Feb

PRO Rumors: Diamondbacks, Jeff Francis, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, Angels, Freddy Sanchez

By Allan

Here are a few links for Wednesday:

Giant’s manager Bruce Bochy says the number five starter job is Madison Bumgarner’s job to win, the team is not trying to cover Buster Posey to an infielder, Kevin Frandsen is switching his number to 9. This was reported by Andrew Baggerly of The San Jose Mercury.
According to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com, the Arizona Diamondbacks are exploring multiyear deals with Mark Reynolds and Justin Upton. Both players are eligible for arbitration next year and are expected to see huge jumps in their salary. Gilbert says, “It would seem more likely that the team would be able to get something done with Reynolds, because the price tag for Upton figures to be higher given what he has accomplished for a guy that does not turn 23 until August. Also any potential deal would likely happen before Opening Day as D-backs managing general partner Ken Kendrick said he would not like to see talks drag into the regular season.”
Mark Feinsand of The New York Daily News highlight Joe Girardi’s “State of the Yankees”. Including the team’s efforts to repeat, the Hughes/Joba batt, the lineup and the outfielder situation.
According to Andrew Baggarly of The San Jose Mercury, Giant’s second baseman Freddy Sanchez may not be ready in time for Opening Day.
According to Mike DiGiovanna of The Los Angeles Times, Maicer Izturis and Erick Aybar are the two candidates to replace the departed Chone Figgins at the leadoff spot for the Los Angeles Angels.
Mike Puma of The New York Post writes about the Met’s hitting coach Howard Johnson and his offensive strategy going into 2010.
Troy E. Renck of The Denver Post reports that Rockies’ pitcher Jeff Francis said that he spent two weeks in the Dominican Republic prepping for Spring Training. He says that his delivery feels much stronger. Francis has not thrown a Big League pitch since September 2008. He had surgery on his left shoulder last Spring and missed the entire 2009 season.
Paul Gutierrez of The Sacramento Bee asks five big questions about Tim Lincecum, Bengie Molina, the Giant’s new acquisitions, Freddy Sanchez and the rotation.