San Francisco Giants Trade Rumors: Ben Zobrist Update
One of the most significant San Francisco Giants trade rumors so far this offseason is the possible acquisition of Tampa Bay Rays utility man Ben Zobrist. These trade rumors originally started a couple weeks ago, but nothing has happened yet.
A lot of trade rumors in the offseason end up never happening, and sometimes it takes a while to iron out the details of a trade of this caliber though.
Giants assistant general manager Bobby Evans provided an update on the status of a potential trade when he was interviewed on MLB Network Radio on Sunday. Here’s what Evans said:
Evans said, they are staying engaged in conversations with the #Rays about Ben Zobrist, but are realistic. #SFGiants
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) January 4, 2015
As Comcast Sportsnet Bay Area points out, this trade is far from imminent, and it’s also hard to tell what Evans means when he says the Giants are still “engaged” with the Rays about Zobrist. Engaged can suggest several different degrees of interest and progress. It doesn’t seem like much progress has been made, even though the situation is being described as “realistic.”
Perhaps the main reason why this trade hasn’t happened yet is because it’ll require the Giants to give up significant young assets. It’s unclear if the Rays are really asking for Kyle Crick and Andrew Susac, as some rumors suggest, but even if the Rays aren’t asking for these two, the Giants will still have to give up a lot of young talent, including players such as Hunter Strickland, Matt Duffy, and others.
The Rays will most likely ask for the Giants’ top prospects, because they value Zobrist highly. It’s unclear if the Giants are willing to give up their top starting pitching prospect, Crick, and their potential catcher of the future, Susac, and that’s possibly why this potential trade hasn’t happened yet.
There haven’t been many details released yet on which prospects would be involved in a potential trade, perhaps suggesting that the trade talks haven’t gotten that far.
Regardless of where the trade talks are currently, Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow believes that Zobrist would be a great fit on this Giants team. Given his experience in the Major Leagues and his knowledge of the game, Krukow’s judgement can be trusted.
Krukow went on KNBR on Monday morning, and here’s what he had to say about Zobrist and a potential trade for him:
"“He’s a good player,” Krukow said on KNBR 680 Monday morning. “He’s a Sabean-type player.”…“He’s a grinder,” Krukow added. “Those type of players are invaluable.”…“It’s gonna cost you. It’s going to cost you someone pretty good,” said Krukow, who indicated that second baseman Joe Panik and catcher Andrew Susac were likely untouchable, but that relief pitcher Hunter Strickland and utility infielder Matt Duffy were options."
Krukow seems to truly see Zobrist’s value and his potential value to the Giants. He understands that Zobrist is a hard worker, which is a valuable trait on any MLB team. However, Krukow also understands that the Giants will have to give up a lot in order to acquire him.
Zobrist would certainly be a good fit on the Giants, as he could start in left field, he could start at second base, shortstop, or third base when needed, and he could obviously bring his strong work ethic, his experience, and his versatility to the Giants.
Is Zobrist such a good fit for the Giants that they should trade away some of their top prospects? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.