Apparently the San Francisco Giants don’t care much about winning seeing as how they’re closing in on a new multiyear deal with GM Brian Seabean. Those not familiar with Sabean’s work, allow me to highlight a couple of moves he’s made since getting SF to the World Series in 2002.
– Orchestrated the worst trade in the history of MLB, sending top closer Joe Nathan, 2006 rookie phenom Francisco Lirano, dependable starter Boof Bonser and cash to the Twins for catcher A.J. Pierzynski. No need to explain how this trade has worked out for both clubs.
– Traded young, promising reliever Jeremy Accardo to Toronto for Shea Hillenbrand and Vinnie Chulk. Hillenbrand lasted a half year while Accardo has outperformed Chulk.
– Outbid himself to sign Barry Bonds for $15.8 million this past offseason.
– Signed closer Armando Benitez to a huge 3-year, $21.5 million contract in 2004. When he wasn’t hurt, Benitez was terrible and Sabean finally had to rid of his mistake by trading him to Florida earlier this year.
– Worst of all, Sabean has absolutely refused to re-stock the farm system with young position players, instead loves to waste money on over the hill veterans like Dave Roberts, Rich Aurilia, Edgardo Alfonzo, Steve Finley and a slew of others.
The Giants haven’t made the playoffs since 2003 and it certainly hasn’t been all Sabean’s fault. Owner Peter Magowan’s infatuation with Bonds often handcuffs what Sabean can do in the offseason and to his credit, he has built a nice young pitching staff. However, with job security almost in hand, if Sabean once again refuses to rebuild the Giants – the trade deadline would be a good place to start – then this is a move that will set this team back for years to come.
