Late Innings

Admittedly, the past few nights I haven’t gotten much sleep. I’m not sure if these are correlated, however I read an interesting piece today on Baseball America, asking whether Pablo Sandoval should catch? Catcher is Sandoval’s natural position, and many people (at least in the fantasy baseball realm) would love to see Sandoval catch. Then again they’re set at the moment with their 95 RBI-man Bengie Molina, and of course have the #5 pick in last year’s Amateur Draft Buster Posey all but ready to go in two years.

Sandoval is one of the two young Giants that could end up making some serious fantasy noise in 2009 (the other being speedy second baseman Emmanuel Burriss.) Sandoval got most of his action last year at first base (putting up a nice .345/.357/.490 line), though he did catch eleven games behind the plate. In regards to where Bruce Bochy plays him in 2009, it’s yet to be seen. He’s a nice bat, don’t get me wrong, however he might not even make the team out of Spring Training next season. Currently on the team’s depth chart, Travis Ishikawa is the leading candidate to start at first on Opening Day. I’m also a fan of Josh Phelps as well, who I think will surprise many (he was blocked by Albert Pujols last year in St. Louis.)

In either case, Brian Sabean brought in some outstanding pitching (and also has some great arms in the minors about to make some noise as well.) He assembled a great bullpen. Now how about bringing in some offense to support the starters? The Giants need corner infielders, they’ve been needing them for the past couple years. I like Joe Crede, and at a 6MM contract for one year, I’d do it. I’d also offer 10MM to Adam Dunn and see if he bites (given Pat Burrell’s contract today, he might possibly do so.) In either case, I really like what the Giants are doing so far with their off-season. They desperately need to bring in some bats though; you can’t run an offense on Aaron Rowand alone.

I’ll go back to bed now.