San Francisco Giants: Racially Insensitive Joke, Possibility of Holland Trade

The San Francisco Giants face an interesting situation with Derek Holland, especially as he faces criticism for a racially insensitive joke.

With the waiver period in full swing, the San Francisco Giants have to decide if they want to move Derek Holland, who has been good for them all year and could certainly help a contending ballclub.

As for the racially insensitive joke, well you can watch it for yourself — I don’t want to get into all that entails because I don’t want to have to give an apology for something I might say.

I’ll just say this, if the San Francisco Giants wanted a reason to move Holland, this situation certainly helps and gives them motivation.

The 31-year-old lefty is having a rejuvenating year with the San Francisco Giants posting a 3.75 ERA in 134.1 innings pitched with 137 strikeouts and a WHIP of 1.30.

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This would be his best full season since 2013 when he had a 3.42 ERA in 213 innings pitched with 189 strikeouts.

There have been no reports that the San Francisco Giants have placed Holland on waivers just yet, but it’s almost certain that it will happen at some point.

I would imagine there are a handful of contenders, like the Milwaukee Brewers, who could use some depth on their pitching staff.

There may not be many teams that would use Holland in their top three in a playoff series, but he could certainly help a team that needs a push down the stretch to get to the postseason.

He isn’t owed a lot of money so he would be really cheap for any contender.

The San Francisco Giants aren’t going to issue him a qualifying offer, they aren’t going to make the playoffs, and if they want him back for next year they can sign him in free agency.

So why not trade him?

The benefit of having him here would be his ability to mentor the younger pitchers. Holland is a 10-year veteran and has a lot of experience in the big leagues.

But, the Giants also have Madison Bumgarner who is more than capable of showing the young guns how to get it done.

Just like with Andrew McCutchen, if the Giants can clear some money and get a B-level prospect back in return, then Holland needs to be gone.