Well, this one caught me a bit off-guard, even though I knew the Giants were actively involved in trade talks. But judging by the package they gave up, and the player they're getting in return, I think the Giants made out ahead in the Torres/Pagan swap.
The main question I have though, is how this will effect the rest of the Giants offseason plans and their pursuit of a power bat. Just hours after our post suggesting the Giants could deal for more outfield help, they indeed strike a deal, but it wasn't for exactly the type of player they needed. So, this deal really could go either way, but as far as the players involved in the deal, I do think Pagan was the best, especially if he shows up in pre-2011 form. Pagan would now would appear to become the everyday center fielder, with Melky Cabrera slated to move to a corner spot. There's a chance Pagan could enter as a fourth outfielder if
the Giants are serious about starting Huff in left and Belt at first, but I'd be surprised if he's not starting in center on opening day. As good and surprising a year Andres Torres had in 2010, Pagan's was equal and better in some categories. Angel is the more talented ballplayer with more upside though he's had some questions come into play about his passion towards the game recently in NY and that's something you'll never hear of Torres. Pagan is a switch hitter who's four years younger and hits better from the right side, which again, improves the top of the order. He hasn't spent much time at the leadoff spot during his time in New York because of a guy named Jose Reyes, but his contact average, high on-base percentage and speed make him an ideal candidate. Now I do think this deal could definitely benefit the Giants, but again, like with the Cabrera deal, it all depends on which Pagan shows up in 2012. The one thing this deal cannot do is allow the Giants to become content with their current outfield, because if they enter with what they have now, it'd be one of the worst in baseball!
To sum this move up in a few sentences, the Giants got themselves a better baseball player than Torres, and a solid leadoff candidate. Torres was most likely facing a non-tender anyway, so I see this deal as more of Ramirez for Pagan. Ramirez is a significant loss for the bullpen, but luckily they have the depth to overcome that. Another aspect of this deal is that it opens up a spot on the 40-man roster for the Giants to possibly sign an infielder or a corner outfielder without releasing anyone. Also with Pagan and Cabrera each explosive players, I think it would be wise for Bochy to consider using them in the 1-2 in the order and move Sanchez down to 7.
Bottom line, this deal is very similar to the Cabrera/Sanchez trade. As long as Pagan shows up healthy and hungry in his walk year, and they can adequately replace Ramirez in the pen, who was a solid middle reliever for them, I'm confident the Giants will wind up the winners in this deal.
The main question I have though, is how this will effect the rest of the Giants offseason plans and their pursuit of a power bat. Just hours after our post suggesting the Giants could deal for more outfield help, they indeed strike a deal, but it wasn't for exactly the type of player they needed. So, this deal really could go either way, but as far as the players involved in the deal, I do think Pagan was the best, especially if he shows up in pre-2011 form. Pagan would now would appear to become the everyday center fielder, with Melky Cabrera slated to move to a corner spot. There's a chance Pagan could enter as a fourth outfielder if
the Giants are serious about starting Huff in left and Belt at first, but I'd be surprised if he's not starting in center on opening day. As good and surprising a year Andres Torres had in 2010, Pagan's was equal and better in some categories. Angel is the more talented ballplayer with more upside though he's had some questions come into play about his passion towards the game recently in NY and that's something you'll never hear of Torres. Pagan is a switch hitter who's four years younger and hits better from the right side, which again, improves the top of the order. He hasn't spent much time at the leadoff spot during his time in New York because of a guy named Jose Reyes, but his contact average, high on-base percentage and speed make him an ideal candidate. Now I do think this deal could definitely benefit the Giants, but again, like with the Cabrera deal, it all depends on which Pagan shows up in 2012. The one thing this deal cannot do is allow the Giants to become content with their current outfield, because if they enter with what they have now, it'd be one of the worst in baseball!To sum this move up in a few sentences, the Giants got themselves a better baseball player than Torres, and a solid leadoff candidate. Torres was most likely facing a non-tender anyway, so I see this deal as more of Ramirez for Pagan. Ramirez is a significant loss for the bullpen, but luckily they have the depth to overcome that. Another aspect of this deal is that it opens up a spot on the 40-man roster for the Giants to possibly sign an infielder or a corner outfielder without releasing anyone. Also with Pagan and Cabrera each explosive players, I think it would be wise for Bochy to consider using them in the 1-2 in the order and move Sanchez down to 7.
Bottom line, this deal is very similar to the Cabrera/Sanchez trade. As long as Pagan shows up healthy and hungry in his walk year, and they can adequately replace Ramirez in the pen, who was a solid middle reliever for them, I'm confident the Giants will wind up the winners in this deal.
Comments
I hope Pagan is CF, Cabrera in LF and Beltran in right. That would be a very good, versatile outfield if you ask me. Then have Nate and Belt coming off the bench as 4th and 5th guys. That's a good outfield if you ask me.
I'd give up Belt and Brown for Hanley I think!