As much as Richie Sexson sucked the last couple of years in Seattle, Brian Sabean and the Giants should bring him in to play first base.
Granted, he's not the sexiest free agent available, and there are plenty of people out there who could help the Giants' offense. But I'm convinced that they aren't going to sign Manny Ramirez, Adam Dunn, or anyone else who will cost more than a few million a year.
If they decide to pass on Joe Crede, I think Sexson could be the best option, yet I haven't heard his name mentioned once as a potential target for the Giants.
As it stands right now Travis Ishikawa is starting at first base and is clearly the weakest link in the lineup. I am all for developing young players, but when you've got a completely unproven player who hit .206 against left handed pitchers in the minor leagues last year, I'd be a bit hesitant to pencil him into the lineup for the entire year.
At a minimum, they need to find someone to platoon with Travis.
Despite an awful year at the plate for Sexson in 2008, which resulted in his release from the Mariners as well as the Yankees, he had some impressive numbers against lefties.
In almost 100 at bats, he hit .325 with an on-base percentage of .414 and a slugging percentage of .578. while hitting six home runs. These numbers would make him one of the most productive hitters in the Giants' lineup.
Also, with Sexson there is significant upside. He is only two years removed from hitting 34 home runs while playing in a pitcher's ballpark and could be poised for a comeback if he returns to the National League where he enjoyed much more success than he did in the AL.
If Sexson does happen to rebound, he could be the Giants' everyday first baseman and provide much-needed power to the middle of the lineup.
If Sexson is the same guy who was cut by two teams last year, he would still be a good platoon partner for Ishikawa.
Why not take a chance on Sexson and sign him to a one-year, $1 million deal with enough performance incentives to make it worth his while?
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