MLB Trade Speculation: 5 Players the San Francisco Giants Could Trade in 2011
The San Francisco Giants returned all but two position players from their 2010 World Series roster.
Although that would generally be considered a positive thing, Giants fans would be the first to tell you that it is often "torture" to watch their team play, as was apparent in a 2010 season in which the Giants played in 53 one-run games.
They have carried their patented "torturous" style of play into 2011; this time, though, they are a game below .500—something that never occurred in 2010.
With an aging lineup, look for GM Brian Sabean and the rest of the Giants front office to be active before the trade deadline—and hopefully sooner, rather than later.
Let us take a look at the five San Francisco Giants players most likely to be dealt in 2011.
5. Mike Fontenot
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Although a valuable role player for the Giants, Mike Fontenot is a player that could possibly be dealt from the team in 2011.
With Emanuel Burriss having been brought up after hitting exceptionally well in Triple-A Fresno and Pablo Sandoval back in his 2009 form, the Giants no longer need Fontenot as an infielder.
Once Andres Torres is off the DL, the Giants will also have increased depth both in the outfield and on the bench, as one of their four outfielders will likely be used as the primary pinch-hitter.
4. Andres Torres
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Aaron Rowand has provided the Giants with a problem that any team would like to have—too much outfield depth.
Although many would have Rowand be dealt before Torres, San Francisco simply cannot do without the offensive spark that Rowand provides. With Brandon Belt on the rise as an outfielder, look for Torres to possibly be dealt in 2011.
3. Mark DeRosa
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DeRosa's situation is similar to that of Mike Fontenot's. The only difference? Two teams have expressed interest in DeRosa's talents—both the Marlins and the Reds.
With Emanuel Burriss on the rise, and assuming Mike Fontenot remains in San Francisco, look for the Giants to consider ridding themselves of yet another aging position player in DeRosa.
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2. Nate Schierholtz
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Schierholtz is perhaps the Giants' most intriguing trade prospect to other MLB clubs. An MLB-ready swinger with a large frame and significant power, Schierholtz has yet to fulfill his potential in San Francisco.
However, he is by no means a lost cause—with Brandon Belt's future in San Francisco being in the outfield and Aaron Rowand playing spectacularly, look for various AL teams to be chomping at the bit to add the young, talented Nate Schierholtz to their rosters.
1. Miguel Tejada
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Yes, Tejada is 36 years old. Yes, he is undeniably on the decline. However, these facts coupled are still not enough to deter all interest in Tejada that teams will undoubtedly express as the season goes on, assuming he turns to somewhat mediocre form.
The fact that is probably most attractive to clubs interested in Tejada? He is signed to a one-year deal. Look for clubs in need of a quick upgrade at shortstop to participate in trade discussions with the Giants.
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