Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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November 19

ESPN.com

columnist Jayson Stark

"We're hearing that the Marlins' Dan Uggla trade talk with the Giants and Rangers got "pretty hot and heavy" at the GM meetings, according to one baseball man. Florida has told other clubs that if it doesn't get what it wants, it will keep Uggla and deal someone else from its pool of arbitration-eligible players -- a group that includes Jorge Cantu, Cody Ross, Alfredo Amezaga and Ricky Nolasco. But Uggla still looms as the runaway winner of all Most Likely To Be An Ex-Marlin contests."

Big Unit is last Giant to file for free agency

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November 17

MLB.com

"Randy Johnson left open the possibility of returning for a 22nd Major League season by filing for free agency Monday. This marks the second consecutive offseason in which Johnson, 46, has opted for free agency. Last December, he left the Arizona Diamondbacks to sign a one-year, $8 million contract with the Giants. Johnson's season in San Francisco was a memorable one, featuring his 300th career victory June 4 in the opener of a doubleheader at Washington. But Johnson injured his left (throwing) shoulder on July 5 against Houston in what proved to be his 17th and final start of the season. He recovered in time to make five relief appearances in September, but the 303-game winner clearly ..."

Giants trying to bring Uribe back in '10

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November 11

Foxsports.com

"The Giants are still talking with infielder Juan Uribe about coming back to the team in 2010, sources said today. Uribe's representatives touched base with Giants general manager Brian Sabean again today as the GM meetings adjourned. The team was satisfied with Uribe's production as a part-time player this year."

Interest in Uggla ... at third base

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November 11

Foxsports.com

"The two teams showing the most interest in Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla would move him to third base. The Giants and Orioles are the clubs in strongest pursuit of Uggla, according to major-league sources. The Red Sox also have inquired, envisioning Uggla as a potential replacement for free agent Jason Bay in left field. Uggla, 29, projects to earn approximately $8 million in arbitration. But in four major-league seasons, he has averaged 30 homers and 90 RBIs. For the Giants, he would represent a more affordable addition than Bay or Matt Holliday. The Giants would play Uggla at third, Edgar Renteria at shortstop, Freddy Sanchez at second and Pablo Sandoval at first. If Uggla went to the ..."

Will Giants pay for some pop?

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November 11

Foxsports.com

"The Giants need a bat. Matt Holliday and Jason Bay are free agents. Does two plus two equal say, $100 million, for one of those players? "It's not a particularly attractive or foolproof group of people," Giants general manager Brian Sabean told reporters on Tuesday. "You know the two big names. You know how that's going to go. At the end of the day, it's going to be a high-stakes poker game. They're going to be big signings." So, is Sabean interested? "You've got to be realistic," he said. "If they really want to come to San Francisco ... we'll gauge it that way. If they are people who are sincerely interested in San Francisco, we'll be interested." Translation: Sabean does not want to be ..."

Giants GM expands on team's offensive desires

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November 11

Foxsports.com

"Giants general manager Brian Sabean was looking for offense at the trade deadline. And he's still searching for it now. "We're going to need one or two legitimate hitters who are definitive upgrades," he said. Key to the Giants' plans is that slugger Pablo Sandoval can play either first or third base. His defensive position in 2010 could be determined by where the best available upgrade is. "He's about average at both positions," Sabean said. San Francisco has previously shown interest in Florida second baseman Dan Uggla, who some believe could play third."

Aurilia files for free agency

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November 11

MLB.com

"Infielder Rich Aurilia became the sixth Giant to file for free agency, casting himself into the open market Tuesday. Aurilia knows that he won't return to the Giants, with whom he spent 11 of his 14 Major League seasons. It's also questionable whether he'll draw much interest from other teams after hitting .213 with two home runs and 16 RBIs in 60 games while turning 38 last season. Having evolved into a cornerman, Aurilia started 16 games at first base and six at third in 2009."

Around the majors

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November 10

SI.com

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"• Andy Pettitte has indicated to teammates that he is leaning toward returning to the Yankees for one more year. If they need it for further convincing, one of the Yankees' sales points will be that 10-15 more wins will aid his Hall of Fame candidacy. • The Phillies are expected to try to lock up Cliff Lee, though with a year to go before free agency, they'll be looking at something less than nine figures. • While the Phillies declined the option on defensively adept third baseman Pedro Feliz for $5.5 million, they're interested in bringing him back at a slightly lower figure. • The Red Sox will still consider Alex Gonzalez after declining his $6 million option and also look at free agent ..."

Giants prospect Angel Villalona released from jail

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November 10

San Jose Mercury News

"Giants prospect Angel Villalona is out of jail, but his future remains in doubt. The slugging 19-year-old first baseman, who is charged with murder in the Sept. 19 barroom shooting death of a man in the Dominican Republic, was released on bail last Friday, according to an Associated Press report from the island nation. With rumors abounding of a lucrative payoff, the family of the deceased man, Mario Felix de Jesus Velete, reportedly have requested that all charges against Villalona be withdrawn. But prosecutor Jose Antonio Polanco told the AP that his office would proceed with its murder case against Villalona and a trial would begin shortly. "This is a case of public policy and we intend ..."

Giants advise Randy Winn to seek employment elsewhere

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November 9

San Jose Mercury News

"Outfielder Randy Winn filed for free agency and he isn't expected to re-sign with the Giants, his agent told me today. The Giants contacted agent Craig Landis prior to the World Series and thanked Winn for his services, but said they have a number of young outfielders and advised him to seek employment elsewhere. It was expected the Giants would part ways with Winn, 35, who was the club's everyday right fielder for most of the past four seasons. A switch-hitter, Winn slumped badly from the right side and finished with a .262 average after hitting over .300 the previous year. He also hit just two home runs — the first time he failed to record double-digit homers since 2001 — yet still ..."

Catch me if you can: Market full of backstops

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November 9

MLB.com

"The free-agent market for catchers in 2009-10 is chock full of high-profile experience, durability and veteran savvy behind the plate. Even though the catching crop's best offensive player, Victor Martinez, was taken off the table when the Red Sox, as expected, picked up his $7.7 million option, recent World Series-tested backstops such as Bengie Molina (2002), Ivan Rodriguez (2003, '06), Jason Varitek (2004, '07), Yorvit Torrealba (2007) and Rod Barajas (2001) are, or are expected to be, available. Molina, who won a World Series ring with the Angels in '02, continues a career as a highly respected defensive catcher and proceeds to develop as a run-producing hitter, spending a good portion ..."

Prosecutor recommends drug charges be dropped against San Francisco Giants ace Tim Lincecum

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November 7

San Jose Mercury News

"A prosecutor recommended that two misdemeanor drug charges be dropped against Giants ace Tim Lincecum, who was cited Oct. 30 for marijuana possession while speeding on Interstate 5 roughly four miles north of the Washington-Oregon border. Lincecum would pay a $250 fine for possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class A infraction in Washington, if his plea deal is accepted by a judge Monday. The 2008 Cy Young Award winner received no preferential treatment, said Grant Hansen, the deputy prosecuting attorney for Clark County, Wash. "This is the protocol for a first-time offender who is cooperative with police," said Hansen, adding that Lincecum would not face probation or jail time. The ..."

Swing and a miss: Lansford out as Giants hitting coach

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October 15

Oakland Tribune

"Carney Lansford is not a scapegoat, Bruce Bochy said. The Giants manager strenuously made that point when discussing the decision to fire his hitting coach after two seasons. "I'd say that's not fair and that's not true," Bochy said Wednesday. "We know what type of offense we could have, and we know the areas we want to improve. Sometimes you just need a different voice, and we'll see if a change can help. That's the reason. This is not finger pointing." Bochy called Lansford on Wednesday and informed the San Jose native and 1981 AL batting champion that he would not be invited to return for a third season. Lansford wasn't sure he wanted to come back, anyway. That's how frustrated he was ..."

Sabean, Bochy get 2 more years

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October 14

San Francisco Chronicle

"As expected, managing general partner Bill Neukom announced Tuesday with "special pleasure and delight" that ownership has signed Sabean and Bochy to two-year contract extensions with team options for 2012. The contracts include incentives but no vesting options that would guarantee the third year. Sabean, the longest-tenured current GM in the majors, will begin his 14th season at the helm in 2010. Bochy will begin his 16th as a major-league manager, his fourth in San Francisco. With a lawyer's precision, Neukom established objective benchmarks for Sabean to keep his job. Clearly, a 16-game improvement to 88 wins in 2009, the Giants' first winning season since 2004, and another good year ..."

Giants will bring back Bochy, Sabean

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October 2

San Francisco Chronicle

"The Giants' 2009 home season ended with Rich Aurilia taking a final curtain call, Tim Lincecum winning his 15th game, Randy Johnson throwing the final inning without knowing it and Brian Sabean and Bruce Bochy on the verge of new contracts. With Thursday's 7-3 victory over the Diamondbacks, the Giants completed a three-game sweep to give them the National League's best home record, 52-29, then boarded their charter to San Diego for the final three games. While an announcement isn't due until next week, The Chronicle learned that Sabean and Bochy will be re-signed and return next season. Contracts are in the process of being ironed out. For weeks, all signs pointed to extensions for the ..."

Will Bruce Bochy and Brian Sabean be retained next season?

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September 29

San Jose Mercury News

"A week from now, Giants managing partner Bill Neukom will decide whether to retain general manager Brian Sabean and manager Bruce Bochy. But actually, Neukom has one decision to make instead of two. The field manager remains the GM's call, and assuming Sabean is the authority, there's no confusion on the man he wants to lead from the dugout. "Without question," Sabean said. "Bruce has done a great job." Coming to the end of his 13th season, Sabean has the second-longest continuous tenure with his club among major league general managers. In that time, he has worked with just three managers: Dusty Baker, Felipe Alou and Bochy. A Giants manager hasn't been fired on his watch. Perhaps Sabean ..."

Padres or Giants could be destination for Bradley

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September 26

Chicago Tribune

"The market for troublemaking outfielders on the suspended list with expensive contracts may be better than originally anticipated. Cubs general manager Jim Hendry is definitely a motivated seller, trying to find a counterpart who thinks he can revive Milton Bradley's career after a crash-and-burn season. After pawning Todd Hundley off on the Dodgers in 2002 for Eric Karros and Mark Grudzielanek, Hendry is hoping to catch lightning in a bottle again. While conventional wisdom says Bradley has burned too many bridges to make anyone want him, the Padres, Giants and Royals are three teams Hendry may have on speed-dial this offseason. So far, Padres GM Kevin Towers is the only one on record to ..."

Lincecum open to long-term deal

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September 25

San Francisco Chronicle

columnist John Shea

"Tim Lincecum answered the question exactly how Giants fans wanted him to. For the first time, the ace will be eligible for arbitration, meaning his salary will skyrocket, and he was asked if he'd be open to a long-term deal. "Yes," he said Thursday. Lincecum, who'll make his penultimate start of 2009 tonight, said, "I definitely like San Francisco. I've seen nothing but positive things as far as my personal experiences. It's where I see myself being for awhile." Lincecum makes $650,000 this year and could set an arbitration record. The biggest salary for a pitcher who was an arbitration-eligible first-timer was $6.25 million: Jonathan Papelbon, who settled to avoid arbitration last winter. ..."

Giants to decline Freddy Sanchez option

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September 24

San Jose Mercury News

"Freddy Sanchez will require surgery after the season to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, making it almost automatic that the Giants, 5-2 winners over Arizona on Wednesday, will decline their $8.1 million option on the two-time All-Star second baseman. The club is expected to talk to Sanchez about a two-year contract at a lower figure, but general manager Brian Sabean wouldn't comment on how Sanchez fits in the team's future. The GM still doesn't know if his own option will be picked up, either. "That's even tough for me to answer "... until we see what happens with the front office and the manager," said Sabean, before a victory at Chase Field. Sabean is thought to be safe, unless ..."

Giants get closer in wild-card race

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September 17

Oakland Tribune

"With their season at stake, the Giants sure dished it out Tuesday night. And for once, they proved they could take it, too. Their hyperaggressive lineup had an obvious stratagem against Colorado Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez; stunningly, 17 of the 19 batters Jimenez faced took the first pitch. Their uncharacteristic patience led to a flood of base runners, an early exit for Jimenez - and another all-important step in the Giants' wild-card climb. Barry Zito fed the Rockies all the rainbow curves they could eat as the Giants won 10-2 and moved within 2½ games of Colorado for the wild-card lead. All of the sudden, the Giants look like they're stalking prey - and the Rockies look wounded. "Our ..."

Giants decide to bring Posey up from Triple-A Fresno

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September 3

San Jose Mercury News

"The Giants are calling up top catching prospect Buster Posey and he'll join the team today, sources confirmed to me. Now it's clear why Posey wasn't in the lineup for Triple-A Fresno last night. GM Brian Sabean had said repeatedly that he didn't plan to promote Posey this season, but the Giants are in a dire situation as Bengie Molina takes his time coming back from a strained upper right quad. Molina struck out as a pinch hitter last night and said he could've remained in the game to catch if the Giants forced a bottom of the ninth inning. Manager Bruce Bochy wasn't sure, though, when I asked him about that after the game. It's clear everyone isn't on the same page. No doubt the Giants ..."

Sources: Penny, Giants near deal

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August 31

ESPN.com

"Right-hander Brad Penny cleared waivers Monday and will sign with the San Francisco Giants, sources said. Penny, 31, is 7-8 with a 5.61 ERA this season, and 101-83 in his career. He will make a prorated minimum salary with the Giants, and is expected to join their rotation, effectively replacing Joe Martinez. By signing with the Giants, Penny is set up to pitch against the Dodgers, his former team."

Source: Harden, Heilman staying put

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August 31

ESPN.com

"The waiver period for trades before the Sept. 1 roster deadline will come and go without the Chicago Cubs having made a deal, according to Major League Baseball sources. Rich Harden, claimed by the Minnesota Twins, and Aaron Heilman, claimed by the San Francisco Giants, will continue to pitch for the Cubs."

Molina, Sandoval 'questionable'

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August 28

San Francisco Chronicle

"Bengie Molina and Pablo Sandoval are "questionable" for tonight's series opener against the Rockies, though they view their prognoses differently. Molina is a 10-year big-leaguer who's trying to exercise patience: "I don't think it'll be tomorrow. I don't care who we're playing. I've got to take care of my health first. I want to be here for the whole last month." Sandoval is in his first full season with an urge to play immediately: "Yeah. It's a series we want to win. It's one big series for me. I want to play.""

Cubs' Harden, Heilman claimed

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August 27

Foxsports.com

"If the Cubs want to point toward the future, this is their chance. Right-handed starter Rich Harden and right-handed reliever Aaron Heilman have been claimed on waivers, according to major-league sources. A National League team was awarded the claim on Heilman, one source said. The claiming team on Harden is not known, but presumably he did not get through the NL, either. Players must pass through their own league first before being exposed on waivers to teams in the other league. The Cubs will have until Monday afternoon to work out trades, allow Harden and Heilman to depart on claims or pull them back them from waivers. Of the two pitchers, Harden is far more intriguing. He is 3-1 with a ..."

At least 3 NL teams interested in Penny

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August 27

ESPN.com

"As Brad Penny, who was told by Boston Red Sox officials Wednesday night that he is being released, is being moved through waivers, at least three NL contenders -- the Colorado Rockies, San Francisco Giants and Florida Marlins -- have expressed interest in the veteran right-hander, sources said. Those teams and any interested AL teams probably won't want to claim Penny off waivers, because the cost of Penny as short-term hire would be enormous. Penny is still owed about $1 million in salary for the rest of this season, and he has $500,000 in bonuses as he reaches 160 innings, 170 innings, 180 innings and then 190 innings. Penny has thrown 131 2/3 innings this season, which means that if he ..."

Penny should attract NL interest

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August 27

Foxsports.com

"Right-hander Brad Penny, released by the Red Sox on Wednesday night, could be a very popular man once he clears waivers on Monday. No team figures to claim Penny, who is owed more than $1 million by the Red Sox and is 28 1/3 innings away from cashing the first in a series of $500,000 incentives. However, once Penny is officially released, he will be available for a pro-rated portion of the minimum salary — the approximate price of a September call-up. Penny, 31, requested his release with the idea of joining a contender and building his value before he enters the free-agent market this off- season. His logical next step would be to return to the National League, where he had spent his ..."

Royals ready to get in the mix?

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July 31

Foxsports.com

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"The Royals have been one of the quieter teams leading up to the trade deadline, but it remains possible that they will make a trade (possibly two) before Friday at 4 p.m. ET. One source with close knowledge of their plans said a handful of clubs have remained in contact with the Royals about infielder/outfielder Mark Teahen and left-handed reliever Ron Mahay. Despite acquiring Ryan Garko and Freddy Sanchez within the past week, the Giants are open to adding another hitter and still have some level of interest in Teahen, the source said."

Giants get aggressive at deadline

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July 31

San Francisco Chronicle

"The Giants pulled off the Big One on Wednesday. "Yeah, we just picked up Michael Vick," manager Bruce Bochy announced as the media filed into his office for its pregame briefing. He's a prankster, that Bochy. What he was doing was diffusing the tension hanging over his ballclub as rumors swirled that the Giants were working on a deal for Pirates' second baseman Freddy Sanchez, who was 90 yards down the hall in the visiting clubhouse. About five hours later, Sanchez was a Giant. Vick is still unsigned. So the Giants traded a future 20-game-winning pitcher in Tim Alderson for a second baseman with little long-ball power and a mysterious knee injury. Hey, I'm kidding! It's important not to ..."

Giants considering adding a fifth starter

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July 30

SI.com

"The Giants are now considering trying to picking up a fifth starter in addition to extra offensive help, a need that arose with Randy Johnson's recent injury. The acquisition of former batting champion Freddy Sanchez, plus first baseman Ryan Garko, bolstered the Giants' lineup, but they haven't ruled out trading for more offense. They've scouted Miguel Tejada, Carlos Lee, Josh Willingham, Nick Johnson, Mark Teahen and Marco Scutaro, among others, though some of those players are no longer of interest after the addition of Sanchez and Garko."

Jays step up Overbay efforts

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July 30

Foxsports.com

"The Blue Jays might not trade Roy Halladay this week, but they have stepped up their efforts to move first baseman Lyle Overbay, major-league sources said. The Giants had been looking for a corner infielder such as Overbay, but it's not clear if they would still have interest after acquiring Ryan Garko from Cleveland. Overbay is earning $7 million this year and next. His contract includes some no-trade protection. Overbay isn't in the lineup today at Seattle. But that's not an indication that a deal is in place. The Jays are facing Ryan Rowland-Smith, and Kevin Millar generally starts against left-handed pitching."

Giants working hard to try to land Sanchez

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July 29

SI.com

"The Giants are aggressively pursuing Pirates second baseman Freddy Sanchez, who could aid their limp offense. The acquisition of Ryan Garko certainly didn't solve all the Giants' offensive woes, and with Juan Uribe starting to slip, Sanchez makes perfect sense for them. The Giants took Garko for well-regarded lefthanded pitching prospect Scott Barnes after failing to land Nick Johnson. The Nationals requested Jonathan Sanchez in a package for Johnson, and that might have been a fair request before Sanchez's no-hitter. The Angels and Twins also have been mentioned as Freddy Sanchez suitors, but the Giants look like the favorites."

Pirates, Giants could be close on Sanchez

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July 29

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates' management worked deep into last night on trade proposals involving shortstop Jack Wilson and second baseman Freddy Sanchez, according to multiple sources. And a deal in which Sanchez would be sent to the San Francisco Giants seemed the greatest possibility. Neal Huntington, the Pirates' general manager, and Brian Sabean, his San Francisco counterpart, are believed to have had extensive discussions Monday night, possibly to the extent of having the framework of a trade in place. Sanchez has a left knee injury, which might have slowed the process, but it is thought minor. The Minnesota Twins also are interested in Sanchez, as well as reliever John Grabow. The Boston Red Sox are ..."

Beaten Giants talking trade

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July 27

San Francisco Chronicle

"Rarely does baseball provide such a neatly wrapped package of numbers and perspective. Two weeks ago, the Giants went into the All-Star break after a 7-3 homestand that fortified all the hope from a season of promise. That was negated by a 3-7 trip that not only returned them where they were July 2, at six games over .500, but also justified the underlying fear they would be exposed. It ended with a 4-2 loss to Colorado on Sunday. Ryan Sadowski formally returned the keys to his magic pumpkin - he did not last three innings - and an offense that was outscored 44-23 in Pittsburgh, Atlanta and Denver sputtered against Aaron Cook, who picked up his 10th win."

Giants G.M. rules out trade for Toronto's Halladay

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July 27

San Jose Mercury News

"The Giants' No. 5 starter will take the ball Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies' wrecking crew, and the tall task probably will fall to Ryan Sadowski. It certainly won't fall to Roy Halladay. Giants General Manager Brian Sabean flatly ruled out a run at Halladay, denying reports that the Giants had been "tire kicking" around the Toronto ace. Although the Giants are soft at the back end of their rotation and Randy Johnson's health remains in limbo, Sabean said all his trade conversations had been focused on improving one of the league's least productive offensive teams. "We don't want to deplete our assets when there's another route we need to go," Sabean said. "Simply put, (Jonathan) ..."

Club was rumored to have targeted LaRoche

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July 23

Oakland Tribune

"Last weekend in Pittsburgh, Travis Ishikawa reached on a fielder's choice and struck up a conversation with Pirates first baseman Adam LaRoche. LaRoche was among the Giants' rumored trade targets, and because the two men play the same position, it could've made for an awkward moment. But Ishikawa said they talked about less juicy topics. "You know, 'How was your break, what did you do?' " Ishikawa said. "The usual stuff." The Pirates dealt LaRoche on Wednesday, but not to the Giants and not for a large sum. The Boston Red Sox parted with two of their less heralded prospects - a deal that wouldn't have been tough for the Giants to top. The Giants didn't consider LaRoche enough of an upgrade ..."

Pirates fielding offers for Sanchez and Wilson

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July 23

Foxsports.com

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"The Pirates continue to listen to offers for second baseman Freddy Sanchez, shortstop Jack Wilson, left-handed reliever John Grabow and right-handed closer Matt Capps. Moving left-hander Paul Maholm or Zach Duke would be "very tough" for the club, one source says, unless the Pirates acquired a major-league ready starting pitcher plus additional prospects in return. The Pirates like the foundation of their future rotation — Maholm, Duke and right-handers Ross Ohlendorf and Charlie Morton. The Giants are less willing to move left-hander Jonathan Sanchez due to the uncertainty surrounding lefty Randy Johnson, who is on the disabled list with a shoulder strain. Johnson, who turns 46 on Sept. ..."

Phillies won't give up Drabek for Halladay

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July 21

SI.com

"The latest word from a source familiar with Philadelphia's thinking is that the front-running Phillies have decided they will not include top pitching prospect Kyle Drabek in a four-player package for superstar pitcher Roy Halladay, perhaps raising the chances that Halladay will be dealt elsewhere or maybe even stay with the Jays. The Phillies are believed to have told Toronto of their Drabek decision, but if they haven't yet they will inform the Jays very soon. Philadelphia has a bevy of respectable prospects, but opinions around baseball vary as to how decent the deal might be for Toronto without the inclusion of Drabek. The two teams have been discussing prospects, including outfielder ..."

Duke involved in potential deal to Giants?

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July 13

San Francisco Chronicle

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"As for not pitching in the All-Star Game, he said, "It's disappointing not being able to throw, but we've got other stuff going on here we'd like to take care of. It worked out all right. I get to go and enjoy it and Zach deserved it. It's good for him to be able to go do this." There is a little coincidence in the decision to take Duke. I keep hearing one version of a possible Giants deal for Pirates second baseman Fred Sanchez expanded to include Duke, too. I really don't know how serious that is, but it brings up a larger point. I would not be surprised to learn that GM Brian Sabean is looking for pitching, not because of Cain, but because of the injury to Randy Johnson, uncertainty of ..."

Halladay would come at high price

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July 12

San Francisco Chronicle

"Roy Halladay can be a difference-maker for any contender, and he's not a two-month rental. He's signed through 2010. Add the fact that he's the most complete starter in the American League, and we're talking a hefty price tag. With the All-Star break upon us and teams analyzing whether they're buyers, sellers or procrastinators, pitching remains the desired target - at least outside of the Bay Area - and Halladay is the biggest prize. But there are options. Erik Bedard, who's off the DL, or Gil Meche would come cheaper. Also, Javier Vazquez or Doug Davis. In the Dominican Republic, Pedro Martinez still awaits work. Apparently, Matt Mulder thinks he's close. Jonathan Sanchez's value might ..."

Red Sox linked to Nick Johnson

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July 11

Yahoo! Sports

"The Red Sox continue to be linked to Washington Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson, even though third baseman Mike Lowell has shown rapid progress since going on the DL with hip complications. Boston could move Kevin Youkilis to third if Johnson was acquired. However, the Giants are also a strong contender for Johnson, and another AL team besides Boston has nosed into the picture, according to one source."

Pirates and trade winds: Freddy Sanchez

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July 11

Yahoo! Sports

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"Freddy Sanchez was in the Pittsburgh Pirates' lineup Friday night, putting to rest any thought that the second baseman would be traded in the next 24 hours. The Giants remain the team showing the most interest, according to one source with direct knowledge of the negotiations, while the Twins appear to be more of a long shot. There's a third team involved from the National League Central, the source said (the Cubs?), although Sanchez's contract, which calls for his $8 million option in 2010 to kick in automatically if he reaches 635 plate appearances this season, is giving pause to his suitors. Pirates closer Matt Capps is almost certain to be dealt, though that trade may come closer to ..."

Sanchez trade not imminent

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July 10

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates are "pushing hard" to trade All-Star second baseman Freddy Sanchez, according to a National League executive yesterday, but no deal with any team looked imminent as of last night, according to multiple other sources. San Francisco and Colorado are two teams with which the Pirates have spoken, the source said, but there are as many as four or five more. The Giants apparently would be willing to move left-handed starter Jonathan Sanchez, currently a reliever. He alone could not complete a deal for Freddy Sanchez, but the Giants' system has plenty of pitching prospects. The Rockies are harder to figure, as their infield already is set. Also, the Pirates last night had one of ..."

Pirates 'pushing' trade of All-Star Sanchez

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July 9

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates are "pushing hard" to trade All-Star second baseman Freddy Sanchez, according to a National League executive this morning. The San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies are two of the teams with which the Pirates have spoken, the source said, but there are as many as four or five more. Sanchez, 31, again is the Pirates' leading hitter with a .313 average and last week was selected for his third All-Star Game in four years. That selection meant that he now needs to accumulate 600 plate appearances to trigger an $8 million option for 2010. He has 329 appearances."

Bowker promotion seems likely

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July 9

San Francisco Chronicle

"Outfielder/first baseman John Bowker, who hit 10 home runs as a rookie last season and has been scalding the ball at Triple-A, is believed headed for a promotion to San Francisco tonight. He was pulled from Wednesday night's game in Fresno after hitting a first-inning double. Bowker slumped after an exceptional start last season but has shown much greater plate discipline this season in Fresno, leading to a .345 average, 17 homers, 63 RBIs and a 1.055 OPS. The Giants could clear a roster spot for Bowker by optioning Ryan Sadowski, Wednesday's losing pitcher. The Giants do not need a fifth starter again until July 21 and could promote him again for that night's game."

Brian Sabean defuses speculation

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July 5

San Jose Mercury News

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"General Manager Brian Sabean defused speculation the Giants would acquire Chicago White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye or Cleveland Indians slugger Victor Martinez, telling KNBR that both names were "pie in the sky." "The second player you're talking about "... even though (the Indians) are going nowhere, it would take a (Madison) Bumgarner-plus type of blockbuster deal," Sabean said. "And that's not going to happen because we're not going to trade Bumgarner." Sabean also told KNBR that he hopes to promote scalding-hot John Bowker from Triple-A Fresno shortly."

Pirates Notebook: Giants eye Sanchez, LaRoche

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July 5

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates and San Francisco have had trade talks regarding second baseman Freddy Sanchez and, to a lesser extent, first baseman Adam LaRoche, each of whom can be a free agent after this season. The Giants have had a scout following Sanchez, a source confirmed yesterday, and their interest in LaRoche goes back several months. Their preference at first base, though, is for a right-handed bat. Sanchez has a vesting option in his contract that allows him to trigger an $8.5 million option if he achieves 635 plate appearances or 600 plate appearances plus an All-Star berth. The latter will be known today when selections are made. LaRoche is the Pirates' second-highest paid player at $7.05 ..."

Giants G.M. Sabean talks about potential trades: 'We know what we need'

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June 23

San Jose Mercury News

"The cavalry might come galloping to assist the Giants' offense, but don't expect to hear reveille any time soon. Before watching his lineup struggle in road grays yet again Monday night in a 5-1 loss to the A's, Giants General Manager Brian Sabean said he didn't expect any deals for bats to develop until the days leading up to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. "Not enough teams are completely out of it, which is why I think the market is going to be late-developing," Sabean said. "You can't definitively know who they have available. And those who are have so many suitors. Whoever makes a trade early is going to really have to pay the price. "The one good thing is we know what we ..."

Giants Trade Rumors