Continuing the trend they've used throughout most the offseason, the Giants added a couple more players to minor league deals this week who will go to Scottsdale next month to compete for one of the final roster spaces.
With just a month to go before the pitchers and catchers report to spring training, Brian Sabean and co. are putting the final touches onto the roster that will defend a World Series title in 2013. If you've read out last few posts here, you know where I stand as far as wanting this team to add another proven player or two to really round things out (right-handed outfield bat and proven late-inning reliever), but instead, they've been piling up guys on minor league deals. The latest of which, is a semi-intriguing infielder from Japan who should be very much in the mix for the open infield/utility role that Ryan Theriot filled in 2012. 31 year-old Kensuke Tanaka is a 13-year veteran in the Japanese Pacific League where he was a staple at 2nd base for the Nippon Ham Fighters. He's got the reputation as a sound defensive player with above average speed, his two best attributes. Although he has very little home run power, he hit .335 in 2010, was hurt most of 2011, then hit .300 last season. As things currently stand, after Joaquin Arias, Hector Sanchez and Andres Torres, the Giants are trying to fill two more bench spots, and because of his experience, defense and baserunning abilities, he could win a spot with a solid showing at the plate in Arizona.
The Giants also added another reliever, Mason Tobin, to the plethora of arms they've already given minor league deals to. Within the last month, the Giants have added 7 relievers to minor league deals with an invitation to spring training. I know you can never have too much pitching in baseball, but all this attention on the bullpen tells me they aren't quite 100% confident in how things currently line up. They are returning the same group that won it for them in 2012, but they did lose one key component in Guillermo Mota and are still unsure how Sergio Romo will hold up for a full season in the closers role. With Brian Wilson gaining more and more interest from other teams (most notably the New York Mets), it appears less likely he'll be returning to San Francisco. As far as any potential major league caliber free-agent relievers are concerned, the only name I've seen linked the Giants the last few weeks is Brandon Lyon. I'm intrigued by Lyon due to the fact he's coming off a very strong year and because he's had success closing out games in the past. In 2010, he went 20/22 in save opportunities while posting a 3.12 ERA and giving up just two long balls in 78 innings of work. After missing most of 2011 due to injury, he returned strong in 2012 again, posting a 3.10 ERA with 68 K's in 61 innings.
The Giants haven't shown much interest in many major league free agents this whole offseason, so it is a bit refreshing to see them in on a guy like Lyon. I've always been impressed with the big righty when he's been healthy and his last two full seasons have shown why. I know Santiago Casilla can close in a pinch, but he showed last year he's at his best in the 7th and 8th. I'd have no problem letting Lyon fill in for Romo in the ninth when needed and one of the major reasons is because the guy just does not surrender the long ball. A 1-2 year deal at about $3-4M per would be just fine with me, and would legitimately upgrade this bullpen in my opinion.
With just a month to go before the pitchers and catchers report to spring training, Brian Sabean and co. are putting the final touches onto the roster that will defend a World Series title in 2013. If you've read out last few posts here, you know where I stand as far as wanting this team to add another proven player or two to really round things out (right-handed outfield bat and proven late-inning reliever), but instead, they've been piling up guys on minor league deals. The latest of which, is a semi-intriguing infielder from Japan who should be very much in the mix for the open infield/utility role that Ryan Theriot filled in 2012. 31 year-old Kensuke Tanaka is a 13-year veteran in the Japanese Pacific League where he was a staple at 2nd base for the Nippon Ham Fighters. He's got the reputation as a sound defensive player with above average speed, his two best attributes. Although he has very little home run power, he hit .335 in 2010, was hurt most of 2011, then hit .300 last season. As things currently stand, after Joaquin Arias, Hector Sanchez and Andres Torres, the Giants are trying to fill two more bench spots, and because of his experience, defense and baserunning abilities, he could win a spot with a solid showing at the plate in Arizona.
The Giants also added another reliever, Mason Tobin, to the plethora of arms they've already given minor league deals to. Within the last month, the Giants have added 7 relievers to minor league deals with an invitation to spring training. I know you can never have too much pitching in baseball, but all this attention on the bullpen tells me they aren't quite 100% confident in how things currently line up. They are returning the same group that won it for them in 2012, but they did lose one key component in Guillermo Mota and are still unsure how Sergio Romo will hold up for a full season in the closers role. With Brian Wilson gaining more and more interest from other teams (most notably the New York Mets), it appears less likely he'll be returning to San Francisco. As far as any potential major league caliber free-agent relievers are concerned, the only name I've seen linked the Giants the last few weeks is Brandon Lyon. I'm intrigued by Lyon due to the fact he's coming off a very strong year and because he's had success closing out games in the past. In 2010, he went 20/22 in save opportunities while posting a 3.12 ERA and giving up just two long balls in 78 innings of work. After missing most of 2011 due to injury, he returned strong in 2012 again, posting a 3.10 ERA with 68 K's in 61 innings.The Giants haven't shown much interest in many major league free agents this whole offseason, so it is a bit refreshing to see them in on a guy like Lyon. I've always been impressed with the big righty when he's been healthy and his last two full seasons have shown why. I know Santiago Casilla can close in a pinch, but he showed last year he's at his best in the 7th and 8th. I'd have no problem letting Lyon fill in for Romo in the ninth when needed and one of the major reasons is because the guy just does not surrender the long ball. A 1-2 year deal at about $3-4M per would be just fine with me, and would legitimately upgrade this bullpen in my opinion.
Comments
As far as Wilson goes, I see him returning. He has said recently that he prefers to stay on the west coast. Also, I know the Met's are currently only interested in offering him a minor league deal, while the Giants are willing to give a Major league deal with incentives built in. I think the Met's are interested, but not interested enough.
Great post, Brandon Lyon could be a great addition to the bullpen.
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