MLB Trade Rumors: 10 Ways the SF Giants Can Swap Young Pitching for Offense

It’s a known fact for all SF Giant fans: Pitching is not a weak link.

But previous to last year's World Series plight, it was undermined by a possible lack of hitting.

Oh, how we were wrong.

The Giants put together some moves that were at the time thought of as inadequate. As we look back, such moves have proved to be of the World Series MVP quality.

What moves could possibly benefit the Gigantes? I know it’s a story often told, but let’s discuss some trade talk that could benefit the Giants' offensive potential.

Keep in mind, exercises such as this are purely interpretive. You probably won’t agree, but just remember that sometimes moves thought of as ridiculous do pan out.

Jonathan Sanchez for Magglio Ordonez

Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 30: Magglio Ordonez #30 of the Detroit Tigers singles in the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins during their game on June 30, 2010 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien /Getty Images)

It’s not exactly a blockbuster, but the addition of Magglio Ordonez could definitely be a second coming of a veteran hitter that saves the day. The real question is how much stock you put into Jonathan Sanchez.

Magglio recently accepted a one-year deal worth about $4 million, and with the Giants' deep pockets, it wouldn't even be an issue to sign him to a two-year deal should he end up serving a purpose. His reconstructed ankle is certainly a factor.

Madison Bumgarner for Carlos Beltran

Hunter Martin/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 26: Center fielder Carlos Beltran #15 of the New York Mets bats during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on September 26, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Mets won 7-3. (Photo by Hunter Martin/G

I put very high value in Madison Bumgarner, and anyone who saw the Series last year knows this to be true. Bumgarner could be a premium second starter in some rotations, primarily the Mets'.

Bumgarner is worth more than his weight right now, and with teams searching for a dominant lefty with nasty stuff, his stock gets a much deserved boost.

Sanchez and Bumgarner for Mark Teixeira

Andrew Burton/Getty Images

NEW YORK - OCTOBER 19: Mark Teixeira #25 of the New York Yankees bats against the Texas Rangers in Game Four of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium on October 19, 2010 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Ge

Before you object, keep in mind the run the Giants made last season. Teixeira is a premier player, yes, but the same could be said about both of these guys combined.

This is more of a mental exercise. Do you think it’d be worth it to send both of these guys for one Teixeira-like player?

My answer is no, but it speaks to the depth of the Giants rotation. Aubrey Huff at first looks good, especially with both of these guys in the bullpen or on the mound.

Zack Wheeler for Corey Patterson

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ANAHEIM, CA - JULY 11: U.S. Futures All-Star Zack Wheeler #45 of the San Francisco Giants throws a pitch during the 2010 XM All-Star Futures Game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 11, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Zack Wheeler is the next upcoming Giants AAA prospect. He’s been around a while, but in some outings, he looked miserable. Still, he has the eye of many scouts around the league and certainly would be a steal for Corey Patterson.

Do the Giants need Patterson? Not really, but for sake of this article topic, it would be a fair swap at the moment. Corey Patterson just signed a minor league deal after being a free agent.

Dan Runzley and Zack Wheeler for Jose Reyes

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

NEW YORK - AUGUST 27: Jose Reyes #7 of the New York Mets looks on from the dugout against the Houston Astros on August 27, 2010 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The Mets defeated the Astros 2-1. (Photo b

Both AAA prospects would be what the Mets need. The question is their real value. They haven’t proved much, but with Jose Reyes on his way out presumably, most notably next season, it’s certainly a viable hot topic as far as young pitching-hot bats/fielders go.

Reyes is a guy who can change the landscape of the infield, and with Edgar Renteria unhappy about his one-year deal, quoted as a "lack of respect," I love Reyes in black and orange. Again, I think it might take a Sanchez/Bumgarner/cash swap to attain Jose Reyes’ services.

Zack Wheeler for Rick Ankiel

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 08: Rick Ankiel #28 of the Atlanta Braves runs up the first base line after he hit a home run in the 11th inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants in game 2 of the NLDS at AT&T Park on October 8, 2010 in San Francisco

Rick Ankiel has been passed around like a cold in the winter, and I think anything would be ample enough for his services. The Nationals could always use some more pitching to back up free agent outfielder Jayson Werth.

I’ve always admired the ability of Ankiel to make the change from young pitching prospect to long ball hitter. I’m sure the steroids helped, as he would typically be someone classified as a premier bat in the lineup had he not hit a dry spell.

If it’s anyone other than prospects for Ankiel, then no dice.

Zack Wheeler for Tony Gwynn Jr.

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE - MAY 23: Tony Gwynn Jr. #18 of the San Diego Padres bats against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on May 23, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Recently released Tony Gwynn Jr. would be a nice addition in SF should Aaron Rowand skip town in a trade. I like the ability of Gwynn to come off the bench, but is it worth possibly missing out on Wheeler should he make his pro debut sometime soon? Time will tell.

It would be nice if the Giants could steal a Dodger, as that's where Gwynn has wound up with a one-year deal.

Jonathan Sanchez for Lance Berkman

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 22: Lance Berkman #17 of the New York Yankees hits a fly ball advancing Alex Rodriguez #13 to third base in the fifth inning of Game Six of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 22, 2010

Berkman is off the market, but a sign and trade is not out of the question. He would be a thrilling addition in SF, but due to the fact that he has solidified a deal, his availability is in question.

Throw out Sanchez’s name in a trade, however, and anything is possible.

It may be hard to pry him away from his one-year, $8 million deal in St. Louis, however.

Jonathan Sanchez for Jason Bartlett

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

ST PETERSBURG, FL - OCTOBER 07: Jason Bartlett #8 of the Tampa Bay Rays tags out Michael Young #10 after trying to reach second on a fly ball during Game 2 of the ALDS against the Texas Rangers at Tropicana Field on October 7, 2010 in St. Petersburg, Flor

Jason Bartlett is not technically a perfect guy to trade for, but his play, if on the incline next year, would be perfect in SF.

Renteria is on the fence about his poor deal, and it wouldn't be a shock if he leaves town. Bartlett wouldn't be a bad replacement.

Madison Bumgarner for Matt Kemp

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

PHOENIX - SEPTEMBER 24: Matt Kemp #27 of the Los Angeles Dodgers strikes out against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the Major League Baseball game at Chase Field on September 24, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

This would be quite the deal.

Matt Kemp becomes a free agent next season, and now might be the chance to trade to get him during a discount year possibly.

I personally don't think giving up Bumgarner is worth it, but Kemp is certainly a player that could make you think twice about a trade such as this.