Earl Thomas

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WK_tq6nqCPU

Earl Thomas is a versatile, junior safety prospect out of Texas. He's versatile becaus has the athletic ability to play corner as well as safety. He seems to play the ball very well, and can lay the big hit. He could be right in our window at 15. The question is, if Kenny Phillips really is in the midst of a full recovery, does it make sense to have 3 safeties that are either first rounders or big ticket FA's? I guess it depends on whether or not the Giants think he can play nickel and dime over some of the corners. I'm not generally crazy about DB's from Texas, but this one seems fairly bulletproof.

Dez Bryant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQ5uPJGwscU

Other than Spiller, the only offensive skill position player the Giants should consider at 15 in Dez Bryant. Bryant was suspended by the NCAA for working out with Deion Sanders. This is just another reason why the NCAA cannot be taken seriously by anyone with a triple digit IQ. Egad, the kid tried to get better at his life's work! Oh, no! Anyway, Dez, is a beast. And if he is there, you take him, and pair him on the outside with Nicks, then watch them destroy dbacks for several years. Last year, a lot of people said Nicks reminded them of Anquan Boldin. I said he reminded me of Michael Irvin. This guy reminds me of Boldin, but faster. He'd have to be coached up a bit on routes, but that's a strength of the Giants coaching staff. Anyway, he'd make a great Giant. I'll keep posting so we get some options for 15.

CJ Spiller

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFcecMcS6bA

Sorry for the graphic issue. I'm sure it's temporary. So the Giant interest in Spiller has been leaked in a few articles. I actually think if he's not there at 15 we should trade down and get more picks. I'm not a big fan of McClain, and I think Iupati and Pouncy could still be there if we traded down a bit. Spiller is a special player. He's not a horse, but can handle 10-12 touches per game, and all your return needs. He's fast and elusive and can't be caught from behind like our other backs. I believe we will get a speed back in the draft, whether it's Spiller, Best, McCluster or McKnight. I think if Spiller is there, we have to take him. Go Giants.

Rest in Peace Johnny Maestro

I've gotten sort of far afield of the pop culture nature of this blog, but the death of Johnny Maestro has to be observed. He was unquestionably one of the greatest singers of all time, and charter member of the Cool Guy Hall of Fame. As a teenager, he was lead singer of the Crests, who hit it big with 16 Candles and others. In his late 20's he joined the Del-Satins and the Rhythm Method to form The Brooklyn Bridge. They recorded the smash hit "The Worst That Could Happen" as well as other hits like "Blessed is the Rain." The big story with either group, though was always Johnny's voice. Here he is, with The Brooklyn Bridge on the Ed Sullivan Show.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVgUQ0qRV38

God bless you, Johnny, rest in peace.

#5

Rumors are streaming in that Phil Hughes has been named the Yankees #5 starter. While this is great news for Phil, it throws Joba's career into a bit of tumult. They have to find a way to keep Joba somewhat stretched out in case anyone needs to miss starts, instead of just sticking him in the 8th inning role. Of course, Joba hasn't really been Joba since he hurt his shoulder in Texas in 2008. Hopefully, he'll get his fastball back and force them to reconsider. Pettitte and Vazquez will be FA's after this season, creating 2 rotation spots. Joba should be kept in position to grab one of them. Go Yanks.




UPDATE: The Yanks have clarified that no decision on the 5th starter has been made.


FURTHER UPDATE: It is Phil. Joba is in limbo between the major league bullpen and the AAA rotation.

Coming of Age?

Gallo has been one of the bright spots down the stretch for the Knicks. It would really behoove them to get him as much work as possible and shift some leadership onto their most passionate and talented player now, so he'll be a little more established when his new teammates arrive this summer. Tony Douglas also needs as much work as they can give him. They are probably the only two guaranteed members of next year's team. Remember, Curry becomes an expiring on July 1, and could be moved in sign and trade or something. Go Knicks! It's almost over!

Yanks Send Hoffman Back to the Dodgers

With Hoffman going back, it looks like Marcus Thames will make the squad. That's suboptimal. While I am a fan of players with Yankee DNA, Thames hasn't hit at all this Spring, and he literally cannot play a lick of defense. Now, I believe defense has become slightly overrated, but it's not so overrated that we can ever trot out Thames to play a corner. I've got to assume there's a trade brewing. This just won't work. Go Yanks!

Slight IFA Update

Neither Mattias nor DePaula has been cleared to be signed yet, so no matter what rumors go around, they can't be signed till MLB says so. The Yanks have an eye on both, and I wouldn't be surprised if they are both Yankees eventually. In other news, Chris Caberera will spend his first season in the DSL. He was last year's July 2 pitcher, that news may be a little disappointing. On the other hand, with the number of rehabs we'll have in EST and the draft coming up, it might have been tough to find innings for him with the GCL team. Nothing else seems imminent. Go Yanks!

The Battle is Joined

After Phil Hughes pitched very well last night in his latest stint, Joba Chamberlain did the same today. In his outing, Hughes showed growing confidence in his change. For his part, Joba showed increased velocity and his knockout slider. I was unable to watch it, but listened and it sounded like he threw a few curveballs, too. Any, he gave up a bloop double that someone else might have caught, then a single for his only two hits and an earned run. Beyond that he K'd 4 and walked one, and got some grounders by jamming batters. Remember, last time out he was working on pitching inside and this time out he did a much better job. This is getting fun! Go Yanks!

What's Going On?

Apparently, the Yankees have allowed Cuban SS Adeinis Hechavarria to sign with the Blue Jays. That makes it, Inoa, Sano, Chapman and now Hechavarria in a row of the high impact prospects that the Yanks have balked at signing. What's more, they lowere their draft budget last year and there's no indication that they won't do it again this year. I have no idea what is going on in the organization, but we have a largely old team, and if we ever want to avoid have to use free agents to fill every hole, we have to sign up as many high upside kids as we can. Right now, in the farm, we have less than half a dozen bats that can be projected into a Yankee line-up. And we have nothing at SS, which is the position we just passed on fixing. I have no idea what they're up to, but it doesn't make any sense thus far. Go Yanks?

Sorgi It Is

After things seemed to breakoff over Jim Sorgi's shoulder problem yesterday, they were apparently back on today, as the Giants have signed him to backup Eli Manning this year. Sorgi's the kind of backup you get when you're paying a franchise QB. Good fit. Go Giants!

A Changed Man

Got to see Javy Vazquez today, and now have a better understanding of why he had such a good year last year. He's changed from being a pure power pitcher to more of an El Duque type who will come at you with the fastball, but also attack you with curves, changes and sliders. He still has that stiff #1, although Rollins parked the first one he threw this year, but his secondardy stuff is just filthier and more mixed in than it was in the past. I remember over the offseason we had heard that Javy had a better slider, but it's really that Javy has become a different kind of pitcher. He's power and funk now, and it should be fun watching him all season.

Christian Garcia also gave up a homer then looked good today. Go Yanks!

Sorgi Coming In

As expected, former Colt backup QB Jim Sorgi is visiting the Giants Monday to workout and perhaps get a job. Sorgi's a former Badger who knows how to get along on a good team. Seems like a fine fit. Go Giants!

IFA Updates

Now this is getting interesting. Apparently, the Yanks are not conceding Raphael DePaula to the Mariners. As of today, they have not passed, and that means they're still trying to get it done. What's more. Hechevarria has been cleared to sign with an MLB team. The clarification came yesterday and the Yanks were the team that asked the question. So hopefully that will happen. SS is a weakness in the system, and we need to throw players at it just like we've been doing at catcher for the past four years. Another pitcher, Carlos Matias is also highly regarded by the Yanks, and though he is not a size/stature guy, he has touched 99 on the gun since his conversion from SS. Hopefully they can grab all three players. Go Yanks!

Moving On

So, now that the Giants have really secured their secondary, what will they do next? The feeling here is they will bargain hunt. It was just a year ago that we couldn't believe how loaded the roster was, and the Giants are wise, if not flashy, not to overreact. They wanted a Safety at the trade deadline, but they couldn't make a deal. So they finally took care of it on the first day of free agency. The Giants's most glaring need is probably at linebacker, but there are no apparent solutions in the UFA and plenty of appealing targets in the draft. They might look into a Kirk Morrison sign and trade but I doubt they'd be will to part with a pick and would try to make it a player trade. But other than that I think they'll search for bargains. Maybe pick up Sorgi to be Eli's new backup if Carr moves along. Nothing major, but hopefully everything smart. Of course, I thought getting CC Brown last year was smart, so make of that what you will. Needless to say, when the Giants win or bust a great move like Rolle, I don't know a single Giant fan who doesn't sleep a little easier. So rest up everyone and get ready for some bargain hunting till the draft. Go Giants!

Rolle Call!

After yet another one of their famous "day jobs" the Giants signed top of the class FA safety/CB Antrel Rolle to a 5 year contract worth 37M with apparently 15 guaranteed. The ex-`Cane, ex-Card will pair perfectly with fellow `Cane Kenny Phillps to give a two playmaking, physical safeties. Paired with Webster and Thomas the Giants will now have a big, athletic backfield that can actually catch footballs, press cover and stack up the run. Nice. After a tough season, the Giants bounced back nicely on the first day of free agency with a perfect fit. Kampman may be next if he doesn't sign elsewhere or maybe a linebacker. Who knows, but In Jerry We Trust! Go Giants!

On a Rolle?

Looks like Former Cardinal S/CB Antrel Rolle could be a Giant later today. He would bring excellent athletic ability to the safety position and, paired with fellow `Cane Kenny Phillips could really turn a weakness into a strength. Just a very good fit for the Giants if they can get it done. Meanwhile, Karlos Dansby rumors continue to circulate, thought I have no idea where they are coming from. Dansby is a 3-4 ILB. One of the issues the Giants have had since drafting Torbor is assuming that 3-4 parts can easily be turned into 4-3 or hybrid parts. The results have not born that out so far. No other news. Go Giants!

Open Season!

And so begins again our annual kickoff of NFL Free Agency. No news of anyone in with the Giants tonight but Antrel Rolle is currently due in in the morning and Karlos Dansby might also be visiting at some point. The Giants have played it close to the vest so far - but is that becaiuse there's not much to play or do they have an elaborate scheme to turn things back around while the window is still open? We'll find out as Free Agency rolls on. Now LET'S GO GIANTS!

Coming Right Up?

The Cards just released Antrel Rolle, whom the Giants probably would have traded for already if not for the 9 million dollar roster bonuse he was due under his old contract. Now they're free to sign him without trading anything. Look for him or our old pal Darren Sharper to be a Giant soon. Frankly, I think it will be Rolle. I bet they like the idea of putting a couple of still young Hurricanes in the deep patrol, plus his agent is Rosenhaus. Sharper is playing on borrowed time. We'll see what happens, but I bet he's in blue soon. Go Giants!

NFL Free Agency Approaches

Thus far this offseason, the Giants have cut Antonio Pierce, and fired Coach Waufle and Coach Sheridan. We haven't seen the widespread housecleaning John Mara's postseason tirade seemed to auger. As such, it's hard to get a good picture of what their goals are in this year's free agency period. They could obviously use help at DT, DE, MLB, S, P, K, RB and OL. But it's unclear how they will attack those positions. Will they put some of their needs off until the draft? That's alway risky, and the number of impact or even steady rookies the Giants have had over the years is not an impressive number. Will they go for a big splash with Peppers? I doubt it. If they do spend, I think they'll spread the money around D, and then maybe try to pick up an RB and OL help in the draft. I guess we'll see what happens starting in about 23 hours. Go Giants!

Nada

The Rangers swapped Jordan Owens for Kris Newbury just to show they were alive, but otherwise, did nothing to either help the team or help the cap situation as the tradeline came and went. Overall this could be good news as the prospects are staying, but the cap room problem needs to be resolved and the team as currently composed is not going to do much in the playoffs.