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

Would the team really trade away Lincecum, Pence, Romo, or other key pieces?

There’s certainly no shortage of material in the Giants’ rumor mill, as the Red Sox, Tigers, and other teams have all been linked to trade talks with San Francisco.  But would the Giants actually go through with a trade involving key players like Lincecum, Hunter Pence, or Sergio Romo?

May 18, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum (55) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Since there were no apparent plans to move Lincecum prior to his no-hitter anyway, his impressive performance assuredly had some type of varying effect to the powers that be.  Lincecum will be a free agent after the season is over, as well as Pence (who loves playing in San Francisco) and Javier Lopez.

Romo is signed through next season, as well as Jose Mijares.  Jeremy Affeldt and Santiago Casilla (who recently returned from the DL for today’s loss) are both signed through at least 2015, so the club does have a couple options if they were to make a trade or two.

However, I do believe they need to hold on to all the depth they can.  Sure, the Giants could probably get a substantial return for players like Lincecum, Romo, and Pence.

But I don’t think the club is ready to trade away a franchise player like Tim Lincecum, at least not yet.  With Romo signed through next season – and no other clear choice for a closer unless Brian Wilson makes a miraculous return – there’s really no reason to trade away an important player such as him.