San Francisco Giants trade rumors: Ranking all of the team’s player & pitcher options before the deadline
Jun 28, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Gerardo Parra (28) drives in a run with a base hit in the seventh inning during the game against the Minnesota Twins at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
The “one of these should stick” group
Marlon Byrd (Reds), *Michael Morse (Marlins) — bench power
The Byrd-man is getting up there in years, but at age 37, still hits for a decent average (.246) with plenty of pop (16 HR). The major snag with him and Michael Morse (.214, 4 HR, 12 RBI) is an inflated contract that would carry each of them through next season (at $8 million). The real question is whether or not the Giants are willing to trade offense for defense (i.e. send down Justin Maxwell) off the bench.
Update: Morse was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers on 7/29 and designated for assignment.
Ben Zobrist (A’s), *Martin Prado (Marlins) — bench versatility
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If the Giants weren’t sold on Zobrist before, they should be now. The utilityman went 6-for-11 with a double and a triple in the Battle of the Bay this weekend. While he doesn’t steal bases any more, Zobrist (.268/.354/.447) very seldom has a bad AB, and would effectively cover several holes on San Francisco’s bench.
If the Giants lose out on the Zorilla,Martin Prado (.273, 4 HR, 26 RBI, 26 R) would be a pretty solid Plan B.
Update: Zobrist was traded to the Kansas City Royals on 7/28.
Gerardo Parra (Brewers), Rajai Davis (Tigers), Mike Leake (Reds) — outfield help/backend starter
Taking roster fit, salary figures and the makeup of a typical Giants’ deadline deal into account, all three of these guys would theoretically be great matches, making them my Big Three. For more details on why I like each of these guys, check out these write-ups:
- The argument for Parra
- The argument for Davis
- The argument for Leake
Update: Leake was traded to the San Francisco Giants on 7/30.