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Vintage formula still works in San Fran: the Giants are so old, trainer Stan Conte might turn out be team MVP. But decrepit or not, the Cane Gang still rates as the favorite in the N.L. West
Sporting News, The, Jan 28, 2005 by Ken Rosenthal
What would A's general manager Billy Beane be worth as a free agent? The answer might come if Lewis Wolff purchases the club. Beane, signed through 2008, can opt out of his contract if the team changes owners. Wolff almost certainly would want Beane to stay, but the Nationals could pursue Beane once their new owner is in place.
Two highly regarded former general managers, Pat Gillick and Gerry Hunsicker, also are available. The Phillies' Ed Wade could be the next G.M. in trouble. > The Brewers almost certainly will move RHP Ben Sheets at the deadline if they are unable to sign him to a contract extension. Sheets likely would receive the highest salary for a fifth-year pitcher in arbitration next offseason, breaking the record of $9.9 million shared by RHPs Kevin Millwood and Chan Ho Park. > Under his new contract with the Yankees, LHP Randy Johnson retains his two courtside tickets for the Phoenix Suns through 2007-08; he has the right to purchase them after that. His previous contract with the Diamondbacks included tickets through the 2010-11 season. > Blue Jays G.M. J.P. Ricciardi disputes that 1B Shea Hillenbrand's low walk rate makes him an odd fit for a team that stresses on-base percentage. "Nomar (Garciaparra) doesn't walk. (Alfonso) Soriano doesn't walk," Ricciardi says. "There are guys who are exceptions to the rule." Hillenbrand had a .348 OBP last season, but his career mark is.322. > The Mariners want upper-level prospects, including a pitcher, for OF Randy Winn. The Astros won't part with Class AA RHP Ezequiel Astacio, one of the pitchers they acquired in the Billy Wagner trade. Astacio, who has become close to untouchable, could make the team out of spring training. > The Diamondbacks reportedly were targeting A's OF Eric Byrnes as a potential leadoff man, but new 2B Craig Counsell would be a better choice. Counsell's .345 career on-base percentage is nine points higher than Byrnes'. "Byrnes is wound way too tight to hit leadoff," one scout says. > The Padres wanted to trade LHP Darrell May so they could sign free-agent RHP Esteban Loaiza, and the Dodgers were prepared to sign Loaiza to a two-year contract for approximately $9 million before they turned to RHP Derek Lowe. > The A's, deep in young catchers, are moving Class A catcher Daric Barton to first base with the idea of keeping his bat in the lineup for 150 games per season instead of 120. Barton, one of three players the team acquired from the Cardinals for LHP Mark Mulder, had a .956 OPS at Class A Peoria--three points higher than Albert Pujols posted at the same level. Barton doesn't turn 20 until August 16. > The Rangers' Kevin Mench remains a target of teams in search of a low-cost outfielder; both the Braves and Astros qualify. But even after signing Richard Hidalgo and David Dellucci, the Rangers are resisting offers for Mench, who is not eligible for arbitration until after this season. > A fond farewell to reliever Curtis Leskanic, who has told friends he intends to retire. Leskanic, a boisterous character, played 12 seasons, ending his career as a member of the world champion Red Sox.
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