Barry Zito: what will the SF Giants do with him?

As we write this post, Barry Zito and the Giants are down 0-5 to the Cincinnati Reds ... folks, this isn't pretty and it's getting uglier with each Zito outing. The question then becomes, what will the Giants do with Zito? Trade him - will any team want his huge contract? Send him to a bullpen that's already solidified? Send him to the minors to regain his form - we already tried that one? Or just flat out release him and eat (gulp) the remaining $46 million left on his contract after the 2011 season?

Zito is due to earn $19 million in 2012, $20M in 2013, and $7M buyout in 2014. That's a lot of cha-cha bowls!

As of date the biggest contract to be released by a Major League club was in 2006, when the Arizona Diamondbacks unloaded Russ Ortiz (former Giant) and his $22 million contract. If the Giants were to release Zito it would dwarf what the D'backs unloaded and would set a new record by over 100%!

With Jonathan Sanchez due to return, this question of what to do with Zito is likely coming to a head, and it doesn't look good.

If you were leading the Giants club, what would you do?

Barry Zito in the August 2011 issue of GQ

Barry Zito modeling for True Religion

Saying goodbye to some players for 2012

We took a glance at some contracts that expire after the 2011 season, and we project that these players will not be resigned or in the case of Jonathan Sanchez will be traded before the 2012 season. While the savings will amount to $27.8 million, the net gain will be $17.3 million due to built-in raises to a number of players for 2012. Plus Lincecum will go to arbitration after this season as well.

Miguel Tejada $6.5 million
Cody Ross $6.3 million
Mark DeRosa $6 million
Jonathan Sanchez $4.8 million
Andres Torres $2.2 million
Mike Fontenot $1.05 million
Pat Burrell $1 million
TOTAL: $27.8 MILLION

Where the boys are ...

We frequently get asked where do the Giants hang out when they're away from the ballpark. So we did some checking around and verified some of the establishments in the City that players frequent.

• Tipsy Pig - we all know that this is the place that Pat the Bat loves to hangout, but several other players have been here.

• Delerosa - it's a casual pizza/pasta joint on Chestnut Street, and Brian Wilson, Tim Lincecum, and Burrell have dined here, usually after a day game.

• Pete's Tavern - the sports bar across the street from the ballpark, Jonathan Sanchez will often have a drink here after some games, and even Lou Seal (out of costume) will throw some back here as well.

• Michael Mina - an upscale restaurant that Barry Zito frequents.

• Gary Danko - one of the most posh restaurants in the City, Brian Wilson has publicly praised G.D.

• Hooter's San Bruno - yeah, I know it's not in the City, but it's near the home of Pablo Sandoval. Yes, the Panda is a Hooter's fan and has been seen here with Andres Torres too.

If you know of other places, list them under the comments section.

Sergio Romo to greet kids on Tuesday, Aug. 2, at Dept. of Public Health

SF Giants middle reliever, Sergio Romo, will be on hand at the Department of Public Health on Tuesday, Aug. 2, for kids who get their whooping cough booster shot. Kids within the the SFUSD are required to have the booster shot before Sept. 15.

Sergio Romo

Is the Giants front office reading the Sons of Johnnie LeMaster? We think so.

Back in March of this year, we posted a blog about the seagulls problem at AT&T Park and the havoc they cause during games to fans that pay good money to attend games. Apparently the sellout crowds are not too pleased with the 'gulls interfering with their ability to watch our first place Giants. So it looks like the Giants front office is FINALLY going to take our solution to heart and implement it at the yard based on the Mercury News story (see attached link)

To quote Brian Wilson, "YOU'RE WELCOME!"


Mercury News link

Sons of Johnnie LeMaster - March story on seagulls

Today is the 24th anniversary of Johnnie LeMaster's last game

On July 28, 1987, Johnnie LeMaster played his last game in the Major Leagues as a member of the Oakland A's. The game was played at the Oakland Coliseum and the A's lost to the Angels, 9-2. Johnnie started the game at second base and batted ninth in the lineup. On this day, Johnnie was 1-for-3, but his season batting average was just .083. On the very next day, the Oakland A's released Johnnie, and that ended his tenure with the Athletics. Later that year, the White Sox signed him, but he struggled in AAA and eventually retired from baseball.

Johnnie LeMaster as a member of the Oakland A's

Welcome Carlos Beltran!

We think Carlos is gonna look good in the orange & black!

Carlos Beltran

Worse contracts in SF Giants history

UPDATED

As the trade deadline nears, we couldn't help but think of some the "bad" contracts the SF Giants signed in years past. So we compiled a list of some of the worst. We didn't rank them, because quite frankly, each bad contract stands out. So we'll leave the ranking of the "worst contract" to you, the readers. Soooo, here's our list ...

Barry Zito (7 yrs, $126 million + plus club option for $16 million or $7 million buyout, 2007-13)
Aubrey Huff (2 yrs, $20 million + $2 million buyout for 2013, 2011-12)
Aaron Rowand (5 yrs, $60 million, 2008-2012, released in September '11)
Ray Durham (second contract signed in 2006: 2 yrs, $14.5 million, 2007-08, traded in '08)
Armando Benitez (3 yrs, $21 million, 2005-07, traded in '07)
Edgardo Alfonzo (4 yrs, $26 million, 2003-05, traded in '05)
Marvin Benard (3 yrs, $11.1 million, 2001-03)
Dave Roberts (3 yrs, $18 million: 2007-09, released in '09)
Matt Morris (3 yrs, $27 million: 2006-09, traded in '07)
Brett Tomko (2 yrs, $4.5 million: 2004-05)
Rich Aurilia (second contract with the club: 2 yrs, $8 million: 2007-08)
Miguel Tejada (1 yr, $6.5 million: 2011)
Rennie Stennet (5 yrs, $3 million: 1980-84, released in '82)
Mark DeRosa (2 yrs, $12 million: 2010-11)

Armando Benitez: SF Giants 2005-07

Marvin Benard: SF Giants 2001-03

Rennie Stennett: SF Giants 1980-82

Brian Wilson, pre-beard years

We found some pics of Brian Wilson before he started growing out his beard. What do you think? Do you like him with or without the beard?

2006: Wilson impersonating Billy Idol during Spring Training's Rookie Idol contest

2007: Brian Wilson at Spring Training, his first experiment with a low cut beard

2008: Brian Wilson's first full year as the Giants closer - Fear the Soul Patch?

Happy Birthday to Johnnie LeMaster

The Sons of Johnnie LeMaster would like to wish Johnnie LeMaster himself, a very happy birthday. Johnnie was born on June 19, 1954, and he celebrates his 57th birthday!

Johnnie in the minors

Johnnie with the San Francisco Giants

Another celebrity sighting wearing the Sons of Johnnie LeMaster tee

This photo was taken today (Thursday, May 9) prior to the Reds v. Giants game. Brian Murphy, Brad Mangin, and Andy Baggarly were at MoMo's for a double book signing.

(L to R) Andy Baggarly, Brad Mangin, and Brian Murphy

Photo courtesy of Brian Murphy

Our moment with Gary Carter (SF Giants: 1990)

This morning it was reported by the New York Post that Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter has inoperable brain cancer.  We have heard that Gary was in poor health in recent months, but the news of Gary's condition hit a cord with us here at the Sons of Johnnie LeMaster.

In his 19 years in the Big Leagues, Gary spent one with the Giants in 1990. In that year, Gary played part time and appeared in 92 games and batted .254 with 9 HR and 27 RBI. Gary would end up playing another two years before calling it quits after the 1992 season.

In the summer of 1990, a group of us attended a Giants game (April 30, 1990) at Dodger Stadium, and we got there early to watch some batting practice. As we walked to the front rail of the left field pavilion, the Giants were taking BP, and Gary Carter was in the outfield playing catch. At which point, we yelled at Gary, "how about those Mets?!" His quick reply was, "what about them?" We retorted back, "they miss you and need you back." Remember,  Gary spent the previous five seasons with the Mets and helped bring a World Championship to Flushing Meadows in an epic World Series vs. the Boston Red Sox. Gary, didn't respond back, and we continued to watch BP. As BP was concluding, I was talking to my friend next to me, when I heard the crowd in our section yell, "heads up," ... Gary tossed a ball to my direction, and I saw it at the last second to catch it.

Later that summer, I returned home after the spring semester ended, and when the Giants were returning home from a road trip, I drove down to SFO to see the team and get some autographs. After waiting for about 45 minutes, the team finally arrived and walked down to the baggage claim area. At that point, I asked Gary to sign the ball that I caught from the April game. I didn't  mention to him that I heckled him a bit, but he was gracious in signing the ball and his Giants photo that he had in his briefcase.

Even though Gary spent just one year with the Giants, it was a joy to see "The Kid" wear the orange and black for just one season. The Sons of Johnnie LeMaster send our prayers and thoughts to Gary and his family, he was a class act, and we wish him well.

Signed Gary Carter photo that we obtained in the summer of 1990

Signed Gary Carter ball - from the April 30, 1990 game

Poor penmanship, but we wrote the date on the ball. April 30, 1990.

Sons of Johnnie LeMaster t-shirt giveaway

This giveaway is an in-person event ... I have one men's XL shirt for the first person to spot me (in a LeMaster tee) at Pete's Tavern on Friday before the A's game. Individuals that have received shirts in the past are ineligible - you know who you are.

Disclaimer: if you appear psycho-ish, you're not gonna get one.

Photo Essay: Sons of Johnnie LeMaster at Wrigley Field

The Sons of Johnnie LeMaster were at Wrigley Field this past weekend to see the Giants for all three games. Unfortunately, Sunday's game was postponed, but we still had a great time. Pictured below are some shots we took while we were there. Enjoy!

Outside of Wrigley Field

Waveland Avenue beyond the LF wall, bleachers on the rooftops

Entrance to the bleachers

Murphy's Bleachers across the street from Wrigley Field

Old Style is to Chicago, like Anchor Steam is to San Francisco

The marquee at Murphy's Bleachers before Saturday's game

We got a ball during Friday's BP, Ryan Vogelsong tossed the ball up to us

Commentary: Keenan Cahill and the SF Giants

Several weeks ago, the Giants released a promo video of YouTube sensation, Keenan Cahill with cameos by Brian Wilson, Cody Ross, and Lou Seal.

The "Dynamite" video was to promote the upcoming Cody Ross night at the yard, so we thought. In addition to that,  the Giants are raising funds for Keenan's medical treatment for Maroteaux-Lamy Syndrome, also known as MPS-VI.

This disorder, which affects one in 25,000 people, has no known cure. Those with the disorder usually stop growing at about age 8 and are characterized by a shortened trunk and restricted movement.

At first, we thought that was kinda cool, but then we learned Keenan is not from the Bay Area nor is he a true Giants fan. In fact, he's made quite a gig of having various recording artists and teams fundraising for him.

So our thought is this, aren't there kids in the Bay Area that are terminally ill that could use some support or financial assistance for their medical bills as well?

Raising funds for Keenan doesn't make sense when he's not a Bay Area resident or a Giants fan. We think other kids in the Bay Area would be far more deserving.

Where are they now ... Greg Litton (SF Giants: 1989-1992)

Utility man, Greg Litton, was drafted by the Giants in the first round (10th pick) of the 1984 amateur draft. Litton would spend the next five seasons in the minors before joining the big club in 1989.

Litton's career doesn't spark any Hall of Fame discussions, but he served his purpose as a spot starter and pinch hitter. His best year as a Giant was in 1990 when he batted .245, with one home run and 24 RBI. he also hit a home run in 1989 World Series vs Oakland.

Litton spent a total of four years with the Giants before being granted free agency. He then spent the next two seasons in Seattle and Boston before calling it quits in 1995.

All told, Litton spent six years in the Bigs and had a career batting average of .241, while belting 13 home runs and 97 RBI.

Where is he now?
After his baseball career ended, Litton went into the jewelry business. He received a post-graduate degree in diamond grading and appraisal from the Gemological Institute of America. Currently, he's the general manager of Meadows Jewelers in Pensacola, Florida. In addition, he's also a motivational speaker with the Studer Group.

Greg Litton - 1990 Big Topps

Greg Litton today

2011 SF Giants All-Stars

So, we here at the Sons of Johnnie LeMaster were looking at the schedule and noticed that this year's All-Star Game is in Phoenix. At the same moment, we remembered that as the National League representative in the World Series, that Bruce Bochy will get to field his NL roster, once the starting position players are voted in.

It's probably safe to say that several Giants will be on the roster based on their contributions last year, and performance this season. So here's our guess on which Giants will be on the 2011 NL All-Star team.

Buster Posey - voted in
Tim Lincecum
Matt Cain
Jonathan Sanchez
Brian Wilson
Pablo Sandoval
Freddy Sanchez

Sons of Johnnie LeMaster tee

I think it's time to give away another Sons of Johnnie LeMaster tee ... this time we'll give away one of our ladies tees. So here we go ...

How much did it cost to build Candlestick Park, and how long did it take to build it?

2012 San Francisco Giants

So while we were watching the Braves sweep the Giants yesterday, we here at the Sons of Johnnie LeMaster couldn't help but think how many players currently on the roster will not be on the team next year.

Based on Cots Baseball Contracts spreadsheet on the Giants, and assuming the direction the Giants are headed, we're going to say the following players will not be wearing the black & orange in 2012.

Miguel Tejada ($6.5 M) 2011 salary in parenthesis
Cody Ross ($6.3 M)
Mark DeRosa ($6 M)
Ramon Ramirez ($1.65 M)
Santiago Casilla ($1.3 M)
Mike Fontenot ($1.05 M)
Pat Burrell ($1 M)
Guillermo Mota ($945 K)

San Francisco jerseys, not named the Giants

If you're like us, you probably appreciate the history of the Giants franchise, but also of the baseball history in the city of San Francisco. Most fans are aware of the San Francisco Seals, the Pacific Coast League (PCL) team, that ruled the city for decades and boasted one of the greatest players in the history of the game as one of their alumni, Joe DiMaggio.

But most are probably unaware of a second club that was in the city called, San Francisco Missions. The history of the Missions is some what short-winded, and they eventually moved to Southern California to become the Hollywood Stars of the PCL.

In any event, both of these clubs had colorful jerseys that would be worthy even in today's standards. In fact, a boutique company up in Seattle called Ebbets Field Flannels has included the San Francisco teams to their line of throwback jerseys and caps. We here at the Sons of Johnnie LeMaster even own a few of Ebbets' products, and they're top notch in our book. So while you're out looking to add another Posey, Lincecum jersey to your collection, why not take a nod and acknowledge the rich history of San Francisco baseball and wear a DiMaggio #10 throwback? Trust us, you'll receive more positive comments and compliments than any other jersey.

SF Seals - 1933 home jersey

SF Missions - 1930 home jersey