Giants Trade Rumors

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 ..."
Source: Injured Glaus has trade appeal at 1B/DH
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June 23
Foxsports.com
 
"Here's another name to consider for all those teams in the market for a first baseman or designated hitter. Troy Glaus. Glaus, who has yet to play this season while recovering from surgery on his right shoulder, is progressing better with his hitting than his throwing, according to a source with knowledge of his recovery process. While Glaus hit off a pitching machine for the first time Monday and could be ready for a minor-league rehabilitation assignment by the middle of next week, he is struggling to throw at distances of greater than 90 feet, the source said. If Glaus cannot play third base, he will be of virtually no use to the Cardinals. Albert Pujols, perhaps the best player in the ..."
Ten ball clubs that can add payroll
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June 22
SI.com
 
"Baseball is doing better than most businesses. But you know something's amiss when even the Yankees are claiming they can't add salary or expand their payroll. Ultimately, the $200 million team just might find a few mil in the seat cushions. But for now anyway, they're saying they are tapped out. The same may be true for the Cubs, yet another storied big-market club that may not spend this summer. The Cubs' situation could be compromised by the glacial pace of the team's sale. At present, their player dealings appear to be in the same sort of limbo as the sale, meaning their big in-season acquisition may be limited to recovering star Aramis Ramirez. The Rangers also are believed to have ..."
Red Sox want rotation depth, will keep Penny
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June 20
ESPN.com
 
"Be realistic. Jake Peavy and Erik Bedard probably won't be tradeable before Aug. 1. Drayton McLane is not moving Roy Oswalt. Jarrod Washburn could probably be had, and would be a good pickup for a National League team with a big ballpark (cue Dodgers, Mets and Giants). And that's about it. Oh, Brad Penny would probably be the best starting pitcher out there, but unless someone comes up with a Justin Smoak, Matt LaPorta or Brett Wallace -- which isn't going to happen -- they are going to hold onto Penny, who is two years removed from finishing third in the NL Cy Young race. Early in the season, Penny came out throwing 88-90 mph in the first couple of innings and gradually worked his way up ..."
Sox not in a hurry to trade Brad Penny, Street being scouted
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June 15
SI.com
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"The Red Sox now "aren't in a hurry" to trade Brad Penny, who hit the mid-90s in his last start vs. the Yankees, even with John Smoltz seemingly ready to go. While it appears they have too much pitching, they also know there's no such thing. The market also hasn't been great so far for Penny, thanks to his $5 million salary. Perhaps with the pitching market dying, though, he'll begin to look better to someone. • Rockies closer Huston Street is being heavily scouted. Among the teams that need a reliever are the Yankees, Rangers and Angels. The Rays, Cubs and Twins might also consider bullpen help. • The Cardinals continue to scour the market for a bat. • Giants lefty Jonathan Sanchez is on ..."
San Francisco Giants need hitter for wild-card push
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June 14
Chicago Tribune
 
"Keep an eye on the Giants. They're a long shot to catch the Dodgers in the NL West but could have staying power in the wild-card race, especially if GM Brian Sabean gets them a hitter. Matt Cain, who lives in the shadow of pitching teammates Tim Lincecum, Barry Zito and Randy Johnson, is having a great season (8-1, 2.55). His 3.61 career ERA suggests he could pitch his way into Cy Young consideration. ... Could Derrek Lee be the hitter the Giants need? Sabean at least ought to kick the tires to see if Jim Hendry would consider approaching Lee about waiving his no-trade clause, as the Cubs have first-base options available to them in Micah Hoffpauir and Jake Fox."
Giants draft high school pitcher
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June 10
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Zack Wheeler vividly remembers the game Giants general manager Brian Sabean attended. It was March 24, and Wheeler's East Paulding High School (Georgia) was playing North Cobb High. "Everyone was whispering to me in the dugout that he was there," Wheeler said. "That's when I hit 98. I boosted it up a couple of miles per hour for him real quick." Wheeler collected a season-high 15 strikeouts in six innings, and Sabean walked away convinced. The right-hander's numbers (9-0, 0.54 ERA, 151 strikeouts, 772/3 innings) along with his "size, strength and athletic ability," in Sabean's words, prompted the Giants tohim sixth overall in Tuesday's draft. Sabean said Wheeler was the first player he ..."
O-Line goes extra-big
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June 3
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"During his heyday as the 49ers' offensive line coach, the late, great Bobb McKittrick preferred smaller, athletic linemen to the behemoths that were coming into vogue around the league. Virtually the only 300-pounder the 49ers had in those days was tackle Bubba Paris, and the team was constantly on him about his weight, a quaint notion in the 21st century NFL. In 2009, the 49ers will send out an offensive line averaging about 320 pounds. Left tackle Joe Staley checks in at 318, left guard David Baas is a massive 335, center Eric Heitmann goes 315, right guard Chilo Rachal is a robust 335 and right tackle Adam Snyder is 330. "I think it's going to be a vastly improved offensive line this ..."
Trade winds begin as a breeze
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May 27
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Last week's Jake Peavy(notes) near-trade demonstrated that not only will the Padres' ace dictate his relocation terms, but that the annual swapping season will heat up well before the July 31 trading deadline. Here are some developments to watch in the coming days and weeks: • The New York Mets retain keen interest in Washington Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson(notes), to the point where the Nationals have scouts watching the Mets' Triple-A team in Buffalo, N.Y., and Double-A team in Binghamton, N.Y., evaluating pitchers Jon Niese, Mike Antonini and Eddie Kunz(notes) among others. The Mets need a first baseman because Carlos Delgado(notes) could be out for two months after hip surgery. ..."
Giants may be interested in trade for Dan Uggla
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May 26
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"The San Francisco Giants have made it known they're in search of a bat, and Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now! second baseman Dan Uggla is among the players piquing their interest. According to an industry source, the Giants have made preliminary inquiries about Uggla. The conversations are not believed to have reached the general manager level. The Giants likely are investigating any number of options from Nationals' first baseman Nick Johnson to Indians infielder Mark De Rosa. One thing that makes Uggla attractive is he's not eligible for free agency until after the 2011 season. The expectation is the Marlins will move Uggla at some point. He's already earning $5.35 million. Team ..."
High-level source says Cain not being dangled
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May 25
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Some years back, there was a Giants beat reporter who was king of the "knockdown note." Whenever you wrote a little trade rumor or some other tidbit, he would come back the next day and say it wasn't true. I used to joke that he programmed his computer so he could hit one key that typed, "Contrary to yesterday's Chronicle...." Just to save himself some keystrokes. Here I am, though, with a knockdown note of my own, which I hate to do because I have the utmost respect for the reporting ability of my talented friend and San Jose Mercury competitor Andrew Baggarly. I don't know if I'm right. I don't know if he's right. But the fact is, he wrote a rather jarring paragraph that said the Giants ..."
Giants G.M. Sabean exploring trade routes
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May 24
San Jose Mercury News
 
"The Giants aren't hitting, which means Brian Sabean is taking a pounding. With a quarter of the season complete, the club's long-tenured general manager acknowledged what anyone reading the box scores could divine: The pitching has been sensational, the defense has done the job, and the offense usually makes you want to glue your eyelids shut. "We obviously can compete, but we know where we're challenged, and it's maybe more acute than we thought it would be," said Sabean, before the Giants beat Seattle 5-1 on Saturday night at Safeco Field. But rather than soldier forward as-is or make concession speeches to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Sabean said he is actively seeking a bat on the trade ..."