News on Marcus Giles

by jambolyajones on Dec 12, 2006 1:25 PM PST

The rumors floating around tonight are that the Braves are going to non-tender Marcus Giles. That would make him a free agent by Wednesday.

http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/braves/entries/2006/12/11/braves_face_tue.html

His salary would have been about $6 million. And the article speculates that he may get less than that on the open market.

I know the Pads just locked up Walker, but should they go ahead and try to get Giles? Seems like he may take a home-town discount to play with Brian.

One thing that is discouraging is that this article shows his production is on the decline. I think he would be an upgrade over Walker for 2007, but maybe only for a season or two at most.

0 recs | Comment 15 comments

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Re: Marcus' Decline

Read Marc Normandin's article about Giles.

Padres Nation
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by Richard on Dec 11, 2006 8:21 PM PST 0 recs

Link

Baseball Prospectus

by jbox on Dec 12, 2006 8:59 AM PST up 0 recs

Damn.

I knew I forgot something.

Padres Nation
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by Richard on Dec 13, 2006 12:21 AM PST up 0 recs

IT'S OFFICIAL....

Marcus Giles is a free agent. This was posted by David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution just a short time ago:

By David O'Brien

December 12, 2006 05:18 PM | Link to this

IT'S OFFICIAL: Giles is non-tendered. Free agent.

So is Reitsma. Villarreal and LaRoche will be back.

"Boros is not with the team today because he's attending his daughter's funeral. Oh, wait, it's her wedding." - Jerry Coleman

by Drama on Dec 12, 2006 2:48 PM PST 0 recs

More on Giles....

Braves decide against offering contract to 2B Giles, RHP Reitsma

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Braves decided against offering a contract to second baseman Marcus Giles in a cost-cutting move Tuesday.

The Braves tried to trade its leadoff hitter from this past season but couldn't reach agreement on a deal. The budget-conscious team didn't want to risk going to arbitration with Giles, who made $3.85 million in 2006 and likely would have commanded more than $5 million for next season.

The 28-year-old Giles made the All-Star game in 2003, his first full season as a starter. He wound up hitting a career-best .316 with 21 homers and 69 RBIs - all career highs.

He moved into a leadoff role this past season after the team lost shortstop Rafael Furcal to free agency. Clearly uncomfortable with that spot in the order, Giles dropped to .262 with 11 homers, 60 RBIs and 10 stolen bases.

In another move, the Braves decided not to tender a contract to former closer Chris Reitsma, who missed much of last season after undergoing elbow surgery. The right-hander was 1-2 with an 8.68 ERA and eight saves.

"Boros is not with the team today because he's attending his daughter's funeral. Oh, wait, it's her wedding." - Jerry Coleman

by Drama on Dec 12, 2006 2:54 PM PST 0 recs

They should do it

I think the Padres should go ahead and sign him. He REALLY wants to play with Brian, so it probably wouldn't be too hard to sign him. Plus he's only 28.

I don't know what they'll do with Walker though. I don't like the idea of taking him out of the lineup.

by JollyWaffle on Dec 12, 2006 3:55 PM PST 0 recs

Walker

I think if Giles can play some 3B and LF and Walker can spell Gonzalez at 1B a few times there should be enough at bats to go around. At this point it should be pretty obvious who Walker and Giles can hit well and who they can't so there are matchups to exploit. Also, Kouz and Sluz (Credge?) bring us no guarantees at their positions. Finally, depth doesn't hurt. Who knows which guys will stay healthy and which ones won't (except for Khalil).

by Wonko on Dec 13, 2006 2:06 PM PST up 0 recs

Giles

Hopefully though, we wont make the same mistake as Atlanta and use him as a leadoff hitter. Hopefully Walker is put into a similar spot as last year, i really dont know about him as an everyday player

by S4ilorguy on Dec 12, 2006 4:42 PM PST 0 recs

Maybe it's just me. . .

But I really want Marcus to come home. I don't know. Am I crazy? It just seems like it'd be a good vibe or something. Unless that means that'd be twice the guy kissing? Wait a sec. . . . I do think he'd be better for us than Walker though.

REMMIE

by Remmie on Dec 12, 2006 8:54 PM PST 0 recs

This is a no-brainer...

The best way to look at the Marcus Giles situation is this: Risk vs. Reward. The rewards here potentially far outweigh the risks.

Because he is now a free agent...we don't have to give up anything to sign him. As evidenced by the fact that the Braves couldn't find anyone to take him off their hands...there isn't going to be much competition to sign him. The contract would most likely be a one-year deal...or a one-year deal with a club option for 2008. The money isn't going to be anywhere near what he was previously making...and because of the fact that he wants to play in his hometown, on the same team as his brother, he'll take even less from the Padres to make it happen.

We've all read the articles detailing his decline during the past few seasons. Last year was his worst season yet...but a lingering hand injury, being moved around in the batting order and a tough season for the Braves all around probably contributed to his troubles. Hopefully getting healthy and happy being at home in San Diego can get him back on track. I just think that a one-year deal with a club option...at a much lower salary...is a chance worth taking on a 28-year old former All-Star.

"Boros is not with the team today because he's attending his daughter's funeral. Oh, wait, it's her wedding." - Jerry Coleman

by Drama on Dec 12, 2006 9:39 PM PST 0 recs