If the San Francisco Giants want to convince more free agents to sign with them, one player thinks they may have to find a different hotel arrangement for visiting teams.
Giants legend Buster Posey spoke during a recent interview about the team’s failed pursuit of Shohei Ohtani and other top free agents. The former All-Star catcher said he believes the current issues with crime and drugs in San Francisco have deterred players.
Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb responded to Posey’s comments at the time by sharing flattering photos of San Francisco on social media. And while he believes San Francisco is a beautiful city and great place to play, Webb admitted during an appearance on KNBR 104.5 FM this week that he has heard complaints from other players.
“I’m gonna be honest with you guys, I’ve heard it from other players too and it stinks because it’s not true. … The problem is sometimes where the opposing team stays, and that’s all they kind of see,” Webb said. “They see one street going up to the stadium. It’s unfortunate, right? You guys know, you can count different places around the Bay Area and right around the city that are unbelievably beautiful — some of the most beautiful places in the world.”
Logan Webb on Buster Posey's comments regarding players' perceptions of San Francisco:
"I'm gonna be honest I've heard it too from other players and it stinks because it's not true… It just sucks because teams stay in a certain area… and that's the only thing they get to… pic.twitter.com/GuZH1Mq8Xi
— KNBR (@KNBR) January 16, 2024
Webb admitted that the drive from hotels where players stay to Oracle Park is not one that showcases the good parts of San Francisco.
There have been surging levels of crime, drugs and poverty in San Francisco in recent years. The Giants have pursued several top free agents since they last won a World Series in 2014, but they have missed out on all of them. If a current Giants player is admitting he has heard concerns about the city from his peers, that is probably a bad sign.
