Saltzman Says... Organizational Depth Chart (Jan. 12, 2012 Edition)

San Francisco's Updated Organizational Depth Chart: (1/12/12 Edition)

Right Handed Pitchers:

RHSP Matt Cain (ML)

RHRP Santiago Casilla (ML)
RHRP Steve Edlefson (ML)
RHSP Tim Lincecum (ML)
RHRP Guillermo Mota (ML)

RHRP Sergio Romo (ML)
RHSP Ryan Vogelsong (ML)

RHRP Brian Wilson (ML)
RHRP Boof Bonser (Invite to Spring Training)

RHP Dan Ortero (Fresno Grizzlies/40 Man)
RHP Josh Banks (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Casey Daigle (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Andrew Kown (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHRP Marc Kroon (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Shane Loux (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Scott Munter (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Ronnie Ray (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Felix Romero (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Hector Correa (Richmond Flying Squirrels/40 Man)

RHP Justin Fitzgerald (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
RHRP Heath Hembree (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
RHP Mitch Lively (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
RHP Daryl Maday (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
RHP Edwin Quirarte (Richmond Flying Squirrels)

RHSP Jake Dunning (San Jose Giants)
RHP Jacob Dunnington (San Jose Giants)
RHP Stephen Harrold (San Jose Giants)

RHSP Chris Heston (San Jose Giants)

RHSP Michael Main (San Jose Giants)
RHP Osris Matos (San Jose Giants)
RHP Andy Reichard (San Jose Giants)
RHP Jose Valdez (San Jose Giants)
RHSP Craig Westcott (San Jose Giants)

RHP Chris Wilson (San Jose Giants)
RHP Brett Bochy (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Drew Bowlin (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Edward Concepcion (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Austin Fleet (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Taylor Rogers (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Seth Rosin (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Shawn Sanford (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Justin Schumer (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Jeremy Toole (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Brandon Allen (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Wilber Bucardo (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Brennan Flick (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Kendry Flores (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Matthew Graham (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Cody Hall (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Cameron Lamb (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Rafael Martinez (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Lorenzo Mendoza (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Reinier Roibal (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Stephen Shackleford (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
----------

Left Handed Pitchers:

LHP Jeremy Affeldt (ML)

LHP Madison Bumgarner (ML)

LHP Javier Lopez (ML)
LHP Dan Runzler (ML)
LHP Erik Surkamp (ML)

LHP Barry Zito (ML)
LHP Brian Burres (Invite to Spring Training)
LHP Matt Yourkin (Fresno Grizzlies)

LHP Justin Dowdy (Fresno Grizzlies)
LHP Geno Espineli (Fresno Grizzlies)
LHP Craig Clark (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
LHP Chuck Lofgren (Richmond Flying Squirrels)

LHP David Quinowski (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
LHP Wilmin Rodriguez (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
LHP Chris Gloor (San Jose Giants)
LHSP Kelvin Marte (San Jose Giants)
LHP Ari Ronick (San Jose Giants)
LHP Tom Vessella (San Jose Giants)
LHP Ryan Bradley (Augusta Green Jackets)
LHP Michael Kickham (Augusta Green Jackets)
LHP Mario  Rodriguez (Augusta Green Jackets)
LHP Gaspar Santiago (Augusta Green Jackets)
LHP Aaron King (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
LHP Phil McCormick (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
LHP Jack Snodgrass (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
----------

Catchers:

C Buster Posey (ML)
C Hector Sanchez (ML) 

C Chris Stewart (ML)
C Eli Whiteside (ML)

C Jackson Williams (Fresno Grizzlies)

C Max Ramirez (Fresno Grizzlies)
C Aaron Lowenstein (Richmond Flying Squirrels)

C Johnny Monell (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
C Eliezer Zambrano (Richmond Flying Squirrels)

C Tommy Joseph (San Jose Giants)
C Alex Burg (San Jose Giants)
C Jesus Navarro (San Jose Giants)
C Jeff Arnold (Augusta Green Jackets)
C Daniel Burkhart (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
C Mike Murray (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
C Joseph Staley (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)

----------

First Baseman:

1B Aubrey Huff (ML)
1B Brandon Belt (ML) 

1B Brett Pill (ML)
1B Angel Villalona (???/40 Man)
1B Wes Hodges (Richmond Flying Squirrels)

1B Luke Anders (San Jose Giants)
1B Josh Mazzola (Augusta Green Jackets)
1B Ryan Scoma (Augusta Green Jackets)
1B Brice Cutspec (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)

---------- 
Second Baseman:

2B Manny Burris (ML)
2B Mike Fontenot (ML)
2B Freddy Sanchez (ML) 

2B Brock Bond (Fresno Grizzlies)
2B Charlie Culberson (Richmond Flying Squirrels/40 Man)
2B Ryan Lormand (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
2B Ryan Covan (San Jose Giants)
2B Juan Ciriaco (San Jose Giants)
2B Carlos Willoughby (Augusta Green Jackets)
2B Kaohi Downing (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
2B Julio Izturis (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)

---------- 

Third Baseman:

3B Pablo Sandoval (ML)

3B Conor Gillaspie (Fresno Grizzlies/40 Man)
3B Chris Dominguez (Richmond Flying Squirrels) 

3B Drew Biery (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
3B Nick Noonan (San Jose Giants) 
3B Jose Flores (San Jose Giants)
3B Adam Duvall (Augusta Green Jackets)
3B Garrett Buechele (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)

---------- 
Shortstops:

SS Brandon Crawford (ML)
SS Joaquin Arias (???)

SS Sharlon Schoop (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
SS Ehire Adrianza (San Jose Giants/40 Man)
SS Carter Jurica (San Jose Giants)
SS Bobby Haney (Augusta Green Jackets)
SS Ydwin Villegas  (Augusta Green Jackets)
SS Joel Weeks (Augusta Green Jackets)
SS John Eshleman (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
SS Joseph Panik (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)

----------

Outfielders:

LF Melky Cabrera (ML)
OF Justin Christian (ML)
CF Angel Pagan (ML)
RF Nate Schierholtz (ML)
OF Tyler Graham (Fresno Grizzlies/40 Man)

OF Justin Christian (Fresno Grizzlies)

OF Brad Eldred (Fresno Grizzlies) 
OF Edgar Gonzalez (Fresno Grizzlies)

RF Roger Kieschnick (Richmond Flying Squirrels/40 Man)
CF Francisco Peguero (Richmond Flying Squirrels/40 Man)
LF Wendell Fairley (Richmond Flying Squirrels) 
CF Juan Perez (Richmond Flying Squirrels)

LF Skyler Stromsmoe (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
OF Gary Brown (San Jose Giants)
OF Jarrett Parker (San Jose Giants)

OF James Simmons (San Jose Giants)
OF Raynor Campbell (Augusta Green Jackets)
LF Dan Cook (Augusta Green Jackets)
LF Devin Harris (Augusta Green Jackets)
CF Chris Lofton (Augusta Green Jackets)
RF Ryan Lollis (Augusta Green Jackets)
LF Rafael Rodriguez (Augusta Green Jackets)

CF Jesus Galindo (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
OF Ryan Honeycutt (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
OF Charles Jones (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
OF Brett Krill (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
OF Leonardo Ochoa (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
OF Shawn Payne (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
----------
Designated Hitters
DH Tyler LaTorre (Fresno Grizzlies)  
DH Nick Liles (San Jose Giants)
----------

Saltzman Says...two sides to every Warrior

Warriors are entering a new season with a new owner, new asst. general manager, new head coach, and some new players.  Optimism is in the air like the smell of old converse sneakers in the old run down gym used to shoot the movie Hoosiers.

As a season ticket holder since 2005, I cannot share the optimism.  However, here is the best case scenario and worst case scenario for each player this season.

PG Stephen Curry
Positive:  He is entering his third season, and usually that is when a young point guard can really blossom.  He has improved several parts of his game, and as the unquestioned leader of the team, he can elevate even further with a more disciplined approach to defense.  Becomes one of the best PG's in the game.

Negative: He is undersized for PG on both ends of the floor, and he is never able to defend his position.  He regresses as a passer and struggles to run the offense.  Ends up a 2nd unit 2 guard like Jason Terry or Ben Gordon or J.J. Redick, instead of an elite PG.

SG Monta Ellis
Positive: He doesn't care about anything but winning.  He becomes the NBA steals leader without sacrificing the lane again and again.  He becomes a solid defender, and continues to be deadly from 18'.  His three point shot improves, and he gets to the free throw line more with his takes to the basket.

Negatives: The trade rumors continue, the turmoil with management never heals, he is sent packing and never lives up to his full potential in Oakland.  Worse, he stays here, but stays a shoot first, shoot second 2 guard with no defense to be proud of and never goes to the line.

SF Dorell Wright
Positives: He continues to be one of the best 3 point shooters in the game, but his defense is the centerpiece of Mark Jackson's team.  He is able to stabilize Kobe, LeBron, and Dirk at different times during the year, and his defense makes him one of the best all around players in the league.

Negatives: He becomes nothing more than an outside shooter.  His defense falters and he becomes a liability as the starting 3.

PF David Lee
Positives: His grit and toughness evolves into production on the defensive end, and his hustle and hard work allows him to lead the league in offensive rebounds.  His double double's help lead the team on both ends of the floor.

Negatives: His offense becomes nothing more than an occasional elbow jumper.  He becomes a stat collector for rebounds and never grabs a hustle rebound or gets a key put back.  His money becomes a strain on the team's finances and they can't bring in an impact player for several years.

C Andris Biedrins
Positives: His double double's come back, as he gets back to using his quickness to get to the glass without fear of the free throw line.  His defense gets even better as he solidifies the back end of the defense.  His free throw shot improves with dedication.

Negatives: His game is shot, his toughness is permanently gone, and he becomes a $9 million lump on the end of the bench.

Bench

PG Charles Jenkins
Positives: He gets added to the long list of New York City PG's who flourish in the NBA.  He gets points in the paint and makes great passes on the offensive end, and holds his own on defense.

Negatives: He can't get accustomed to the NBA, and struggles with turnovers and his defense at the next level.

SG/SF Klay Thompson
Positives: Becomes a seamless transition to the NBA, much like Stephen Curry, with his NBA lineage.  His shot keeps him earning minutes, and his points per game helps lead a young bench to a much improved season.

Negatives: Can't hang on the defensive end with his size and lack of elite quickness and he can't get his own shot at the NBA level.

PF Ekpe Udoh
Positives: His defense anchors the 2nd unit and he becomes a relentless rebounder and shot blocker.  He starts to learn the offensive side of the game a little and can put up points with open jumpers.

Negatives: Is a complete non factor on the offensive end, and spends too much time on the bench in foul trouble.  He gets handled by bigger and stronger 4's and can't keep good 4's out of the paint for easy points.

C Kwame Brown
Positives: His defense keeps the rim off limits to the 2nd unit and he earns some starts with his defensive play.  He actually provides 6-8 PPG with put backs and hustle plays and contributes on both ends.

Negatives: He becomes a trade piece at the trade deadline on his one year deal and he has no impact on the offensive end at all.  He becomes a 6 foul defender who can't help at the 5, and leaves Biedrins on the floor way too many minutes a game.  Even worse, Lou Amundson and Biedrins are stuck playing key center minutes because of his inability to play.

PF Lou Amundson
Positives: Great energy guy off the bench who helps the 2nd unit keep the best teams out of the paint and away from 2nd chance points.

Negatives: Becomes a liability on both ends with an inability to score and a inability to defend.

C Jeremy Tyler
Positives: Becomes a force in the middle by the end of the year with his ability on both ends.  Is the steal of the draft with his size and ability.  Can score in the low post and can defend the rim.  No need for Kwame Brown next year because of his growth.

Negatives: Permanent D-League player who never makes it to Oakland.

Saltzman Says...You can't trade an untouchable

Tim Lincecum of the San Francisco Giants will not be traded by Brian Sabean.  That is an accurate statement.  It is true today.  It is true tomorrow.  It will be true as long as Tim Lincecum is healthy, effective and/or upright. 

Atlanta had a similar trio forming and then dominating in the 1990's.  Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz became the cornerstone of a 14 year playoff run in Atlanta.

Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Madison Bumgarner will be that for San Francisco.  There are huge doubts about reaching 14 years, however it won't be due to a lack of pitching.  At this point, those three help lead San Francisco to the same amount of championships already as Atlanta, and there is no reason to think the need for a bat outweighs the formula that won them the title in the first place.

Dave Cameron of Fan Graphs is wrong.

"...they’d clear between $25 and $30 million off the books in 2012 salary – enough to re-sign Carlos Beltran, add a real center fielder, and have enough left over to bring in a pitcher to replace Lincecum in the rotation."

Are you kidding?  What pitcher is going to replace Lincecum.  IF the Giants did trade Lincecum, they wouldn't replace him anyway.  They would just use the 5 man rotation they would still have with Zito and Sanchez both staying in the rotation.  Dan Runzler, Eric Surkamp and others would be kept as well in case of injury or ineffectiveness.

Saltzman Says...1 Year Anniversary brings back memories

November 1, 2010.

1 year ago today the Giants won their first championship in San Francisco.  At 7:29pm, Brian Wilson struck out Nelson Cruz and the Giants beat the Texas Rangers 3-1.  Edgar Renteria's home run was the clincher and Tim Lincecum's 8 inning masterpiece gave the Giants a long awaited title.

Here's to the 25 men who forever changed Bay Area history with an unforgettable championship run.

Saltzman Says...Bay Area Bullets 10/27/2011

• 49ers are coming off a bye week at 5-1, with a three game lead in the NFC West and the Cleveland Browns coming into town.  Even Jim Harbaugh had no idea they could be in the driver seat this much.  "Who's does it better than us?  NOBODY!"  I guess not.
• Raiders head into their bye week with more questions than answers despite a mostly successful first half.  Injuries to key players, including Jason Campbell and Darren McFadden, and the big news of Carson Palmer have turned an up and coming team, back into the Raiders again.  Can Hue Jackson turn the ship around once again...stay tuned.
• Warriors will be having a charity basketball game at San Jose State November 5th.  Matt Barnes has organized a 'We Believe' team vs the current Warriors.  Baron Davis and Monta Ellis have not confirmed attending however.
• Let the cost cutting begin, as the A's cut Michael Wuertz, who would have earned $3.25 million.
• A's might be buying 5 acres of land cheap near HP Pavilion.  The city of San Jose must approve the purchase, as well as Major League Baseball.
• Despite a record of 8-12-14, the Earthquakes only have 1 loss in their last 5 games.
• Stanford takes on USC Saturday at 5pm on ABC.  This will do a lot to determine who has the upper hand in the PAC-12.

Will HP Pavilion have a new neighbor from Oakland?

Saltzman Says...We still Believe!!!

According to Matt Steinmetz of CSN Bay Area, the "We Believe" Warriors plan to take on the current Warriors in a charity game.

Baron Davis, Jason Richardson, Stephen Jackson, Matt Barnes and Al Harrington are all rumored to be a part of a charity game to take on Monta Ellis, Stephen Curry, Dorell Wright, David Lee, and Andris Biedrins.

Bottom line, 'We Believe' will destroy them.

Saltzman Says...Breaking down the Giants 25 Man Roster (January 12th Edition)

Rotation:
1. #1 Starter: Tim Lincecum
2012 Salary Situation: Arbitration Eligible (Year 3)
2012 Projected Salary: $19.2 million

2. #2 Starter: Matt Cain
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $15 million (with added extension??)

3. #3 Starter: Madison Bumgarner
2012 Salary Situation: Team Controlled Contract
2012 Projected Salary: $850K

4. #4 Starter: Ryan Vogelsong
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $3 million

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com has the breakdown (on Twitter). Vogelsong will earn $3MM in 2012, $5MM in 2013, and then a $6.5MM club option with a $300K buyout for 2014 comes into play. The total guarantee is $8.3MM.

5. #5 Starter: Barry Zito
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $19 million ($46 million buyout unlikely)

Starters Estimated Payroll Impact: $56.5 million

Other candidates to start: Dan Runzler and Erik Surkamp, (eligible to pitch in the minors.) 

Possible Free Agent Starters include: Jon Garland, Hiroki Kuroda, Jason Marquis, Brad Penny, Javier Vasquez

Bullpen:
6. Closer Brian Wilson
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $8.5 million

7. Setup Man Sergio Romo
2012 Salary Situation: Arbitration Eligible (Year 1)
2012 Projected Salary: $1.3 million

8. Lefty Specialist Javier Lopez
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract through 2013
2012 Salary: $4.25 million

SAN FRANCISCO -- Left-handed reliever Javier Lopez has agreed to an $8.5 million, two-year contract to stay with the San Francisco Giants, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Sunday.
Lopez -- one of baseball's most reliable lefties out of the bullpen -- had been set to become a free agent before receiving a new deal, confirmed under the condition of anonymity because the team had yet to make a formal announcement. Lopez will earn $4.25 million in 2012 and '13.

9. Right Handed Reliever Santiago Casilla
2012 Salary Situation: Arbitration Eligible (Year 2)
2012 Projected Salary: $1.9 million

10. Left Handed Reliever Jeremy Affeldt
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $5 million

11. Right Handed Reliever Guillermo Mota
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $1 million 

12. Long Man/Spot Starter Dan Runzler
2012 Salary Situation: Team Controlled
2012 Salary: $480K 

Bullpen Estimated Payroll Impact: $22 million ($78 Million Pitching Staff)

Other Candidates to Relieve: Steve Edlefson and Waldis Joaquin (eligible to pitch in the minors.)

Possible Free Agents:

Starting Lineup: 
13. Center Field Angel Pagan

2012 Salary Situation: Arbitration Eligible (Year 4)
2012 Projected Salary: $4.7 million

14. Second Base Freddy Sanchez

2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $6 million

15. Third Base Pablo Sandoval

2012 Salary Situation: Arbitration Eligible (Year 1)
2012 Projected Salary: $3.2 million

16. Catcher Buster Posey

2012 Salary Situation: Team Controlled Contract
2012 Projected Salary: $1 million

17. Left Field Melky Cabrera
2012 Salary Situation: Free Agent
2012 Projected Salary: $4.5 million

18. First Base Aubrey Huff

2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $11 million

19. Right Field Nate Schierholtz

2012 Salary Situation: Arbitration Eligible (Year 1)
2012 Projected Salary: $1.2 million

20. Shortstop Brandon Crawford
2012 Salary Situation: Team Controlled
2012 Projected Salary: $480K


Lineup Estimated Payroll Impact: $32 million (110 million total)

Other Candidates to Start: Brandon Belt at 1st/LF


Bench:
21. Catcher Eli Whiteside
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Projected Salary: $1 million

6. First Base Brett Pill
2012 Salary Situation: Team Controlled Contract
2012 Projected Salary: $480K

6. Infield Mike Fontenot
2012 Salary Situation: Arbitration Eligible (Year 3)
2012 Projected Salary: $1 million

6. Infield Emmanuel Burriss
2012 Salary Situation: Arbitration Eligible (Year 1)
2012 Projected Salary: $1 million

6. 4th Outfield Brandon Belt
2012 Salary Situation: Team Controlled Contract
2012 Projected Salary: $480K

Bench Estimated Payroll Impact: $4 million

Estimated Payroll: $114 million
Aaron Rowand ($12 million)

Total Payroll: $126 million

Saltzman Says...Answering Giants Questions

First and foremost
1. Matt Cain signed long term is priority #1 because he will be a free agent after this year.

Short term, Long term, The Freak is staying.
2. Tim Lincecum prefers short term deals, but the Giants would like to sign him long term if possible.

If we can only keep one lefty...
3. Jeremy Affeldt will be re-signed even if his option isn't picked up, in case Javier Lopez is too expensive to re-sign.

Too expensive to keep?:
4. Javier Lopez and Carlos Beltran will probably be offered more years/money than the Giants would like to spend.

Buster is still our catcher, but...
5. Buster Posey will be our starting catcher, but after him is another story.  Chris Stewart is the most likely to return with an outside chance Eli Whiteside could remain the backup.  Hector Sanchez should begin 2012 in the minors, so the question will be if the Giants go get a catcher in the open market to backup Posey.

Logjam at 2nd will get clearer.
6. Freddy Sanchez healthy is an oxymoron to Giants fans, but when he is, there is no issues at 2nd.  Will Jeff Keppinger be kept as insurance, or will he find an every day job somewhere else.  Manny Burriss has a better glove and Mike Fontenot's lefty bat are intriguing, but who stays is anyone's guess.  Even Conor Gillaspie will get a look next year.

Put down the cookies Panda! Put down the beer and cigarettes Huff Daddy!
7. Aubrey Huff and Pablo Sandoval's conditioning is the biggest offensive question marks of the players returning.

Brandons not Ready for Prime Time.
8. Both Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford are having problems with their swing, and both could use some more minor league seasoning if possible.

Nate still Great, but the rest of the outfield...
9. Nate Schierholtz is the 2012 starting right fielder barring an upgrade or a fall off at the plate.  Neither Andres Torres, Justin Christian or Cody Ross seem like options to start 2012 in CF, so the question becomes who will.  Gary Brown is not ready and might not be until 2013.  Even if he is ready sooner, the team will not go into Spring Training with Torres and Ross only as options.  Torres and Ross might not even be brought back, but if they are, it will be to compete for the 4th or 5th outfield spot.  Pat Burrell has said he will only return to SF if he does come back in 2012, and Darren Ford doesn't have the bat to go with his legs.

Saltzman Says...2012 Giants new additions??

CF Coco Crisp (Sign as a Free Agent)
2B Freddy Sanchez
3B Pablo Sandoval
C Buster Posey
LF Nelson Cruz (Trade Erik Surkamp/Dan Runzler/Steve Edlefson)
1B Gaby Sanchez (Trade Jonathan Sanchez/Santiago Casilla)
RF Nate Schierholtz
SS Brandon Crawford

Cruz could provide much needed right handed pop at AT&T

Wouldn't you want this guy having your back?

Anyone who closelines Nyjer Morgan is a stud in my book

Bench:
C Chris Stewart
1B Aubrey Huff
2B Jeff Keppinger
3B Omar Infante (Sign as a Free Agent)
OF Cody Ross (Sign as a Free Agent)
OF Juan Pierre (Sign as a Free Agent)

Rotation:
SP Tim Lincecum
SP Matt Cain
SP Madison Bumgarner
SP Ryan Vogelsong
SP Barry Zito

Bullpen:
RP Guillermo Mota
RP Jeremy Affeldt
RP Ramon Ramirez
RP Javier Lopez
RP Sergio Romo
CL Brian Wilson

------------------------------------------------------
Instead of bringing Carlos Beltran back, we use his money to re-sign our pitching, and sign Crisp and Infante. We get a true leadoff hitter as a buffer for Gary Brown in a year or two and we get a true utility player to replace the void of Juan Uribe. Juan Pierre gives us a major league hitter with the speed of Darren Ford.

We let Pat Burrell, Mark DeRosa, Eli Whiteside, Mike Fontenot, Andres Torres, Bill Hall, and Manny Burriss go. Cody Ross as well as Aubrey Huff could all be gone before the year ends, if not sooner, if we find better options.

We move 5 good pitchers (Jonathan Sanchez, Santiago Casilla, Erik Surkamp, Steve Edlefson and Dan Runzler) and we get two potent right handed bats in Nelson Cruz and Gaby Sanchez.

Now we can let Brandon Belt get his year in AAA, we can get Pablo and Buster some protection, and we can let Nate Schierholtz and Brandon Crawford's defense stay in the lineup. We can also let Darren Ford go back to AAA, where is bat belongs.

Saltzman Says...My 2012 Off-Season Checklist

1. Sign Tim Lincecum to a 5 year (2012-2016) $90 contract extension ('12 $15 mil, '13 $16 mil, '14 $18 mil, '15 $20 mil, '16 $21 mil)
2. Sign Matt Cain to a 5 year extension (2013-2017) $85 contract extension ('12 $15 mil, '13 $15 mil, '14 $16 mil,'15 $17 million, '16 $18 million, '17 $19 million)
3. Tell Madison Bumgarner, Buster Posey, Pablo Sandoval and Brian Wilson that they will get extensions before the 2013 off-season. Tell Sergio Romo he will get his extension in 2014.
4. Make Brandon Belt an everyday player, sharing 1B and LF with Aubrey Huff and whoever plays LF.
5. Work out contracts to avoid salary arbitration with Santiago Casilla, Jeff Keppinger, Ramon Ramirez, Pablo Sandoval, Nate Schierholtz, Sergio Romo and Ryan Vogelsong.
6. Do not offer arbitration to Andres Torres and Jonathan Sanchez
7. Let Jeremy Affeldt ($500K buyout), Carlos Beltran, Pat Burrell, Orlando Cabrera, Mark DeRosa, Mike Fontenot, Cody Ross become free agents.
8. Re-Sign Jeremy Affeldt, Javier Lopez, and Guillermo Mota.
9. Sign a leadoff hitter who can play center field [i.e. Coco Crisp] to a 1-2 year contract.  Buffer for Gary Brown in two years, but also upgrade from Andres Torres/Cody Ross.
10. Do not sign any current players who are free agents to a contract lasting more than two years. {example: Beltran at 2 years, $20 million is smart, but 4 years $60 is way too much.}

1. Tim Lincecum
2. Matt Cain
3. Madison Bumgarner
4. Ryan Vogelsong
5. Barry Zito (Eric Surkamp)

6. Jeremy Affeldt
7. Santiago Casilla
8. Javier Lopez
9. Guillermo Mota
10. Ramon Ramirez
11. Sergio Romo
12. Brian Wilson

13. CF Coco Crisp [example]
14. 2B Freddy Sanchez
15. 3B Pablo Sandoval
16. C Buster Posey
17. LF Brandon Belt
18. 1B Aubrey Huff
19. RF Nate Schierholtz
20. SS Brandon Crawford

21. Chris Stewart
22. Brett Pill
23. Jeff Keppinger
24. Cody Ross
25. Darren Ford

Saltzman Says...Rowand and Tejada just the beginning

Aaron Rowand and Miguel Tejada were the 1st two casualties of a record setting offense being released by the San Francisco Giants.  Of course, by record setting, I mean one of the worst offenses in league history, who have set records for consecutive solo home runs and will be establishing records for lack of run support by the team the season is over.  Rowand and Tejada's departure sends a clear and seismic pulse throughout the locker room that each and every veteran felt.

Aubrey Huff, the team's offensive leader in 2010, has been below average the entire year of 2011.  If he continues to struggle into 2012, Brandon Belt will be given the keys at first base, and another 8 figure salary will be chopped.  Cody Ross and Andres Torres, the NLCS MVP and Willie Mac Award winner in 2010, will both be looking for job in another outfield if they do not improve before next season.  Ross is a free agent after the year and Torres is eligible to be offered salary arbitration.  The Giants might not even offer Torres arbitration. Carlos Beltran, who has had a terrible time calling AT&T Park home, will want big money (4 years, $60 million, according to Scott Boras) to stay, so he can play as bad a Rowand and still be happy in San Francisco.

Mark DeRosa, Orlando Cabrera, Pat Burrell and Mike Fontenot will all be free agents as well, and while all four would be low cost returns in 2012, none of the four are guaranteed even a contract offer.  They all might have to be invited to Spring Training.

Guillermo Mota, who was offered an invite to Spring Training each of the last two years, might be more likely to get a contract after his consistency out of the bullpen and his versatility on top of that. Javier Lopez, Ramon Ramirez, Santiago Casilla and Jeremy Affeldt are not sure returns either, but the talented bullpen should stay in tact in 2012.

Will Zito be the next massive contract to go?

All of that talk pales in comparison to the biggest elephant in the room, Barry Zito and his bloated, oversized, unnecessary, franchise altering contract.  Zito may be staying for no other reason than the team's reluctance to pay him and watch him pitch for someone else.  Jonathan Sanchez, who started 2011 as the team's #2 starter over Matt Cain, might not make the rotation if the team can bring back Ryan Vogelsong.  Sanchez will certainly be an option to trade.  Eric Surkamp, Craig Westcott and others can certainly challenge for a 5th spot in the rotation if the team decides to trade Sanchez or dump Zito.

The only certainty is that Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner, Sergio Romo, and Brian Wilson will pitch for the Giants in 2012.  Buster Posey, Belt, Freddy Sanchez, Pablo Sandoval, and Nate Schierholtz will hit in 2012.  And, a lot of veterans will be spared to keep the pitching staff performances count for something.


Bullet Point look at next year by position:

Starting Pitching signed through next year

• Madison Bumgarner
• Matt Cain 
• Barry Zito

Relief Pitching signed through next year

• Brian Wilson

Lineup signed through next year

• C Buster Posey
• 1B Aubrey Huff
• 2B Freddy Sanchez

Pending Arbitration Eligible Pitchers

• Santiago Casilla
• Tim Lincecum
• Ramon Ramirez
• Jonathan Sanchez

Pending Free Agent Pitchers

• Jeremy Affeldt
• Javier Lopez
• Guillermo Mota
• Sergio Romo
• Ryan Vogelsong

Pending Arbitration Eligible Hitters

• Jeff Keppinger 
• Pablo Sandoval
• Nate Schierholtz
• Andres Torres

 Pending Free Agent Hitters

• Carlos Beltran
• Pat Burrell
• Orlando Cabrera
• Mark DeRosa
• Mike Fontenot
• Cody Ross

Saltzman Says...Projected 25 Man roster next year

Would the veteran Coco Crisp be the spark the Giants need?

San Francisco Giants 2012 Opening Day Roster:

SP Tim Lincecum (re-signed)
SP Matt Cain
SP Madison Bumgarner
SP Ryan Vogelsong (re-signed)
SP Barry Zito

RP Guillermo Mota (re-signed)
RP Ramon Ramirez (arbitration)
RP Santiago Casilla (arbitration)
RP Jeremy Affeldt (re-signed)
RP Javier Lopez (re-signed)
RP Sergio Romo (arbitration)
RP Brian Wilson

C Buster Posey
1B Aubrey Huff
2B Freddy Sanchez
SS Brandon Crawford
3B Pablo Sandoval
LF Brandon Belt
CF COCO CRISP (added as a Free Agent)
RF Nate Schierholtz

C Chris Stewart
2B Jeff Keppinger (arbitration)
SS Orlando Cabrera (re-signed)
OF Cody Ross (re-signed)
OF Andres Torres (re-signed)

Obviously, if we can move Jonathan Sanchez, release Aaron Rowand, and maybe trade some prospects, we can upgrade our lineup more than simply Coco Crisp.  Re-signing Ryan Vogelsong is probably just as important as signing a player like Crisp.  37 Stolen Bases at the top of the lineup is certainly a welcomed addition to what Andres Torres is not doing.

Saltzman Says...Recap in 140 of 8/23/11 SF vs SD

@SaltzmanSays Michael Saltzman

#SFGiants Recap in 140: Cain 7IP, Sanchez the III gets 1st MLHit, OCab gets the big 2RBI hit, RamRam allows 2R's in 9th, #BlameRowand 6LOB

 

Follow all my Twitter posts @SaltzmanSays

Premier League Season Preview

Premier League Season Preview

The Wait is over! If I wasn't a baseball fan, summer would possibly be the worst time of
the year for me. Without sports I just cannot survive and its fantastic to get some diversity this
time of year with soccer, hockey, football and basketb... (nevermind) on the horizon. Alright
enough of all these introductory cliche paragraphs. Let's get right down to it.

As a Liverpool FC fan, I was gutted to see Manchester United win the Premier League
last season. They claimed hold of being Premier League's best by winning their 19th title,
knocking Liverpool of the perch, who held the record, having 18 titles, a record they preserved
for almost 45 years. However, after failing to win the Premier league since 1990, and
Manchester United winning it 12 times since then, it was a heartbreaking thing to witness. And
as much as it hurts to say this, they look the firm favorites to win it again this year. The
Acquisitions of Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David De Gea had definitely increased the teams
depth, and even after their long serving midfield maestro Paul Scholes and their outstanding
goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar both retired last year, it doesn't look like they are going to be
threatened by any other Premier League team, sadly...

For Chelsea, who finished 2nd last year, bringing the youngest manager to manage a
premier league team (aged 33) to take charge of a team that is highly ambitious is a huge risk.
Andres Villas Boas (the new manager) is a fantastic tactician, and worked wonders with the
Portuguese Club Porto last season, after the team lost their best 2 players, by delivering the
Portuguese League trophy and winning the UEFA Europa league last season. His main intention
would be to get the best out of Fernando Torres, for who Chelsea splashed £ 50 million to
acquire him from Liverpool. If the team stays fit for the who season and stays consistent, which
clearly wasn't the case last season, I can see them challenge for the title. In ideal circumstances, I
believe they'll finish 3rd this season.

For Manchester City, after splashing out a total of approximately £ 420 million since the
rich Arabian owners took over the club, the team has transformed from a club living under the
shadows of Manchester United to a premier league contender. I have high hopes for them,
especially under their manager Roberto Mancini. The arrival of Sergio Aguero is a fantastic
signing for not only city but for the premier league as well. They have way too much depth in
every area of their team and I can see them strongly contending for the title. I have a feeling
they'll miss winning it by the smallest of margins against United on the final day, putting them in
2nd place.

Liverpool will finish 4th for me. Ill explain why in another post.

I can see Arsenal finish 5th after they are set to lose their 2 most priced assets in Fabregas
and Nasri. Van persie is a fragile as a wine glass and I just cannot see him stay fit for a whole
season. Wenger (Arsenal's manager) has to get his head straight and spend some serious money
instead of relying on his youth policy which has fetched him nowhere for the last 6 years.

Arsenal is like my 2nd favorite team since that was the 1st team I watched play as I was growing
up in my younger years. If Wenger doesn't deliver a strong title challenge or win a cup, it's tough
times ahead. The fans are already enraged since they pay the most in the premier league to see
the team play (A cup of tea costing £ 2.50 and ticket prices soaring to £ 50 minimum0 and if the
team doesn't play for a bang for the buck, it's not going to go well in the Gooners territory next
year.

As for relegation, it's going to be a dogfight to survive in the Premier League next year.
For people who are new to this concept, in the Premier League(and most of the European
League) the teams that finish in the last 3 spots in a particular season are relegated to the lower
league (known as the Championship). This leads them to lose their best players, tons of TV
revenue money and sponsorships. The top 3 teams from the championship are promoted to the
Premier League to play the following year. I can see a 6 team battle to survive against
Blackburn, QPR, Swansea, Norwich, Wolves and Wigan.

1) Manchester United (Ow the pain! Hurts like **** to write this)
2) Chelsea (Villas Boas is a Boss. People underestimate him too much)
3) Manchester City
4) Liverpool
5) Arsenal
6) Spurs
7) Bolton
8) Everton
9) Sunderland
10) Stoke
11) Fulham
12-16) Blah
17) Wolves (Survive again)
18) Blackburn
19) Wigan (I hope they do go down, its so boring to see liverpool play there with 2000 fans)
20) Swansea

Saltzman Says...Shutterfly Book at McAllister & Hyde

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Saltzman Says...ON Twitter!!

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Get all the latest Bay Area Sports Updates.  See the latest August Waiver Wire news for the A's and Giants.  Check out the latest free agent news on the 49ers and Raiders.  Check out the latest on the Warriors and Sharks off-season, and keep up with all the local college teams. 

Saltzman Says...Giants Depth Chart (Updated 7/31/11)

San Francisco's Updated Organizational Depth Chart: (7/31/11 Edition)

Right Handed Pitchers:

RHSP Matt Cain (ML)

RHRP Santiago Casilla (ML)
RHSP Tim Lincecum (ML)
RHRP Guillermo Mota (ML)

RHRP Ramon Ramirez (ML)
RHRP Sergio Romo (ML)
RHSP Ryan Vogelsong (ML)

RHRP Brian Wilson (ML)

RHP Josh Banks (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Casey Daigle (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHRP Steve Edlefson (Fresno Grizzlies/40 Man)
RHP Waldis Joaquin (Fresno Grizzlies/40 Man)
RHP Andrew Kown (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHRP Marc Kroon (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Shane Loux (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Scott Munter (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Dan Ortero (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Ronnie Ray (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Felix Romero (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Hector Correa (Richmond Flying Squirrels)

RHP Justin Fitzgerald (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
RHRP Heath Hembree (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
RHP Mitch Lively (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
RHP Daryl Maday (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
RHP Edwin Quirarte (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
RHSP Jose Casilla (San Jose Giants/40 Man)

RHSP Jake Dunning (San Jose Giants)
RHP Jacob Dunnington (San Jose Giants)
RHP Stephen Harrold (San Jose Giants)

RHSP Chris Heston (San Jose Giants)

RHSP Michael Main (San Jose Giants)
RHP Osris Matos (San Jose Giants)
RHP Andy Reichard (San Jose Giants)
RHP Jose Valdez (San Jose Giants)
RHSP Craig Westcott (San Jose Giants)

RHP Chris Wilson (San Jose Giants)
RHP Brett Bochy (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Drew Bowlin (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Edward Concepcion (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Austin Fleet (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Taylor Rogers (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Seth Rosin (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Shawn Sanford (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Justin Schumer (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Jeremy Toole (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Brandon Allen (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Wilber Bucardo (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Brennan Flick (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Kendry Flores (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Matthew Graham (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Cody Hall (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Cameron Lamb (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Rafael Martinez (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Lorenzo Mendoza (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Reinier Roibal (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Stephen Shackleford (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
----------

Left Handed Pitchers:

LHP Jeremy Affeldt (ML)

LHP Madison Bumgarner (ML)

LHP Javier Lopez (ML)
LHP Jonathan Sanchez (ML)

LHP Barry Zito (ML)
LHP Dan Runzler (Fresno Grizzlies/40 Man)
LHP Matt Yourkin (Fresno Grizzlies)

LHP Justin Dowdy (Fresno Grizzlies)
LHP Geno Espineli (Fresno Grizzlies)
LHP Craig Clark (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
LHP Chuck Lofgren (Richmond Flying Squirrels)

LHP David Quinowski (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
LHP Wilmin Rodriguez (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
LHP Erik Surkamp (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
LHP Clayton Tanner (Richmond Flying Squirrels/40 Man)
LHP Ryan Verdugo (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
LHP Chris Gloor (San Jose Giants)
LHSP Kelvin Marte (San Jose Giants)
LHP Ari Ronick (San Jose Giants)
LHP Tom Vessella (San Jose Giants)
LHP Ryan Bradley (Augusta Green Jackets)
LHP Michael Kickham (Augusta Green Jackets)
LHP Mario  Rodriguez (Augusta Green Jackets)
LHP Gaspar Santiago (Augusta Green Jackets)
LHP Aaron King (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
LHP Phil McCormick (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
LHP Jack Snodgrass (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
----------

Catchers:

C Buster Posey (ML)

C Chris Stewart (ML)
C Eli Whiteside (ML)
C Hector Sanchez (Fresno Grizzlies/40 Man)

C Jackson Williams (Fresno Grizzlies)

C Max Ramirez (Fresno Grizzlies)
C Aaron Lowenstein (Richmond Flying Squirrels)

C Johnny Monell (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
C Eliezer Zambrano (Richmond Flying Squirrels)

C Tommy Joseph (San Jose Giants)
C Alex Burg (San Jose Giants)
C Jesus Navarro (San Jose Giants)
C Jeff Arnold (Augusta Green Jackets)
C Daniel Burkhart (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
C Mike Murray (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
C Joseph Staley (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)

----------

First Baseman:

1B Aubrey Huff (ML)
1B Brandon Belt (Fresno Grizzlies) 

1B Brett Pill (Fresno Grizzlies)
1B Wes Hodges (Richmond Flying Squirrels)

1B Luke Anders (San Jose Giants)
1B Josh Mazzola (Augusta Green Jackets)
1B Ryan Scoma (Augusta Green Jackets)
1B Brice Cutspec (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)

---------- 
Second Baseman:

2B Mike Fontenot (ML)
2B Jeff Keppinger (ML)
2B Freddy Sanchez (ML)

2B Manny Burris (Fresno Grizzlies/40 Man)
2B Brock Bond (Fresno Grizzlies)
2B Bill Hall (Fresno Grizzlies)
2B Charlie Culberson (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
2B Ryan Lormand (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
2B Ryan Covan (San Jose Giants)
2B Juan Ciriaco (San Jose Giants)
2B Carlos Willoughby (Augusta Green Jackets)
2B Kaohi Downing (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
2B Julio Izturis (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)

---------- 

Third Baseman:

3B Pablo Sandoval (ML)

3B Mark DeRosa (ML)
3B Conor Gillaspie (Fresno Grizzlies/40 Man)
3B Chris Dominguez (Richmond Flying Squirrels) 

3B Drew Biery (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
3B Nick Noonan (San Jose Giants) 
3B Jose Flores (San Jose Giants)
3B Adam Duvall (Augusta Green Jackets)
3B Garrett Buechele (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)

---------- 
Shortstops:

SS Orlando Cabrera (ML)
SS Miguel Tejada (ML)
SS Brandon Crawford (Fresno Grizzlies)

SS Sharlon Schoop (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
SS Ehire Adrianza (San Jose Giants/40 Man)
SS Carter Jurica (San Jose Giants)
SS Bobby Haney (Augusta Green Jackets)
SS Ydwin Villegas  (Augusta Green Jackets)
SS Joel Weeks (Augusta Green Jackets)
SS John Eshleman (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
SS Joseph Panik (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)

----------

Outfielders:
RF Carlos Beltran (ML)
LF Pat Burrell (ML)

LF Cody Ross (ML)
CF Aaron Rowand (ML)
RF Nate Schierholtz (ML)

CF Andres Torres (ML)
OF Justin Christian (Fresno Grizzlies)

OF Brad Eldred (Fresno Grizzlies) 
CF Darren Ford (Fresno Grizzlies)
OF Edgar Gonzalez (Fresno Grizzlies)
OF Tyler Graham (Fresno Grizzlies)
LF Travis Ishikawa (Fresno Grizzlies)

LF Wendell Fairley (Richmond Flying Squirrels)

RF Roger Kieschnick (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
CF Francisco Peguero (Richmond Flying Squirrels/40 Man)
CF Juan Perez (Richmond Flying Squirrels)

LF Skyler Stromsmoe (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
OF Gary Brown (San Jose Giants)
OF Jarrett Parker (San Jose Giants)

OF James Simmons (San Jose Giants)
OF Raynor Campbell (Augusta Green Jackets)
LF Dan Cook (Augusta Green Jackets)
LF Devin Harris (Augusta Green Jackets)
CF Chris Lofton (Augusta Green Jackets)
RF Ryan Lollis (Augusta Green Jackets)
LF Rafael Rodriguez (Augusta Green Jackets)

CF Jesus Galindo (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
OF Ryan Honeycutt (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
OF Charles Jones (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
OF Brett Krill (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
OF Leonardo Ochoa (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
OF Shawn Payne (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
----------
Designated Hitters
DH Tyler LaTorre (Fresno Grizzlies)  
DH Nick Liles (San Jose Giants)
----------

Saltzman Says...Latest Bay Area Tweets

Just for fun
Latest from guys we like to boo (courtesy of Jerry Crasnick)
@jcrasnick: Mat Latos tells XX-1090 radio in SD that when #Padres trade Heath Bell, "This will become a heartless clubhouse." Yikes. #trades
1 hour ago

San Francisco 49ers
Latest from Matt Maiocco on the 49ers
@MaioccoCSN: Heitmann started 114 games at three different line positions. Nedney leaves as most accurate kicker in 49ers' history. http://bit.ly/qBjbEK
1 hour ago

@MaioccoCSN: The 49ers have released/failed physical two respected veterans: OL Eric Heitmann (neck) and K Je Nedney (knee).
1 hour ago

Oakland Raiders
Latest from Adam Schefter on the Raiders
@AdamSchefter: More Bengals moves: Former Raiders LB Thomas Howard reached agreement with Cincinnati on a two year, $6.5 million contract.

@AdamSchefter: Seattle reached agreement with former #Raiders Robert Gallery on 3-year deal. Gallery and Tom Cable reunite.

San Francisco Giants
Latest from Andrew Baggarly on the Giants
@extrabaggs: Maybe Giants should hang onto Dan Runzler.  Tonight for Fresno: 5 shutout innings, 2 hits, 1 walk, niiiiiiiiine strikeouts.
12 hours ago

@extrabaggs: If, and this is a big if, the Giants have Eric Surkamp make big league debut Sunday, it'd be in his hometown.  Surkamp is a Moeller HS kid.
18 hours ago

Eric Surkamp is having as good a year as any pitcher for the Giants

Latest from Zach Wheeler on leaving the Giants
@Wheelerpro45: Thanks to all my teammates that I've had with the giants. Couldn't have asked for a better group of guys. I'll miss you guys.
22 hours ago

@Wheelerpro45: Thanks to all my San Fran fans who have been nothing but good to me
23 hours ago

Saltzman Says...Giants Depth Chart (Updated 7/28/11)

San Francisco's Updated Organizational Depth Chart: (7/28/11 Edition)

Right Handed Pitchers:

RHSP Matt Cain (ML)

RHRP Santiago Casilla (ML)
RHSP Tim Lincecum (ML)
RHRP Guillermo Mota (ML)

RHRP Ramon Ramirez (ML)
RHRP Sergio Romo (ML)
RHSP Ryan Vogelsong (ML)

RHRP Brian Wilson (ML)

RHP Josh Banks (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Casey Daigle (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHRP Steve Edlefson (Fresno Grizzlies/40 Man)
RHP Waldis Joaquin (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Andrew Kown (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHRP Marc Kroon (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Shane Loux (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Dan Ortero (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Ronnie Ray (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Felix Romero (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Hector Correa (Richmond Flying Squirrels)

RHP Justin Fitzgerald (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
RHRP Heath Hembree (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
RHP Mitch Lively (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
RHP Daryl Maday (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
RHP Osris Matos (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
RHP Edwin Quirarte (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
RHSP Jose Casilla (San Jose Giants/40 Man)

RHSP Jake Dunning (San Jose Giants)
RHP Jacob Dunnington (San Jose Giants)
RHP Stephen Harrold (San Jose Giants)

RHSP Chris Heston (San Jose Giants)

RHSP Michael Main (San Jose Giants)
RHP Andy Reichard (San Jose Giants)
RHP Jose Valdez (San Jose Giants)
RHSP Craig Westcott (San Jose Giants)

RHP Chris Wilson (San Jose Giants)
RHP Brett Bochy (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Drew Bowlin (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Edward Concepcion (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Austin Fleet (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Taylor Rogers (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Seth Rosin (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Shawn Sanford (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Justin Schumer (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Jeremy Toole (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Brandon Allen (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Wilber Bucardo (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Brennan Flick (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Kendry Flores (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Matthew Graham (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Cody Hall (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Cameron Lamb (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Rafael Martinez (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Lorenzo Mendoza (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Reinier Roibal (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Stephen Shackleford (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
----------

Left Handed Pitchers:

LHP Jeremy Affeldt (ML)

LHP Madison Bumgarner (ML)

LHP Javier Lopez (ML)
LHP Jonathan Sanchez (ML)

LHP Barry Zito (ML)
LHP Dan Runzler (Fresno Grizzlies/40 Man)
LHP Matt Yourkin (Fresno Grizzlies)

LHP Justin Dowdy (Fresno Grizzlies)
LHP Geno Espineli (Fresno Grizzlies)
LHP Craig Clark (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
LHP Alex Hinshaw (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
LHP Chuck Lofgren (Richmond Flying Squirrels)

LHP David Quinowski (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
LHP Wilmin Rodriguez (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
LHP Erik Surkamp (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
LHP Clayton Tanner (Richmond Flying Squirrels/40 Man)
LHP Ryan Verdugo (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
LHP Chris Gloor (San Jose Giants)
LHSP Kelvin Marte (San Jose Giants)
LHP Ari Ronick (San Jose Giants)
LHP Tom Vessella (San Jose Giants)
LHP Ryan Bradley (Augusta Green Jackets)
LHP Michael Kickham (Augusta Green Jackets)
LHP Mario  Rodriguez (Augusta Green Jackets)
LHP Gaspar Santiago (Augusta Green Jackets)
LHP Aaron King (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
LHP Phil McCormick (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
LHP Jack Snodgrass (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
----------

Catchers:

C Buster Posey (ML)

C Chris Stewart (ML)
C Eli Whiteside (ML)
C Hector Sanchez (Fresno Grizzlies/40 Man)

C Jackson Williams (Fresno Grizzlies)

C Max Ramirez (Fresno Grizzlies)
C Aaron Lowenstein (Richmond Flying Squirrels)

C Johnny Monell (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
C Eliezer Zambrano (Richmond Flying Squirrels)

C Tommy Joseph (San Jose Giants)
C Alex Burg (San Jose Giants)
C Jesus Navarro (San Jose Giants)
C Jeff Arnold (Augusta Green Jackets)
C Daniel Burkhart (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
C Mike Murray (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
C Joseph Staley (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)

----------

First Baseman:

1B Brandon Belt (ML)
1B Aubrey Huff (ML)

1B Brett Pill (Fresno Grizzlies)
1B Wes Hodges (Richmond Flying Squirrels)

1B Luke Anders (San Jose Giants)
1B Josh Mazzola (Augusta Green Jackets)
1B Ryan Scoma (Augusta Green Jackets)
1B Brice Cutspec (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)

---------- 
Second Baseman:

2B Mike Fontenot (ML)
2B Jeff Keppinger (ML)
2B Freddy Sanchez (ML)

2B Manny Burris (Fresno Grizzlies/40 Man)
2B Brock Bond (Fresno Grizzlies)
2B Charlie Culberson (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
2B Ryan Lormand (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
2B Ryan Covan (San Jose Giants)
2B Juan Ciriaco (San Jose Giants)
2B Carlos Willoughby (Augusta Green Jackets)
2B Kaohi Downing (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
2B Julio Izturis (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)

---------- 

Third Baseman:

3B Pablo Sandoval (ML)

3B Mark DeRosa (Fresno Grizzlies)
3B Conor Gillaspie (Fresno Grizzlies/40 Man)
3B Chris Dominguez (Richmond Flying Squirrels) 

3B Drew Biery (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
3B Jose Flores (San Jose Giants)
3B Adam Duvall (Augusta Green Jackets)
3B Garrett Buechele (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)

---------- 
Shortstops:

SS Brandon Crawford (ML)
SS Miguel Tejada (ML)
SS Nick Noonan (Fresno Grizzlies)

SS Sharlon Schoop (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
SS Ehire Adrianza (San Jose Giants/40 Man)
SS Carter Jurica (San Jose Giants)
SS Bobby Haney (Augusta Green Jackets)
SS Ydwin Villegas  (Augusta Green Jackets)
SS Joel Weeks (Augusta Green Jackets)
SS John Eshleman (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
SS Joseph Panik (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)

----------

Is Carlos Beltran the final piece to another championship?

Outfielders:
RF Carlos Beltran (ML)
LF Pat Burrell (ML)

LF Cody Ross (ML)
CF Aaron Rowand (ML)
RF Nate Schierholtz (ML)

CF Andres Torres (ML)
OF Justin Christian (Fresno Grizzlies)

OF Brad Eldred (Fresno Grizzlies) 
CF Darren Ford (Fresno Grizzlies)
OF Edgar Gonzalez (Fresno Grizzlies)
OF Tyler Graham (Fresno Grizzlies)
LF Travis Ishikawa (Fresno Grizzlies)

LF Thomas Neal (Fresno Grizzlies/40 Man)

LF Wendell Fairley (Richmond Flying Squirrels)

RF Roger Kieschnick (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
CF Francisco Peguero (Richmond Flying Squirrels/40 Man)
CF Juan Perez (Richmond Flying Squirrels)

LF Skyler Stromsmoe (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
OF Gary Brown (San Jose Giants)
OF Jarrett Parker (San Jose Giants)

OF James Simmons (San Jose Giants)
OF Raynor Campbell (Augusta Green Jackets)
LF Dan Cook (Augusta Green Jackets)
LF Devin Harris (Augusta Green Jackets)
CF Chris Lofton (Augusta Green Jackets)
RF Ryan Lollis (Augusta Green Jackets)
LF Rafael Rodriguez (Augusta Green Jackets)

CF Jesus Galindo (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
OF Ryan Honeycutt (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
OF Charles Jones (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
OF Brett Krill (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
OF Leonardo Ochoa (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
OF Shawn Payne (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
----------
Designated Hitters
DH Tyler LaTorre (Fresno Grizzlies)  
DH Nick Liles (San Jose Giants)
----------

Saltzman Says...Beltran for Wheeler

Carlos Beltran is a Giant

Beltran for Giants top prospect Zach Wheeler is certainly a risk.  Beltran, who is both injury prone and a pending free agent this off-season, could be a two month rental.  Wheeler, who is pitching in High-A San Jose this season, could be a #1 or #2 starting pitcher in a year or two.

With that said, the 2011 season called for the Giants to make this move.  If Buster Posey and Freddy Sanchez were healthy, the Giants don't offer Zach Wheeler to anyone.  With the offense playing the way they have all season, the Giants were not going to go into the post-season with the lineup as is. 

Beltran will be a free agent, but if he hits well at AT&T Park, it is possible to bring back the slugging switch hitter after the season.  Cody Ross, Andres Torres, Nate Schierholtz, Aaron Rowand and Pat Burrell have all under performed this year.  Schierholtz and Ross are the most likely to return next year, and Torres may still be a better hitting option than speedster Darren Ford.  More importantly, a middle of the order of Beltran, Posey and Sandoval next year will be a much better Opening Day lineup.

Zach Wheeler, who is by far the Giants #1 pitching prospect, should need at least a full year in Double-A before any promotion to the big leagues.  If the Mets rush him, he might crumble in the mass media of New York.  If they are patient and let him pitch in the minors, he could be one of their top starting pitchers by 2013.

Saltzman Says...Football is back

With the lockout officially over, I can finally start talking about the NFL again.  I refused to provide my two cents during the millionaires vs billionaires slap fight.

San Francisco 49ers: With the Free Agency period under way, things aren't looking so good for the men in Gold.

1. Alex Smith was re-signed for $5 million.  The 49ers seem to never learn from the previous 6 seasons.  Smith will not be a good QB no matter who is calling the plays.  You can dress up a turd, but it is still a turd.
2. Takeo Spikes, the emotional leader and second best LB on the team is leaving to reunite with departed defensive coordinator Greg Manusky in San Diego.  With Harbaugh and his staff comes a great loss to the defense.
3. Frank Gore is planning to holdout.  Gore has one year left on his contract and wants more money.  Running backs tend to wear down as they get older more than any other position, and the most valuable offensive player now plans to miss even more time on the field in the off-season.
4. The team also lost center David Baas to the New York Giants.

Oakland Raiders:  The Raiders started the shortened off-season with 17 free agents, many more than they had initally anticipated.

1. The list of 17 include offensive leader Zach Miller, who is team's only reliable threat in the passing game.  
2. Nnamdi Asomugha, arguably the best cover corner in football is as good as gone in free agency.
3. With all of that, the Raiders are well over the new cap.

All in all, things are not looking good for our two Bay Area pro football teams.  Things can turn around, but we will see.

Saltzman Says...Re-Post of Mid Season Report

San Francisco Giants Mid Season Report

A return to the World Series is obviously ideal, but first things first: Make the playoffs.  The best way to do that is to win the West.  As of today, the Giants are 44-34, a game and a half ahead of Arizona and 10 games over .500.  The team was 40-38 at the same time last year, and were in the midst of a seven game losing streak.

After all the injuries, and the worst run support in baseball, the Giants are in a better position to repeat as Western Division Champions.

As we approach the mid way point, here is my winners of my mid season awards:

MVP: Tim Lincecum
People are always so quick to name someone else the most valuable player so far this season because the expectations are so high for Lincecum.  But when you look at his results, he leads the teams in strikeouts, while giving up less earned runs and hits than the other two starters who have pitched all season (Cain, Bumgarner)  Jonathan Sanchez has given up less hits, but his walks is nearly double Lincecum.  The team's ace is the best pitcher on the best staff in baseball.  That makes him the Most Valuable Giant.  Period.


Lincecum and Romo might me the two best Giants so far in 2011

Most Improved Player: Sergio Romo
Romo has spent most of the last two years trying to become an 8th inning setup man for the Giants.  Not only has Romo solidified that in 2011, but he could arguably be the best pitcher on the staff so far this year.  He has been absolutely dominant, and has been putting up closer type stats.  He has 36 strikeouts and 4 walks in 24 innings.  He has helped keep the Giants bullpen one of the elite 'pens in all of baseball.

Best Surprise: Ryan Vogelsong
The former Giants farmhand spent most of his career in Japan, so when the 33 year old tried to make the team out of Spring Training, there were no expectations from fans.  When he didn't make the team, nobody was surprised because the team had 5 starting pitchers who were one of the healthiest in baseball in 2010.  However, when a foot injury sidelined Barry Zito, Vogelsong was called up.  All Vogelsong has done is led the staff in ERA (1.86), WHIP (1.09) and Walks per 9 (7.06) over his 11 starts.  All of this might mean a trip to Arizona during All-Star Weekend, despite starting the year in Fresno.

Most Reliable Player: Javier Lopez
Lopez had video game like numbers in the post-season last year, especially considering he had to face powerful left handed hitters Jason Heyward, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Josh Hamilton.  How could anyone be that dominant for an entire season against lefties?  Well if the first half of 2011 is any indication, Lopez can dominate any left handed hitter at any time.  Against left handers this year, he has an ERA of 1.00 over 18 innings worth of lefties.  He has only given up 6 hits and 2 earned runs in that span.  That certainly earns him the honor of Most Reliable.

Saltzman Says...Bochy must pick his own for the All-Star game

Bruce Bochy is a very smart baseball man.  He knows what he's doing.  He wouldn't make a decision without thinking it through.

1. Brian Wilson was selected by the players, so there was no Giant that had to be added to the All-Star roster.

2. Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain both were brilliant in the 2010 post season, which goes unrecognized by All-Star game selections.

3. Tommy Hanson of Atlanta, Kyle Lohse of St. Louis and Ian Kennedy of Arizona were all statistically better than all three Giants added by Bochy.

4. There are no rules saying a manager has the pick the most qualified for this exhibition game.

5. With the winner deciding home field advantage for the World Series, why wouldn't a manager wants his own guys?

Bottom line, not only does Bruce Bochy have every right to add Lincecum, Cain and Ryan Vogelsong to the All-Star game.  Also, it is much better to make sure the best players on your own team are happy instead of the best players on other teams.

Saltzman Says...Top 100 Players of 2011

Here is the players vote of the top 100 players of 2011

Here is my list of the top 100 NFL Players right now.  I am using a simple criteria.  If the NFL had to be re-drafted, who would be the first 100 players picked.  This will emphasize age along with everything else.

(Draft Order based on All-Time Wins)

1. Chicago Bears (704) - Aaron Rodgers, QB
2. Green Bay Packers (664) - Tom Brady, QB
3. New York Giants (636) - Peyton Manning, QB
4. Washington Redskins (547) - DeMarcus Ware, OLB
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (546) - Drew Brees, QB
6. St. Louis Rams (511) - Darrelle Revis, CB
7. San Francisco 49ers (509) - Adrian Peterson, RB
8. Philadelphia Eagles (509) - Ray Lewis, MLB
9. Detroit Lions (496) - Patrick Willis, MLB
10. Arizona Cardinals (488) - Nnamdi Asomugha, CB
11. Cleveland Browns (485) - Clay Matthews, OLB
12. Indianapolis Colts (451) - Joe Thomas, LT
13. Dallas Cowboys (440) - Jake Long, LT
14. Oakland Raiders (418) - Larry Fitzgerald, WR
15. Minnesota Vikings (413) - Troy Polamalu, SS
16. New England Patriots (401) - Dwight Freeney, DE
17. Denver Broncos (398) - Ed Reed, FS
18. Kansas City Chiefs (395) - Charles Woodson, CB
19. Miami Dolphins (394) - Andre Johnson, WR
20. San Diego Chargers (384) - Chris Johnson, RB
21. Tennessee Titans (377) - Julius Peppers, DE
22. Buffalo Bills (358) - Philip Rivers, QB
23. New York Jets (351) - Haloti Ngata, NT
24. Atlanta Falcons (289) - Calvin Johnson, WR
25. New Orleans Saints (286) -Reggie Wayne, WR
26. Cincinnati Bengals (286) - Jonathan Vilma, MLB
27. Seattle Seahawks (262) - Antonio Gates, TE
28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (218) - Jason Witten, TE
29. Jacksonville Jaguars (133) - Ben Roethlisberger, QB
30. Baltimore Ravens (128) - Matt Ryan, QB
31. Carolina Panthers (119) - Roddy White, WR
32. Houston Texans (55) -Michael Turner, RB

2nd Round
33. Bears - Brian Urlacher, MLB
34. Packers - Mario Williams, DE
35. Giants - Steven Jackson, RB
36. Redskins - Dwayne Bowe, WR
37. Steelers - Vince Wilfork, NT
38. Rams - Michael Vick, QB
39. 49ers - Champ Bailey, CB
40. Eagles - Nick Mangold, C
41. Lions - Marques Colston, WR
42. Cardinals - Justin Tuck, DE
43. Browns - Ndamukong Suh, DT
44. Colts - Wes Welker, WR
45. Cowboys - Jamaal Charles, RB
46. Raiders - DeSean Jackson, WR
47. Vikings - Maurice Jones-Drew, RB
48. Patriots - Greg Jennings, WR
49. Broncos - James Harrison, OLB
50. Chiefs - LaMarr Woodley, OLB
51. Dolphins - Trent Cole, DE
52. Chargers - B.J. Raji, NT
53. Titans - Jay Ratliff, DT
54. Bills - D'Brickashaw Ferguson, LT
55. Jets - Terrell Suggs, OLB
56. Falcons - Asante Samuel, CB
57. Saints - Robert Mathis, DE
58. Bengals - Ray Rice, RB
59. Seahawks - Jahri Evans, T
60. Buccaneers - Andre Gurode, C
61. Jaguars - Dallas Clark, TE
62. Ravens - Casey Hampton, NT
63. Panthers - Logan Mankins, G
64. Texans - Tony Romo, QB

3rd Round
65. Bears - Brian Waters, G
66. Packers - Brian Orakpo, OLB
67. Giants - Lance Briggs, MLB
68. Redskins - Chris Snee, G
69. Steelers - Frank Gore, RB
70. Rams - Tamba Hali, DE
71. 49ers - Jerod Mayo, MLB
72. Eagles - Tony Gonzalez, TE
73. Lions - Jared Allen, DE 
74. Cardinals - Vernon Davis, TE 
75. Browns - Miles Austin, WR
76. Colts - Darnell Dockett, DT
77. Cowboys - Brian Cushing, MLB
78. Raiders - Jon Beason, MLB
79. Vikings - John Abraham, DE
80. Patriots - Adrian Wilson, SS
81. Broncos - Steve Hutchinson, G 
82. Chiefs - Brandon Marshall, WR
83. Dolphins - Shaun Phillips, OLB
84. Chargers - Richard Seymour, DE
85. Titans - Antrel Rolle, S
86. Bills - Darren McFadden, RB
87. Jets - Matt Schaub, QB
88. Falcons - Kevin Williams, DT
89. Saints - Arian Foster, RB
90. Bengals - Osi Umenyiora, DE
91. Seahawks - London Fletcher, MLB
92. Buccaneers - Jordan Gross, LT
93. Jaguars - Justin Smith, DE
94. Ravens - Devin Hester, WR
95. Panthers - Joe Flacco, QB
96. Texans - Cameron Wake, OLB

4th Round
97. Bears - Maurkice Pouncey, C
98. Packers - Jason Peters, LT
99. Giants - Jeff Saturday, C
100. Redskins - Eli Manning, QB

Saltzman Says...Andris Biedrins trade makes sense, but...

Andris Biedrins has been, by far, the biggest disappointment for the Warriors over the last two years.  After a tough injury riddled season in Don Nelson's last season as the head coach, Biedrins came back in 2010 and had his worst season as an NBA player.  He became the worst free throw shooter in the league, and it became so bad, it affected him on both sides of the court.  He did not want to attack the basket with his quickness on the offensive end because he was afraid to get fouled. That lack of effort led to less time on the floor and damaged the overall team defense.  Biedrins has been the one decent rim defender on the roster over the last several years, and to lose his ability to block shots, defend the rim in general and grab rebounds, the team again was the worst defense in basketball.

All that being said, he is only 25 years old, and still has 5-7 years to maximize his potential.  Once a double double machine at 22 and 23, became a liability since signing an extension with the former regime.  The $27 million he is owed over the next three years suggests they would listen to offers for the Latvian center.  At the same time, the Warriors are not afraid to spend money.

Will Biedrins finally live up to his hefty contract?

Cost cutting moves appear to be a thing of the past.  The Warriors paid $2 million to bring in a third draft pick in Jeremy Tyler, and did not move Biedrins on draft night despite reportedly being offered two expiring contracts.  Two big men, Haseem Thabeet and Jordan Hill may have been offered for Biedrins.  Houston may have asked for draft picks as well, but neither big man Houston offered has shown any potential to be better than Biedrins.

This is not the chris cohan led Warriors anymore, and with bobby fowell finally fired, the Warriors now have a complete front office, filled with bright basketball minds.

Saltzman Says...Bochy should bring his arms

With the All-Star game approaching the Giants certainly deserve more than 1 representative.  Since every team must have one representative, it is very possible that some deserving Giants will stay home so other teams can have a player at the game. Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Brian Wilson have represented the Giants over the last three seasons, with Lincecum at all three. 

Lincecum is still the best pitcher on arguably the best staff in baseball.  Even with Roy Halladay having the more impressive stats, Lincecum certainly should make his 4th straight appearance. 

The arguments could certainly start here as to who else the Giants should send to Arizona in July.  Both Cain and Wilson have had good years, and with Bochy getting the chance to manage, I can't imagine not seeing the Giant's closer at his third All-Star game.

Cain's numbers aren't necessarily All-Star worthy compared to others around the league, but the Giants have three other members of their staff that certainly could make the argument they belong.  Journeyman Ryan Vogelsong has an ERA below 2 in 11 starts and has been the best pitcher statistically since his call up from Fresno.  Relievers Sergio Romo and Javier Lopez have had closer like success for the Giant's bullpen.  All  three could be options for the Giant's skipper.

Will all six be a part of the mid-summer classic: very unlikely.  However, I could see at least three of the six making the trip.

1. Lincecum
2. Wilson
3. Romo
4. Vogelsong
5. Lopez
6. Cain

Will Wilson earn a 3rd trip to the Midsummer Classic?