Rumors Swirling Around San Francisco

While the Giants haven't done anything of note since their trade for Melky Cabrera earlier this month, it hasn't stopped the rumors from rolling in as MLB's Hot Stove heats up.

What appears to be the most likely of all rumors surrounding the Giants lately, is Carlos Beltran likely headed Boston on a two-year deal. Beltran said he'd prefer to stay in the NL but could very well see Boston as a spot with a legit chance at 2 World Series runs over the next 2 seasons. Add a healthy Beltran to Bostons lineup and they've got themselves a huge upgrade over J.D. Drew. This shouldn't be too surprising of news though, as Brian Sabean has already stated that he believes Beltran wouldn't fit into the Giants budget. Now the focus is turning to who may be replacing Beltran in right field for SF. The name of the week as far as free agent outfielders has been Grady Sizemore, who the Giants have apparently expressed some interest in. I like Sizemore, and don't think a 1 year deal with an option would be a bad idea, but I don't see Sizemore having interest in coming to the Giants. I think he wants to stay in the AL with a team that can hit so he can boost his value via a short-term contract. Seeing that playing for the Giants would mean changing leagues and moving to an average lineup in a spacious yard doesn't exactly jump out to hitters trying to make a comeback, it's hard to believe someone like Sizemore would make that move. Another name that was tossed around on KNBR on Wednesday who I think would love to get is Carlos Quentin from the White Sox. Supposedly Kenny Williams is shopping the power hitting outfielder and has had talks with an unknown NL team.

The only trouble with making a trade for Quentin or any other significant hitter now though, is that the Giants are really running short on trade ammo. I think the Melky Cabrera deal was their big trade of the winter and any other upgrade they make will have to come via the free agent market. That poses a bit of a hurdle though too, as most of the players who would be upgrades and players the Giants could use are either too expensive, or type A free agents who would cost them a draft pick by signing at this point. I think that's why they have had interest in Sizemore, cause he's got huge potential yet isn't a Type A free agent. Josh Willingham and Michael Cuddyer are two corner outfielders who are Type A's who the Giants probably like, but wouldn't want to part with a top pick in exchange for. Shortstops Jose Reyes and Jimmy Rollins are obviously type A players as well and if the Giants are pursuing one of them, they're doing it extremely quietly. Reyes looks bound for Florida, and Rollins would then become the premiere shortstop and I'd expect him to cash in on that opportunity. Speaking of speedy infielders, another name that was linked to the Giants this week was Seattle utility man Chone Figgins. Apparently the Mariners are over Figgins after his .188 average last season, but he's owed over 20 million the next 2 seasons and Seattle would need to eat nearly all of that to make him palatable for anyone. I doubt the Giants would have interest, though if they could send Seattle a bad contract in exchange, and use Figgins in the utility role, it may be worth a look.

Roster Note: The Giants did make a minor league move Wednesday, signing former Braves center fielder Gregor Blanco to a minor league deal. The 27 year old outfielder has had a couple of decent seasons for Atlanta and KC as a reserve and has a respectable .358 OBP in over 700 career at-bats.