posted 9/30/11 10:34 AM PST
by Jason Martinez
The Braves' collapse probably wouldn't be overshadowed in any other season. But it just so happened that the Boston Red Sox had an even bigger collapse, losing 10 games in the standings and the Wildcard lead, also on the last day of the season, to the Tampa Bay Rays. It took 17 wins from the Rays and 20 Red Sox losses to make the seemingly impossible happen. Evan Longoria and B.J. Upton each had All-Star worthy performances in the month but who would've thought that journeyman reliever Joel Peralta, who signed a $900K contract before the season, would play such an important role out of the Rays' no-name bullpen.
If the Wildcard race wasn't enough drama for you, then you were out of luck. The Tigers and Rangers buried their division rivals with 20 and 19 wins, respectively, in the month of September. The Yankees were neck-and-neck with their fellow division leaders until they finished with four straight losses, including three straight to Tampa Bay. They still finished with 16 wins in the month and an AL-best 97 wins on the season.
MLBDepthCharts.com's September All-Stars (NL)
posted 9/30/11 10:08 AM PST
by Jason Martinez
The obvious story in September was that the Cardinals gained 9.5 games on the Braves to surpass them on the last day of the regular season for the Wildcard lead. It took 18 Cardinals wins and 18 Braves losses, which is why it has to be considered one of the most memorable comebacks in recent memory. Amazingly, both teams have one player (Eric O'Flaherty, ATL and Lance Berkman, STL) on this month's All-Star team. The Braves were collectively bad while the Cardinals' overall team effort earned them a shot at the Phillies in the NL Division Series.
Two non-playoff teams were right behind the Cardinals as the Dodgers and Nationals each won 17 games. While Washington has two September All-Stars, the Dodgers have five, including top candidates for the MVP (Matt Kemp) and Cy Young Award (Clayton Kershaw). Houston and Colorado equaled the Braves' monthly win total with nine, although no one probably cares since they were both well out of any playoff race.
Here's the final monthly NL All-Star roster for the 2011 season ...
by Jason Martinez
The obvious story in September was that the Cardinals gained 9.5 games on the Braves to surpass them on the last day of the regular season for the Wildcard lead. It took 18 Cardinals wins and 18 Braves losses, which is why it has to be considered one of the most memorable comebacks in recent memory. Amazingly, both teams have one player (Eric O'Flaherty, ATL and Lance Berkman, STL) on this month's All-Star team. The Braves were collectively bad while the Cardinals' overall team effort earned them a shot at the Phillies in the NL Division Series.
Two non-playoff teams were right behind the Cardinals as the Dodgers and Nationals each won 17 games. While Washington has two September All-Stars, the Dodgers have five, including top candidates for the MVP (Matt Kemp) and Cy Young Award (Clayton Kershaw). Houston and Colorado equaled the Braves' monthly win total with nine, although no one probably cares since they were both well out of any playoff race.
Here's the final monthly NL All-Star roster for the 2011 season ...
Atlanta Braves 2011-12 Offseason
last updated 1/17/12
ATLANTA BRAVES 2012
For 2011 Opening Day roster, click HERE. For End-of-Season roster, click HERE.
*Players on the 40-man roster are indicated in BOLD.
*Players who are injured are indicated with +
*Baseball America '11 pre-season prospect rankings are indicated in BLUE.
*Baseball Prospectus '11 pre-season prospect rankings are indicated in GREEN.
'MLBDepthCharts Magazine' includes this roster projection feature but includes additional info, such as player age, 2011 level and stats, 2012 salary and contract info in an easy-to-read, printer-friendly pdf file and excel spreadsheet.
*40-man roster total (36)
PROJECTED 25-MAN ROSTER (*indicates left-handed batter **indicates switch-hitter)
Starting Lineup
1 CF Michael Bourn*
2 LF Martin Prado
3 3B Chipper Jones**
4 2B Dan Uggla
5 C Brian McCann*
6 1B Freddie Freeman* BA#2 BP#2
7 RF Jason Heyward*
8 SS Tyler Pastornicky
Bench
C David Ross
1B/OF Eric Hinske*
IF Jack Wilson
OF Jose Constanza*
OF Matt Diaz
Starting Rotation
1 RHP Tim Hudson
2 RHP Tommy Hanson
3 RHP Jair Jurrjens
4 RHP Brandon Beachy BA#8 BP#10
5 LHP Mike Minor BA#4 BP#3
Bullpen
CL RHP Craig Kimbrel BA#5 BP#5
SU LHP Jonny Venters
SU RHP Arodys Vizcaino BA#7 BP#4
MID LHP Eric O'Flaherty
MID RHP Kris Medlen
MID RHP Anthony Varvaro
LR RHP Cristhian Martinez
On the Outside Looking In
Position Players
IF Brandon Hicks
C J.C. Boscan
C Shawn McGill
C Mathew Kennelly
C Braeden Schlehuber
C Jose Yepez
1B Ernesto Mejia
IF Josh Wilson
IF/OF Drew Sutton**
OF Luis Durango**
OF Stefan Gartrell
OF Cory Harrilchak*
OF Mycal Jones
OF Jordan Parraz
Starting Pitchers
RHP Erik Cordier
RHP Randall Delgado BA#3 BP#6
RHP Todd Redmond
RHP Julio Teheran BA#1 BP#1
LHP Luis Avilan
RHP Zeke Spruill BA#9
LHP Chris Cody
LHP Yohan Flande
Relievers
RHP Jairo Asencio
RHP Jaye Chapman
RHP Cory Gearrin
RHP J.J. Hoover BA#10 BP#11
LHP Robert Fish
RHP Benino Pruneda
RHP Jason Rice
RHP Adam Russell
RHP Andrew Wilson
LHP Rowdy Hardy
LHP Dusty Hughes
LHP Jose Lugo
LHP Richard Sullivan
LHP Ben Swaggerty
Major League Free Agents
Position Players
SS Alex Gonzalez (12/8: signed w/MIL)
IF Brooks Conrad** (1/7: signed w/MIL)
OF Nate McLouth* (12/6: signed w/PIT)
Pitchers
Minor League Free Agents
Position Players
C Wil Nieves (12/16: signed w/COL)
UTL Wilkin Castillo (12/16: signed w/COL)
1B Mauro Gomez
2B/OF Matt Young* (11/9: signed w/DET)
3B Shawn Bowman (1/3: signed w/MIA)
IF Ruben Gotay**
IF Diory Hernandez (12/1: signed w/HOU)
IF Ed Lucas
OF Jeff Fiorentino* (11/16: signed w/OAK)
Pitchers
RHP Michael Broadway
RHP Yeliar Castro (11/16: signed w/KC)
RHP Kenshin Kawakami
RHP Stephen Marek + underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2011 (1/4: signed w/LAA)
RHP Steven Shell
Traded
RHP Derek Lowe UPDATE 10/31 - traded to Cleveland
ATLANTA BRAVES 2012
For 2011 Opening Day roster, click HERE. For End-of-Season roster, click HERE.
*Players on the 40-man roster are indicated in BOLD.
*Players who are injured are indicated with +
*Baseball America '11 pre-season prospect rankings are indicated in BLUE.
*Baseball Prospectus '11 pre-season prospect rankings are indicated in GREEN.
'MLBDepthCharts Magazine' includes this roster projection feature but includes additional info, such as player age, 2011 level and stats, 2012 salary and contract info in an easy-to-read, printer-friendly pdf file and excel spreadsheet.
*40-man roster total (36)
PROJECTED 25-MAN ROSTER (*indicates left-handed batter **indicates switch-hitter)
Starting Lineup
1 CF Michael Bourn*
2 LF Martin Prado
3 3B Chipper Jones**
4 2B Dan Uggla
5 C Brian McCann*
6 1B Freddie Freeman* BA#2 BP#2
7 RF Jason Heyward*
8 SS Tyler Pastornicky
Bench
C David Ross
1B/OF Eric Hinske*
IF Jack Wilson
OF Jose Constanza*
OF Matt Diaz
Starting Rotation
1 RHP Tim Hudson
2 RHP Tommy Hanson
3 RHP Jair Jurrjens
4 RHP Brandon Beachy BA#8 BP#10
5 LHP Mike Minor BA#4 BP#3
Bullpen
CL RHP Craig Kimbrel BA#5 BP#5
SU LHP Jonny Venters
SU RHP Arodys Vizcaino BA#7 BP#4
MID LHP Eric O'Flaherty
MID RHP Kris Medlen
MID RHP Anthony Varvaro
LR RHP Cristhian Martinez
On the Outside Looking In
Position Players
IF Brandon Hicks
C J.C. Boscan
C Shawn McGill
C Mathew Kennelly
C Braeden Schlehuber
C Jose Yepez
1B Ernesto Mejia
IF Josh Wilson
IF/OF Drew Sutton**
OF Luis Durango**
OF Stefan Gartrell
OF Cory Harrilchak*
OF Mycal Jones
OF Jordan Parraz
Starting Pitchers
RHP Erik Cordier
RHP Randall Delgado BA#3 BP#6
RHP Todd Redmond
RHP Julio Teheran BA#1 BP#1
LHP Luis Avilan
RHP Zeke Spruill BA#9
LHP Chris Cody
LHP Yohan Flande
Relievers
RHP Jairo Asencio
RHP Jaye Chapman
RHP Cory Gearrin
RHP J.J. Hoover BA#10 BP#11
LHP Robert Fish
RHP Billy Bullock BP#11-MIN
RHP Brett Butts
RHP Peter Moylan + questionable for start of season after surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff in October RHP Benino Pruneda
RHP Jason Rice
RHP Adam Russell
RHP Andrew Wilson
LHP Rowdy Hardy
LHP Dusty Hughes
LHP Jose Lugo
LHP Richard Sullivan
LHP Ben Swaggerty
Major League Free Agents
Position Players
SS Alex Gonzalez (12/8: signed w/MIL)
IF Brooks Conrad** (1/7: signed w/MIL)
OF Nate McLouth* (12/6: signed w/PIT)
Pitchers
LHP George Sherrill (12/17: signed w/SEA)
Minor League Free Agents
Position Players
C Wil Nieves (12/16: signed w/COL)
UTL Wilkin Castillo (12/16: signed w/COL)
1B Mauro Gomez
2B/OF Matt Young* (11/9: signed w/DET)
3B Shawn Bowman (1/3: signed w/MIA)
IF Ruben Gotay**
IF Diory Hernandez (12/1: signed w/HOU)
IF Ed Lucas
OF Jeff Fiorentino* (11/16: signed w/OAK)
OF Wilkin Ramirez (11/17: signed w/MIN)
OF Antoan Richardson** (12/16: signed w/BAL)
OF Geraldo Rodriguez
OF Geraldo Rodriguez
Pitchers
RHP Michael Broadway
RHP Yeliar Castro (11/16: signed w/KC)
RHP Kenshin Kawakami
RHP Stephen Marek + underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2011 (1/4: signed w/LAA)
RHP Steven Shell
Traded
RHP Derek Lowe UPDATE 10/31 - traded to Cleveland
ATLANTA BRAVES
OFFSEASON PREVIEW posted 9/29/2011
It almost feels too soon to be talking about the Braves' offseason just one day after their September collapse officially left them one win shy of a playoff berth. After losing 18 of their last 26 games, it's hard to see the team standing pat this offseason. How much change will occur is uncertain but I'd expect GM Frank Wren to be very busy finding out how much value his young pitchers have on the trade market.
Even if they decided to move Derek Lowe to the bullpen, which is unlikely despite his disastrous second half, two of Randall Delgado, Mike Minor, and Julio Teheran would likely begin the season in the minors. Any of the three could be the key piece to any deal that would bring the team an impact bat in return. Shortstop is their most glaring need with Alex Gonzalez and Jack Wilson set to become free agents but Martin Prado's disappointing season could also have the Braves looking for an upgrade in left field. Moving Prado into a utility role could be ideal with third baseman Chipper Jones (40 years old in April) likely to need significant rest throughout the season.
 |
Can Heyward turns things around in 2012?
Picture courtesy of Icon Sports Media, Inc.
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Mid-season acquisition Michael Bourn will be with the team for a full season, although they're hoping the near .100 drop off in OPS (.766 w/HOU, .673 w/ATL) isn't a sign of things to come. Regardless, they'll benefit from his defense and ability to steal at least 50 bases. Dan Uggla and Freddie Freeman were two of the lone bright spots down the stretch while Jason Heyward struggled for most of the season and Brian McCann could never get going after returning from an oblique injury in mid-August. Those two will need to bounce back or the offense could struggle once again.
There is no question in my mind that a healthy Tommy Hanson (10-4, 2.44 ERA in 1st half) and Jair Jurrjens (12-3, 1.87 ERA in 1st half) would've gotten the Braves into the playoffs. The duo made a combined 12 starts in the second half as Hanson battled shoulder discomfort and Jurrjens dealt with a knee strain. Their young trio of Delgado, Minor, and Teheran combined for 25 starts and the Braves won a majority of those games. They rarely worked past the 5th or 6th inning, however, which may have led to a worn down bullpen by the end of the season. The injuries to Hanson and Jurrjens, along with the decline of Lowe, could give them reason to hold on to their depth but expect the names of Delgado, Minor, and Teheran to be floating around in trade rumors all winter.
Considering how often the team's top three relievers were used - Craig Kimbrel (79 games), Eric O'Flaherty (78 games), and Jonny Venters (85 games) - you'd think the rest of the bullpen was really bad. But that just wasn't the case. Maybe that trio was just so good and reliable that manager Fredi Gonzalez didn't want to go in any other direction with the game on the line. Either way, the Braves will be lucky if all three return in 2012 as effective as they were this season. Arodys Vizcaino and Kris Medlen are possibilities to take on a setup role while Anthony Varvaro, Cristhian Martinez, and Jairo Asencio have all earned a shot to pitch with the game on the line. Another young pitcher who could help soon is converted starter J.J. Hoover, who allowed just four hits and six walks over 13.2 scoreless innings in relief in his first taste of Triple-A. The 23 year-old, who was rated the 10th best prospect in the organization prior to the season by Baseball America, struck out 26 over that span.
•UPDATE 10/31 - Eric Hinske had his club option exercised so he'll return in 2012. He posted a .713 OPS in 236 AB's while playing LF, RF, and 1B.
•UPDATE 10/31 - Lowe has been traded to the Indians for a minor leaguer.
Offseason Needs: Shortstop, Corner Outfielder
Potential Position Battles: TBD
Los Angeles Angels 2011-12 Offseason
last updated 1/16/12
LOS ANGELES ANGELS 2012
For 2011 Opening Day roster, click HERE. For End-of-Season roster, click HERE.
*Players on the 40-man roster are indicated in BOLD.
*Players who are injured are indicated with +
*Baseball America '11 pre-season prospect rankings are indicated in BLUE.
*Baseball Prospectus '11 pre-season prospect rankings are indicated in GREEN.
'MLBDepthCharts Magazine' includes this roster projection feature but includes additional info, such as player age, 2011 level and stats, 2012 salary and contract info in an easy-to-read, printer-friendly pdf file and excel spreadsheet.
*40-man roster total (40)
PROJECTED 25-MAN ROSTER (*indicates left-handed batter **indicates switch-hitter)
Starting Lineup
1 SS Erick Aybar**
2 DH Bobby Abreu*
3 1B Albert Pujols
4 RF Torii Hunter
5 2B Howie Kendrick
6 3B Alberto Callaspo**
7 LF Vernon Wells
8 C Chris Iannetta
9 CF Peter Bourjos
Bench
C Bobby Wilson
1B/OF Mark Trumbo BA#9 BP#8
IF Maicer Izturis**
OF Ryan Langerhans*
Starting Rotation
1 RHP Jered Weaver
2 RHP Dan Haren
3 LHP C.J. Wilson
4 RHP Ervin Santana
5 RHP Jerome Williams
Bullpen
CL RHP Jordan Walden BA#5 BP#3
SU LHP Scott Downs
SU RHP LaTroy Hawkins
MID LHP Hisanori Takahashi
MID RHP Bobby Cassevah
MID RHP Rich Thompson
LR RHP Trevor Bell
Projected Disabled List
Position Players
1B Kendrys Morales** + questionable for Opening Day (ankle surgery)
On the Outside Looking In
Position Players
C Hank Conger** BA#4 BP#4
3B Luis Jimenez
SS Jean Segura BA#3 BP#2
IF/OF Adam Heether
OF Tyson Auer
OF Doug Deeds*
OF Drew Macias*
Starting Pitchers
RHP John Hellweg
RHP Fabio Martinez Mesa BA#8 BP#7
RHP Ariel Peña
RHP Garrett Richards BA#7 BP#6
LHP Brad Mills
RHP Eric Hurley
RHP Chris Scholl
RHP Matt Shoemaker
LHP Trevor Reckling BP#10
Relievers
RHP Jeremy Berg
RHP Ryan Brasier
RHP David Carpenter
RHP Steven Geltz
RHP Mike Piazza
RHP Francisco Rodriguez
RHP Loek Van Mil
LHP Matt Meyer
Major League Free Agents
Position Players
1B Russell Branyan*
Pitchers
RHP Joel Pineiro (1/15: signed w/PHI)
RHP Fernando Rodney (1/4: signed w/TB)
LHP Horacio Ramirez
Minor League Free Agents
Position Players
C Cole Armstrong*
C Orlando Mercado
C Kevin Richardson
1B/3B Jeff Baisley (12/13: signed w/LAD)
IF Gil Velazquez (1/18: signed w/SF)
IF Ryan Mount*
IF Freddy Sandoval**
OF Paul McAnulty*
OF Kevin Melillo*
OF Reggie Willits**
Pitchers
RHP Ronald Bay
RHP Jason Bulger (11/18: signed w/MIN)
RHP Eric Junge
RHP Matt Palmer (12/1: signed w/SD)
Lost in Rule V Draft/Released/Traded
C Jeff Mathis UPDATE 12/3 - traded to Toronto
RHP Tyler Chatwood BA#2 BP#9 UPDATE 11/30 - traded to Colorado
RHP Anthony Ortega UPDATE 11/15 - released
LHP Robert Fish UPDATE 12/8 - drafted by Braves (Rule V)
LOS ANGELES ANGELS 2012
For 2011 Opening Day roster, click HERE. For End-of-Season roster, click HERE.
*Players on the 40-man roster are indicated in BOLD.
*Players who are injured are indicated with +
*Baseball America '11 pre-season prospect rankings are indicated in BLUE.
*Baseball Prospectus '11 pre-season prospect rankings are indicated in GREEN.
'MLBDepthCharts Magazine' includes this roster projection feature but includes additional info, such as player age, 2011 level and stats, 2012 salary and contract info in an easy-to-read, printer-friendly pdf file and excel spreadsheet.
*40-man roster total (40)
PROJECTED 25-MAN ROSTER (*indicates left-handed batter **indicates switch-hitter)
Starting Lineup
1 SS Erick Aybar**
2 DH Bobby Abreu*
3 1B Albert Pujols
4 RF Torii Hunter
5 2B Howie Kendrick
6 3B Alberto Callaspo**
7 LF Vernon Wells
8 C Chris Iannetta
9 CF Peter Bourjos
Bench
C Bobby Wilson
1B/OF Mark Trumbo BA#9 BP#8
IF Maicer Izturis**
OF Ryan Langerhans*
Starting Rotation
1 RHP Jered Weaver
2 RHP Dan Haren
3 LHP C.J. Wilson
4 RHP Ervin Santana
5 RHP Jerome Williams
Bullpen
CL RHP Jordan Walden BA#5 BP#3
SU LHP Scott Downs
SU RHP LaTroy Hawkins
MID LHP Hisanori Takahashi
MID RHP Bobby Cassevah
MID RHP Rich Thompson
LR RHP Trevor Bell
Projected Disabled List
Position Players
1B Kendrys Morales** + questionable for Opening Day (ankle surgery)
On the Outside Looking In
Position Players
C Hank Conger** BA#4 BP#4
3B Luis Jimenez
SS Jean Segura BA#3 BP#2
C Robinzon Diaz
1B/OF Roberto Lopez
IF Darwin Perez**IF/OF Adam Heether
OF Tyson Auer
OF Doug Deeds*
OF Drew Macias*
Starting Pitchers
RHP John Hellweg
RHP Fabio Martinez Mesa BA#8 BP#7
RHP Ariel Peña
RHP Garrett Richards BA#7 BP#6
LHP Brad Mills
RHP Eric Hurley
RHP Chris Scholl
RHP Matt Shoemaker
LHP Trevor Reckling BP#10
Relievers
RHP Ysmael Carmona
RHP Ryan Brasier
RHP David Carpenter
RHP Steven Geltz
RHP Mike Piazza
RHP Francisco Rodriguez
RHP Loek Van Mil
LHP Matt Meyer
Major League Free Agents
Position Players
1B Russell Branyan*
Pitchers
RHP Joel Pineiro (1/15: signed w/PHI)
RHP Fernando Rodney (1/4: signed w/TB)
LHP Horacio Ramirez
Minor League Free Agents
Position Players
C Cole Armstrong*
C Orlando Mercado
C Kevin Richardson
1B/3B Jeff Baisley (12/13: signed w/LAD)
IF Gil Velazquez (1/18: signed w/SF)
IF Ryan Mount*
IF Freddy Sandoval**
OF Paul McAnulty*
OF Kevin Melillo*
OF Reggie Willits**
Pitchers
RHP Ronald Bay
RHP Jason Bulger (11/18: signed w/MIN)
RHP Eric Junge
RHP Matt Palmer (12/1: signed w/SD)
Lost in Rule V Draft/Released/Traded
C Jeff Mathis UPDATE 12/3 - traded to Toronto
RHP Tyler Chatwood BA#2 BP#9 UPDATE 11/30 - traded to Colorado
RHP Anthony Ortega UPDATE 11/15 - released
LHP Robert Fish UPDATE 12/8 - drafted by Braves (Rule V)
LOS ANGELES ANGELS
OFFSEASON PREVIEW posted 9/29/2011
While the Angels stayed in the playoff race throughout the season and finished the year with 86 wins, it's easy to second-guess the team's offseason trade of Mike Napoli for Vernon Wells and their lack of aggressiveness at this year's trade deadline. Napoli ended up having a terrific season for the AL West champion Rangers, hitting .320 with 30 HR and 75 RBI in 113 games. Wells did manage 25 HR but hit just .218 with a horrendous .248 OBP. Worst of all, the 32 year-old is owed over $60 million through 2014. Earning a playoff berth would've made that pill much easier to swallow for Angel fans but they fell just short. They failed to upgrade their obvious holes in the back of the rotation and bullpen at the deadline while the Rangers finally ran away from the Angels late in the season after acquiring three very good setup men in July and August.
It's hard not to see GM Tony Reagins focusing on his pitching staff this offseason with the lineup likely to look very similar in 2012. The only changes I can envision are Mike Trout eventually getting the bulk of playing time over Wells in the outfield and Hank Conger (or someone else not named Jeff Mathis) taking over full-time behind the plate. Wells (.851 OPS vs LHP) and Bobby Abreu (.766 OPS vs RHP) could find themselves in a platoon once Trout proves he is ready for a full-time role. The 20 year-old with five-tool potential flashed his ability at times but finished the season in a 10-for-55 slump. There is no question that he is going to be a star but it's probably a good idea to continue easing him in and possibly having him start the season in Triple-A. I'd expect him to join Peter Bourjos and Torii Hunter in the Angels' outfield for good before mid-season.
Manager Mike Scioscia will continue to shuffle his infield with Erick Aybar, Alberto Callaspo, Maicer Izturis, and Howie Kendrick all getting plenty of at-bats. Rookie first baseman Mark Trumbo had a fine season with 29 HR and 87 RBI but there's no doubt that a healthy Kendrys Morales would make the lineup even better. Out since May 2010 with a devastating ankle injury, the 28 year-old could return by Opening Day. He was 5th in MVP voting after the 2009 season when he hit .306 with 34 HR and 108 RBI.
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Weaver tied for the league-lead with 28 quality starts
Picture courtesy of Icon Sports Media, Inc.
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Jered Weaver, Dan Haren, and Ervin Santana, who combined for 100 starts (75 quality starts), are among the best trio of starting pitchers in baseball. Thus, the Angels are still in very good shape. They will need two other starters behind them and this is where they struggled in 2011. Tyler Chatwood, who was rushed to the big leagues at age 21 because of injuries and ineffective pitching from Scott Kazmir and Joel Pineiro, struggled badly in the second half and probably needs some more Triple-A seasoning before he's ready. Right now, he's penciled into the rotation along with Jerome Williams, who returned to the majors for the first time since 2007 to post a 2.31 ERA in six starts. Garrett Richards will also be in the mix for a spot but it's hard to imagine the team going into Spring Training without another veteran starter or two in the mix to fill out the rotation.
Reagins' offseason bullpen acquisitions were actually quite good, although that will always be overshadowed by the Wells trade. Scott Downs, signed to a three-year deal, had a 1.34 ERA and 26 holds. Hisanori Takahashi, signed to a two-year deal, pitched 68 innings and posted a 3.44 ERA. Left-handed relievers will obviously not be a priority this offseason. Rookie Jordan Walden locked down the closer's job sooner than expected, saving 32 games and striking out 67 batters in 60.1 innings. With a year of experience under his belt, he's expected to improve on his consistency and cut down on the number of blown saves (10). Trevor Bell (3.41 ERA), Bobby Cassevah (2.72 ERA), and Rich Thompson (3.00 ERA) all had solid years out of the 'pen but a right-handed setup man to pair with Downs in the late innings could be on the offseason shopping list.
•UPDATE 11/30 - Catcher Chris Iannetta has been acquired from Colorado for pitcher Tyler Chatwood. It's not clear who will be Iannetta's backup but Mathis is very likely to be non-tendered.
•UPDATE 12/3 - Non-tendering Mathis wasn't necessary, after all. The Angels traded him to Toronto for lefty starter Brad Mills.
•UPDATE 12/7 - Reliever LaTroy Hawkins has agreed to a one-year deal, filling the void the Angels had for a right-handed setup man.
•UPDATE 12/8 - In a shocking development, the Angels have stolen the spotlight that belonged to the Miami Marlins for the first three days of the Winter Meetings, reportedly agreeing to deals with first baseman Albert Pujols and starting pitcher C.J. Wilson .
•UPDATE 12/7 - Reliever LaTroy Hawkins has agreed to a one-year deal, filling the void the Angels had for a right-handed setup man.
•UPDATE 12/8 - In a shocking development, the Angels have stolen the spotlight that belonged to the Miami Marlins for the first three days of the Winter Meetings, reportedly agreeing to deals with first baseman Albert Pujols and starting pitcher C.J. Wilson .
Offseason Needs: None
Potential Position Battles: TBD
San Francisco Giants 2011-12 Offseason
last updated 1/27/12
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS 2012
For 2011 Opening Day roster, click HERE. For End-of-Season roster, click HERE.
*Players on the 40-man roster are indicated in BOLD.
*Players who are injured are indicated with +
*Baseball America '11 pre-season prospect rankings are indicated in BLUE.
*Baseball Prospectus '11 pre-season prospect rankings are indicated in GREEN.
'MLBDepthCharts Magazine' includes this roster projection feature but includes additional info, such as player age, 2011 level and stats, 2012 salary and contract info in an easy-to-read, printer-friendly pdf file and excel spreadsheet.
*40-man roster total (41) *must clear spot for R. Theriot
PROJECTED 25-MAN ROSTER (*indicates left-handed batter **indicates switch-hitter)
Starting Lineup
1 RF Melky Cabrera**
2 2B Freddy Sanchez
3 3B Pablo Sandoval**
4 C Buster Posey
5 LF Aubrey Huff*
6 CF Angel Pagan**
7 1B Brandon Belt*
8 SS Brandon Crawford* BA#6
Bench
C Eli Whiteside
IF Mike Fontenot*
IF Ryan Theriot
IF/OF Emmanuel Burriss**
OF Nate Schierholtz*
Starting Rotation
1 RHP Tim Lincecum
2 RHP Matt Cain
3 LHP Madison Bumgarner
4 RHP Ryan Vogelsong
5 LHP Barry Zito
Bullpen
CL RHP Brian Wilson
SU RHP Sergio Romo
SU RHP Santiago Casilla
MID LHP Jeremy Affeldt
MID LHP Javier Lopez
MID RHP Clay Hensley
LR RHP Guillermo Mota
On the Outside Looking In
Position Players
C Hector Sanchez**
C Chris Stewart
C Andrew Susac
1B/2B Brett Pill
3B Chris Dominguez
SS Joe Panik*
IF Joaquin Arias
IF Nick Noonan*
OF Gregor Blanco*
OF Gary Brown BA#3 BP#3
OF Juan Perez
Starting Pitchers
LHP Dan Runzler
LHP Eric Surkamp BA#9
RHP Justin Fitzgerald
RHP Shawn Sanford
LHP Brian Burres
Relievers
RHP Hector Correa
RHP Austin Fleet
RHP Stephen Harrold
RHP Heath Hembree
RHP Andrew Kown
RHP Mitch Lively
RHP Shane Loux
RHP Jean Machi
RHP Seth Rosin
LHP David Quinowski
LHP Wilmin Rodriguez
LHP Matt Yourkin
Major League Free Agents
Position Players
IF Orlando Cabrera (1/22: Retired)
IF/OF Mark DeRosa (12/22: signed w/WAS)
IF Jeff Keppinger (1/25: signed w/TB)
OF Carlos Beltran** (12/22: signed w/STL)
OF Pat Burrell
OF Cody Ross (1/23: signed w/BOS)
Pitchers
None
Minor League Free Agents
Position Players
C Max Ramirez (12/13: signed w/KC)
1B Wes Hodges
1B/OF Travis Ishikawa* (12/12: signed w/MIL)
IF/OF Edgar Gonzalez (12/21: signed w/CHC)
IF/OF Bill Hall
OF Brad Eldred (1/20: signed w/DET)
Pitchers
RHP Marc Kroon
RHP Osiris Matos
RHP Scott Munter
RHP Ronnie Ray
LHP Justin Dowdy
LHP Geno Espineli
LHP Alex Hinshaw (12/1: signed w/SD)
LHP David Quinowski
Released/Traded
•OF Darren Ford UPDATE 11/28 - cleared waivers and released UPDATE 12/2 - signed minor league deal with Seattle
•OF Andres Torres** UPDATE 12/6 - traded to Mets
•RHP Waldis Joaquin UPDATE 11/28 - cleared waivers and released UPDATE 12/14 - signed minor league deal with Nationals
•RHP Ramon Ramirez UPDATE 12/6 - traded to Mets
•LHP Jonathan Sanchez UPDATE 11/7 - traded to Royals
•LHP Ryan Verdugo UPDATE 11/7 - traded to Royals
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS 2012
For 2011 Opening Day roster, click HERE. For End-of-Season roster, click HERE.
*Players on the 40-man roster are indicated in BOLD.
*Players who are injured are indicated with +
*Baseball America '11 pre-season prospect rankings are indicated in BLUE.
*Baseball Prospectus '11 pre-season prospect rankings are indicated in GREEN.
'MLBDepthCharts Magazine' includes this roster projection feature but includes additional info, such as player age, 2011 level and stats, 2012 salary and contract info in an easy-to-read, printer-friendly pdf file and excel spreadsheet.
*40-man roster total (41) *must clear spot for R. Theriot
PROJECTED 25-MAN ROSTER (*indicates left-handed batter **indicates switch-hitter)
Starting Lineup
1 RF Melky Cabrera**
2 2B Freddy Sanchez
3 3B Pablo Sandoval**
4 C Buster Posey
5 LF Aubrey Huff*
6 CF Angel Pagan**
7 1B Brandon Belt*
8 SS Brandon Crawford* BA#6
Bench
C Eli Whiteside
IF Mike Fontenot*
IF Ryan Theriot
IF/OF Emmanuel Burriss**
OF Nate Schierholtz*
Starting Rotation
1 RHP Tim Lincecum
2 RHP Matt Cain
3 LHP Madison Bumgarner
4 RHP Ryan Vogelsong
5 LHP Barry Zito
Bullpen
CL RHP Brian Wilson
SU RHP Sergio Romo
SU RHP Santiago Casilla
MID LHP Jeremy Affeldt
MID LHP Javier Lopez
MID RHP Clay Hensley
LR RHP Guillermo Mota
On the Outside Looking In
Position Players
C Hector Sanchez**
C Chris Stewart
1B Angel Villalona
2B Charlie Culberson
SS Ehire Adrianza BA#5 BP#5
OF Tyler Graham
OF Roger Kieschnick*
OF Francisco Peguero BA#4 BP#7
C Tommy Joseph BA#10 BP#8C Andrew Susac
1B/2B Brett Pill
3B Chris Dominguez
SS Joe Panik*
IF Joaquin Arias
IF Nick Noonan*
OF Gregor Blanco*
OF Gary Brown BA#3 BP#3
OF Juan Perez
Starting Pitchers
LHP Dan Runzler
LHP Eric Surkamp BA#9
RHP Justin Fitzgerald
RHP Shawn Sanford
LHP Brian Burres
Relievers
RHP Hector Correa
RHP Dan Otero
RHP Jake DunningRHP Austin Fleet
RHP Stephen Harrold
RHP Heath Hembree
RHP Andrew Kown
RHP Mitch Lively
RHP Shane Loux
RHP Jean Machi
RHP Seth Rosin
LHP David Quinowski
LHP Wilmin Rodriguez
LHP Matt Yourkin
Major League Free Agents
Position Players
IF Orlando Cabrera (1/22: Retired)
IF/OF Mark DeRosa (12/22: signed w/WAS)
IF Jeff Keppinger (1/25: signed w/TB)
OF Carlos Beltran** (12/22: signed w/STL)
OF Pat Burrell
OF Cody Ross (1/23: signed w/BOS)
Pitchers
None
Minor League Free Agents
Position Players
C Max Ramirez (12/13: signed w/KC)
1B Wes Hodges
1B/OF Travis Ishikawa* (12/12: signed w/MIL)
IF/OF Edgar Gonzalez (12/21: signed w/CHC)
IF/OF Bill Hall
OF Brad Eldred (1/20: signed w/DET)
Pitchers
RHP Marc Kroon
RHP Osiris Matos
RHP Scott Munter
RHP Ronnie Ray
LHP Justin Dowdy
LHP Geno Espineli
LHP Alex Hinshaw (12/1: signed w/SD)
LHP David Quinowski
Released/Traded
•OF Darren Ford UPDATE 11/28 - cleared waivers and released UPDATE 12/2 - signed minor league deal with Seattle
•OF Andres Torres** UPDATE 12/6 - traded to Mets
•RHP Waldis Joaquin UPDATE 11/28 - cleared waivers and released UPDATE 12/14 - signed minor league deal with Nationals
•RHP Ramon Ramirez UPDATE 12/6 - traded to Mets
•LHP Jonathan Sanchez UPDATE 11/7 - traded to Royals
•LHP Ryan Verdugo UPDATE 11/7 - traded to Royals
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
OFFSEASON PREVIEW posted 9/28/2011
Unlike their World Series run of last season, the Giants' offense never got going in 2011 and the team was pretty much finished as soon as the Diamondbacks surpassed them at the top of the division. Losing Buster Posey to a season-ending injury in late May was the beginning of the end. Aubrey Huff, who had one of his best seasons as a pro in 2010 (.891 OPS), may have had his worst this year (.673 OPS) and just about every other position player not named Pablo Sandoval also had subpar years. The return of Posey and second baseman Freddy Sanchez (dislocated shoulder) should help and Brandon Belt should be ready for regular playing time. Whether manager Bruce Bochy gives it to him is another story.
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Posey is expected back behind the plate in 2012.
Picture courtesy of Icon Sports Media, Inc.
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The most obvious need may be at the shortstop position, with corner outfield and possibly center field also in need of an upgrade. I'm sure they'd love to sign Jose Reyes but they'll be in competition with a few other teams that can afford a $100 million-plus contract. Jimmy Rollins is also a free agent but there's a significant drop-off on the free agent market after those two with Clint Barmes and Rafael Furcal in the next tier of potential free agent targets. In the outfield, Nate Schierholtz is an adequate regular but he'll have to settle for a backup role if the Giants can acquire an impact bat that can play a corner outfield spot. Andres Torres' job in center field can't be safe after an injury-plagued season in which he posted a .641 OPS, a significant drop-off from his breakout season of 2010 (.822 OPS, 26 SB). Carlos Beltran, who had a .931 OPS in 43 games after being acquired from the Mets, would be costly to re-sign. Although he was relatively healthy in 2011, he'll be 35 next April and a multi-year deal may be too risky.
Even with Jonathan Sanchez' inconsistent performance and multiple stints on the disabled list, the rotation was as good as ever thanks to the continued improvement from 22 year-old Madison Bumgarner (3.21 ERA, 23 quality starts) and the surprising performance of 34 year-old journeyman Ryan Vogelsong, who won 13 games and posted a rotation-best 2.71 ERA. Those two will return behind co-aces Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum with Sanchez the fifth starter unless they shop him this winter. There isn't a ton of starting pitching depth in the organization but Eric Surkamp had a few good starts to begin his big league career and they can always go back to Barry Zito or give Dan Runzler a shot. Then again, finding a reliable #5 starter this offseason could be a priority of GM Brian Sabean if they decide to trade Sanchez.
The bullpen remained a strength for the Giants, despite the loss of closer Brian Wilson for over a month due to elbow inflammation. Sergio Romo was dominant (1.52 ERA, 5 BB, 69 K, 23 Hld) and Jeremy Affeldt, Santiago Casilla, Javier Lopez, and Ramon Ramirez all had very good seasons. The two lefties, Affeldt and Lopez, can both become free agents although Affeldt has a $5 million club option. Bringing both back would be ideal considering there aren't any minor league left-handed relievers ready to step in and there isn't much available on the free agent market. Right-hander Heath Hembree, a 5th Round draft pick in 2010, had a 1.86 ERA, 38 saves, and 76 strikeouts in 53.1 innings between Double-A Richmond and Hi-A San Jose. Look for him to reach the big leagues in 2012.
•UPDATE 10/30 - Lopez has reportedly been re-signed to a two-year, $8.5M deal and Affeldt had his club option exercised.
•UPDATE 11/7 - Sabean did trade Sanchez in order to add some much-needed offense. Outfielder Melky Cabrera was acquired from Kansas City in exchange for Sanchez and minor league pitcher Ryan Verdugo. There is room in the rotation for Zito but it wouldn't be surprising if they try and acquire an upgrade for the last rotation spot. Cabrera could play any outfield spot, although it's too early to know where he'll end up.
•UPDATE 12/5 - Bochy said that Posey could play 'fair amount' of first base next season as he returns from comes back from his injury and Huff will play a lot of left field.
Offseason Needs: Shortstop, Corner Outfielder
Potential Position Battles: TBD
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