Saltzman Says...Recalling an earlier Kevin Frandsen Post

Kevin Frandsen Update:

Frandsen signs a minor league deal with the Phillies.

After a tryout in Spring with the San Diego Padres resulted in his release, Kevin Frandsen had a deal lined up to Arizona.  After that deal fell through, the Philadelphia Phillies came calling.  With Luis Castillo being released today, Wilson Valdez is the only 2nd base option for the three-time NL East Champions currently on the roster.  Frandsen will provide much needed insurance in AAA if called on.  Chase Utley is injured, and with Frandsen's signing, it is clear that the Phillies don't have faith in a quick recovery or in their current crop at 2nd.  All of this is good news for Frandsen, who could be back in the bigs if Castillo doesn't work as a adequate fill in.

HERE is a link to my previous article on the San Jose native.

Started Pro Career at home in San Jose

Quickly moved up to Fresno

Became an instant feel good story

Given opportunity to start at 2nd

Was being looked at as a future .300 hitter

Achilles Tendon injury ended his season

Had a short stint with Pawtucket Red Sox

Signed and played for the Anaheim Angels

Had a Spring tryout in San Diego

Saltzman Says...Recalling an earlier Warriors post

Possible Free Agents Revisited:
Originally posted on 2/4/11
If the Warriors don't make a move at the deadline, they will have about $7 million to play with next off-season and their mid-level exception, which should be about $5 million a year.

If the Warriors were to pay DeAndre Jordan $7 million a year and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute and our own restricted free agent Reggie Williams a share of the $5 million a year mid level exception, I think we could make the playoffs.  We should probably bring back Vladimir Radmanovic for the veteran's minimum too.

Jordan could be an intimidating presence in the middle for the Warriors

Jordan gives us a legit shot blocker who will push Biedrins for minutes and should start.

Mbah a Moute could start at SF for us, and allow Dorell Wright to win sixth man of the year.  He could finally give us a replacement for Stephen Jackson, as he has shown the versatility to guard Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Dirk Nowitzki among others.

Would Mbah a Moute finally give us a defender like we had in Stephen Jackson?

Both can excel on the defensive end of the floor.  Both are restricted free agents for teams that have plenty of other big name free agents they might not be able to move (i.e. former Warriors Baron Davis and Corey Maggette respectively.)

If we draft a big point guard in June, we can give Curry someone to control the 2nd unit.

2011-12 Roster:
PG Stephen Curry
PG Draft pick
SG Monta Ellis
SG Reggie Williams (our own RFA)
SF Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
SF Dorell Wright
SF Vladimir Radmanovic (might be re-signed for vet's minimum)
PF David Lee
PF Ekpe Udoh 
C DeAndre Jordan
C Andris Biedrins
C Lou Admunson
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If we are playing a big team, we could put out a 5 of Curry/Wright/Mbah a Moute/Udoh/Biedrins and have more length and quickness.

If we are playing a slow team, we could put Curry/Ellis/Wright/Lee/Jordan and run them out of the gym.

I think we are close to being a respectable team, and we don't yet have the talent to compete with the elite teams.  Ellis averaging 25 a game, Lee averaging a double-double, and Curry growing into a starting point guard role can all end up improving even more next year.  That, on top of the possible new additions next year could finally get us into the playoffs on a consistent basis.