The MLB Giants on Friday announced a three-year contract extension with Brian Sabean, who as part of the deal "assumes a new title," Exec VP/Baseball Operations, and "turns the GM reins to assistant Bobby Evans," according to John Shea of the S.F. CHRONICLE. Sabean, whose deal now runs through '19, "still will oversee the baseball department but will do more hands-on scouting, including internationally." He acknowledged that the "possible opening of the Cuban market is part of the mix." Sabean in recent years has "relied heavily on Evans with trade and free-agent negotiations, among other things." He said of Evans, "With Bobby, this was going to happen sooner rather than later. I put a lot on his plate as things moved forward." Giants President & CEO Larry Baer said that all baseball people will "continue to report to Sabean." Shea reported the Giants also named VP/Pro Scouting & Player Evaluation Jeremy Shelley VP & Assistant GM/Pro Scouting and Player Evaluation, "giving the Giants three assistant GMs." The other two are VP & Assistant GM/Scouting & Int'l Operations John Barr and VP & Assistant GM/Player Personnel Dick Tidrow. Shelley beyond his scouting duties "is a statistical analyst." Meanwhile, the Giants also "extended the contract of manager Bruce Bochy" through '19. (S.F. CHRONICLE, 4/4). In San Jose, Carl Steward wrote it "might take some time to determine" if the Giants' front-office shakeup is "as dramatic as it sounds." While Sabean will "retain veto power over all Giants transactions, Evans will head day-to-day baseball operations and free up Sabean to get back to more live scouting as well as plot and oversee a long-term blueprint he hopes assures the franchise success well into the future." Evans is "beginning his 22nd season with the Giants and has long been Sabean’s most important ally in all facets of the organization, particularly in terms of negotiating contracts" (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 4/4).
SAME AS IT EVER WAS: The CHRONICLE's Shea wrote the Giants "haven’t brought in a heavy-hitting executive from another team because their program is working as is," but did "do what other teams have done" in promoting both Sabean and Evans. Sabean: "The model we’ve created is becoming a sign of the times. Other organizations have gone to this." Shea wrote Sabean and his "circle of lieutenants -- without flashy titles -- have collaborated on decisions." Now, they "have flashy titles" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 4/5).
