| Erik Klackner. 9th December, 2005 - 11:25 pm
 The 2005 Winter Meetings closed with the fanfare befitting a gathering of some of the finest turtlenecks and wristwatches money can buy. In spite of all the rumors flying of deals for Manny Ramirez, Bobby Abreu, Mark Prior, and a host of others, some things actually did get done. In the case of the Giants, they answered two of the three questions I asked in the preview column:
A lefthanded bullpen specialist
The Giants acquired Steve Kline from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for LaTroy Hawkins and cash considerations. After signing Tim Worrell last week, Hawkins became expendable; meanwhile, Kline clearly did not fit in Baltimore. He reunites with Mike Matheny, who he had some terrific seasons working with. Considering who was available in the free agent market, the Giants arguably got the best possible lefty they could have outside of JC Romero. With Kline and Jack Taschner, the Giants should feel comfortable for situational bullpen work in the late innings.
Grade: B+
A starting pitcher
No moves were made on this front at the meetings, but the Giants continue to be one of the primary teams pursuing Cardinals free agent Matt Morris. RealGM is reporting that the Giants are ramping up their efforts and that Brian Sabean has made two contract offers to Morris' agent. Morris would fit nicely in the #2 spot in the Giants rotation should they make the deal. If not, the pickings are quite slim, with Kevin Millwood the only other #2 caliber pitcher available.
Grade: Incomplete
A 1B with at least SOME pop
It's tough to say with any certainty if the signing of Mark Sweeney is an answer to this problem or not. More likely, the Giants have decided to address the issue internally. Lance Niekro clearly has the power that a team would like from the 1B position, though he was only a platoon player last season. Sweeney will probably get his share of games at 1B, and also serve as the 4th outfielder (as well as pinch hitting, something he is one of the very best in the game at). Perhaps Pedro Feliz is in the cards at 1B as well; there have been rumors of Bill Mueller possibly returning to the Bay, which would free Feliz to play 1B.
Grade: C
To close this column, I want to give a heaping helping of praise on JT Snow, who is one of my all-time favorite ballplayers. He is easily the best defensive 1B I've ever seen, and a terrific clutch hitter. His locker room presence will surely be missed, as will his steady and spectacular defense. There is still a possibility of Snow returning to the Giants, but it seems unlikely at this point. Thanks for a great Giants career JT! |
