San Francisco Giants: Grading Each of Their Moves

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With the 2011 MLB trade deadline past, the Giants were one of the most active teams in the trade market. The Giants made a total of three trades that will have major implications in the postseason. 

Brian Sabean proved during the 2011 trade deadline that he is committed to winning now, as the Giants should be. They are the World Series Champs and needed offensive help at the deadline. 

With that said, let's grade each of the Giants deadline deals.

3) Orlando Cabrera

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The deal: Triple-A outfielder Thomas Neal to the Indians for shortstop Orlando Cabrera

Oralndo Cabrera is 36 years old, and his offense is an obvious upgrade at shortstop. Cabrera is hitting .244 with four HR and 38 RBI. 

Cabrera has made it to the playoffs every season since 2007. Coincidently, each one of those seasons were with a different team. 

Cabrera has a track record of being a solid defensive player, but he is 36 and has lost some range. He comes with a cheap price tag, which helps the trade.

Thomas Neal has seen a major drop in his power numbers this season in Fresno, making him expendable.

The offense of Cabrera is what really is holding the Cabrera trade above water. His defense is a little suspect, but the Giants are more concerned with scoring runs. 

Grade: C+

2) Jeff Keppinger

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The deal: Minor league starter Henry Sosa and minor league reliever Jason Stoffel for Astros second baseman Jeff Keppinger

After the Freddy Sanchez injury, the Giants needed to pick up a second baseman. 

Jeff Keppinger is only 31, and his average sits above .300. Keppinger is the ideal No. 2 hitter and second base replacement of Freddy Sanchez. 

Keppinger has never made it to the playoffs before and has a great opportunity in 2011 with the Giants. 

Henry Sosa is 26 and has shown some promise in both AA and AAA. This year, Sosa is 10-3 in both AA and AAA. His ERA is at 4.52. 

Jason Stoffel has spent his entire 2011 in AA. He has appeared in 36 games and pitched 35.2 innings. His ERA is at 4.04 with a 1.52 WHIP. 

This trade was great for the Giants and the grade reflects that. 

Grade: A-

1) Carlos Beltran

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The deal: Minor league starter Zach Wheeler for Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran

The biggest name on the market during the 2011 MLB deadline was Carlos Beltran. Brian Sabean went out and got his guy. 

Beltran has been on a tear this year hitting .280 with 15 HR and 67 RBI. Beltran has 30 2B and 61 BB. He walks onto the Giants and leads the team in a majority of offensive categories.

Beltran gets inserted into the Giants lineup to provide some much needed power. He has been off to a slow start for the Giants (1-14), but Beltran will get it going. 

Zach Wheeler was the Giants No. 1 prospect, but has seen some command issues come his way. Wheeler is 21, and the Giants are trying to win now. Wheeler has a 7-5 record this season in high A, and has a 3.99 ERA with a 1.375 WHIP. 

Carlos Beltran is much needed in the Giants lineup as they struggle to score runs. 

Grade: A+

What Does It All Mean?

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The Giants were already the favorites in the NL West, and these three trades have propelled them as favorites to repeat. 

With the three moves that the Giants made, I'm willing to call the Giants the biggest winners at the 2011 MLB trade deadline. 

Pitching was what won it all in 2010, and 2011 will be no different. The offense has received a much needed boost by Brian Sabean's acquisitions. 

We should all expect the Giants to make the playoffs. How far will the Giants go in the playoffs? Nobody truly knows. 

Last year it was a shock when the Giants made the playoffs and won the World Series. There will be no shock this year if they win it all again.