| Erik Klackner. 6th December, 2005 - 6:12 am
 The baseball world has descended on Dallas, Texas for the annual Winter Meetings, a get-together that often results in madcap free agent signings and the occasional trade. This year promises to be no different, with most of the top free agents still available and some major names on the trading block. What does this mean for the Giants? Unfortunately, I have no idea. What should it mean for the Giants? I have some thoughts on that:
A left-handed bullpen specialist
Losing Scott Eyre was an enormous blow to not only the bullpen, but the entire pitching staff, and frankly the whole team in general. Eyre was easily the best bullpen lefty in baseball last season, and one of the best setup men in the game. Can Jack Taschner fill the void? Probably in part, but another acquisition seems vital in my opinion.
Who's available
Mike Myers, Brian Anderson, Alan Embree, Joey Eischen
A starting pitcher
There are many of us (and by many of us I mean me) who anticipate a huge bounceback season from Jason Schmidt, a la Roy Halladay. Noah Lowry continues to improve, and Matt Cain made an impressive splash in September. After that, questions abound: can Brad Hennessey pitch against the rest of baseball like he does against the Cardinals? Is Brett Tomko going to get yet another chance? In my opinion, yes and no. I think Hennessey is poised for a breakthrough this year, and should command a spot at the back end of the rotation by the end of Spring Training. Tomko, on the other hand, will not be back in my view. Bringing in a frontline starter (see #2) should be arguably the top priority this offseason.
Who's available
Kevin Millwood, Matt Morris, Jarrod Washburn, Jeff Weaver, Tony Armas Jr.
A 1B with at least SOME pop
I love JT Snow, and actually agree with GM Brian Sabean that his wizardry on the defensive side saves several games per season for the Giants. But at this point in his career, he seems like a perfect fit for a late inning defensive replacement and pinch hitter (he is a great clutch hitter after all). Perhaps with a healthy Barry Bonds in 2006, Snow could return to his 2004 second half production, but I would not bank on it. A power upgrade is essential.
Who's available
Kevin Millar, Frank Thomas, Travis Lee, Olmedo Saenz, Mark Sweeney
Those are the three primary areas I feel need the most immediate improvement. Taking a glance at some of the available free agents, I cannot get terribly excited about anything but the starting pitchers. Millwood and/or Morris would be a terrific addition in my estimation, and if he comes at a reasonable price tag, Tony Armas Jr. would warrant consideration as well.
This does not take into account the possibility of a trade either. Some big names have been rumored to be on the move, including Manny Ramirez, Bobby Abreu, Mike Sweeney, Torii Hunter, and Barry Zito. Knowing Brian Sabean's track record, it wouldn't shock me at all to see him pull a surprise out of his bag of tricks.
No matter what, it should provide some interesting Hot Stove action to warm up the season. Check back after the Winter Meetings for a wrap on the Giants activity. |
