Last week, the Giants surprised many when they inked starter Johnny Cueto to a six-year, $130MM deal. Now that the rotation has been bolstered, GM Bobby Evans says that he’s moving on to addressing the team’s left field situation.
“I given our commitments in pitching, I think now is a good time to look at left field and versatility there has value for us,” Evans told MLB Network Radio (audio link). “We look at [Gregor] Blanco and, he’s been our starting left fielder in the World Series and our starting center fielder in the 2014 World Series so we don’t want to dismiss his ability to help us for a ton of at-bats and a ton of games but if we could put him more in a fourth outfield spot, we feel like we would be stronger.”
When discussing the possibility of further additions this winter, Evans pointed out that the team still has “flexibility” to spend, even after the significant contracts given to Cueto and Jeff Samardzija. The GM says that the Giants will be open to exploring both the free agent market and the trade market for ways to make the team better, but it doesn’t sound as though the bullpen will be among their top priorities.
“You always want to find a way to get better in the bullpen, [but] I think it’s the one area of the farm system that’s most ready to help us,” said Evans. “We saw that in [Hunter] Strickland and Josh Osich. Osich, in many ways, replaces Jeremy Affeldt in the fact that he can pitch to both lefties and righties and pitch in any point in the game. But, with that said, we’re at least going to keep our antennas up. It’s not where I want to spend my next dollar, necessarily, because we have depth in the minor leagues, but I recognize that you win with a good bullpen and we need to make sure we’re strong there.”
Ultimately, we shouldn’t expect to see the Giants make a run at a higher-priced free agent reliever such as Tyler Clippard. By the same token, after dropping big bucks on a pair of free agents already this winter, it’s safe to say that the Giants aren’t going to get involved on an expensive left fielder like Justin Upton, unless his market takes a surprising and drastic nosedive.
I thought it was also safe to say that wouldn’t sign a big pitcher like cueto after they got samardizija. I believe they will give another big contract this year and then sit on their hands next offseason as that market is not nearly as good.
Evan’s quote regarding Blanco had to have been one of the softest landings on a demotion to 4th outfielder stated in a long time.
Well he was always supposed to be the fourth outfielder the past couple years, but injuries to the outfield kept happening, mainly Angel Pagan.
You can’t get demoted when you were never the jobholder. Blanco has only started in significance when Aoki was hurt or Pagan the year before. He does fine when he’s called upon. Blanco is a good 4th OF and the only option they have right now. He’s just saying they’re fine with him there but better with him playing all over and getting a better bat in LF.
Evans has got to get an everyday outfielder for LF. Please, no more Marlon Byrd, Alejandro De Aza, Kyle Blanks…we need to see a difference maker brought in to add depth to the line up.
That being said, it doesn’t need to come from free agency. There are outfielders out there that could be had. Marcell Ozuna is probably the most interesting name that I have heard could be available. Carlos Gonzalez is another difference-making bat. Also, I couldn’t see them ever trading him, but there was an article on MLBTR a little while back about George Springer being talked about. Obviously, he would be my 100% focus if that was true, but I doubt he is.
The Giants don’t have the prospects or major league talent their willing to give up to get springer or ozuna
With Pagan set for free agency after this year, getting a stopgap LFer would mean that they have 2 outfield positions to fill next offseason. So I think it makes sense to spend more to shore up LF for a few years. Having to fill LF and CF in the same offseason would be a daunting task.
Get a legit bat for left, Bobby. You know Blanco is going to be needed in center two months into the season when Pagan gets hurt anyway.
Just a suggestion but couldn’t a team try to pry Braun from the Brewers?
They are rebuilding right?
They had Aoki and they let him go for nothing.
Blackmon and Cargo
Or Braun ?
I love their moves so far, and patience seems to be the way to play LF for now. There are a number of quality outfielders left and I am hoping the slow moving outfield market translates into better value as more teams needs are filled. Blanco prefers being a 4th outfielder and will be key when injuries undoubtedly happen. I have a feeling that we are going to be pleasantly surprised this time around. Go Giants!!
The Giants should get someone like Alex Rios or David Murphy.