A World Series team that loses a popular manager, a potential Hall of Fame second baseman, a top-of-the-rotation starter and two other regulars would figure to win fewer games the following season.

 

The Giants won more.

 

In a season in which several general managers demonstrated uncommon savvy, Giants G.M. Brian Sabean won Sporting News Executive of the Year honors for performing the most masterful retooling job of all.

 

Two executives from each club voted, and Sabean, 47, was chosen on 16 of 60 ballots. Braves G.M. John Schuerholz finished second with 13 votes and was followed by Cubs G.M. Jim Hendry with seven. In all, 13 executives, including commissioner Bud Selig, received at least one vote.

 

Sabean's Giants were eliminated by the eventual world champion Marlins in the National League Division Series, but their 100-61 record in the regular season was a five-game improvement over 2002, when they won the N.L. title.

 

"He came off a successful year but didn't rest on his laurels," Indians general manager Mark Shapiro says of Sabean. "He found a way to creatively adapt and reinvent a championship team."

 

Sabean's best and most daring move was hiring Felipe Alou to replace Dusty Baker as manager. Sabean also signed free agents Ray Durham, Edgardo Alfonzo, Marquis Grissom and Jose Cruz Jr. and later traded for Sidney Ponson.

 

Since 1997, the Giants have played only 11 games that have not had postseason implications. Baker and Barry Bonds have figured prominently in the team's success. But Sabean's peers will tell you that the G.M. has something to do with it, too.

 

 

Hmmm.. I wonder if KW got any votes for his mid-season moves?

KW's midseason moves were pretty damn good, better than any other GM. Just because they didn't lead to anything doesn't mean they were bad.

 

we got ourselves a defensive secondbaseman, offensive centerfielder and solid relievers from both sides, all of which we needed. how were they bad moves?

Anyone who thought Hendry of the deplorable Cubs deserved it is INSANE. The joke is on Steve Stone and the rest of the Koolaid Army.

 

Taking nothing away from Mr. Sabean (except for the award, natch), but Marlin

GM not only had a MUCH lower payroll to work with, but also saw two of his phenoms, Beckett and Burnett, go down with arm injuries as well as his best run-producer Lowell out for pretty much the whole second half....Imagine Barry Bonds being out.

 

Marlins also played in possibly toughest division in baseball.

 

Did I mention they fukin' won the World Series!

 

 

 

ETA: at least McKeon has the Skipper trophy bagged.

Realistically, how can you disrespect the job Hendry did for the Cubs last year. He unloaded the Hundley albatross for two players that were a very important part of the Cubs success. When Patterson went down, he went out and got Lofton, then added Ramirez to boot. He may not have been the most deserving of the award, but he, in all fairness, should have been considered a viable candidate.

 

As to whether KW deserved consideration over Hendry.... KW's moves did not result in a division crown and Hendry's did. That speaks for itself, I do believe.

Realistically, how can you disrespect the job Hendry did for the Cubs last year.  He unloaded the Hundley albatross for two players that were a very important part of the Cubs success.  When Patterson went down, he went out and got Lofton, then added Ramirez to boot.  He may not have been the most deserving of the award, but he, in all fairness, should have been considered a viable candidate.

 

As to whether KW deserved consideration over Hendry.... KW's moves did not result in a division crown and Hendry's did.  That speaks for itself, I do believe.

Agreed, YASNY, whether or not I wanna admit it, Hendry did a helluva job moving Hundley, and dealing with the CF issue.

Agreed, YASNY, whether or not I wanna admit it, Hendry did a helluva job moving Hundley, and dealing with the CF issue.

Ya. You can't fairly discount him just because he happens to be the Cubs GM.

Agreed, YASNY, whether or not I wanna admit it, Hendry did a helluva job moving Hundley, and dealing with the CF issue.

The Hundley deal was the deal of 2003 in my opinion. U unload a catcher who can't hit over .200 for a 2B who hits superbly all season and a veteran 1b to add some pop in da lineup. Gettin Ramirez and unloading Bellhorn was a great move as well.

Jim Hendry did a good job, no matter how you cut it, slice it, chop it, or dice it.

 

Here's hoping that Kenny Williams wins the A.L. honor after 2004. One can fantasize, can't one?

As to whether KW deserved consideration over Hendry.... KW's moves did not result in a division crown and Hendry's did. That speaks for itself, I do believe.

 

I am not his biggest fan by a longshot, but give Ken-Dub the extra 30+ million Hendry had to work with, so he can spend it on, say, Guerrero, Pudge and Kevin Brown, and Sox would have had a 10 game lead by May's end.....Winning the division by 20+ games.

 

Hendry should be considered (and he was), but there are at least 3 people in NL more deserving.

 

And yes, his affiliation with da Kubs does nothing for him in a way of cool points.

I am not his biggest fan by a longshot, but give Ken-Dub the extra 30+ million  Hendry had to work with, so he can spend it on, say, Guerrero, Pudge and Kevin Brown, and Sox would have had a 10 game lead by May's end.....Winning the division by 20+ games.

 

Hendry should be considered (and he was), but there are at least 3 people in NL more deserving.

 

And yes, his affiliation with da Kubs does nothing for him in a way of cool points.

That is theoretically correct.

That is theoretically correct.

Just think with that extra $30 million we could get 6 Jose Valentins