MLB Trade Speculation: 5 Deals the Yankees and SF Giants Could Make Together
Some of you may not remember this, but the San Francisco Giants reached out to Derek Jeter during the offseason. The legendary shortstop ultimately re-signed with the New York Yankees for three years and $51 million, plus an option for a fourth year.
At second glance, Jeter going to the Giants makes perfect sense considering how the team's GM, Brian Sabean, is the same man who drafted him.
Thus, given his ties to and knowledge of the organization, it would not be far-fetched to believe that Sabean would call up Yankees GM Brian Cashman (pictured at left above) to potentially talk some trades. It would certainly build an interesting relationship between the two clubs.
Here are five trades that the two teams could make together. Let the debate begin!
No. 5: Yankees Trade Low-Level Prospects for Mark DeRosa
1 of 5
Mark DeRosa's time in San Francisco has been, to say the least, forgettable. He is in the final year of a two-year deal worth $12 million and has essentially become a backup due to the crowded outfield and infield on the Giants.
In 42 games with the team, he has batted a horrible .191 with one home run and 13 RBI. Call me crazy, but that isn't worth $6 million a year.
However, DeRosa would be a treat for any team to have given his ability to play multiple positions. Given Eduardo Nunez's unpredictable defense and Andruw Jones' inconsistency, perhaps the Yankees could make a deal at the deadline for DeRosa.
He would provide balance in the field on a team that has made some boneheaded plays on defense thus far this season, and who knows—maybe he could regain his stroke in New York. As long as the Yanks only give up low-level prospects, I say pull the trigger on this one.
No. 4: Yankees Trade Low- to Mid-Level Prospects for Barry Zito
2 of 5
Needless to say, the Barry Zito experiment in San Francisco has been a failure. He is in the fifth year of a seven-year contract worth $126 million, plus an $18 million option for 2014 with a buyout of $7 million, and his numbers just don't justify the money.
Thus far with the Giants, he has gone 40-58 with a 4.81 ERA, and that's including this season's mark of 0-1 and an ERA of 6.23.
I've said many times that Zito is the kind of pitcher who needs a potent offense in order to be effective, and he simply won't have that with the Giants. Were the Yankees to sacrifice some expendable prospects like Melky Mesa or MAYBE a top prospect such as Andrew Brackman, perhaps Zito and the remaining two years on his contract would be worth it.
Who knows? If the team can score runs consistently during Zito's starts, perhaps he can undergo some sort of career renaissance.
No. 3: Yankees Trade Eduardo Nunez for Mike Fontenot
3 of 5
While Eduardo Nunez flashed some good qualities last season after being called up from the minors towards the end of the season, he has not been the same in 2011. Considered the heir apparent to Derek Jeter at shortstop, Nunez has already made five errors at that position this season while serving as a utility infielder.
In San Francisco, Mike Fontenot has been a solid defender for the Giants yet inconsistent at the plate. On the Yankees, he would just be a defensive player and not expected to produce results at the plate on a regular basis. Plus, he turns 31 this season, while Nunez turns 24.
Considering how the Yankees have Cito Culver in the minors, Nunez is slightly expendable unless his defense improves.
.png?w=256)
No. 2: Yankees Trade Joba Chamberlain for Ramon Ramirez/Sergio Romo
4 of 5
This deal is dependent on whether or not the Giants are able to handily hold on to first place in the NL West by the All-Star break.
Don't get me wrong—as big a Yankees fan as I am, Joba Chamberlain is running out of chances, as he never fails to cause anxiety for me and the rest of the pinstripe faithful. Given how Rafael Soriano is inconsistent enough, a better option is needed for the seventh inning.
That being said, the Yanks should trade Chamberlain and a mid-level prospect for either Sergio Romo (pictured at left) or Ramon Ramirez. Either pitcher would bring the lightning-fast velocity that Chamberlain has slowly lost over the years, along with consistency in getting batters out.
Sorry, Joba, but your time in the Bronx could be up shortly. Bring on Romo and his scary beard that will violate the no facial hair rule!
No. 1: Yankees Trade Greg Golson and Andrew Brackman for Matt Cain
5 of 5
It's no secret that the Yankees need help in the rotation, especially the back end. Phil Hughes has struggled to find last year's form, and Freddy Garcia has been inconsistent.
That being said, Brian Cashman should call up Brian Sabean and inquire about Matt Cain.
Cain's contract is up at the end of this season, and despite the fact that the Giants have not offered him an extension, he won't come cheap. It's almost definite that the Yankees will have to give up a pitching prospect—let's say Andrew Brackman—in order to land Cain. We'll also throw in outfielder Greg Golson to sweeten the deal.
Cain is already a great pitcher but has yet to reach his full potential due to lack of run support. With the Bronx Bombers behind him and a potential new contract on the horizon, perhaps he could finally become a Cy Young contender and be considered one of the greats.
.png?w=480)
