Frandsen to Fresno
Posted By Jeff Fletcher on March 31, 2009 9:35 am
The Giants optioned Kevin Frandsen to Fresno this morning.
This is a mild surprise, only because I figured that he’d had enough Triple-A experience that he wouldn’t really benefit from more seasoning. However, the Giants don’t really need him, either. If Emmanuel Burriss is going to be the starting second baseman and Juan Uribe and Rich Aurilia are going to be the backups, what’s the point of having Frandsen?
I’m not at Giants camp today, but I understand that Frandsen didn’t want to talk this morning. I’m sure he’s not a very happy camper. Perhaps the Giants figured that if he was going to be disgruntled at not starting, they’d rather have him be disgruntled at Fresno than stewing in San Francisco. Mostly, though, it was probably just that he was redundant on the roster, and it’s better to keep him playing every day in case he’s needed to come up later.
If I were him I’d do my best to get hot and stay hot at Fresno, because Burriss is no lock to produce offensively in the majors. Frandsen and Burriss could be switching places a month from now.
I see a lot of situations that will lead to Frandsen getting some starts in the majors sooner rather than later. In addition to replacing Burriss if he struggles or gets hurt, if Sandoval or Ishikawa struggle or get hurt Frandsen will probably get a chance to play at 3B (assuming he does fine at AAA) with the other at 1B. I could even potentially see some PT for Frandsen if something happens with Renteria or Molina (if it requires Sandoval to move to C). So I doubt this will be the last we see/hear from Frandsen in 2009…
Congratulations to Burris. He is, in fact, a better everyday player than Frandsen. The question, however, is whether Aurilia is a better option as a utility player than Frandsen, who can play more positions, including the outfield. I think no, but I could be wrong.
“The question, however, is whether Aurilia is a better option as a utility player than Frandsen, who can play more positions, including the outfield.”
I just really disagree with that very strongly. I think for now, Frandsen is better off spending his time playing every day in AAA than sitting on the bench. Even if Frandsen is better than Aurilia, the difference in value they provide the Giants is insignificant due to the lack of playing time – so we should keep Frandsen down in AAA until there’s a chance for him to start in the majors (which will likely happen earlier as opposed to later for various reasons)…
B – you’re right, Frandsen is better off spending his time playing every day in Fresno rather than making around $400K while playing in San Francisco…
I’m glad he was sent down, he wasn’t going to contribute anything of value to them anyways.
Frandsen at best is a utility player. Our farm system was so bad in the past that he was actually looked upon as a prospect by many Giants fans.
Here’s a thought: Put the guy on waivers to gauge his true value. If–and that’s a big “if”—anybody picks him up, it’s for a bench role.
So the giants are planning on using Pablo as the back up catcher and not carry another catcher on the team. Looks like I was right Jeff
I guess crazy minds think a like.
It would make a lot more sense to start the year with Frandsen in the bigs, since he’s already proven he can hit AAA pitching.
If he struggles, then bring up Burriss and let Frandsen settle into a utility role in AAA.
Doing it the other way makes no sense at all, besides an irrational infatuation with spring stats. Burriss would benefit from AAA more than Frandsen will.
Stupid move by the FO.
UMN, I am not sure that the Frandsen move says anything about the Giants keeping no real backup catcher. In fact, my first inclination was that it means they won’t do that. Hence, keeping six infielders instead of seven. However, I’ve read here that it looks like the Giants are seriously considering Pablo Sandoval as the backup catcher, so they can have six outfielders (Velez, Torres and Schierholtz as the backups) and seven relievers. Personally, I think it’s a very bad idea to have Pablo Sandoval as the backup catcher, since he has not caught at all in spring training. Plus, you put him at more risk of an injury if he’s behind the plate.
DProfessor hit the nail on the head regarding his value.
I still feel that he could be a valuable utility player/occasional starter on this team right now. I don’t see a whole lot of logic in sending him to AAA to stay warm. Warm for what? It’s not like they’re grooming him for their future.