Comments on: Winter Signings: Freddy Sanchez

By: Darren

Darren — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:11:02 +0000

“Overall on the season, Sanchez posted a WAR of 2.2 and was worth about $10 million, mainly due to his defensive contributions. For similar money, the club would have been better off looking at free agents such as Orlando Hudson (2.9 WAR) or Felipe Lopez (4.6 WAR), although the latter will likely be over-priced on the market due to his above-average offensive season.”

Overall, they would have been better off likely overpaying for Lopez? Or for Hudson, who would cost them a draft pick and may well cost more than $6 mil. per year, may resign with the Dodgers or with another team? Or trade talent for the far inferior Iwamura who is only slightly cheaper?

Sanchez is a versatile, above-average player, signed for 2 years, at a very reasonable rate. He’s not blocking anybody special. What is it about Sanchez that makes Fangraphs bloggers dislike him so much?

By: Captain Obvious

Captain Obvious — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:57:23 +0000

If only there were a website that had that info…

By: J.Mack

J.Mack — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:58:11 +0000

I was figuring that Giants second basemen were actually below replacement level this year, but I don’t have all the evidence to support my assumption.

By: Matt B.

Matt B. — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:18:06 +0000

Well, his WAR was 2.2, so 3 to 4 wins might be stretching it. Definite improvement though.

By: PhD Brian

PhD Brian — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:12:34 +0000

Had the Giants had Sanchez all season, then I think they would have played in the post season. This is a very good signing. It fills the teams biggest need with one of the better available options available. Sure perhaps the dollars are a tad high. Nonetheless, I think you have consider the Giants among front runners for the post season in 2010. The starting pitching is probably the best in baseball, and several offensive players had off years and could see some bounce back in their numbers.

By: Kirk

Kirk — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:41:00 +0000

It’s easy to say that they should have seen if they could sign a comparable player cheaper but it isn’t always that simple. And the Giants are not a team that can afford to take a chance and downgrade at 2B and hope that a rookie can match Sanchez’ production. The have one of the worst offenses in the MLB and need to be adding bats not subtracting them.

By: J.Mack

J.Mack — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:23:49 +0000

Giants second basemen combined for a .236/.281/.329 line in 2009. If Sanchez plays to his career averages, the Giants are looking at improving substantially (3 or 4 wins?) at 2B in 2010. Other than getting a better second baseman, that might be one of the best and easiest improvements available (knowing the Giants aren’t willing to supplant Renteria or trade for a top-tier first baseman) to the team for next year.

But while Sanchez seems like a “safe” signing on the surface, there are warning signs that he is on an age and injury-related decline. He had a dismal 2008 campaign and not mentioned here is that he also had an injured shoulder during his time with the Giants. Also, other than Rohlinger and Burriss, the Giants have Kevin Frandsen (good defense and very similar minor league numbers to Sanchez) and Matt Downs as potentially serviceable 2B waiting for real ML shots.