The Fools Gold that is Free Agency:  Very rarely does a long term investment into a free agent end well.  More often than not, the organization finds themselves paying the player for what he’s accomplished with his prior team, and often finds itself overpaying for a player way past his peak years.  It was a process that never made much sense to me.  One could make a strong argument that throwing millions in signing bonuses through the amateur draft is far less risky than Free Agent Market.

Understanding this risk, it would seem much more effective to stay clear of free agency and focus on continued in-house player development and inquiries into the trade market for controllable, young players.  After scanning the 40 man rosters of the various organizations, I’ve compiled a list of players who would appear to help this organization going forward.  Not all players have incredible value, but may still be useful to the team.

Chris Davis (1B/3B) Tex:  A power hitter with considerable upside, Davis’ approach at the plate is exactly what would make him successful at the phone booth.  He can spray the ball to all fields and has passable defense at both corner positions.  Couple him with Sandoval and we could have our future middle of the lineup already intact.  COST:  Jonathan Sanchez … to get talent you need to give up talent.  I would insist that any deal surrounding these two would require additional pieces.  One being a MLB ready average upside pitcher coming back to SF to take Sanchez’ place in the rotation.  A deal surrounding Sanchez plus one for Davis and Brandon McCarthy would be template.

Billy Butler (DH/1B) KC:  Granted the guy is not a suitable first basemen, but what’s the point of having JT Snow on staff if not for projects such as this.  The reason we make this deal is for Butler’s bat, pure and simple.  For whatever the reason, Dayton Moore has gone sour on this guy, despite the fact that Butler brings a great approach to the plate and is only 23 years of age.  The picture of having Pablo at 3rd and Billy at 1st may scare the hell out of most, but I could handle that if it came with 50 doubles.  COST:  This should require a Sanchez type piece.  Moore has put an emphasis on pitching this offseason and he might be content with some low level arms like Pucetas.

Brandon Wood/Kendry Morales (SS/3B)(1B) Ana:  Both guys are former top prospects that seem to have been jerked around in the Angels system.  You know what you get with Wood.  A power bat with low a low average and high Ks.  But if he can play a passable SS, we could do a whole lot worse.  Morales is a player Ive long been intrigued with and really believe, if given steady at-bats, can become a really effective player.  COSTS:  Dealing for either player may prove problematic because the Angels have historically been stingy with regard to their prospects.  So in terms of value, I’m open to suggestions. 

Daric Barton (1B)/Bobby Crosby (SS) Oak:  I know a good deal of you will not agree with targeting Crosby, but again, given the options and what he’s capable of providing when fully healthy (albeit a major caveat), you could do a lot worse than a 20 HR guy with better than league average defense who makes 5 million on a one year deal.  If Oak lands Furcal as rumored, Bobby would become available.  Barton is still a very young hitter who struggled mightily during his first season.  He’s another guy who I believe simply needs time to figure things out.  He still has Mark Grace written all over him and Oakland may be receptive to moving him.  COSTS: This is the problem.  I wouldn’t trust Brian to negotiate a trade with Billy, overrated and all. 

Ricky Weeks (2B) Mil:  Many people have soured on this guy and for good reason.  He simply hasn’t made any adjustments at the plate.  But I believe a change of scenery would do him a world of good.  There is no reason this kid cant be a Brandon Phillips type player.  COST: Mil was talking about shifting him to CF in the event of a Cameron trade, but the organization is chomping at the bit to move their uber-prospect Alcides Escobar up to the show and sliding him over to 2B would make Weeks expendable.  Again, not certain what it would take in terms of players.  Suggestions welcomed.

Deals to Make regarding Salary Dumps:

Aaron Rowand for Nic Swisher:  Kenny Williams and the Sox have always loved the guy and they have to be disappointed in what Swisher gave them this season.   Swisher has a livable contract and he could play an above average defense at first, while spelling our corner outfielders when needed.  Again, he would bring good power with strong OBP skills.  I think this deal makes sense for both organizations.

Aaron Rowand for Melky Cabrera and/or Ian Kennedy:  The Yankees interest in Mike Cameron suggest they are in the market for a CF.  And these seem like the expendable pieces in play.  Our rotation really cant rely on Noah coming back and giving us 30 starts.  Kennedy had a rough debut this season and with the expected moves the Yankees will make to the rotation, it would seem that hes the odd man out.  Melky’s value has taken a nose dive and he’s another player who could possibly need a change of scenario that offers a replacement either this year or next when Winn walks.

Randy Winn for Edwin Jackson:  Tampa needs another outfielder and Winn would be a perfect fit.  He’s a pro with good habits who would have a great influence on the young rays hitters.  Randy is still very solid both out in the field and at the plate.  Getting Jackson would be a major coupe for the Giants.  The guy has a great arm and seemed to make strides in putting it together this season.  His progressions remind me a lot of Sanchez.  He could help fill out the rotation.

Players of Interest:

Andy Marte – may never turn out to be anything, maybe just needs a change of scenery.  Wouldn’t cost much to find out.  Could be a Carlos Pena type find.

Kila Ka'aihue – clearly not going to get an opportunity in KC with the Jacobs signing.  Last year was insane and probably not sustainable, but it probably wouldn’t cost must to see if something’s clicked.

Josh Barfield – Another guy that just didn’t live up to the expectations.  I was really impressed with him during his one season in SD and still believe that player is still there … somewhere.  Again, another low risk acquisition that should cost much to see if a change of scenery makes a difference.

Boof Bosner – seems to have been shoved out of the pitching rotation in Minnesota.  He is the quintessential innings eater and would make for a fine 5th starter.  And more to the point, his return would help undue a sore spot for many.

I apologize for the length of the post.  But feedback would be greatly appreciated.  Any other names that could potentially fit that wont require a cain/lincecum type return?

Given Posey's already advanced approached both at the plate and behind the plate, the natural starting point for him this season would seem to be in SJ.  But we currently have Pablo there and moving him up to triple A may not be necessarily the smartest move.

How do the Giants approach this situation.  Next year, assuming that Pablo is moved up to Triple A successfully, and Posey excells in Single and Double A, what then?

Thoughts>?