It's amazing what happens when you keep up with a sport, and yet don't at the same time. The Niners losing to the Giants in the NFC title game was not only sad for me, but will make for possibly one of the most boring Super Bowls of the last decade (or maybe longer). Alas. But yes, I've still been watching MLB Network and checking the MLB Trade Rumors site constantly, but it seems like the last week or so has gotten away from me. And it seems that I have a lot to talk about. But where to start, you might ask? Might as well get Prince Fielder out of the way early.
In hindsight it doesn't surprise me at all that Fielder signed with the Tigers. Beyond the fact that his dad Cecil played for them, that signing to most of us was about as unpredictable as when Pujols signed with the Angels. As far as I'm aware, the Tigers were really never mentioned in the bidding war for Fielder. It's a strange event for me, since I really have no feeling one way or the other about the Tigers. Sure, I was rooting for them against the Yankees in last year's playoffs, but that was the extent of it. I also think Justin Verlander is egotistical, despite having had an amazing season last year. Other than that though, I kind of have a "meh" reaction to them.
I think the most interesting thing about this signing is what will happen to Miguel Cabrera. One can assume he will move to third base, and that he and Fielder can switch off at DH. I would think Tigers fans are a little less sad about Victor Martinez's injury now than they were, say, a week ago. More than likely anyhow. Cabrera and Fielder provide a hell of an offense for them. Yikes.
Now is when we move onto the Giants-themed portion of the evening (as it were). Cody Ross did what most of us Giants fans assumed and signed elsewhere - the Red Sox to be exact. From what I understand, Marco Scutaro going to the Rockies had a lot to do with that decision, at least payroll-wise. Hopefully this will not turn into a Joe Nathan situation (average pitcher for us, amazing pitcher for the Twins right after he left) where Ross hits .330 and 100 RBIs this year. I'd say that's really unlikely, but one never knows. I suppose weirder things could happen. I'm a bit conflicted on Ross' departure though, because of course I loved him during the 2010 playoffs; but last season, not so much. Ross is not the only recent Giant moving elsewhere however...
Short-lived Giant Jeff Keppinger signed with the Rays this past week. He was only with the team for one year, but I liked him. In fact, for awhile there, he was the only Giants hitter getting on base. The poor guy got stranded at first though, countless times. Also, despite not being majorly cute, he understood how a man's beard should really look, and for that I'm thankful. And wishing he'd teach a seminar to many of those who seem to struggle with the concept. The Giants let Keppinger go, but decided to hold onto Mike Fontenot. I'm not entirely understanding that logic, but maybe it will present itself at some point. I hope so.
And this brings us to the Giants recently signing Fontenot's former Cubs teammate, Ryan Theroit. This is yet another decision I would like management (presumably Brian Sabean) to explain to me. I have nothing against Theroit, personally, but I'm not sure why we need yet another infielder. Without any real information to go on, I would guess that perhaps the Giants are not quite as confident about Brandon Crawford's offensive abilities and want a back-up. Or maybe Freddy Sanchez is not as ready for spring training as they once thought. If the Giants sign more infielders after Theroit, I will really start to get worried. Then again, if they have the payroll for an "insurance" infielder, it probably won't do any harm. The consensus on the interwebs seems to be the opposite, though. But I was also (seemingly) the only one perplexed by the Angels signing CJ Wilson for so much money. It is what it is.
Those worried about Tim Lincecum's short-term future with the Giants (like me!) can breathe easier this week, as he signed a 2-year, $40 million deal, avoiding arbitration. I'm hoping this means that a contract extension for Matt Cain is also in the works. With Vogelsong having been re-signed, such a solid starting rotation (with Bumgarner too, of course) going into spring training would be great. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
This final mention is Giants-related, at least to me, but not in a good way. For awhile it seemed that Omar Visquel was rumored to have wanted to only play for the Giants, if he was to play one final season. Visquel having been one of my favorite Giants (ever!), this really excited me. I knew not to get too excited though, since the team already has Brandon Crawford at shortstop. But since Visquel said he wasn't planning on coming back to the Indians or the White Sox, that that would be it for him. This was not so, as he was just signed with the Blue Jays. Okay, so it was a minor league deal with an invite to spring training, but still. It saddens me nonetheless. I'm still holding out hope (like many Giants fans) that after his final season, Visquel will take a coaching position with the Giants. I think he'd fit in beautifully.
I guess I have to mention that Ryan Madson signed with the Reds. So he's not with the Phillies anymore. And that's good. I'm not sure what else I can say about that, since I don't find him particularly impressive. He's above average, for sure, but not spectacular.
Also, another former Phillies pitcher signed with a different team recently - Brad Lidge went to the Nationals. It's hard to say how much of an impact he will have on what already looks like a great pitching rotation, but we'll just have to wait and see. I can't say I will be waiting with bated breath though.
And...there's still no home for Edwin Jackson, although the rumor mill is buzzing, mostly about the Cardinals re-signing him. I'm thinking he will finalize something pretty soon, as the free-agent market is winding down, quality-wise.
I want to end with saying that the idea of the A's signing Manny Ramirez is hilarious to me. I can't even begin to describe it!
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