Giants ink Yabu to Minor League deal

Right-hander pitched in 40 games for Oakland in 2005

Chris Haft /MLB.com

SAN FRANCISCO -- Increasing the number of contenders for bullpen jobs, the Giants signed former A's right-hander Keiichi Yabu to a Minor League contract with an invitation to big league Spring Training.

Yabu finished 4-0 with a 4.50 ERA in 40 games -- all in relief -- for Oakland in 2005. He requested and received his release from the Colorado Rockies the following spring after failing to make their Opening Day roster. Giants director of player personnel Bobby Evans said Wednesday that Yabu pitched professionally in Taiwan during 2006 before sitting out last season.

Evans said that Yabu impressed Giants officials during a throwing session while the club's prospects were gathered in Scottsdale, Ariz., for fall Instructional League.

"We took a look at him and liked what we saw," Evans said of Yabu's one-day visit.

Before joining the A's, Yabu recorded an 84-106 mark with a 3.57 ERA in 268 games (206 starts) for the Hanshin Tigers of the Japan Central League.

The Giants likely will announce the rest of their non-roster Spring Training invitees in early January.

Rumors in a slow Christmas time...

ESPN's Jayson Stark dishes some good rumorage in his latest column.

• Stark dug around to find all the Mark Prior suitors and came up with this list: Yankees, Red Sox, White Sox, Mariners, Mets, Cardinals, Padres, Astros, Giants, Reds, Nationals (11 teams). Let's compare notes. MLBTR readers have seen the Yankees, Mets, Cards, Padres, Astros, Reds, and Nats linked to Prior already. So Stark has added the Red Sox, White Sox, Mariners, and Giants. The idea of the Mariners runs contrary to this MLB.com article. Stark did not name the Rangers, who are said to be aggressively pursuing Prior. Prior is dead set on a one-year deal and would take a big league mound in May in the best case.

Giants Pursuing Corner Infield Help

I'm not sure of the Giants' plan - are they rebuilding? Playing for 2008? Kind of rebuilding but trying to seem respectable?

At any rate, the Giants don't have much going on at first and third base. I like the idea of going after a cheap under-30 third base upside play like Dallas McPherson. But I wouldn't fill the spot with a vet just to fill it. As for first, I've said before I'd just toss Dan Ortmeier there for 550 ABs in lieu of adding some stopgap. But that's just me; here's the latest on Brian Sabean's corner infield pursuits:

• Tony Clark is a target, and San Francisco is a good fit for him in terms of playing time. He'd probably get a one-year deal and be paired with Ortmeier.
• The Mariners are apparently shopping Adrian Beltre for pitching. Doesn't seem to be a smart move for Seattle but it may be a moot point if they are nearing a Carlos Silva signing.
• No doubt Joe Crede can be had. Paul Konerko, not so much. Crede makes sense for the Giants in that they might be able to flip him if he has a good April-May.
• Morgan Ensberg is a free agent who would probably play for $3MM and jump at a full-time chance.
• Pedro Feliz remains on the radar, but apparently still wants three years. C'mon now.
• The Giants have "moved in opposing directions" with McPherson, a Scott Boras client.

Comment: If there is any substance to rumors the Giants are going after a starting pitcher, e.g., Kris Bensen and Mark Prior this could indicate the Giants have another move in the works. Speculation, yes, but perhaps, for Scott Rolen or Joe Crede. Brian Sabean always lays quiet and keeps his intentions close to his vest...when it seems like nothing is happening Sabean strikes like a cobra. An example of this is the Aaron Rowand signing. More to come....

Giants take look at ex-Met Benson

Harry Schulman-San Francisco Chronicle

As the Giants continue their search for a third baseman and middle-of-the-order hitter, they are not closing their eyes to other spots on the diamond.
Ron Schueler, one of general manager Brian Sabean's new senior advisers, attended a workout in Phoenix on Monday for free-agent starter Kris Benson. Representatives from about nine teams watched the former Pirates, Mets and Orioles right-hander throw 60 pitches in a bid to show he is back from a shoulder operation that cost him the 2007 season.
Also, the agent for Tony Clark said the Giants have expressed some interest in the 35-year-old first baseman, who reportedly had a two-year offer to return to Arizona until last week, when the team acquired infielder Chris Burke as part of a trade with Houston.
Clark is a switch-hitter who drew raves last season for helping to shepherd the young Diamondbacks to a division title. Moreover, he hit 17 homers with 51 RBIs in 221 at-bats in a platoon with Conor Jackson.
Players such as Benson or Clark might not be high priorities for the Giants, compared to finding a third baseman and relief help.
However, Sabean always is looking for pitching depth, and team officials have said that one option at first base is giving the job to switch-hitter Daniel Ortmeier in conjunction with a role player with whom he can share time and learn the ropes. Ortmeier's strongest hitting side is right-handed. Clark's is left-handed.
"Obviously, I think it would be a great fit for Tony and I think they'd be getting a middle-of-the-order type guy," Clark's agent, John Boggs, said. "When you look at the impact he had on the younger guys on the Diamondbacks club, that's kind of the impact he would want to have on the San Francisco club. He can produce, and he can definitely be a guy who's going to help a ballclub out in a lot of different ways."
Boggs and the Giants have not had any serious discussions, as the team focuses on longer-term lineup solutions, but the agent said Clark would be amenable to a one-year deal. One potential roadblock: The Giants already have a backup first baseman in Rich Aurilia.
Benson, 33, is a former first-round draft pick whose best year was 2000, when he struck out 184 batters in 217 innings for the Pirates. He has a lifetime record of 68-73 with a 4.34 ERA and is equally well known for his outspoken wife, Anna.
Benson threw all of his pitches during his workout in Arizona, and a report on MLB.com said scouts were impressed.
"He's probably ahead of his normal offseason workouts," said Benson's agent, Gregg Clifton, adding that he and Benson identified the Giants as a potential fit. It is not clear how interested the Giants are. Schueler lives in Arizona and might have visited the workout as a matter of convenience.
As for third basemen, baseball people say the trade market remains tight. The Seattle Mariners, who might have shopped Adrian Beltre in a deal for pitching, would have less need with the impeding signing of free agent starter Carlos Silva. The White Sox might deal Joe Crede, who is coming off back surgery (but not first baseman Paul Konerko, whom the Sox plan to keep). Third baseman Morgan Ensberg became a free agent when the Padres declined to offer him a contract last week.
Last week, Sabean said he remained interested in incumbent Pedro Feliz, but not for the three-year contract he is seeking. A report last week that the Giants asked about former Angels third baseman Dallas McPherson was accurate, a source said, but since then the sides have moved in opposing directions.

Giants expect Sabean to stay

No fallout feared despite conflicting testimony in report

Andrew Baggarly-Mercury News

Brian Sabean has no intention of stepping down as the Giants' general manager and the club fully supports moving forward with him, a club spokesperson said Friday.

"The whole group is intact, absolutely," said Staci Slaughter, the Giants' vice president of communications.

The organization dismissed questions about whether Sabean's relationship with Giants managing partner Peter Magowan might be harmed irreparably after the two men provided conflicting information to former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell's investigation into steroid use.

The Mitchell report, released Thursday, included a 2002 incident in which Stan Conte, then the Giants' trainer, told Sabean that he suspected Barry Bonds' personal trainer, Greg Anderson, was dealing steroids in the clubhouse. Sabean took no action.

Shortly after federal agents raided Balco Laboratories and Anderson's home in September 2003, Magowan told investigators that he asked Sabean whether the Giants "had a problem" with Anderson dispensing steroids to players.

"According to Magowan, Sabean responded that he was not aware of any problem the Giants might have," the Mitchell report stated. "However, Sabean strongly denied that such a conversation occurred."

Sabean signed a two-year contract extension in July.

"Obviously, Peter has tremendous confidence in Brian and always has," Slaughter said. "He is a valued colleague and friend to him. The goal of the organization is to move forward and put the best team on the field as possible."

A baseball source said Magowan and Sabean met with Mitchell's investigators during the summer, possibly before Sabean signed his extension, and that the general manager would have worked out any issues with Magowan at that time.

Others who know Sabean said that he would move forward from the incident and that he wouldn't quit a well-compensated job that he finds personally rewarding and allows him to be close to his family.

Sabean is said to be energized by his recent hires of scouting advisers Ed Creech, John Barr and Ron Schueler, and remains focused on improving the roster by adding a cleanup hitter and relief help.

Sabean has not commented on the Mitchell report and efforts to reach him Friday were unsuccessful. Magowan was traveling in Europe and could not be reached for additional comment.

The Giants have spoken to agent Scott Boras about infielder Dallas McPherson, who became a free agent when the Los Angeles Angels did not tender him a contract. McPherson is coming off back surgery but he is a former top prospect with home run potential and could play first or third base.

...from Toronto

Toronto Sun-December 15, 2007

RIOS DEAL

San Francisco Giants general manager Brian Sabean says that after signing free-agent outfielder Aaron Rowand to a five-year deal, talks with the Jays were dead.
Well, going into the meeting the Giants said they needed to add two bats, at the meeting they said they needed two hitters and since then they have added one. Don't be surprised if the Alex Rios-for-Tim Lincecum talks re-surface before spring training.

Giants part ways with reliever Munter

Right-hander only eligible player not tendered before deadline

MLB.com-Chris Haft
Right-hander Scott Munter was the lone Giants player not to be tendered a 2008 contract before Wednesday's 9 p.m. PT deadline, casting the 6-foot-6 reliever into free agency.

The Giants tendered contracts to right-handers Vinnie Chulk, Kevin Correia and Brad Hennessey, all of whom are eligible for salary arbitration.

Munter, 27, has spent parts of the last three seasons with San Francisco. He appeared to establish himself with the Giants in 2005, posting a 2-0 record and a 2.56 ERA in 45 appearances while displaying an impressive sinking fastball. But he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow that September and never regained form afterward, posting ERAs exceeding 4.00 in the next two seasons.

Last season, Munter was 1-6 with a 4.17 ERA in 48 games at Triple-A Fresno and 1-1, with a 4.22 ERA in 12 appearances with the Giants. In what amounted to his last chance to prove himself with the Giants, Munter was 1-0 with a 2.00 ERA in 10 games for Scottsdale in the recently completed Arizona Fall League season. He allowed 13 hits and eight runs (two earned) with three walks and six strikeouts in nine innings.

Chulk was 5-4 with a 3.57 ERA in 57 games last season before a circulatory ailment robbed him of sensation in his right middle finger. He's expected to compete for a bullpen setup role in Spring Training. Correia was 4-7 with a 3.45 ERA in 59 appearances and asserted himself as a candidate for the rotation by posting a 3-1 mark with a 2.54 ERA in eight starts. Hennessey, in his first season as a full-time reliever, led the Giants with 19 saves and 69 appearances while finishing 4-5 with a 3.42 ERA.

The Giants roster stands at 39 players.

Giants sign Rowand to five-year, $60 million deal

San Francisco Chronicle-Harry Schulman

The Giants, in their first significant move to shape a team without Barry Bonds, signed free-agent center fielder Aaron Rowand to a five-year, $60 million contract on Wednesday.
For that significant investment, in both years and dollars, the Giants have secured a fifth-place hitter, an All-Star, a Gold Glove center fielder and, equally important, a personable and emotional leader who will be asked to infuse the clubhouse with the "warrior mentality" that manager Bruce Bochy complained it lacked last season.
"He's the type of guy who's going to hold everyone accountable to do the same thing he's doing, which is playing the game right and playing to win," Bochy said. The Giants could add another bat, but for now Bochy envisions Randy Winn batting third, Bengie Molina fourth and Rowand fifth.
After signing Rowand, one of the better hitters in a weak free-agent market, general manager Brian Sabean declared he will not trade pitchers Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum for offense, which means a proposed deal with Toronto for outfielder Alex Rios is dead. So, too, are talks with the Yankees for outfielder Hideki Matsui.
Sabean insisted he never actively shopped Cain or Lincecum and said, "We know the value of both individuals, believe me, and maybe more so after we've gone through this exercise. These might be the hottest two names in baseball."
Sabean will consider trading Jonathan Sanchez, other pitchers and younger outfielders to fill remaining needs - a third baseman, first baseman and relievers. Sabean will continue to pursue a contract with free-agent third baseman Pedro Feliz, not for three years, but perhaps for two. The Giants are not talking to Detroit about available third baseman Brandon Inge.
Dave Roberts will move to left field, with Nate Schierholtz, Rajai Davis and Fred Lewis destined to compete for backup roles if they are not traded. Sabean could deal Roberts but seems inclined to keep the only experienced leadoff hitter the Giants have.
Rowand, 30, was pursued by both of his former teams, neither of which wanted to give him five years. He chose the Giants after Bochy and Ron Schueler, the former White Sox GM who now works for Sabean, visited Rowand at his Las Vegas home and pitched San Francisco.
The Giants will draw criticism in some quarters for giving Rowand a five-year deal, but that is the cost of doing business in a free-agent market lacking quality hitters, and, as Sabean discovered, the cost of acquiring a potential impact hitter without surrendering Lincecum or Cain.
Sabean said that by signing Rowand the Giants helped further three offseason goals: getting younger, improving defensively and "adding a presence to our lineup."
"This guys is a tremendous all around player," Sabean said. "His no-nonsense approach is known throughout the game, including inside the clubhouse."
Rowand, 30, used another term for his approach.
"No bull--," he said.
The right-handed hitter spent five years with the Chicago White Sox, playing 157 games for the World Series title team in 2005, and played 161 games to help the Philadelphia Phillies overtake the Mets to win the National League East last season.
The career .286 hitter is coming off his best offensive season. He hit .309 with 27 homers, 89 RBIs and a .374 on-base percentage. He also won his first Gold Glove with a .995 fielding percentage.
Although his offensive numbers were inflated by playing a hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park, he hit .299 with a .368 on-base percentage, 10 homers and 41 RBIs on the road.
Beyond the numbers, Rowand is known for his fearlessness in the outfield. In 2006, he crashed into the center-field fence in Philadelphia to make a catch, and held onto the ball despite breaking his nose and bones around his left eye. Rowand said he loves the reputation as a do-or-die competitor.
"It's one thing if you say, 'Hey, that guy's a great hitter,' or, 'Hey, that guy's a great outfielder,' " Rowand said. "It's another thing when a guy shows up to play every day and that guy plays hard every day and will do whatever it takes to win every day.
"Hopefully when I'm done playing this game, that's what I'll be remembered for. If that's the only thing I got remembered for, I'd be content with that for the rest of my days."
Bochy was frustrated last season with older players who reported for work with aches and pains and declared they could not play. They view Rowand as the complete opposite, and Rowand said he told Bochy during their meeting in Las Vegas, "One thing I can promise you, I'm going to show up every day and play. I'm not going to take days off. I'm going to play whether I'm bruised up or not."

Giants sign Rowand to five-year deal

MLB.com

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants made their first major acquisition of the offseason, signing free-agent center fielder Aaron Rowand to a five-year contract on Wednesday.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, although the value of Rowand's contract was reported by the Associated Press to be $60 million.
Rowand, 30, contributed heavily last season to the Philadelphia Phillies' successful bid for the National League East title. He hit .309 while reaching personal bests in hits (189), runs (105), doubles (45), RBIs (89), total bases (315) and games (161). He also earned his first Gold Glove Award for defensive excellence.
Rowand, who bats and throws right-handed, owns a .286 batting average in seven Major League seasons, the first five with the Chicago White Sox.

Yanks Would Deal Matsui at Right Price

New York Post

Even though Hideki Matsui is a cash cow for the Yankees thanks to lucrative marketing deals that followed him from Japan, club beancounters aren't going to get in the way of the baseball operations office and demand Matsui not be traded to keep the deep revenue streams flowing.

"He makes a lot of money for (the Yankees), but it will strictly be a baseball decision," said a person familiar with the Yankees' thinking.

A baseball official said there "wasn't anything imminent" last night in regards to the Yankees dealing Matsui to the Giants for pitching.

Monday, there were solid indications Matsui would waive his no-trade clause if the Yankees asked. Agent Arn Tellem said the Yankees didn't ask Matsui to waive the clause.

Though the Yankees likely can't pry Tim Lincecum or Matt Cain from the Giants and aren't wild about Noah Lowry, they have interest in lefty Jonathan Sanchez, who appeared in 33 games last year and made four starts. He was shelved from July 4-20 with a rib cage problem. However, it's likely the Yankees would want more back in order to give up Matsui's steady bat.

The Giants called the Yankees to inquire about Matsui during last week's Winter Meetings. With Barry Bonds out of the picture, the Giants need a left fielder. However, Matsui is 33, coming off knee surgery and is owed $26 million across the next two seasons. Matsui has the right to ask for an extension if he agrees to waive the no-trade clause.

Matsui is expendable because Johnny Damon can play left field and Jason Giambi is targeted as the every-day DH.

Damon was viewed as Melky Cabrera's replacement in center if Cabrera was dealt for Johan Santana, but the Yankees have an interest in free agent center fielder Corey Patterson, and he could replace Cabrera if the Yankees rekindle the Santana deal.

*

The Yankees have to tender contracts to players by midnight tonight or they are free agents. Carl Pavano is likely to be non-tendered and re-signed on a minor-league deal. Reliever Brian Bruney, who was left off the playoff roster, is a candidate to be let go.

Mariano Rivera's representatives have signed off on the details of his three-year, $45 million deal and are waiting for the Yankees to do the same.

Killion: After all this time, Giants should have a better plan

San Jose Mercury News

Sixty-six days until Giants pitchers and catchers report for spring training.

One thousand forty-three days since a 40-year-old Barry Bonds had surgery on his knee.

Somewhere in those combined 1,109 days - between the moment it became clear that Bonds was near the end and the official beginning of life without him - one would hope the Giants had devised a real plan. A blueprint for life after Bonds.

But after the past few rumor-filled yet fruitless days, I'm not very confident of that. The Giants seem to be wandering aimlessly, trying to figure out who they are and what they're going to be.
Tim Lincecum for Alex Rios? Or some sort of trade for 34-year-old, surgically repaired Hideki Matsui? Or an enormous payday for Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome? Is that really a blueprint? Or just desperate grabs at any offense?

For years, General Manager Brian Sabean was collared with Bonds: with his huge salary, with his difficult personality. With the worn-out philosophy of filling in the gaps around Bonds with older players, of selling tickets to see record home runs, of denying that the future would ever arrive.

But it has arrived. For three seasons, since Bonds began to physically decline, the Giants could see this coming. Yet here we are. The future is finally here, and there appears to be no plan.
The Giants as currently constituted have no identity. In the 1990s, even with Bonds on the roster, they were Dusty Baker's team. After the manager left, they were unquestionably, undeniably, for better and for much, much worse, Bonds' team. Now who are they? They have the beginnings of an identity, thanks to their ballpark's parameters and their only decent drafting in recent years. They could be a pitching team. The team of Lincecum and Matt Cain. That's an identity they can build around.

It seems to be an identity fans can accept. Giants fans have been flooding the team's Web site, begging to keep Lincecum. The young pitcher provided the only true, unexpected electricity of the dismal 2007 season.

The fans seem willing to see something built. Whether Sabean can be patient in rebuilding is another story. He has a two-year contract, which means he needs to win in 2009. So he might be desperate to grab whatever offense is available rather than grow with the young pitching staff. The Giants might trade Lincecum. Or they might not. They are on the fence, unsure of which way to go. You can't really blame them for that: If you don't trade Lincecum and he breaks down like Mark Prior, you look foolish. If you do trade him and he goes on to become a stud, you regret it forever.

It's a tough choice. The problem is that the Giants have painted themselves into this corner, where trading the kid is one of their few options.

The Giants are, again, sitting on the sideline watching other teams deal. Detroit not only got the slugger the Giants could use - Miguel Cabrera - but the Tigers also got dynamic pitcher and Bay Area native Dontrelle Willis. The acquisition of Willis could have eased the pain of giving up Cain or Lincecum. But the Giants are incapable of such dynamic deals because they have few young prospects to trade.

One of the reasons is that the Giants didn't have a first-round draft pick in 2004 or 2005. They traded those picks as compensation for free-agent acquisitions. In the 2005 draft, the Marlins took their 22nd pick as compensation for Armando Benitez. That year the Giants didn't draft until the 131st pick, in the fourth round (their second pick went for the rights to Mike Matheny and their third for the rights to Omar Vizquel). In 2004, their top pick was sacrificed for the rights to Michael Tucker.

In retrospect, those were bad decisions, passing on all that young talent. Even worse were the decisions made a year ago, when the Giants not only signed Bonds but also patched the team by giving multiyear contracts to past-their-prime players such as Rich Aurilia and Dave Roberts. While the National League West got stronger and younger and more exciting, the Giants stuck with the same old game plan.

The Giants are paying the price now for their bankrupt philosophy. Will they deal the one player who provided some excitement last year? You would think, that with a 1,109-day head start, they could have come up with a better plan.

Matsui may waive no-trade clause in deal with Giants

Yahoo! Sports

The New York Yankees haven't asked Hideki Matsui to waive his no-trade clause and accept a deal to the San Francisco Giants, but there were strong indications he wouldn't object to a deal according to the New York Post.
It appears the Yankees are considering trading Matsui for pitching help. They likely can't get right-handers Tim Lincecum or Matt Cain from the Giants, but lefty Johnathan Sanchez could be the start of a Giants package. Four of Sanchez's 33 appearances last year were as a starter. He was 1-5 with a 5.88 ERA.
With Johnny Damon in left and Jason Giambi as the designated hitter, Matsui's playing time would be reduced and could be the reason he wouldn't stand in the way of a trade. In order to approve a trade, the 33-year-old, who is owed $26 million across the next two years, could seek an extension from the Giants.

MATSUI MAY 'WAIVE' BYE

George King-New York Post

The Yankees haven't asked Hideki Matsui to waive his no-trade clause and accept a deal to San Francisco, but there were strong indications last night he wouldn't stand in the way of a deal if presented to him.

When the Giants asked the Blue Jays about outfielder Alex Rios last week at the Winter Meetings, they contacted the Yankees to see if Matsui was available. According to several sources, the Giants weren't told no.

Asked last night if Matsui had told the Yankees he would accept a trade, Hank Steinbrenner danced around the touchy topic.

"I don't want to get into that stuff," Steinbrenner said. "I don't want to make any type of comment on that."

Listen closely to the silence and it's easy to reach the conclusion that the Yankees are contemplating trading Matsui for pitching help. They likely can't get right-handers Tim Lincecum or Matt Cain from the Giants, but lefty Johnathan Sanchez could be the start of a Giants package. Four of Sanchez's 33 appearances last year were as a starter. He was 1-5 with a 5.88 ERA.

"There is nothing to comment on, nobody has come to us," said Matsui's agent, Arn Tellem. "At this point it's hypothetical and I am not going to comment on hypothetical."

With Johnny Damon in left and Jason Giambi as the designated hitter, Matsui's playing time would be reduced and could be the reason he wouldn't stand in the way of a trade. In order to approve a trade, the 33-year-old, who is owed $26 million across the next two years, could seek an extension from the Giants.

On the surface, trading Matsui, who is coming back from recent knee surgery, would mean the Yankees would be retaining Melky Cabrera, a key part of their discussions with the Twins in the Johan Santana talks. However, the Yankees have an interest in free-agent center fielder Corey Patterson.

As for where Santana and the Athletics' Dan Haren will land, Steinbrenner was open-ended.

"I don't think anything will happen soon, but it could," said Steinbrenner who insists Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy won't be pack aged together for either stud pitcher.

The Red Sox continue to talk to the Twins and the Yankees are monitoring what is happening with Santana and Haren.

Matsui's knee problem, which required daily treatment from the opening of spring training, forced him to DH in 32 games last season when he batted .285 (his lowest as a Yankee) and hit 25 homers. The knee didn't keep Matsui from driving in 103 runs, the fourth time in five years he plated 100 or more. Matsui was on the disabled list in early April with a left hamstring injury and missed a dozen games.

Giants might bid for Fukudome

MORE LIKELY ROWAND

Mercury News
The Giants are interested in making a late push for outfielder Kosuke Fukudome, who was expected to announce his intentions to leave Japan for the major leagues late Monday night.

A Giants official said the club remains in the running for the Japanese free agent, whom the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres have aggressively courted. Fukudome is expected to receive a contract exceeding four years and $44 million.

Fukudome's U.S.-based agent, Joe Urbon, confirmed he has spoken with San Francisco officials but described the talks as "limited and infrequent."

The Giants are further along in discussions for free-agent outfielder Aaron Rowand, having spoken to his representative several times since last week's winter meetings. But it wouldn't be out of character for Giants General Manager Brian Sabean to strike late and fast on Fukudome.

"This process won't drag out much longer," Urbon said Monday. "If they are truly interested in Kosuke, I anticipate I'll hear more from them either tonight or tomorrow. . . . This deal could come and go before they're prepared to jump in with both feet."

The Giants are hoping to renovate their major league-worst lineup without sacrificing right-hander Tim Lincecum, who could be traded at any time to Toronto for outfielder Alex Rios. Toronto has left the Lincecum proposal on the table for more than a week, and continues to await Sabean's response. Sabean did not return a call seeking comment Monday, but last week he characterized the chances of trading Lincecum as "growing less and less with each passing day."

The Giants also kept trade talks alive with the New York Yankees for outfielder Hideki Matsui, who has more power than Fukudome but is nearly four years older and coming off knee surgery.

Godzilla heading to San Francisco? Yanks don't want Lowry

New York Post

According to a report in Sankei Sports (Tokyo), the New York Yankees are shopping Hideki Matsui. But the San Francisco Giants aren't going to move a potential ace for a 33-year-old outfielder coming off knee surgery.
According to the New York Post, Matsui, who has a complete no-trade clause and is slated to make $26 million across the next two years, faces diminished playing time next season when the Yankees plan to have Johnny Damon in left and Jason Giambi as the DH.
San Francisco's Noah Lowry doesn't interest the Yankees, who may need Matsui to play left if Melky Cabrera is dealt or to replace Giambi as the DH if he breaks down. Left-hander Jonathan Sanchez (33 games; four starts) is attractive to the Yankees, but likely would not fetch Matsui on his own.

Giants can't afford to give up quality starters

Bruce Jenkins-San Francisco Chronicle

There's no way out for the Giants. They literally can't win, whether or not they trade Tim Lincecum for Alex Rios. I'm all for a big-time gamble, especially for someone as desperate as general manager Brian Sabean, but this one just doesn't make sense.

First of all, assume under any scenario that the Giants finish last in the National League West. The Rockies, Diamondbacks and Dodgers are way out of their league (look for more key moves in L.A. in the wake of the Andruw Jones acquisition), and the Padres - 18 games up on San Francisco in the win column last year - have an edge in every category but the starting rotation. If the Giants give up Lincecum or Matt Cain, they lose that advantage, too.

Rios is going to be 27 years old next season, and while everyone recognizes him as a fine all-around player, his career numbers hardly jump off the page. Left alone without protection in the Giants' lineup, he'd likely to check in around .285 with 25 homers, 80-odd RBIs and a growing sense of frustration over teams pitching around him.

That's going to make a difference in the division? If the Giants felt they were one player away from contention, Rios would be a tremendous addition. Even if they followed up by sacrificing Noah Lowry and/or Jonathan Sanchez for the Yankees' Hideki Matsui, it would have no impact in the West. Matsui will turn 34, is coming off knee surgery, and while we're at it, why would Matsui even think of waiving his no-trade clause to play for a second-rate team in a ballpark that would diminish his home-run power?

Don't ask how the Giants improve the weakest lineup in baseball. Sabean and the Barry Bonds-obsessed ownership created that mess, and they'll need years to maneuver their way out of it. There's a lot to be said, though, for a club built around pitching, defense, hustle and belief. The Giants can get there in three or four years. Lincecum and Cain have to stay, and minor-league reports suggest there's help on the way.

According to Baseball America, the Giants had the fourth-best draft in the big leagues last June. Among high-school draftees, right-handed pitcher Tim Alderson was rated "closest to the majors" out of all positions. Madison Bumgarner was the hardest-throwing high school lefty, having hit 97 mph on the gun. There were high marks for relievers Steve Edlefsen (out of Nebraska) and Danny Otero (South Florida), both from short-season champion Salem-Keizer of the Northwest League. Maybe it all amounts to one gigantic rumor, but at least there's legitimate hope.

The Giants have a way - and one way only - to become a player in the National League. That's to assemble a staff full of lights-out pitchers. A highly impressive foundation is in place. Don't tear it down.

COMMENT: Jenkins makes some valid points; however, the Giants have prospects that are a bit further along than he alludes to regarding the desparate state of the farm system. The Giants organization had a winning percentage second only to the New York Yankees. The Yankees. It is ironic that the Yankees covet Giants prospects in the proposed Matsui talks. Talkin' Giants Baseball is in agreement with Jenkins in the premise of his story. Do not break down the foundation of an excellent pitching staff. A staff that potentially can be the foundation of the team for many years.

The Giants obviously need hitting. An opportunity was lost to enhance the team without giving up a front line pitcher by not signing Andruw Jones. Jones, by his defense alone would have benefited the staff, especially in AT&T Park. Rajai Davis demonstrated similar defensive ability in his 2007 audition after being acquired from Pittsburgh. The only apparent problem with Davis is his lack of power. As the team stands on December 8, 2007 there is a clear lack of power that is frightful for any Giant fan. The three, four and five holes still need filling. Is Matsui the answer? Only partially. Matsui, is an excellent clutch hitter. The fear of his being a left handed hitter and reduced power numbers by playing in San Francisco are overrated. Matsui is not exclusively a pull hitter. His runs batted in (rbi) ability will more than compensate for reduced home runs if that is the fear. Still, should the Giants acquire Matsui (who is ideal in the five hole), leave the Giants still needing a number three hole and clean-up hitter.

Pedro Feliz elected to forego arbitration and will now most probably move on. Feliz certainly has his liabilities, but defense is not one of them. The Giants are in need of a third sacker. Rumors persist that Scott Rolen would be a good fit with the Giants. Rolen, should he be healthy would fit the bill for the clean-up spot. The Giants could potentially acquire him without giving up Lincecum or Cain due in part to his relationship with Tony LaRussa. Health is the big issue with Rolen though. There is also speculation concerning Brandon Inge being a good fit for the Giants. Inge is known for his hustle and versatility. Inge's hitting is no better than Feliz, perhaps a bit less. The other potential answer would have been Miguel Tejada. Tejada has already been ruled out by Giants management. The third base position is a big concern. The Giants do not have a
player in the organization that is currently ready to assume Feliz' position. The future hope for the position is Angel Villalona. Villolona recently turned seventeen and finished the 2007 season at Salem-Keizer. He is probably at least three years away from being a major leaguer, if that. Perhaps, Rich Aurelia can stay healthy and fulfill the position this year with Kevin Frandsen. The short term answer is to acquire Rolen or Inge. At least that seems to have some merit in regard to improving the team's offense.

First base. Currently, Dan Ortmeier is penciled in to play first. Hopefully, he will come through. The Giants have a possible answer; again, drafted in 2007 and finished the season with Villalona. Andy D'alessio, drafted in the nineteeth round out of Clemson University impressed with his play at first base. In the Arizona League he hit .308, pounded 14 homers, and had 51 rbi in 49 games. At Salem-Keizer he hit .556 with two more home runs and 8 rbi in four games. D'alessio was drafted higher in the two previous drafts, but elected to stay on at Clemson. He was limited at Clemson due to nagging injuries in the 2007 collegiate season causing his apparent value to slip in the draft. Once again, he is at least three years away providing he continues to improve and isn't limited by injuries.

Randy Winn can probably handle the three hole, but the last two seasons have demonstrated he is more effective batting in the two hole and is a solid player.

Brian Sabean and his staff have serious work to do. Advise, keep the strength and heart of the rotation and resist trading Lincecum or Cain. This is not going to be easy, but it needs to be done. Alex Rios is a star, but not worth a player of Lincecum's potential.

Yanks, Giants reportedly talk Matsui

Deal for veteran outfielder unlikely to include Cain or Lincecum

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Yankees may have left the Winter Meetings without pulling off a major trade, but they also departed discussing a potential deal that would involve Hideki Matsui.
Sankei Sports reported on Thursday that the Giants have inquired about Matsui's availability, interested in upgrading their offense by adding the 33-year-old outfielder.
But interest alone would not create a match. Matsui has a full no-trade clause and would need to approve any deal. It was not immediately clear if the Yankees have interest in moving Matsui, who has two years and $26 million remaining on his contract.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said on Thursday that the club's priority remains with improving its pitching staff, and he said that the Yankees are willing to add to their bullpen via trade or free agency.
Coming on the heels of New York's aborted pursuit of Twins ace Johan Santana, the Giants could offer starting pitching in a potential swap -- Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum would not figure to be moved in a Matsui deal, but it is believed the Giants would consider trading others.
Noah Lowry could be one potential target for New York. The 27-year-old Lowry is coming off a 14-8 season for San Francisco in which he posted a 3.92 ERA, but his walks and strikeouts were even, 87, and he allowed 155 hits in 156 innings.
Still, Lowry would provide a veteran presence to help soak up innings. That is a concern for the Yankees, who are still sticking to unknown innings totals for youngsters Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy.
Of the three pitchers, Hughes has compiled the highest professional innings total -- 146, in 2006 -- and Cashman said this week that none of the three will be permitted to go well over 200 innings. Andy Pettitte's return helps that cause, but Mike Mussina wore down midseason, and another healthy arm would only help.

Matsui batted .285 with 25 home runs and 103 RBIs for New York in 2007, his fifth Major League season after a standout career in Japan. A .295 hitter since joining the Yankees, Matsui made 111 starts in left field and 32 more as a designated hitter this past year, undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his troubled right knee in November.

Giants hoping to hang on to Lincecum

Rios deal not ruled out, but Sabean to pursue other angles

Chris Haft-MLB.com

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Giants still think they can have it both ways: keeping right-hander Tim Lincecum while adding position players to boost the offense.
Thus, general manager Brian Sabean emphasized that he will exhaust every other possibility, through trade or free agency, to find a satisfactory hitter or two whose arrival would spare the Giants from trading Lincecum.
San Francisco is considering an offer from the Toronto Blue Jays, who would part with two-time All-Star outfielder Alex Rios to obtain the electrifying Lincecum.
Belief throughout the industry is widespread that the Giants should retain Lincecum, the 23-year-old who finished 7-5 with a 4.00 ERA and 150 strikeouts in 146 1/3 innings as a rookie in 2007. Sabean shares that sentiment, the Giants' hunger for Rios notwithstanding.
"We're not going to trade pitching for the sake of making a trade, even though the one scenario that has presented itself is a unique baseball trade," Sabean said Thursday. "Our responsibility is to try to keep as much pitching intact as we can, yet change the lineup. That's what the challenge has been."
Although baseball's Winter Meetings concluded, the Giants' search for hitters could be accelerating. Sabean said that he still has some trade options to explore and planned to intensify talks with representatives for several free agents before leaving Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, site of the Meetings. Steve Hillard, one of the agents for Japanese center fielder Kosuke Fukodome, was known to be on the premises.
"You have to flush out other alternatives so you don't have to move a certain player," Sabean said, still refusing to name Lincecum publicly. "In my estimation, I don't think this proposal on either side is going to go away. There's a luxury in that because it buys you more time."
Sabean stayed cool while one of San Francisco's National League West rivals ostensibly strengthened itself. Late Wednesday, the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a two-year, $36.2 million deal with free-agent center fielder Andruw Jones, who aroused lukewarm interest from the Giants.
"I think it would be bad business to react to other people doing business -- or overreact, let's say," said Sabean, who indicated that the Giants weren't willing to offer anything close to the salary Jones received from the Dodgers.
Other options are more affordable. Although Sabean said he didn't envision acquiring a player who earns eight figures annually, the Giants are believed to have inquired about New York Yankees left fielder Hideki Matsui, who'll receive $13 million in each of the next two seasons. Matsui will turn 34 next June, but his production remains high (.285, 25 homers, 103 RBIs in '07). To escape the Yankees' overcrowded outfield, Matsui is thought to be willing to waive his no-trade clause.

The Yankees need a proven starter -- which fits the description of Noah Lowry, who compiled a 34-31 record while the Giants finished 41 games below .500 (222-263) from 2005-07. So far, Sabean hasn't been impressed by inquiries from other teams about Lowry, who impresses NL West brethren. Arizona is known to covet Lowry, and Colorado needs starting help.
"His interest is from people I wouldn't necessarily trade him to. Draw your own conclusions," Sabean said. "I don't see that we could get value back."
Detroit third baseman Brandon Inge remains an intriguing possibility for the Giants, though his contract is mildly cumbersome ($6.2 million next year, $6.3 million in 2009 and $6.6 million in 2010). Sabean said that trading for Baltimore shortstop Miguel Tejada, who would move to third base, is no longer an option.
The Giants apparently can find a trading partner without dangling Lincecum or Matt Cain, their other prized 23-year-old right-hander. Lowry, who finished the season with a tight left elbow, is said to be throwing freely, and Sabean said that left-hander Jonathan Sanchez "has been mentioned a lot" in trade talks.
But, Sabean said, "we can't move any of these guys unless it makes good baseball sense [with] a good position player coming back. We're not interested in prospects or people who are a year or two away. They're going to have to show their face and contribute next year."
Deals done: None during the Winter Meetings. Last month, the Giants signed shortstop Omar Vizquel to a one-year, $5.3 million deal with a vesting option for 2009.
Rule 5 Draft activity: In the draft's Major League portion, the Giants selected left-hander Jose Capellan from Boston and lost left-hander Travis Blackley to Philadelphia. They took shortstop Juan Ciriaco from San Diego in the Minor League phase and lost right-hander Joe Bateman to Milwaukee.
Goals accomplished: San Francisco left Nashville with its prized starting rotation intact but still might have to part with a talented arm or two to obtain the hitter(s) needed to bolster the lineup.
Unfinished business: Besides filling that gaping hole in the 3-4-5 spots in the batting order, the Giants also must try to add bullpen depth. They could pursue free-agent bargains in both areas.
GM's bottom line: "I'm hoping that people will take a step back and everybody will revisit what their options are and open up more conversation." -- Sabean, on the possibility of trade talks accelerating with other clubs.

Lincecum for Rios? Not yet

Giants and Jays could still swap young stars after meetings

John Shea-San Francisco Chronicle

Tim Lincecum's nickname is "The Franchise," and that helps explain why Giants management is having such a tough time deciding whether to trade him.

The Blue Jays have settled on Lincecum - not Matt Cain - and a Lincecum-for-Alex Rios deal, straight up, remained on the table Wednesday night. Giants general manager Brian Sabean said there's no timetable to pull the trigger and that the trade could be completed after the winter meetings end today.

Apparently, it's in the Giants' corner.

They're not rushing to judgment because Lincecum is a star-in-the-making who, at 23, already has won over Giants fans with his confident demeanor and explosive fastball.

It's no wonder management is split. Some in the organization are adamant about keeping Lincecum, and some are keen on welcoming Rios and giving a rotation job to Jonathan Sanchez. Some are neutral.

"Everyone sees the merit of both sides of the argument," Sabean said without mentioning Lincecum by name. "That's what makes it a difficult decision. In this case, whether you make the trade or don't make the trade, there's relative upside and relative cost.

"It has to be weighed because of the pain when you're talking about the type of player you have to give up. That's a loss that you won't be able to cover. You can make adjustments internally in the rotation, but talent-wise, you're really taking a step back, present and future."

While the club's two biggest transactions last winter, the signing of Barry Zito and re-signing of Barry Bonds, were largely handled by ownership, Sabean and his inner circle would be more visible in calling the shots on this one.

"This would be an organizational decision," he said. "One person, whether it's myself or one strong voice, isn't going to make that decision. It's going to be in the best interest of the organization. I apprise (ownership) on everything I do. More succinctly, it's the baseball operations people who have to cross this bridge."

Sabean spoke with Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi again Wednesday and will remain in contact if he leaves today without a deal. "There are still a couple of things that need to be fleshed out. I don't know if it would happen with one call," Sabean said.

A player of Rios' status is necessary if the Giants' anemic offense is to be respectable. The right fielder batted .297 with 24 homers and 85 RBIs in 161 games and scored 114 runs while swiping 17 bases. He's three years from free agency.

Even with Rios, the Giants would search for more help. One option remains Tadahito Iguchi, a second baseman who wants to play on the West Coast. His agent, Rocky Hall, is seeking a three-year deal and said he spoke with the Giants about Iguchi playing third in 2008, and after Ray Durham's contract expires, moving to second.

The Giants don't have many other options at third base. They don't expect Pedro Feliz to accept arbitration Friday, meaning his Giants career could officially end. He's seeking a three-year deal, which the Giants won't offer.

They're not involved in talks for Brandon Inge, the Tigers' third baseman who became expendable after Miguel Cabrera was traded to Detroit, and view free agent Mike Lamb more as a first baseman.

One possibility is staying in-house and moving second baseman Kevin Frandsen to third and keeping Durham at second. A costlier option is a trade for Baltimore's Miguel Tejada and sliding him from short to third.

On the pitching front, the Giants have considered left-handed reliever Ron Mahay, who was 3-0 with a 2.55 ERA in 58 games for Texas and Atlanta. The escalating cost of relievers may keep the Giants out of the market, though Mahay said in a Wednesday phone interview being a Giant would be intriguing.

"That would be huge, especially for spring training," said Mahay, who lives in Arizona.

Manager Bruce Bochy said Wednesday there were talks in spring training and again in the season about Lincecum possibly becoming a closer. For now, Bochy added, Brian Wilson will open spring training as the closer.

Lincecum-Rios quandary could linger

Sabean still debating merits of trading pitching for power

Chris Haft-MLB.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Deciding whether they need Tim Lincecum more than they do Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Alex Rios is an issue the Giants could ponder for days after the Winter Meetings end on Thursday.

Trading Lincecum, their promising right-hander, remains a possibility for the Giants, who sorely need a hitter of Rios' skill.

"It's still alive," Sabean said on Wednesday of the potential deal.

But without naming Lincecum, Sabean acknowledged that the Giants are still examining the merits of trading a 23-year-old with Cy Young Award-winning talent for a 26-year-old who's already a two-time All-Star. The Giants would love to maintain their starting rotation as is, but after finishing last in the National League West and ranking close to or at the bottom of most major offensive categories, they realize that they might have to take drastic measures to upgrade their offense.

"It's unique because of the principals involved," Sabean said. "That's what's compelling about it."

Another compelling thought is the notion that Lincecum's tantalizing 24-game stint in 2007, which featured 150 strikeouts in 146 1/3 innings, could represent his only activity with the Giants.

"It all has to be weighed because of the pain, when you're talking about the type of player you have to give up," Sabean said. "That's a loss that, in my mind, you won't be able to cover yourself. You can make adjustments internally in the rotation, but talent-wise, you're really taking a step back, present and future."

Having talked with J.P. Ricciardi on Wednesday, Sabean said that he probably won't negotiate further with his Blue Jays counterpart before the Winter Meetings conclude. This leaves the Giants free to continue their debate, which Sabean said will be made in concert with his baseball operations staff.

"One person, whether it's myself or one strong voice, isn't going to make this decision," he said. "... I think everybody sees the merits of both sides of the argument. That's what makes it a difficult decision. And most good things are usually difficult decisions. In this case, whether you make the trade or don't, there's relative upside and relative cost."

Sabean said that the Giants faced no deadline for a decision. Asked if this issue could linger for weeks, he replied, "I really can't say."

He insisted that the Lincecum-Rios quandary hasn't hampered the Giants' other player acquisition efforts, although they've made no significant offseason moves other than re-signing 40-year-old shortstop Omar Vizquel.

"The good thing about [having] no timetable is that it allows us to do other business," he said.

Asked if the ball rested in the Giants' court, Ricciardi told Toronto reporters, "I don't know. ... I just think we don't have much dialogue left. We're just waiting to see what their thoughts are on some things. We'd be willing to do some [different] things. I think they're weighing a lot of things on their end for other options."

Ricciardi could understand the Giants' reluctance to part with Lincecum, widely regarded as a potential co-staff ace with fellow 23-year-old right-hander Matt Cain -- whom the Blue Jays also coveted.

"I think when you look at the game the way it is, the hardest thing to get is pitching," Ricciardi said, implying that trading a talent such as Rios is also difficult. "I would rather not do that, but pitching is such a prime commodity that that's probably the price you have to pay. Any time you can pitch, you've got the advantage."

The Giants sensed that they owned an advantage whenever Lincecum, 7-5 with a 4.00 ERA in his rookie season, took the mound. Asked if he liked the Giants' rotation even if it were missing "one component," Sabean replied, "Not necessarily, because you would have to see what you'd do to fill that spot."

Left-hander Jonathan Sanchez, the 25-year-old who has struck out 95 batters in 92 Major League innings, would be Lincecum's likely replacement.

"Not that that's a bad option, but he'd have some big shoes to fill," Sabean said.

Economics could be another factor the Giants are considering. Rios, who earned $2.35 million last season, is likely to receive hefty raises through salary arbitration until he becomes eligible for free agency following the 2010 season. By contrast, Lincecum won't be eligible for salary arbitration until after the 2009 season.

But if the Giants don't obtain Rios, and should they fall short in their lukewarm pursuit of free-agent center fielder Andruw Jones, they could enter the 2008 season with essentially the same offensive underachievers from 2007. Sabean indicated that engineering two trades that would bring San Francisco hitting in return would be challenging. And, he noted, "There aren't many free-agent options that are significant acquisitions."

Jays dangling Rios for Cain

San Francisco Chronicle

Would the Giants trade Matt Cain for Alex Rios?

Late Tuesday, it was learned that the "interesting" proposal Brian Sabean had mentioned Monday involved Rios, the Blue Jays' outfielder. He has three more years of arbitration eligibility before becoming eligible for free agency after the 2010 season.

The Blue Jays want Cain for Rios, according to a high-ranking Toronto official, and the Giants seem more willing to part with Tim Lincecum.

Rios, who turns 27 in February, batted .297 with 24 homers and 85 RBIs in 161 games. He scored 114 runs and stole 17 bases. He could be a perfect fit for the Giants and the National League, considering his vast all-around game (minus his range in right field) and favorable contract situation. He made $2.5 million this year.

The Giants need a young hitter with pop to replace Barry Bonds and make the team respectable again, and the Blue Jays need more pitching to keep up with the Yankees and Red Sox in the American League East.

Though Sabean has suggested Cain and Lincecum are virtual untouchables, the Blue Jays could have an offer that's too good to pass up as they zero in on the promising young pitchers, who are either the foundation of the Giants' future or the bait that rebuilds an anemic offense.

Toronto wants Cain instead of Lincecum because Lincecum isn't as proven as a big-leaguer and could have durability issues because of his slight frame and irregular mechanics. Conversely, Cain could evolve into a Curt Schilling type, a horse of a pitcher with an overpowering repertoire.

"There's only one scenario that is intriguing," said Sabean, referring to trade offers for either of his two young pitchers, "but it's not intriguing enough to pull the trigger."

That could change. The teams were scheduled to talk again here. The Giants could sweeten a Lincecum package with other players or agree to surrender Cain.

"We need to decide internally the weight of it," Sabean said.

It's a tough call for Sabean, who hasn't had the luxury of two starting pitchers with so much upside since he became the GM more than a decade ago. Cain and Lincecum are both 23.

Cain's 7-16 record last season is misleading. The bullpen blew five saves and the offense scored two or fewer runs in 21 of his 32 starts. He had a 3.65 ERA, and batters hit .235 off him, seventh lowest in the league.

Lincecum debuted in 2007 and went 7-6 with a 4.00 ERA in 24 starts. He struck out 150 batters in 1461/3 innings. With the Giants out of contention early, Lincecum was a refreshing newcomer and helped keep Giants fans awake with his impressive stuff.

The Blue Jays' brass got familiar with Lincecum on Monday after watching video of his delivery, and general manager J.P. Ricciardi seemed determined to move Rios to upgrade his rotation.

"You have to pitch to win our division," said Ricciardi, who spoke to reporters of an outfield without Rios, with Adam Lind in left, Vernon Wells in center and Reed Johnson or Matt Stairs in right.

There was talk that the Blue Jays spoke with the Giants about Lincecum, offering Lind instead of Rios. The Blue Jays probably would need to offer more, and want to shed third baseman Troy Glaus and his hefty contract. The Giants have no interest in Glaus, who has been linked to the Florida pharmacy being investigated for steroid distribution.

Rios is familiar with the Giants' ballpark, having played in this year's San Francisco-hosted All-Star Game. Unlike Bonds, he participated in the Home Run Derby and hit the most homers (19) but finished second in the competition after losing the final round to Vladimir Guerrero.

Lincecum or Cain for Rios?

MercuryNews

NASHVILLE - There is little debate that Alex Rios would be an ideal fit in a Giants uniform. The Toronto Blue Jays star peppered the left-field bleachers at AT&T Park during his runner-up finish at the All-Star home run derby in July.

But is Matt Cain or Tim Lincecum too high a price to pay?

The Giants front office is torn over that question, and two days into the winter meetings, General Manager Brian Sabean made it clear the points and counterpoints were still being tossed around the club's suite.

Sabean said only one team remained in play to acquire either Lincecum or Cain. Sources confirmed that the Blue Jays were that team.

"It's intriguing, but not enough to pull the trigger," Sabean said. "There are things we've shut off and things we've kept alive. That's something we've kept alive."

Sabean met with Blue Jays officials again Tuesday to refine the structure of a deal. While Toronto is pushing to include infielder Troy Glaus and his unattractive contract, the Giants told the Blue Jays they aren't interested.

The Giants are seeking an improved proposal, and catching prospect Robinzon Diaz, catcher/first baseman Curtis Thigpen and right-hander Brett Cecil among the quality pieces the Blue Jays might agree to move. Cecil, a hard-throwing reliever, was a 2007 draftee and would be included as a player to be named.

The Giants are far from committed to getting something done, though. They are conflicted because they understand the value of quality pitching, especially in the National League West with its low-scoring games and generously sized ballparks.

But they also place a high value on Rios, a five-tool talent who won't be a free agent until 2010. The 26-year-old has been an All-Star the past two seasons; he hit .297 with 24 home runs and 85 RBIs while playing in 161 games. He has a terrific arm, plays an athletic right field and runs the bases well.

Giants Manager Bruce Bochy managed Rios on an exhibition tour of Japan last year and is said to be enamored with the player.

As a right-handed power hitter, he would be ideal for the middle of the Giants lineup; if the club acquired Rios and made a successful run at free-agent center fielder Andruw Jones, the offense would be transformed both for the short and long term.

Sabean confirmed that he met with Jones' agent, Scott Boras, on Tuesday but described talks as broad. Sabean said the club has not made any offers for free agents, but he was complimentary when asked about Jones, a 10-time Gold Glove winner who hit just .222 last season.

"On the basis of his track record alone, all those Gold Gloves," Sabean said. "Everybody in baseball knows what he can do. He just had a down year on-base-percentage wise and average wise."

The Giants would be eager participants if they could sign Jones to a realistic deal, perhaps in the three-year, $50 million range. They would be tempted to up the stakes if the Los Angeles Dodgers get involved, as expected.

For the moment, the Giants' key decision is whether to sacrifice Lincecum, who had among the best pure stuff of any major league pitcher while striking out 150 in 146 innings as a rookie last season.

The Blue Jays like Cain just as much but value the fact that Lincecum will be under club control for an extra year. Also, the Giants are thought to want more for Cain, whom they grade higher in terms of durability and mental makeup.

Giants officials are acting as if they expect to trade a pitcher. They have touched base with the agent for right-hander Carlos Silva. They also met with the agent for Japanese pitcher Hiroki Kuroda but balked at the asking price.

Other teams are asking about left-hander Noah Lowry, but a source said Giants officials have been shocked by low-ball offers and doubt they will trade the 14-game winner.

The Giants did not make a late push for Florida's Miguel Cabrera, who was headed to Detroit in a blockbuster trade. Sabean said he knew the chances of acquiring Cabrera were nil even before he arrived in Nashville.

Club officials quickly dismissed rumors about Seattle first baseman Ben Broussard or free-agent outfielder Shawn Green. They met the agent for Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome, but a club official described it as "tire-kicking."

They certainly want no part of Glaus, who is coming off foot surgery and is a liability at third base. The Giants envision starting Kevin Frandsen at third if they cannot acquire an alternative.

That would leave second base open for Ray Durham, whom the Giants aren't ready to quit on yet - especially since he's entering a contract year. A member of the Giants medical staff will travel from Nashville to Charlotte after the winter meetings to check on Durham's conditioning.

"I don't think he's done as a baseball player," Sabean said of Durham.

Giant Tidbits...more from Nashville

San Francisco Chronicle

Lincecum's future: Despite Tim Lincecum trade rumors sweeping through the lobbies at the winter meetings, Giants GM Brian Sabean proclaimed Lincecum and Matt Cain as virtually untouchable, though he's still trying to trade pitching (Noah Lowry and Jonathan Sanchez would be next in line) for hitting.
"We haven't been blown away yet," said Sabean, adding he met with five possible trade partners Monday. He didn't reveal names of teams, but it was learned one was the Orioles, who are shopping shortstop Miguel Tejada, who has two years and $26 million left on his contract and could move to third base.
Red flags would be the position change, his contract and his age more than steroid finger-pointing, a club source said.
Sabean said one team made an "interesting" offer for Lincecum. Among the rumors: The Reds parting with outfielder Jay Bruce, a blue-chip prospect, or a package involving third baseman Edwin Encarnacion; the Blue Jays parting with outfielder Alex Rios.
"We'll figure out a team and a lineup," Sabean said. "But if you don't pitch in our division, you're in trouble."
Other expensive players on the trade front include Richie Sexson and Scott Rolen, who is represented by the same agents (Sam and Seth Levinson) who represent Pedro Feliz. The Giants say they wouldn't be interested in re-signing Feliz (who's getting interest from the Cardinals and Phillies) if he continues pushing for a three-year deal, but Seth Levinson said, "The Giants are still very much in the mix."
On the free-agent front, the Giants plan to speak with Joe Urbon, the agent for Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukodome, who has close ties to John Cox, one of the club's Pacific Rim scouts. Andruw Jones, despite his expected price tag, remains a possibility.
Despite reports that the Giants would deal Bengie Molina, the only returning run-producer, Sabean said the reports generated from a team inquiring about the catcher.
The Giants recently checked out former A's reliever Keiichi Yabu for a possible minor-league contract.

Giants pursuing third-base possibilities

Cabrera Traded to Detroit..Giants are linked to Rolen, Tejada and Glaus

Chris Haft-MLB.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Giants were believed to have maintained trade discussions for a third baseman who could fill part of their void in the middle of the batting order Tuesday at baseball's Winter Meetings.

The buzz linking San Francisco to St. Louis third baseman Scott Rolen continued to increase. The Cardinals' top personnel needs include an established starting pitcher and a leadoff hitter. The Giants could meet either, or both, by offering left-hander Noah Lowry or outfielder Dave Roberts.

Rolen's assets are many. He's a five-time All-Star who owns a .283 average with 261 home runs and 1,012 RBIs in 12 seasons. Offensively, he potentially would represent an improvement over Pedro Feliz, the Giants' previous third baseman who's a free agent, due to his superior ability to draw walks and get on base. Defensively, Rolen remains a premier performer as a seven-time Gold Glove winner.

But Rolen would come with some risks. Although Rolen's only 23 days older than Feliz (both turn 33 next April), he has a history of shoulder and back injuries. An ailing left shoulder limited Rolen to 112 games last season, when he batted .265 with eight homers and 58 RBIs before he underwent season-ending surgery on Sept. 11. In 2005, trouble with the same shoulder allowed Rolen to play only 56 games. Since Rolen's still owed $12 million a year each of the next three seasons, whoever employs him would be gambling expensively on his health.

It's believed that Rolen would waive his no-trade clause, due to lingering differences with Cardinals manager Tony La Russa.

The Giants discussed trade possibilities Monday with the Baltimore Orioles about shortstop Miguel Tejada, creating the possibility of follow-up talks. Tejada, a shortstop, would move to third base if he joined San Francisco.

Talk of the Giants acquiring Toronto third baseman Troy Glaus appeared to be exaggerated. The Blue Jays were rumored to have suggested a deal sending either Glaus or right fielder Alex Rios to San Francisco for right-hander Tim Lincecum -- which might have been the "interesting proposal" Giants general manager Brian Sabean cited Monday.

But Toronto values Rios (.297, 24 homers, 85 RBIs in 2007) as much as the Giants do Lincecum. And Glaus carries plenty of baggage: He underwent left foot surgery in mid-September; he was accused of receiving performance-enhancing drugs from a Florida pharmacy in 2003 and 2004; and he has only one year remaining on his contract at $12.75 million. Sabean indicated that he'd prefer to avoid obtaining players who'd be eligible for free agency so soon, expressing his preference for "longer-term" rather than "transitional" performers.

Winter Meetings

Speaking with reporters who cover the Blue Jays, Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi downplayed trade talks with the Giants.

"To be honest with you, I think there's not a lot going on," Ricciardi said. "So that's probably taken on a life of its own. We have talked to the Giants, but nothing to the point where some of the names that have been mentioned [in the media] have been mentioned [in the discussions]."

Giants all ears at baseball meetings

Andrew Baggarly-Mercury News

NASHVILLE - The Giants had their ears wide open in Music City on Monday, but they didn't hear anything to make them leap out of their chairs and dance.
As the winter meetings sprung into action, there was no movement on coveted young pitchers Matt Cain or Tim Lincecum and Giants General Manager Brian Sabean said he was close to declaring both right-handers completely off-limits.
"We haven't been blown away yet," Sabean said. "One team made an interesting proposal but I don't know if it's something we're going to pursue."
Sabean said the one proposal on the table did not involve acquiring Florida's Miguel Cabrera, who remains a heavy favorite to end up with the Angels.
With talk of Cain and Lincecum dominating every meeting, Sabean said he was just about ready to close shop and move ahead on other proposals.
"It may in fact be inhibiting some of the other business we could do," Sabean said. "If somebody holds out hope they could get one of those particular pitchers, it detours you away from other conversations."
Belief within the industry is that the Giants must move Lincecum to address a lineup that had a .387 slugging percentage, the worst among all major league teams.
"They'll trade him," a Reds official said. "They have to."
Sabean disputed that notion, saying the Giants must seek to compete behind its pitching staff and pointing out that other NL West teams - the Diamondbacks and Padres, chiefly - were contenders despite an offense that was just as meager.
"I don't feel pressure, nor am I getting pressure, to trade pitching to quote-unquote fill out the lineup," Sabean said. "We'll figure out a team and a lineup. But if you don't pitch in our division, you're in trouble."
One proven run producer that could be acquired without sacrificing Cain or Lincecum is Baltimore shortstop Miguel Tejada, who would move to third base. The Giants continued to discuss Tejada, with left-hander Jonathan Sanchez, right-hander Brad Hennessey, outfielder Fred Lewis and catcher Guillermo Rodriguez among the names that interested the Orioles.
But a Giants source said there was little movement on the Tejada front; Sabean's top lieutenants are roughly split on whether the former A's star would be a good fit at all, considering that he might not be happy about switching positions.
Still, Tejada is a proven run producer and his contract ($26 million over the next two years) isn't out of line for an everyday player with the potential to hit 30 home runs and drive in 100.
Tejada's name also could surface in Sen. George Mitchell's investigation into past steroid use, but the Giants weren't said to be dissuaded from any players because of the report.
The Giants need a third baseman because it appears Pedro Feliz will get a multiyear contract elsewhere. Feliz's agents also represent Scott Rolen and were pushing for the St. Louis Cardinals to trade the Gold Glove third baseman - likely to Milwaukee or Texas - and then sign Feliz. The Phillies also consider Feliz an option.
Because Feliz is a Type B free agent who was offered arbitration, the Giants would receive a supplemental first-round pick if he signs elsewhere.
With the Giants in need of so many things, it was easy for lobby-patrolling rumor hounds to connect them to almost every player rumored to be on the move.
The Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds were known to be two teams in pursuit of Lincecum and able to offer a variety of younger position players. The rough outline of a deal with Seattle would have reshaped both franchises, with the Mariners potentially shedding first baseman Richie Sexson and the Giants moving veteran infielder Ray Durham or Rich Aurilia.
Sabean was struck by the creativity of one proposal for Lincecum, but said he was "not leaning toward" pushing ahead with it.
He said every trade conversation involved giving up young pitching for "all people who are established in one form or another."
While catcher Bengie Molina has come up in rumors, Sabean said interest was limited to one team, the New York Mets, who subsequently acquired catcher Brian Schneider from Washington.
In other news, two Giants haven't fared well in the winter leagues. Shortstop Omar Vizquel heated up to raise his average to .217 in Venezuela while right-hander Merkin Valdez has not impressed while pitching in the Dominican league. One scout said Valdez, who missed all of 2007 because of reconstructive elbow surgery, was topping out at 91 mph.
"He's just a guy now," the scout said of Valdez, who used to touch 99 mph.

Giants, Astros Interested In Miguel Tejada

MLB Trade Rumors

Friend of MLBTR Jeff Zrebiec reports on the Orioles Winter Meetings situation. All Orioles are available, and Miguel Tejada and Erik Bedard figure to be in all sorts of rumors.

A few days ago Zrebiec named the Yankees, Mets, Mariners, Angels, and Dodgers as the teams that have inquired on Bedard. Today he adds the Diamondbacks to that list.

As for Tejada, we know he's a fallback option if the Halos can't acquire Miguel Cabrera. One new one is the Giants, who have an opening at third base. The Orioles won't pry Matt Cain or Tim Lincecum loose, but maybe Jonathan Sanchez would be a start. Hard to see the two teams matching up though. Plus Tejada makes little sense for the Giants.

Meanwhile, Jon Heyman confirms the Giants' interest and adds the Astros to the mix. They've been interested in before, but Roy Oswalt was a part of those talks way back when. These days the O's have interest in Adam Everett, Michael Bourn, and various prospects. Hopefully they can do better than that!

Winter Meeting Rumors (Giants-Reds)

Several rumors from the Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tennessee. The Cincinnati Reds are looking for pitching...the Giants, hitting. Two rumors have surfaced during the first day at Opryland.

According to MLB.com's Jim Molony, the Reds are interested in the Giants' Tim Lincecum (who isn't). Molony says the Reds won't include Jay Bruce in any deal, however. Why inquire then? Why would the Giants give up their best player for anything less than the Reds' top prospect? I guess it didn't hurt to ask.

At any rate, it's cool to see teams actually talking about even swaps of young players to fill their needs. So many trades these days are really just poor teams dumping off expensive stars to the rich ones.

The Reds want to acquire a starter, but they spent all their money on Francisco Cordero. The plan is to trade a young player for a cheap starter. Joey Votto and especially Jay Bruce would be near impossible to acquire. However the Reds will listen on Josh Hamilton and Edwin Encarnacion. They never seemed to like Encarnacion. Crasnick thinks the Cubs could work for Hamilton but they'd need to pony up more than Sean Marshall. Would Rich Hill be too much? It's been said in the past that the Rangers inquired on Hamilton. The Giants, meanwhile, would love to pry Encarnacion loose - Noah Lowry anyone?

Another version (XM Radio) has the Reds sending Jay Bruce and Edwin Encarnacion for Lincecum and an un-named Giants player.

Time to deal in Nashville

John Shea-San Francisco Chronicle
Most Giants front-office officials arrived here Sunday night, on the eve of the first day of the winter meetings. The A's contingent is coming later today. After all, the A's appear to be in no hurry to unload their starting pitchers.

"Obviously, we're in a good position," Oakland assistant general manager David Forst said. "We don't have to make a move. We don't have to be put on someone else's timetable."

Things are a lot more fast-paced on the Johan Santana watch. The Twins could move their left-hander in the next day or two, and they're playing the Red Sox and Yankees against each other for the highest bid.

Until a deal is consummated - along with a contract extension for Santana, who can be a free agent next winter - the A's will be in a holding pattern. But the moment Santana is dealt, the runner-up in the bidding and all other clubs hoping to add a proven starter will be knocking on the door of the A's suite at the grossly oversized Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.

Dan Haren and Joe Blanton are considered trade bait in Oakland's quest to (a) fill other holes in an effort to win next year or (b) fill other holes in an effort to win down the road. The magnitude of the offers the A's receive could determine how they'll strategically approach 2008.

There's more urgency with the Red Sox and Yankees, and isn't there always? The Red Sox won the World Series but are trying to trade for and sign Santana, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, for two reasons: Because they don't want him in Yankees' hands. And because they can.

The Yankees slapped a deadline on Santana talks, senior VP Hank Steinbrenner saying Sunday that if the Twins don't accept the Yankees' proposal - pitcher Phil Hughes, center fielder Melky Cabrera and a minor-leaguer - by today, it'll be taken off the table. "It's not a bluff," Steinbrenner said .Though the Yankees have refused to include pitcher Joba Chamberlain in any offer, the Red Sox reportedly are considering upping the ante by including outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury in a four-player package. If Ellsbury's involved, pitcher Jon Lester wouldn't be. If Lester is involved, no Ellsbury.

The team that acquires Santana, whose career record is 93-44 with a 3.22 ERA, would have a 72-hour window to extend his contract. Other teams wouldn't wait for an extension to be arranged before pushing A's GM Billy Beane for Haren or Blanton.

In either case, the Twins will be less of a team without Santana and Torii Hunter, now a very rich Angel. If Santana goes, it's possible the Twins could dump other contracts, including Joe Nathan's. The All-Star closer, like Santana, can be a free agent after next season.

"There's a lot of hype and talk," Nathan said as he checked into the hotel Sunday night. "Obviously, if you're trading a player of Johan's caliber, you hope your team will get back at least two or three guys who can help you next year. But right now, I expect Johan will be our No. 1 starter in '08."

He might be the only one.

Nathan, who attended Sunday's Texans-Titans game, lives two hours away in Knoxville and said he's here to visit with his agents and hang out with Giants personnel. He said he's not here to push the Twins for an extension, but he did smile when acknowledging his old team in San Francisco needs a closer.

"I read that. I heard the Brewers do as well," said Nathan, who became a Twin in November 2003 in the trade that landed the Giants catcher A.J. Pierzynski.

The Giants need far more than a closer. They need lots more offense, and GM Brian Sabean is focused, among other things, on finding a third baseman. He did tender arbitration to free agent Pedro Feliz on Saturday, meaning the Giants would receive a draft pick if he signs elsewhere. It also means they're still willing to take on Feliz for another year or two, but not three.

Sabean didn't offer arbitration to Barry Bonds or Ryan Klesko. If Bonds were offered arbitration, he could accept it, in effect becoming a signed player and cashing in with a huge contract.

The A's offered arbitration to Shannon Stewart and Mike Piazza - who seems willing to play another year - if only to receive draft picks as compensation.

Sabean said he expects a lot of trade activity over the next four days. "I hope so," he said, "if everyone can find their way back and forth through the lobby."