San Francisco Giants: 4 Big Questions Facing GM Brian Sabean At The Trade Deadline
By zacklosel
What is Brian Sabean most likely to do come the trade deadline?
Apr 1, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants general manager Brian Sabean attends the 2013 season-opening game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
No matter what happens, we (being Brian Sabean, the front office, and Bruce Bochy) must consider the long-term impact of prematurely trading away any key players this season; if the Giants were to make a big trade or two, it would have to be for someone the team plans on signing for more than just the rest of the season (see Carlos Beltran and the revenge of Zack Wheeler). Would it even be worth it? Who knows how the return would work out.
Unfortunately, resident LOOGY Javier Lopez is the most logical choice to trade away: he holds substantial value because of the fact he’s a left handed relief pitcher, but also because of his numbers. They’re astounding; only four earned runs allowed through 22.1 innings of work. 25 strikeouts to nine walks, and not one long-ball allowed all season. He’ll be a free agent by season’s end, and could greatly help other clubs who may also be trying to make a run for October. What the team could get for Lopez, though, is another story.
Now don’t get me wrong, Javier Lopez is a very important part of this team and truly a class-act — but for a couple reasons, he does seem to be the most expendable, because of the value he holds.
Brian Sabean faces some tough decisions in the coming weeks. But this time, the moves he makes / or doesn’t make could impact the club for years to come. The main question he should be asking himself is this: if the Giants continue to play good baseball over the next two weeks, will that be enough to convince him to make the moves necessary to improve this years club?
Only time will tell. Hopefully, the Giants take advantage of this short break, and come back rejuvenated and ready to play their hearts out.
After all, they are a second half team.