The Giants have had internal discussions about pursuing newly-minted free agent outfielder Carlos Gomez, president of baseball operations Brian Sabean tells Tim Kawakami of the Mercury News. Sabean ultimately says he’s not sure whether San Francisco will put in an offer, but made clear that Gomez is “in play” as a target. Jon Heyman of Fan Rag tweeted earlier that the Giants were a possible landing spot, though Andrew Baggarly of the Mercury News notes on Twitter that the club is still “unconvinced” that Gomez would make for a useful acquisition.
Adding an outfielder doesn’t seem like a necessity for the Giants, who have numerous options on their depth chart. On the other hand, some cracks are showing as the club fades in the standings. Though Angel Pagan has found the fountain of youth, Hunter Pence has struggled since returning from the DL, Denard Span hasn’t hit as much as hoped, and Gregor Blanco is well off of his recent productivity. Kelby Tomlinson provides another option, and youngsters Jarrett Parker and Mac Williamson have both shown promise, but the overall unit has lacked punch of late and Williamson is shelved with a shoulder issue.
That’s a fairly crowded mix, and Gomez wouldn’t offer a clear upgrade given the recent struggles that led to his release by the Astros. It’s certainly possible to imagine him sharing time in center with Span, though, as Gomez remains a useful up-the-middle defender despite his offensive fall-off. Plus, he won’t cost anything beyond the league minimum and the impending roster expansion would largely alleviate any pressures in that regard (apart from clearing a 40-man spot).
Whether or not Gomez is a viable option seemingly depends upon his own motivations as much as those of the Giants. Sabean noted that the team needs to know whether the veteran would be willing to possibly accept a part-time role. Presumably, San Francisco isn’t interested in promising regular playing time to a player who carries a sub-.600 OPS in his age-30 season. Still though, Gomez’s lofty established ceiling remains a tantalizing prospect for teams that may think they can help him find his groove.
You can discuss him all you want , but Sign him , NO !
I don’t see an upside to him if Mac can pick up where he left off – his swing was just starting to come around in the majors (and has always had power) when he was dl’d, he just needs a little playing time
But Blanco as a backup CF? Gomez (who I dislike immensely and I really like Blanco) has a much higher potential upside than Blanco. If SF can find a way to get him on the roster without losing anyone important (like option someone like Mac to AAA then bring them back up in Sept) maybe Gomez comes good and you have a major threat off the bench. But then someone has to go from the 40 man roster… not sure who that would be.
Blanco has been a backup his entire career and it won’t change anytime soon. He did start in the 2012 postseason every game but Melky Cabrea was suspended. Gomez could be the left fielder that Pagan won’t be when he hits free agency this offseason. I think that he could sign, but he would be platoon more than likely
yeeahhh… no.
it’d be interesting to see nunez at the lead-off and push span to the 8 or 9 hole. we need a consistent spark at the top with pags or panik or even craw in the 2 hole to clog the basses for belt/posey/pence.
‘member what lofton did for us in ‘o2?
we’ve got the offense. just need that ‘a-ha’ moment to jumpstart it for the stretch run.
besides, help is needed in the ‘pen. been leaking oil. it’d be nice to add an arm for the stretch run. don’t know if nathan can step it up at age 41. be nice if he or one of the kids from richmond or sacramento can help.
Why has Crawford never really seen much time in the 2 hole? But now with the power he’s showing you kinda need him in a RBI slot.
Panik is the ideal #2 guy if Span get’s on then that opens up a hole for him on the right side just need him to get going. He’s going to go on a tear soon is my prediction. Happy to see Pagan doing so well and healthy too, he’s such a wonderful guy.
I have thought the same thing, putting Nunez at leadoff.
Nunez, Panik, Belt, Posey, Pence, Crawford, Pagan, Span… pitcher either 8th or 9th.
I like our guys but I wouldn’t turn down a good deal on Gomez, while others are waiting this out! Why not? Strength in numbers come October!
i’m all for a good deal. but every time i hear the name ‘carlos gomez’, all i remember is the standoff at home plate with brian maccann and gomez’s crazy eyes afterwards during the scrum.
we’ve had some ‘colorful’ personalities in the giant’s dugout over the years but i’d rather see a team player who would go to the wall for their fellow teammates rather than a potential (i hate to use the word, but…) ‘cancer’; even if it is for a small stretch.
i haven’t kept tabs on his career and i don’t know if his facilities/maturity are tempered now. guess will wait and see what sabes and bobby decide.
I wouldn’t mind this at all. I Like Mac, but no guarantee he will be back to where he was before the shoulder injury. Not much season left to get healthy and find timing. At the very least, Gomez is a heathy right handed bat right now, with no risk
Anything that messes with the Giants clubhouse or their team cohesiveness, I’m all for!! Sign Him, Sign him!! (yea, that’s right. I’m a Dodger Fan!!) GO BLUE!!!
Oh no
Please don’t sign him
Too many average outfielders already
It will ruined the chemistry
Mad bum won’t like it too
Any pitching out there…… We could use help in our pen…….
Hey Mr Brian Sabean. We need you to take back mr Evans job
He is taking the team back ward
I follow Giants since 1975
This year is the worst hitting team ever
Even the 103 lost team is much better hitting team then 2016 team
terrible wasted lots of good pitching