San Francisco Giants rumor roundup: New trade target, Pence/Cain/Peavy injury updates, Heston/Vogelsong rotation status, top picks sign deals

Oct 24, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Detailed shot of the championship ring of San Francisco Giants general manager Brian Sabean before game three of the 2014 World Series against the Kansas City Royals at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Brian Sabean scouting another starting pitcher?

The Reds two premium trade chips—ace Johnny Cueto and closer Aroldis Chapman—were discussed in my last roundup, as they have both been linked to the Giants in the past.

I ultimately came to the conclusion that their price tags were probably too rich for the Giants’ blood, but also opined that I could “see San Francisco moving on a less heralded pitcher, particularly if there’s a bargain to be had.”

Could that bargain could be one of their Reds teammates?

That’s Mike Leake, to be exact: the 27-year-old right-hander who has started for Cincinnati since his 2010 call-up. Sure, Sabean made the trip to see Johnny Cueto and Leake (and possibly others), but Leake represents a prototypical Giants deadline addition. Plus, he has known ties to the Bochy family—something that has helped others land gigs with the organization in the past.

He had a very strong 2013, posting a 14-7 record and 3.37 ERA, but has been good-to-mediocre otherwise. This year, he’s been the latter, going 3-4 with a 4.35 ERA—on a career low .262 BABIP. Yikes.

We’ll have to see how the Giants’ rotation plays out over the next month-and-a-half (more on that later), but given Leake’s expiring contract, he’s worth keeping an eye on.

Next: On to latest injury news