Giants' Make Over
DALLAS -- The Giants' offseason is still a work in progress, but the Winter Meetings proved productive on several fronts.
They all but completed their bullpen for 2006 with the acquisition of veteran left-handed reliever Steve Kline in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles for righty LaTroy Hawkins and cash considerations.
This came on the heels of signing ex-Giants closer Tim Worrell to a two-year deal a week before. Kline fills the role of departed southpaw Scotty Eyre, the much-pursued setup specialist who went to the Cubs.
San Francisco also inked the versatile Mark Sweeney, an infielder-outfielder who'll back up Lance Niekro at first and provide considerable pinch-hitting talents.
As a prelude to Sweeney's two-year pact, the Giants also declined to offer arbitration to veteran first baseman J.T. Snow and starting pitcher Brett Tomko.
As Giants officials departed for San Francisco from the chilly climes of Texas, they figure to find out soon whether their No. 1 offseason target, St. Louis free agent pitcher Matt Morris, can be acquired.
Even though Morris has been offered arbitration by the Cardinals, Giants general manager Brian Sabean said the club is among front-runners for the right-hander's services and the pursuit continues.
Deals done: Traded Hawkins to the Baltimore Orioles for Kline. Signed former San Diego first baseman-outfielder Sweeney to a two-year deal.
Rule 5 activity: Lost Triple-A Fresno RHP Mitch Wylie to the New York Mets. Lost Double-A Connecticut RHP Jose Sanchez to Washington's New Orleans Zephyrs. Selected New Hampshire (Toronto) SS Eugenio Velez for Triple-A Fresno. Selected Daytona Cubs (Chicago) 3B Aaron Sisk to Connecticut.
Goals accomplished: The Giants dodged a big bullet by picking up Kline after the loss of super setup man Eyre. Signing of Sweeney gives squad veteran outfield depth and platoon possibilities at first with Niekro, who may or not be ready for prime time.
Sweeney can also spell Barry Bonds in left and Moises Alou in right.
Unfinished business: Starting pitching is still the No. 1 goal. Morris is a target, but if they can't sign him, Sabean will likely wait until the Dec. 20 non-tender deadline for candidates. They're not satisfied with what's available now.
The Giants are still seeking a powerful left-handed bat after weak performances against right-handed pitchers last year.
GM's bottom line: "We're fortunate to be where we're at. We're a heckuva lot better now than before the meetings. Getting Worrell made Hawkins available and allowed us to get Kline and allowed us to cover the loss of Scotty Eyre. And to get somebody like Sweeney to give us versatility."
They all but completed their bullpen for 2006 with the acquisition of veteran left-handed reliever Steve Kline in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles for righty LaTroy Hawkins and cash considerations.
This came on the heels of signing ex-Giants closer Tim Worrell to a two-year deal a week before. Kline fills the role of departed southpaw Scotty Eyre, the much-pursued setup specialist who went to the Cubs.
San Francisco also inked the versatile Mark Sweeney, an infielder-outfielder who'll back up Lance Niekro at first and provide considerable pinch-hitting talents.
As a prelude to Sweeney's two-year pact, the Giants also declined to offer arbitration to veteran first baseman J.T. Snow and starting pitcher Brett Tomko.
As Giants officials departed for San Francisco from the chilly climes of Texas, they figure to find out soon whether their No. 1 offseason target, St. Louis free agent pitcher Matt Morris, can be acquired.
Even though Morris has been offered arbitration by the Cardinals, Giants general manager Brian Sabean said the club is among front-runners for the right-hander's services and the pursuit continues.
Deals done: Traded Hawkins to the Baltimore Orioles for Kline. Signed former San Diego first baseman-outfielder Sweeney to a two-year deal.
Rule 5 activity: Lost Triple-A Fresno RHP Mitch Wylie to the New York Mets. Lost Double-A Connecticut RHP Jose Sanchez to Washington's New Orleans Zephyrs. Selected New Hampshire (Toronto) SS Eugenio Velez for Triple-A Fresno. Selected Daytona Cubs (Chicago) 3B Aaron Sisk to Connecticut.
Goals accomplished: The Giants dodged a big bullet by picking up Kline after the loss of super setup man Eyre. Signing of Sweeney gives squad veteran outfield depth and platoon possibilities at first with Niekro, who may or not be ready for prime time.
Sweeney can also spell Barry Bonds in left and Moises Alou in right.
Unfinished business: Starting pitching is still the No. 1 goal. Morris is a target, but if they can't sign him, Sabean will likely wait until the Dec. 20 non-tender deadline for candidates. They're not satisfied with what's available now.
The Giants are still seeking a powerful left-handed bat after weak performances against right-handed pitchers last year.
GM's bottom line: "We're fortunate to be where we're at. We're a heckuva lot better now than before the meetings. Getting Worrell made Hawkins available and allowed us to get Kline and allowed us to cover the loss of Scotty Eyre. And to get somebody like Sweeney to give us versatility."
posted by San Francisco Giants at
3:03 PM
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