Yes, Wheeler could end up being a top of the line starter like Tim Lincecum. He could also end up like Tim Alderson, who the Pirates are still waiting on. Remember one time, not so long ago, Alderson was as highly regarded as one Madison Bumgarner. Just think of where the Giants would be if the Pirates had demanded MadBum instead of Alderson in the Freddie Sanchez deal.
Some interesting comments from Brian Sabean on the Giants internal mindset leading up to the deal.
Brian Sabean on Beltran: “Hopefully this shows we mean business” | Extra Baggs:
"Giants GM Brian Sabean just held a conference call to discuss the acquisition of Carlos Beltran, which is official. The Mets are getting top pitching prospect Zack Wheeler and kicking in roughly two-thirds of the $6 million still owed to Beltran this season.
The major news points, then on to the Sabean transcript, with the best stuff bolded for easy reading…
–Sabean said the organization has to be serious about defending its title. The city, fans and the players deserved an acquisition like this.
–The Giants decided to give up Wheeler only after vice president Dick Tidrow, Sabean’s most trusted advisor and the Henry Ford of pitching development, assured him that the farm system has enough power arms to absorb the loss."
–Sabean hopes to use the $4 million in savings to help the club in other areas, but the market for a catcher or shortstop has not gotten any riper. If the Giants can address those positions, it’s more likely to happen with waiver deals or claims in August. Sabean is still looking for offense, though.
-Bill Hall was activated from the 15-day DL and designated for assignment to clear a 40-man roster space for Beltran. The Giants still must option a player to create a 25-man roster space today, but it won’t be Brandon Belt who goes down. Sabean deferred to Manager Bruce Bochy, but said Belt is likely to play a role similar to what Travis Ishikawa did for last year’s club.
Not so long ago these were the guys on the Untouchables List. Posey and Bumgarner have hit, still waiting on Gillaspie and Noonan and Alderson = Sanchez, Freddie.
Q: When and how did you make up your mind to sacrifice a prospect like Wheeler for a rental player?
“Carlos is the player we coveted all along. As we knew what the price of doing business was, we tried to create other options. It became apparent no matter which way we turned, we’d take a hit on our prospect list. In this case, as we were getting close to make the deal, we crossed the bridge with trading a pitcher over a position player with almost equal potential.”
“You look at the (Dan) Runzlers and (Heath) Hembrees of the world, folks we consider with power arms, plus what we did in this year’s draft. Dick Tidrow does such a good job with pitching talent. We didn’t think Wheeler would impact our situation in the immediate future. So frankly, it’s our job to find or develop another Wheeler.”
Q: Another question about Wheeler…
“Wheeler’s got a lot of potential. There’s some missed development time. Quite frankly, we go with Dick Tidrow’s advice and guidance. While he felt we were giving up a quality arm, he felt we did have inventory. Our sandwich pick, (Kyle) Crick, was very much like a first-round pick. We chose the pitcher because we’ve been pretty good at developing pitching on our end and we think we’ll continue to do that.”
I like the comments about inventory / spare parts and agree for the most part. Even after parting with Wheeler and potential future closer Jason Stoffel, the Giants have LHP Eric Surkamp and RHP Heath Hembree looking pretty good.
After those guys, RHP's Jose Casilla and Jorge Burcardo look like they will be solid if not spectacular contributors. Further down the line RHP's Seth Rosin, Stehpen Harrold and converted IF Jake Dunning are showing well at the A-levels.
What bothers me right now is the flat-lining of the LHP's in waiting. Clayton Tanner is scuffling 3-8, 4.60 in AA. Ryan Verdugo at 6-4, 3.83 in AA is showing well and may be the best of the bunch right now. Aaron King has back-tracked his way to AAA Fresno and Mike Kickham is struggling at 2-6. 4.54 in Lo-A ball. So on the southpaw front -- after Surkamp -- the cupboard is starting to look pretty bare.
Actually looking at the list, I would not want to see the Giants give up any more pitching prospects in future deals.
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Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. -- Isaiah 40:30-31
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