Matt Morris for Free?: Rajai Davis Claimed by Oakland

Wednesday, speedy outfielder Rajai Davis was claimed off waivers by the Oakland Athletics. 

Unfortunately for Brian Sabean and the Giants, the move brings into question several deals and signings, none more pertinent than the 2007 trade deadline deal that brought Davis to San Francisco.

In July 2007, the Giants traded right-hand pitcher Matt Morris to the Pittsburg Pirates for Davis.  Morris was the premier starting pitcher on the trading block.  He was 7-5 with a 3.55 E.R.A. before the All-Star Break, according to ESPN.com. 

In return, the Giants acquired Davis, who got off to a hot start with the Giants.  He made several web gem catches, stole 17 bases, and posted a .367 O.B.P. in the remainder of the season.  Davis seemed to be in San Francisco's future.

During the offseason, the Giants signed Aaron Rowand to a 5-year, $60 million deal.  Even with the departure of Barry Bonds, the move was questionable considering the large number of outfielders the team possessed. 

Youngsters Fred Lewis, Daniel Ortmeier, and Nate Schierholtz, along with veterans Dave Roberts and Randy Winn were already competing with Davis for playing time. 

The Giants tried converting Ortmeier into a first basemen to ease the glut of outfielders, only to see him struggle to his current .231 average. But of course, someone who batted .245 versus right-handed pitching in triple-A is going to have some trouble adjusting.

Davis received sparse playing time in April.  He was 1-18 before being designated for assignment.  On Thursday, he went 3-4 with a triple in his debut for the Athletics.  Davis seemed to be returning to his late 2007 form.

Regardless of how Davis works out for the Athletics, these moves beg the question: What has Brian Sabean been thinking? 

The Giants basically salary dumped Matt Morris.  The team's infield needs to be rebuilt even if Bowker can be a savior, though his average is now down to .250.  Did the Giants let Davis go to keep Rich Aurelia (.189) and Ray Durham (.228) on the team?