Bear
09-20-2008, 09:17 AM
By Bill Bradley
bbradley@sacbee.com
September 19, 2008
We may be in the heat of the pennant races, but the Giants' hot stove talk appears to be on fire.
A lingering rumor was given new life Wednesday night. ESPN's Peter Gammons said the Giants could trade starting pitcher Matt Cain, 23, to the Brewers for first baseman Prince Fielder, 24, shortstop J.J. Hardy, 26, and another player. He didn't cite his source.
First, I would make this deal in a heartbeat. Cain (15-29 the last two seasons) has yet to fulfill his potential. Fielder (80 homers and 212 RBIs in that time) is a legitimate left-handed slugger. And Hardy (314 hits) would be an offensive upgrade for aging Omar Vizquel.
Whether you agree with me or not, I'm not Giants general manager Brian Sabean. He has shunned overtures to deal Cain or Cy Young nominee Tim Lincecum.
Sabean has said he sees keeping Cain, Lincecum and Barry Zito together for some time. And if Zito has turned it around, Sabean could have his own version of Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux and John Smoltz.
That takes patience. Lincecum has blossomed, and Cain hasn't.
If you are going to rebuild the Giants – along with the kids coming from the minors – this would be the deal to kick-start them.
This story is taking on a life of its own. Now if it could only be true.:)
bbradley@sacbee.com
September 19, 2008
We may be in the heat of the pennant races, but the Giants' hot stove talk appears to be on fire.
A lingering rumor was given new life Wednesday night. ESPN's Peter Gammons said the Giants could trade starting pitcher Matt Cain, 23, to the Brewers for first baseman Prince Fielder, 24, shortstop J.J. Hardy, 26, and another player. He didn't cite his source.
First, I would make this deal in a heartbeat. Cain (15-29 the last two seasons) has yet to fulfill his potential. Fielder (80 homers and 212 RBIs in that time) is a legitimate left-handed slugger. And Hardy (314 hits) would be an offensive upgrade for aging Omar Vizquel.
Whether you agree with me or not, I'm not Giants general manager Brian Sabean. He has shunned overtures to deal Cain or Cy Young nominee Tim Lincecum.
Sabean has said he sees keeping Cain, Lincecum and Barry Zito together for some time. And if Zito has turned it around, Sabean could have his own version of Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux and John Smoltz.
That takes patience. Lincecum has blossomed, and Cain hasn't.
If you are going to rebuild the Giants – along with the kids coming from the minors – this would be the deal to kick-start them.
This story is taking on a life of its own. Now if it could only be true.:)