In 2010, Pablo Sandoval struggled with his weight, and found himself left off the World Series roster. Being left off the roster seemed to bode well for him because it served as motivation to get better. That motivation has led him to helping the Giants win 2 World Series titles in 2012 and most recently 2014. While Pablo's skills improved, he still couldn't find a way to keep the weight off for a whole season. With one of baseball's best postseason players, weight has always been an issue, but Pablo has managed to become a fan favorite. This off-season could be one where Giants fans will be thrilled or they will be disappointed with a departure of Sandoval. Pablo has stated he wants to return to the Giants and loves San Francisco, but do the Giants have enough to offer, or will they be outbid by another team. Boston Red Sox have been the Giants biggest threat for Sandoval's services, who are aggressively pursuing the top third baseman in free agency. With an offer of 5 years and $95 million dollars, from numerous reports, Boston seems to be the clear favorite for Sandoval. For a player who has weight issues, shown signs of inconsistency in the regular season, and who's true value comes in the playoffs, is he truly worth $19 million a season? The Red Sox are in desperate need of a third baseman with financial stability, so I think they are willing to make the risk. Giants, who may be looking to retain all players from the World Series roster may not view Sandoval as a $19 million dollars-a-year player, but love his play and would want him back. To cut back on cost and add an extra year to Boston's deal, I think that would be the route. If the Giants lose out on Pablo Sandoval, all is not lost for the franchise. If Pablo leaves, that allows them $19 million dollars to sign other players to their roster. Giants have other holes potentially where they need to address as well. Giants needs are a permanent left fielder (where a platoon is no longer necessary), a starting pitcher, and possibly a third baseman if Pablo Sandoval leaves. Here are some targets the Giants should look to bring in to help the 2014 World Champions get back into familiar territory.
3B Chase Headley (4 Years/$49 Million): Headley who was traded to the Yankees last season had a decent year after an atrocious 2013 season plagued by inconsistency and injuries. Headley in 2014 showed signs of his breakout season in 2012 with the Padres, in which he was in consideration for MVP. Whether Headley can return to his MVP form or not, Giants wouldn't need him to do that. He provides a middle of the lineup bat, and he is a switch hitter. Sandoval had an amazing season defensively, but Headley brings that kind of defense consistently year-after-year. Headley also possesses some experience in left field so if they wanted to give an outfielder a day off, they wouldn't have to worry as much. I assume the Yankees are going to push to resign Headley, but I think Headley would be a great fit in AT&T Park and it would be familiar ground in the NL West.
3B David Freese (Via Trade sending Ty Blach): We talk about Pablo Sandoval being Mr. October 2.0, David Freese was that guy not too long ago for the St. Louis Cardinals. After that magical season he kind of fell off the planet and provided mediocre seasons for Cardinals, eventually sending him to the Angels for OF Randall Grichuk. With the Angels, he had a decent season for the best offense in the Major Leagues last season. Pressure was taken off in Anaheim which helped contribute to help David Freese show some signs of his old self. A solid defender with the glove, Freese seems to vanish in the regular season. Giants always provide a regular season where they look like the best team in the majors for part of the year, and the rest of the year it leaves your head scratching. Bochy is a wonderful manager, and inviting David Freese in could provide some consistency at third base and wouldn't lose much production if Pablo left. Bochy can add another playoff hero to the roster.
3B Casey McGehee (2 Years/$13 Million): McGehee is not your flashy home run hitter like he once was when he was with his days in Milwaukee before bolting to Japan for a little bit. Marlins essentially got him from nothing and he served protection behind Giancarlo Stanton. Not a lot of pop in his swing anymore, has translated it to safe base hits and bringing in runs. Batting clean up for the Marlins, he did just that. Last season proved he did build some value, so his contract could go up wherever he signs, but San Francisco would be a nice fit, and someone who can help lead on that team.
3B Trevor Plouffe (Via Trade sending Ty Blach, Jarret Parker): Quietly, Trevor Plouffe had himself a good 2014 season despite the low batting average due to being a streaky hitter. He managed to record a lot of runs driven in (80 RBI) and racked up the doubles (40). AT&T Park is a vast pitchers park with a lot of gaps for hitters to hit to, resulting in lots of extra base hits. Coming from a hitters-friendly league, and the size of the gaps in the field in San Francisco, Plouffe could see his numbers rise some. An average defender, but more known for his bat. Minnesota has a highly-regarded star in the minors Miguel Sano who I feel they may be ready to call up, who would replace Plouffe. Allows him to be more expendable, even though there is not a lot of chatter about him. As we know, mid-level tier players, Giants thrive on those via free agency or trades (Melky Cabrera, Angel Pagan, Hunter Pence, Tim Hudson, Jake Peavy, etc.). Plouffe would be a nice candidate to replace Pablo Sandoval.
Ultimately, I would like to see Pablo back in San Francisco since he is entering his prime years, but for the Giants, it may be best to let him go. He has got 3 World Series rings, what left does he need to accomplish? He has done well, and now deserves to earn some money. While Sandoval may not thrive in a new location, ideally Giants can put the money they would pay him towards improving the whole team and not just one position. If Pablo leaves, it is not the end of the world, and Giants can still compete.
No comments:
Post a Comment