Giants third baseman Evan Longoria has been forced to the 10-day injured list with plantar fasciitis, manager Bruce Bochy told reporters including Kerry Crowley of the Bay Area News Group (Twitter link). His timeline to return is not yet known.
It’s unfortunate to see Longoria go down at this particular time. He has been on a tear in the month of July, launching six long balls in just thirty plate appearances. That has coincided with a nice little run for the San Francisco club itself.
So, time to change the trade deadline plans? Likely not. The front office is no doubt focused on maximizing value from the team’s trade chips. As tantalizing as the Wild Card may seem, it’d be awfully tough to forego a chance at securing a nice haul of young talent in hopes of somehow sneaking past quite a few other teams — most, more talented on paper — to earn a slot in the one-game play-in contest.
Longoria is not a likely trade candidate himself regardless of the team’s situation. His recent hot streak has only boosted his season slash to .241/.318/.446 — just about league average overall output when adjusted for park effects. That’s an improvement over Longoria’s subpar 2018 work, but hardly a return to his glory years. Even with the Rays picking up the deferred portion of his remaining contractual guarantee, the 33-year-old is hanging $52MM of obligations (including an option buyout) on the San Francisco books.
The loss of Longoria could have a slight impact on the trade season, though. With a resurgent stick and league-minimum salary, former hot corner stalwart Pablo Sandoval is a bit of an interesting trade chip for the Giants. He’ll now have a chance at something of a pre-deadline showcase in Longo’s absence.
The Panda is pure San Francisco. He needs to stay put…
Agreed!! But bring up Zac Green
Not yet
I read up on this. . . They can give a steriod injection. To alleviate pain for upwards of a month. and inflammation possibly longer than that. . . There’s physical therapy which no douht they’re probably already doing. Stretches strength etc. Maybe Longo kept it quiet for a while.? Certainly too long if that’s the case.
Then there’s a few procedures to promote blood flow. Or remove scar tissue. . .
Their probably figuring out what they want to do. Considering Longo probably wants to finsih out the season. . .
I read that he said it’s been affecting him since last season
This comes and goes. He had it back in Tampa. I don’t know the science behind it, but it flares up and that’s when it causes issues. I had it several years back and it tool me 8 months to be pain free. When u get moving it’s not that bad. Also, when resting it’s not bad. It’s the worse when u r standing still and then all of a sudden start walking.
8 months is not too bad. It can hang around a few years
Whether they trade talent or try to compete probably depends on the return they’d get. If they’re gonna get guys that aren’t as close to sure things as possible it’s hard to see them trading away anyone when a playoff berth is within reach. And on that note, if the rest of the league remains mediocre, well, it’s still early enough in the season that the Giants, or any other team for that matter, could create separation. So I think they’d have to get some pretty compelling prospects to trade away their talent while the playoffs are within reach.
Unrelated but I find it insane that the Giants are 3 games back of a playoff spot.
The entire NL has a shot at the playoffs. Funny that the buyers/sellers are only like 1.5 games apart
Well..everyone but the Marlins
Ouch
They should go for it with the winning core still in place
They should go for it with the winning core still in place
Too bad for Longoria, he had finally hit a hot streak. And although the Giants have been playing extremely well, they still need to make trades to get younger and more talented. This run does not make them buyers. Stay the course, make them trades if you can get the desired return. Dickerson and Slater have been nice adds as has Vogt and Pillar. Even if they move 4-5 present players, they have acquired enough depth and talent in Sacramento that they should be able to be competitive. This is about 2021 and beyond. They’ll also get 5-7 starts from Cueto as he’ll be back from TJ surgery next month or early September.
I think it’s going to the last minute before the Deadline,If their playing well,Smith Stays and Bum Stays,If they fall back to earth,then several get traded.I think there’s a better chance Watson gets Traded then Smith,Good Closers are hard to find especially if the Giants think they can Re Sign him.
Exactly. Will Smith. Keep Him long term.
Agreed!
“…in hopes of somehow sneaking past quite a few other teams — most, more talented on paper — to earn a slot in the one-game play-in contest.”
Right. Like the 2014 Giants, who did just that and won it all…