Giants Looking to Add a Bat? Here's Some Options

Last season the Giants hit 94 homeruns. 94 Homeruns!! This was easily the lowest total in the Bigs last year (and only 21 more than Barry hit himself in 2001). During the off season Brian Sabean added some arms to an already potent pitching staff but came up short when it came to bats. As spring winds down and fewer and fewer open roster spots remain, we are seeing some intriguing power bats become available. Some would match up with possible holes in our infield (Primarily at the corners) and some would have to mix in to our already very crowded OF situation, but all can provide the fireworks. Here are some names I have seen circuilating in connection to our beloved Gigantes...

Gary Sheffield

He's aging (40), moody, admitted to unknowingly using PEDS, and has a history of destroying locker room chemistry...Remind you of anyone? On the upside, Sheff is a work out warrior, can still provide pop, and would come very cheap (the tigers are on the hook for his remaining $14 mil). Another intriguing factor is his pride. He has a history of working extra hard to prove doubters wrong and is only 1 HR from 500. Unfortunantly our already crowded outfield would get even more crowded with his addition and who knows how long his ego would let him share playing time?

Dallas Mcpherson

A former top prospect in the Angels system, McPherson has bounced around lately after injury troubles (and Mark Texiera) removed him from the Angels plans. Released by the Marlins this week, he mashed 42 HRs last year in just under 500 ABs in AAA. He can play both corner infield spots (Are you convinved Sandoval can play third or that Ishikawa can hit enough to play 1st?) and has been fairly healthy the last couple of years. He is youngish (28) and is known for being a good clubhouse guy. He deserves a shot and his history suggests he would appreciate being given one.

Wily Mo Pena

Wily Mo (best name in baseball?) is a monster of a man with a heart equally as big. Popular with teammates, he has a history of massive HRs and equally impreesive strikeouts. He has been in the bigs since 19, is still only 27, and could be had for next to nothing. He has the glove of a LF with a RF arm, decent speed for a man his size, and has had success as a big leaguer. The biggest strikes against him are our already crowded OF and the fact that he lost '08 to shoulder trouble. In full time duty he could provide 30 HR power with a .260/.320/.440 line.

Mike Lamb

Another corner infielder with power, Mike Lamb was placed on waivers by the Brewers yesterday. Earlier this decade he was solid third bagger with Astros, good for a decent average and double digit HR totals. He does have an unusual swing (dubbed "The Thing") that could be part of his rapid decline as a player, but he does seem to have something left in the tank at 33. Not my favorite option, but I have heard his name mentioned as an option.

Geoff Jenkins

Ok, we're rapidly moving down the list, but I don't want to leave anyone out. Once a solid power hitting outfielder with the Brewers, his number slipped dramaticly last year with the Phillies. He would be fighting for playing time and would be a defensive liability but he has a reputation as a clubhouse leader and could provide some pop (25+ HR) if he could return to his old form.

Frank Thomas

Alright...I'm mostly kidding here and I 've haven't heard any rumors linking him to the Giants but I wouldn't mind seeing him in a Giants uni. He is a very intelligent hitter, still has massive power ability, can play a servicable first, and would come cheap. He is rumored to still be in great shape and just like Sheff has always played better with a chip on his shoulder. His last full year in the bigs (as a DH) he hit .277 with 26 HR and 95 RBI. He's just sitting, would provide a true deep threat, would come cheap, and would fill a spot where we really need better production than Ishikawa will probably provide.

Oooops...

For those of you who read the article the first time it was published, sorry. I was working on two articles seperatly and don't know how they were cfross bread and published.