The San Francisco Giants are currently in a rebuilding mode, but GM Brian Sabean has said repeatedly, that it is his goal to compete for a Division Title while rebuilding. So far this off-season, Sabean has signed three players to help the Giants next season.
Jeremy Affeldt (LHP)
2008 Stats: 74 Games, 1-1, 3.33 ERA, 78.1 Innings, 78 hits, 80 Ks, 25BBs
The Giants made the first move of the off-season by signing veteran left-handed reliever Jeremy Affeldt to a two year, $8 million contract. Affeldt should help strengthen a bullpen that finished with a 4.45 ERA in 487 1/3 innings in 2008. The addition of Affeldt gives the Giants three quality left handed relievers in Alex Hinshaw, Jack Taschner, and Affeldt. Hinshaw dazzled in his rookie season, and is expected that he will play a prominent role in the bullpen, but his lack of experience could concern the Giants. Taschner has suffered from bouts of inconsistency throughout his entire career. Affeldt adds talent, versatility, and stability to Giants bullpen.
Bob Howry (RHP)
2008 Stats: 72 Games, 7-5, 5.35 ERA, 70.2 Innings, 90 hits, 59 Ks, 13 BBs
The addition of Howry gives the Giants another proven veteran to help get the ball to All-Star closer Brian Wilson. Howry is coming off the worst season of his Major League career, but the Giants feel that he can bounce back and help contribute. Howry has 87 holds since 2005, the fourth highest total in MLB. The Giants are confident that Sergio Romo can follow up a stellar rookie campaign with another solid season, but Howry gives the Giants depth should Romo struggle in the eighth inning. The Giants are not taking a huge risk in signing Howry either. The veteran right hander was signed to a one year $2.75 million dollar contract with several performance incentives. This thrifty signing could pay large dividends to the Giants.
Edgar Renteria (SS)
2008 Stats: .270 Avg., .317 OBP, 10 HRs, 55 RBIs, 6 SB, 69 Runs
With the departure of Omar Vizquel, the Giants were looking to add a strong defensive presence up the middle to complement rookie Emmanuel Burriss. Renteria brings a strong resume to the Giants. Renteria is a career .290 hitter, a five time All-Star, and a two time Gold Glove winner. Skeptics say that Renteria, 33, has lost some range at shortstop and some bat speed at the plate. However, Renteria’s agents report that he has lost over ten pounds to try and regain some quickness. Additionally, Renteria has always posted better numbers in the National League than he has in the American League. The move back to the National League should help raise his numbers. The addition of Renteria serves as an offensive upgrade from the 2008 season. Additionally, it moves Burriss from shortstop to second base, where the Giants feel the youngster may be better suited.
Free Agent Signing Grade: B
The Giants addressed one of their biggest needs by adding arms to the bullpen. The addition of Renteria should also help the Giants both offensively and defensively. However, the Giants still have to a find a way to improve an offense that finished last in the Majors in home runs. Adding a corner infielder to complement rookie sensation Pablo Sandoval could be the Giants best and next move.
Carlos Lorenzana - As a full-time student at San Francisco State University, I find writing about my interests to be quite relaxing. So much of the writing I ...
