Hot Stove

I think part of what motivated the Peavy signing is that Shields is commanding multiple team interest and is demanding 100M. Obnoxious. 2/24 for Peavy is certainly a manageable price. He just looked spent in October. Hopefully an offseason of rest will do him good. Who knows, the Giants could still be in on Shields after all.

I like the Marlins end of the Prado-Eovaldi swap.

I could see that. Although, I definitely hope the Giants are still in it for Shields, as well. He's not an Ace, but he's a legitimate #2 starter with a strong track record, and I would be fine with their spending 6 yrs/100m for him. Considering they didn't sign Sandoval or Lester, they kind of owe us Giants fans their spending that money on a significant player or two. As one of their many fans who help them sell out every game--at a legitimate cost to my wallet--I know I definitely expect it...

I would agree, except... SI this week had a great article on pitchers 30 and over, signing to large multi-year contracts and basically sucking wind soon after. I always "knew" that" but that go in some detail outlining it.

Sure, declining performance in the 30's is pretty much a given. That's an acceptable risk--and even accepted detraction--that goes with signing a quality pitcher (or even player) at 30. However, many smart GMs--including Epstein and Sabean--were willing to take that risk with 30-yr-old Lester, and even more seem interested in 30-yr-old Scherzer. I'm sure they have analysts as smart as, if not smarter than, SI's. So, knowing that, I would still be elated if the Giants spent 100M--much less than Lester's contract--on Shields, who would immediately step in as their best RH starter.

Agree with everything you said as well... not my money anyway. With that said, look at our last 3 SP big SP signings, Zito, Limcecum and Cain. I'm more concerned about our 3b situation.

Agree with everything you said as well... not my money anyway. With that said, look at our last 3 SP big SP signings, Zito, Limcecum and Cain. I'm more concerned about our 3b situation.

1. Zito was a terrible signing indicative of terrible analysis, not an underestimation of age. Magowan wanted a big name, and terribly overpaid for a pitcher almost entirely dependent on his curveball.

2. Lincecum's signing was a fan-pleasing absurdity. His violent torque-approach had clearly caught up with him, and Baer decided to bid against himself and give Timmy--of whom I am fond--a ridiculous 2 yr/35 m contract...when he wasn't worth more than 2 yr/15.

3. Cain was 28 when they signed him, so the age thing doesn't quite apply. Considering his age, previous durability, and previous performance, I don't fault them for that signing. Considering injury has marred his recent performance, it could still pay off for the Giants.

Finally, Shields is definitely not Lincecum and Zito, and his performance has even surpassed Cain's. He would be well worth the risk. As a Giants fan yourself, I assume you would rather have him in the rotation than Vogey or Timmy. As to third base, it is a mystery. If only Buster would move there and let Susac take over. But I truly pity the poor soul who tries to pry away Buster from catcher...

I'm liking what the Padres are doing. Still like to get more at 1B and maybe 3B (even with Solarte and maybe Middlebrooks). Preller seems to like the A's approach to playing in pitcher's parks....load up on power-hitters and let er rip.

They've done so much in the last few weeks, I haven't had the chance to fully evaluate. Two things are clear: Preller is not waiting until next year to try to make the Pads competitive, and he didn't think much of the prospects and draft picks gathered by his predecessors. So far, he has gotten rid of Max Fried, Jace Peterson, Burch Smith, Joe Ross, Joe Weiland, Zack Eflin, Dustin Peterson, and Trea Turner. Those were the Pads' #3, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, and 22-ranked prospects from last year, as well as their first-round pick this year. That is quite a clearing of their "house."

Regardless how his moves work out, I have to give the young GM credit for both his daring and for not being afraid to making his clear imprint on his team and organization.

P.s. The Pads' did trade Hanigan for Middlebrooks, an excellent deal for them. Considering the low cost, I'm disappointed the Giants didn't go for Middlebrooks, themselves.

an outfield of Myers , Kemp and Upton in Petco has the potential to be downright humorous to watch. They have boosted their offense, but that's not the kind of outfield I'd play in that ballpark.

I think the Padres are all sound and fury signifying nothing. But Casey McGeehee to the Giants? My head hurts from slamming it on my desk all day.