SF Giants: Who's On Third?

by Trecole696

After locking up Omar Vizquel for next season, Brian Sabean said he would now turn his attention towards finding the team's next third basemen. Alex Rodriguez is on the brink of resigning with the Yankee's so any slight possibility of louring ARod to the bay is out the window. That leaves Mike Lowell as the top 3rd basemen left on the market and even though they haven't ruled him out, I'm pretty sure the Giants will not pursue him. So if the Giants are going to add another 3rd basemen from outside the organization this winter, it will have to be via trade. Here are some names that have thrown around the trade market:

Miguel Cabrera: Sabean mentioned that the Giants definitely would have interest in a guy like Cabrera, as any other team in the league does, but it's hard to believe they could come up with a package to get him unless they included one or both or Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum. The Giants are building around pitching, so I would rather hang onto the two young aces. Cabrera is a special talent though, and if the Giants were to deal Cain or Lincecum, that would be the type of player who they'd target.

Scott Rolen: Injuries have taken their toll on Rolen as 2 of his last 3 seasons have been cut short due to health issues. Plus he's going to turn 33 at the begging of the season, so it's tough to say he'll do a 180 and get back to his pre-2005 form. He still can pick it clean at third base though, and a change of scenery could be good for him. However, an aging, injury prone player doesn't quite fit into what the Giants want to do this winter.

Adrian Beltre: Still has a few years left on a huge contract. Hasn't quite panned out in the American League and hasn't figured out Safeco Field. I think a move back to the NL would do him some good, but I would steer clear from him if I were Sabean unless he comes cheaply and the Mariners are willing to eat some salary. Beltre is still just 28 years old and I could see him getting back to his 30-40 home run form again. Plus, he plays a very good 3rd base and would fit in well with Omar on the left side of the infield. For the right deal, he'd be worth the gamble.

Hank Blalock: He's been very quiet ever since he hit that big home run in the all-star game a couple years back. Blalock could be on block as the Rangers have Travis Metcalf waiting in the wings. Blalcok is still young though too and has some offensive upside. The only problem is that his left handed bat wouldn't be an ideal fit for AT&T Park. Still, he has potential and for the right deal, he'd be worth giving a shot.

Joe Crede: Missed most of last season with an injury, opening the door for Josh Fields who had a nice rookie season. Crede had been improving every year until this recent set back. He'd be a gamble to trade for because of his chronic back issues, but he could be the most attainable. The White Sox are looking for outfield help and the Giants have a surplus of outfielders.

The San Francisco Giants Blog-http://giantsbaseballblog.blogspot.com/