Playing Fact or Fiction with the Latest San Francisco Giants Rumors

The San Francisco Giants have already made two big moves this offseason. GM Brian Sabean agreed to terms with Hunter Pence and Tim Lincecum, keeping both players off the free-agent market.

The Giants are far from done, however. Sabean is in the market for two starting pitchers and an outfielder.

The flames are burning in the Giants' hot stove, and we can expect Sabean to make some noise in the next couple of weeks.

We will take a closer look at some of the moves the Giants are rumored to be working on and determine the likelihood of those options actually happening.

All stats are courtesy of baseball-reference.com.

No. 5: The Giants are Interested in Jacoby Ellsbury

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Jacoby Ellsbury would be an excellent fit in the spacious outfield of AT&T Park.

The San Francisco Giants are in the market for an outfielder, according to Chris Haft of MLB.com, and Jacoby Ellsbury is available. On the surface, it seems like a perfect match, as Ellsbury's skill set is ideally suited to AT&T Park.

Ellsbury is a good defensive player and won a Gold Glove in 2011 with the Red Sox. He could take over in center field for the Giants, which would mean a move to left field for Angel Pagan.

Ellsbury hit .298 this past season and was instrumental in Boston's success and its World Series run. He had nine home runs, 53 RBI, scored 92 runs and led the AL with 52 stolen bases. His OBP was a strong .355, with an OPS of .781.

Ellsbury is a line-drive hitter who uses the whole field, which is ideal at the Giants' home, the spacious AT&T Park.

Unfortunately, this is a deal that is extremely unlikely to happen. The Red Sox extended a qualifying offer to Ellsbury, which means that the Giants would lose their first-round selection in the 2014 amateur draft.

GM Brian Sabean is on record several times, including this article by Henry Schulman for the San Francisco Chronicle, stating that he has no plans to sign anyone who would cause the Giants to forfeit their top pick. Although Ellsbury would look great hitting at the top of the Giants' order, it's not going to happen. 

No. 4: The Giants Will Trade Pablo Sandoval

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When Sandoval's weight increases, his defense suffers.

Pablo Sandoval is loved by Giants fans because of his gregarious nature and effervescent smile. He has also had great success in a Giants uniform, including his MVP performance in the 2012 World Series.

However, patience must be wearing thin with the Giants' brass, as Sandoval's rotund physique is always a concern. Sandoval has battled weight problems throughout his career and has shown a propensity for being out of shape, which affects his play.

Sandoval is in the final year of his contract and vows to be in better shape, which is a decent possibility for the upcoming season. He can become a free-agent at the end of the 2014 season.

The real issue is if the Giants give him a lucrative contract extension, will he regress back into the gluttony that has plagued him?

GM Brian Sabean and manager Bruce Bochy cannot trust that Sandoval will not balloon up once he signs a big deal. 

Teams have inquired about Sandoval as reported by Giants' insider Hank Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle.

Sandoval has fought injuries over the course of his career, and several of his leg problems can be attributed to the excess weight he typically carries. In the past three seasons, Sandoval has averaged 122 games played, which means he has missed an average of 40 games per year.

In 2013, Sandoval hit .278 with 14 home runs and 79 RBI. His OBP was .341, with an OPS of .758. Sandoval has tremendous hand-eye coordination and is very talented. However, due to the weight problems, he is not getting the most out of his ability.

At this point, if the Giants had another player who could effectively handle the third base job, Sandoval would very likely be traded. However, the Giants do not have anyone capable of playing every day at third.

Sandoval will not be traded in the offseason, but if the Giants fall out of the playoff race by the 2014 trade deadline, he will be a prime candidate to be dealt.

No. 3: Dan Haren Will Become a Giant

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Dan Haren started 30 games for the Nationals in 2013.

As a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Dan Haren was a three-time All-Star, from 2007 to 2009. However, in his past two seasons, Haren has struggled with an ERA well over 4.00.

The Giants are said to be interested in Haren. Henry Schulman noted on Twitter that Haren is on a larger list of starting pitchers the Giants are keeping tabs on.

"

Can confirm that Hudson, Haren and Arroyo are on a larger list of starters -- could be a dozen -- the #sfgiants are looking into.

— Henry Schulman (@hankschulman) November 8, 2013"

Haren threw 169.2 innings, allowed 179 hits and 31 walks while striking out 151 last season. His ERA of 4.67 is extremely high, but Haren did pitch better in the second half of 2013. Haren's WHIP was a respectable 1.238.

Haren made $13 million in 2013 but will almost assuredly see a pay cut this year. The Giants are looking to add a solid starter to the middle of their rotation on a one- or two-year deal. Based on his age, 33, and recent history, Haren will likely only receive offers in that one- or two-year range.

The Giants have about a 60 percent chance of signing Haren. Although not the ace that fans are clamoring for, Haren still has some ability and is poised for a bounce-back year. He can definitely help solidify the Giants' starting rotation.

No. 2: Javier Lopez Will Stay with the Giants

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Javier Lopez is one of the top left-handed relievers in baseball.

Javier Lopez is one of the top left-handed relief specialists in baseball. He had a tremendous year in 2013, as left-handed batters hit only .156 off him.

Now a free agent, several teams are said to be interested in Lopez. Andy McCullough reports that the New York Yankees and Javier Lopez have talked and that there is "mutual interest."

Lopez appeared in 69 games this past season but threw just 39.1 innings. He allowed 30 hits and 12 walks, while striking out 37.

Called on to face the opponents' top one or two left-handed hitters when the game is on the line, Lopez has done a masterful job. In 2013, his ERA was 1.83 and his WHIP 1.068.

Although Lopez could help several teams, he has stated on numerous occasions that he likes San Francisco and the Giants' organization, and told MLB.com's Chris Haft after the season had concluded that he wanted to stay. Look for him to remain a Giant, with a two-year deal in the $12 million range. 

No. 1: Tim Hudson Will Become a Giant

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Is a return to the Bay Area in Tim Hudson's future?

The top target for the Giants at this time appears to be Tim Hudson, with Hank Schulman describing him a "chief pitching target." At the age of 38, Hudson appears to have some gas left in the tank. 

The Giants should look to sign him to a one- or two-year deal, which would tide them over until some of their young prospects are ready.

In 2013, Hudson threw 131.1 innings, allowed 120 hits and 36 walks, while striking out 95. He, like Dan Haren, would add a veteran presence to the Giants' starting rotation.

Hudson complied an ERA of 3.97 and a WHIP of 1.188 this past season with the Braves. The Braves would like to hang on to Hudson, according to David O'Brien of the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, which will make the bidding for his services quite active.

Hudson would slot in nicely in the No. 3 slot in the San Francisco rotation behind Madison Bumgarner and Matt Cain. If added to the mix, Hudson, along with Tim Lincecum, will make up a very solid top four in the Giants' rotation.

Hudson began his career in Oakland and pitched six seasons with the A's before moving to Atlanta in 2005. A return to the Bay Area would be a welcome sight for Giants fans.