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Post by sharksrog on Dec 5, 2012 10:05:51 GMT -5
It is still possible, although unlikey, that the Giants will still make a trade. They still need a right-handed hitting outfielder to platoon with Gregor Blanco. They could use another right-handed reliever, perhaps Heath Hembree from Fresno.
Otherwise, it appears quite possible the team will return intact. Twenty-two of the 25 are under contract. And the Giants are said to have interest in bringing back Ryan Theriot, albeit in the same utility role he filled at the end of the 2012 season.
The Giants haven't lost a single player they didn't want to lose. If they can avoid the World Series hangover, they should be right back in the hunt in 2013.
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Post by Islandboagie on Dec 6, 2012 0:33:54 GMT -5
Just curious, but why do the Giants need a right-handed hitting platoon with Blanco?
Blanco actually hit lefties better than righties last year. Not that I think we need a left-handed hitter, but I don't think fixating on one side of the plate is necessary. Basically we need a guy to pick up the slack IF Blanco goes into another 2 month long slump.
I think bringing back Nady is an option, down the stretch last year the Blanco/Nady platoon worked well.
Scott Podsednik also would be a nice 4th outfielder.
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Post by rxmeister on Dec 6, 2012 6:47:29 GMT -5
I think you answered your own question with Blanco. The right hand hitting outfielder might not only platoon, he could outright win the job if Blanco goes into the tank. That's why I'd like to see them sign a good left fielder, not some stiff on a minor league deal. Nick Swisher really wants the Giants, but they're at their self imposed payroll limit after signing Scutaro, so he won't be coming here. Cody Ross and Scott Hairston are probably too pricy as well, so they'll probably look at some Nady type, if not Nady himself. I know they have talked to Ben Francisco. I guess with a name like that he belongs on the Giants!
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Post by sharksrog on Dec 6, 2012 11:23:41 GMT -5
A point that Randy made appears to be the direction the Giants are going, especially when we combine it with Mark's.
The Giants have long filled a hole or two at the trade deadline. Big fillers like Hunter Pence and Carlos Beltran. Fillers that fall, like Freddy Sanchez. Little fillers like Javier Lopez and Ramon Ramirez. Little fillers that become big ones, like Marco Scutaro.
The Giants will likely make a garbarge or near-garbage signing -- probably two -- to help in left field. They hold back some money -- which will have three times the value at the trading deadline, with only two months left in the season -- to fill holes, likely beginning with left field but perhaps even being as dramatic as a rotation piece.
In an ideal world for the Giants, Gary Brown would be ready by the trade deadline, and they could look to other areas or even hold steady. Or they might even package Brown and/or Joe Panik for a top-notch left fielder. If the Giants keep Hunter Pence, the Giants could presumably afford to trade Brown for another outfielder. Panik's availability may have increased when the Giants added a third year to Scutaro's contract.
The minor league cupboard is getting pretty bare though. Old Mother Hubbard has plenty of leg room.
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