Magus Relmyn
12-13-2004, 11:30 PM
Giants add a backstop in Matheny
ANAHEIM -- The San Francisco Giants are set to sign veteran catcher Mike Matheny to a three-year contract worth a reported $9 million.
A press conference has been scheduled at SBC Park for Monday evening. Matheny, an 11-year veteran formerly of the St. Louis Cardinals, flew into San Francisco on Sunday night.
He likely will replace A.J. Pierzynski as the regular catcher. Pierzynski's weak throws to second -- he nailed 17.7 percent of potential basestealers last season --tired bat over the last half of 2004, and a few clashes with Giants pitchers, make Matheny a more attractive alternative behind the plate.
Matheny, 34, is a Gold Glove backstop, winning the award in 2000, 2003 and 2004, and his skills far overshadow those of Pierzynski.
Matheny hit .247 last year for the Redbirds and was deemed expendable thanks to the burgeoning promise of 22-year-old catcher Yadier Molina, who hit .267 in his rookie campaign. Matheny was offered a two-year, $4 million deal by the Cardinals.
Matheny is reportedly a pitcher's dream. Smart. A great signal caller. Hard worker. He had two passed balls and only one error last season and threw out around 30 percent of potential basestealers.
Although a streaky hitter, Matheny can block balls well and works well with hurlers, honing that trade under Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan, a former catcher.
Pierzynski, who is arbitration-eligible, was seeking a multi-year deal, but his recent offer was too high for the Giants' taste.
Backup catcher Yorvit Torrealba's offense is still questionable although his defense is good. The 26-year-old hit only .227 last season playing in 64 games and is currently batting .219 for Occidente in Venezuela's winter league.
Giants general manager Brian Sabean is big on pitching and defense, and the latter proved to be weak overall last season. That has been strengthened with the signing of Gold Glove shortstop Omar Vizquel, while closer Armando Benitez has solidified the bullpen.
Finally the Giants make a good move. He should be a great improvement over Pierzynski. :)
ANAHEIM -- The San Francisco Giants are set to sign veteran catcher Mike Matheny to a three-year contract worth a reported $9 million.
A press conference has been scheduled at SBC Park for Monday evening. Matheny, an 11-year veteran formerly of the St. Louis Cardinals, flew into San Francisco on Sunday night.
He likely will replace A.J. Pierzynski as the regular catcher. Pierzynski's weak throws to second -- he nailed 17.7 percent of potential basestealers last season --tired bat over the last half of 2004, and a few clashes with Giants pitchers, make Matheny a more attractive alternative behind the plate.
Matheny, 34, is a Gold Glove backstop, winning the award in 2000, 2003 and 2004, and his skills far overshadow those of Pierzynski.
Matheny hit .247 last year for the Redbirds and was deemed expendable thanks to the burgeoning promise of 22-year-old catcher Yadier Molina, who hit .267 in his rookie campaign. Matheny was offered a two-year, $4 million deal by the Cardinals.
Matheny is reportedly a pitcher's dream. Smart. A great signal caller. Hard worker. He had two passed balls and only one error last season and threw out around 30 percent of potential basestealers.
Although a streaky hitter, Matheny can block balls well and works well with hurlers, honing that trade under Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan, a former catcher.
Pierzynski, who is arbitration-eligible, was seeking a multi-year deal, but his recent offer was too high for the Giants' taste.
Backup catcher Yorvit Torrealba's offense is still questionable although his defense is good. The 26-year-old hit only .227 last season playing in 64 games and is currently batting .219 for Occidente in Venezuela's winter league.
Giants general manager Brian Sabean is big on pitching and defense, and the latter proved to be weak overall last season. That has been strengthened with the signing of Gold Glove shortstop Omar Vizquel, while closer Armando Benitez has solidified the bullpen.
Finally the Giants make a good move. He should be a great improvement over Pierzynski. :)