda in four-spot for Giants
Comment
December 8
San Francisco Chronicle
 columnist John Shea
"One day into the winter meetings, Giants general manager Brian Sabean targeted certain players to fill certain roster holes. There's no longer a need for a cleanup hitter even though Bengie Molina is out the door. That's because the Panda is the man. Pablo Sandoval, who hit .330 with 25 homers and 90 RBIs in his first full season, is penciled in as the No. 4 hitter, Sabean said. Now the trick is to complement him in the heart of the order. Sabean said he won't necessarily chase big boppers as much as quality all-around hitters. "We're operating under the presumption Pablo's the fourth hitter," Sabean said. "In a perfect world, you're hoping to find more of a sure thing as a third hitter or ..."
Mets looking at Molina for more catching help
Comment
December 7
Foxsports.com
 
"The Mets have already signed free agent catcher Chris Coste, and they may not be done yet. New York is stepping up its pursuit of free-agent Bengie Molina, who reportedly is seeking a multi-year deal that would average around $7 million annually. The Giants and Seattle have expressed interest, but both teams are reluctant to guarantee more than one year."
Catching shortage helping Olivo
Comment
December 7
Foxsports.com
 
"There is a shortage of catching. And it is driving the market for the catchers on the open market. Miguel Olivo has found strong interest from San Francisco, Seattle and Colorado. The Giants and Mariners have driven the price up. They are both seeking every day catchers. Colorado, meanwhile, looks at Chris Iannetta as its No. 1 catcher, but wants a strong backup in case a need arises. The Rockies declined a $4 million option on Yorvit Torrealba, but are having renewed discussions on signing him. Olivo became a free agent when Kansas City opted to pay the $100,000 buyout on his $3.3 million option for 2010 even though he led the Royals with 23 home runs while appearing in 114 games last ..."
Giants look to add a hitter
Comment
December 6
San Jose Mercury News
 
"There shouldn't be any question what Giants general manager Brian Sabean needs to find when the checkered flag falls on the winter meetings at the end of this week. A hitter. Probably two. Or at least a few solid leads. It could be a slugging trade target like Florida Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla. It could be a free agent with on-base abilities like first baseman Nick Johnson. But the action is on Sabean to find someone. He might have just received a two-year extension from managing partner Bill Neukom, but fans are restless. The Giants have played two seasons in the post-Barry Bonds era, and Sabean is no closer to building a respectable lineup. Their dynamic pitching staff, fronted by ..."
Giants, A's have new approaches this offseason
Comment
December 6
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"With the four-day winter meetings beginning Monday in Indianapolis, the Giants and A's approach with far different philosophies than a year ago. At this point in 2008, the Giants already had signed Edgar Renteria, Jeremy Affeldt and Bobby Howry and were on the verge of finalizing a deal with Randy Johnson. The A's already had traded for Matt Holliday and begun negotiating with Jason Giambi, a sign they weren't fully dedicated to their youth movement, later adding Orlando Cabrera and Nomar Garciaparra. A year later, both teams have done a 180. The Giants want to be more patient, the A's more youthful. "What we really want to do is give our young players a chance to develop," A's general ..."
Sabean's Strategy
Comment
December 3
MLB.com
 
"Giants general manager Brian Sabean is honing a skill not innate to a baseball man who cut his teeth at the New York Yankees. Patience. "The market right now is as slow or slower than last year in developing,'' he said during a break today from internal strategy meetings in preparation for next week's winter meetings in Indianapolis. "Whether teams are still getting their budgets together or what, the free agent market has yet to develop. Players and agents are slow to do anything. It's a sign of the times.'' Sabean said the Giants last week offered a one-year deal to pitcher Brad Penny, and yesterday offered one year and an option to infielder Juan Uribe. Both offers were declined. "At ..."
Giants and Dodgers going after Ausmus
Comment
December 3
Foxsports.com
 
"The Giants and Dodgers are among the teams pursuing free agent catcher Brad Ausmus, his agent, Peter Mrowka, said Thursday. Ausmus batted .295 in 36 games for the Dodgers this season. He resides in San Diego and has a strong preference to play on the West Coast. Mrowka said it's "possible" but "not likely" that Ausmus will play for a team based somewhere other than the West Coast. The Padres, who lack veteran catching, might also benefit from bringing back the 40-year-old. Ausmus played in San Diego from 1993 through 1996."
Giants have options for adding offense
Comment
December 3
Foxsports.com
 
"The Giants should feel confident heading into next week's winter meetings. They need to add offense, and they can do so in a number of ways without signing Jason Bay or Matt Holliday ... although that would certainly help. Two of the Giants' starting infielders — Pablo Sandoval and Freddy Sanchez — are capable of playing multiple positions: Sandoval first and third; Sanchez second and third. That gives San Francisco general manager Brian Sabean a lot of flexibility. Multiple major league sources indicated Wednesday that free-agent third baseman Adrian Beltre, free-agent first baseman Nick Johnson and Florida second baseman Dan Uggla are currently high on the Giants' list. Let's look at ..."