San Francisco Giants: 10 Trade Options To Consider for 2011

Barry Zito's Injury And Poor Performance Is A Concern For The Giants
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As the San Francisco Giants attempt to repeat as World Series champions, there are some major concerns that face them. 

In 2010, GM Brian Sabean did a remarkable job infusing the team with players who helped lead the Giants to their first-ever championship in San Francisco. Sabean may very well need to work his magic again in 2011. 

Two major areas of concern have become painfully apparent with the 2011 team.  First off, the Giants' fourth and fifth starting pitchers have not pitched anywhere near expectations.

Barry Zito, an expected innings eater, injured his foot and could be out a month or more.  Truth be told, he wasn't pitching well prior to his injury anyway.

In his three starts this season, in only 13 innings, Zito allowed an alarming 20 base runners, for a WHIP of 1.538.  Zito is 0-1 with an ERA of 6.23.  The Giants would have been satisfied if Zito threw his customary 200 innings and came away with a .500 record.  That's not going to happen. 

A lot was expected of 21-year-old Madison Bumgarner coming into this season.  Bumgarner pitched very well late in 2010 and was great in the postseason, going 2-0 with an ERA of 2.18 and WHIP of 1.113. 

Unfortunately, that success has not carried over into 2011.  In his four starts, all Giants losses, Bumgarner has shown the propensity for giving up the big inning.  In addition, he and Zito have not gone deep into games, which causes a lot of stress on the Giants bullpen.

Bumgarner is 0-3 with an ERA of 7.79 this year.  He has thrown only 17.1 innings in his four starts, allowing 25 hits and 10 walks for a WHIP of 2.019.  Bumgarner's velocity is still good, but he seems to have lost confidence and is also getting rattled by questionable umpire calls.

With Zito out, Bumgarner will get a few more starts to turn things around, but if he continues to struggle, a bus ticket to Fresno may be in his future.

The Giants have only one pitcher who looks even remotely ready to step in for Zito or Bumgarner, and that's veteran Ryan Vogelsong. 

At 33 years of age, Vogelsong looked very good in spring training, but in seven major-league seasons his career ERA is 5.77.  His career record of 10-22 also indicates that he is hardly someone the Giants want to count on for the long haul.

The other key area of concern for the Giants is at shortstop where Miguel Tejada's defense has cost the team two or three games already.  Offensively, Tejada has also struggled as his .205 batting average and .240 OBP bear out.

Tejada, who will be 37 years old in May, looks slow in the field and at the plate.  Utility infielder Mike Fontenot is a solid sub, but he is best utilized in a reserve role, as opposed to playing every day.

The Giants could very well be in the market for starting pitching and an upgrade at shortstop, as we get closer to the trade deadline. 

I will identify 10 potential trade targets for the Giants in the upcoming months.  In order to be a realistic trade candidate, the player will be playing for a team that has fallen out of the playoff race and also may command a high salary or be a free agent after this season.

10. Tom Gorzelanny, Starting Pitcher, Washington Nationals

Tom Gorzelanny Would Fit In Well At AT&T Park
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Tom Gorzelanny could be a good short-term fix for the Giants.  At age 28, he has seven big-league seasons under his belt, with his best year coming in 2007, when he went 14-10 with the Pirates.

Not a real hard thrower, Gorzelanny is the type of pitcher who would benefit from pitching half his games at AT&T Park.  The Nationals have some good young arms in Jordan Zimmerman, Stephen Strasburg and John Lannan, which could also make Gorzelanny expendable.

Gorzelanny is making only $ 2.1 million on a one-year deal, which also makes his price attractive to San Francisco, even if he's here for only this one season.  The price tag to acquire Gorzelanny should also be reasonable, and the Giants could likely get him for a mid-range minor-league prospect or two. 

9. Orlando Cabrera, Shortstop, Cleveland Indians

Veteran Orlando Cabrera Could Be A Solid Upgrade At Shortstop
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The Cleveland Indians are currently at the top of the AL Central and if they remain in the hunt, Orlando Cabrera won't be available.  However, there are a lot of games between now and late July.  If the Indians fall out of the race, Cabrera would be an upgrade over Tejada at shortstop.

At 36 years old, Cabrera and Tejada are similar in age.  In a bizarre approach, perhaps the two could trade off and play every other day, thereby remaining fresh.

All kidding aside, if Tejada continues to struggle at the plate and hurts the Giants defensively, GM Brian Sabean will consider Cabrera if he's available. 

Cabrera is also on a one-year contract at only $1 million, so he would not be a financial burden for the Giants.

Cabrera is currently hitting .257 with an OBP of .284.  His fielding has been superior to Tejada's, as Cabrera has made only one error, compared with Tejada's four in only 17 games.  In addition, Tejada's range is very poor.

Tejada also made a mental error by fielding a ball hit to the right side of second base, right to where Freddy Sanchez was standing.  Instead of going to the bag for a force play and letting Sanchez field it, Tejada tried to spin and throw to first, but the runner was safe.  That play also cost the Giants a game. 

Orlando Cabrera is not a great solution for San Francisco, but Tejada must improve or players like Cabrera must be considered. 

8. Jason Marquis, Starting Pitcher, Washington Nationals

Jason Marquis Is At The End Of His Contract
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Jason Marquis is at the end of his $ 7.5 million contract.  It's unlikely that the Nationals will want to bring him back at anywhere near that price. 

Marquis is a rather pedestrian, journeyman-type pitcher, having played for five teams in his 12 Major League Baseball seasons.  Marquis has compiled a 97-92 record and 4.54 ERA over his career.

Marquis had a poor, injury-plagued season in 2010, going 2-9 with an ERA of 6.60.  He is throwing the ball a lot better thus far in 2011, but the Nationals aren't going anywhere.  Marquis is not a pitcher who figures prominently in the future of the Nats, so he would likely be available for mid-level prospects.

The cost-conscious Washington franchise could also save $3 or $4 million by trading Marquis by the middle of the season.  If healthy, Jason Marquis could be a valuable mid-year addition for the Giants.

7. Erik Bedard, Starting Pitcher, Seattle Mariners

Lefty Erik Bedard Could Fill In Nicely For Zito or Bumgarner
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The Seattle Mariners are already in last place in the AL West and are likely to remain there for the rest of the year.  Erik Bedard is under contract at $1 million for this year only.  It's very likely that the Mariners would be happy to get a young prospect for a player they won't likely retain beyond this season.

Bedard is off to a horrendous start in 2011, with an 0-4 record and 7.71 ERA.  A big problem for Bedard has been the home-run ball, as he has allowed seven in only 18.2 innings of work.  Pitching in San Francisco should help this stat.

Bedard has had a good deal of success in the past.  Heading into this season, Bedard was 51-41 and had an ERA around 3.80.

Bedard missed the 2010 season due to injury, so he's just now getting his bearings. He still has decent stuff, however, as his 17 strikeouts in 18.2 innings would attest.

The Mariners have not gotten their money's worth out of Bedard and could be ready to unload him, especially since he's at the end of his contract.  If he can stay healthy, Bedard could be a valuable addition for the Giants.

6. Ryan Dempster, Starting Pitcher, Chicago Cubs

Ryan Dempster Has Been The Top Pitcher For The Cubs
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The Chicago Cubs are hovering around .500 in a mediocre NL Central division.  However, if they fall back as we near the trade deadline, they may decide to blow up their team and rebuild.

If this occurs, Ryan Dempster could be available.  He will be 34 years old in early May and is currently making $14.5 million.  He is also under contract for $14 million in 2012.  Dempster is still a good pitcher, but the Giants will need to eschew their budget to bring him aboard.

The Cubs are a very flawed team and I do not expect them to be a serious contender by mid-season.  Dempster is off to a slow start thus far, as he's 1-2 with an ERA of 7.63.  His current WHIP ratio is 1.630, higher than at any time as a Cub.

In addition to the Giants raising their budget ceiling, they would also need to offer one of their top prospects in order to pry Dempster away from the Cubs.   

If the Cubs stay in the division race, they will not want to part with Dempster as he has been their most reliable pitcher over the past several years.  If the Cubs do fall back, it would be worth it for the Giants to make the inquiry.

5. Carlos Zambrano, Starting Pitcher, Chicago Cubs

Carlos Zambrano Is Available
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Unlike Ryan Dempster who is well liked in Chicago, Carlos Zambrano has often rubbed the Cubs management and fans the wrong way.  He is temperamental and sometimes difficult to deal with, although when he's right, he's still a very good pitcher.

The Cubs have tried to unload Zambrano before.  The biggest impediment to dealing him is his monstrous salary.  Zambrano is owed $18.875 million for 2011 and a whopping $19 million for 2012.  The Giants would most certainly demand some sort of financial compensation to complete a trade for Zambrano.

On the field, Zambrano is a solid pitcher.  He was 11-6 with a 3.33 ERA in 2010.  He has also gotten off to a good start in 2011, as he's 2-0 with an ERA of 4.21 and a solid WHIP of 1.247.  His 23 strikeouts in      25.2 innings show that he still has excellent stuff.

Zambrano has a no-trade clause in his contract, but I believe he would be willing to waive it for an opportunity to pitch for the Giants and be in a playoff hunt. 

I believe the Giants could make a deal for Zambrano, but they must be willing to take on at least 50 percent of the remaining contractual obligation.  Giants managing partner Bill Neukom allowed Brian Sabean to increase the budget for 2010 and he might be inclined to do it again.

4. Edwin Jackson, Starting Pitcher, Chicago White Sox

Edwin Jackson Has A World of Talent
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Over the past few years, the Giants have had good success working out deals with the Chicago White Sox.  And 2011 may give Giants GM Brian Sabean another chance to do so again.

The White Sox are currently last in the AL Central.  If this trend continues, they will most likely be looking to move Edwin Jackson. Jackson is at the end of his contract, which is $ 8.75 million for 2011.  He can become a free agent in 2012.

The White Sox will not want to pay Jackson what he'll want, so rather than just lose him for nothing, they will be open to making a deal. Jackson has great stuff and a power arm that tantalizes you because, at times, he can be dominant. 

I'm sure the suitors for Jackson will be many so the Giants would have to offer one or two top prospects in order to land him.  The Giants may be reluctant to be that aggressive for a pitcher that may not be with them after this season.

Jackson has been very erratic in his career.  His winning percentage is below .500 and his career ERA is above 4.60

Jackson has incredible potential, much the same as Jonathan Sanchez.  At times they can be brilliant, and at other times maddening.  If the Giants decide to make a move for more starting pitching, Edwin Jackson would be a great choice.

3. Brad Penny, Starting Pitcher, Detroit Tigers

Brad Penny Could Be A Welcome Return For The Giants
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Brad Penny pitched well for the Giants in the latter half of 2009.  The Giants wanted him back for 2010, but he spurned their offer and took more money to go play for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Penny was not healthy and did not pitch consistently for the Cardinals.  He moved to the Detroit Tigers in 2010, as he signed a one-year contract worth $3 million.  This is attractive to the Giants because it is relatively inexpensive and Penny is someone they have a comfort zone with.

In his short stint with the Giants, Penny started six games and had a record of 4-1, with an ERA of 2.59 and WHIP of 0.960.  Penny endeared himself to Giants fans with his tough bulldog mentality.

Penny is the type of pitcher who can give you a few good games in a row and that could be enough to put the Giants over the top in the playoff hunt.  If he's healthy, the Giants would welcome Penny back with open arms.

2. Jack Wilson, Shortstop, Seattle Mariners

Jack Wilson Would Be A Great Addition For San Francisco
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Jack Wilson would be a great fit for the San Francisco Giants.  He is an excellent fielder and a solid, professional ball player.  Defensively, Wilson would be a huge upgrade over Miguel Tejada.

The lone drawback with Wilson is that he is not a great hitter and he has very little power.  In fact, Wilson has never hit more than 12 home runs in a season and has a mediocre career batting average of .267.

Wilson is also a close friend of Freddy Sanchez from their days with the Pirates.  A move to the Giants would undoubtedly energize Wilson and he would be a welcome addition to the team. 

Wilson is making $5 million in the last year of a two-year contract.  He is the type of player the Giants would like to keep, even if his contract was expired.

Like both Aubrey Huff and Freddy Sanchez, prior to the Giants winning the world championship, Wilson had never made the playoffs. He would be able to draw on the experience of his good friend Sanchez and would be a player the Giants would even consider extending beyond the season.

1. Jose Reyes, Shortstop, New York Mets

Jose Reyes Would Give The Giants Improved Offense adn Defense
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Jose Reyes would give the Giants improved offense, defense and speed.  He would be the most coveted player the Giants will target this year.

Reyes fits all the categories I'm looking for in a possible trade acquisition. He's a fine player, he is at the end of his contract and his team is not going to challenge for the playoffs.

Reyes is making $11 million this year and will be a free agent after this season.  If he does well in San Francisco, Reyes would be an ideal target for the Giants to sign for a longer-term contract.

In 2010, Reyes hit ,282 with 11 home runs, 54 RBI, 30 stolen bases and 83 runs scored.  He is a very good leadoff hitter and could supplant Andres Torres at the top of the order.  Torres could move down toward the bottom of the lineup where his speed and occasional power would be an asset.

Reyes is off to a good start in 2011.  He is currently hitting .323 and has already scored 16 runs, to go along with 8 steals. At 27 years of age, Reyes is also in the prime of his career.

The New York Mets will be willing to unload him, as they don't want to lose him for nothing.  Reyes would likely cost you two or three top prospects, but he would be worth it.  The Giants have nobody in their minor league system ready to come up as an every day shortstop.  Reyes would fill that void perfectly.

Brian Sabean Will Be Asked to Strengthen the Giants in 2011

Giants GM Brian Sabean Celebrates At The Victory Parade
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Giants' GM Brian Sabean made several great moves to bolster the team in 2010.  He is credited for putting together the roster that won the World Series.

His moves during the 2010 season include acquiring Pat Burrell, Cody Ross, Mike Fontenot, Javier Lopez, Ramon Ramirez and trading Bengie Molina for Chris Ray, which also opened up the catchers spot for Buster Posey to play every day.

Sabean will be asked to do it again in 2011.  The Giants look to have some holes and Sabean will need to work some magic in order to give the Giants the best chance to repeat as world champions.