Imminent move?

[tzill]

Per the twitter machine:

Andrew Baggarly‏@CSNBaggs20m
Hearing the Giants have developed a couple pivot points to add a left fielder. Possibly today. Stay tuned.

 

[SFGRTB]

Interesting. I guess that means there is someone out there Sabean really wants, he was just laying in the weeds. Unless it's someone from Seattle, and this just came into fruition.

 

[msgkings322]

It's fun when your team is making moves. They don't always work but at least they are doing something.

Glad they still seem to know we need a LF.

 

[sfsportsfan]

Prediction is it'll be De Aza.

 

[calsnowskier]

I just don't want a move to be made for the purpose of making a move (I know that strategy worked so well for us re: Zito and Rowand). I am OK going into the season with Shark/JCP. It may not be optimal, but it is acceptable.

The OF woes we had in 2013 were not because Shark/JCP/Torres/Kiesch/etc were a problem. The OF woes were due to our losing Oxy. You can't have absolute depth to cover every injury issue going into the season. Sometimes an injury happens and the "next guys" just don't end up having break-out seasons.

 

[sfsportsfan]

It's Jeff Baker apparently.

 

[msgkings322]

I just don't want a move to be made for the purpose of making a move (I know that strategy worked so well for us re: Zito and Rowand). I am OK going into the season with Shark/JCP. It may not be optimal, but it is acceptable.

The OF woes we had in 2013 were not because Shark/JCP/Torres/Kiesch/etc were a problem. The OF woes were due to our losing Oxy. You can't have absolute depth to cover every injury issue going into the season. Sometimes an injury happens and the "next guys" just don't end up having break-out seasons.

I have to disagree...Dodgers are a better team on paper right now, we have to try to improve.

 

[SFGRTB]

It's Jeff Baker apparently.

I'm fine with that, he's always been on my radar. Crushes lefties making him an optimal platoon guy with Blanco.

 

[MarcoPolo]

Jeff Baker isn't exactly what I wanted, but at least he has always crushed LHP, making him a great platoon guy with Blanco, and the RHB pinch-hitter off the bench (which we've needed for a while). His defense is not stellar (but not Trumbo-bad). Not fast, low OBP. Sigh. Well, he can also fill in/replace at 2B, 3B, RF, LF. Could have been worse, if it turns out to be true.

His 11 HRs last year (in only 175 PAs) should make those who love HRs a woody, though.

 

[SFGRTB]

Jeff Baker isn't exactly what I wanted, but at least he has always crushed LHP, making him a great platoon guy with Blanco, and the RHB pinch-hitter off the bench (which we've needed for a while). His defense is not stellar (but not Trumbo-bad). Not fast, low OBP. Sigh. Well, he can also fill in/replace at 2B, 3B, RF, LF. Could have been worse, if it turns out to be true.

His 11 HRs last year (in only 175 PAs) should make those who love HRs a woody, though.

Basically a proven Brett Pill, but can play around the whole field if needed.

 

[Mays-Fan]

Jeff Baker isn't exactly what I wanted, but at least he has always crushed LHP, making him a great platoon guy with Blanco, and the RHB pinch-hitter off the bench (which we've needed for a while). His defense is not stellar (but not Trumbo-bad). Not fast, low OBP. Sigh. Well, he can also fill in/replace at 2B, 3B, RF, LF. Could have been worse, if it turns out to be true.

His 11 HRs last year (in only 175 PAs) should make those who love HRs a woody, though.

Agreed. He probably doesn't move the needle much, but one never knows. He's cheap enough that if someone becomes available mid-season we could make that move without it hurting. Some concern about the glove, though. His dWAR in 2013 was -0.7, which doesn't look bad, but then he only played about 1/5 of the available innings. I'd do the math for you, but I'm afraid I'd throw up.

 

[MarcoPolo]

If his main role is as a pinch-hitter and late-inning replacement, his bad defense shouldn't bother us TOO much. As a platoon partner with Blanco, he might be starting ~30 games or so.

 

[SFGRTB]

John Shea, who is at the Winter Meetings, is saying Giants aren't pursuing Baker.

 

[tzill]

Basically a proven Brett Pill, but can play around the whole field if needed.

That's a good call. Spotted against LHP, he'll be an asset. Wonder what Boras is asking for him?

Edit: apparently, the Giants and Baker are not close to a deal.

 

[tzill]

Re: Corey Hart per Hank:

Henry Schulman‏@hankschulman10m
Can’t guarantee $6m and stick guy in OF after 2 knee surgeries. He’s a 1B. RT @iammlr: Why wasn't Corey Hart for one year a Giants option.

Pretty much explains that, no?

 

[Kendal]

Re: Corey Hart per Hank:

Henry Schulman‏@hankschulman10m
Can’t guarantee $6m and stick guy in OF after 2 knee surgeries. He’s a 1B. RT @iammlr: Why wasn't Corey Hart for one year a Giants option.

Pretty much explains that, no?

This is what I figured was the reason. They could have put Belt in left, but the Giants do not seem keen on that idea. Oh well. Hoping they trade for Justin Ruggiano now.

 

[tzill]

This is what I figured was the reason. They could have put Belt in left, but the Giants do not seem keen on that idea. Oh well. Hoping they trade for Justin Ruggiano now.

That's been my guy from the start. He'd be a low risk (depending upon the price)/ high reward shot. And he shouldn't cost a lot.

 

[tzill]

Andrew Baggarly‏@CSNBaggs4m
#SFGiants VP Bobby Evans said "ideally we'd like to get something done" tonight in LF. I hear Franklin Gutierrez is a name they like.

FraGu comin'!!

 

[tzill]

Andrew Baggarly‏@CSNBaggs3m
Giants say they haven't talked to Jeff Baker's agent in a little over a week. Sounds like they prefer other folks.

 

[SFGRTB]

Sounds like we're in on Gutierrez. Injury prone, but is an excellent defender and capable, right-handed bat to platoon with Blanco.