Affeldt to San Fran

by R.J. Anderson on Nov 17, 2008 10:33 PM EST

Brian Sabean started this off-season by signing Josh Phelps on a no risk contract. Now he's signed Jeremy Affeldt for two years and four million annually. Frankly, I'm starting to question what happened to the real Sabean. At this rate I need him to sign Jon Garland or Pat Burrell to a huge deal to remind me of his putrid recent transactions history.

Affeldt automatically becomes the best reliever in the Giants bullpen, although Sergio Romo and Brian Wilson are decent, and might find himself closing at some point. He has the added bonus of being left-handed, although his career splits don't show it. Affeldt increased his velocity and started using his change-up more last season. A regression in HR/FB% is worth noting, as is the decreased pLI Affeldt faced in 2008 versus 2007.

He's a huge upgrade over Tyler Walker and Brad Hennessy, and at this price, you really can't argue with the move. Even if the Giants aren't close to contending, at least they're showing signs of competence.

Tweet Comment 11 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Damn, I was really hoping the Brewers would go after him.

Ah well, there’s still a few other quality guys out there, but this has potential to be a great move.

---
Juuuust a bit outside!!
http://balkingtraditionalism.blogspot.com/

by Jack Moore on Nov 17, 2008 11:02 PM EST reply actions

I don't really understand it from Affeldt's perspective.

by R.J. Anderson on Nov 18, 2008 8:09 PM EST up reply actions

I know... it's like, "Who are you and what have you done to the man who signed the Aaron Rowand contract?"

I doubt it makes any significant difference to the team, but at least watching the late innings of Giants games may now be preferable to shoving icepicks through my retinas.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Nov 18, 2008 1:16 AM EST reply actions