Vizquel, Matheny: Patented leather

11/03/2005
When shortstop Omar Vizquel and catcher Mike Matheny came to the Giants last winter, their resumes were already full of Gold Glove credentials.
Apparently, there was room for more.
You can add another line to each of those golden resumes, with special mention for Vizquel as the first Giants shortstop to win a Gold Glove Award and the 10th player to win Gold Gloves in both leagues.
Vizquel and Matheny were honored Wednesday as National League recipients of the Gold Glove Award, given annually by the Rawlings Sporting Goods Co. to the top fielders in each league as judged by opposing managers and coaches.
It was quite the first impression on the Giants for two Gold Glove veterans.
"I know coming to a new team was a great challenge to show everybody what you've got, really," Vizquel said.
For Vizquel, this is Gold Glove No. 10 and his first since 2001, the previous nine coming while he patrolled shortstop for the Indians (eight) and Mariners (one).
For Matheny, this marks his fourth honor and third consecutive, his first three coming while he worked behind the plate for the Cardinals.
By claiming the award in a Giants uniform, Vizquel filled the last position where a Giants player had not previously won a Gold Glove. Vizquel also joins Giants first baseman J.T. Snow among the 10 players who have won in both leagues and at 38 is the oldest shortstop to have won the award.
"I think this has been the most emotional Gold Glove I've had besides the first one," Vizquel said during a conference call.
His first one came in 1993 with the Mariners. With this one 12 years later, Vizquel passed Hall of Famer and fellow Venezuelan Luis Aparicio to take over second place all-time among shortstops with his 10 Gold Gloves, behind only Ozzie Smith's 13.
"He has been my idol for a long time," Vizquel said of Aparicio, a 10-time All-Star who played for the White Sox, Orioles and Red Sox from 1956-73. "Even though I never saw him play, he represents the shortstop tradition in Venezuela."
In 2005, Vizquel established a Giants single-season record for his position and led all Major League shortstops by posting a .98802 fielding percentage, committing just eight errors in 668 total chances. Chris Speier held the previous Giants mark, logging a .982 mark in 1975.
On top of that, Vizquel impressed his teammates, who got to see him play defense on an everyday basis for the first time.
"It's pretty much guaranteed that he's going to have one play a night that's pretty spectacular," Giants starter Brett Tomko said.
Added manager Felipe Alou: "He's as good as anybody I've ever seen. He makes incredible plays, but he also makes all the routine plays. I've seen him every day make plays -- big plays, too. Barehanded plays, backhanded plays, over the bag at second base, double plays."
Matheny also made his presence known in his first year with the Giants, and not just with his exploits on defense. While putting up his best offensive season, Matheny's impact in the clubhouse earned him the "Willie Mac Award" for the most inspirational player on the club.
But Matheny's reputation was built on defense, and he certainly didn't disappoint there. In fact, he posted the highest single-season fielding percentage for a catcher in San Francisco Giants history, logging a .999 mark with just one error in 862 total chances. His 1,122 innings caught rank fourth in Giants history since they came to the West Coast, and he led all NL catchers by throwing out 30 attempted base stealers, ranking third in the league by nailing 32.3 percent of the 93 attempts against him.
Always reluctant to take credit, Matheny said Wednesday he didn't necessarily think his work merited another Gold Glove, in large part because the Giants' pitching staff ranked 11th in the National League with a 4.33 ERA.
"So much of me feeling like I did my job goes hand in hand with how the pitching staff does, and we had some tough times this year," the 35-year-old catcher said. "In that regard, no, I don't think I did [have a Gold Glove season]. I do appreciate the fact that some coaches and managers appreciate what I do bring to the table. it's definitely a great honor."
Despite his assessment, Matheny's work behind the plate more than lived up to his reputation, with the Giants' pitchers routinely calling out the catcher for special recognition.
When asked what might be behind his own outstanding season, reliever Scott Eyre said, "The first thing that comes to my mind is Matheny. I know he doesn't want to take any of the credit; that's just how he is.
"But when you hear all the things that I heard about him in the offseason, and then you see his work ethic, the way he studies hitters, his approach to it -- I've probably pitched in more to hitters this summer than I ever have. I trust him. He calls a fastball in and I throw it there without any reservation."

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/

Frandsen starting to heat up in AFL

11/04/2005
After going hitless in three at-bats Oct. 28, Kevin Frandsen's average dropped to an Arizona Fall League-worst at .179. The Mesa Solar Sox second baseman picked up a pair of singles Monday to get back to the Mendoza line and followed that up Wednesday by collecting three hits, including his first AFL home run. His average now stands at .234.
Frandsen and four other Giants prospects are continuing their 2005 campaigns with the Solar Sox. Here's how the others fared in the week ending Nov. 3:
RHP Jeremy Accardo -- The 23-year-old righty contributed 1 2/3 scoreless frames against Grand Canyon on Monday, a game that was suspended after 11 innings with the score tied at 1. His ERA stands at 4.50 over 12 innings pitched.
LHP Brian Burres -- Burres was stellar in a Halloween start against Surprise, allowing three hits over five scoreless innings in a game the Solar Sox went on to win, 3-2.
C Justin Knoedler -- Knoedler collected just one hit in 10 at-bats, although he did gun down two of three runners attempting to steal while he was behind the plate.
RHP Brian Wilson -- Wilson took the loss Saturday against Surprise, allowing two seventh-inning runs in what had been a tie game. He rebounded nicely Thursday, striking out four over two scoreless frames to lower his ERA to 6.61.

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/

Mailbag: 'Above-average' Alou

11/07/2005
As much as I like Felipe Alou, I can't help but be annoyed when I see another season with almost 140 different lineups. I know the Giants had key injuries and had to make do with what they had, but can you give us fans a look at what the everyday lineup might look like without key injuries for the 2006 season?-- James D., Novato, Calif.
Alou could only work with what he had, and general manager Brian Sabean said Alou was "challenged" day-by-day to play musical chairs with the lineup and did an "above-average job" in doing so. Every manager would love a set batting order with wise use of the bench. Keep your fingers crossed the lineup will feature Omar Vizquel, Randy Winn, Ray Durham, Barry Bonds, Moises Alou, Pedro Feliz, J.T. Snow/Lance Niekro and Mike Matheny for three-quarters of playing time.
Is there any chance that the Giants would keep Snow around as an player-coach? (Have his main duties be infield coach, and use him for late inning defensive substitutions)-- Kevin E., Jeffersonville, Vt.
Highly doubtful. His still-viable talents -- solid hitter, great defense -- would be better served being a full-timer. Besides, he's been a "coach" in a sense while with the club, always helping out younger players, especially Niekro, in the nuances of defensive duty. As for being a coach when he retires, Snow has often indicated he'd prefer to take a few years off and enjoy spending time with his family during summers, especially going camping. "I've never done that," he said.
The Giants admit they need a quality starting pitcher; is there any real chance of landing A.J. Burnett, and are the Giants willing to spend what it will take?-- Jeff B., Burlingame, Calif.
Considering last year's rotation was an area Sabean admitted was overestimated, I believe he will try to get the best pitcher available. He's said he wants a "veteran with good credentials" to join the roster, so don't expect an over-the-hill, cheapie castoff. They wanted Burnett last season, and it's probable Sabean will get someone close to his caliber.
Knowing the problems of the starting pitching and the offensive woes, why doesn't Sabean try to trade Edgardo Alfonzo and Ray Durham and reinvest in younger, more productive players to include a starting first baseman and a No. 2 starter? -- Ed J., Lake Charles, La.
Both players are in the final seasons of their contracts, and the club will definitely try to unload Alfonzo. Giants fans were disappointed in Alfonzo's work but he was decent -- and still young enough that other clubs could still seek his services. Durham has few claim-jumpers at second and will likely fulfill his deal. Some readers have asked about Rich Aurilia rejoining San Francisco after he revitalized his game playing second at Cincinnati this year. He was well-liked but demanded too much money after 2003 with the Giants. Bringing up Kevin Frandsen from the Minors is a more probable scenario.
Why did Felipe Alou keep managing in his 70s when he could have retired long ago? Is it ego? Does he have something to prove? -- Darren Q., Los Angeles
It's partly ego -- that's what drives all of us to excel. Mostly, he loves baseball, as it's his life's work, and he's proud of being a manager, proud of being from the Dominican Republic, showing the baseball world he could be good as a player and manager despite his humble beginnings.
As for being sharp at 70, the Alou family and relatives have a history of long, healthy lives. "Good genes. Some of them lived in their 100s," he said. Asked what he'd like to do in retirement, he replied, "I'd love to be like my father, at 86 still strong enough to reel in big fish." Alou is an avid deep-sea fisherman, not a creekside angler.
What do you think about the Giants trying to pick up Tony Clark to fill the void at first this season? He's got a big bat and he's a switch-hitter. He's a little old but do you think that might play a factor? If not, who do you think the Giants will try to pick up? -- Matt L., Douglas, Ga.
Clark is a possibility in a trade. He turned from a bench guy to a dynamic force on the Diamondbacks this season and showed tremendous power. The Padres' Mark Sweeney is another front-burner hot stove candidate, while Tampa Bay's Travis Lee will be considered.
Whatever happened to Georgia resident Marquis Grissom? Has any team picked up him?-- Jay H., Atlanta
The Colorado Rockies have shown interest in Grissom, 38, released by the Giants after a disappointing season due to a hamstring injury. Outfielder "Grip" said he would work out at his farm in Fairburn, Ga., and hope to return to baseball.

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/

Bevy of Giants broadcasters eligible

11/08/2005
SAN FRANCISCO -- Giants fans helped legendary broadcaster Lon Simmons win the National Baseball Hall of Fame's 2004 Ford C. Frick Award, and now they can assist in putting another Giants announcer onto the final ballot for the 2006 honor.
Current English-language broadcasters Jon Miller, Mike Krukow, Duane Kuiper and Greg Papa and Spanish-language announcers Amaury Pi-Gonzalez and Tito Fuentes highlight the eligible Giants candidates on this year's initial ballot.
Former San Francisco announcers Hank Greenwald (18 years) and Ted Robinson (nine years) are also among the notable names up for the honor.
Across the Bay, there is strong sentiment to get Oakland announcer Bill King, who recently passed away, onto the final ballot. King, a Bay Area broadcasting legend primarily known for his work with the A's, Warriors and Raiders, started his local career in 1958 when he joined Simmons and fellow Frick Award winner Russ Hodges on Giants broadcasts.
Presented annually since 1978 for excellence in baseball broadcasting, the Ford C. Frick Award is given to an active or retired broadcaster with a minimum of 10 years of continuous Major League broadcast service with a ballclub, network, or a combination of the two. Fans will have the opportunity to vote for up to three of the 182 broadcasters eligible for consideration for the 2006 Ford C. Frick Award. Fans are allowed to vote once daily online. Voting concludes on Nov. 30. The fan selections, along with the full ballot of 10 candidates, will be announced on Dec. 5.
The final ballot will be comprised of the three fan selections, along with seven other candidates, determined by a Hall of Fame staff research team. The Frick electorate includes all living award winners and six historians appointed by the Hall of Fame.
In the first year of fan balloting, Simmons ran away with the online tally, garnering a vote on about a third of the more than 100,000 ballots cast. That fan support got the attention of the Frick electorate, who named Simmons the 2004 honoree.
Miller, the voice of the Giants since 1997, has the most service years of the San Francisco announcers on the ballot -- 29 years with the A's, Rangers, Red Sox, Orioles and Giants. He's also the play-by-play commentator on ESPN's "Sunday Night Baseball" telecasts, partnered with Hall of Famer Joe Morgan, also a Frick Award nominee and a former Giants player and broadcaster.
Krukow and Kuiper, beloved by Giants fans as "Kruk and Kuip," have been San Francisco broadcasters since 1991 and 1987, respectively, save for Kuiper's one year with the Rockies in 1993. They are both two-time Emmy winners.
Papa just finished his second year on the Giants broadcast team after 13 years with the A's, while Greenwald came out of retirement in 2004 to become an Oakland announcer. Robinson, a 22-year baseball-broadcasting veteran, recently parted ways with the Mets after four years.
Former Major Leaguer Fuentes has 13 years of broadcast experience, all with the Giants, while Pi-Gonzalez, who also broadcasts selected Mariners games in Spanish, has been a San Francisco announcer since 1995.
The Frick voting electorate consists of 20 members, featuring 2005 Ford C. Frick Award winner Jerry Coleman and the other 13 living Frick Award winners: Marty Brennaman, Herb Carneal, Joe Garagiola, Curt Gowdy, Ernie Harwell, Jaime Jarrin, Milo Hamilton, Harry Kalas, Felo Ramirez, Vin Scully, Simmons, Bob Uecker and Bob Wolff. Six historians and veteran media members are also part of the electorate, including Bob Costas (NBC), Barry Horn (Dallas Morning News), Stan Isaacs (formerly of Newsday), Ted Patterson (historian), Curt Smith (historian) and Larry Stewart (Los Angeles Times).
Voters are asked to base their selections on the following criteria: longevity; continuity with a club; honors, including national assignments such as the World Series and All-Star Games; and popularity with fans. Paper ballots will be cast by voting members each January and the final results will be announced at the Hall of Fame's Web site in February. Each voter will cast ballots for three candidates and the broadcaster with the most support will be named as that year's award winner and be honored the following summer at the annual induction ceremony in Cooperstown.

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/

Colletti next GM candidate for Dodgers

11/10/2005
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. -- Ned Colletti, the assistant general manager of the San Francisco Giants, is the next in line to interview for the Dodgers' open general manager position.
The Dodgers confirmed Colletti's interview on Thursday after the story originally appeared in the morning editions of the Los Angeles Times.
"I'm flattered that they've expressed an interest," Colletti said. "It's one of the great franchises in sports. At the same time, I've got a great job in a great organization with people I've got great respect for and have had a great relationship with for the last 11 years."
Colletti, who has been San Francisco general manager Brian Sabean's assistant for the past nine years, said he was heading to Los Angeles after this week's meeting of general managers in the desert broke up on Thursday, a day earlier than scheduled. Colletti is following former Texas and Cleveland GM John Hart and current Dodgers assistant Kim Ng, who have already been interviewed.
Neither Colletti nor the Dodgers disclosed the date and time of the meeting.
"It's soon," Colletti said.
The Dodgers sought permission from the Giants to talk to Colletti, and it was granted this week.
The team has been searching for someone to replace the deposed Paul DePodesta, who was dismissed two seasons into a five-year contract on Oct. 29 after the team plummeted from a division title in 2004 to a 71-91 record this past season. At the same time, the Dodgers have been without a manager since Jim Tracy left only days after the end of the regular season. Tracy ultimately signed a three-year deal to manage the Pirates.
A Dodgers official said there was no particular timeline for hiring a general manger, although the process might come to a conclusion before Frank and Jamie McCourt leave for the final quarterly owners' meetings of the year, scheduled for next Wednesday and Thursday in Milwaukee. The new GM will be charged with replacing Tracy.
Ng and Roy Smith represented the Dodgers at this week's GM meetings. With the free-agent signing period opening on Friday, the next big event for GMs is the annual Winter Meetings, scheduled for Dallas on Dec. 5-8.
Concurrently, the Red Sox are also searching for a GM to replace the departed Theo Epstein. They interviewed three candidates here on Wednesday, including Nationals GM Jim Bowden, and have scheduled former Expos and Orioles executive Jim Beattie for a slot on Friday in Boston.

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/

Giants search for rotation help

11/09/2005
SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants entered last offseason believing that the one area in which they were already secure was the starting rotation.
This winter, a starting pitcher is atop general manager Brian Sabean's shopping list.
"No matter how you slot it [in the rotation], it's going to have to be somebody who can give you innings, make 32-plus starts at least, 200-plus innings, somebody with experience and hopefully somebody with a winning track record," said Sabean. "That's a lot of boxes to check off."
Unfortunately for Sabean and the Giants, many other teams are seeking just the same thing, and the free-agent shelves aren't exactly stocked full of those types of pitchers. A.J. Burnett headlines the list, with the likes of Kevin Millwood, Matt Morris, Jarrod Washburn, Paul Byrd and Jeff Weaver among the other big names.
With the free-agent market relatively thin for starting pitchers, the Giants know the prices for those players could inflate considerably, and Sabean isn't prepared to get into a bidding war.
"You don't want to run the risk of a bad contract per se because of your need," said Sabean. "Our dilemma is we're not going to overpay for the sake of need, and the last thing you need is to enter into a multiyear contract for too much money or too many years. You're going to have to be prepared to say no. So you're going to have to have some fallback positions."
Those fallbacks include trading for an arbitration-eligible player that the current team can't afford or waiting for the new group of free agents that will emerge Dec. 20 when clubs must tender contracts to their existing players or have them become available to all teams.
Also high on Sabean's to-do list is re-signing lefty reliever Scott Eyre, who had a career year in 2005 and became one of the most reliable arms in the San Francisco bullpen. The Giants have offered Eyre a two-year deal with an option for a third year, but reports say Eyre's agent wants to test the market, which opens fully to all teams on Friday.
If Eyre chooses to sign elsewhere, Sabean plans to obtain another reliever, "probably from the market," he said. The Giants won't concern themselves with their other two free agents, first baseman J.T. Snow and right-hander Brett Tomko, until they've sorted out what other alternatives they might have to re-signing one or both of them.
Snow, who in 2005 was the second-longest tenured Giants player after Barry Bonds, may very well have played his last games in a San Francisco uniform, depending on how the Giants do in their pursuit of a much-desired left-handed hitter.
"In a perfect world, we would like to get some more offense, and thus we're going to try to decide what we're going to first do with first base," said Sabean, noting that the club plans to have Pedro Feliz be the everyday third baseman, relegating Edgardo Alfonzo to "role player" status, fighting for playing time at second and third.
The Giants are targeting a first baseman or first baseman/outfielder for their offensive boost, and depending on how much playing time that player and 26-year-old first baseman Lance Niekro are slated to receive, there likely would be no room for Snow and his veteran leadership to return.
Ideally, the Giants would like to be methodical in their dealings this offseason, carefully weighing the free agents vs. the trade market and the possible non-tendered group of players, but Sabean knows he may not have that luxury.
"There are so few names that I think we would be interested [in] or a lot of other clubs could be interested [as well] that you may have to act as things develop," he said. "I would like to be more diligent, to hold out for the right situation, but you're going to have to be prepared to step up and make a decision, and we'll do that, too."

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/

Burres thankful for AFL experience

11/11/2005
MESA, Ariz. -- Don't expect Giants' pitching prospect Brian Burres to be a hulking, scary, intimidating force on the hill.
At 6-foot-1, 165 pounds, the 25-year-old lefty looks more like a still-growing teenager, and Burres admits it's a family trait.
"My father weighed 140 pounds until he was 29," laughed the pitcher, competing in the Arizona Fall League for the Mesa Solar Sox.
But don't be fooled by his slender appearance. Whips are pretty thin, too, until they get cracking, and Burres' left arm can throw pitches into the mid-90s with movement good enough to rank him among the top 20 San Francisco farmhands last season and account for 105 strikeout victims for the Double-A Connecticut Defenders (nee Norwich Navigators).
Although shoulder inflammation ruined his early campaign, Burres showed promise with a 5-2 record and 2.11 ERA in 11 outings covering almost 60 innings during May and June. In a team-high 24 starts, Burres sported a 9-5 record and a 4.19 ERA and was named an in-season Eastern League All-Star.
The Oregon native is the Giants' out-of-nowhere kid.
After being selected in the 31st round of the 2000 draft out of Mt. Hood Community College (Troutdale, Ore.), Burres had three so-so Minor League campaigns, but emerged as a prospect with a brilliant 12-1 record and 2.84 ERA for Class A San Jose in 2004, finishing the season with nine straight victories.
That earned him California League All-Star honors, and San Francisco manager Felipe Alou was impressed with the two scoreless innings Burres pitched during Spring Training and often mentioned the pitcher's name last season as a future Giant.
"It's good to hear that those guys are talking about you," said Burress. "It's always positive to have it in your mind that they know who you are. And anytime you have a chance to play in the [Arizona Fall League] is a good thing. Everybody wants to come here and have a chance to play against the best players in the Minors."
In six games with the Solar Sox, Burres is 1-2 with an 8.24 ERA spanning 19 2/3 innings. For the left-hander, it's a test against elite, up-and-coming stars, and a great learning experience.
"I'm trying to stay consistent and get the ball down," he said of his AFL goals. "Every time you go out there, you want to pitch well and you want to win. But some days you've got it and some days you don't. This extra month of baseball, I can work on my mechanics and try to be close to the same every time."
That strong left arm and smooth rhythm is the key for Burres, who like most young pitchers is seeking zone consistency and increased aggressiveness. In addition to his fastball, Burres owns a solid curve and changeup along with a slider and cutter.
Despite his success in the lower levels, Burres isn't overly enamored with his career so far, realizing he's still growing as a man and pitcher and can't speed up time.
"I'm just trying to progress, and you always wish you could have done things better," he said. "But I felt good about my year. It was a new experience for me and I took something out of it. There were some bad parts, but I learned something from every start."
What was pleasing for Burres was watching his farmhand friends compete with the Giants last season, knowing he'll eventually join them -- someday.
"It's fun seeing my buddies there, but I'm having a great time just playing ball," he said. "You can't be too anxious. You can only do so much."

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/

Giants, D-Backs to host inaugural WBC

11/14/2005
PHOENIX -- The venue field for next year's inaugural World Baseball Classic was nearly completed on Monday, when it was announced that first-round games, which include the U.S., Canada, Mexico and South Africa, are scheduled to be played at Chase Field (the former Bank One Ballpark) and Scottsdale Stadium on March 9-11.
The other first-round pools are scheduled for the Tokyo Dome (March 3-6), Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan and most probably the Disney complex in Orlando, Fla. Both the latter pools will be played concurrently with the pool in Arizona.
The second round is scheduled for March 13-15 in Puerto Rico and Angel Stadium in Anaheim with the semifinals and finals at San Diego's PETCO Park on March 18-20. Only the first-round games in Florida have yet to be formalized. Scottsdale Stadium is the Spring Training home of the San Francisco Giants, and Chase Field is the regular-season home of the Diamondbacks.
"The continued cooperation of the Diamondbacks and the Giants is another example of the great support from our clubs for the World Baseball Classic," Commissioner Bud Selig said in a release. "Chase Field and Scottsdale Stadium are fine facilities in prime locations, and we thank both clubs for their enthusiasm."
MLB International officials are at organizational meetings in Florida this week to be followed by the owners meetings on Wednesday and Thursday in Milwaukee. Last week in Indian Wells, Calif., Paul Archey, MLB's vice president of international business operations, addressed general managers about their WBC concerns.
A technical committee is expected to review pitch counts, roster size, eligibility and a number of other issues regarding the tournament, which includes 15 nations and the territory of Puerto Rico and will feature Major League players in international competition for the first time. Sixty-man rosters have to be submitted 45 days before the WBC begins. An estimated 270 Major League-affiliated players are expected to be involved in the tournament.
Bob Watson, MLB's vice president of on-field baseball operations and Team USA general manager, said this past weekend that his search for a U.S. manager is narrowing and could be completed shortly.
Buck Martinez, Don Baylor, Davey Johnson and Lou Piniella are among the top contenders, with Piniella being a late addition. Johnson is in the Phoenix area this week as manager of the U.S. team that will compete in an Olympic qualifier scheduled to be played from Tuesday to Saturday. Team USA, Mexico, Canada, Panama, Nicaragua and Guatemala are the participants.
"I need to have one more conference call," said Watson, who is in town for this week's Olympic qualifier. "Then we'll see what happens."
As far as the WBC is concerned, the U.S., Japan, Korea, Chinese Taipei, China, Canada, South Africa, the Netherlands, Italy, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Panama and Australia have all accepted invitations. Cuba is still working out logistics, but will join the first-round pool in San Juan.
Don Fehr, the executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, said the tournament couldn't have better Western first-round venues than the two in Arizona. The retractable-domed Chase Field opened in 1998 for the Diamondbacks' first season and the new and improved Scottsdale Stadium opened in 1992 and began a wave of retro Spring Training parks that have now sprouted throughout the Phoenix area. The Scottsdale facility is currently under renovation and will be ready in time for Spring Training.
"We are pleased to have Chase Field and Scottsdale Stadium, two first-class baseball venues, play host to the inaugural games of the World Baseball Classic," Fehr said. "Launching the Classic in Arizona, which has long supported the sport on every level, will provide fans and players with a memorable experience."

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/

Mailbag: 'Eyre'-ing out the Bay Area?

11/14/2005
Why are we letting Scott Eyre test the market system? A reliable bullpen pitcher is hard to find, and there is no other Eyre out there. Why don't we just offer him what he wants? If we let him go, we'll probably have to settle with Jeff Fassero and LaTroy Hawkins.-- George A., San Francisco
Eyre, unfortunately for the Giants, is a free agent -- he is not bound to them except in his heart, and every Major League team appears to be romancing him with diamonds and rubies and long-term deals. Clubs are desperate for a left-handed setup guy and Scotty is Grade A, USDA-approved filet mignon. He's probably a goner. San Francisco has offered him a two-year deal and an option for 2008, but it may not be enough. I think Fassero and Hawkins will do well in 2006. Always the optimist.
Am I the only one that thinks Pedro Feliz is totally overrated? I know he led the Giants in homers and RBIs, but they were not even impressive numbers, given the number of at-bats he had. I would personally rather see a more productive hitter coming from the third base position.-- Alex S., Davis, Calif.
Manager Felipe Alou believes in Feliz, saying he's relatively inexperienced facing big league pitching despite turning 31 next April 27. But that talk is getting old, with Feliz entering his sixth full Major League season. Next year will be crucial for the erstwhile everyday third baseman. And if Edgardo Alfonzo is still around for the final year of his contract, don't expect him to sit idly by.
I saw that the Giants gave the Dodgers permission to interview Ned Colletti for the Dodgers GM job. Why would they help the Dodgers? Will they get anything in return?-- Scott W., Eureka, Calif.
Colletti, 50, is a shrewd contract man, a numbers guy, and has learned plenty under general manager Brian Sabean's tenure. The Giants would never stand in the way of Colletti getting a GM job, just like they wouldn't if bench coach Ron Wotus is hired as a big league manager. It isn't viewed as "helping" the Dodgers, but giving a good man his due.
Why did the Giants re-sign Hawkins? He had a tough year last year. That's why the Cubs traded him. I think the Giants need a setup man more than a starter. -- Colin L., San Francisco
For one thing, it was Hawkins' option to return. Yes, there are doubts about the reliever's reliability, but Hawkins did well over his final 40 outings with a 2.70 ERA after coming off ulnar nerve problems, and posted a great August mark with a 1.38 ERA. Give him a full, healthy season and "Hawk" should be solid in 2006.
Who are the Giants looking at to take over first base? Are they going to go after someone like Daryle Ward, who can play outfield, too, or try to trade for someone?-- Catherine M., Santa Rosa, Calif.
Daryle Ward is on their list of possibles, including Brian Giles, Jeromy Burnitz and Travis Lee. The Giants also have Brewers first sacker Lyle Overbay on their radar if Milwaukee elects to go with Prince Fielder.
Two years ago, the Giants traded away young starting pitching prospect Kurt Ainsworth. Has he been able to do anything productive for his new team?-- Jack L., Pleasanton, Calif.
Not much. Ainsworth missed the entire 2005 season due to surgery to repair a torn labrum and partially torn rotator cuff and other shoulder problems. It was his second major arm surgery in two years and Ainsworth considered retirement, but is rehabbing for 2006. Since joining Baltimore, he is 0-2 with a 9.82 ERA spanning 33 innings in 10 outings.
What is the current status of Brian Dallimore and Tony Torcato? They have both done well in their short stays in the Majors, but they weren't among the September callups at the end of last year. Have the Giants given up on them and are now focusing on younger talent?-- Eli L. Stockton, Calif.
Long-time Minor Leaguer Dallimore, who'll turn 32 next week, was outrighted off the Giants' 40-man roster on Sept. 16 and elected to become a free agent on Oct. 17. Dallimore hit .302 for Triple-A Fresno last season and batted .260 for San Francisco in 20 career contests. Torcato was released by the Giants and opted to stick with the Grizzlies, where he batted .269 this season. His future with the Giants isn't bright.

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/

Dodgers tab Colletti as new GM

11/16/2005
LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers raided the front office of the archrival San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, hiring Ned Colletti as their general manager.
Colletti, 50, will be introduced at a press conference at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday morning.
Colletti had been vice president and assistant general manager to Brian Sabean for the past nine seasons. Granted broad authority by Sabean, Colletti's duties with the Giants have included assisting in the acquisition of players, overseeing waiver and rule compliance, formulating salary arbitration cases and managing roster payroll.
Prior to joining the Giants in 1994, Colletti worked 12 years for the Chicago Cubs, in the media relations and baseball operations departments. There he conducted contract negotiations, helped prepare salary arbitration cases and assisted in player acquisitions.
Colletti replaced Paul DePodesta, who at age 31 was hired shortly after Frank and Jamie McCourt purchased the club from News Corp. DePodesta, signed to a five-year contract on the eve of the 2004 season, was dismissed 2 1/2 weeks ago, three weeks after manager Jim Tracy exercised an escape clause in his contract, citing philosophical differences with the general manager.
DePodesta launched a search for a manager, interviewing five candidates, although farm director Terry Collins was known to be his first choice. McCourt interceded, interviewing former Dodger and Cy Young Award winner Orel Hershiser. Less than a week later, DePodesta was dismissed, and the manager search was shelved pending the hiring of a general manager.
At the press conference announcing DePodesta's dismissal, McCourt said that the traits he would look for in a general manager were leadership, a keen eye for baseball talent, communication skills and experience. Colletti, with 24 seasons in baseball, seems to fit the profile.
Although the Giants finished only four games ahead of the Dodgers in 2005, they have averaged 91 wins a year, dating back to 1997. San Francisco won the division in 1997, 2000 and 2003, and the National League pennant in 2002, losing to the Angels in the World Series.
If McCourt's interviewing of Hershiser is an indication of where the managerial search will lead, it should be noted that Hershiser pitched for the Giants in 1998, and Colletti worked on his contract. Another candidate interviewed by DePodesta was Ron Wotus, the bench coach for Colletti with the Giants.
Colletti also has a history with All-Star second baseman Jeff Kent, who met with ownership just before DePodesta's dismissal after telling teammates that he would request a trade if the club wasn't committed to winning immediately. Colletti was involved in the trade that sent Kent to the Giants from Cleveland in 1997.
Colletti inherits a team that went 71-91 in 2005, the second-worst record for a Dodger club since the team moved to Los Angeles from Brooklyn. The offense finished 15th of 16 in team average, the pitching 12th in team ERA. Injuries decimated the roster and resulted in operations for closer Eric Gagne, All-Star shortstop Cesar Izturis, and outfielders J.D. Drew and Jayson Werth.
Of immediate concern, Colletti must decide whether to pursue his free agents -- primarily Jeff Weaver, Olmedo Saenz, Elmer Dessens and Paul Bako -- as well as free agents from outside the organization. The removal from the payroll of Darren Dreifort, Shawn Green and, possibly, Weaver would free up money to acquire talent.
Internally, Colletti must decide who will fill the corner infield positions and what the future holds for center fielder Milton Bradley, among other issues.
Colletti will be the seventh person to fill the role of Dodgers general manager in the last eight years and the 10th in Los Angeles Dodgers history. A native of Chicago and graduate of Northern Illinois University, he has authored four books.
The Dodgers also considered for the job former Boston GM Theo Epstein, new Philadelphia GM Pat Gillick, former Texas GM John Hart and current Dodgers assistant GM Kim Ng. At last week's general managers meetings, the Dodgers were represented by Ng and Roy Smith, the vice president of scouting and player development.

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/

Knoedler catching on with Giants

11/16/2005
MESA, Ariz. -- The first comment you hear from coaches or scouts when asked about Giants second-string catcher Justin Knoedler never varies, and San Francisco manager Felipe Alou is no different.
"He has a rocket arm," said Alou of Knoedler's ability to throw out potential basestealers from behind the plate with that strong right arm, as befits a former pitcher.
Without that muscled slingshot, Knoedler -- pronounced kuh-NAID-ler -- would probably by toiling somewhere in the lower Minor Leagues rather than being on San Francisco's 40-man roster, backup to veteran Mike Matheny.
While it appears the 25-year-old Springfield, Ill., native will stick with the Giants in 2006 after they traded away Yorvit Torrealba to Seattle and outrighted journeyman Yamid Haad to Triple-A Fresno on Oct. 17, Knoedler isn't prepared to feed his Major League per diem to his piggy bank just yet.
Sure, he was on the Mesa Solar Sox in the elite Arizona Fall League campaign with other Giants prospects, but he knows his status could change in a hurry.
"I'm going to compete for a job in the spring," said Knoedler, who hit .226 with the Solar Sox but played well defensively, as expected. He batted .272 at Fresno last year and hopes to break out offensively during Cactus League action.
"It was a long year, but I always prepare myself to grind it out," said Knoedler. "It helped here [in the AFL] by not playing every day. I worked on things I learned from [Giants hitting instructors] Joe Lefebvre and Willie Upshaw last September, trying to find my comfort level.
"It's a game of adjustments -- to pitchers and to your swing. I'm trying to get consistent at the plate, and even if I don't get success right away and strike out, I'm keeping the same approach, the same swing. I've finally found the right slot for my hands."
Unless the Giants acquire another reserve catcher over the winter, Knoedler will enter Spring Training as No. 2, although he's not ready to take Haad out of the equation.
Haad had a difficult year with the Giants offensively, batting .071 in only 17 games, but threw out five of 10 runners and guided the pitching staff to a 2.51 ERA over nearly 90 innings behind the plate.
"I was with Haad in Triple-A, and I think he could use more time and at-bats," said Knoedler. "He did some awesome things in Fresno [.282 average with 10 homers] and he's a great player."
No question, however, Matheny is Knoedler's idol, and he pestered the four-time Gold Glover constantly after a Sept. 2 callup.
"He's a soldier," said Knoedler of the 35-year-old Matheny. "I have more respect for that guy than anybody. He played [134] games and I don't know if I can do that. He never complained, played like 20 games in September and was still blocking balls. He was fun to watch."
And learn from.
Matheny is a pitcher's catcher -- the man on the mound comes first -- and Knoedler was awestruck by the veteran's unselfish attitude and work ethic.
"I asked him about game-calling and why he called this certain pitch -- you can never ask a bad question," said Knoedler. "He tells me about his experiences and says everybody is the same. There are flexibility issues. He's a great blocker and more flexible than a lot of big guys."
Knoedler starred at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield and being named NCJAA National Player of the Year before attending the Miami University (Ohio), where he was converted to the team's closer in the second half of the 2001 season.
But his professional pitching career proved brief. In relief at Salem-Keizer, he was 1-1 with a 1.26 ERA, but has come on fast as a catcher the past four seasons, earning that prospect rating with a solid .274 average at Double-A Norwich (now Connecticut) in 2004.
Knoedler had only one at-bat for the Giants later that summer, but earned his first Major League hit with a pinch-hit single against San Diego on Sept. 12 this year.
Being named to the Solar Sox was a coup for Knoedler, and he felt the experience against top-flight prospects was a boon.
"My arm has gotten me where I am, and I worked on my strengths here," said Knoedler. "I also worked on my weaknesses -- I'm trying to be consistent and improve in all areas."

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/

Colletti introduced as Dodgers GM

11/16/2005
LOS ANGELES -- One search down, one to go.
Dodgers chairman Frank McCourt introduced Ned Colletti as his new general manager on Wednesday, bringing over the previous assistant general manager of the archrival Giants.
Colletti signed a four-year contract, and his first assignment is to find a field manager, and quickly. A longtime baseball official who values a traditional approach to the game, Colletti said he already has a short list of potential candidates and it's likely to include longtime managers Lou Piniella and Jim Fregosi.
After the unexpected dismissal of 32-year-old Paul DePodesta and an 18-day process to find a replacement, McCourt chose Colletti over Dodgers assistant general manager Kim Ng. McCourt said Colletti satisfied the four criteria he spelled out the day DePodesta was dismissed -- leadership, talent evaluation, baseball experience and communication skills.
Especially communication skills.
"Ned and I hit it off," said McCourt. "We had chemistry immediately and that's a very good sign. It's a big piece of building a successful team. Our goal is to have sustained winning, and now we have the person in place that will allow us to do that. He's the best guy for the job."
McCourt, calling the 50-year-old "my baseball guy," said Colletti will be the "point person" in the search to find a replacement for manager Jim Tracy, who left at season's end, citing philosophical differences with DePodesta. Tracy ultimately was hired to manage the Pittsburgh Pirates.
"I'm relying on Ned -- it's his responsibility to run the baseball operation," McCourt said of Colletti's task in finding a manager. "When it gets down to two or three, unless he feels there's an obvious choice, we'll sit down."
McCourt said the manager should be "somebody who, when the game is on the line, brings victory home for us. Somebody who brings people together, who's a good collaborator, an experienced person who knows how to win."
It is believed that DePodesta's search to replace Tracy, which was leading toward farm director Terry Collins, was the final straw in the deterioration of his relationship with McCourt, who personally intervened and interviewed former Dodgers Cy Young Award winner Orel Hershiser days before dismissing DePodesta.
Hershiser might still wind up in the organization, but Colletti's comments indicated a preference for someone with the managing experience of a Piniella or Fregosi as compared to Hershiser, who is the Texas Rangers pitching coach, but has never managed at any level. Colletti negotiated Hershiser's contract when he became a Giant in 1998.
"You need a great leader who has won, who knows how to win the last game of the season, who can relate to every player young and old, who won't be outmaneuvered by the other manager," said Colletti. "Somebody well-rounded who will communicate with me daily. We won't manage the manager, but we have to all know what we're doing."
Piniella, who left the Tampa Bay Devil Rays last month, has managed five teams over 19 seasons in the Major Leagues, taking the Cincinnati Reds to a World Series title in 1990. One of Piniella's closest allies is Lee Elia, a mentor of Colletti.
Fregosi has managed four teams (including the Angels) over 15 seasons in the Major Leagues, taking the Phillies to the World Series in 1993. He last managed Toronto in 1999-2000 and has been a special assignment scout with Atlanta for three years. Prior to that, he worked with Colletti in San Francisco as special assistant to the general manager.
McCourt and Colletti would not say how the 2006 payroll would compare to the roughly $80 million the Dodgers spent in 2005, when they were decimated by injuries and went 71-91, the second-worst mark since the team moved from Brooklyn.
McCourt said Colletti would have "whatever resources it takes to win," while Colletti said if he finds the right players "to take us to the top, come to [McCourt], and if it's the right thing, he'll do it.
"If I didn't think we had the resources to do it in a classy, thorough, consistent way, I wouldn't be here," Colletti said. "I believe in what I've heard."
Colletti said "a foundation" was in place for the Dodgers to reclaim the top spot in the division, but as currently constructed, the roster needs resolution of the corner infield spots, starting pitching and outfield. He said he was open to free agents for the short- and long-term, as well as handing over a job or two to the young players.
"We have to be building and winning at the same time," he said, citing an abundant farm system that might deliver legitimate prospects as soon as 2006. "We may have big-league stars there and you don't want to hold them back."
Colletti was involved in the Giants' acquisition of Jeff Kent from Cleveland and he spoke favorably of the second baseman he also sarcastically referred to as "Mr. Chuckles" for his sour reputation. Kent met with ownership just before DePodesta was dismissed after telling teammates he would ask for a trade if the club wasn't committed to winning immediately.
He sidestepped a question about the future role of center fielder Milton Bradley, who is recovering from a knee operation but also had a run-in with Kent last season.
Colletti, who apprenticed as the right-hand man of San Francisco GM Brian Sabean for nine years, said he places a priority on players who stay healthy, although he implied that the Dodgers' problems in recent years ran deeper than the wave of injuries that hit in 2005.
"You came to Dodger Stadium in the late 80s, they were well prepared, they could beat you a number of ways, they played to the end, they had a great manager who put pressure on the other team's weaknesses and the players bought into it.
"I don't see that all the time the last few years. I rarely feared coming in here. Inner intuition is what I'm getting into. We've lost some of that over here. It's not as poignant, not as prominent as it once was. The upside is that this can be one of the great franchises of all time."
He also said statistics play a role in his decision-making, but not necessarily a large one.
"They are a piece of the puzzle, but just part of it," he said. "There's character, work ethic, credibility, approach to life. And at the end of the day, you look at the stats, but they don't tell the story."
Ng, who has three years remaining on her contract, attended the press conference and said she would remain with the organization.
"I've been here for four years and I want to be part of it," said Ng, who was hired by former GM Dan Evans. "There are a lot of good things happening here on the baseball side."

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/

Giants GM Sabean happy for Colletti

11/16/2005
It's been a whirlwind week for Giants general manager Brian Sabean, and it's not over yet.
In the midst of preparing for his wedding this Friday in St. Petersburg, Fla., to fiancee Amanda, Sabean is now searching for a replacement for assistant Ned Colletti -- hired as GM by the Los Angeles Dodgers -- and preparing for baseball's annual Winter Meetings.
In addition to ongoing pursuit of a No. 2 starter and first baseman/outfielder.
So while it was bad timing to lose Colletti after nine years of near-brotherhood -- and the thrill of reaching the 2002 World Series -- what with a flurry of deals on the front burner, Sabean felt proud for his close friend.
"Ned is passionate in his own life and the way he goes about his business," said Sabean on Wednesday. "He's not afraid of work and [this job] fits him to a tee. He is adept at handling problems and turning them into opportunities. He's relentless, very moral and ethical -- he has all the [necessary] qualities."
Sabean added he felt good from an organizational perspective that despite the long-standing Giants-Dodgers rivalry, the Los Angeles club had kept its eye on Colletti, 50, for the GM position, a job he called "long overdue" for his aide. Colletti joined Sabean and the Giants in 1994 and became the assistant GM two years later when Sabean was promoted to his current position.
Will Colletti attend Sabean's wedding?
"If he does, I hope he's ready for the biggest prank in our relationship," cracked Sabean. "Hopefully he'll show up."
With Colletti's vacancy, the pressing need is to give Sabean help on the free-agent market and trade front. Colletti was indispensable with dealing with player agents and intricate contracts.
It appears the Giants will look inward initially for a new assistant GM, with help from Bobby Evans, director of Minor League operations, and Dick Tidrow, vice president of player personnel, a likely candidate to replace Colletti.
"We'll do a proper search to identify internally; how we might approach is from within ... make sure it's the right fit," said Sabean, explaining scout Pat Dobson will take over discussing possible deals with teams. "It's a very difficult position to fill."
Regarding a conflict of interest, with Colletti mindful of the Giants' offseason plans, Sabean said "it's a fact of life" and that "each team must look for its own needs."
What pleased Sabean was that Colletti had earned the right to be a GM through vast experience in all phases of baseball. He's a mix of old school and new school with no pretension or flashy style. Colletti is solid, just as Sabean said of new Phillies GM Pat Gillick, 68.
So much for the new wave of younger GMs making a splash. The Dodgers ousted 32-year-old Paul DePodesta, the third-youngest GM in the game, and former Boston GM Theo Epstein is also part of the new wave.
"I find it ironical in baseball hiring people with little or no practical experience," said Sabean. "Ned and I became pessimistic as to what was going on. I don't know if the same [younger hiring] applies in the real world ... a Fortune 500 company handling the boardroom keys to [someone] with no real life experience."
Sabean also reported Giants bench coach Ron Wotus, who had interviewed for the Dodgers' manager's spot, has been told he is no longer a candidate and assumes he'll be back with San Francisco.
As for losing Colletti, Sabean wished him well, while the new Dodgers GM made it plain his old boss was invaluable in guiding him to the post.
During his press conference Wednesday morning at Dodger Stadium, Colletti thanked men who were instrumental in his career: Giants owner Peter Magowan and executive vice president Larry Baer, plus Dallas Green, Lee Elia, Jimmy Frey, Don Zimmer, Dusty Baker, Bob Quinn and Felipe Alou, saying the latter was "one of the finest people I've ever met."
Regarding Sabean, Colletti noted, "We were not quite brothers, but as close as two people could be. We had 11 years together, and he not only taught me a lot but gave me the ability to learn and grow. It was a great team."

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/

Eyre rewarded by Cubs for resilience

11/18/2005
CHICAGO -- One of the first things Scott Eyre did when he knew he was going to the Chicago Cubs was to check the team's 2006 schedule. Eyre wanted to know when he'd be back in San Francisco because he doesn't want to let the kids down at Charles Armstrong School.
They can expect a visit in May.
In May 2002, Eyre began taking medication for attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). He didn't know he had it until the previous month, when Tim Hughes of the Toronto Blue Jays medical staff suggested Eyre talk to someone about it during an off day in Tampa, Fla. Eyre never thought he had a problem.
"No, I was just me," he said Friday at Wrigley Field, where he was introduced as the newest member of the Cubs' bullpen.
The free agent reliever signed a two-year contract with the Cubs on Thursday night that includes a player option for a third year. If the option is picked up, the total package is worth $11 million. The deal includes a $1 million signing bonus, and will pay Eyre $2.7 million in 2006 and $3.5 million in 2007. The player option year in 2008 is for $3.8 million.
Eyre wouldn't be such a valuable commodity if he hadn't been diagnosed and learned how to deal with ADHD.
"There were little things, like someone tapping on the back of your chair, that would drive me nuts," Eyre said. "Now it doesn't bother me at all. Nothing bothers me. I drive, listen to the radio, listen to my wife talking and the kids do what they would do. I was lot grumpier, I guess, as my wife describes it. Now I'm a lot more happy."
He's also a better pitcher. From 1997-2001, before he was diagnosed, Eyre had a career 5.50 ERA, giving up 139 earned runs in 227 1/3 innings over 95 games. From 2002-05, he gave up 102 earned runs over 252 2/3 innings in 313 games for a 3.63 ERA.
"You get critics who say, 'You grew up as a pitcher,'" Eyre said. "I'm sorry, but you don't get your ERA two points different in three years or whatever by learning. It doesn't happen like that."
And that's part of the message he delivers to kids who also are struggling to deal with ADHD or attention deficit disorder (ADD). The difference? As Eyre talked on Friday, he was constantly moving his hands. He's a little hyper.
"In San Fran, I've had numerous kids or parents who say they take this [medication] now because of you," Eyre said. "One kid's dad said, 'He doesn't want to take [the medication] because the kids make fun of him.' I looked at [the kid] and said, 'How do your friends know you take it?' and he said, 'I told them.' I said, 'Tell them you don't take it any more, and take it at home and they'll never know.'"
Eyre wants students to know they aren't alone, and he'll reiterate that message when he sees the kids at Charles Armstrong School in Belmont, Calif. The Cubs will be in town to play the Giants May 9-11, 2006.
"I made them a promise that if I wasn't a Giant next year that I would still come back and visit them, so I have to go back and visit in May," Eyre said. "I already looked at the schedule to see when we're in San Fran."
Eyre is willing to talk to children in the Chicago area as well.
"[The kids] didn't care if I wasn't Barry Bonds or Jason Schmidt," Eyre said. "They cared that I played in the big leagues and I had ADD or ADHD, and that I made it to where I was. That's rewarding to me to see a kid smile like that."
The Cubs are smiling now that Eyre is part of the relief corps. His agent, Tommy Tanzer, said every Major League team called to inquire about the left-handed reliever.
"I was getting headaches every day from the stress," Eyre said. "How do I pick a place to play without knowing what the clubhouse was like?"
The good-natured lefty, who will be a perfect complement to Chicago closer Ryan Dempster, played for Cubs manager Dusty Baker when the Giants plucked Eyre off the waiver wire in August 2002. He helped San Francisco reach the World Series that year.
Eyre talked to Baker and also got good vibes from conversations with new teammates Glendon Rusch, Jerome Williams and Neifi Perez. Rusch told him about a team dinner the last weekend at a Houston steakhouse that all but one player attended, and that player missed it because he was sick.
About a week ago, Eyre checked in with Baker again.
"All he said is, 'Did you sign yet? We're going fishing,'" Eyre said. "I've got a nice fishing partner."
The lefty decided to leave the Giants because it was just too long a commute to his Bradenton, Fla., home. Twice this year, he left San Francisco after a Sunday day game, flew to Florida, spent the Monday off-day playing with his two sons, ages 7 and 5, then flew to Arizona to rejoin the Giants. The Eyres have a seven-acre spread in Florida that is home to two horses, three dogs, two cats and a turtle.
"I love my wife and kids very much and this is closer to home," he said of Chicago. "They have a good team, and [Cubs general manager Jim] Hendry made it almost impossible to say no. The negotiations were 45 minutes long. We had dinner, I walked out in my Greg Maddux autographed jersey and said, 'How do I look?'"
Eyre had gotten Maddux to sign a jersey this summer, not knowing he'd be the right-hander's teammate a few months later.
Eyre gave the Giants credit for his success.
"Felipe [Alou] showed a lot of faith in me," said Eyre, who led the National League in appearances. "I'd have a bad game or give up an inherited run or something, and it didn't matter what I did on Monday, I was pitching Tuesday. I was the go-to guy. That instilled confidence in myself. I hope I can do the same thing here in Chicago."

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/

Well-rested Lowry begins throwing

11/18/2005
Somebody keeps whispering in Noah Lowry's ear, and it's not like he's hearing voices. It's his own body doing the talking.
As the Giants pitcher begins winter workouts in San Diego with fellow hurler Kevin Correia, Lowry gets constant sensory alerts from his athletically tuned body, telling him something is fatigued, something is sore, something -- maybe a muscle or tendon -- is getting stronger.
The 25-year-old left-hander has learned to listen.
Lowry admits losing about seven pounds from his 209-pound frame during the season, small wonder considering he threw 204 2/3 innings -- the most of his pro career -- over 33 starts, being the lone starter not to miss a turn.
It took its toll, as Lowry realized soon after the season ended. It did end on a strong note, as the second-year Major Leaguer had a boffo second half with an 8-4 record and 2.43 ERA, including a magnificent 5-0 record and 0.69 ERA in August.
But after being home for a few days, his body was virtually yelling at him to take it easy.
"There's a lot of mental strain and physical strain on your body and you just learn to play through the aches and pains," said Lowry. "Your body realizes what's going on, so you need time off. You're pretty sore for a while as your body shuts down and tries to recuperate."
Some observers might feel that playing a three-hour game every day shouldn't be that demanding, but for Lowry and his San Francisco teammates, there are pregame drills and batting practice, in-the-cage workouts and often postgame weightlifting, with a normal day stretching from 2 p.m. to around 11 p.m.
That's why ballplayers seem to be constantly wolfing down food. They need that energy yet still lose weight.
"You're always burning calories," said Lowry, who began throwing with Correia this week, starting off from about 60 feet and tossing every other day at about 50 percent, just trying to get the arm motion back.
Cardio workouts and weightlifting six days a week for about two hours complete the current routine, all geared to keep the body in tune and preparing for six weeks of Spring Training beginning in mid-February.
"Right now I want to come in the spring healthy and ready to go for Opening Day," said Lowry, expected to be part of the rotation featuring Jason Schmidt, Matt Cain and possibly Brett Tomko, with Brad Hennessey and Correia contending.
While Lowry won 13 games last season, he also lost 13 thanks to first-half problems regarding pitch location and consistency in the zone. Initially, his vaunted changeup was up and he fought the usual pitcher's battle of not having all his pitches working.
Lowry paid the price, logging a 5-9 mark and 5.07 ERA before the All-Star break.
Then everything finally, belatedly, began to click.
"You learn to use every inch of what you have whether your stuff is good that day or bad that day." said Lowry. "Some days it's only going to be one, then all four pitches -- it's a constant battle, making adjustments.
"I relied on my changeup too much and that was something I needed to learn. I had gotten away from my curve I used a couple years back and threw my slider more after the midway point."
During that glorious August, Lowry had a magic touch every day. Every pitch was on target or fooled the batters, and he credited catcher Mike Matheny with calling perfect games.
If there was a lesson learned, it was preparing every fifth day to give everything he had. No more, no less.
"Pitching is a different game," he said. "You prepare yourself and work hard to leave it all out on the field, regardless of the result. I did everything I could to win the game. That's my approach."
Lowry made it look easy in his rookie year, as he went 6-0 with a 3.82 ERA over 16 games in 2004. This season was a psychological jolt, but the lefty survived and looks forward to a solid third year.
"You try to take the positives out of everything," he said. "Baseball is a game of negatives. On the year I had a decent ERA -- I wanted to get below 4.00 -- and threw a lot of innings.
"This year I want to cut down on losses and walks and throw fewer pitches."
And pay attention to what his body tells him.

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/

Giants add six to 40-man roster

11/17/2005
SAN FRANCISCO -- Those "Little Giants" from Class A San Jose are starting to get bigger in stature and promise.
With an eye for the future, the San Francisco Giants added six players to their 40-man roster Thursday, including five who had stellar campaigns for the California League team last season.
General manager Brian Sabean announced the club has purchased the contracts of right-handed pitcher Kelyn Acosta, left-handers Jon Coutlangus and Jesus Reina, plus catcher Eliezer Alfonzo, infielder Travis Ishikawa and outfielder Nate Schierholtz.
The newcomers bolstered the roster to 37 players.
Schierholtz, 21, the Giants' second-round selection in the 2003 draft, helped lead San Jose to the league title by batting .319 with 15 homers and 86 RBIs, the latter figure fourth-highest in the organization. He's a converted third baseman.
Ishikawa, 22 and a 21st-round selection in 2002, is a southpaw-batting first baseman who is rapidly making progress. He slugged 22 homers, fourth among all Giants Minor Leaguers, for San Jose, as well as 79 RBIs.
Elevated to the roster as third-string catcher was Alfonzo, a Venezuela native trying to break free from the Minors after his 10th pro season. The 26-year-old was a Cal League All-Star, blasted 23 homers and hit .334 playing for San Jose, Double-A Norwich (now Connecticut) and Triple-A Fresno.
Venezuelan product Reina, 21, limited batters to a .226 average and had 13 starts at Fresno. While his 2-4 overall record and 5.23 ERA with the little Giants and Fresno was not spectacular, Reina showed power by striking out 75 batters.
Former University of South Carolina star Coutlangus, a converted outfielder, was 4-0 with a 3.04 ERA for San Jose over 50 relief appearances and fanned 79 batters over 77 innings.
Dominican Republic native Acosta, only 20, had a standout season at Class A Augusta with a 1.42 ERA and five saves over 11 outings as closer. He held opponents to a .222 average.

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Compensating for loss of Eyre

11/21/2005
What is the current total on the payroll for the Giants and how much room do we have to work with? What happens now that Scott Eyre is gone? Who do you think the organization will go after?-- Brandon C., Salinas, Calif.
The last time we talked with president and managing general partner Peter Magowan, he said the payroll will be around $85 million and maybe a little higher depending on offseason moves. With Eyre now with the Cubs, it makes the Giants' job far tougher this winter to compensate for his loss. Speaking of which, the Giants will get two compensatory picks in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft from Chicago.
GM Brian Sabean said recently if Eyre signed elsewhere, he'd look for a left-handed pitcher on the free agent or trade markets. Lefty Jack Taschner had a solid rookie season with a 2-0 record and 1.59 ERA in 24 outings, and he could -- might, possibly, maybe -- be the answer.
I think it's great that Armando Benitez came back from major injury this year. Too bad his arm seems shot. Do you think he can regain his 2004 form?-- G. L., San Francisco
I do, to a certain extent. Benitez has had a track record of imploding at critical moments, but his 47 saves and 1.29 ERA for Florida was no fluke. Alas, his fastball slowed from the mid-90s to around 91 for the Giants -- after his hamstring surgery.
After 3 1/2 months off, there are psychological and physical reasons -- not excuses -- for that speed to tail off, and Benitez wasn't at full strength. Expect him to perform up to speed next year.
After beginning his GM career with one of the most unpopular (at the time) but savvy trades of Matt Williams to the Cleveland Indians for Jeff Kent, Jose Vizcaino, Julian Tavares and Joe Roa, Sabean's magic touch is not always evident. How will Sabean's trade of Joe Nathan and top prospect Francisco Liriano for A.J. Pierzynski rate among the worst trades in SF Giants history?-- Glen B., Lubbock, Texas
Right up there. Funny how Pierzynski was a pariah with the Giants and then became a White Sox hero with a World Series ring. That's baseball. And Nathan might have been the bullpen's salvation the last three campaigns. Liriano has yet to blossom, but had a decent rookie year with Minnesota. But considering the Giants finished below second place in the NL West for only the first time since 1997 last season, Sabean's batting average is still good.
Is Matt Cain a lock for the 2006 rotation?-- Brad S., Wisconsin Rapids, Wisc.
Cain is not only penciled in as a starter, he's engraved. The kid had amazing numbers (2-1, 2.33 ERA) in 2005, but it was over only seven games, so we'll learn how he adjusts next year facing teams over and over. Not to forget opposing teams' video gremlins learning his nuances and -- if there are any -- his weak spots. But Cain should be a double-figure victory hurler. He's smart with great stuff, and has Mike Matheny to guide him.
Why are the Giants even considering not re-signing J.T. Snow? He is good at the plate, fantastic at first base and great for the morale of the team.-- Mary P., Turlock, Calif.
You're not alone. I think Snow is still a force with an invaluable defensive instinct and .280-type batting average. Sabean, however, insists the Giants need a more powerful bat at first for the long run -- Lance Niekro is still a question mark -- and someone who'll play regularly. Even if they sign a younger, stronger hitter, Snow will likely be signed for 2006 just as an insurance policy and late-inning defense. Possible signees are Daryle Ward and John Mabry.
Do you think the Giants would hire a young kid like Theo Epstein to become assistant GM?-- Louie M., Salem, Mass.
Absolutely, unequivocally no. Sabean made it clear he and former assistant GM Ned Colletti decried the new-wave theory of hiring young GM guns instead of older -- and decidedly wiser -- people with loads of baseball experience. Epstein, at 32, doesn't qualify. Give him another 10 years. Besides, Epstein isn't looking for an assistant position.
I noticed the last several years that Mike Cervenak has put up some nice numbers in both Norwich and Fresno. What are your thoughts on him as a player and his future in San Francisco?-- Garett K., Moscow
Cervenak indeed has excelled and earned his way onto the U.S. World Cup baseball team, which finished seventh. Still, there's a hitch. At 29, he's hardly a "prospect," and must play well in Spring Training to have a shot at the Giants' roster.

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/

Giants Community Fund enjoys big year

11/23/2005
SAN FRANCISCO -- Winning games and making money are time-honored goals of big-league teams and not easy tasks, yet administrators of the Giants Community Fund "win" every day, bat 1.000 for personal satisfaction and give money away.
Not a bad gig, and the Giants are receiving a lot of thanks for their giving.
Since its inception in 1991, the Fund has donated about $6.5 million to community programs for the underserved in the Bay Area; it netted $1.5 million in 2005, its best fundraising effort.
The Fund distributed nearly $1.2 million in programs and grants. Included was more than $100,000 in Health Grants and Health Fairs; more than $90,000 was spent on Violence Prevention Grants and the Strike Out Violence Campaign; over $75,000 in Education Grants and Scholarships; and about $800,000 to support the Junior Giants program, which includes the field renovation project in Hunters Point at Milton Meyer Recreation Center.
Associate director Paul Giuliacci, who heads the flagship Junior Giants program that serves 12,336 kids by providing baseball facilities and other services, said it was an outstanding year.
"It's extremely gratifying to give back and work with youth as much as we do," he said. "We try to expand our programs year in and year out."
The biggest project over the summer was constructing a new baseball field at the Meyer rec with the assistance of local companies; former Giants pitcher Kirk Rueter donated $25,000 to the facility.
"Hunter's Point is an underserved community," said Giuliacci. "The field was a big deal, and we hope to have a Boys and Girls Club adjacent to the field. This was the start of a larger program for remodeling the whole site on the top of the hill."
Giuliacci added there is tremendous pleasure in serving the community, especially helping kids.
"We're not looking for self-promotion, but just hearing the stories and seeing the smiles on the faces of kids at the park and talking to coaches, parents and commissioners is very satisfying," he said. "They're very thankful for the program."
The Giants were also gratified that other teams took notice of the program.
"One of our key accomplishments over the last few years has been our ability to offer one of the best youth sports programs in professional sports," said Giuliacci. "Over the past three years, we have had the Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves all start similar Junior Giants programs in their cities. It has been a great compliment to see other Major League Baseball teams model their programs after ours."
Through the Junior Giants Glove Drive, the club collected more than 600 gloves and nearly $20,000 in cash donations, Giuliacci noted. That enabled more than 2,800 gloves to be given to participants.
The Junior Giants' stats are impressive. There were 67 leagues in 142 cities, with 1,533 coaches involved, with 22 percent of them being women, the Junior Giants' highest percentage.
Among Junior Giants, 37 percent are Latino, which closely mimics the percentage of Latin American big leaguers. The Community Fund spreads its wealth every season, thanks to traditional events such as Until There's a Cure Day (for AIDS awareness), which marked its 12th anniversary; Traffic Safety Day; Organ Donor Awareness Day; and programs for breast cancer, prostate cancer, ALS and juvenile diabetes.
About 3,000 non-profit organizations receive in-kind donations from the Giants and the Community Fund, while some 12,000 game tickets were distributed through various programs.
Most San Francisco players are actively involved during the season. Pitcher Jason Schmidt has donated more than $60,000 to City Ministries International and other non-profit charitable groups. He meets with hundreds of kids through his "J-Zone" project.
First baseman J.T. Snow, who lost his mother to cancer, began his "Snow Pack" program in 1998. Kids dealing with cancer are his guests in the Giants dugout before every Sunday home game and are seated in a special section.
Second baseman Ray Durham has donated $25,000 worth of tickets to bring underserved groups to SBC Park. This summer, 700 ducats went to children from AIM High's summer school program.
Also this season, Giants pitcher Scott Eyre -- now with the Chicago Cubs -- visited kids with dyslexia; Noah Lowry visited patients at the Children's Hospital in Oakland; and outfielder Jason Ellison visited students at Everett Middle School in San Francisco.
It's estimated that the Giants contribute more than $2 million in cash and in-kind donations each year.

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/

Giants release 2006 Spring slate

11/23/2005
SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants will christen the renovated Scottsdale Stadium during their Cactus League home opener on Friday, March 3, against the Milwaukee Brewers, the club announced on Wednesday.
The contest is part of the Giants' 32-game Spring Training schedule, which also features three games at SBC Park in San Francisco and an exhibition game against the United States' entry in the inaugural World Baseball Classic in Scottsdale on Sunday, March 5. Other WBC Pool "B" games will also be played there.
The new-look stadium is part of a $23 million project to upgrade Spring Training facilities for the Giants. It includes a new concession building, expanded player clubhouses, coaches' offices and a medical room, as well as an expanded grass seating area and a new outfield entry plaza.
The Giants conclude their Spring Training slate with the Bay Bridge series against the Oakland Athletics, with home games on March 31 and April 2, and a cross-the-bay game at McAfee Coliseum on April 1.
San Francisco will also play the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at SBC Park on March 30.
Last season, the Giants set a Scottsdale Stadium record by averaging 10,624 fans per game. Among the highlights next spring will be a March 23 duel against the World Series champion Chicago White Sox and two contests vs. the Chicago Cubs (March 4 and March 17).
Tickets for home games in Scottsdale will go on sale on Jan. 10 at 10 a.m. PST at all participating tickets.com outlets, www.giants.com, Giants Dugout Stores and the box office at SBC Park. In the Valley of the Sun, ducats will be sold at Scottsdale Stadium and tickets.com outlets, and Phoenix-area Sports Authority stores.
Tickets can also be obtained by calling 800-225-2277. For group info, call 415-972-2000.

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/

It's up, and it's good

November 5, 2005
Long distance you can count on.It's not the marketing slogan for a cell phone plan, it's what Giants placekicker Jay Feely has provided the team all season.
"The stats prove it. He's had an outstanding year and has given us a weapon from long distance," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said after practice Friday, just before the team flew to San Francisco for Sunday's game against the 49ers.Feely has been a marvel after being signed as a free agent. Following four seasons with Atlanta, the stocky (5-10, 206 pounds) kicker signed with the Giants in the offseason and was perfect through six games entering last Sunday.But the game that included his first miss -- a 51-yard rocket that a strong wind blew just off target and into the left upright -- was also the game of his greatest hits. Feely matched his career high with five field goals in a 36-0 romp over the Redskins.His first two three-pointers extended his 2005 streak of successful placements to 13; after the miss, he nailed three more to make him 16-for-17 this season. Only the Cardinals' Neil Rackers (22-for-22) and Bills' Rian Lindell (17-for-19) have more field goals than Feely.The former Michigan kicker gave the Giants' offense a huge boost early against the Redskins, allowing them to get points on several stalled drives when the game still was reasonably close.Feely's best moment came late in the first quarter. With the Giants moving into a stiff wind that was clocked at 15 mph, with gusts much higher, they faced a fourth-and-8 from the Redskins' 31-yard line.The Giants tried to draw the Redskins offside with a fake-kick ploy before timeout was called. That's when Coughlin spoke to Feely about the possibility of such a long kick -- a 50-yarder -- into the wind. "I wasn't so sure he could make it," the coach said.But Feely said he'd come close from that spot in pregame kicks -- "from 48 or 49 yards" he said -- and then got caught up in the moment."The wind is a factor, and I've got to be honest with him so he'll trust me," Feely said of Coughlin. "I thought maybe the wind had died down a bit, and in the momentum of the game, your adrenaline gets pumped up. I just thought I could make that kick."He did, giving the Giants a 6-0 lead. "It was probably as challenging a kick as I've had in my career," said Feely, who has made three kicks of at least 50 yards this season and has helped the Giants in the field-position game with his deep kickoffs.Feely said he isn't satisfied with his overall performance on kickoffs -- "I give myself a B-minus" -- and predicted he'll do even better now that his back, injured while he made a tackle in Week 2, has healed.He credits his success to this simple philosophy: "You have to focus on the process, not the product.”In kicking parlance, both can be described thus far with one word: Good!

Source: http://www.newsday.com/

What's in a stadium name? Too much commercialism

Sunday, November 6, 2005
SAN FRANCISCO — No one likes the commercial names we've given our stadiums. I know the notion that it is better for Safeco Insurance to pay Ichiro's salary than it is for us, but somehow who pays for what gets lost in the price of a $38 ticket.
In another era, the baseball stadium on First Avenue might have been called the Hutch, named for Seattle's greatest player, Fred Hutchinson.
But here I am, not in another era, but in the San Francisco Bay Area, doing some serious grandparenting, enjoying the weather but shaking my head over the sports scene.
I thought about going to a 49ers game but didn't know where Monster Park was.
At least in Seattle we've settled on what in comparison are reasonable names — Safeco Field, Qwest Field and KeyArena, the latter even suggesting its relationship with its sport, basketball.
The Bay Area is nuts.
I grew up watching baseball around here at the Emeryville Ball Park in Oakland, home of the Pacific Coast League Oakland Oaks. I also saw games at Seals Stadium in San Francisco, where the Giants played their first two years after moving from New York in 1958.
Then came Candlestick Park. Nobody liked its location, ambience or smell. But it hosted an All-Star Game and a World Series as a baseball park and later, enlarged as a football stadium, was home to the NFL's most dominant team, the 49ers.
But then, in the '90s, Candlestick Park became 3Com Park, and across the bay, the Oakland Coliseum became Network Associates Coliseum.
Now Candlestick Park is Monster Park — named for a nearby cable manufacturer — and the Oakland Coliseum became McAfee Coliseum, its name changed when Network Associates renamed itself McAfee.
But the most bizarre situation is at the new home of the Giants, the bayside and erstwhile Pac Bell Park, which then became SBC Park and next season, believe it or not, will have yet another name, something to do with AT&T.
What endures is McCovey Cove, the water beyond right field that welcomes home runs. It was named for Giants slugger Willie McCovey. The park should be named for another Willie, but it won't be.
The Giants' park is not as old as Safeco Field. Can you imagine getting used to a third name for the Mariners' park? As much as changing names with each corporate takeover might fit marketing plans, is it fair to the team's fans?
Also catching my attention in San Francisco was the fact the Giants quickly signed Randy Winn to a new contract at $5 million a year. He was, after the trade from Seattle, their best player, accumulating 51 hits in September on the way to a .359 average, 14 home runs and 26 runs batted in as a Giant. He was not the forever-expendable player he was in Seattle.
An Oakland Tribune columnist wrote recently that he'd heard "rumors" that Ichiro wants to leave Seattle, tired of its losing ways. He urged the Giants to sign him.
The starting quarterback for the 49ers is now Cody Pickett, the third-stringer stepping in against Tampa Bay last week when top draft pick Alex Smith and former Miami quarterback Ken Dorsey couldn't. Pickett, forever the tough guy he was as a Husky, made a tackle on the punt-coverage team just before he was beckoned to play quarterback.
He has become the fans' answer to a terrible season. They chant "Co-dee, Co-dee." He'll start today against the New York Giants.
Last weekend, my brother-in-law called and wanted to know if I wanted to go with him to the Stanford-UCLA game. We did the tailgate thing in the wooded groves surrounding Stanford Stadium.
"I like going to games here," said Dick, who graduated from Washington and got a graduate degree at UCLA. "It's easy to get a ticket, parking is free, and the tailgating is the best."
It was an appealing afternoon. I walked through the sports complex at Stanford on a near-70-degree afternoon. There was a swimming meet with Texas, a water polo game with UCLA and a women's field hockey game with California going on.
Stanford will host both men's and women's NCAA tennis championships next year. There is a new $2 million rugby field.
And then there is the old, 85,000-seat football stadium, which after the Nov. 26 game against Notre Dame will be torn down. The plan is to replace it before next season begins with a smaller, more intimate stadium at the cost of $80 million.
"You know," said Dick, "there's really nothing wrong with this stadium."
And, you know, he was right. Sure, you have to sit on aluminum planks and look across a running track, as you do at Husky Stadium. But the enjoyment was in the day, the burgers in the parking lot, the overtime finish to a game inexplicably won by UCLA, the gathering of friends.
But luxury suites and big money drive college sports just the way they do professional sports. Will Stanford Stadium have a new name? In this era and this place, who can know?

Source: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/

Cubs sign Perez to two-year deal

11/08/2005
CHICAGO -- Neifi Perez, who filled in admirably for three months when Nomar Garciaparra was injured, has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with the Chicago Cubs through the 2007 season.
Perez signed for $5 million -- $2.5 million each year -- with no guarantees that he'll be a starter, even though Garciaparra has filed for free agency and is unlikely to re-sign with the Cubs.
"I'm going to be there like last year," Perez said Tuesday. "It depends on what Dusty [Baker, Cubs manager] and the general manager [Jim Hendry] want to do with me. I think I showed them I can play every day. I can't worry -- they have to decide who they're going to play at short, who they're going to play at second. I'm going to be there."
The Cubs are believed to be interested in free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal, who is a good friend of Perez's. The two are represented by the same agent, and the players talked Monday night.
"I told him I will be happy if he comes to the Cubs," Perez said of Furcal. "I know what he can do to make the team win. When you've got a guy like him at the top of the lineup, a lot of things can happen. Out of five at-bats, he'll be on base two or three times."
Perez, 32, batted .274 with nine homers and 54 RBIs in 154 games in 2005. His biggest hit was a grand slam in the 10th inning on July 24, which lifted the Cubs to an 8-4 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.
"I'm so happy. You don't even know how happy I am," Perez said. "I know I've got more than three years to play baseball. My body tells me that. I think [a two-year deal] is good enough. I enjoyed last year. I was hoping to stay in Chicago and that's why I'm so happy right now."
He was released by the San Francisco Giants in 2004 after batting .232 in 103 games, then signed with the Cubs as a Minor League free agent in August 2004. Since then, he has batted .284 in 177 games with 38 doubles, 11 homers and 60 RBIs. The utility infielder has seen action at short, second and third.
One other option the Cubs have at shortstop is young Ronny Cedeno, who is playing for the Aragua Tigres in Venezuela this winter. Cedeno batted .300 in 41 games with the Cubs before he was hit on the hand by a pitch Sept. 10, and sidelined for the rest of the season. In Venezuela, he is batting .278 in five games with two doubles.
"He's good. He's going to get better," Perez said of Cedeno. "He impressed me. I think he can play in the big leagues. Sometimes the manager goes for the veteran guys, and I'm going to be there. Any way I can help them out, I'll help them out. Any questions they ask me, I'll do it the right way. I just want to win. Let's play together and win games."
A Gold Glove winner in 2000 with Colorado, Perez was pressed into regular duty when Garciaparra injured his groin on April 20. He continued to play short late in the season when Garciaparra moved to third to make up for the loss of Aramis Ramirez.
Perez began his career with the Rockies, and was traded to Kansas City in 2001. He batted .236 the next season with the Royals and admitted it was a struggle.
"I played bad in Kansas City because my heart wasn't there," Perez said. "It was tough to play in San Francisco. If you go 1-for-4, you have to go 2-for-2 every day to play in San Francisco. When I was struggling [with the Cubs], I was hitting the ball hard and [Baker] didn't sit me. I think I was 1-for-27 and [Baker] gave me the confidence to get out of that slump.
"When I came to Chicago, everything was different -- the manager, the organization. I was happy there, I was happy with my manager. I was happy with everybody. I think that makes a lot of difference."

Source: http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/

Ben Maller's Sports Rumors & Notes

November 08, 2005
Eagles QB Donovan McNabb's dad has brought race into the suspension of Terrell Owens, according to the PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS.
Owens' attacks have stung McNabb at a more personal level. Not as a father, but as a black man.
Sam McNabb, Donovan's father said Owens' attacks, though, have stung McNabb at a more personal level. Not as a father, but as a black man: "Within the last month, we've seen a man who is trying to accomplish something very difficult, to be an African-American quarterback at the top of his game, attacked by someone of his own race," McNabb said.
"That's what really amazes me. It's like another black-on-black crime. Those are hurts that create scars that take a long time to heal."

Source: http://www.benmaller.com/

Cubs couldn’t possibly repeat mistake again

Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Say it ain’t so.
Tell us the Cubs aren’t banking their entire season on Kerry Wood and Mark Prior — again.
It’ll be months before we know if the Cubs have learned anything from the 2005 White Sox, not that the approach of betting on pitching and defense is anything that hasn’t worked for 100 years.
Still, it was shocking to many and lost on even more. So simple, yet so foreign.
Rather than get into the whole White Sox concept of team, confidence, desperation and a manager who actually watches the games, let’s just start with where it all starts:
The starters.
Where are the Cubs today, and what is their plan for 2006?
They say they’ll dangle their toes in the free-agent waters, and while it would be foolish to spend a lot on the head case (and physical liability) that is A.J. Burnett, the Cubs don’t sound like they have any problem going into the season counting on a rotation of Wood, Prior, Carlos Zambrano, Greg Maddux and Glendon Rusch or Jerome Williams.
White Sox GM Kenny Williams wasn’t satisfied having three or four reliable starters in 2005, so he made sure the Sox had seven or eight available.
Do the Cubs even have three right now?
The only starter you know is going to take the ball every turn is Maddux, so naturally the Cubs tried to embarrass him into retiring.
Zambrano would seem to be another, but his forearm, back and conditioning issues have to scare you a little.
Prior has Hall of Fame stuff but has yet to pitch a full season, and you know the story on Wood too well. He’s incredibly gifted but has been incredibly injured.
Rusch is a capable fifth starter, you would hope, but Williams has proven nothing.
There’s a lot of time between now and April 1 for the Cubs to fill out a rotation that can compete with Houston and St. Louis, and they’ve got plenty of money to spend on the 2006 roster.
Unfortunately, money is not always the answer, and it won’t be again if the Cubs are counting on 70 combined starts from Kerry Wood and Mark Prior.
We hope we’re wrong, and we’re not trying to be cruel.
Just realistic.
Mute button
Enough on Terrell Owens already.
The Eagles knew exactly what he was when they got him, but they were willing to suffer the consequences because they thought he could get them to the Super Bowl.
He did, and now the Eagles are getting exactly what they deserve.
This is like the Cubs pretending to be shocked by Sammy Sosa’s 2004 behavior when he was that very same person the previous 10 years, and any player who ever walked through that clubhouse will tell you that.
Think Cubs management types didn’t know?
Of course they did, but they sold millions of tickets on Sosa’s back, and that’s why they kept him around and paid him big money, contract after contract after contract.
They knew what they had, they knew what they were doing, and they knew how it would end.
Sosa and Owens are bad guys who do bad things and make miserable nearly everyone who comes in contact with them on a daily basis.
But the Cubs got what they deserved and so did the Eagles, and for teams like them to put it all on players like Sosa and Owens when the veil is lifted is hypocritical at best and slimy at worst.
Catch as catch can
One of the most impressive players in the 2005 postseason was Angels catcher Benjie Molina, a Gold Glover behind the plate with surprising offensive ability.
He’s also a free agent at 31, and while neither Chicago team has a need, he’s a heck of a player to see wind up somewhere on a division rival or potential postseason opponent.
Houston, by the way, would be a natural destination for Molina if Brad Ausmus winds up in San Diego.
Make me laugh
Kenny Williams not winning exec of the year? That’s the joke of the year.
Nuff said.
Take a pass
How bad off are the Niners right now?
QB Cody Pickett is expected to start against the Bears after a 102-yard passing day in a 24-6 loss to the Giants on Sunday because they don’t have anyone else healthy.
“I think Cody did a decent job; he kept things alive and only had 1 turnover,” coach Mike Nolan told the San Francisco Chronicle, in a ringing endorsement. “The other reason is Ken (Dorsey) is still nicked up.’’
Top pick Alex Smith (knee) is a week or two away.
The quote
The Giants’ Michael Strahan to Fox Sports Net, on Terrell Owens: “You can’t put one guy ahead of 50 other guys. You have to get that guy out of the locker room. You have to get that guy off the team.’’
Just thanking
Appreciate all the Vikings/Panthers cheerleader jokes, but for the love of Mike Tice, give us something we can print, will ya?
Keeping score
CBS’ David Letterman on the NYC Marathon: “It was a good marathon. Only 12 people are missing.’’
And finally …
Comedian Alex Kaseberg: “Two Carolina Panthers cheerleaders were arrested in a bar in Tampa when patrons complained the two female cheerleaders were having sex with each other in the locked bathroom. The best part? I could read this story without having to give anyone my credit card number.’’

Source: http://www.dailyherald.com/

Nationals put priority on pitching

11/09/2005
WASHINGTON -- Although the Nationals were in playoff contention for most of the 2005 season, there were some glaring weaknesses.
Washington had a tough time scoring runs, ranking last in almost every offensive category. And after Livan Hernandez, John Patterson and Esteban Loaiza, the team lacked clear-cut fourth and fifth starters.
General manager Jim Bowden is already busy trying to fix some of the problems this offseason. Last week, he traded third baseman Vinny Castilla to the Padres for right-hander Brian Lawrence, who is expected to serve as the fourth or fifth starter. Lawrence, who logged 195 2/3 innings in 2005, is coming off his worst season, but the Nationals believe his pitching should improve at RFK Stadium, which is larger than San Diego's PETCO Park.
"It's important that we get innings," said Bowden, who is a candidate to be the GM of the Red Sox. "We said that last [January] when we signed Loaiza. It's important to get a guy that is capable of pitching 200 innings. It's a very valuable thing.
"He doesn't throw that hard. He throws 84 to 86 [mph], but he knows how to pitch. He throws strikes, and he goes after the hitters. If he had overpowering stuff, he would be a No. 1 or a No. 2 pitcher instead of a four or a five."
The Nationals are not done looking for pitchers. They have targeted free agents A.J. Burnett, Paul Byrd, Kevin Millwood, Matt Morris and Jarrod Washburn as possible additions to the rotation.
Even though the relief corps was one of the best in baseball, Washington would still like to tweak it a little. The Nationals have targeted free agent Scott Eyre to be the main left-hander out o