San Francisco Giants: 7 Free Agents the Club Must Avoid

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Regardless of how the San Francisco Giants end the 2012 season, they will undoubtedly have a few decisions to make this offseason.

More specifically, General Manager Brian Sabean and his on-field confidant, Manager Bruce Bochy, will need to conference over which current players eligible for free agency they want to sign, which they want to pass over, and lastly, which other free agents they want to pursue.

Without a doubt, this is a lengthy and potentially frustrating process. In an attempt to simplify it incrementally, here are seven free agents the giants are sure to avoid.  

Melky Cabrera

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The Giants' avoidance of Melky Cabrera is a no-brainer. With his positive drug test and subsequent 50-game suspension in 2012, the team did best by distancing themselves from the outfielder.

What's more, they made it clear they wanted nothing to do with Cabrera when they had the opportunity to bring him back for the playoffs, but passed instead.

Some would argue that this was because the team was performing so well without him, but I would argue it was because the club is a bit jaded from the Barry Bonds era. The last thing the team wants is another BALCO situation.  

Jose Valverde

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It is pretty obvious why the Giants should skip Jose Valverde in the free agent market this offseason, but for those still trying to figure it out, here are three main reasons:

1. Brian Wilson is slated to make his (hopefully triumphant) return as the team's much needed closer.
2. Jose Valverde's performance has dropped off from his almost unhittable outings in 2011.
3. He is about 60 years old in pitching years (the equivalent of dog years). 

Josh Hamilton

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Besides the fact that Josh Hamilton is a high-priced talent that the Giants likely don't want to commit to, he simply wouldn't be fond of hitting in a home ballpark that ranked last in the majors for home runs hit.

In the end, there will likely be a mutual unattractiveness between both the Giants and Josh Hamilton. 

Kyle Lohse

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Like Jose Valverde, Kyle Lohse is also getting up there in pitching years. With the Giants likely to re-sign the rejuvenated Ryan Vogelsong next season, the team is less likely to want another over-30 pitcher.

Not to forget, the Giants pitching staff is pretty solid. The resurrection of Barry Zito, Matt Cain coming off a perfect game season and Tim Lincecum starting to find his mojo again, are all indicators that the giants will likely skip over free agent starting pitchers this offseason. 

Nick Swisher

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Like Josh Hamilton, Nick Swisher wouldn't be happy in pitcher-friendly AT&T Park. Also, the Giants will have more than enough in-house options for their outfield.

The likelihood that the team will re-sign Angel Pagan is looking good, not to mention, with Hunter Pence and Gregor Blanco fitting in nicely, the G-Men won't be too desperate for a free agent outfielder. 

David Ortiz

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Duh! David Ortiz is not only a DH that would pretty much have no place in the National League, his production would likely drop in San Francisco. I will say though, it would be a lot of fun to compare his hitting to Barry Bonds at AT&T.

Alas, that is a mere fantasy that will never happen because he would have no position to play. 

Ryan Theriot

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The realization that the Giants should probably pass on re-signing Ryan Theriot is a sad one. In the short amount of time that he has been with the club he has undoubtedly contributed.

The truth is, however, with the club set on young Brandon Crawford at shortstop and the consistent stellar performance of Marco Scutaro at second base, Theriot will probably have to hit the road.