San Francisco Giants: Seven Rentals to Target at MLB Trade Deadline
Before the first pitch of the 12th inning was thrown in Wednesday night's Giants versus Marlins contest, we were living in a world where the most hotly-debated topic of trade discussion surrounding the Giants was whether or not they should make a move to acquire Mets shortstop Jose Reyes.
Oh how a single play in a single inning of a single game can change our world.
As Buster Posey collapsed in agony over what turned out to be a broken leg and several torn ankle ligaments after being slammed by on-coming baserunner Scott Cousins, the world changed for everyone involved with the organization, including General Manager Brian Sabean.
Now, instead of focusing solely on options to solidify the shortstop position after the poor play, both offensively and defensively, of free agent signing Miguel Tejada, San Francisco's GM will now have to seriously consider acquiring a catcher for the stretch run.
As for the idea of acquiring Jose Reyes from the Mets, it's pretty apparent that Reyes would cost the Giants more in top prospects than they'd be willing to give up, seeing as how Reyes will likely leave San Francisco after the season ends anyway, looking for a contract valued at upwards of $140 million.
Here now is a look at some of the best rental options for the Giants in the market today...
Rod Barajas- Los Angeles Dodgers
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It was May 7, 2010. The Giants were in New York battling the Mets, and Rod Barajas, who had already homered once on the day, stepped into the batter's box to face San Francisco reliever Sergio Romo in a 4-4 tie.
Barajas did it again, hitting a towering drive over the left field wall for a game-winning home run. The Giants won't soon forget that game, a heartbreaking loss after the club rallied from three runs down to tie the game late.
But you know what they say, if you can't beat'em, trade for 'em.
With Buster Posey likely out for the remainder of the season, Brian Sabean may look to the arch-rival Dodgers for help with a catcher.
Barajas is only hitting .221 for the season thus far, but already has seven home runs and 15 RBI. He could provide a power threat to a Giants lineup that lost a lot of punch when Posey was injured.
Ramon Hernandez- Cincinnati Reds
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If Ramon Hernandez keeps it up, he might just be too valuable for the Reds to trade. Talk about a dilemma if you're a Giants fan—you want him to be valuable enough to acquire, but not so valuable that his performance drives up the cost in terms of prospects for San Francisco.
In any event, if you're Brian Sabean, this guy should be on your radar.
Hernandez, the 12-year veteran, is hitting .327 with six home runs and 15 RBI thus far in 2011, and he could be a good addition to the Giants for a stretch run without Buster Posey.
Ivan Rodriguez- Washington Nationals
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Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports tweeted Thursday that the Giants have already begun asking the Washington Nationals about Ivan Rodriguez.
Pudge, the 20-year veteran and 13-time all-star, would add a great veteran presence to the Giants and an excellent defensive backstop along with above-average offensive production.
Rodriguez is a career .297 hitter with 311 homers.
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Jorge Posada- New York Yankees
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A little AT&T Park trivia for you: Who was the first player to ever hit a splash home run into McCovey Cove?
Okay, it's kind of a trick question.
After all, it wasn't in a regular season game, and it wasn't against a National League opponent.
The answer is Jorge Posada, who was the first to find the ocean with a baseball at the corner of Third and King streets in San Francisco.
Posada, who was the center of recent controversy after being asked to be scratched from the lineup after being slotted in the nine-hole, could be a good fit for the Giants.
The down-side, however, is that Posada hasn't been in the catcher squat much lately. He's been used primarily as a DH this season, and only played 83 games behind the plate last year.
Offensively, while Posada has struggled this season, hitting just .183, he does have six homers, 16 RBI, and 20 walks (showing he's got patience at the plate, something the Giants could use in their lineup).
JJ Hardy- Baltimore Orioles
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For all those still thinking about Jose Reyes, let's talk shortstops. Shortstops that would be more practical to pursue for the Giants, so they don't mortgage the future in exchange for the hopes of a present winner.
J.J. Hardy, the 28 year-old shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles, has the potential to put up big offensive numbers, as he did with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2007 and 2008.
In 2007 he hit 26 home runs and had 80 RBI. He followed with another good season in 2008, with 24 homers and 74 RBI.
If the Giants could bring Hardy to San Francisco, he could not only solidify the shortstop position defensively, but could inject some life into the Giants offense.
Omar Infante- Florida Marlins
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The Florida Marlins are a team with fantastic pitching, with Josh Johnson, Anibal Sanchez, Chris Volstad and Ricky Nolasco anchoring a rotation that is quickly becoming one of the elite staffs in the National League.
The Marlins could also use some help in the outfield. The average experience in the big leagues for the four outfielders on the team is just two seasons. And apart from right fielder Mike Stanton, there isn't much offensive contribution from Florida's outfielders.
Hmm. Great pitching.
A star shortstop in Hanley Ramirez.
And a need for an outfielder with experience who can hit a little bit.
Sounds like a match made in heaven: Florida Marlins, meet the San Francisco Giants, who have more talented outfielders than they know what to do with and a need for a shortstop.
Of course no one is under any illusions that San Francisco could get Hanley Ramirez, but they certainly might be able to acquire the man who plays second base for the fish, former shortstop Omar Infante.
Infante had a breakout season in 2010 with the Atlanta Braves. He hit .321 for the Braves and helped lead them to the postseason, where they were defeated by the Giants in the NLDS.
In addition to his offensive potential, he would be a good defensive addition as well, providing more range at shortstop than Miguel Tejada.
Alex Gonzalez- Atlanta Braves
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Another team with excellent pitching (and hence may be willing to make a trade that doesn't involve Giants pitching) is the Atlanta Braves, who have a veteran shortstop that would not only provide a solid glove up the middle, but a solid bat as well.
Alex Gonzalez hit 23 homers and had 88 RBI in helping Atlanta reach the postseason last year, where they were eliminated by the Giants in the NLDS.
The addition of Gonzalez would add some pop to a Giants lineup that has been fairly punchless thus far in 2011, and which will be challenged even more now with the absence of cleanup man Buster Posey.
The Giants Will Have to Be Practical When It Comes to Making a Trade
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Brian Sabean has engineered some brilliant moves in his tenure as General Manager of the San Francisco Giants. If he is to make another one to bolster his club's run at defending the World Series title, practicality will need to rule his universe.
Jose Reyes has been the face of MLB trade talk so far in 2011, but the buzz that Reyes and the Mets' financial woes has generated has also masked a lot of potential acquisitions for San Francisco that would make more sense, given that they could fill key needs for the Giants while not costing a fortune in top prospects.
And now that Buster Posey is likely out for the rest of the season, an acquisition of a catcher that can produce some offense has to be in the picture.
But in the end, all such talk is speculation. Only time will tell what moves will be made, and what deals will be done.
Whatever deals are or aren't made, Giants fans hope that come October, the Giants will be in a good position to defend their title.
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