Giants to be big players this offseason?

[GiantsFanatic]

AN FRANCISCO -- The Giants found themselves in a favorable position as open bidding for free agents began Friday.
Unlike many of their National League West brethren -- namely, the Padres and Rockies, who hope to trim payroll, and the Diamondbacks, whose budget appears flat -- the Giants can afford some free-agent shopping to fill their need for a competent hitter and one or two capable setup relievers. San Francisco's efforts will intensify, now that the exclusive negotiating period between clubs and their free agents has ended.

But whether the Giants can spare enough change to afford a marquee free agent, such as left-hander CC Sabathia or first baseman Mark Teixeira, appears doubtful.

Either star would be an ideal acquisition for the Giants, who are bent on ending their streak of four consecutive losing seasons. As ESPN's Buster Olney pointed out in a recent column, Sabathia might make more sense for San Francisco than for any other team, since he hails from nearby Vallejo and could help stabilize the club's young rotation.

There's only one problem: It almost surely won't happen. A source close to Sabathia told MLB.com that he can't envision a scenario in which the Giants would outbid the New York Yankees for the ace.

Teixeira perfectly fits the profile of the slugging corner infielder the Giants seek. But their chief rivals in bidding for the switch-hitter are expected to be the Los Angeles Angels, with whom Teixeira finished last season.

The Giants aren't expected to be a major participant in the pursuit for Manny Ramirez, since the left fielder likely will command more than $20 million a season. That would be a budget-stretcher for the Giants, who are expected to have between $12 million-$20 million to spend.

That still leaves plenty of targets for the Giants. Second baseman Orlando Hudson, shortstop Rafael Furcal, infielder Juan Uribe and third baseman Casey Blake all loom as possibilities. Adam Dunn, if he agrees to play first base full-time, would fill the Giants' void at the cleanup spot in the lineup. Injuries have diminished third baseman Joe Crede's marketability, but that also could make him a bargain.


Team free-agent reports


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The list of competent relievers who could attract the Giants includes Jeremy Affeldt, Joe Beimel, Juan Cruz, Will Ohman and David Weathers. The Giants could use at least one veteran to complement right-hander Sergio Romo and left-hander Alex Hinshaw, who were rookies last season.

Only two Giants filed for free agency: shortstop Omar Vizquel and infielder Rich Aurilia, although right-handers Kevin Correia, Brad Hennessey and Tyler Walker were cast into the open market when the Giants outrighted them to Triple-A last month. Of the five, only Aurilia might return, although general manager Brian Sabean has said that any agreement with him probably would be forged late in the offseason

Texiera seems doubtful now, but lets see what happens.

[love_that_reefer]

No Teixeira's, Sabathia's or Dunn's but maybe one of middle infielders like Hudson and Furcal is a possibility. Relief is where the Giants will spend.