Henry Schulman - San Francisco Chronicle (SFGate)
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 beyond?
Sabean said it could be 2009, so even if the Giants will not rent a player who is eligible for free agency this winter, they would consider a player who is signed for one more year.
"I think you have to be open minded because of the division we're in," Sabean said Tuesday.
Blalock was such a player. So is Seattle third baseman Adrian Beltre, who is signed for $12 million in 2009, the final year of his contract. The Giants like Beltre, believing he would thrive in the more fastball-oriented National League, but a source said they have not exchanged names with the Mariners.
The Giants' belief that they could contend next year in a weak NL West is one reason there is little chance they will trade catcher Bengie Molina, whom the Marlins would love to get. As much as the Giants like Double-A catcher Pablo Sandoval and first-round draft pick Buster Posey (still unsigned), they would be reluctant to head into 2009 without an experienced big-league catcher. Too much rides on that position defensively, and the Giants might not be able to replace Molina's production.
The Marlins are said to be dangling first baseman Mike Jacobs, who has 22 home runs this year. John Bowker, at 24 is three years younger and, in the Giants' eyes, could become a better hitter than Jacobs.
Meanwhile, teams are stepping up conversations about left-handed reliever Jack Taschner, but again, the Giants are reluctant to deal a commodity - namely, a left-handed setup man whom the team can control for the next three years - that would not be easily replaced.
Briefly: Jose Castillo started at second base for the second straight game. Manager Bruce Bochy said the Giants want to evaluate him as a potential second baseman for the future. ...Head trainer Dave Groeschner estimates Noah Lowry might throw off a mound in two weeks if all goes well with his current work.
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