Giants Sign Josh Phelps, Wait, What?

by R.J. Anderson on Nov 3, 2008 10:58 PM EST

Yes, the Giants. I must say, I'm impressed, assuming they're serious about having him compete for their first base job, and since the deal involves an invite to spring training, I think they might be. In the last few seasons Phelps has torn up Triple-A pitching, and has prior major league success, including finishing sixth in the 2002 Rookie of the Year voting. Fun factoid about that award: the winner, Eric Hinske, was not only Phelps teammate in Toronto, but I suppose could end up his teammate in San Francisco if the Giants want a platoon at first.

Currently the Giants first base stable includes John Bowker (who was awful last season), Pablo Sandoval, Travis Ishikawa, and Dan Ortmeier. Rich Aurillia is a free agent, and almost definitely will not return after this. Sandoval played the infield corners as well as caught and Ishikawa's bat was a touch below league average, as a first baseman that's not too good.

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Some other free talent updates:

- Florida Marlins claim LHP Dan Meyer off waivers from Oakland.

Amazingly it was only four years ago when Meyer was traded from Atlanta to Oakland for Tim Hudson. At the time Meyer looked like the crown jewel of the return, but injuries delayed the lefty's ascent. Now 27 Meyer has logged less than 50 innings in the majors, but to his credit, has managed more than 200 minor league innings the past two seasons.

- Toronto Blue Jays claim SS Angel Sanchez from Kansas City, and RHP Kelvin Jimenez from St. Louis.

J.P. Ricciardi is running a monopoly on no-hit infielders. Jimenez has gotten more than 50% grounders at each of his last few stops except his major league stints. Toronto now sits at 39 players on their 40 man, perhaps there's something else at work, otherwise the Jays will enter next season with the following middle infielders:

- Russ Adams

- Jose Bautista

- Aaron Hill

- Joe Inglett

- John McDonald

- Angel Sanchez

- Marco Scutaro

Someone has to go.

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Comments

Ishikawa had less than 100 AB's in the majors.

I suggest you take a gander at his minor league stats. And Sandoval ain’t all that hot at the hot corner.

by Daniel Berlyn on Nov 3, 2008 11:23 PM EST reply actions

Yes, but some of that is PCL elevated.

by R.J. Anderson on Nov 3, 2008 11:39 PM EST up reply actions

Heh heh heh.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Nov 4, 2008 1:06 AM EST up reply actions

Believe it or not, Josh Phelps is the best Alaskan position player in MLB history

Why do I know this? Because I was curious who A’s prospect Aaron Cunningham had to overtake if he wanted the title.

The best Alaskan overall is easy— Curt Schilling.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Nov 4, 2008 1:08 AM EST reply actions

Kelvin Jimenez is in a class of his own

He is the worst pitcher I have seen in a Cardinal outfit in the last couple years. Soooooo happy is gone. Don’t be fooled by his minor league numbers

by FlimtotheFlam on Nov 4, 2008 1:44 AM EST reply actions

Funny how in 2002 Rodrigo Lopez had a better season than John Lackey

It can only happen in a year where Eric Hinske wins any kind of award and the Angels win the WS.

Mother---- him and John Wayne!

by MerryGoByeBye on Nov 4, 2008 7:36 AM EST reply actions

Via RJ and Dave Cameron, I've had a Josh Phelps crush for the past few weeks.

I guess that’s gone now. But seriously, he deserves another shot in the majors:

http://ussmariner.com/2008/10/15/free-talent-alert-free-talent-alert/

Even with the Rays, when his performance was derided, he was a league-average hitter.

Beyond the Boxscore // Calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy.

by Sky Kalkman on Nov 4, 2008 8:31 AM EST reply actions

Giants first base options

They were pretty bold by signing Josh Phelps and giving him an invite to spring training. I think the Giants should also sign another 1st basemen, Erik Hinske or another option like Doug Mentickez or Sean Casey. Both are older players, coming to and end in their careers, looking for a starting job before they retire. I personally think Josh Phelps will be on the free agent market by June 1st.

by dasox313 on Nov 4, 2008 10:44 AM EST reply actions

Why the fuck should anyone sign Casey or Mientkiewicz?

When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Nov 4, 2008 3:42 PM EST up reply actions

Sean Casey and Mientkiewicz

Wow how did you spell Mientkiewicz, thats awesome. But Sean Casey batted .322 in 200 atbats. For him that translates to maybe a .300 average. He has less power than a sack of potatoes, so he would be a good defenseive, platooning first absemen. Doug Mientkiewicz is a veteran that can sign cheap for platooning. For the Giants, Josh Phelps, Sean Casey, and Doug Mientkiewicz is a good platoon option. It might be pretty expensive though.

by dasox313 on Nov 5, 2008 4:16 PM EST up reply actions