I rip on Brian Sabean a lot. Actually, I was starting to think that I might be too hard on him. When it looked as if the Giants were going to invest in younger players and rely on their farm system and develop their players to get them back on the map, I was actually believing that maybe Bri Bri got off the pipe for good.

I did not understand, but gave him the benefit of the doubt for signing Dave Roberts when a younger Juan Pierre was available. Did not understand why they resigned Ray Durham when Kevin Frandsen looked like he was ready to take the reigns. So when I saw the latest batch of signings by Sabean I decided that I was most certainly dreaming.

Although Pedro Feliz was a necessary signing, I have problems with not bringing back Shea Hillenbrand to play the hot corner. Shea has better career numbers and cost the Giants Jeremy Accardo, who is a promising young reliever and has the potential to close games. Also, should the Giants not get Barry Bonds back they are definitely going to need someone else to fill the void of the negative and surly character in the clubhouse.

Bengie Molina makes no sense with the breakout year of Eliezer Alfonzo last year, and I can’t see a sober GM giving Rich Aurilia $4 million a year to play first base. Rich’s numbers were great for a short stop back in the day, but he’s not going to put up numbers to make him a decent NL first baseman.

So after letting Jason Schmidt go, instead of investing in their long-term futures, the Giants once again will test the strategy of filling a lineup with good, but not great role players, and should they be in the playoff hunt in August will then trade the rest of their farm system for an old vet on the verge of either retirement or collecting social security.