Big Trade For SF (Not!) But It's A Move In The Right Direction
| 16
|
by Jomori
If you haven't heard already, the Giants and the Hated Dodgers completed a minor trade last night that probably made the majority of baseball yawn. SF traded pinch hitter extraordinaire, Mark Sweeney to LA for the famous player to be named later or cash considerations. Cash Considerations sounds so pitiful, doesn't it? Almost like he was exchanged on the "Barter" section on Craigslist. Anyway, while I do not like that we made a trade within our division (normally something that is frowned upon because it improves your direct competition) and worse, with the damn Dodgers, I am really happy with the move. Mark Sweeney is a great guy and even better pinch hitter, but what do we need him for? We are in last place with no hope to win the division. So we will fall deeper into last place...Big Deal.
The good news is that this signals exactly what I was hoping for after 756 has now come and gone: Giants management will start focusing on fixing the team and hopefully give some of our young guys a chance. In this case it is Dan Ortmeier. He has been languishing in the minors most of the season while Sweeney and sadly, Dave Roberts takes away his playing time. Freddy Lewis must be pissed! He was sent down to AAA to make room for reliever Scott Atchison earlier this week, but Ortmeier is as flexible as Sweeney since he can play 1st base as well as the outfield. I bet Freddy is buying a catcher's glove to get an edge on everyone else in the minors right now. "I can be the bullpen catcher and pinch run for Bonds, Skip!" Hee Hee. Don't worry, Fred, I think Dave Roberts is injured...AGAIN.
Meanwhile, speaking of trades, the Morris deal is looking better and better. Rajai Davis legitimately looks like the fastest player the Giants have had in years. It drives me crazy when they say that about almost every player they pick up and they turn out to run like Rich Aurilia. I use the term "run" loosely in reference to Richie since he actually can't run. It is more like a gentle saunter. Seriously, Rajai had 3 hits yesterday, stole 2 bases and scored our only run. Very nice. Too bad his strong performance was wasted by our sucky offense. Sigh.
Coincidentally, Matt Morris is the starting pitcher in tonight's game against the Pirates. I assume he will do his best to beat us and impress his new team since he sucked the big one in his first start for Pittsburgh earlier this week. Also, I will be there! I mean, c'mon? Who doesn't want to watch Matt Morris face Russ Ortiz! I can't wait to watch these 2 powerhouse teams battle it out to prove who is the better last place team. Being a Giants fan, of course, I feel we are the best, worst team but I am biased.
Okay, enough beating up the team. I am actually happy that we appear to be moving in the right direction for once. And I would attend baseball games no matter what because I love baseball, regardless that we are in last place. I just prefer to have something to cheer for...like a win. Now if we can can dump some of our dead weight in the bullpen, we might be able to get something going. 4th place looks out of reach and a .500 record might be a stretch, but maybe we can strive for something this season. What that is I don't know. But I will think of something! Hmmmm.
P.S. I searched for a photo of Mark Sweeney and I found the guy above. Obviously, it is a common name. He is a Quaternary Geologist. Whatever that is. But I am sure he can do some creative things with a rock. Don't test him!
