Standing on the shoulders of Giants

Friday, October 15

October Musings

By now, our Cody Ransom vodoo dolls neatly tucked away, most of our thoughts have turned to the retooling medicine of the off-season. I have heard rumblings of trade talk in a number of publications, yet none mention San Francisco. That might come as a surprise to some Giant's fans, who continue to harp for a marquee addition to the lineup, knowing all the while that (a) there's no money for it, and (b) even if there were, it would be better spent on pitching.

Yet we can dream. In that respect, Carlos Beltran is this year's version of Vladimir Guerrero. He is likely to end up with a $75m contract in New York or LA; unless the Astros win the whole pie that is, in which case there's a possibility that he'd stay in Houston.

In the meantime, the Yankees are the frontrunners to land both Beltran (to fill their gaping defensive hole in center field) and, more significantly, Carl Pavano, the top pitcher on the market.

Before he became a member of the Red Sox, short-stop Orlando Cabrera was number one on GM Brian Sabean's most-wanted list. But the Giants are likely to baulk at his demands of a four-year, $32m dollar contract. Edgar Renteria might be a slightly better, yet no more affordable option. Despite making some savings in the past twelve months, the franchise continues to lose money while it pays off its debts tied to the construction of SBC Park. Only between
$8-12m figures to be available for new players, as other members of the roster pick up their inflated tabs on backloaded contracts and player options.

The organization is likely to target the less expensive players, honoring their doctrinal pledge to favor experience over the extravagance of talent. Yet combing through the list of cheaper options is no less fraught with danger; the Raul Mondesi eposide is still fresh in GM's minds. Despite this, the Giant's courting should at least include that of Jose Guillen, whose bat and glove would be welcome additions to a team that struggled both with the bat and the glove. Ultimately however, with Rob Nen finally vanquished, Sabean will make the bullpen his priority.

Expect to see relief in San Francisco before long.

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