So far to start the 2014 MLB season, the Giants have had a solid and surprising start. In the offseason , Giants made minimal moves in signing Tim Hudson and Mike Morse which has translated into making noise. Hudson is playing some of his best ball at age 38, and Morse is leading the Giants in RBI's after a horrendous 2013 season. Morse is playing beyond his one year deal the Giants gambled on. Although the Giants are getting production out of their free agent signings, some regulars are underperforming this year or are battling injuries. Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain who have been anchors to that pitching staff for years are starting to show signs of inconsistency and could be a sign of things to come. Angel Pagan and Marco Scutaro who were vital pieces to the 2012 World Series team have been battling injuries. Brandon Hicks emerged out of spring training as a nice safety cushion for an ailing Scutaro , but over the past month offensively has taken a dip and rookie Joe Panik has claimed the starting spot. Through the month of June, what the Giants have seen as a comfortable 9 game lead has reduced to a 4 game lead as of June 24. The offense is not producing and the pitching staff is relying on Bumgarner and getting no help from the other starters and bullpen. It is not a catastrophic collapse but there is a minor tune up needed to boost this Giants team that showed signs in the first two months of being a World Champion team. Here are a few trade options the Giants should consider making to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Daniel Murphy, 2B New York Mets
Murphy has been an electric part of the Mets offense for the past 3 years. He's not flashy with power and home runs and not named David Wright, but he has been a vital part to a Mets team that should be better than they are. He can bat anywhere in the lineup and knows how to get on base. Not an elite defender, but plays defense enough to get the job done. Murphy has success on the base paths and knows how to score. Generally, that is Pagan's job for the Giants, but without him in the lineup, Giants are struggling to get runners on base. Daniel Murphy would fit perfect in spacious AT&T park, where his extra bases total already thrives. Giants would only have to give up some minor leaguers which I think the Mets wouldn't mind and try to rebuild. This move should be a no brainer for the Giants with inexperience at second base currently. Also on the upside, Murphy is still in his 20's, and could stick around for awhile.
Jason Hammel, SP Chicago Cubs
According to Jon Morosi from FOX, Giants tried to sign Hammel this past off season but failed to sign him. Cubs signed Hammel and it has paid off for them, even though the team's results haven't showed it. Hammel has a superb ERA and WHIP as well as a winning record. Cubs are looking to the future and Hammel's success could bring in a couple prospects for their future. Giants could finally get the guy they wanted via trade as opposed to free agency. Tim Lincecum has been an inconsistent pitcher the last couple years, and in 2012 it found him being placed in the bullpen for the playoffs. It paid dividends and Lincecum looked stellar. Giants should consider him as a long relief pitcher and a spot starter. Acquiring Hammel could boost the rotation and his numbers should continue to stay the same in pitcher-friendly AT&T park. Lincecum would make an already solid bullpen even stronger. It is a win-win situation.
The Giants do not need a David Price, Cole Hamels, Jeff Samardzija to get over the hump. Giants are caught in a rut, but are capable of getting out. Scutaro will be back shortly but he seems to be a bench option and pinch hitter for the rest of his career. Panik is a bright spot for the future in the infield, and is gaining experience. If Giants make the push for Daniel Murphy and Jason Hammel, I believe we can forget about the dreadful June they have been playing.
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