The Giants offered arbitration to all their players eligible except for Scott Munter, who is now a free agent. Since he didn't immediately re-sign, I have to assume one or both sides don't want the relationship to continue. The others who were offered were: Vinnie Chulk, Kevin Correia and Brad Hennessey.
Of course, that means that there are players from other teams who are now free agents as well. El Lefty Malo mentioned some options at his site, and the Merc today reported that the Giants have contacted the agent (Scott Boras) about Dallas McPherson, who apparently can play 1B and 3B.
According to his BP profile for 2007, he's a proven slugger in the minors looking for a chance to show what he can do, but injuries have gotten in his way. Surprisingly, he is not noted for his defense (in fact, his "defensive limitations" were noted and there are only negative values listed for his defense - or zero - in his profile) and has strikeout issues to boot (though that's normal for a slugger of almost any ilk).
My guess is that he is not necessarily the answer to our 3B vacancy, he will be part of the "1B support" he noted that he wanted to get, and that this will be made known to him up front. Even if they get him, I think the Giants will still be trolling for a starting 3B (meaning there's still the danger that Feliz might come back to us under a two year contract, though he's probably tradeable in the next off-season since it'll be a one year contract at that point), but whereas before Plan B was to start Frandsen there, I assume that that he and McPherson would share 3B (until one takes control), plus McPherson would get some playing time at 1B as well.
According to the Bill James projection currently available at Fangraphs - http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=2194&position=3B; they take it off the site after spring training or so, if I recall right - McPherson is projected to hit .247/.294/.496/.790 with 25 HR in 409 AB. I think the Giants would take that gladly, even with average to slightly below average defense from him, as he could become the #4 hitter (though I would prefer Rowand in that spot because his OBP is much higher, lower OBP should not bat in cleanup spot, but Molina batted there last season, so Bochy don't seem to feel the same about that).
ReplyDeleteEnsberg has a higher projection: .250/.361/.456/.817 with 17 HR in 340 AB. Not as much power, but much better OBP. And his defense is considered above average, and was roughly on par with Feliz in 2005-2006, according to Baseball Prospectus's 2007 annual.
However, he would probably cost a few million, while McPherson would be much cheaper.
Hey OGC,
ReplyDeleteI'd take a shot on McPherson and I'd like to see the Giants maybe take a shot on Ensberg, who I like even more at 3B.
Yeah, I was rushing my comment, had plans this weekend. I agree, it would be nice to pick up both of them, I would rather pick up the two of them than pay Feliz more AND for two years. And I do like Ensberg more, but thus far the only rumor is on McPherson so I was guessing that money is an issue with Ensberg.
ReplyDeleteHowever, Ensberg would appear to fit what the Giants are looking for, vet presence, good defense (McPherson is not that good), power. Thinking of the scenarios, probably Boras leaked the McPherson interest to the press, so the Giants might also have interest in Ensberg, only no leakage of that interest yet.
According to a rumor I saw elsewhere, the Marlins are also sniffing around McPherson since they dumped Cabrera and have no 3B, and they are a FOB (Friend of Boras) for signing I-Rod a few years ago. Again, Boras is leaking this to drum up interest in his client and get other bidders lined up.
Maybe the Giants can get him signed first, then sign Ensberg afterward? Boras won't be too happy, but that's life sometimes, particularly when you are a failed prospect with injury issues.
I want them both.
ReplyDeletePrettyhard to get both. Boras will likely insist on a MLB contract, thus filling up the 40 man - leaving no place to put Ensberg unless you cut someone else off the 40 man.
ReplyDeleteYeah, like there is no one that can go from that 40 man roster. I don't see that as a huge hurdle.
ReplyDeleteI'm suprised I didn't hear more about the release of Munter.
ReplyDeleteGuess it shows how much esteem the organization hold for sinker ballers whose pitches no longer sink.
Kenshin