The Fresno Grizzlies' website has confirmed that Buster Posey, a former top pick of the San Francisco Giants, has been promoted to join the team, skipping AA Connecticut.
The Fresno Bee is reporting that Posey will be with the team when they begin a road trip in Colorado Springs on Thursday.
In his first year at A-level San Jose, Posey hit .326, with twenty-three doubles and thirteen home runs.
Buster was ranked the number two prospect in the San Francisco organization by Baseball America, and the nineteenth overall prospect in the minors by MLB.com.
Posey joins Steve Holm and Nestor Rojas on Grizzlies roster. and it is unknown whether he will start immediately.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
A.L. All-Star Lineup Features Few All-Time Greats, But Is Still Dangerous
Considering that the franchise has the most players in the Hall-of-Famers, it is no surprise that numerous Giants have been involved in the All-Star game over the years. In 1965, Juan Marichal and Willie Mays stole the show in a game that featured fifteen other future Hall-of-Famers.
Tim Lincecum won't face a lineup of Harmon Killebrew, Brooks Robinson, Al Kaline, Micky Mantle, and Carl Yastremski. Then again, the 2009 National League team doesn't feature Mays, Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente, Pete Rose, Ernie Banks, Wille Stargell, and Billy Williams, either. And Bob Gibson, Sandy Koufax, and Don Drysdale aren't competing for Lincecum's starting spot.
Still, there are plenty of potential pitfalls in the 2009 A.L. Lineup. Many of the starters are great contact hitters, and two have averages over .350. And there is plenty of power in the middle of order.
Lincecum will likely only face the following starters (note Evan Longoria has withdrawn from the game and will be replaced by Chone Figgins. Michael Young will start for Longoria):
Ichiro Suzuki
2009 first-half stats: .362, 6 Home Runs, .393 On-Base Percentage
As usual, Ichiro's unique batting style has produced a very average, and his speed has allowed him to continue racking up extra-base hits and steals. He recently slumped to a 6-of-34 line in series against Baltimore and Boston, but hit .439 in June and .417 in May.
Ichiro rebounded in his last series before the Break, tallying eight hits (including two doubles) and two RBI against Texas. His averages against left and right-handed pitchers are nearly identical, although his slugging and OPS are a slightly higher against lefties.
Suzuki has never faced Lincecum, but hit a home run in the 2007 All-Star game.
Derek Jeter:
2009 first-half stats: .321, 10 HR, .396 OBP
Jeter is hitting .400 in July, and is on pace to hit roughly twenty home runs, his highest output in five years.
Jeter owns a career .474 batting average in the All-Star game, including two three-for-three efforts and a home run.
Derek has never played against Lincecum, but is batting only .276 against right-handers.
Joe Mauer
2009 first-half stats: .373, 15 HR, .447 OBP
Mauer is having an incredible year, setting a career-high in home runs half-way through the season. Although his monthly averages have dropped as the first-half progressed, Joe could be one of the toughest outs for Lincecum, who he has never faced.
Joe hits nearly fifty points higher against right-handed pitching (.391), but has only one hit in his last twelve at-bats overall.
Mauer is one-for-three in All-Star games.
Mark Teixeira
2009 first-half stats: .275, 21 HR, 63 RBI
Teixeira's contract was debatable, but he produced to the tone of twenty-one home runs at the Break. After a streaky first two months as a Yankee, Mark settled down. His July average matches his overall average. Although Mauer has definitly shown power this year, Teixeira is the first true "masher" in the A.L.'s lineup, appropriately batting clean-up.
Teixeira, who played in Atlanta, faced Lincecum in one game in 2007. He collect an RBI on a fielder's choice, then struck out. Mark bats only .257 against right-handed batters, although sixteen of his home runs have come off them.
Jason Bay
2009 first-half stats: .260, 20 HR, 72 RBI
After raising his average over .300 in April, Bay's average has consistently declined to within .010 of his career-low. However, his twenty home runs are on pace for a career-high, and his average with runners in scoring position is over seventy points higher. Bay hits .255 against right-handers.
Bay, a former Pirate, has three career plate appearances against Lincecum. Jason, who is susceptible to the strikeout, K'd twice while also reaching on a single.
Bay is also one-for-three with a strikeout in the All-Star game.
Josh Hamilton
2009 first-half stats: .243, 6 HR, 24 RBI
Hamilton was selected to the All-Star game despite an injury-filled and sub-par first-half.
He is batting .236 vs. righties, but showed last year that he can hit them, as evidenced by a .313 average and twenty-four homers.
Hamilton went one-for-three with a strikeout and a stolen base in last year's All-Star game, after hitting dozens of home runs in the Derby. He has never batted against Lincecum.
Michael Young (replacing Evan Longoria - see top)
2009 first-half stats: .308, 11 HR, .852 OPS
Young is near or at career-highs in OBP, OPS, and slugging. Although he averaging under .250 in his last seven games, his average against right-handers in over .300, also a career-high.
Michael is three-for-nine with a double, a triple and three RBI in previous All-Star appearances.
Despite recording twelve at-bats in the inter-league series this year against the Giants, Young has never been in the box against Lincecum.
Aaron Hill
2009 first-half stats: .292, 20 HR, 60 RBI
When Vernon Wells has been a disappointment in Toronto, Hill has been an extremely pleasant surprise, with carrer-highs in almost every category.
Aaron is more effective against lefties, but still hits a respectable .285 against right-handers.
Hill is the only A.L. starter to have drawn a walk against Lincecum, and struck in his only other at-bat against him in 2007. Aaron is hitting only .204 in July, and has gone hit-less in half of his games this month. Of his ten July hits, however, four have been for extra bases.
Roy Halladay
Halladay might be a great pitcher, but as a career American-Leaguer, his batting is awful.
Roy has never had an All-Star at-bat, and has never faced Lincecum. In a strange coincidence, two out of Halladay's three career hits came in a single game against former Giant Jason Schmidt.
Halladay struck out in his only at-bat this year.
The All-Star Game has not always been kind to Giants. In 1983, Atlee Hammaker gave up the only grand slam in Mid-Summer Classic history. And even if Lincecum pitches well, he will throw only two innings, limiting the potential for a decision. But if Albert Pujols and company can produce a run or two in the first or second inning, Tim could very well be the winning pitcher in a game that breaks the American League's twelve-game unbeaten streak.
Tim Lincecum won't face a lineup of Harmon Killebrew, Brooks Robinson, Al Kaline, Micky Mantle, and Carl Yastremski. Then again, the 2009 National League team doesn't feature Mays, Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente, Pete Rose, Ernie Banks, Wille Stargell, and Billy Williams, either. And Bob Gibson, Sandy Koufax, and Don Drysdale aren't competing for Lincecum's starting spot.
Still, there are plenty of potential pitfalls in the 2009 A.L. Lineup. Many of the starters are great contact hitters, and two have averages over .350. And there is plenty of power in the middle of order.
Lincecum will likely only face the following starters (note Evan Longoria has withdrawn from the game and will be replaced by Chone Figgins. Michael Young will start for Longoria):
Ichiro Suzuki
2009 first-half stats: .362, 6 Home Runs, .393 On-Base Percentage
As usual, Ichiro's unique batting style has produced a very average, and his speed has allowed him to continue racking up extra-base hits and steals. He recently slumped to a 6-of-34 line in series against Baltimore and Boston, but hit .439 in June and .417 in May.
Ichiro rebounded in his last series before the Break, tallying eight hits (including two doubles) and two RBI against Texas. His averages against left and right-handed pitchers are nearly identical, although his slugging and OPS are a slightly higher against lefties.
Suzuki has never faced Lincecum, but hit a home run in the 2007 All-Star game.
Derek Jeter:
2009 first-half stats: .321, 10 HR, .396 OBP
Jeter is hitting .400 in July, and is on pace to hit roughly twenty home runs, his highest output in five years.
Jeter owns a career .474 batting average in the All-Star game, including two three-for-three efforts and a home run.
Derek has never played against Lincecum, but is batting only .276 against right-handers.
Joe Mauer
2009 first-half stats: .373, 15 HR, .447 OBP
Mauer is having an incredible year, setting a career-high in home runs half-way through the season. Although his monthly averages have dropped as the first-half progressed, Joe could be one of the toughest outs for Lincecum, who he has never faced.
Joe hits nearly fifty points higher against right-handed pitching (.391), but has only one hit in his last twelve at-bats overall.
Mauer is one-for-three in All-Star games.
Mark Teixeira
2009 first-half stats: .275, 21 HR, 63 RBI
Teixeira's contract was debatable, but he produced to the tone of twenty-one home runs at the Break. After a streaky first two months as a Yankee, Mark settled down. His July average matches his overall average. Although Mauer has definitly shown power this year, Teixeira is the first true "masher" in the A.L.'s lineup, appropriately batting clean-up.
Teixeira, who played in Atlanta, faced Lincecum in one game in 2007. He collect an RBI on a fielder's choice, then struck out. Mark bats only .257 against right-handed batters, although sixteen of his home runs have come off them.
Jason Bay
2009 first-half stats: .260, 20 HR, 72 RBI
After raising his average over .300 in April, Bay's average has consistently declined to within .010 of his career-low. However, his twenty home runs are on pace for a career-high, and his average with runners in scoring position is over seventy points higher. Bay hits .255 against right-handers.
Bay, a former Pirate, has three career plate appearances against Lincecum. Jason, who is susceptible to the strikeout, K'd twice while also reaching on a single.
Bay is also one-for-three with a strikeout in the All-Star game.
Josh Hamilton
2009 first-half stats: .243, 6 HR, 24 RBI
Hamilton was selected to the All-Star game despite an injury-filled and sub-par first-half.
He is batting .236 vs. righties, but showed last year that he can hit them, as evidenced by a .313 average and twenty-four homers.
Hamilton went one-for-three with a strikeout and a stolen base in last year's All-Star game, after hitting dozens of home runs in the Derby. He has never batted against Lincecum.
Michael Young (replacing Evan Longoria - see top)
2009 first-half stats: .308, 11 HR, .852 OPS
Young is near or at career-highs in OBP, OPS, and slugging. Although he averaging under .250 in his last seven games, his average against right-handers in over .300, also a career-high.
Michael is three-for-nine with a double, a triple and three RBI in previous All-Star appearances.
Despite recording twelve at-bats in the inter-league series this year against the Giants, Young has never been in the box against Lincecum.
Aaron Hill
2009 first-half stats: .292, 20 HR, 60 RBI
When Vernon Wells has been a disappointment in Toronto, Hill has been an extremely pleasant surprise, with carrer-highs in almost every category.
Aaron is more effective against lefties, but still hits a respectable .285 against right-handers.
Hill is the only A.L. starter to have drawn a walk against Lincecum, and struck in his only other at-bat against him in 2007. Aaron is hitting only .204 in July, and has gone hit-less in half of his games this month. Of his ten July hits, however, four have been for extra bases.
Roy Halladay
Halladay might be a great pitcher, but as a career American-Leaguer, his batting is awful.
Roy has never had an All-Star at-bat, and has never faced Lincecum. In a strange coincidence, two out of Halladay's three career hits came in a single game against former Giant Jason Schmidt.
Halladay struck out in his only at-bat this year.
The All-Star Game has not always been kind to Giants. In 1983, Atlee Hammaker gave up the only grand slam in Mid-Summer Classic history. And even if Lincecum pitches well, he will throw only two innings, limiting the potential for a decision. But if Albert Pujols and company can produce a run or two in the first or second inning, Tim could very well be the winning pitcher in a game that breaks the American League's twelve-game unbeaten streak.
Monday, July 13, 2009
All-Star Tim Lincecum Will Start For The National League; Matt Cain Out
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.
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.
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.
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