USA Today-By Janie Mccauley, AP Sports Writer
SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Giants would like to acquire a big hitter for the middle of their lineup - someone who could pick up a bit of the slack now that home run king Barry Bonds is gone.
But don't look for the Giants to unload top pitchers Matt Cain or Tim Lincecum to make it happen. Both hard-throwing right-handers are virtually untouchable as general manager Brian Sabean and his staff head to next week's winter meetings in Nashville, Tenn.
"We have to listen. That's our job. We finished in last place," Sabean said Thursday. "There's too much chatter around the industry about these guys."
San Francisco, which hasn't reached the playoffs since 2003, has several options to fill its outfield and replace Bonds in left. One scenario: Dave Roberts shifts from center field to left, Randy Winn moves from right to center and Nate Schierholtz plays right.
Still, the Giants need some punch.
But don't look for the Giants to unload top pitchers Matt Cain or Tim Lincecum to make it happen. Both hard-throwing right-handers are virtually untouchable as general manager Brian Sabean and his staff head to next week's winter meetings in Nashville, Tenn.
"We have to listen. That's our job. We finished in last place," Sabean said Thursday. "There's too much chatter around the industry about these guys."
San Francisco, which hasn't reached the playoffs since 2003, has several options to fill its outfield and replace Bonds in left. One scenario: Dave Roberts shifts from center field to left, Randy Winn moves from right to center and Nate Schierholtz plays right.
Still, the Giants need some punch.
"We know we have to do something in the middle of the order and know we might not be able to pick and choose the position," Sabean said. "We're not going to just fill holes. ... It's somebody that has a real presence in your lineup and can change your lineup. Power would help. You need a run producer."
Schierholtz, Dan Ortmeier and Fred Lewis all could have greater roles come 2008. The Giants told the 43-year-old Bonds in September they wouldn't re-sign him for a 16th season, then the slugger was indicted Nov. 15 and charged with four counts of perjury and one count of obstruction of justice following a four-year investigation into steroids.
"I would look forward to it," manager Bruce Bochy said about using his younger players more regularly. "They're good kids here who have played well. I think that's an important part of a team's success - building within."
Speedy center fielder Rajai Davis, who came to the Giants as a rookie in a trade-deadline deal that sent pitcher Matt Morris to Pittsburgh, also should see significant action in the outfield.
"We're not going to say Davis is the guy (in center)," Sabean said. "We haven't seen Davis enough."
Finding a center fielder via free agency is unlikely, considering Sabean said his talks are "four to one" about trades versus acquiring free agents.
"To get a deal done without giving up Cain or Lincecum, that's the dilemma," he said.
The Giants re-signed 11-time Gold Glove shortstop Omar Vizquel earlier this month, but still have a hole to fill at third and possibly first. Sabean said his club is "on the fringe" when it comes to bringing back third baseman Pedro Feliz, meaning Kevin Frandsen or Rich Aurilia might wind up playing that spot.
"Their pie in the sky is a three-year deal, which we'll never get to," Sabean said about Feliz's representatives.
The Dodgers (82-80) and Giants (71-91) brought up the rear in the NL West for just the second time since divisional play began in 1969.
San Francisco owner Peter Magowan said during the season he is prepared for the franchise to take its lumps the next couple of years while rebuilding. The Giants want to give their developing players a shot to prove themselves at the big league level, too. They saw teams such as Arizona and Colorado succeed in the NL West this year going that route.
"One advantage you have with a young team ... by and large on a single day, everybody's ready to play, everybody's healthy enough to play, everybody wants to play," Sabean said. "They know it all can change in a heartbeat. Managing a younger team has the chance to be enjoyable. You're not going to get much flak back."
Schierholtz, Dan Ortmeier and Fred Lewis all could have greater roles come 2008. The Giants told the 43-year-old Bonds in September they wouldn't re-sign him for a 16th season, then the slugger was indicted Nov. 15 and charged with four counts of perjury and one count of obstruction of justice following a four-year investigation into steroids.
"I would look forward to it," manager Bruce Bochy said about using his younger players more regularly. "They're good kids here who have played well. I think that's an important part of a team's success - building within."
Speedy center fielder Rajai Davis, who came to the Giants as a rookie in a trade-deadline deal that sent pitcher Matt Morris to Pittsburgh, also should see significant action in the outfield.
"We're not going to say Davis is the guy (in center)," Sabean said. "We haven't seen Davis enough."
Finding a center fielder via free agency is unlikely, considering Sabean said his talks are "four to one" about trades versus acquiring free agents.
"To get a deal done without giving up Cain or Lincecum, that's the dilemma," he said.
The Giants re-signed 11-time Gold Glove shortstop Omar Vizquel earlier this month, but still have a hole to fill at third and possibly first. Sabean said his club is "on the fringe" when it comes to bringing back third baseman Pedro Feliz, meaning Kevin Frandsen or Rich Aurilia might wind up playing that spot.
"Their pie in the sky is a three-year deal, which we'll never get to," Sabean said about Feliz's representatives.
The Dodgers (82-80) and Giants (71-91) brought up the rear in the NL West for just the second time since divisional play began in 1969.
San Francisco owner Peter Magowan said during the season he is prepared for the franchise to take its lumps the next couple of years while rebuilding. The Giants want to give their developing players a shot to prove themselves at the big league level, too. They saw teams such as Arizona and Colorado succeed in the NL West this year going that route.
"One advantage you have with a young team ... by and large on a single day, everybody's ready to play, everybody's healthy enough to play, everybody wants to play," Sabean said. "They know it all can change in a heartbeat. Managing a younger team has the chance to be enjoyable. You're not going to get much flak back."
Also Thursday, Sabean announced additions to his front-office staff. Ron Schueler and former hitting coach Joe Lefebvre were hired as senior advisers for player personnel; Ed Creech was hired as a senior adviser for scouting; and Matt Nerland was named a special assistant for scouting.
(AP) Associated Press
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