Giants Trade Rumors

"Jonathan Sanchez threw vigorously off a mound with no problems Sunday, Matt Palmer is coming off an encouraging start and the Giants' double-barreled shotgun of Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum ranks 1-2 in the National League in pitches thrown. The stars would appear aligned for the Giants to ease up on their starters by going to a six-man rotation in September. But Manager Bruce Bochy doesn't plan to expand the rotation and pitching coach Dave Righetti concurred, saying he wouldn't push back his starters unless they appear to require the extra rest. "There's no plan, but we don't want to overwork them in September, either,'' said Bochy, adding he wasn't motivated to keep Lincecum on a regular ..."

"Noah Lowry made a small but triumphant step in a comeback from nerve damage in his forearm, throwing 20 pitches off a mound. He hadn't thrown off the bump since March 3, when his nine walks in a spring training start signified a major problem. "He was letting it go, too," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. Bochy was so encouraged by the session that he wouldn't rule out Lowry making a start before the season ends — a possibility the manager considered bleak a few days earlier."

"The Giants are on the cusp of signing first-round pick Buster Posey to a major league contract worth roughly $7.5 million, industry sources told the Mercury News. The signing bonus, while spread over multiple years, would obliterate the club record for an amateur player. Dominican teenage outfielder Rafael Ramirez received $2.55 million in July. It's also would exceed the $6.15 million that Tampa Bay gave to the first overall pick, high school shortstop Tim Beckham. Giants player personnel director Bobby Evans declined to confirm the buzz among industry-wide sources, saying said the club would announce deals once they have been completed. But General Manager Brian Sabean said earlier ..."

"Hot-hitting Double-A catcher Pablo Sandoval is ready for the major leagues, Giants farm director Fred Stanley said Monday. The switch-hitting prospect is a sure bet to join the club when rosters expand Sept. 1, but one of several developments - trading Rich Aurilia, for instance -- could lead to an earlier opportunity. Sandoval turned 22 on Monday, one day after he went 3-for-3 to boost his average to .389 at Connecticut. The catcher's success is all the more impressive considering is one of the younger players in the pitcher-friendly Eastern League. "Sandoval is ready,'' Stanley said. "He could play first base right now or catch.'' If the Giants don't promote him, Stanley said it wouldn't ..."

"Dan Haren got a $31.5 million contract extension last week. When he signed, he was tied for first in the majors in quality starts with Tim Lincecum , who'll break the bank one day. For now, Lincecum is preferring year-to-year contracts, according to what his agent is telling reporters. That's fine with the Giants, who have him under their control through 2013."

"When he took his final, begrudging bow as a Giant in September, Barry Bonds didn't speak to his fans. He was too upset about receiving his walking papers after 15 years of record-setting performances and sold-out ballparks. So when he returned to China Basin and stepped to the microphone Saturday night, the sellout crowd at AT&T Park became as quiet as a monastery. No, Bonds did not use the occasion to announce his retirement. Quite the opposite. "It just feels odd to not be in uniform, and the Dodgers are right there,'' said Bonds, pointing into the visiting dugout where the Giants' blue-jacketed arch rivals lined the rail. Bonds peered over his outstretched arm like he was looking down ..."

"It's looking more and more like there will be a Barry Bonds sighting when the Giants gather their outfield alumni as part of the club's 50th anniversary celebration today. "I heard he's going to make it," said Giants manager Bruce Bochy, who has talked with Bonds on and off this season. "But I didn't hear it from him, so I don't know." Giants owner Peter Magowan wasn't sure if Bonds would show to soak up a standing ovation, but he hopes so. "That's why we invited him," Magowan said. "I know he's in Hawaii on vacation, and I haven't talked to him. I don't know if anybody has talked to him except his intermediaries." Magowan said he has spoken with Bonds' mother in recent months but hasn't ..."

"Aaron Rowand sat by his locker this week and uttered a simple declaration that every hotshot prospect and clubhouse loudmouth in baseball should remember. "Nobody in this game deserves respect," Rowand said. "You have to earn it." Rowand has earned it. The currency of his respect is a World Series ring, the image of his bloodied face after crashing into that wall in Philadelphia, playing in 107 of 112 games in 2008 despite busting a rib or two in the second game of the season and his demeanor as the Giants' clubhouse leader. And make no mistake. Even if Rowand is correct in saying, "We're all equals in this clubhouse," he has emerged as the first among equals. "This is Rowand's team," ..."

"The Giants still have not activated reliever Keiichi Yabu from the disabled list because they still are debating whom to demote to clear a roster spot. None of the rookie relievers has pitched poorly enough to be an obvious choice. Geno Espineli seems a logical choice, but how could the team return him to the minors now after his promotion cost him a chance to go to the Olympics? Bochy and Sabean planned to discuss the matter again Tuesday night."

"Reports on Tom Glavine were all good after the veteran lefty pitched four solid innings Monday in an injury-rehab start for Class A Myrtle Beach, his first minor-league appearance in 22 years. Braves manager Bobby Cox said Glavine would more rehab start Saturday for Class AA Mississippi "to build endurance." Provided that goes well, he would activated from the disabled list and rejoin the Braves' rotation next week. Glavine, 42, has been out eight weeks recovering from a partially torn flexor tendon near his left elbow. He threw 53 pitches and reported no pain Tuesday while allowing three hits and one run with one walk and four strikeouts. • The Braves had no updates on closer Rafael ..."

"The Giants didn't pull any players off the field or announce any deals Wednesday, but there were plenty of preoccupied minds on the eve of the non-waiver trade deadline. The most substantive rumor had Rich Aurilia headed to the Minnesota Twins, who are looking for a third baseman. Twins scouts have followed the Giants in recent weeks, and according to ESPN's Jayson Stark, they are dangling former Giants No.1 pick Boof Bonser. Told of the rumor, Aurilia laughed. "No, I heard I'm going to the Seibu Lions," he said. The deadline is at 1 p.m. PDT today. After that time, players must clear waivers before they could be dealt. For a team that entered play 18 games under .500 Thursday, the Giants ..."

"One potential trade target of the Giants can be scratched off the list for now. According to major-league sources, the Giants were scouting Texas third baseman Hank Blalock, who went on the disabled list with a sore shoulder Tuesday. The Rangers contacted the Giants about Blalock, a 27-year-old with some (but not overwhelming) power. The Rangers covet Giants pitching, including Jonathan Sanchez. Even though that deal will not go down, it raises an interesting point: General manager Brian Sabean has said he is willing to acquire major-league players, not merely sell those he has, if the deal makes sense for the present and future. But what exactly are the Giants building for? Next year? Or ..."

"Facing a potentially lengthy absence for injured starting catcher Matt Treanor, the Marlins have increased their efforts to acquire an established replacement before Thursday's non-waiver trade deadline. According to an industry source familiar with the Marlins' thinking, they have whittled their list of catching trade targets to four names: Bengie Molina (Giants), Ramon Hernandez (Orioles), Gerald Laird (Rangers) and Ryan Doumit (Pirates). Molina and Hernandez are signed for 2009 at fairly sizable sums, which would complicate any trade involving them. Molina is making $6 million this year and next, while Hernandez, who is making $7.5 million this year, is owed $8 million in 2009 and has ..."

"The Giants brought their brain trust to Dodger Stadium. General Manager Brian Sabean, vice president Dick Tidrow and special assistant Felipe Alou watched the club from a broadcast booth.But there was little action on the trade front. And Thursday's deadline isn't a firm date for players such as infielder Rich Aurilia or outfielder Dave Roberts, who almost certainly would pass through waivers and could be traded in August.Published reports linked Bengie Molina with the Florida Marlins, but the Giants' stance on their veteran catcher hasn't changed. To a slightly lesser extent, the same is true for outfielder Randy Winn. The Giants would require a premium prospect who is close to ..."

"Right-hander Anibal Sanchez will return to the rotation and start Thursday's game, but he might not be the only addition to the Marlins roster this week. With catcher Matt Treanor suffering a setback in his effort to return from a hip strain, the Marlins' front office had an active weekend searching for ways to improve the team. "We're looking," owner Jeffrey Loria said after Sunday's loss. The non-waiver trading deadline ends at 4 p.m. Thursday. Sanchez (right shoulder surgery) will start the series opener against Colorado. It will be his first start since May 2007. "We've already kind of made our trade. We got (Josh Johnson) back and Anibal's on his way back. For us, those are two horses ..."

"The Mets don't want Manny Ramirez, and as of now, they don't think they'll be acquiring an outfielder of any kind before Thursday's non-waivers trade deadline. As Newsday reported yesterday, the Mets don't intend to make a run for Ramirez, who is feuding with the Red Sox again, despite general manager Omar Minaya's previous attempts to land the future Hall of Famer. Team officials don't see Ramirez as a fit because of his behavioral issues. Of the remaining outfield possibilities, the Mets appear to have the most interest in Seattle's Raul Ibañez, though Ibañez bats lefthanded and the Mets need a righty hitter. So far, however, the Mariners' asking price has been too high. Minaya is ..."

"The Giants could have a quiet run-up to the trade deadline. With Ray Durham gone, there has been little action on players such as Rich Aurilia, Jack Taschner and Tyler Walker, sources said. There is a lot of noise emanating from New York about both teams' interest in Randy Winn and Bengie Molina. One source said the Mets and Giants have talked about Winn and the Yankees are scouting Molina now that Jorge Posada's shoulder injury has put his season in jeopardy. However, the chances of Molina or Winn going to the Big Apple - or anywhere - are slim. General manager Brian Sabean repeatedly has said he does not want to move his right fielder or catcher because they are signed through next ..."

"The thick, reddish scar runs vertically along the back of Kevin Frandsen's left leg, maybe five inches in length, beginning at his ankle and heading toward his calf. The evidence of the surgery to repair his ruptured Achilles' tendon looks ugly. "Actually I think it's kind of pretty," he said. "It's a nice, long one." Frandsen was stretched out on a trainer's table. Seven hours before a Giants game and already he was at AT"

"Other experienced players could be moved by the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline (or even afterward in waiver deals). Rich Aurilia could be attractive to a contending team that needs a versatile right-handed hitter off the bench. Tyler Walker would be a nice fit for a team that needs help bridging its starter and closer. These, however, are not the type of players who fetch difference-making prospects from other teams. To get those, or better yet, experienced big-league hitters who are not on the verge of free agency, Sabean almost certainly would have to part with the one commodity that gives players such as Rowand so much hope for the franchise's future: young starting pitchers. ..."

"Shortstop Omar Vizquel poses a sticky wicket for the Giants. On one hand, they surely want to see prospects such as Emmanuel Burriss and Ivan Ochoa at shortstop for the rest of the season. But with Vizquel hitting .166, he might be difficult to trade. In similar cases, the Giants simply released struggling older players, but they are loath to embarrass a player of Vizquel's stature that way. If a contending team needs a backup defensive shortstop and a strong clubhouse presence for a playoff push, regardless of his hitting, Vizquel would be a great choice. Vizquel said Sunday he prefers to stay in San Francisco for the rest of the season. He will be watching and waiting ahead of the ..."

"The Giants might start their sale of experienced players as soon as today, with strong indications the team was finalizing a deal that would send second baseman Ray Durham to Milwaukee. Team officials had no comment, but there were several hints of a pending trade. The Brewers are looking for a bench player who hits left-handed and are expected to announce a trade this morning. One of their prospects, a low Class A outfield speedster named Darren Ford, was pulled from the starting lineup Saturday amid indications he soon would be dealt. Durham, a switch-hitter, has not played in either of the last two games, ostensibly with the flu, and has been a rumored target of the Brewers."

"Chase Utley says he's paying attention to trade rumors that could affect the Phillies. “You want to know what the possibilities are out there,” Utley said Tuesday before playing in his third All-Star Game. “I know our organization wants to win, and if they can find a piece that will fit into our puzzle to give us a better chance, they'll do that.” The latest has the Phils hoping San Francisco, an NL West pretender, will shop 23-year-old right-hander Matt Cain. Word is the Giants might part with Cain, who is 5-7 with a 4.06 ERA in 20 starts, if offered an intriguing package of young talent. Meantime, a Phillies source shot down continued rumors that they're hot for Toronto righty ..."

"Barry Bonds to Boston? It is the ultimate deal with the devil. Bonds is a cheater and a liar and a scoundrel. He also is the smartest and most sensible way to help the Red Sox if David Ortiz cannot. Me? I’m all for it. As long as he doesn’t stay at my house. Before we begin, let’s get this out there: The great likelihood is that the Red Sox have no intention of signing Bonds. Prior to last night’s game between the Sox and Minnesota Twins at Fenway Park, general manager Theo Epstein said there was nothing to a recent report that the club was having internal discussions about the slugger."

"The White Flag Trade has some relevance for the 2008 Giants because general manager Brian Sabean might move potential free agents such as Rich Aurilia, Ray Durham and Omar Vizquel, and perhaps some relief pitchers, for prospects in deals that could benefit the team for the future at the expense of winning a weak National League West. Foxsports.com reported Monday that the Brewers, whose farm system remains loaded even after the Sabathia deal, are interested in Durham and lefty Jack Taschner. Schueler, now a senior adviser to Sabean, believes the White Flag Deal not only helped the White Sox win their division in 2000, but set in motion a rebuilding of the farm system that his ..."

"Shortstop Omar Vizquel might not be in the starting lineup today for the second time since telling manager Bruce Bochy he would understand a more limited role because of a batting slump. Vizquel has started the past five games. He met with Bochy on June 29, verbally ceding starts to rookie Emmanuel Burriss. Vizquel is hitting .159. He had three hits combined Thursday and Friday before going 0-for-2 Saturday night. Before Thursday, he was 0-for-16 in the previous five games and 2-for-46 in the past 15."

"A high-ranking Giants official said Tuesday he believes the organization should consider reaching out to fired New York Mets pitching coach Rick Peterson in an advisory role in hopes of helping get Barry Zito back on track. The official declined to comment because he said the topic is sensitive internally and Peterson still is under contract with the Mets. General Manager Brian Sabean said he would not "address anybody else's business" when asked about the Giants' possible interest in Peterson. Zito is 2-10 with a 5.88 ERA this season and has been mostly a disappointment since he signed a $126 million, seven-year deal before last season."

"Rick Peterson was Barry Zito's pitching coach through the pitcher's best years in Oakland. Now that Peterson is unemployed, would it not make sense for the Giants to hire him as a special instructor to work with Zito and help right him? There were indications Tuesday that some in the front office have reached the same conclusion and are considering Peterson, who was canned as Mets pitching coach early Tuesday morning. New York manager Willie Randolph and first-base coach Tom Nieto also were let go."

"If all goes according to the Giants' plans, Buster Posey played his last collegiate baseball game Monday. Despite Posey's best efforts, Florida State was eliminated from the College World Series with a 7-5 loss to Miami. The polished catcher was 4 for 5 in the defeat. The Giants drafted Posey with the fifth overall pick this month. They have until Aug. 15 to sign him, or they would lose his rights and receive a replacement first-round pick in next year's draft. Indications are that Posey won't sign quickly, but sources said he is eager to start his pro career and the Giants are determined to bring him in the fold."

"It could be a coincidence, but Gary Hughes, one of the Cubs' top talent evaluators, attended the A's-Giants games just after his club lost Alfonso Soriano to a broken hand. The Cubs are believed to be looking for a left-handed bat, but a source said they have not phoned the Giants about switch-hitting Randy Winn, the outfielder most likely to be shopped. Hughes is based in the Bay Area."

"With Ray Durham hitting .302 after finishing at .218 last year, it is easy to take the cynic's stance that he has launched another contract drive, except for one thing: Durham is unsure he wants to play next season and will weigh retirement this winter. Asked Wednesday if he believes this will be his final year with the Giants, Durham said, "I don't know. I really have to sit down and think of things. I know it's the last year of my contract. More than that, I've missed a lot of my kids' growing up. That's what's going to be weighing on my mind in the offseason. "My girl is 14 years old and it's like I barely know her. My son turns 10 tomorrow."

"Kevin Correia was sharp in what was expected to be his final rehab start for Triple-A Fresno, holding Colorado Springs to a run on five hits in seven innings. Correia struck out eight and didn't walk a batter. He is expected to return to the Giants rotation Sunday against the A's."

"Last week, manager Bruce Bochy said the Giants had to think about Noah Lowry not pitching at all this season. Lowry's response: Hold the blessed phone. Lowry said Monday the pins-and-needles feeling caused by nerve compression in his left arm has improved greatly the last two days, a recent MRI exam revealed "positive things" and he believes he is moving in the right direction. "It's June and we're talking about the end of the season. That's not even a thought in my mind," Lowry said, admitting he was surprised to read he might not pitch in 2008, the logic being that he might not have enough preparation time once he can start throwing again. "It's all speculation," Lowry said."

"Cuban baseball's brightest star, Dayán Viciedo, has escaped from Cuba and is now in Miami, following the footsteps of talented island colleagues who have found their way into the major leagues. Viciedo left Cuba on a boat bound for Mexico on May 20, accompanied by his family. Several days later he crossed the border from Mexico and traveled to Miami to reunite with friends and relatives. ''Dayán is going to spark a lot of talk in the majors,'' said his agent, Puerto Rican lawyer Jaime Torres."

"The trade market might be materializing a little earlier than normal this year and the Giants are actively shopping several players, according to sources. But not the names you'd expect. The Giants have informed other clubs that relievers Tyler Walker, Jack Taschner and Vinnie Chulk are available in fair-value deals. The club also is soliciting offers for Erick Threets and Brad Hennessey, who is starting for Triple-A Fresno. Closer Brian Wilson is not among the players the Giants are keen on moving."

"According to the best reports, Peter Magowan, El Jefe of the Giants, will walk into a team ownership meeting this morning and announce his resignation. The guess is that fans, given the choice, would prefer that relief pitcher Tyler Walker was the man taking a hike. Magowan wasn't noticeably in attendance Thursday at AT&T Park, at least not in his seat next to the home dugout, and probably was better off for the absence."

"As the season approaches the quarter pole, more moves will be made. There's too much money to be made in baseball for owners to sit idly by as their teams fall further behind in the standings...Teams are also more willing to dump expensive players in the interest of moving forward with prospects. It happened with Pittsburgh starter Matt Morris. So who's on the hot seat now? Here's a look:"

"The rumors that Peter Magowan may be looking to end his tenure as managing general big shot of the Giants have been swirling for a few weeks now, but it wasn't until the organization confirmed that the rumors have legs that they started to run. Neither Magowan nor his manager/cut man Larry Baer has chosen to respond for the record (a possible first in the history of this ownership). Neither was on hand to watch Tim Lincecum dismiss the Phillies 8-2 on Saturday, which is not that unusual. On the other hand, vice president for communications Staci Slaughter, referring to Magowan, told Our Team's John Shea the other day, "He's 66, and has thought about it from time to time, but no decision ..."

"When the Giants spent $126 million on Barry Zito, they touted his ability to take the ball every fifth day. But now, barely more than one season into a seven-year deal, they aren't sure they want to keep giving it to him. After another erratic and utterly hittable start in a 10-1 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday at AT&T Park, Giants Manager Bruce Bochy all but declared he would skip Zito or demote him to the bullpen. "We've got to do something," said Bochy, after Zito allowed a six-run first inning. "We can't keep doing what we're doing and getting what we're getting.""

"The Giants are looking for a left-handed-hitting first baseman but have no interest in Dan Johnson, whom the A's designated for assignment."

"General manager Brian Sabean acknowledged on his weekly radio show that he is looking for a first baseman, preferably a left-handed hitter. The Giants have had internal discussions about Washington's Nick Johnson, but he might be off the market after winning the everyday first-base job and starting the season strongly. A source said the Giants scouted 26-year-old Braves first baseman Scott Thorman, who hit 11 home runs in 287 at-bats last season. In spring training, the A's tried in vain to get the Giants to bite on Dan Johnson."

"Club sources say the Giants have no interest in third baseman Wes Helms, whom Philadelphia designated for assignment."

"Reds veteran left-hander Mike Stanton or Rockies lefty Brian Fuentes may be available, but the price tag for Fuentes would figure to be high. The Phillies have also flirted previously with veteran lefty reliever Steve Kline, who is not assured of a job with the Giants. And San Francisco may be shopping for an infielder after utility man Kevin Frandsen ruptured his Achilles' tendon. Wes Helms, anyone?"

"Even if the Giants have to eat some of Durham's $7.5 million salary, or the two years and $13 million remaining on Roberts' contract? "If that's in the best interests of the organization, absolutely," Sabean said."

"The Phillies would love to be able to trade Helms. The Giants (for veteran lefthander Steve Kline) and the Reds (for experienced lefty Mike Stanton) are among the teams they are believed to be talking to."

"Reds veteran left-hander Mike Stanton or Rockies lefty Brian Fuentes may be available, but the pricetag for Fuentes would figure to be high. The Phillies also have flirted previously with veteran lefty reliever Steve Kline, who is not assured of a job with the Giants."

"Giants owner Peter Magowan is disappointed at how his club has performed this spring, but he isn't setting off alarms over its 7-17-2 record... Magowan declined to say how this season might affect the futures of General Manager Brian Sabean and Manager Bruce Bochy, who are signed through 2009."

"The Giants' interest in trading for Joe Crede has cooled to the point that the White Sox didn't feel the need to showcase their third baseman. He made the trip to Scottsdale but didn't start."

"The San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers both appear to be obvious trade partners for Crede, but Williams said his phone has been quiet. Crede is coming off back surgery and is eligible for free agency at the end of the season."

"Increasingly displeased by their product on the field, Giants officials have become more aggressive on the trade front and recently asked the Los Angeles Angels about first baseman Casey Kotchman and catcher Jeff Mathis, according to sources. It's possible that the two clubs discussed sending Bengie Molina back to Anaheim; Angels officials are said to miss the former Gold Glove catcher's leadership and game-calling skills."