It's official, the Panda is on the market. No girls not that market.
In Spring of 2014 he asked for 5 years at $90M only to be rejected. The Giants decided to delay any more talks about his contract before the end of the season with the thought that it may distract him on the field. All Giants fans want to thank you Mr. Sabean as you helped make three World Series titles in five years a reality. Now enter the present with the Giants offering $15.3M to Pablo Sandoval with an official rejection the following day.
Where does that leave us now? And who else might the Giants let leave or hang on to via free agency?
Pablo Sandoval
All sources say the Dodgers will be picking up the Panda. The only other team I've heard in the mix is Boston but everyone knows the Dodgers throw up big money for recent stars, especially when they wore the orange and black. Let him go. I remember this one guy who left the Giants to move down south... Juan Uribe hasn't done much and we appreciate the Dodgers for taking him off our hands.
Jake Peavy
Let him go. He's a country boy who wants a lot of money and friends with Jon Lester who want to play together again. They both likely enjoyed being so close even though on different teams in the Bay Area, however now are both seemingly aiming for the Cubs to reunite them. I say let him go as well.
Sergio Romo
We may have to sign him for a little more than he is getting now. He is a vital player in the bullpen, with Casilla, Lopez and Affelt as the other main players Romo will be useful to not wear the rest of the group out all season long. Reports say that although he grew up in Salinas his family is in Los Angeles, and not that I think the Dodgers are going to try and take every champion I do think it's possible that the Angels could offer him a great deal as well, being a playoff team he may enjoy that deal as well.
Michael Morse
With a breakout season I still believe that he is not entirely proven. Being injured for a good portion of the season in 2014 and big hits in the playoffs he is nearly the 2014 version of Cody Ross. He is a first baseman with hint of left fielder, big and not very mobile he wouldn't be signed for his defense obviously. I say sign him for two years with a two year option and have his option be expensive so if he proves himself from start to finish he's rewarded, but if he keeps getting injured he gets what he deserves. I won't miss him as much as you may.
Ryan Vogelsong
At 37... I wouldn't sign him for more than one year. With a 4.00 ERA, an awful record and being non-existent in the playoffs he can't expect to be getting paid what he was this year. I don't mind seeing him back but on a short leash and possibly out of the bullpen and with him knowing he'll be out of the pen, not like Tim Lincecum who went there unexpectedly (and hopes of finding his form once again).
Brandon Belt
Another player who is inconsistent at best at risk of leaving... and if we sign Ishikawa (for his ACTUAL position) Belt is by far not necessary to resign unless it's at a discount.
Gregor Blanco
He should be our starting Left Fielder for the next few years. He's an important player and can play center as well clearly, but with Pagan healthy next season he will be a regular starter for the season. He can also help younger players coming out of the minors learn the position even better. Give him a four year deal for $15M-$18M.
Brandon Crawford
An underpaid *near* gold glove defenseman should be getting a new contract from the Giants purely for his defense. His ability to hit left handed pitchers is less than average but Matt Duffy isn't ready to start in the bigs yet but both Duffy and Crawford should be be signed, Crawford for 2+2 years and Duffy for 4+3 years.
Matt Duffy
All signs from Duffy through the season show he has the potential to start. As I said I think he should get an offer for four years with a 3 year extension and hope that in the offseason he trains to play both third base and shortstop in case we do need a third baseman with a Sandoval exit.
Yusmeiro Petit
Sign. 3 Years (until he's 32). $10M. He's our new #3 starter I'd bet. Done.
Hector Sanchez
Sign him, about what he's making now, 3 or 4 years $500K a year to be a AAA or third string catcher. He is a good catcher but Susac has to stay and he'll be splitting duties with Posey.
Andrew Susac
Sign him no questions asked! We all know he won't start daily but he'll be behind the dish when Posey is on first base, which could be up to 3-4 games a week to protect his knees. Susac is a guy we need for at least five years.
Jean Machi
Bye.
Juan Perez
I like his speed, his fielding ability, he's a great backup for the outfield and he should be signed for another two years at least. He won't receive a blockbuster deal and he shouldn't, but he deserves to come back.
Joe Panik
Seriously have to ask? 4 years with a 3 year option should be on the horizon. The kid can play and he can still develop, will develop. Four years for $22M should be more than enough, but he's been a Scutaro type of fielder, but younger and better. Side Note: Is Scutaro even on the radar for anyone?
Now for the possible off-season changes the Giants COULD make...
Tim Lincecum
Nobody seems to think that Timmy is entirely happy, especially out of the bullpen. We have him for one more year now the question stands; Do the Giants trade him to his home state to play for the Mariners? Or do they see what he can do through the off season and Spring Training to see if he could be a #4 or #5 starter?
That is all I have. As for the replacements the guys that I would say goodbye to? Well I want to wait to see what shows from Spring Training. We have a few prospects for the the pitching staff. Might try to steal an A's pitcher who enjoys being on a fun staff and being in the Bay Area. The other big stress is a solid infielder with a good bat. Like I said, Spring Training could solve that issue for us.
In due time,
Gordon
