Monthly Archives: January 2014

Not sure why we signed this guy

Here’s a nice summary of all transactions that occurred in the second half of 2013 through today, January 2, 2014. Certainly the Giants haven’t lost any significantly notable players, but I did miss Moscoso signing in Japan. I will also miss saying his name on our podcast. Wait, maybe I never said it on air? Nevertheless, they have gained a quality veteran starter in Tim Hudson (at least now I can say “Huddy” on the podcast) and hopefully a little pop with Michael Morse, if he manages to stay off the DL from his various hot tub and mangina injuries.

Don’t let the door hit ‘ya where the sun don’t shine:

*I will miss saying his name….

Newly painted black and orange:

Unfortunately, this team is only slightly better (on paper) than the 2013 version which saw them sink to below .500 in an unsuccessful defense of their second World Championship in three years, and with the Dodgers opening up their wallets  to a whopping $211.5 million (and that could still go up with Tanaka (no, not Kensuke!) or perhaps a new dinosaur with laser beams for a new mascot), the status quo won’t suffice.

As fans, we can always chirp at Giants’ ownership to spend more, but they have committed $143.2 million to 16 players for 2014 (they still have to pin down salaries for the remaining roster). They also have continually increased their monetary commitment year over year. In fact, the payroll during their first championship run in 2010 was a mere $97 million. It was $118 million in 2011, $132 million in 2012 and $137 million last year. Here’s a fun pie chart that I took entirely too long making in between bathroom breaks, which breaks down of the Giants’ budget by the obligated 16 players:

Notably, Matt Cain accounts for 15% of the budget, followed by Timmy, Hunter, and then Posey. Although we all breathed relief that Zito is off the books, his buy-out is still reflected here, at 5% of the payroll, which is more than Scutaro, Affeldt, Morse, Romo, Vogelson, Casilla, Lopez and Bumgarner (yes, MadBum has a lucrative future salary). 

So, with assumedly little money left to spend, can they stretch their dollar for another outfielder? Perhaps clip a coupon from the local circular?  Nelson Cruz has been rumored, but will command a mighty salary, and with the acquisition of Morse last month, it makes it unlikely that they’ll pursue anyone other than utility players and middle relievers. Think, clearance racks at the MLB player store.

Let’s just hope that Tanaka doesn’t end up somewhere else in the NL West (well, it’s okay if Kensuke does).

Chad

PS – After taking a couple of months off after the World Series, we’ll be heating up in the coming weeks. Look for new podcasts and articles from myself, Willie and Ben. We’re looking forward to another exciting (hopefully) season of San Francisco Giants baseball and post-game bonusodes at Zeke’s.