On the Eve of the Winter Meetings
I’m writing this thread with the tv on in the background. It’s playing an infomercial about something called “Meaningful Beauty”. It’s endorsed by Cindy Crawford and it’s about some *doctor* in France who has found a super anti-oxident in a *rare melon* that promised to keep your skin looking young forever. I will say this: If you want to laugh out loud at 5am one of these mornings, you should try to catch this infomercial. I won’t go into the details of it here but it is hilarious, in an unintended way, from start to finish. You can probably find it on youtube.com
Regarding the Winter Meetings: I predict that the Meaningful Beauty infomercial will end up being more engaging than what will be happening at the Winter Meetings. At least for the Giants. I’m obviously going to follow the Meetings on twitter though what I’d really like to do is follow Sabean’s caravan to the Tampa strip clubs—something that also promises to be more interesting than the Winter Meetings.
I’m not spending the time on guessing who Sabean trades for IF he was going to pull off a deal for a left fielder next week. But I’ll throw up a poll about it.
A Place To Talk About Giants Baseball 
GH— I got off the goose egg and I’m at 2. That’s t-w-o. The leaders have 11. Still 23 of the top 50 yet to sign. I’m gonna have to start batting .700 to have a shot at this bad boy, lol
Belt would rake in Milwaukee, Loo. Look what doofus Nate did for the Cubs playing in that yard–Belt’s a better hitter right now than Nate will ever be, you don’t have to sit him vs. LHP and he doesn’t injure himself. by end of the year Belt was hitting better than Posey did in the 3 spot and is a better defender too. He’s inexpensive and I’d rather keep him than romo; not sure he can handle workload of 45-50 saves a year too much longer.
Some editor should put together a collection of Nip’s 5 AM posts, short and brutal, stronger than haikus.
Yes, Belt should not be traded. Period. As for the Winter Meetings.. are there any Flappers in or near FLA? That would be interesting, for someone to follow Sabes around with a camera and report on what exactly he’ll be doing there…. š As for Nipper.. other than everyone thinking he does actually live “in a van down by the river”, does anyone really know? 5am posts? Ok, I’m in Asia, that’s normal for me, 5am Cali time is 9pm here, and I’m certainly not in a van down by the river… C’mon, Nip, time to fess up. Your Soph persona seems to have been laid to rest, how about the van mystique? :-p
With their Beltran signing the Evil Empire might be willing to move Brett Gardner. Were the speedy outfielder a RHB, he would be a no-brainer acquisition for SF. But he’s still worth a long look if the asking for the 30 YO would not be too high. With a lifetime OBP of over .350 and having led the AL last season in triples, plus stealing over 20 bases, the all three positions outfielder could be a natural in Willie Mays Field. With limited power, Gardner is more the stereotypical slash hitter who gets his share of doubles, legs out triples and is a threat on the basepaths.
Evidently several teams have expressed an interest, so the Yanks might jerk them around a bit to see what pops up. He’d probably cost the Giants third best starting prospect and second best pen prospect plus throwing in Blanco as an OF space filler. MLBTR is trying to link SF with Ichiro, who at age 39, would be no uptick over Gregor as he’s become virtually the poster-boy for declining skills.
Having been born and bred in the Yankees system, as well as having scouted several of their better players over the past couple decades, Sabean should have an in with the Empire. Doesn’t mean Cashman would not try sweating him to the max in a trade, though. Prospect is intriguing, however. Gardner would factor better at leadoff than Pagan and might play a superior CF. Angel batting 7th could make for a long and snaggy lineup with essentially no holes, particularly if Posey recovers some of his thunder and Sandoval comes on like it’s his walk year.
I was just reading that same blurb about Gardner and Ichiro at MLBTR. I could see either of those happening with Ichiro more likely. He isn’t what he once was but I think Ichiro would be a good addition.
“And when the night is cloudy
There is still a light that shines on me
Shine on until tomorrow, let it be
I wake up to the sound of music
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, she says:
Giants- 7 World Series championships,
Dodgers- 6.”
So far, 14 No to 1 Yes.
Now, that’s confidence in — Tampa strip clubs…
I don’t think he makes a trade and that’s probably good news. Right now he’d likely get fleeced if he goes in with the mind set of gee, flavor and his crew are getting antsy. I gotta fucking do something…anything! š
No. Go about it like he’s fully prepared to go with Blanco -Perez.
The LAST thing he wants to appear is desperate. I trust he’ll make a deal if and when one comes along that is to their liking, like the Melky and Pagan deals. Or the Scutaro heist. Even Garko only cost them some A ball pitcher whose name I’ve forgotten.
Sabes traded for Pagan 2 years ago today. Desperate is having an OFer go down in May, and having no alternatives; that’s when you get fleeced…
That’s where the farm system needs to help. What happened to Brown is a big mystery.
But realistically, you lose a Pagan or Posey for the year, you’re probably in trouble.
There’s no obvious help for the OF in the farm system for 2014…
Players like Gardner can become avail right up through ST. There’s plenty of time. But it sounds like they would be ready to spend big at the deadline, when teams are more likely to dump a prime time player.
As for private time, I heard the Sabean’s play bridge with the Tidrows or the Cashmans and are in bed by 10. š
Maybe I missed it, but I’ve heard little carping here about dropping Sandy Rosario. That move surprised me. I thought he showed promise; in fact, somewhere here I said he was one of the more promising elements of the 2013 season. I don’t get it.
Yanks need a 2B now, right? What are we overstocked? We ain’t getting Gardner. Plus they love him. It’s not that I want to trade Belt (or Crawford, or Sandoval). I just think at least one of’ em is a goner. Sabean does not stand pat after a losing season.
This is a recording.
How about trading them Scoots for Ichiro? Ichiro is near the end but he’s cheap as fuck and I have always maintained that he’d hit dozens and dozens of doubles and triples hitting at ATT. His swing was built for ATT…….
Just not on Pearl Harbor Day, please…
I would be down with Ichiro and I don’t even think it would cost that much (Scoots). I also understand that Morse is on the radar.
I just don’t see Belt getting traded. The same reasons he appeals to other clubs are why the Giants will keep him.
This Missouri/Auburn game is a joke. Neither team is playing any defense at all. If you don’t play any defense whatsoever you deserve to get killed in whatever BCS game you make it into…..
This is no better than the Fresno State v. SJ State track meet last week. SEC as best conference my ass…
that AZ ST TD was just a weird, busted play. Stanford doesn’t give that up again tonight. We manhandle these be-atches and then Rose Bowl ticket ourselves with ease…..
New post:
http://zekesplace.wordpress.com/2013/12/07/and-barbecue-will-make-you-saucy/
David Shaw is a freaking idiot. I hope those time outs he refuses to call at the end of the first half, a season long problem, are something he can use in the after life because they sure as F are useless now.
couldn’t agree more. I hate Shaw. His daughter now plays on Katie’s soccer team so I have to temper my loathing of him. But he is the most conservative coach this side of Harbaugh. He plays to win, he doesn’t care by how much. That will bite you in the ass way more often than you fumble a big lead away…..
The good news is that my swearing has led to a lot of pushups (the standard punishment here)!
nice. Hey, if I bring back the daily BBOTD would you start posting more? I’m thinking I go that direction first instead of haiku’s. Might start tomorrow. Stay tuned
What happened to Gary Brown is not a big mystery (responding to Salty above). Here’s the deal with A-ball: (and I’ve posted this at least 10 times):
Most of the pitchers in A ball have a fastball and most of the hitters can hit a fastball. The best of that lot sort themselves out. You don’t find out what you have with either till you get them up to AA or AAA and see what happens when the ball starts bending. And it starts coming in at different speeds. Same way the other way: if you’re a pitcher in A ball you better be able to bend it and/or throw it at different speeds.
I put less than no stock in what A ball players do…..
And if I was a GM I would horde my currency of A-ball studs and trade their asses for MLB ready players. The hope of what A-ball players might bring you is nothing when you consider what they could bring you in trades…..
fucking Skov…….$
cajuste has been outstanding. my jury is still out on hogan.
Ohio St. v. Mich. St. result shows how dumb these rankings are. #10 beats #2. Next year you’ll have a 4-team playoff, that’s better than 2. But, they need at least an 8-team playoff to see who is really the best. Having a computer essentially pick the top 2 for the champ game is so idiotic. How would the NFL fans like it if after the season is over, the computer picks New England vs. Carolina for the Super Bowl, with no playoffs? There’d be a national riot. I think Stanford would beat Ohio State by 17 on a neutral field. And, Stanford would beat Auburn easily. Florida St? That’d be a tough one…
“A lot of times when you get to the winter meetings, the market for free agents kind of loosens up or really comes to a head,” Giants GM Brian Sabean said. “I think everybody’s probably viewing the market as one that is very much on the one hand buyer beware and on the other hand, if you can satisfy a need and fit it into your payroll, teams are willing to” make it rain.
Flav was right, this is the winter strip club meetings.
not losing any sleep over Giants not getting Nate McLouth. Yes he hit 12 bombs for the O’s but he wouldn’t hit near that many at ATT. He hit better the year before for them, which makes me think league started to figure him out. Last time few years ago in the NL he was terrible. blanco had a better OB and higher WAR ranking according to BR and OPS+ almost equal. In other words, another Nate the less than great–if you don’t like blanco this guy isn’t much of an improvement at a few mil more.
Me? I love the fact that no one knows what Sabes is going to do. I like the fact that he keeps his cards close to his vest. Conversely, idiots like Cashman and Steinbrenner Jr. – announce to the media how they have nothing to talk about with Cano until he lowers his price $80 million dollars. Whatever.
He is also spot on regarding the Giants not making any offers to free agents where it costs them a number 1 draft choice. How’s that been working for you Yankees? In short, the Yankees are old and they have zero prospects in their minor league system. Essentially, the only way they can improve is by spending a gazillion dollars annually year in and year out.
Regarding the “wannabees” such as the Mariners, I have seen this play out before. In fact, the Miami Marlins did an epic face plant when they wanted to “wear the big boy pants.” Fast forward last season, they went 62-100. Anywho, the Mariners will regret that Cano contract. I GUARANTEE IT.
Yeah, Blade. When was the last good player developed by the Yankees? Probably Cano. Will be interesting to see how it all plays out with their ‘old’ team.
Flav, agree about the huge leap from A ball. And Brown didn’t fare as well in AA. But players do usually fare a lot better in AAA. For him to completely lose it was a surprise. There was still hope prior to the season that he could rebound and get a call up.
Salty, I’m fairly certain about this – Sabes as the Yankees chief scout, was responsible for drafting or signing as amateurs the likes of Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, J. T. Snow, Jorge Posada and Andy Pettitte. As you pointed out, who have the Yankees signed of worth since then? Cano and fill in the blanks.
Besides Sabean, you have to go back to Bob Watson, who made excellent decisions (as Ewisco pointed out the other day). “If things go right, they’re his team. If things go wrong, they’re your team. His favorite line is, ‘I will never have a heart attack. I give them,'” says former Yankees general manager Bob Watson about George Steinbrenner.
Sabes must have had a couple of “Good Penny” years!
Anyone else tuning in on that Eagles/Lions game? Weather is unbelievable.
Crazy game. Speaking of football, Sandawg’s at the Niner game today
Sandawg musta had a great time.
Yee Haw! Fun game.
The refs helped New England win again.
“I’m so surprised,” said no one ever.
The refs also helped New England lose a couple this season, too.
Sabean will come through. Of course I’m going on faith and his experience. Damn this coffee is strong! Whew….I know this stuff will kick in later. Yuban dark ….very strong indeed!
If you get a chance Nip, brew up some of Peet’s French Roast. Good stuff, my friend, good stuff.
Only 1 more home game Dec. 23 for Niners, who likely will be on road for playoffs, right?
Our SanDawg do anything appropriate (or *in*) as a send off?
I know the place was frigid even during the daytime and hard to get in and out of, but it was *our dump*, where we went to see best (and sometimes worst) players playing the game we loved.
Walking up cardiac hill? scorecards? upper deck sun? dirt parking lot wind? freezing night games? check.
Mays Marichal Wille Mac Ron herbel Joel Youngblood? check. *two outs Jack* clark? yep, that too.
I think the place should stand as some kind of monument to uh, don’t do this again.
Willie, I loved the Stick. I got so tired of the A’s fans talking up the Coliseum (how times change), that I wouldn’t go to Oaktown even if the ticket was free. The Stick, man, that was the place. It stood during Loma Prieta and it should be left alone now. I know the powers that be are in a hurry to build condos or something, but the Stick should be left alone to collapse when it’s ready.
I remember Bonds telling K and K once about warning guys on ATT “hey it gets cold here”.
ATT is Malibu compared to the Stick.
I dug the place too, man. Saw all my heroes and the best NL had to offer there from early 60s on.
Might have tried to go up one of the ramps outside upper deck and burn one last funny one (just something else I don’t do anymore) for old time sake.
Isn’t that site an EPA superfund toxic waste site? I think they have to launch all the dirt around there into space, or some shit.
Yeah, I did get to a game (AZ) earlier in the year. I may go to the Ram game for a final farewell. This is the 3rd nominal dynasty I’ve seen. Starting with Brodie, Gene Washington, Ted Kwalick, Dave Wilcox, Jimmy, Johnson, etc. the Montana years, and now Harbaugh and Kappy. Off all the games I saw, I didn’t see the Catch, or the Catch II, or the Catch III. Saw Young’s mad scramble, Brodie’s triumphant comeback and subsequent heartbreak a week later in 1972. Montana’s coming out 28 point comeback game in 1980, Steve Young’s hard fought victory in the 1994 NFC Championship game, Saint Kenny Stabler nearly erasing a 21 point deficit in the waning minutes of a rain-soaked game somewhere around 1980, John Taylor and his 2 epic punt returns on a must-win Monday night game vs Washington, Montana and Dan fouts deuling in an epic game the Niners eventually lost 41-37. Got a stack of ticket stubs about 2 inches thick of various games.
Not to mention the thousands of Giants games, including the infamous 2-outs-Clark game, the Maddox hat game, seeing Tommie Agee smash his face against the chain link fence in the OF, Mays and Bonds colliding and Bonds getting knocked out, Mike Ivie’s granny, Darrell Evans hitting a ball 10 rows into the RF upper deck (2 rows in front of me), Lou Pinella pulling 1st base out of the ground and throwing it into the outfield, the Lasorda riot, Krukow out-deuling Fernando Valenzuela 2-1, Gaylord Perry winning game 1 of the 1971 playoffs over the Pirates, aaaaaaaaaaaaaah. crazy……………………. We came, We saw, We survived . . . I got drunk, stoned, got arrested, thrown out, snuck back in countless times. My 2nd date with my future wife was an afternoon Giants game. Croix de Candlestick, baby!!! It was a shit-hole, but it was OUR shit-hole.
Excellent post Chuck. I saw the 1st 1981 Montana 49er game against the Cowboys where they destroyed the Cowboys 45-14, but didn’t see the “Catch” playoff game. Lon Simmons son in law (a fire captain at the fire department I worked at in Mountain View) invited me to the game. I took my girlfriend and he was with his wife. At this October game, I was so shit faced that when I was introduced to Lon Simmons, I said, “You sure as hell don’t look like Bill King.” Umm . . . He wasn’t amused. Fuck him. LOL. I also almost fell off the 2nd level, while cheering for the ‘Niners, but my buddy pulled the back of my shirt, where I plopped back in my seat.
I also saw the Mays/Bonds collision as they went up against the cyclone fence in center right field. Everything else is a blur . . . Like you, I was mostly stoned and/or shit faced at most of the games I went to. š