Jul 22, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher James Shields (33) pitches during the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
You–the readers, the fans–have heard what FanSided has had to say, you have heard what other analysts and insiders have had to say, and you have heard what the Giants front-office has had to say (more or less). Now it’s time for your voices to be heard.
Take our poll to find out who the Giants fan base want to acquire: Poll Maker (results will be revealed on Twitter).
Maybe you have heard the latest waiver news already, but if not here is a quick round-up:
Perhaps the most intriguing news is that the San Francisco Giants are interested in six-time All Star Chase Utley. Wait, seriously? Why? Besides the fact that Joe Panik is on the 15-day DL, San Francisco is extremely thin among infield reserves. As I stated in a previous article about potential waiver targets,
“If Duffy, Crawford, Panik, or Belt go down to injury, to be blunt, they are basically screwed.”
Well Giants fans, here we are. The Giants are 3-6 since Panik went down with a back injury, and the duo of Kelby Tomlinson and Ehire Adrianza have combined to hit .294/.351/.354 in those 9 games. That’s not too shabby. However, the problem has not necessarily been Tomlinson or Adrianza, instead the Giants are having a hard time replacing the number two spot in the order (Panik is 4th on the Giants with a 3.3 WAR), trying to fill the presence that Panik provides (25 doubles and 35 RBIs), and, most importantly, coping with the increased pressure throughout the roster.
“Who do you think San Francisco should make a push for? Chase Utley? Nobody? Why do you think they should target him? “
Jun 4, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley (26) hits a double against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
To top it off, outfielder Nori Aoki was hit in the head with a pitch and Angel Pagan joined Panik on the 15-day DL today with patella tendinitis. Obviously, this is not going to help the Giants as in the 9 games that Panik has missed, San Francisco pitchers are just 3-6 with an abysmal 4.76 ERA. Although you might not think he has an effect on the pitching staff, the presence of Panik in the lineup is felt throughout the roster. With Panik, Pagan, and Aoki healthy and in the lineup, the pitching staff can be confident that they will receive the run support they need to win the game.
With that being said, the Giants GM Bobby Evans and VP Brian Sabean are working tirelessly to try and fill the Giants needs. In case you missed the top-10 waiver wire targets for San Francisco, here they are:
10. Martin Prado
7. Justin Upton
6. Oliver Perez (claimed and acquired by Houston 8/7/15)
5. Marlon Byrd
Betsided
4. Jonny Gomes
3. Rajai Davis
Who do you think San Francisco should make a push for? Chase Utley? Nobody? Why do you think they should target him?
For other options on which players could be waived, visit the following lists: Bleacher Report, FanSided, and Sports Illustrated.
The stage is yours. Take a stand and believe in what you preach. The ball is in your court. Be creative because taking risks can be beneficial. Take advantage of your opportunity.
Please share your thoughts, opinions, and stances on who San Francisco should acquire via:
Twitter: Tweet @RoundTheFoghorn @dannyvietti17
Facebook: Like and Post on our Around the Foghorn page.
Comment: Post your comments below this article.
Take Our Poll: Choose who you want the Giants to acquire by visiting our Poll Maker (results will be revealed on Twitter)