Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Deadline Dealings-Giants

We conclude our deadline dealings series with a look at the San Francisco Giants,who are struggling in last place in the weak National League West.
The Giants are ten games behind the first place Dodgers and if the season ended today would be looking at a top ten draft pick.
For a team that is perennially picking in the lower third,that could be a huge hand in helping a farm system that has struggled (Buster Posey aside) in developing bats for the major league program.

The Giants are clearly out of the division race,which was possible a weeks ago and I think that's a good thing.
Why? Because that does not deceive them into believing they are contenders and not doing what they should do-Sell.
Don't misunderstand me-I am not advocating a housecleaning,this team will still be a contender next season,but dealing a few parts to bulk up a farm system that needs hitters badly would be a good move for the Giants.
The Giants have always been an organization that develops arms and has more promising ones on the way (Kyle Crick and Clayton Blackburn) on the way,although both are at High A San Jose.
Considering the expected regression of Ryan Vogelsong and possible free agent defection of Tim Lincecum,I would not be against a prospect that could fill a rotation spot next season,but the Giants need hitting at all levels and that should be the focus.

Tim Lincecum showed that he can help someone,perhaps from the pen and could bring a decent prospect as a rental player.
Lefty specialists Jose Mijares or Javier Lopez could bring a middle level prospect and someone might want a swingman type in Chad Gaudin.
The biggest prize might be Hunter Pence,who is entering his free agency year and the team might try to re-sign.
What about adding a prospect or two now and then attempting re-sign Pence after the season?
A plausible scenario and one that makes sense.

The Giants need help,but they are not a team that needs to burn the house down.
However,this is a rare chance to see a top level team add to its future in a season that is essentially over.
Don't trade pieces that are cornerstones,but everyone else should be on the table and adding players that could conceivably keep the team as a viable contender in the future...

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