San Francisco Giants Trade Speculation: Finding This Season's Cody Ross

Before the 2010 trade and waiver wire deadline, the San Francisco Giants were busy at work in an attempt to improve their inept offense any way they could.

Brian Sabean, the Giants' general manager, went out and acquired players like Pat Burrell, Mike Fontenot, Ramon Ramirez, Javier Lopez and Jose Guillen.

While most of these players played critical roles in helping the Giants win the World Series, Cody Ross, who was claimed off waivers after being placed there by the Florida Marlins, was one of the key components in the Giants' run in the postseason.

Cody Ross was known for being one of the more solid ball players in the league, but he was definitely playing out of his shoes in the 2010 postseason.

While Carlos Beltran and Hunter Pence are the clear favorites the Giants would want to add, they would likely come at a hefty price and would effect the long-term success of the club. There are other options the Giants could take in finding that impact player at a lower cost.

As a result, here is a list of potential players the Giants can acquire before the deadline who might be considered to be under the radar.

What Positions Will Be Addressed?

Brian Sabean has already admitted that it will be tough to fill up the holes at shortstop and catcher due to the slim pickings around the league.

However, this does not rule out the possibility of addressing these positions. It is likely that Sabean's attention is now fully set on acquiring a middle of the lineup outfielder that the Giants are in desperate need of.

Another possibility is going after a leadoff outfielder due to the disappointing season from Andres Torres.

1. Marlon Byrd, CF, Chicago Cubs

Marlon Byrd would be an interesting pickup for the Giants, and he would probably come at a relatively cheap price if the Giants were to pull the trigger.

While Byrd would provide plenty of range in center field if he were to take Andres Torres's spot, the only problem is where he would bat in the lineup. Without Torres, the Giants would be left without a prototypical leadoff hitter.

Byrd is a lifetime .283 hitter and is currently batting .304 with five home runs and a disappointing 15 runs batted in.

However, after representing Chicago in the All-Star Game in 2010, Byrd has the potential to become an impact bat if he is moved to San Francisco.

2. Emilio Bonifacio, Utility, Florida Marlins

Emilio Bonifacio could be one of my favorite potential pickups for the San Francisco Giants.

The Marlins super utility man can play a multitude of positions like shortstop, center field, left field and second base.

Bonifacio is also the prototypical leadoff hitter that the Giants are in need of. With Andres Torres struggling and the injury to Freddy Sanchez, the Giants first two hitters in the lineup are having trouble getting on base.

Bonifacio would instantly solve that problem with his .293 batting average, .371 OBP, as well as 21 stolen bases.

And for the cherry on top: Bonifacio is only 26 years old.

3. Jason Kubel, RF, Minnesota Twins

It would likely be "to be determined" on where Jason Kubel would play if acquired by the San Francisco Giants, but his bat would definitely be a nice addition to their offense.

Kubel is a power hitter that can also hit for average, but his defense is what would scare National League teams away.

Kubel is predominantly a designated hitter due to his limited range in the outfield.

The Giants rely on good pitching and defense to win games, and Kubel doesn't fill either of those needs.

However, he would be a nice addition if the Giants were willing to sacrifice some defense for some offense.

4. Josh Willingham, LF, Oakland Athletics

Josh WIllingham isn't known for his stellar defense in the outfield, but he would provide the Giants with some power that their offense is currently lacking.

Pat Burrell's impact in terms of hitting home runs was paramount to the team's success last season.

While Burrell is currently on the disabled list and isn't having the same effectiveness on the team like he had last year, Willingham could take on that role for the Giants. 

His strikeout rate would be something the Giants could be a little weary about since he already has 85 this season. Willingham already has three 100-plus strikeout seasons in his career and is well on his way for his fourth.

5. Delmon Young, LF, Minnesota Twins

While Delmon Young's name might not be considered to be under the radar, his name has faded due to his subpar performance in 2011.

Young has always been one of the top prospects in the league and had a phenomenal year in 2010 while batting .298 with 21 home runs and 112 runs batted in. 

However, due to a poor 2011 campaign for Young and the Twins, he might be a potential target for the Giants to ponder.

6. Coco Crisp, CF, Oakland Athletics

I didn't know Mac Dre was still alive and playing baseball.

On a more serious note, Coco Crisp is another solid target that I think the Giants should seriously considering inquiring on.

Being one of the most underrated players in the game, Crisp is having a fantastic year with the Athletics and would fit the need of a leadoff hitter that the Giants are in need of.

Crisp would be everything that the Giants were hoping to see from Torres in 2011, minus maybe the power. He will hit for a decently high average with a ton of stolen bases and have excellent range in center field.

There is no doubt that Coco would become one of the fan favorites in San Francisco if he decided to let his Afro loose again.

7. Jason Bourgeois, CF, Houston Astros

The only reason Justin Bourgeois is under the radar is because the Houston Astros outfield is already very crowded with Hunter Pence, Michael Bourn and Carlos Lee.

I like to refer to Bourgeois as being a poor man's Michael Bourn, who is actually the player he is currently playing behind.

Bourgeois has 17 stolen bases while being on base only 39 times.

Although it would be a low-risk, high-reward situation if the Giants were to pry Bourgeois away from Houston, it would be hard to assess the impact he would have due to his limited playing time on a non-contending team.

I do like Bourgeois a lot, and I think it would be worth the low-level prospects it would likely take to obtain him.

8. David Murphy, RF, Texas Rangers

While it is unlikely that the Rangers would deal Murphy due to their position in the American League West, the Giants would be happy if they could get their hands on him.

Although his numbers won't jump out at you, Murphy is a solid player who would be having an offensive season similar to that of Nate Schierholtz's if he was starting in the Texas outfield.

Murphy also wouldn't be the middle of the order bat they are currently seeking, but he would be a good player to have since he is a decent hitter and can play every outfield position.

9. Nick Markakis, RF, Baltimore Orioles

Nick Markakis has consistently been one of the most underrated players in MLB.

It is unlikely, however, that the Orioles would deal Markakis even though they are currently in last place in the American League East.

Baltimore believes that they are only a year or two away from contending due to their young pitching, so they would be foolish to trade away their most consistent offensive threat who is only 27 years old.

Markakis will steadily bat for a high average with a decent amount of power and would perfectly fit the Giants' need for a middle of the lineup bat.

With all this talk of Hunter Pence and Carlos Beltran, Nick Markakis should be another name that the Giants should be considering if they are looking to make a splash this trade deadline.

With relief pitching being a major need for the Baltimore Orioles, the Giants could potentially dangle players like Dan Runzler or Heath Hembree in order to make them consider trading Markakis.

Package one of those two pitchers along with an outfield prospect like Francisco Peguero or Thomas Neal, and it could possibly be enough to bring Markakis to the Bay.