Looks like Sabean has acknowledged that he will be active and in buy mode this trading deadline. Can't really blame him. The team is tied for first in the
Wild Card Race and with some decisive upgrades in the offense, this team could really compete this season.
From the San Jose Mercury:
http://www.mercurynews.com/giants/ci_12668932?nclick_check=1
From the San Jose Mercury:
http://www.mercurynews.com/giants/ci_12668932?nclick_check=1
Giants G.M. Sabean talks about potential trades: 'We know what we need'
By Andrew Baggarly
Mercury News
Posted: 06/22/2009 10:24:49 PM PDT
Updated: 06/23/2009 10:28:36 AM PDT
The cavalry might come galloping to assist the Giants' offense, but don't expect to hear reveille any time soon.
Before watching his lineup struggle in road grays yet again Monday night in a 5-1 loss to the A's, Giants General Manager Brian Sabean said he didn't expect any deals for bats to develop until the days leading up to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
"Not enough teams are completely out of it, which is why I think the market is going to be late-developing," Sabean said. "You can't definitively know who they have available. And those who are have so many suitors. Whoever makes a trade early is going to really have to pay the price.
"The one good thing is we know what we need."
If you find that statement ambiguous for any reason, just scan the handy box score included in this section. The Giants managed four hits, struggled to advance runners and failed to create any late opportunities against A's right-hander Trevor Cahill.
Jonathan Sanchez might have pitched his way out of the Giants' rotation, but he hardly had a chance to win.
That's life on the road for the Giants this season.
Entering the game, they were averaging 4.47 runs at home and just 3.4 on the road. They had a markedly better home average (.275 to .244). Even their power numbers had been superior at AT&T Park - more home runs (24 to 18), doubles (66 to 59) and triples (12 to 3) - despite less-friendly conditions at China Basin.
"That's the crazy thing," Sabean said. "We are so much better scoring runs at home, in a pitcher's park. We've got to pick it up on the road, do a better job of scoring consistently."
Sabean said he and his staff have identified a "narrow list" of potential trade targets. The list includes some impending free agents, but while the Giants would take on salary for a three-month rental, they do not plan to give up premium young talent for one.
Asked if A's left fielder Matt Holliday was on his short list, Sabean said, "I can't answer that. But I will say the list is more right-handed than left-handed."
Sabean has not spoken with A's officials about Holliday and wasn't sure if Oakland G.M. Billy Beane had any appetite to deal with a Bay Area rival.
But because Beane dealt for Holliday last winter as an apparent gambit to extract a better haul at the trade deadline, it's doubtful the A's would give away the All-Star left fielder just to relieve themselves of his $13.5 million salary.
For now, the Giants continue to evaluate their own players. Sabean said he wants to continue auditioning second baseman Matt Downs, who remained with the club Monday even though Kevin Frandsen could be brought back from Triple-A Fresno.
"He's a kid that seems pretty relaxed," Sabean said. "It's amazing, really. He's got a hitter's mentality. I've been impressed. And for a big kid, I'm really pleased with how he's taken to his position."
