Post by Spencer on Aug 5, 2019 20:57:27 GMT -5
Hac Man is back! After 2 years in Cleveland Jeffrey Leonard has been re acquired by the San Francisco Giants.
On February 2nd the Giants traded pitcher Terry Mulholland, pitcher Shawn Barton and a 1989 1st round draft choice to reacquire Leonard. The trade is almost 2 years to the date that Leonard was traded to Cleveland. Back in 1986 the Giants dealt Leonard as part of a major house cleaning. The Giants received OF Bobby Bonilla and a draft pick that became 1B Hal Morris. Since that point Bonilla was traded for last years MVP OF Andre Dawson and just this off-season Morris was traded for future starting 3B Andres Galarraga.
As of now Leonard doesn't even have a starting spot assured. With an OF that consists of Rookie of the Year Barry Bonds, MVP Dawson and last years big addition Pete O'Brien the Outfield is full. Rumor has it either Dawson or O'Brien will be sent shopping soon. Until then Leonard expects to get some time in all 3 OF spots and 1B and has been assured he will start versus left handed pitchers.
Leonard had a very disappointing 1987 season in Cleveland. He suffered through 2 injuries one of which knocked him out for 2 weeks. Once his back recovered he came back and bruised his forearm. In 1986 he was in top form putting up 296/342/515/857 with 27 dingers and 102 runs batted in. In 1988 those numbers decreased dramatically falling to 231/284/431/715 with only 12 homers.
Leonard was drafted by the Giants and is excited to come home. The Giants drafted him in the 2nd round in 1974 and spent the first 8 years of his career in San Francisco. Over those 8 years he homered 20 times every year and drove in 100 runs in 5 of those seasons. He also won the MVP award in 1983 and had All Star game appearances in 1983 and 1985.
