San Francisco Giants: 4 Big Questions Facing GM Brian Sabean At The Trade Deadline

Will Sabean and Co. go after a starting pitcher?

Jul 8, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Matt Garza (22) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

At first glance, it would seem like a very likely scenario, and Matt Garza‘s name is the most prevalent on the team‘s want list of available starters — and it would be nice to steal him away from the Dodgers who are also in on Garza.

However, the starting rotation has actually been pretty good recently.  Matt Cain continues to have hiccups here and there, and Barry Zito has unfortunately proven to be the weakest link as of late — he has not recorded a quality start since June 22nd when he shut down the Marlins at home for a 2-1 win.

The saving grace?  10-5 All-Star Madison Bumgarner has been the team’s MVP (alongside Buster Posey) since the start of the season, and hasn’t missed a beat.

Lincecum has really picked himself up in the last couple months.  He’s only given up more than three earned runs in just one of his last eight starts, and has quietly lowered his ERA from 4.75 on June 4th, to a much more respectable 4.26 as of this past Saturday’s no-hit gem.

Then you have Gaudin, who has just been incredible in the starting capacity since being asked to fill that role.  With Ryan Vogelsong set to be back in the rotation by early August, Barry Zito might find himself the odd-man-out upon Vogelsong’s return.

Obviously we have no idea how or if the veteran righty will bounce back, so the first couple series after the break will be imperative in keeping the team’s momentum consistent going forward.  It will also most likely be the deciding factor as to which route the front office will choose to go; throw in the towel prematurely and trade away players now for a bounce back season next year, or stand relatively pat, make a couple moves to bolster the bullpen and or bench, and try to go for it.

Jeff Franceour could be the Pat Burrell of 2013 if he gets comfortable enough with the team, so we’ll have to see how he acclimates platooning with Tanaka.

This team does seem to be turning it around.  If Vogelsong comes back healthy and can give the Giants five, six quality innings per start, it would be wonderful.  The Giants could easily make up some much needed ground if they do well against Arizona.