Poll
Weekend poll: Who is the best rookie guard in the NBA?
Your vote has been counted, thank you for voting.
The Giants and A's are vastly different organizations, and a great example of that was Tuesday's announcements of deals with starting pitchers.
On the day the Giants reached agreement with Tim Lincecum on a two-year, 40.5 million deal, the A's finalized a contract that will pay Bartolo Colon $2 million for the 2012 season.
Yes, that Bartolo Colon … who turns 39 on May 24.
Yes, that Bartolo Colon … who was 8-10 for the Yankees in 2011 and whose best season was seven years ago.
During the offseason, the A's have traded right-hander Trevor Cahill to Arizona, All-Star left-hander Gio Gonzalez to Washington and All-Star closer Andrew Bailey to Boston for a bunch of prospects who won't sell many tickets.
While the Giants' rotation will feature Lincecum, Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner and Ryan Vogelsong, the A's top three starters – Colon, Dallas Braden and Brandon McCarthy – combined for 18 victories in 2011.
The Giants plan to spend about $130 million on payroll this season, while the A's likely will spend even less than the $66.5 million they did last season.
For these teams, you get what you pay for.
The Giants won the World Series in 2010 and were in the race nearly to the end last season, finishing 86-76. The A's were 74-88.
The Giants sold out all 81 home games in 2011, and their 41,818 average attendance was third in the majors. The A's were dead last, averaging just 18,232.
So what's the A's long-term strategy? Minimize payroll and remain mediocre until a miracle happens and a ballpark is built in San Jose – or Sacramento?
Don't hold your breath.
What to watch
NBA, Chicago at Miami, 12:30 p.m., Ch. 10: Is this a preview of the Eastern Conference Finals?
Weekend poll
Who is the best rookie guard in the NBA?
• MarShon Brooks
• Jimmer Fredette
• Kyrie Irving
• Brandon Knight
• Ricky Rubio
• Kemba Walker
• Other
Vote above or leave your comments in the comment field; Or, go to www.sacbee.com/sports
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Contact Tom Couzens at tcouzens@sacbee.com or (916) 321-1097.
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