The San Francisco Giants announced today that they've come to terms with second baseman Freddy Sanchez on a two-year deal. Terms weren't announced, but with the Giants holding an $8 million option on Sanchez, it's probably safe to assume that the cost for them per year will be less than that. T
That option would've vested for Sanchez on its own if he'd reached 600 plate appearances, but a shoulder and knee injuries limited him to just 25 games in a Giants uniform after he was traded to San Francisco from Pittsburgh. The shoulder's been a nagging problem for Sanchez for some time, but when healthy Sanchez has been one of the best hitting second basemen in the NL over the past few seasons, being named to three of the last four All-Star teams and winning a batting title in 2006.
There wasn't much drama involved with the Giants decision to re-sign general manager Brian Sabean and manager Bruce Bochy, each of whom got two-year deals with options for 2012 on Tuesday. It was widely assumed that they would be back once the team established itself as a contender at midseason, and it was reported a couple weeks ago that it was a fait accompli.
In fact, managing general partner Bill Neukom said the decision "was fairly easy. The team played so well and the results were positive. It was clear the direct affect of the work and leadership of each of these people toward that record "
There was not much doubt that Giants general manager Brian Sabean and manager Bruce Bochy would be back next year, considering the team jumped into contention following three losing seasons, but the San Francisco Chronicle has reported that it is a done deal. An announcement could come sometime next week.
Managing general partner Bill Neukom, who is completing his first year on the job, has been complimentary of the jobs done by both men all season, but he insisted throughout that the Giants would not make any final decisions until after the season.
In the blurb for yesterday's Dugout, Jon mentioned how difficult it has been to write lately, and how sometimes the honesty of the writer overtakes the sincerity of the project. My problem has been a little bit easier to define: I have been trying to live in the same city as the Cleveland Indians for the last six months. Today's title isn't from a news story or the topic of today's strip, it's just that with all the fastballs to the head going around I wanted to take a moment to picture it happening to someone who deserves it.
Have you ever gone to a bobblehead night for a player who doesn't play for the team anymore? I have. Have you ever watched a crowd sit silently for five innings, then lose their minds for a fictional hot dog race? I have. Do you think John Adams wishes the Yankees had something to do with drumming?
SAN FRANCISCO -- Randy Johnson has a tear in his rotator cuff and won't even touch a baseball for at least three weeks, meaning the best-case scenario is now for him to return to the Giants rotation in early September. The Giants moved Johnson to the 60-day disabled list, to make room on the 40-man roster for Ryan Garko, so Johnson is not even eligible to return until Sept. 4.
The update came on Tuesday, a day after Johnson underwent an MRI and an exam by the Giants' doctor. The news is certainly not good for a team that is competing for the wild card based almost solely on the strength of its pitching staff.
General manager Brian Sabean said recently that the Giants are not likely to acquire any pitching help before the deadline because offense is a more pressing need. He reiterated that point on Monday, after announcing the Garko deal. Sabean said the Giants had a list of "six-to-eight" hitters still in focus before the deadline, none of them first basemen.
MLB Power Rankings:Where MLB FanHouse's editors, writers and bloggers team up to break down the who's who and the what's what in the baseball world.
So, quick apology on my part: the Power Rankings were supposed to go live Wednesday, but things happened, I'm a jerkstore, excuses, etc., and here we are. It's not Wednesday! So please note that the records reflect Wednesday -- not Thursday, not Friday, not Saturday. Don't freak out in the comments and call me names. Please. I can't take that in my fragile emotional state right now. I might turn into Raul Ibanez, at which point I would yell at you and then strain my groin. And that wouldn't be good for anyone.
"If the bat per se is talented and hopefully not a free agent to be, you pay the market price, whatever that is," Sabean said.
And...
"We've got a pretty narrow list and we've had some discussions," Sabean said. "Wherever we can find a bat, we'll make the adjustment positionally."
What all that means is that Sabean is willing to listen for anyone, presumably other than Tim Lincecum or minor-league super-prospect Madison Bumgarner. It means that Matt Cain could be the guy the Giants have to move if they want to upgrade their offense.
As Fletch reported yesterday, Noah Lowry's agent contends that the Giants misdiagnosed Lowry's arm issues, put him under the knife for the wrong surgery, assigned him the wrong rehab program, and jeopardized his career. The Giants are denying this. From Calvin and Hobbes, November 18, 1990:
CALVIN. Your foot hurts? What kind of stupid problem is that? SUSIE. You're the doctor! You're supposed to find out what's wrong with it. CALVIN. It's psychosomatic. You need a lobotomy. I'll get a saw.
Noah Lowry, once one of the more promising young pitchers in the majors, had surgery on Tuesday to correct a circulatory problem that his agent claims the Giants misdiagnosed 14 months ago.
General manager Brian Sabean did not immediately return a call to FanHouse, but the Giants issued a statement denying any wrongdoing or negligence.
FanHouse continues its 2009 MLB Preview with a look at the San Francisco Giants.
Scoff all you want, but a youth movement is in full effect in San Francisco. No longer shackled by the compulsion to build a winner now around one of the greatest hitters of all time (Barry Bonds), general manager Brian Sabean has begun to turn over the Giants' roster and turn the organization's focus to player development.
The San Francisco Giants announced today that they've come to terms with second baseman Freddy Sanchez on a two-year deal. Terms weren't announced, but with the Giants holding an $8 million option on Sanchez, it's probably safe to assume that the cost for them per year will be less than that. T
There wasn't much drama involved with the 
In the blurb for 
SAN FRANCISCO -- Randy Johnson has a 
MLB Power Rankings
Giants general manager 
