Thursday, the 2014 Baseball Winter Meetings ended in high fashion and teams throwing in deals last minute. Every year, the meetings witness overspending and clubs acquiring a lot of pieces. When attending the Winter Meetings, it almost feels out of obligation you must make a move. That wasn't the case for the Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals, and the defending World Champion, San Francisco Giants. Brian Sabean engaged in conversations, went all-in for Jon Lester, but Sabean could have stayed back home in the Bay Area. Needless to say, Sabean looked like a failure. I wouldn't consider this a failure, but I would consider this all talk, and no action. Giants have three gaping holes that need patching for 2015 and beyond if they want to win more World Series. Pablo Sandoval left the Bay Area for Boston, Michael Morse looks to be on his way to another team, and Ryan Vogelsong and Jake Peavy find themselves still looking to be signed. With a starting pitcher, third base, and left field open, did Brian Sabean see anything he liked? Generally, at the meetings, it is to gather and discuss who's available and create trade scenarios. While some are ramblings at the time, there's a good chance at the meeting or weeks after, teams might put it into gear and make the deal possible. While we are not in the room, or on the floor for discussions, do we know if Brian Sabean got himself some creative ideas to make this club even better for the 2015 season? When a team is quiet, it sends mixed messages to a ball club and its fans. There's plenty of offseason left and players who are available currently, and who could be made available here in the coming weeks. The definition of "patience" should be changed in Webster's Dictionary to Brian Sabean, and patience is something Giants fans need to follow. Whether it is the offseason or near the trade deadline, Giants fans tend to get over ambitious and feel a move for a player outside the organization is the route to go. Brian is excellent when to pull the trigger on a move or when to look in-house. In 2010, Buster Posey was close to being ready in the minors and the Giants gambled on bringing him up. Buster turned out to be NL Rookie of the Year and a vital part to San Francisco's first World Series title. In 2014, Giants were stuck on how they wanted to approach their season, hoping to make the playoffs after a series of injuries and misfortunes. Sabean neglected the market and called up Joe Panik from Triple A - Fresno, who looked like a seasoned vet like Buster Posey in 2010. While it is easy to get excited for the big move, Sabean is precise on who he targets and what prospects fit best to be on the major league ball club. Although, he is not afraid to make big deals and sacrifice prospects such as the acquisition of Carlos Beltran in 2011, Hunter Pence and Marco Scutaro in 2012. It is a dream to land the big move and create the buzz headlines across the baseball media, but the ball is Brian Sabean's glove and he will decide when he wants to go for it or if he wants to pull back. With the 2015 roster getting up there in age, and with more free agents-to-be next offseason, Sabean may be brewing something in the front office to replenish the roster. While prospects might be crucial at this point, and an improving rival in the Dodgers, the Giants might have to pursue a move with players they are not willing to give up. This leaves the question to be answered: Who should the Giants pursue within the remaining free agent pool, and trade market? Here are three moves to consider:
Trade for Jay Bruce - This move needs to be pressed hard. I have been high on Jay Bruce as an option all offseason for the Giants after an atrocious and under-performed 2014 season for the Cincinnati Reds. With an inflated payroll, injuries to key players, and a new coach, the Reds need a fresh start, and during the Winter Meetings it may of indicated this is the start of a rebuilding period for the Reds (trading away Mat Latos and Alfredo Simon). Jay Bruce had one of the worst seasons of his career in 2014, after dealing with a knee injury and battling inconsistencies at the plate. Bruce is a big-time player for the Reds (not named Joey Votto), who's value is down a little after the poor season. While Walt Jocketty has claimed the Reds are not interested in a rebuild, it clearly looks like it is time for a rebuild. Even though you may not want to have a rebuild, the Reds are in desperation to get back to the team they were for the last five years. The only way to get better is trade off players to bring down the payroll and bring in young players. While Jay Bruce is a right fielder, the San Francisco Giants could use another big stick and excellent defender in the outfield and not have to use a platoon to receive that (eliminates Morse and Ishikawa). It worked in 2014, but I don't feel it is smart for the long term plan. Giants have not had an every day big bat outfielder since Barry Bonds. Pence has mastered the right field position and knowing how to play with the right field wall. Jay Bruce could learn, but his athleticism could shift him to left field. Bruce is the ideal Giant that Bruce Bochy needs. Bruce can pop out 22-30 home runs a season, a gap hitter, gets walked, and is a smart base runner. Pablo Sandoval's bat needs replaced in the middle of the lineup and Jay Bruce would be a great fit for the current mold of the team. I am not sure what the Reds would want in return in regards to prospects and major leaguers, but offering Kyle Crick, Juan Perez, and potentially Matt Duffy (odd man out due to Panik) could be enough. Duffy could replace the disappointing Zack Cozart, who could essentially be included in the deal for depth off the bench for the Giants.
Sign Asdrubal Cabrera - After a breakout season in 2011 with the Cleveland Indians, Asdrubal Cabrera has found himself in a small decline. Indians needed offense and Cabrera was all they had at one point. As Michael Brantley, Jason Kipnis, and Carlos Santana came along, Cabrera was no longer in the run supporter role. Cabrera has batted all over the lineup throughout his career and has found himself batting in the bottom half now. Cabrera is still in his prime and his decline should not be concerning. Cabrera;s mitt and defense is Gold Glove material every year, and still has some pop in his bat (14 home runs in '14). While second base and shortstop are his primary positions, the Giants could take a look at him at the hot corner. His defense would certainly be an upgrade from Pablo Sandoval, but he needs to get his hitting going again. The vast AT&T Park may help out his numbers, as he is a great gap hitter and his extra base totals would inflate. Cabrera most likely would want to play second base since it is a natural position for him, but the Giants future, Joe Panik, is currently in the way and the organization doesn't plan on shifting him to third base anytime soon. If Cabrera wants to be a Giant, he will have to make the switch. In the end, I could see a switch to third base. Cabrera would be able to bat sixth or seventh in the lineup or even second on occasion. The third base market is dry now, and to get a Evan Longoria would require a lot of players in return. Cabrera can make the switch, and it would be a safe and good move. 3 Yrs./$30 Million
Trade for Trevor Plouffe - Trevor Plouffe had a breakout year despite the low batting average in 2014. Plouffe collected 40 doubles, 14 home runs, and 80 RBI's. With Miguel Sano up on deck and looking to start this season in Minnesota, Plouffe may be on his way out. The only weaknesses Plouffe brings is he streaky as a hitter and provides average defense. While Pablo Sandoval wasn't always the greatest defender, he still found ways to make big defensive stops and was one of the best defending third baseman in the National League in 2014. Plouffe did drive in more runs than Sandoval in 2014 and had a better OPS. Essentially, could say Plouffe had a better season than Sandoval, subtracting the playoffs from this analysis. The Twins would be giving up Plouffe for possibly one or two prospects. Giants could offer Adam Duvall and Ricky Oropesa and not lose any big leaguers. Plouffe would be a nice addition to that offense and allows the Giants to save money towards pitching.
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