This is just a list of players I think the Giants should either want or need. I did this last year and the Giants only signed or traded for one and that was Aaron Rowand but for too many years. Also keep in mind that these are realistic choices the Giants can make. No Sabathia's or Teixeira's in this list. The Giants are in a rebuilding mode so some choices are for just a short term fix. Both pros and cons will be given for each player. This not a year for more Jose Castillo's and Tyler Walker's. The Giants need capable players. Again, these are my thoughts and not in any way rumors unless its specified.
Raul Ibanez-1B: Ibanez can really help the Giants in a lot of ways. Ibanez can help play LF if Fred Lewis is not ready to start the season after having surgery to remove a bunion. Lewis should be ready but just in case, Ibanez is there. Also, Ibanez can be the primary first baseman with Sandoval backing him up and Ishikawa playing in AAA. Sandoval could be our third baseman if Ibanez is signed too. Options arise. Ibanez hit .293 with 23 HRs and 110 RBI. The Giants desperately need his production. The Giants were dead last in baseball in HRs and no other team hit under 100. He's a left-handed bat and a perfect fit for the #3 hole in the lineup. The only problem is his age, 36. The Giants don't need to sign him for more than three years and I would try to overpay a little for just two years. Also, Ibanez might not want to go to a rebuilding team to play first base. First base would allow him to stay healthier rather than play LF every game but he might want to stay in the OF. The Giants need to take a serious look at what Ibanez could do for this team. He would provide a legit middle of the order guy and would move Molina down in the order away from the cleanup spot. That's a plus right there. Ibanez only made $5.5 million last year so two years, $18 million might get a deal done allowing Ishikawa room to mature. Ibanez would stay on the West Coast which also might be appealing.
Dennys Reyes-RP: Reyes is a must want for any team. Reyes has had three good seasons in a row for the Twins posting ERAs of 0.89, 3.99 and 2.33. He can help lead Alex Hinshaw as the lefties in the pen. He would be a good 8th inning guy for the Giants taking pressure off the young Hinshaw. Bullpen costs the Giants way too many games. The Giants bullpen had 28 losses last year and was 24th in ERA with a 4.45. Reyes is only 31 so he's got some seasons left in him. Just like many free agents this offseason, Reyes might not want to go to a team like the Giants and prefer a true contender. Giants will have to overpay to get a player like Reyes to lure him in. He just left the Twins who got to play in the infamous 163rd game. Money will be the only thing that will get him from that to a team that finished 4th in a weak division. Silly thing is that weak division might help us convince others the West can be won. Reyes would be a great addition for the Giants if the price is right.
This will be a continuing piece and will add on nightly but feel free to reply anytime.