Tim Lincecum, the reigning National League Cy Young winner, will be the N.L.'s starter in tomorrow's All-Star game, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Lincecum, who withdrew from last year's game due to illness, will attempt to win a game for the National League for the first time since John Smoltz led a 6-0 shutout in 1996.
Tim will face an American League lineup of Ichiro, Jeter, Mauer, Teixeira, Jason Bay, Josh Hamilton, Evan Longoria, Blue Jays second-baseman Aaron Hill. A.L. starter Roy Halladay (who says his probability of being traded is "50-50") will bat ninth, since the game will be played in St. Louis, a National League park.
Backing Lincecum is a Philly-heavy lineup that includes Hanley Ramirez, Chase Utley, Albert Pujols, Ryan Braun, Raul Ibanez, David Wright, and Shane Victorino (who beat out Pablo Sandoval in the final vote).
Just as he does in almost every start for the Giants, Lincecum will be throwing to a Molina. On Tuesday, however, it will be Bengie's younger brother Yadier behind the plate.
Matt Cain, the Giants' only other representative at the game, will not be on the team, but says his elbow is "good, just sore" after being hit by a line drive.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Jonathan Sanchez's Gem: When Is Perfection Not A Perfect Game?
In a first half of mostly pleasant surprises for Giants fans, Jonathan Sanchez's no-hitter is by far the best story. Sanchez's struggles and demotion were all forgotten for nine magical innings, made much more special for Jonathan by the presence of his father, who joined his son in the dugout after the game against the San Diego Padres.
Sanchez was overpowering, striking out eleven batters while becoming the first Giant to throw a no-hitter since John Montefusco in 1976. Sanchez did make a mistake to Edgar Gonzalez, who hit a ball to the warning track with one out in the ninth. But Aaron Rowand's leaping grab against the wall preserved not only the no-hitter, but potentially the shutout as well, since Gonzalez would have been in scoring position with one out (the at-bat occurs in the video at about 1:30).
But the most compelling aspect of the game was not the presence of Sanchez's father, nor the fact that Eli Whiteside (a backup considered to be a placeholder until Buster Posey is ready) caught the game. Sanchez not only allowed no hits but also walked none, bringing him tantalizingly close to the eighteenth perfect game in baseball history.
The irony of Sanchez's feat wasn't only that he wasn't supposed to start, it was that he started in place of the injured Randy Johnson. Johnson's hall-of-fame career includes over 300 wins, as witnessed earlier this season, but also two no-hitters. Even more coincidentally, Johnson remains the last hurler to throw a perfect game.
According to the MLB rules, "An official perfect game occurs when a pitcher (or pitchers) retires each batter on the opposing team during the entire course of a game, which consists of at least nine innings. In a perfect game, no batter reaches any base during the course of the game. "
Juan Uribe's error on a sharply-hit ground ball in the eighth inning officially spoiled Sanchez's bid for an official perfect game. Sanchez is just the eighth pitcher to have a perfect game spoiled by one or more errors. However, in one of those games, Dick Bosman's no-hitter in 1974, the pitcher himself committed the error.
Either way, Sanchez is in elite company, even among those pitches who have no-hit their opponents. Even Nolan Ryan, whose dominance led to seven no-hitters, never came this close to perfection.
Should a pitcher be held accountable for mistakes his team-mates make? If a pitcher exits the game with two outs and a runner on first in a scoreless game and the closer serves up an RBI double on the next pitch, the run is charged to the pitcher in the dugout. And a boneheaded fielding play in foul territory that allows an inning to continue doesn't entitle the pitcher to an unearned run.
Part of the beauty of baseball is the unpredictable nature of the sport that goes beyond the box score. The best hitters in the history of the game still only got a hit roughly forty-percent of the time, and traditionally poor hitters can become legends with one postseason hit. Most non-Cubs fans probably remember the Bartman incident more than the meltdown that followed, even though there was no guarantee at the time that the foul ball would have any impact.
Everything has to go right for a perfect game bid to succeed, including defense. Most perfect and near-perfect games have included a lucky grab or two. And while the play that ended Sanchez's bid for a perfect game will no doubt stay in the minds of Giants fans for a while, in five years, the defensive play that defines the game will be Rowand's.
Baseball has a long tradition of changing long-held traditions. Ground-rule doubles used be home runs. The pitchers mound has been lowered. In 1887, a full count was 4-3 and walks were counted as hits. Minimum park dimensions were not established until 1959.
The definition of the perfect game has changed throughout the years, but it has only become more strict. For example, in 1991, MLB ruled that any pitcher who was flawless through nine innings but allowed a base-runner in extra innings should no longer be given credit for a perfect game.
The perfect game implies complete perfection from the pitcher as well as his defensive teammates. It should remain as the ultimate symbol of baseball excellence.
Is Sanchez's feat much more impressive than a nine-walk no-hitter? No doubt. Should he be credited with a perfect game? No.
But even though Sanchez's start won't join the highest circle of pitching accomplishments, Giants fans will remember how close he came, and just how impressively he pitched. No matter what happens this season or in the future, Jonathan Sanchez has given himself and baseball fans a career-defining moment to look back on.
Sanchez was overpowering, striking out eleven batters while becoming the first Giant to throw a no-hitter since John Montefusco in 1976. Sanchez did make a mistake to Edgar Gonzalez, who hit a ball to the warning track with one out in the ninth. But Aaron Rowand's leaping grab against the wall preserved not only the no-hitter, but potentially the shutout as well, since Gonzalez would have been in scoring position with one out (the at-bat occurs in the video at about 1:30).
But the most compelling aspect of the game was not the presence of Sanchez's father, nor the fact that Eli Whiteside (a backup considered to be a placeholder until Buster Posey is ready) caught the game. Sanchez not only allowed no hits but also walked none, bringing him tantalizingly close to the eighteenth perfect game in baseball history.
The irony of Sanchez's feat wasn't only that he wasn't supposed to start, it was that he started in place of the injured Randy Johnson. Johnson's hall-of-fame career includes over 300 wins, as witnessed earlier this season, but also two no-hitters. Even more coincidentally, Johnson remains the last hurler to throw a perfect game.
According to the MLB rules, "An official perfect game occurs when a pitcher (or pitchers) retires each batter on the opposing team during the entire course of a game, which consists of at least nine innings. In a perfect game, no batter reaches any base during the course of the game. "
Juan Uribe's error on a sharply-hit ground ball in the eighth inning officially spoiled Sanchez's bid for an official perfect game. Sanchez is just the eighth pitcher to have a perfect game spoiled by one or more errors. However, in one of those games, Dick Bosman's no-hitter in 1974, the pitcher himself committed the error.
Either way, Sanchez is in elite company, even among those pitches who have no-hit their opponents. Even Nolan Ryan, whose dominance led to seven no-hitters, never came this close to perfection.
Should a pitcher be held accountable for mistakes his team-mates make? If a pitcher exits the game with two outs and a runner on first in a scoreless game and the closer serves up an RBI double on the next pitch, the run is charged to the pitcher in the dugout. And a boneheaded fielding play in foul territory that allows an inning to continue doesn't entitle the pitcher to an unearned run.
Part of the beauty of baseball is the unpredictable nature of the sport that goes beyond the box score. The best hitters in the history of the game still only got a hit roughly forty-percent of the time, and traditionally poor hitters can become legends with one postseason hit. Most non-Cubs fans probably remember the Bartman incident more than the meltdown that followed, even though there was no guarantee at the time that the foul ball would have any impact.
Everything has to go right for a perfect game bid to succeed, including defense. Most perfect and near-perfect games have included a lucky grab or two. And while the play that ended Sanchez's bid for a perfect game will no doubt stay in the minds of Giants fans for a while, in five years, the defensive play that defines the game will be Rowand's.
Baseball has a long tradition of changing long-held traditions. Ground-rule doubles used be home runs. The pitchers mound has been lowered. In 1887, a full count was 4-3 and walks were counted as hits. Minimum park dimensions were not established until 1959.
The definition of the perfect game has changed throughout the years, but it has only become more strict. For example, in 1991, MLB ruled that any pitcher who was flawless through nine innings but allowed a base-runner in extra innings should no longer be given credit for a perfect game.
The perfect game implies complete perfection from the pitcher as well as his defensive teammates. It should remain as the ultimate symbol of baseball excellence.
Is Sanchez's feat much more impressive than a nine-walk no-hitter? No doubt. Should he be credited with a perfect game? No.
But even though Sanchez's start won't join the highest circle of pitching accomplishments, Giants fans will remember how close he came, and just how impressively he pitched. No matter what happens this season or in the future, Jonathan Sanchez has given himself and baseball fans a career-defining moment to look back on.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
"Amare Stoudemire has little interest in joining the Warriors"
RealGM, citing the San Jose Mercury News' Tim Kawakami, is reporting that Amare Stoudemire himself is expressing doubt about a trade to Golden State, and that the Warriors' chances of a trade are slim at best.
Over the past few days, rumors about the trade have shifted wildly, ranging from Amare joking that he's joining the Lakers to apparent indications that Stoudemire might be preparing to leave the Phoenix area.
The latest rumor, as reported by Kawakami, would seem to put a stop to all trade negotiations for Stoudemire by Golden State, who would never give up any significant talent for a player who is unwilling to sign a long-term extension.
Part of Amare's problem with the Warriors was supposedly his reluctance to play center. But with Ronny Turiaf and a now-seven-foot Anthony Randolph on the roster, Amare could play his prefered power forward position.
But the Warriors have never been concerned about employing a true center, and they would certainly be willing to accommodate Amare's wish if it meant signing him long-term. Stoudemire's problem with playing center would probably never become an issue.
With Andris Biedrins' exception expiring and free agency beginning, the Suns management will be under pressure to either get a deal done, keep Stoudemire for a year, or sign him to an extension. The latest rumors might either induce them to lower Stoudemire's price (since Golden State seems adamant in keeping Curry).
By saying he doesn't want a trade, Amare could simply be exerting pressure on the Suns front office to get a trade deal done faster, but to a different team. It might lead Kerr to abandon the idea of a Golden State trade altogether, and seek another trading partner such a Chicago or Atlanta.
Strangely, Amare also apparently indicated that Golden State was giving up too much to land him. It's possible that he wants to go to a contender. But the odds that a team that's in the playoff hunt would sign-and-trade him at a maximum extension rather than waiting until 2010 or trying for Chris Bosh is probably wishful thinking by Stoudemire.
If Kerr wants to get rid of Amare badly enough, will he swing the deal more towards Golden State? If Stoudemire's comments are quoted accuratedly and are sincere, Amare might be leaning towards free agency in 2010, in which case the Suns would get nothing for him.
It is equally possible, however, that Stoudemire thinks a trade to Golden State is imminent and is trying to get what he can from both sides. From Phoenix, he wants a trade before the full-blown rebuilding gets underway, so he sends out mixed signals about wanting to stay.
From Golden State's perspective, Stoudemire indicates that he wants out of Phoenix, but doesn't praise Golden State, lest they think that he's going to sign for cheap. If the Warriors want him by the Bay, they're going to have to pay deal to compensate for flaws in Golden State's system and personnel.
Amare might just be having fun with the media, but his choice of topics might indicate that not only is the deal with Golden State not dead, but that it's closer to completion that either side realizes.
Over the past few days, rumors about the trade have shifted wildly, ranging from Amare joking that he's joining the Lakers to apparent indications that Stoudemire might be preparing to leave the Phoenix area.
The latest rumor, as reported by Kawakami, would seem to put a stop to all trade negotiations for Stoudemire by Golden State, who would never give up any significant talent for a player who is unwilling to sign a long-term extension.
Part of Amare's problem with the Warriors was supposedly his reluctance to play center. But with Ronny Turiaf and a now-seven-foot Anthony Randolph on the roster, Amare could play his prefered power forward position.
But the Warriors have never been concerned about employing a true center, and they would certainly be willing to accommodate Amare's wish if it meant signing him long-term. Stoudemire's problem with playing center would probably never become an issue.
With Andris Biedrins' exception expiring and free agency beginning, the Suns management will be under pressure to either get a deal done, keep Stoudemire for a year, or sign him to an extension. The latest rumors might either induce them to lower Stoudemire's price (since Golden State seems adamant in keeping Curry).
By saying he doesn't want a trade, Amare could simply be exerting pressure on the Suns front office to get a trade deal done faster, but to a different team. It might lead Kerr to abandon the idea of a Golden State trade altogether, and seek another trading partner such a Chicago or Atlanta.
Strangely, Amare also apparently indicated that Golden State was giving up too much to land him. It's possible that he wants to go to a contender. But the odds that a team that's in the playoff hunt would sign-and-trade him at a maximum extension rather than waiting until 2010 or trying for Chris Bosh is probably wishful thinking by Stoudemire.
If Kerr wants to get rid of Amare badly enough, will he swing the deal more towards Golden State? If Stoudemire's comments are quoted accuratedly and are sincere, Amare might be leaning towards free agency in 2010, in which case the Suns would get nothing for him.
It is equally possible, however, that Stoudemire thinks a trade to Golden State is imminent and is trying to get what he can from both sides. From Phoenix, he wants a trade before the full-blown rebuilding gets underway, so he sends out mixed signals about wanting to stay.
From Golden State's perspective, Stoudemire indicates that he wants out of Phoenix, but doesn't praise Golden State, lest they think that he's going to sign for cheap. If the Warriors want him by the Bay, they're going to have to pay deal to compensate for flaws in Golden State's system and personnel.
Amare might just be having fun with the media, but his choice of topics might indicate that not only is the deal with Golden State not dead, but that it's closer to completion that either side realizes.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Stoudemire Deal On Hold As Warriors Try To Keep Curry
When the Minnesota Timberwolves chose Jonny Flynn with the sixth pick in last night's draft, the Warriors' new General Manager was presented with a choice: forward Jordan Hill or guard Stephen Curry. Minutes later, much to the chagrin of Knicks fans at Madison Square Garden, the choice was Curry.
Hill could turn into a solid or even great player, especially for Mike D'Antoni, who will like Hill's faced-paced style and athletic ability. But Golden State was focused on a former D'Antoni forward, Amare Stoudemire.
Media outlets were in agreement for most of Friday that Andris Biedrins, Brandan Wright, and either Marco Belinelli or Kelenna Azubuike would be the current Warriors sent to Phoenix for Amare.
In addition to the above players, the Warriors were rumored to be sending their seventh-overall selection in the draft to the Suns. This specualtion only increased when Curry was chosen over Hill. Steve Kerr's denials of an imminent trade at first seemed to be typical of a GM who was about to trade one of his team's best players.
But later in the evening, rumors began circulating that the Warriors, having secured Curry, didn't want to part with him for an often-injured player with a reputation for selfishness. Marc Stein reconfirmed the reports this morning, and Matt Steinmetz wrote "Ws GM Larry Riley: Can't see a scenario in which Curry is traded, hopes he's a Warrior for 10 years. 'We drafted him to play here.'"
Although Riley's words could be either more smoke-and-mirrors or an attempt to placate the fans, Curry now seems to be an obstacle rather than a facilitator for the deal. But other factors, including a contract extension for Amare, are still unresolved as well. Biedrins' BYC is still in effect, so there is still plenty of time to negotiate.
If the Warriors can stand firm on keeping Curry and still acquire Stoudemire, the Warriors might be a playoff team next year. A starting lineup would likely be Monta Ellis, Stephen Jackson, Anthony Randolph, Amare, and Ronny Turiaf. Corey Maggette would be a key sixth-man, and Curry and Anthony Morrow playing at the same time would be deadly to perimeter defenders.
Even if both sides agree to deal, will Amare be willing to accept a sign-and-trade? His point totals will no doubt increase, and Don Nelson doesn't exactly take a hard line on playing defense, but it's still not a given that Stoudemire would agree to be more than a rental, in which case the deal makes no sense.
Will Biedrins be better than Amare in three years? Even without injury issue, Andris is locked up for cheaper than an extension for an almost-twenty-seven-year-old Stoudemire would cost. And seems to be genuinely happy with the Warriors, providing a double-double on most nights. Although Shaq no doubt took some rebounds away from Amare, Stoudemire could represent a downgrade in rebounding.
Amare does provide a huge upgrade in free-throw percentage over Andris, and has had quite a few monster playoff games. And it's a good sign that, although they are no doubt executing Don Nelson's in acquiring Stoudemire, the Warriors are standing firm on Curry, and playing hardball with the Suns, who are entering a rebuilding phase.
Still, Amare is not even the best forward to possibly become a free-agent in 2010. Chris Bosh is younger, less injury-prone, and has a better attitude. A sign-and-trade for Bosh might be the Warriors' next trade attempt if the Amare deal falls through. Getting Bosh would probably require Curry and possibly other players to complete, but Bosh is more worthy of a huge deal than Amare is.
The Stoudemire deal is far from dead. And it's still possible that Curry will be included. But the Warriors' new GM has so far avoided the shortsightedness that has handicapped the franchise for the last decade. In the case of Amare, it's buyer beware, unless the price is right.
Hill could turn into a solid or even great player, especially for Mike D'Antoni, who will like Hill's faced-paced style and athletic ability. But Golden State was focused on a former D'Antoni forward, Amare Stoudemire.
Media outlets were in agreement for most of Friday that Andris Biedrins, Brandan Wright, and either Marco Belinelli or Kelenna Azubuike would be the current Warriors sent to Phoenix for Amare.
In addition to the above players, the Warriors were rumored to be sending their seventh-overall selection in the draft to the Suns. This specualtion only increased when Curry was chosen over Hill. Steve Kerr's denials of an imminent trade at first seemed to be typical of a GM who was about to trade one of his team's best players.
But later in the evening, rumors began circulating that the Warriors, having secured Curry, didn't want to part with him for an often-injured player with a reputation for selfishness. Marc Stein reconfirmed the reports this morning, and Matt Steinmetz wrote "Ws GM Larry Riley: Can't see a scenario in which Curry is traded, hopes he's a Warrior for 10 years. 'We drafted him to play here.'"
Although Riley's words could be either more smoke-and-mirrors or an attempt to placate the fans, Curry now seems to be an obstacle rather than a facilitator for the deal. But other factors, including a contract extension for Amare, are still unresolved as well. Biedrins' BYC is still in effect, so there is still plenty of time to negotiate.
If the Warriors can stand firm on keeping Curry and still acquire Stoudemire, the Warriors might be a playoff team next year. A starting lineup would likely be Monta Ellis, Stephen Jackson, Anthony Randolph, Amare, and Ronny Turiaf. Corey Maggette would be a key sixth-man, and Curry and Anthony Morrow playing at the same time would be deadly to perimeter defenders.
Even if both sides agree to deal, will Amare be willing to accept a sign-and-trade? His point totals will no doubt increase, and Don Nelson doesn't exactly take a hard line on playing defense, but it's still not a given that Stoudemire would agree to be more than a rental, in which case the deal makes no sense.
Will Biedrins be better than Amare in three years? Even without injury issue, Andris is locked up for cheaper than an extension for an almost-twenty-seven-year-old Stoudemire would cost. And seems to be genuinely happy with the Warriors, providing a double-double on most nights. Although Shaq no doubt took some rebounds away from Amare, Stoudemire could represent a downgrade in rebounding.
Amare does provide a huge upgrade in free-throw percentage over Andris, and has had quite a few monster playoff games. And it's a good sign that, although they are no doubt executing Don Nelson's in acquiring Stoudemire, the Warriors are standing firm on Curry, and playing hardball with the Suns, who are entering a rebuilding phase.
Still, Amare is not even the best forward to possibly become a free-agent in 2010. Chris Bosh is younger, less injury-prone, and has a better attitude. A sign-and-trade for Bosh might be the Warriors' next trade attempt if the Amare deal falls through. Getting Bosh would probably require Curry and possibly other players to complete, but Bosh is more worthy of a huge deal than Amare is.
The Stoudemire deal is far from dead. And it's still possible that Curry will be included. But the Warriors' new GM has so far avoided the shortsightedness that has handicapped the franchise for the last decade. In the case of Amare, it's buyer beware, unless the price is right.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Lottery Mock Draft #2: How Might Trades Impact The NBA Draft?
Yesterday, the Minnesota Timberwolves agreed to send Mike Miller and Randy Foy to Washington. Oleksiy Pecherov, Etan Thomas and Darius Songaila will be sent to Minnesota, but it is Washington's fifth-overall draft pick that is causing the most excitement for NBA fans. Minnesota's trade, along with others, could create a shake-up that effects much of draft's top ten picks.
1. L.A. Clippers: Blake Griffin
Nothing will change at the top, barring a huge and unexpected trade.
2. Memphis trades the #2 overall pick to Minnesota for the #5 and #18 overall picks. Minnesota selects Ricky Rubio.
With consecutive selections in the fifth and sixth(as well as the eighteenth) slots, Minnesota is in position to be a major player on draft day, as it was last year with the Mayo-Love trade.
Ironically, it is the Memphis Grizzlies who are the targets of Minnesota's interest again this year. The eighteenth-overall pick, acquired from Miami in the 2007 Ricky Davis trade, will no doubt be packaged with either the fifth or sixth pick to entice the Grizzlies to part with their first draft choice, number two overall. Minnesota would then use the second selection to take Ricky Rubio.
Even though they'd be giving up Foye and Miller, the Wolves would be in great shape if Rubio lives up to his potential. For Hasheem Thabeet, a Wolves-Grizzlies trade could prove costly.
According to the 2009-2010 rookie pay scale, the second pick will make approximately one million dollars per year over three years than the fifth pick. How would Thabeet, once thought to be lock for the top-three, slide to fifth (or lower)?
3. Oklahoma City: James Harden
Minnesota would trade up for one reason only - Rubio, leaving Oklahoma City to decide between James Harden and Thabeet. The jury is still out on whether or not Russell Westbrook is a true point guard. But Oklahoma City might give their former number-four pick some slack and try to keep developing him at the one, considering the high draft choice they recently invested in him.
Harden would allow the Thunder to continue to field a dynamic team, and would form a formidable trio with Westbrook and Kevin Durant. Thabeet, for all the rebounding and defensive presence he would bring to the team, would probably clog the offensive flow of the Thunder as much as he would clog the middle on defense.
4. Sacramento: Tyreke Evans
Sacramento is no doubt hoping that Rubio will fall to them on draft day (the latest Draft Express mock draft somehow has Ricky falling to number five), but in this scenario it would be impossible.
There are rumors of a Francisco Garcia-Jason Thompson trade for the number two pick, but the Kings would probably be happy to take Tyreke Evans, who would form a tall back-court with Kevin Martin, especially if the team could find a taker for Beno Udrih.
5. Memphis (from Washington via Minnesota): Hasheem Thabeet
If Memphis received the fifth pick in the hypothetical trade with Minnesota, they could take Thabeet, a player they are no doubt considering at number two, at a cheaper price. If Darko Milicic is really about to be traded to the Knicks, Thabeet paired with Marc Gasol would reestablish Memphis' superior size up front.
Detroit is rumored to have some interest in Thabeet - which would make quite a bit of sense considering Thabeet could be a 7-3 Ben Wallace. But Joe Dumars might want to save trade assets for a run at forwards Paul Milsap or Carlos Boozer, instead opting to draft B.J. Mullins at the Pistons' regular draft spot.
6. Minnesota: Stephen Curry.
Having traded Foye and Miller, the Wolves will no doubt be looking for replacements for one or both. If they chose Rubio, the point guard position would be solved. Now, they could choose to replace Miller's shooting with Stephen Curry. A Rubio-Curry back-court might lack athleticism, but would still have the potential to be extremely dynamic, since Curry's touch from the outside would make it easier for Rubio to pass inside to Al Jefferson.
A trade with Knicks would be possible, in which case the Wolves might try to go with an explosive athlete like DeMar DeRozan to compliment Rubio at number eight.
7. Golden State: Jordan Hill
The Golden State Warriors are always an enigma on draft day, but the possible trade of Jamal Crawford for Acie Law IV and Speedy Claxton makes predicting their 2009 draft even harder than it was a few days ago.
Claxton could be quickly turned around, as Fabricio Oberto was by the Bucks, perhaps altering the draft further, but a trade might also come after as well, especially if it's for a veteran.
Don Nelson, true to form, has thrown out many names that the Warriors are supposedly interested in. Acie Law hasn't developed into much of a player in limited action in Atlanta, but is supposedly a long-time target of Nelson. So it's possible that a point guard is officially out of the question. In this case, Jordan Hill would be a viable option.
Law, who has an expiring contract with a team option for another year at around two million dollars, is not very athletic, and might join the Marcus Williams Bench Club next season. Even if Monta Ellis is the starting point guard next season, he will need a backup, and Law is probably not a long-term solution.
Brandon Jennings would seem to be the kind of player the Warriors would seek out, as would DeMar DeRozan. And although Jennings' stock seems to be falling over the last few years and DeRozan is a wing, they would still probably be strongly considered by Golden State. Hill, though, fills a need also and placates Monta Ellis at the same time.
8. New York: Brandon Jennings
If the Knicks can't get Rubio or Curry, they could take a guard whose upside and athleticism could make him a great compliment to you-know-who. Other than Don Nelson, Mike D'Antoni runs one of the most open offenses in the league, making Jennings a good fit.
9. Toronto: DeMar DeRozan
DeRozan could become a very good defender, and can score inside from the guard position. His lack of three-point range could hurt after the Jason Kapono trade, but he excels in quite a few areas that the Raptors are lacking in.
10. Milwaukee: James Johnson
After trading Yi to the Nets last year, and now Richard Jefferson to the Spurs, Milwaukee gets a well-rounded forward who has both range and potential.
11. New Jersey: Terrence Williams
In a future, Vince-Carter-less lineup, Williams' rebounding and passing skills could lead to many fast-break opportunities for Devin Harris.
12. Charlotte: Jonny Flynn
Flynn is the same size as Allen Iverson. Larry Brown will appreciate the fact that Flynn posses the will to get the rim as A.I., and can also pass the ball when a team-mate is open. Obviously Jonny is not expected to reach Iverson's levels, but he has many traits that might help a young team get to the playoffs.
13. Indiana: DeJuan Blair
Last year's draft pick, Roy Hibbert, has height but not enough strength (yet). Blair is short for a forward, but even so, can probably grab rebounds and fight through traffic in a way that Hibbert can't.
14. Phoenix: Earl Clark
A point guard still on the board at number fourteen this year will probably be much better than one that's around at this point next year. But Jrue Holliday didn't play the point in college, and Jeff Teague turns the ball over too often to be a successor to Steve Nash.
1. L.A. Clippers: Blake Griffin
Nothing will change at the top, barring a huge and unexpected trade.
2. Memphis trades the #2 overall pick to Minnesota for the #5 and #18 overall picks. Minnesota selects Ricky Rubio.
With consecutive selections in the fifth and sixth(as well as the eighteenth) slots, Minnesota is in position to be a major player on draft day, as it was last year with the Mayo-Love trade.
Ironically, it is the Memphis Grizzlies who are the targets of Minnesota's interest again this year. The eighteenth-overall pick, acquired from Miami in the 2007 Ricky Davis trade, will no doubt be packaged with either the fifth or sixth pick to entice the Grizzlies to part with their first draft choice, number two overall. Minnesota would then use the second selection to take Ricky Rubio.
Even though they'd be giving up Foye and Miller, the Wolves would be in great shape if Rubio lives up to his potential. For Hasheem Thabeet, a Wolves-Grizzlies trade could prove costly.
According to the 2009-2010 rookie pay scale, the second pick will make approximately one million dollars per year over three years than the fifth pick. How would Thabeet, once thought to be lock for the top-three, slide to fifth (or lower)?
3. Oklahoma City: James Harden
Minnesota would trade up for one reason only - Rubio, leaving Oklahoma City to decide between James Harden and Thabeet. The jury is still out on whether or not Russell Westbrook is a true point guard. But Oklahoma City might give their former number-four pick some slack and try to keep developing him at the one, considering the high draft choice they recently invested in him.
Harden would allow the Thunder to continue to field a dynamic team, and would form a formidable trio with Westbrook and Kevin Durant. Thabeet, for all the rebounding and defensive presence he would bring to the team, would probably clog the offensive flow of the Thunder as much as he would clog the middle on defense.
4. Sacramento: Tyreke Evans
Sacramento is no doubt hoping that Rubio will fall to them on draft day (the latest Draft Express mock draft somehow has Ricky falling to number five), but in this scenario it would be impossible.
There are rumors of a Francisco Garcia-Jason Thompson trade for the number two pick, but the Kings would probably be happy to take Tyreke Evans, who would form a tall back-court with Kevin Martin, especially if the team could find a taker for Beno Udrih.
5. Memphis (from Washington via Minnesota): Hasheem Thabeet
If Memphis received the fifth pick in the hypothetical trade with Minnesota, they could take Thabeet, a player they are no doubt considering at number two, at a cheaper price. If Darko Milicic is really about to be traded to the Knicks, Thabeet paired with Marc Gasol would reestablish Memphis' superior size up front.
Detroit is rumored to have some interest in Thabeet - which would make quite a bit of sense considering Thabeet could be a 7-3 Ben Wallace. But Joe Dumars might want to save trade assets for a run at forwards Paul Milsap or Carlos Boozer, instead opting to draft B.J. Mullins at the Pistons' regular draft spot.
6. Minnesota: Stephen Curry.
Having traded Foye and Miller, the Wolves will no doubt be looking for replacements for one or both. If they chose Rubio, the point guard position would be solved. Now, they could choose to replace Miller's shooting with Stephen Curry. A Rubio-Curry back-court might lack athleticism, but would still have the potential to be extremely dynamic, since Curry's touch from the outside would make it easier for Rubio to pass inside to Al Jefferson.
A trade with Knicks would be possible, in which case the Wolves might try to go with an explosive athlete like DeMar DeRozan to compliment Rubio at number eight.
7. Golden State: Jordan Hill
The Golden State Warriors are always an enigma on draft day, but the possible trade of Jamal Crawford for Acie Law IV and Speedy Claxton makes predicting their 2009 draft even harder than it was a few days ago.
Claxton could be quickly turned around, as Fabricio Oberto was by the Bucks, perhaps altering the draft further, but a trade might also come after as well, especially if it's for a veteran.
Don Nelson, true to form, has thrown out many names that the Warriors are supposedly interested in. Acie Law hasn't developed into much of a player in limited action in Atlanta, but is supposedly a long-time target of Nelson. So it's possible that a point guard is officially out of the question. In this case, Jordan Hill would be a viable option.
Law, who has an expiring contract with a team option for another year at around two million dollars, is not very athletic, and might join the Marcus Williams Bench Club next season. Even if Monta Ellis is the starting point guard next season, he will need a backup, and Law is probably not a long-term solution.
Brandon Jennings would seem to be the kind of player the Warriors would seek out, as would DeMar DeRozan. And although Jennings' stock seems to be falling over the last few years and DeRozan is a wing, they would still probably be strongly considered by Golden State. Hill, though, fills a need also and placates Monta Ellis at the same time.
8. New York: Brandon Jennings
If the Knicks can't get Rubio or Curry, they could take a guard whose upside and athleticism could make him a great compliment to you-know-who. Other than Don Nelson, Mike D'Antoni runs one of the most open offenses in the league, making Jennings a good fit.
9. Toronto: DeMar DeRozan
DeRozan could become a very good defender, and can score inside from the guard position. His lack of three-point range could hurt after the Jason Kapono trade, but he excels in quite a few areas that the Raptors are lacking in.
10. Milwaukee: James Johnson
After trading Yi to the Nets last year, and now Richard Jefferson to the Spurs, Milwaukee gets a well-rounded forward who has both range and potential.
11. New Jersey: Terrence Williams
In a future, Vince-Carter-less lineup, Williams' rebounding and passing skills could lead to many fast-break opportunities for Devin Harris.
12. Charlotte: Jonny Flynn
Flynn is the same size as Allen Iverson. Larry Brown will appreciate the fact that Flynn posses the will to get the rim as A.I., and can also pass the ball when a team-mate is open. Obviously Jonny is not expected to reach Iverson's levels, but he has many traits that might help a young team get to the playoffs.
13. Indiana: DeJuan Blair
Last year's draft pick, Roy Hibbert, has height but not enough strength (yet). Blair is short for a forward, but even so, can probably grab rebounds and fight through traffic in a way that Hibbert can't.
14. Phoenix: Earl Clark
A point guard still on the board at number fourteen this year will probably be much better than one that's around at this point next year. But Jrue Holliday didn't play the point in college, and Jeff Teague turns the ball over too often to be a successor to Steve Nash.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Posey To AAA, Bumgarner To Majors?
Giants General Manager Brian Sabean has confirmed that Buster Posey will soon be promoted from Class-A San Jose, according to Jeff Fletcher and Henry Schulman. Posey, last year's number one draft pick, received a franchise-record $6.5 million signing bonus.
According to Sabean, the Giants wanted Posey to remain in A-ball for the entire first half of the season to work on his catching skills. The first half concluded on Sunday, with San Jose winning a record fifth-straight title. Andrew Baggerly reports that the Giants laid out this plan for Posey back in Spirng Training.
Now, says Sabean, Posey needs to catch higher-level pitchers to take the next step towards the majors. The GM noted that a jump to AAA would allow Posey to improve faster. In addition, the starting catcher in AA would lose his starting job to Posey if Buster moved up only one level. If Buster went to AAA immediately, both catchers could develop at their own paces.
Posey has definitely not disappointed in his first extended action in the minors, hitting twenty doubles and eleven home runs in the first half. His batting average is a steady .328, while his OPS is .970, about the same as his sophomore season at Florida State.
Extremely encouraging is Posey's thirty-six walks and only thirty-nine strike-outs. Angel Villalona has nine walks and fifty-eight K's, while Roger Kieschnick's totals are twelve and sixty-eight. Conner Gillaspe, the best contact hitter on the team, has more walks than strike-outs, but has only one home run.
Despite the possibility of a rapid promotion, Posey will not reach the majors this season. However, Fletcher and Baggerly note that Madison Bumgarner is due for a promotion, and that Sabean mentioned him "skipping a level."
This wording could be interpreted as meaning that Madison would be skipping AAA altogether. Sabean noted that But it might make more sense to have a Bumgarner-Posey battery start in the minors before promoting both of them in early 2010. And Sabean noted that while Madison's fastball was major-league quality, his secondary pitches need work.
Whether or not Bumgarner or Posey skip levels of minor league ball, they will be one step closer to the majors, the goal for Giants players, management, and fans alike.
According to Sabean, the Giants wanted Posey to remain in A-ball for the entire first half of the season to work on his catching skills. The first half concluded on Sunday, with San Jose winning a record fifth-straight title. Andrew Baggerly reports that the Giants laid out this plan for Posey back in Spirng Training.
Now, says Sabean, Posey needs to catch higher-level pitchers to take the next step towards the majors. The GM noted that a jump to AAA would allow Posey to improve faster. In addition, the starting catcher in AA would lose his starting job to Posey if Buster moved up only one level. If Buster went to AAA immediately, both catchers could develop at their own paces.
Posey has definitely not disappointed in his first extended action in the minors, hitting twenty doubles and eleven home runs in the first half. His batting average is a steady .328, while his OPS is .970, about the same as his sophomore season at Florida State.
Extremely encouraging is Posey's thirty-six walks and only thirty-nine strike-outs. Angel Villalona has nine walks and fifty-eight K's, while Roger Kieschnick's totals are twelve and sixty-eight. Conner Gillaspe, the best contact hitter on the team, has more walks than strike-outs, but has only one home run.
Despite the possibility of a rapid promotion, Posey will not reach the majors this season. However, Fletcher and Baggerly note that Madison Bumgarner is due for a promotion, and that Sabean mentioned him "skipping a level."
This wording could be interpreted as meaning that Madison would be skipping AAA altogether. Sabean noted that But it might make more sense to have a Bumgarner-Posey battery start in the minors before promoting both of them in early 2010. And Sabean noted that while Madison's fastball was major-league quality, his secondary pitches need work.
Whether or not Bumgarner or Posey skip levels of minor league ball, they will be one step closer to the majors, the goal for Giants players, management, and fans alike.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Rafael Rodriguez, 2008's Angel Villalona, Debuts For AZL Giants
Rafael Rodriguez, the Dominican outfielder signed last July by San Francisco for a franchise-record $2.55 million, played in his first Arizona League game on Sunday.
Rodriguez recorded only one hit in six plate appearances, an RBI single in his first at-bat, but showed his skill in other areas. In the bottom of the first inning, Rafael prevented a one-out-runner-at-third situation for his pitcher by recording an outfield assist. And after reaching on a fielder's choice in the tenth, Rodriguez recorded his first career stolen base.
The six-foot-five prospect, who will turn seventeen in July and is the youngest player on the AZL Giants' roster, also made some mistakes. He was caught stealing after his only hit, and was thrown out at home trying to score the go-ahead run from second on a single in the tenth inning. But after all, it was only a rookie league game.
Second-baseman Julio Izturis, a 2006 signee from Venezuela, also made his U.S. debut for the Giants, collecting four hits (including a double) and a run in seven at-bats in the lead-off slot. He also stole two bases. Izturis is the brother of major leaguer Maicer Izturis (Angels). Julio's half-brother Cesar Izturis (Orioles) also plays the infield in the big leagues.
The starting pitcher for the Giants was a name familiar to fans of San Francisco's big league club. Joe Martinez, who was lucky to escape serious injury when he was stuck in the head with a line drive in April, was pitching in a rehab assignment. Martinez allowed three earned runs in two and two-thirds innings of work.
Rodriguez recorded only one hit in six plate appearances, an RBI single in his first at-bat, but showed his skill in other areas. In the bottom of the first inning, Rafael prevented a one-out-runner-at-third situation for his pitcher by recording an outfield assist. And after reaching on a fielder's choice in the tenth, Rodriguez recorded his first career stolen base.
The six-foot-five prospect, who will turn seventeen in July and is the youngest player on the AZL Giants' roster, also made some mistakes. He was caught stealing after his only hit, and was thrown out at home trying to score the go-ahead run from second on a single in the tenth inning. But after all, it was only a rookie league game.
Second-baseman Julio Izturis, a 2006 signee from Venezuela, also made his U.S. debut for the Giants, collecting four hits (including a double) and a run in seven at-bats in the lead-off slot. He also stole two bases. Izturis is the brother of major leaguer Maicer Izturis (Angels). Julio's half-brother Cesar Izturis (Orioles) also plays the infield in the big leagues.
The starting pitcher for the Giants was a name familiar to fans of San Francisco's big league club. Joe Martinez, who was lucky to escape serious injury when he was stuck in the head with a line drive in April, was pitching in a rehab assignment. Martinez allowed three earned runs in two and two-thirds innings of work.
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