Comments on: Frandsen to Fresno

By: Ryan

Ryan — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:58:18 +0000

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.

By: Jeff Fletcher

Jeff Fletcher — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 05:13:50 +0000

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.

By: DesertFox

DesertFox — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 02:48:00 +0000

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.

By: UMN-Law

UMN-Law — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 02:35:23 +0000

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.

By: DProfessor

DProfessor — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:11:40 +0000

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.

By: Kevin Bass' Moustache

Kevin Bass' Moustache — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:13:43 +0000

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.

By: B

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:55:52 +0000

“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)…

By: DProfessor

DProfessor — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:11:32 +0000

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.

By: B

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:39:51 +0000

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…