SF Giants Franchise

[mars040520]

I will be making a Giants franchise this year......if anyone remembers from last year I had a twins franchise for like a week but madden and school came. But with baseball approaching and me catching spring fever, I will be going far into this franchise, playing all 162 and then some(hopefully). I will be posting rotation and starting lineup projections later tonight, along with a look into possible moves in the future. If the Giants sign Manny, this will be an awesome franchise, even though it's not likely.

[mars040520]

Giants Projected Rotation
1. http://mlb.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_453311.jpg
Tim Lincecum

2. http://mlb.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_116615.jpg
Randy Johnson

3. http://mlb.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_430912.jpg
Matt Cain

4. http://mlb.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_217096.jpg
Barry Zito

5. http://mlb.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_456043.jpg
Jonathan Sanchez

According to Sporting News, the Giants have the top rotation in the National League, and pitching will be their obvious strength in 2009. In order for the Giants to be successful this year, they will need to rely on their superb rotation and new ace Tim Lincecum. Tim Lincecum recently stopped by with reporter Champ Kind, recently brought in from San Diego to discuss his appearance on the cover of MLB 2K9.
In San Francisco, Tim Lincecum is known as everything from The Franchise to The Freak.
But there's really only one nickname the Giants hurler actually likes.
"Seabiscuit," he laughs. "I used to be called that back when I was in college and I always thought it was funny."
Seabiscuit, the undersized, underdog horse who ran faster than he looked. Perfect nickname for a kid who was always the smallest one on his team. A kid who at first glance you might think was more apt for grinding rails on a skateboard than grinding through some of the best hitters in baseball. But as anyone who has seen Lincecum pitch, as anyone who has stepped inside the "House That Bonds Built" on a night when the 24-year-old phenom takes the mound and can feel the electricity in the usually subdued crowd can tell you, it's the batter who is really the underdog.

That's because the kid with the whirling windup has pitches so juiced they're usually reserved for video games.
And that's what makes him such a perfect fit for the cover of MLB 2K9, the upcoming game being developed in the Bay Area by the sports game gurus at Visual Concepts. It's Lincecum's biggest endorsement deal to date, and an honor that just happened to be announced the same day he won the Cy Young.
"It was a tremendous day for me," he says. "There were a lot of smiles, a lot of congratulations from people, but what really got to me is seeing what this award meant to others. The way my dad reacted and being able to share it with the friends I had around, that whole experience was amazing. Then getting announced as the 2K cover boy, that was just the cherry on top of the cake."

[mars040520]

Does anyone know how to change the font colors? I can't find the edit options.

[soldaderyan]

wow, Randy Jonhson thats true

[mars040520]

I put him second to split up the RRLLL combination. If that's a bad idea then I'll switch it.

[soldaderyan]

Does anyone know how to change the font colors? I can't find the edit options.

like this???????? = EDIT THEN go advanced

[mars040520]

like this???????? = EDIT THEN go advanced

thanks for the help

[MannybeinManny]

I don't know if I'd call the Giants rotation tops in the N.L. It's close though. Dunno what they'll get out of Johnson or Zito. The Cubs rotation looks pretty good as well :( (Cards fan speaking) thank god they didn't get Peavy lol.

[mars040520]

I don't know if I'd call the Giants rotation tops in the N.L. It's close though. Dunno what they'll get out of Johnson or Zito. The Cubs rotation looks pretty good as well :( (Cards fan speaking) thank god they didn't get Peavy lol.

I don't think it is either, but thats actually what Sporting News thinks.

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=517665

[MannybeinManny]

Who would be your top N.L rotation? I'm trying to think of teams lol whenever I do this I always forget someone.....Marlins....?not yet.........Braves-Much Improved but not #1........D-Backs...not enough depth after 1-2.........Cards ? ;) lol

[mars040520]

Not to be a homer, but I think my Cubs have the best NL rotation. When you have a guy like Ted Lilly as your #4, you're in good shape. The Cards are top 5 IMO, but Carpenter and Wainright have injury issues.

[mars040520]

GIANTS BATTING ORDER

1. http://mlb.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_502034.jpg
Burris 2B

2. http://mlb.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_430930.jpg
Lewis LF

3. http://mlb.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_133160.jpg
Winn RF

4. http://mlb.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_400023.jpg
Rowand CF

5. http://mlb.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_134260.jpg
Molina C

6. http://mlb.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_121074.jpg
Renteria SS

7. http://tinyurl.com/dztlfc http://tinyurl.com/aksbdq http://tinyurl.com/czs3rk
Bowker/Ishikawa/Aurilia 1B

8. http://msn.foxsports.com/fe/img/MLB/Headshots/140x170/6698.jpg http://tinyurl.com/br273q http://tinyurl.com/czs3rk
Uribe/Sandoval/Aurilia 3B

As you can see, there will be two heavily contested position battles going into spring training, both being at the corner IF spots. This lineup can be changed significantly if a FA like Manny Ramirez or Joe Crede is brought in. The Giants are heavily interested in Yankees 1B/OF Nick Swisher, who looks to be on the trading block.

[NEPatriot77712]

haha good luck. oh and i just read on mlbtraderumors that the giants no longer have interest in crede. just something i thought i should throw out there haha

[mars040520]

haha yea i just looked at that too, maybe they'll get Manny, or I'll have to make a trade for a bat like Swisher, Nady, or Uggla.

[NEPatriot77712]

yeah there is always that, but with that staff they should do fine haha. i think that the first thing i need to do in my franchise is lock up lackey and vlad with extensions. i cant afford to lose my best hitter and my best pitcher

[mars040520]

O yea definitely....are you gonna post it? And finally, are you going to put Arredondo at closer? I think hes a better fit for closer, but I can't see Scioscia (sp?) passing over Shields twice for the closer spot.

[americanboi]

good man for making a giants franchise! we dont really need him...but i'd LOVE to see griffey in a Giants uni...i guess that's what video games are for right?

[mars040520]

That would be an interesting acquisition, but could you imagine Griffey playin RF at AT&T Park? That would be atrocious defense.

[NEPatriot77712]

yes i am gonna post it, but i need to learn how to make it fancy first haha. Im actually gonna go with fuentes for closer(not sure if you knew we picked him up?) and ill probably go with arredondo for the SU. most likely ill try to go with what the Angels do in real life, ill try to get a strong 6 with my SP and go Shields Arredondo Fuentes to finish it. But if Lackey or Santana is going strong ill leave them in haha.

Im not sure how ill address my 5th starter though, because i know that my prospects wont be rated well haha

[mars040520]

O wow yea I TOTALLY forgot about fuentes lol. For the number 5 spot, you could prolly snatch a guy like Lowry(SF) or Heilman(CHC).

[NEPatriot77712]

i was thinking about that. i really want to see who gets the job in real life though haha. We have this prospect noones heard of named Anthony Ortega

Last year in little time at triple A he went 5-0 with a 2.52 ERA so theres a thought?

[NEPatriot77712]

hey mars how did you get the players picture in the post?

[mars040520]

i just went to the actual teams website, then go to roster, then click on player, then it shows a little bio. Right click the image in the bio then click view image so its a picture by itself. Copy and paste the url in between and

[NEPatriot77712]

k thanks and how do you change the font color like you did? sorry for all the questions

[mars040520]

well ur supposed to go to "Go Advanced" instead of quick reply, but when I do that I don't see the edit menu.

[NEPatriot77712]

i dont see it?

[mars040520]

yea neither do I. I think it might be because we're both "rookies". So what I do is put this following. For example, if i wanted to put something in green, i would put {COLOR=Green}stuffuwantingreen{/COLOR}

the only thing is you use [] instead of {}

[NEPatriot77712]

okay thanks bro i appreciate it!

[mars040520]

DIVISION OUTLOOKS 2009

With Pitchers and catchers reporting, baseball analyst Champ Kind made 6 division forecasts for Fox-Bay Area. He recently made his forecast for the NL West along with detailed looks into the division.

Here is his forecast.

NL West 2009

1. Arizona Diamonbacks-- The D'Backs look to revenge their disappointing finish to last season. They added depth to their rotation by signing veteran Jon Garland, who will slide into the number 4 spot in the rotation. Although they lost Orlando Hudson, they should be able to offset his loss. Projected Record= 93-69

2.LA Dodgers of LA-- Waiting for the Manny saga to end, the Dodgers still look reasonably well this year, especially with the added depth to the rotation. The losses of Derek Lowe and Takashi Saito will hurt, but expect Randy Wolf to slide into Lowe's spot and Cory Wade to step into Broxton's SU role, with Broxton sliding to the closer role. Projected Record=88-74

3. SF Giants-- The Giants look to add onto last year's progress, which saw Tim Lincecum develop into arguably the best starter in the NL. The Big Unit has been brought in to shore up the back end of the rotation, along with Barry Zito and Jonathan Sanchez. Expect Zito to rebound from last year's humiliating start and end up with around 13-15 wins. The offense will struggle, but they have to play small ball in order to score. Projected Record=84-78

4. Colorado Rockies- The Rockies lost slugger Matt Holliday to the A's last year in a trade, which brought back OF prospect Carlos Gonzalez and closer Huston Street. Street will fill in for Brian Fuentes, who was snatched in FA by the Angels. The Rockies will struggle this year, and expect them to ship Street and others at the deadline.Projected Record=74-88

5. SD Padres- The Padres surprisingly kept Jake Peavy, who was almost a guarantee to end up with the Cubs. Now that may still happen, but it looks like Peavy will break camp with the Pads. Expect the same from last year. No offense besides Gonzo. Projected Record=69-93

[mars040520]

http://www.mattbirmingham.com/content/binary/WindowsLiveWriter/CSSControlAdapterToolk.NETTreeViewbugfix_EEAE/champ_kind_43782a2e-51ae-4b92-a3c0-4104347c435c.jpg
Champ Kind's Rumor Watch
Here is a recap of my blog from last week regarding trade options for the Giants.

GM Mars seems to be counting on trades for power hitters from teams that are going to be dumping players due to the economy. This explains their lack of willingness to go beyond one year for Manny Ramirez. I've been trying to think of trade possibilities and I've struggled to find a better option than Ramirez on a 3 year deal.

Travis Hafner (Indians)- Makes about $13 million a year over the next 5 years and the Indians have Matt LaPorta about ready. Problem is he's one of those 1B/DH types that the Giants don't like.

Alex Rios, Vernon Wells (Blue Jays)- Blue Jays are having the most trouble out of any team when it comes to finances. Wells has a murder contract (6 years about $18 mill. per) and if I'm not mistaken Rios also signed a big extension before last year at about $10 million per.

Dan Uggla (Marlins)-Has about 3 affordable years of arbitration left. Probably would cost the most when it comes to giving talent in return on this entire list. A lot of power, improving OBP, defense a concern.

Jorge Cantu (Marlins)- Low OBP guy, defense a concern. Been inconsistent throughout his career.

Garrett Atkins (Rockies)-One year left on deal, poor #'s outside of Coors. No thanks.

Matt Holiday (A's)- Would cost a lot via trade, he's going free agent, will have multiple suitors and will cost more than $100 million if he has a good year. Pass. Too risky.

Carlos Lee (Astros)- Makes $18 million per over next 4 years. Great run producer, but if we're willing to pay this much, why not give Manny his 3-4 years?

Jermaine Dye (White Sox)-About 2 years/$22 mill. left. Older, has more power than what we got. Would add to OF glut. Jury's out on this one.

Adrian Beltre-One year left on deal, Boras guy. Is he really worth what it'd take to get him?

Magglio Ordonez (Tigers)- 3 years/$45 million left on deal, in hismid 30's, Tigers would probably ask for Sanchez in any deal.

Aubrey Huff (Orioles)- Final year of deal, looks like a good option

Prince Fielder, J.J. Hardy (Brewers)- They want Cain in a trade for either. Not gonna happen.[/CENTER]
Are these guys much better than Ramirez? Not sure if some magical trade will fall on our lap like management expects. Please feel free to post other possibilities.

[mars040520]

Giants, Lincecum not pursuing long term deal
http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/images/2009/02/15/TpqBZHLl.jpg

The Los Angeles Angels signed Ervin Santana to a four-year, $30 million contract Saturday. Might the Giants do the same with their own precocious, prolific right-hander, Tim Lincecum?
Perhaps, but not right away. Both club officials and Lincecum said Sunday that negotiations for a multiyear deal aren't active, though that could change with a single phone call and a productive chat.

"Nothing's going on right now," Lincecum said Sunday. Generally, he added, the business side of baseball concerns him "very little. I'm just worried about the season. What I hear, I hear about from my agent [Rick Thurman] and I haven't heard anything. I'm just playing the waiting game."

Lincecum's bargaining leverage approximates Santana's. Lincecum, 24, is the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner. Santana, 26, owns a 51-37 career record and is coming off an All-Star season in which he finished 16-7 with a 3.49 ERA.

Lincecum, 18-5 with a 2.62 ERA and a Major League-high 265 strikeouts last season, threw with his typical crispness off a bullpen mound during the Giants' opening workout for pitchers and catchers. It was only Lincecum's third throwing session off a mound this year, so he's still reacclimating himself.

"My dad always says, 'Find rhythm first,' so I tried to do that," Lincecum said.

At one juncture, Lincecum fiddled repeatedly with his two-seam fastball. Aided by bullpen coach Mark Gardner, Lincecum finally threw one he liked.

"Atta boy," catcher Eli Whiteside hollered.

"I figured it out," Lincecum called back, grinning

[mars040520]

Posey, Top Catching Prospect, Gets Crash Course from Giants
http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/images/2009/02/15/olbsyhYj.jpg

Among the gifts Buster Posey received during a day held in his honor in his native Leesburg, Ga., earlier this month was a ceremonial key to the city.
Posey knows that such tokens won't help him unlock the secrets to succeeding as a Major League catcher. Instead of pomp and circumstance, he'll require "education and development," as Giants vice president of baseball operations Bobby Evans said.

Fortunately for Posey, the Giants are happy to make sure he gets plenty of both. As San Francisco's No. 1 selection (fifth overall) from last June's First-Year Player Draft, Posey symbolizes the franchise's future virtually as much as Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum, given the Giants' renewed emphasis on producing their own talent. If Posey flounders, lack of attention won't be a reason.

Despite his high profile, Posey blended in with the other Giants during Sunday's first workout for pitchers and catchers -- until batting practice. Then Posey sprayed line drives all over the field, demonstrating the prowess that prompted San Francisco to pay him a club-record $6.2 million bonus. Though Posey faced the relatively unchallenging serves of coaches, his smooth swing and authoritative contact made him separate among equals.

But BP sessions won't hasten Posey's arrival in the big leagues. Having played 10 regular-season professional games and about to turn 22 next month, he needs experience. Some talent evaluators believe that Posey could reach the Majors sometime this year.

"I think we're always going to stay open-minded," manager Bruce Bochy said, referring to players such as Pablo Sandoval who opened last season with Class A San Jose and ended it with the Giants. But being a catcher, baseball's most demanding position, lengthens Posey's learning curve.

Brian Harper, the Giants' roving catching instructor, said that most proficient catchers play at least 200 to 300 games in the Minor Leagues before they're ready for The Show.

"The biggest thing for him is the game-calling," said Harper, who noted that amateur players rarely call pitches and thus must refine this skill after turning pro. "I don't think he's going to have a problem because he's a smart kid. He just needs to play some games."

An infielder until his sophomore season at Florida State University, Posey has caught for just two seasons. That could be considered a liability, since it reflects his lack of seasoning at the position. It also could reflect his aptitude, since he has advanced so far so quickly.

"The biggest thing I like about Buster personally is that he really wants to learn and soaks up knowledge," Harper said. "He's very teachable. I think that's special for a high Draft pick."

Said Bochy, a former catcher, "I like the way he receives. He's very confident back there and he throws well."

Posey laughed when he was reminded that he has been likened to B.J. Surhoff and Joe Mauer, other catchers who ascended rapidly to the Majors.

"Any comparison with those guys, that's a really nice compliment," Posey said. "But that's not my job to make those comparisons."

Posey's job, particularly while he's in camp with the Giants, is to absorb as much knowledge as possible. Sunday, for example, Bengie Molina tutored him on executing the proper footwork on pitchouts -- a subtlety that distinguishes a polished catcher from a poor one.

It was an intriguing scene, given Molina's eligibility for free agency after this season. If he doesn't leave the Giants next winter, he could be jettisoned in a midseason trade if they aren't competitive. Either scenario could hasten Posey's arrival in the Majors.

None of this concerned Molina as he showed Posey how best to emerge from a crouch.

"I've never been a hypocrite and I've never been a guy who wishes somebody else bad," said Molina, winner of the "Willie Mac" Award as the most inspirational Giant in both of his seasons with the team. "Even if you're the guy who might take my position, I don't care. If I can help him to be a better person and a better player ... I'll get more satisfaction than if I didn't try."

Posey's ready to listen to Molina and anybody else who can accelerate his improvement. People who sing his praises won't drown out the advice he gets.

"My goal is to stay as grounded as I possibly can. I think that has to do with my family and the way I was raised," said Posey, who's one of four children and married his high school sweetheart, Kristen, last month. "Hopefully I can continue on that path."

If that happens, Leesburg, Ga., will have even more reason to celebrate.

[Cubfan]

The Cubs rotation looks pretty good as well :( (Cards fan speaking) thank god they didn't get Peavy lol.

Didn't get Peavy Yet, :D Lets hope the new owner ok's the move soon.

[mars040520]

Sadler Gets Big Boost From Manny
http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/images/2009/02/15/vXZaLpKK.jpg

Giants right-hander Billy Sadler feels grateful when he thinks about "Manny being Manny."

Due to Manny Ramirez's generosity, Sadler maintained his workout regimen at Athletes' Performance near his offseason home of Pensacola, where the free-agent slugger also trained.
"He really kind of took me under his wing," said Sadler, who's competing for a spot in the Giants' bullpen.

As Sadler related Sunday, he introduced himself one day during the offseason at the training facility to Ramirez, who immediately recalled telling Giants left-hander Barry Zito in a Dodger Stadium elevator that "No. 34 has good stuff." Sadler struck out Ramirez in their lone confrontation last year.

Sadler was about to quit Athletes' Performance due to a personal financial crunch.

"I'm newly engaged and I made some decisions in my life," Sadler said. He mentioned this to Ramirez, who said, "We'll take care of that."

Sadler figured that Ramirez was making an off-handed remark. But three days later he was contacted by an Athletes' Performance representative, who said, "Manny was serious about taking care of you. He wants to bring you in and work out with him."

Sadler remains thankful for more than just Ramirez.

"I realize that the good Lord really has everything to do with all the experiences I've come through in my life -- for instance, being able to face a great hitter like that in the big leagues," said Sadler. "And then the good Lord put him back in my life in the offseason to train with him and learn some good things about hitters, because he taught me some things and it was a good experience."

The Giants are still considered a long shot to sign Ramirez, which somehow makes them the most likely team to secure the left fielder's services besides the Dodgers. Sadler said he didn't lobby Ramirez to sign with San Francisco. Then again, he never had to.

"It was funny," Sadler said. "He came in a couple of times and said, 'Billy, I'm going to be a Giant!'"
Known for his playful nature, Ramirez could have been teasing Sadler. Regardless, Sadler shares his teammates' views on Ramirez: The Giants believe Ramirez would be great to have, but they sincerely believe that they can win without him.
"It would be a cool experience to play with a hitter like that," Sadler said. "But we're excited with the team we have right now."

[soldaderyan]

that was a good story ;)

[mars040520]

haha thanks I couldn't believe it when I read it. I hope the Giants sign Manny, that would put them over the top in the NL West.

[mars040520]

2009 Giants Bullpen Projections
LR-http://mlb.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_430161.jpg
Noah Lowry
MR-http://mlb.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_452724.jpg
Billy Sadler
MR-http://mlb.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_435158.jpg
Keiichi Yabu
MR-http://mlb.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_489265.jpg
Sergio Romo
SU-http://mlb.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_133982.jpg
Bobby Howry
SU-http://mlb.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_346793.jpg
Jeremy Affeldt
CL-http://mlb.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_451216.jpg
Brian Wilson

[mars040520]

Johnson, Molina Connect Again
http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/images/2009/02/16/gFsjYmk3.jpg

Catching Randy Johnson's bullpen session Monday was much less eventful for Bengie Molina than his last collaboration with the famed left-hander.

Molina said that he caught Johnson for four innings when a postseason All-Star squad of Major Leaguers toured Japan in 2000. Also during that trip, Molina taped a television commercial for an automobile company with Johnson, who was instructed to throw a ball through a car's windows on the driver's and passenger's sides. Molina's job, for which he was paid $20,000, was to catch the ball, naturally enough.

Suffice it to say that they didn't finish taping in one take.

"The first one hit the car door and made this real loud 'boom,'" Molina recalled. Johnson's second toss, Molina said, ricocheted oddly "and almost took my teeth out." But Johnson's third try was perfect.

"I caught it and I said, 'Yeah! Let's get out of here before somebody gets hurt,'" Molina said.

Nobody got hurt Monday -- most notably Johnson, who threw smoothly for 10 minutes. Hampered by the aftereffects of back surgery during his previous two springs, Johnson already had thrown off a mound five times before reporting to Giants camp.

"I'm well ahead of schedule," he said.

Johnson, 45, said that he focused on his mechanics and control. He added with a straight face that he wanted Molina to "see that I have the ability to throw to both sides of the plate instead of saying I can."

Molina found Johnson's remark mildly amusing.

"I wasn't even thinking about that. I knew he could throw the ball where he wanted," Molina said. "Five Cy Young Awards don't come from luck."

Molina wasn't the only Giant enthralled by Johnson. Since he threw a couple of minutes longer than others in his group, the remaining pitchers congregated to watch the 295-game winner do his thing. Besides, Johnson happened to occupy the mound closest to the exit path, so they would have had trouble getting by him anyway.

In another pitching-related development, right-hander Merkin Valdez encouraged manager Bruce Bochy by throwing 31 pitches in his bullpen session. Valdez, 27, missed the final 4 1/2 months of last season with a strained elbow.

Left-hander Noah Lowry, whose progress was stalled by discomfort behind his throwing shoulder, is expected to throw in the bullpen Tuesday.

[I0I HaVoK I0I]

I predict 10 wins for johnson lol

[mars040520]

I'd be happy if he even gets through 10 starts, franchise and real life.

[I0I HaVoK I0I]

I'd be happy if he even gets through 10 starts, franchise and real life.

Yea i really hope he gets thru this season he's a living legend:thumbsup:

[americanboi]

i heard on knbr (giants talk radio) that scott boras and larry baer (giants president) are having dinner tonight! not to mention that manny also cancelled an appearance today! =) possibly something in the works?!?!?!

[mars040520]

i heard on knbr (giants talk radio) that scott boras and larry baer (giants president) are having dinner tonight! not to mention that manny also cancelled an appearance today! =) possibly something in the works?!?!?!

Yea I saw on Mlbtraderumors that they're having a meeting tonight! That would be awesome for the Giants! and my franchise.....

[mars040520]

All-Star Wilson Out to Improve
http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/images/2008/09/29/4MgTE3dd.jpg

Sustaining one of the most successful and prolific seasons among Giants closers wasn't enough for Brian Wilson. He intends to top himself.

That might be difficult to do after a year in which Wilson became only the eighth San Francisco reliever to make the All-Star team, joined Rod Beck and Robb Nen as the lone Giants to save 40 or more games and converted 24 consecutive save opportunities at one juncture.

But watch Wilson run row upon row of stairs in the grandstands before regular-season games, or stalk to and from ballpark exercise rooms, and it's obvious that resting on his record is something he'll do only after he retires from baseball.

"You set a bar and then you try to stay positive and get better each day, work on some sort of aspect of your game and don't lose focus," said Wilson, who turns 27 next month. "The only reason I was successful last year was because I wanted to be successful. If I continue to have that fight and urge, things are going to get better and better each year.

"I'm never comfortable. I'm never satisfied with things."

Wilson's philosophy isn't merely a platitude he memorized from a sign in a locker room. He demonstrated the sincerity of his effort in 2007, when the Giants all but begged him to wrest the closer's role from Armando Benitez. But Wilson's rocky Spring Training performance forced them to option him to Triple-A Fresno to start the season. By the end of that year, though, he established himself as San Francisco's ninth-inning stopper.

Infielder Kevin Frandsen, who shared an apartment with Wilson during the 2008 season, often discussed competitive drive with his roommate.

"There's always something you desire more," Frandsen said, articulating their mutual outlook. "You're never satisfied with what you've done, because when you are, you're ultimately going to be beat. What fuels him is being great."

Wilson's incessant workouts fuel him, too.

"When I'm on the mound, I feel strong in certain aspects of my body and it helps create that force behind my fastball," he said. Wilson has studied various forms of exercise and nutrition by reading "a beaucoup number" of books. One dealt solely with water consumption. "It was a pretty boring book, but I know the essential value of water and what it can do for you," Wilson said.

Skeptics would echo Wilson by insisting that he can do more despite his All-Star status, 41 saves in 47 chances and 9.67 strikeouts per nine innings. His ERA -- often a deceptive statistic for relievers, since it can be inflated by one or two poor outings -- was 4.62. Even some of his shutout innings were adventuresome.

"If you look at [his] pitches per inning [compared to other] closers, he worked the hardest," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said Tuesday. Wilson threw an average of 19 pitches per inning in 2008. Though the difference is marginal, the National League's other two 40-save relievers, Houston's Jose Valverde and Philadelphia's Brad Lidge, averaged 17.3 and 17.9 pitches, respectively.

The Giants want Wilson to rely less on his fastball that approaches 100 mph and use his slider and changeup more frequently. That became an issue last May 2 when Wilson, throwing exclusively fastballs, blew a save by yielding a 10th-inning homer to Philadelphia's Pat Burrell.

Cactus League games offer the ideal scenario for Wilson to refine his secondary pitches.

"We want him to get to the point where he's comfortable throwing [them] at any time," Bochy said.

Said catcher Bengie Molina, "We need to start mixing things up a little more, not only for the team, but for him to be more comfortable out there, knowing that he has one or two extra pitches that he can trust."

For now, Wilson left no doubt where his trust lies.

"When it comes down to it, I'm going to stop dilly-dallying out there, working on a pitch that everybody wants me to work on," he said. "I'm just going to throw my bread and butter and see what happens. You have to mix it up. But I'm always going to stand firm that a good fastball, located well, is going to be the best pitch in my arsenal."

And even if a game or two slips away, Wilson won't let his confidence ebb.

"You have to maintain focus, positive energy and belief in what you have," he said.

[Eversoris]

I really hope Manny signs with San Fran; not only to get him only 6 games vs. my Mets, but to revitalize that franchise. It's current state (while much better than previous years) is sad, and I hope he makes that city proud of it's team again.

[mars040520]

Yea and especially to stick it to LA since I hate them cuz of the last postseason.

[mars040520]

Trimmer Renteria Important to Giants
http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/images/2009/02/17/DE4ajmNJ.jpg

Edgar Renteria made his first impressive appearance for the Giants without even stepping onto the diamond.

As Renteria tried on a pair of uniform pants Tuesday, a reporter asked him about the weight he lost this offseason, which was reportedly at least 10 pounds. Renteria tugged at the waist of his pants, showed off the two to three inches of excess room and prompted laughter by saying, "You can tell."
Though Renteria no longer needs an elastic waistband, it's not a stretch to say that the 33-year-old shortstop looms as one of the Giants' most crucial performers this season. Should Renteria approach the form that made him a five-time All-Star, three-time Silver Slugger recipient and two-time Gold Glove winner, the Giants' climb toward respectability will become much easier. If Renteria relives the struggles he endured through much of last season with the Detroit Tigers, the two-year, $18.5 million contract he received as a free agent could be remembered as yet another Giants boondoggle. Previous entries include the George Foster, ***lord Perry and Joe Nathan/Francisco Liriano trades, the Armando Benitez signing and the construction of Candlestick Park.

Renteria's physical condition as Giants position players reported to camp offered early hope, since his subpar 2008 was attributed to his thickened build. A .291 career hitter entering the season who batted .332 with Atlanta in 2007, Renteria slumped to .270 with Detroit. Worse, observers generally agreed that he had lost a step or two defensively.

Detroit manager Jim Leyland delivered an unblinking yet hopeful appraisal of Renteria during the Winter Meetings.

"I think he probably didn't come in [to Spring Training] as prepared as he needed to be," said Leyland, whose 1997 World Series-winning team in Florida included Renteria. "I think as the year went on, he realized that, and I think that will be taken care of. ... He didn't knock in as many big, big runs [55] as he did in the past, but he's still capable of doing that."

Forced to work himself into playing shape during the regular season, Renteria hit .296 after the All-Star break. He intends to sustain that level this year.

"I think I can still play," Renteria said. "I always say that if one day I wake up and I feel like I can't play anymore, I'll quit, no matter how much money I'm making."

Said Giants manager Bruce Bochy, who studied videotape of Renteria, "I don't have any concerns with him."

Returning to the National League also could help Renteria, a .293 hitter in 10 NL seasons compared with .274 in two American League campaigns.

"I think that makes a big difference for a hitter when you know the league and the pitchers," Renteria said. "They have a saying in baseball, 'See the ball.' If you know the pitcher, that's better for you."

Leyland, who partially blamed himself for Renteria's apparent slothfulness last year -- "I think maybe I didn't stay on top of him coming in" -- offered a rosy prediction: "I think he'll be a very good player for the Giants."

Renteria doesn't have to be super. Just solid. He's projected to bat sixth.

"I've been playing against him for years, and there's probably nobody better in the game at hitting behind runners," fellow infielder Rich Aurilia said.

Renteria might lack the defensive wizardry of Omar Vizquel, who occupied shortstop for the previous four seasons, but as with any infielder, nobody will complain if he consistently makes the routine plays.

The competition at second base among Kevin Frandsen, Emmanuel Burriss and Eugenio Velez could complicate Renteria's adjustment to the Giants, since he might not know who his double-play partner is until the end of March. Renteria flashed dry humor as he remarked, "That's OK. It's better than not having anybody, right?"

"He's a consummate professional," Aurilia said. "He has a lot of hardware collected, between Gold Gloves and Silver Sluggers. To bring someone in like that in the middle infield as a stabilizing force is going to be important for this team, especially if there's a lot of young guys surrounding him."

[I0I HaVoK I0I]

Wow i forgot all about Renteria lol

[MLB2KFAN]

looks good man, i think i'm going to do a Giants 'chise too.

keep up the great work.

[mars040520]

http://tinyurl.com/bzwvsk
Champ Kind's Spring Training Outlook

Top Candidate To Surprise: 1B Travis Ishikawa isn’t well-known, but he’s projected as a regular in 2009. The Giants plan to start corner infielder Pablo Sandoval at third, and they like that Ishikawa is a solid defender, maybe the best in the organization at first base since J.T. Snow. The question is whether he’ll hit. The Giants are optimistic about that after his breakout 2008 season in which he batted a combined .299 with 24 homers and 94 RBIs at Class AA and Class AAA. Ishikawa hit .274 with three homers and 15 RBIs in 33 games in the majors.

Authority Figures: Manager Bruce Bochy is 143-181 in two years with the Giants and entering the final season of his contract, so it’s important for him (and GM Brian Sabean, who also has one year left on his deal) to get off to a quick start. Bill Neukom is the new managing general partner, replacing Peter Magowan, and he appears patient with the philosophy of developing players through the system, which could serve as a benefit to Bochy (and Sabean) in case the Giants struggle.

Notes, Quotes

• RHP Ramon Ortiz signed a minor league contract with an invitation to big-league camp and will be given a chance to compete for a bullpen spot. Ortiz, 35, started for much of his nine seasons, most recently for the Rockies in 2007. He pitched in Japan in 2008, going 4-7 with a 5.82 ERA in 17 starts for the Orix Buffaloes.

• LHP Barry Zito is “a physical specimen now,” closer Brian Wilson said, and that might be the first time anyone uttered those words about Zito. Wilson is a workout fiend and has a body to prove it, and he introduced Zito to much of his regimen in the offseason when the two were roommates in Southern California. Was Wilson serious? Let’s just say he has a dry sense of humor.

• LHP Madison Bumgarner is a rookie Giants fans should follow. At least that’s the word from GM Brian Sabean, who said the teenager is on the fast track and could be in the majors by the end of the season. Bumgarner was drafted out of high school in 2007 and had super stats in the minors last year: 15-3, 1.46 ERA, 164 strikeouts and 21 walks in 141 2/3 innings for low Class A Augusta.

• INF Rich Aurilia, 37, who re-signed with the Giants on a minor league deal, said he turned down offers from other teams, including a guaranteed big-league contract from the Astros. Other interest, he said, came from the Cubs, Phillies and Blue Jays. “I’m a Giant. I’m proud to have San Francisco across my chest,” Aurilia said.

• LHP Randy Johnson is five wins shy of 300, but he says he has more in the tank than five wins. “I’m riding off into the sunset in a lot of people’s eyes, but not mine, because I’m still motivated to go out there and win,” he said. “I’m surely not about five wins. I’m about winning anywhere between 15 and 20 games.”

By The Numbers: 1,200—Hits for Rich Aurilia as a Giant, the sixth most in San Francisco history. He’s also sixth in games, seventh in doubles and 10th in RBIs.

Quote To Note: “We think we have the best general manager and field manager in baseball.”—Managing general partner Bill Neukom, giving Brian Sabean and Bruce Bochy a vote of confidence, although he’s unwilling to give either an extension. Both of their contracts expire after the 2009 season.

Roster Report

The Giants haven’t traded a pitcher for a hitter, something they’ve considered doing the past two offseasons. GM Brian Sabean said early in the offseason he was keeping Matt Cain but was willing to move Jonathan Sanchez. So far, no deal. So the rotation remains the strength, and the lineup remains iffy, even with newcomer Edgar Renteria at shortstop. While the rotation got a boost with LHP Randy Johnson, who is five wins shy of 300, the bullpen added LHP Jeremy Affeldt and RHP Bobby Howry.

Arrivals: LHP Randy Johnson (free agent from Diamondbacks), SS Edgar Renteria (free agent from Tigers), INF Juan Uribe (minor league free agent from White Sox), LHP Jeremy Affeldt (free agent from Reds), RHP Bob Howry(free agent from Cubs), RHP Luis Perdomo (Rule 5 selection from Cardinals).

Departures: SS Omar Vizquel (free agent, signed minor league deal with Rangers), RHP Kevin Correia (free agent, signed with Padres), RHP Brad Hennessey (free agent, signed minor league deal with Orioles), RHP Tyler Walker (free agent, signed with Mariners), 1B/OF Daniel Ortmeier (free agent, signed minor league deal with Rockies).

Spring Focus: Manager Bruce Bochy will be looking at a new infield. It’s anyone’s guess if Travis Ishikawa will be a splash at first base or who’ll win the job at second (candidates: Kevin Frandsen, Emmanuel Burriss and Eugenio Velez), or if SS Edgar Renteria will have a bounce-back year, or if 3B Pablo Sandoval can keep up the hitting while playing a fairly foreign position. On the health front, LHP Noah Lowry (forearm, elbow) and LF Fred Lewis (foot) want to prove they’re good to go following surgeries.

Projected Rotation:

1. RHP Tim Lincecum
2. LHP Randy Johnson
3. RHP Matt Cain
4. LHP Barry Zito
5. LHP Jonathan Sanchez or LHP Noah Lowry

The top of the rotation is solid with Lincecum, the reigning Cy Young Award winner, and Cain, who was 15-30 the past two seasons while posting workable ERAs of 3.65 and 3.78. The Giants wanted to add a veteran to the mix, and they landed the Big Unit on a one-year deal. Zito’s string of two consecutive Opening Day starts for the Giants will end after two straight disappointing seasons, and the hope is that the $126 million man will put up better numbers while buried in the back end of the rotation. Sanchez is favored to be the final starter, but Lowry could make noise if he’s healthy.

Projected Bullpen:
RHP Brian Wilson (closer)
RHP Bobby Howry
LHP Jeremy Affeldt
LHP Noah Lowry
LHP Jack Taschner
RHP Sergio Romo
RHP Keiichi Yabu

The bullpen was a major weakness in 2008 other than Wilson, an All-Star who earned 41 saves, second most in the NL. So in come Howry and Affeldt to help put out the fire. Howry, who was raised in the Giants organization before his July 1997 trade to the White Sox, has pitched 70-plus innings four straight years, but his 2008 ERA (5.35) was a blemish. Affeldt had a 3.33 ERA for the Reds with 80 strikeouts and only 25 walks in 78 1/3 innings. Young relievers Hinshaw and Romo were impressive and will be given a chance to make the Opening Day roster. The surprising Yabu, 40, needs to earn a roster spot as he did last spring.

Projected Lineup:
1. 2B Emmanuel Burriss
2. LF Fred Lewis
3. RF Randy Winn
4. C Bengie Molina
5. CF Aaron Rowand
6. SS Edgar Renteria
7. 3B Pablo Sandoval
8. 1B Travis Ishikawa[/COLOR]

Until further notice, Winn, Molina and Rowand are the heart of the order, and that’s not necessarily scary for other teams. Manager Bruce Bochy likes Sandoval because he’s a free-swinging switch hitter, and Bochy defends Molina as a cleanup hitter because of his success in clutch situations. He wants Lewis hitting second (instead of leadoff) so he won’t try to be excessively patient at the plate. As for the battle at second, Velez is the longshot. He could be valuable as a pinch hitter and pinch runner. If Frandsen wins the job, Burriss could be sent to the minors for more seasoning.

Projected Reserves:

INF Juan Uribe
OF Dave Roberts
OF Nate Schierholtz
C Steve Holm
INF Kevin Frandsen or Emmanuel Burriss or Eugenio Velez or Rich Aurilia

Uribe may fill any number of roles, including backing up at third and short or platooning at third—with Pablo Sandoval moving to first (and Travis Ishikawa going to the bench) when the opposing starting pitcher is a lefty.

Schierholtz, after a stint in the Olympics, is still looking for a starting job in the majors, but he’s penciled in as the fourth outfielder.

Top Rookies: Travis Ishikawa is penciled in as the first baseman and could get the same chance Daniel Ortmeier got in 2008, but Ortmeier tossed away his opportunity and is now signed as a Rockies minor-leaguer. Unlike Ortmeier, who converted from the outfield, Ishikawa is a natural first baseman and a good one defensively. The Giants could bring up some other rookies late in the season, including C Buster Posey (08 draft) and LHP Madison Bumgarner (07 draft).

Medical Watch:

LHP Noah Lowry (left forearm surgery in March 2008, left elbow surgery in September 2008) seems as if he’ll be ready for spring training. He has a chance of cracking the rotation after missing all of last season.

INF Kevin Frandsen (left Achilles tendon surgery in March 2008) had one at-bat in 2008, a grounder to short in the finale, but he appears recovered. He’ll compete for the second base job.

LF Fred Lewis (bunion surgery, right foot) will be closely monitored, especially with his running program, but he is expected to be available for the season.

RHP Merkin Valdez (right forearm surgery in December 2008) was to take at least eight weeks to recover.

[mars040520]

Lincecum Picks Up Where He Left Off
http://www.chrisoleary.com/projects/Baseball/Pitching/Images/Examples/Example_HipsRotatingBeforeShoulders_TimLincecum_20 07_035.jpg

Tim Lincecum usually freezes hitters with his baffling array of pitches. Thursday, Lincecum kept batters stunned while barely trying.

None of the five teammates Lincecum faced in the spring's first round of "live" batting practice swung at any of his approximately 30 pitches. Randy Winn, Edgar Renteria, Fred Lewis, Eli Whiteside and Rich Aurilia were "tracking" some of Lincecum's pitches -- that is, familiarizing themselves with following the ball out of the hurler's hand, a common Spring Training practice

But it also was clear that the hitters deemed themselves overmatched by many of Lincecum's deliveries, particularly at this early stage.

"Five or six pitches through, I'm like, are they going to swing?" Lincecum said. "I wanted to know if I should be ready for a comebacker."

The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner said that he threw all of his pitches except his slider. Lincecum mentioned that he concentrated on his curveball instead because he has struggled to control it lately.

Once Lincecum departed, Lewis continued his lively hitting by belting a Barry Zito pitch into the right-field pavilion.

"Rack 'em," Zito called.

Away from the practice fields, Noah Lowry continued his recovery from last year's pair of arm surgeries by throwing comfortably off a bullpen mound.

"It's getting better and better," said Lowry, who missed last season and experienced discomfort behind his throwing shoulder shortly after camp opened.

If Lowry feels fine on Friday, he'll likely throw another bullpen session on Saturday or Sunday.

"I don't think he's far behind," manager Bruce Bochy said. "He had good stuff and good velocity."

In another camp-related development, Bochy announced that the Giants will play an intrasquad game on Tuesday, one day before their Cactus League opener against the Cleveland Indians. Another intrasquad game might be played on Monday to provide additional work for some of the 29 pitchers in camp, Bochy said.

[soldaderyan]

wow, thats a very old picture haha

[mars040520]

haha yea now he looks 18, back then he looked 5

[mars040520]

sorry about the delay guys I've had a nasty stomach flu the last couple days hopefully I'll be back to posting stuff tomorrow

[soldaderyan]

Damn are you ok dude??