San Francisco Giants Mailbag: Aoki, Olivera, Bullpen

Oct 29, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; MLB commissioner Bud Selig (right) presents San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy (left) , chief executive officer Larry Baer (middle) and general manager Brian Sabean with the Commissioners Trophy after game seven of the 2014 World Series against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charlie Neibergall/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports

Right now, it appears as if the Los Angeles Dodgers are the favorites to land Hector Olivera. Several other teams are interested in Olivera’s services such as the New York Yankees, the San Diego Padres, and the Oakland Athletics, but it seems like the Dodgers, the Miami Marlins, or the Atlanta Braves will land him.

Based on that, it doesn’t seem like Olivera is a strong possibility for the Giants, despite the Giants showing interest in him recently.

In addition, if the Giants have an option, it might make more sense for them to make a push at Yoan Moncada instead. Again, the Giants aren’t necessarily one of the favorites to land Moncada, but Moncada, who is only 19 years old, is younger than Olivera is and hasn’t yet reached his peak, unlike Olivera who probably has at the age of 29.

Olivera is more Major League-ready given his age and experience, and the Giants certainly shouldn’t completely write him off, as he can play second base or third base, he can hit for average, and he has power. It seems like a long shot for the Giants to sign either one, but if the Giants are going to invest a large amount of money in one of these Cuban prospects, it’d make more sense to invest in the younger Moncada.

The Giants could certainly benefit from infusing some more young talent into the system, and Moncada’s ability to switch-hit and play second base, shortstop, and third base would give the Giants some insurance if McGehee doesn’t re-sign with the Giants.

Ultimately, it doesn’t seem like the Giants will be able to sign either one though.

Next: Addressing the Bullpen