GIANTS: Working With Burress on Contract

New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, had talks with the Giants on Tuesday regarding Burress’ contract, according to the Associated Press.

BOTTOM LINE: Burress’ willingness to play now has probably helped his case in the manner. It looks like both sides are interested in getting something done, but they need to settle on money. Expect Burress to be a solid option as Eli Manning’s primary target in fantasy.

GIANTS: Burris Has Bum Ankle

New Yourk Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress’ current injury is to the same ankle as last season’s but the type of injury is different, according to the New York Giants’ official web site.

BOTTOM LINE: They expect him back relatively soon, and this doesn’t look like something that fantasy owners should be overly concerned with. But, just to be safe, keep an eye on this until he returns.

GIANTS: Winn Showcasing His Abilities

San Francisco Giants outfielder Randy Winn went 2-for-5 with a run scored Sunday, potentially showcasing his abilities for a possible trade.

BOTTOM LINE:Winn is one of the top candidates on the Giants’ roster to be dealt by the deadline, and he has been one of the few offensive bright spots for them this season. He is hitting .276 with 5 home runs and 43 RBI for a team that never gets anyone on base. There are plenty of suitors looking for outfield help. Mets anyone?

YANKEES: Prepare to Discuss Bonds

New York Yankees Co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner says he’ll bring up the idea of adding free agent Barry Bonds to the Yankees with GM Brian Cashman this week, the Minneapolis Star Tribune Reports.

BOTTOM LINE: Although it’s unlikely, the fact that anyone is discussing it is news. Bonds would make sense as a replacement for Hideki Matsui for the remainder of the season, and he would definitely improve the Yankees lineup.

GIANTS: Wilson Earns Save No. 27

San Francisco Giants closer Brian Wilson picked up save number 27 against the Nationals on Wednesday night while pitching and effective ninth inning and giving up one hit while striking out two.

BOTTOM LINE: For a bad fantasy team, Wilson can be a good source of saves. He is one of the few bright spots on a somewhat pathetic Giants team.

A SHOCKing Trade

Just two years ago, Giants fans were in love with Jeremy Shockey. He was their star tight end. People didn’t seem to mind his big mouth. Although he was talking the talk, he was also walking the walk. When the injury bug struck, all Shockey had was his mouth, and he used it to drive himself out of New York.

Eli Manning didn’t like the fact that Shockey was always demanding the ball and trying to undermine Manning. So, when Shockey went down last year, Manning was able to ease up, and then the run of excellence began. Kevin Boss filled in more than adequately while Shockey sat on the sideline and watched. The more successful the Giants were without him, the more apparent it was that he was falling out of favor in New York.

The trade of Shockey to New Orleans netted the Giants a second and fifth round pick. This was the same offer that the Saints extended to the Giants earlier in the off season, and the Giants turned them down. I guess the Giants wised up, because getting rid of Shockey to eliminate distraction was worth it in itself.

Shockey should be thanking the Giants, because now they are giving him the chance to resurrect his career one more time.

–MICHAEL GANCI

SAINTS: Acquire Jeremy Shockey

Former New York Giants tighth end Jeremy Shockey was acquired by the New Orleans Saints for a second-round and fifth-round draft pick in 2009, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

BOTTOM LINE: Eli Manning clearly was uncomfortable with Shockey, and the honeymoon in New York was clearly over. This was the best move for all parties, because now Shockey may be a top six tight end in New Orleans.

GIANTS: Lincecum Hospitalized

San Francisco Giants starter Tim Lincecum was hospitalized with flu like symptoms on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press.

BOTTOM LINE: Lincecum will be fine, but it is probably a good thing that he wasn’t forced to pitch in the all star game. He pitched Sunday, and could definitely use the extra rest.

GIANTS: Burress to Report On Time

New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress insists he’s healthy and promises to be at training camp along with his teammates when players report July 24 in Albany, according to a report in the New York Post.

BOTTOM LINE: Burress is a pivotal target for Eli Manning, and the Giants would be in trouble without him. Expect him to report on time and remain a trusty fantasy receiver.

GIANTS: Cain is Able

San Francisco Giants starter Matt Cain pitched his best effort of the year on Tuesday, going eight innings, while giving up just two hits and walking three. He also struck out ten.

BOTTOM LINE: Cain is getting on a bit of a role here, as he has put together a nice four start period in which he has struck out at least eight batters in every game.

GIANTS: Zito Beaten Again

San Francisco Giants starter Barry Zito lost again on Monday, and he now has more losses before the All-Star break than any pitcher in the history of the Giants’ franchise.

BOTTOM LINE: This has been an ugly season for him to say the least. He allowed four earned runs in five innings on Monday, but the Cubs beat him. Sit him in all leagues.

GIANTS: Vizquel May Lose Job

San Francisco Giants shortstop Omar Vizquel is on the verge of losing his starting job to Manny Burris, according to the San Jose Mercury News.

BOTTOM LINE: Manny Burris is hitting .286 on the season compared to Vizquel’s .171. It is time for a change in San Fran, and Omar should think about retirement.

GIANTS: Sanchez Takes No-No Into Sixth

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Jonathan Sanchez took a no hitter into the sixth inning of Tuesday’s game, but was still credited with his first loss since May 16.

BOTTOM LINE:  Sanchez won his last start despite allowing seven earned runs in five innings, then lost on Tuesday allowing three runs in seven innings, striking out eight in the process. Ironic, isn’t it?

GIANTS: Burress Not Concerned

New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress told Sportsradio 610 WIP-AM that he doesn’t expect his conract dispute to cause him to miss any time in training camp.

 

BOTTOM LINE: The Giants relied on Burress heavily last season, and the Giants probably wouldn’tve won the championship without him. This could drag out, but it looks like Burress has no intentions on sitting out.

GIANTS: Shockey Goes Off

BOTTOM LINE: This seems like one of those situations that have the player getting fined or suspended for conduct detrimental to the team. Instead of closing his mouth and letting his play do the talking, Shockey thinks complaining should get the job done. The Giants have to stand strong and refuse to negotiate with Shockey.

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