Throughout the years, Brian Sabean and the San Francisco Giants front office have made average or disappointing trades when we approach the July 31st trade deadline. A.J. Perzynski, Shea Hillenbrand, Ryan Garko and Freddy Sanchez are just a few of the big deadline busts, or complete fools' gold, we have seen within the past few years.
Last year we traded our second best pitching prospect, Tim Alderson, away for Freddy Sanchez, who ended up contributing almost nothing to this team as he was sidelined with injuries for the remainder of last season.
We also witnessed another top pitching prospect Scott Barnes be traded for Ryan Garko from the Cleavland Indians. After a mediocre second half from the first baseman, we let him walk in the off-season.
This year, we hope to finally break the streak and find a player to fill the void we need to take us to the playoffs for the first time since 2003.
Like any trade deadline, we fans drool over power hitters and run producers like Prince Fielder, Adam Dunn, Josh Hamilton or even Cory Hart, but those who dig deeper discover that they may just be a waste of prospects.
The first question that all trade skeptics ask is, "are they currently hitting in a 'hitters ballpark'?" As most of us know, AT&T Park is built for pitchers, with far fences and a high wall in right field. Since it was built in 2000, Barry Bonds has been the only player not to have any trouble hitting the ball over the fences.
With a large ballpark, most players power numbers will decrease (much like Aaron Rowand once he was signed in 2008) causing a great disappointment for the fans hoping for more.
Fielder, Hart and Hamilton are victims of playing in a small park, where routine fly balls become home runs, thus ramming up their face value. Ever wonder why those darned Yankees hit so many home runs? Well, look at their park, you'll get an answer.
Another big factor in determining who to trade for is their contract situation. The Giants' GM Brian Sabean has already stated that he is not interested in trading for a guy that will only help the team for the remainder of the season. So all players in the final year of their contact are no good for us.
Once we find a player who would be locked up for at least another year, we try to find where we would put him on our roster.
A big component to trades is finding out where to add the talent, or where the weakest link is. For the Giants this year, we would need either an outfielder, or first baseman, and a solid reliever in the pen. With that said, some names already mentioned above are already considered a flop due to their numbers influenced by their ballpark.
"So, who is available?" you may ask.
Well, I suggest we pick up a decent outfielder that we seem to be lacking. One that has decent speed, a good glove, and can get on base. Some rumored players fit this description like David DeJesus from the Royals, or even Josh Willingham from the Washington Nationals.
Both players would be an upgrade to what we have and would greatly contribute to this teams offence. Giving up a few decent prospects should seal the deal, hopefully with the Giants acquiring some solid gold for a change.
