Now that the 2010 trading season has started to materialize, I've been wondering what positions on the roster the Giants might look to upgrade. This season the Giants are in an interesting position. They are contending, and the message of the front office has clearly been one of "WIN NOW!," but the payroll is already larger than it has been the past couple of seasons, throwing into doubt if the Giants would take on salary. Additionally, while the Giants aren't good offensively, they seem to have depth with players that could step in and the team probably wouldn't change a bunch.

Without any more beating around the bush, here are the main options for the trading deadline:

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With interleague play starting up this week, the time of year has arrived when NL rosters must scrounge around to find a bat useful enough to stick at DH. For the Giants there are a number of candidates. This ties in directly to Grant's post yesterday since the DH is an opportunity to improve team defense. 

Now, the question I pose is not who gains playing time from the DH, but rather, who on the roster should be the DH.

Normally I would break down each option when I post a poll, but I'm just going to post the poll this time. Note that I designed the poll to be relevant for not just this series, but for all of interleague play. Therefore, I am assuming DeRosa, Renteria and Mr. F will be back at some point, and that Buster Posey will be considered by the FO.

This is part two of a two part poll trying to see who the McCoven believe can be the biggest contributors amongst September call ups. For the Pitchers, I am going to include pitchers not on the 40 man roster currently, because there are some interesting names who could be added.

Without further adieu, the contenders:

Randy Johnson, LHP

2009: Majors (SF): 91.2 IP, 4.81 ERA, 4.94 FIP, 7.89 K/9, 1.32 WHIP

My Son, Randy Johnson, was the Giants 3rd starter before suffering a shoulder injury. If the Unit comes back, it will be as reliever. He is currently on the 60 day DL, so a roster move would have to be made.

Waldis Joaquin, RHP

2009: Minors (AA & AAA): 61.0 IP, 2,36 ERA, 3.19 FIP, 7.11 K/9, 1.10 WHIP

Joaquin, who had a brief stint with the Giants this season, has enjoyed a very good season split between AA Connecticut and AAA Fresno. Joaquin has not yet allowed a HR this season and has not yet allowed an earned run in 7 IP in Fresno. Joaquin is a member of the 40 man roster

Geno Espineli, LHP

2009: Minors (AAA Fresno): 56.0 IP, 3.70 ERA, 3.73 FIP, 4.47 K/9, 1.27 WHIP

Espineli, who is not a member of the 40 man roster, is the Grizzlies' leader in saves. Espineli also leads the Grizzlies in number of rumored trades to the A's to draw the asians to the park.

Alex Hinshaw, LHP

2009: Minors (AAA Fresno): 49.1 IP, 4.01 ERA, 3.58 FIP, 11.12 K/9, 1.43 WHIP

           Majors (SF): 5.1 IP, 8.44 ERA, 7.96 FIP, 1.69 K/9, 2.06 WHIP

This is the Hinshaw we all love, hate, love, then hate again. Hinshaw has posted outstanding strikeout numbers along with a high WHIP in Fresno. Hinshaw is on the 40 man and could be useful as a strikeout lefty out of the pen.

Osiris Matos, RHP

2009: Minors (AAA Fresno): 45.1 IP, 3.18 ERA, 3.81 FIP. 6.94 K/9, 1.22 WHIP

           Majors (SF): 6.0 IP, 9.00 ERA, 6.25 FIP, 7.50 K/9, 2.00 WHIP

Matos, who has had a stint with the Giants already this season, has had a good season at AAA Fresno. He could slide into the back of the bullpen mix along with Valdez and mehdders.

Steve Edlefsen, RHP

2009: Minors (A, AA, AAA): 60.1 IP, 1.79 ERA, 3.80 FIP, 9.33 K/9, 1.18 WHIP

Edlefsen has had meteoric rise through the minor leages this season, starting at San Jose now pitching in Fresno. Edlefsen is not on the 40 man, but could contribute if called upon.

Ryan Sadowski, RHP

2009: Minors (A, AAA): 91.0 IP, 4.05 ERA, 5.06 FIP, 7.35 K/9, 1.29 WHIP

           Majors (SF): 28.1IP, 4.45 ERA, 4.71 FIP, 5.40 K/9, 1.59 WHIP

Sadowski was a flash in the pan prior to the all star break, then became more ineffective with each start. Sadowski, who is on the 40 man roster, has not pitched well since being sent back down to Fresno.

Kevin Pucetas, RHP

2009: Minors (AAA Fresno): 151.2 IP, 3.98 ERA, 4.47 FIP, 5.26 K/9, 1.25 WHIP

Pucetas has been the staff ace for the Grizzlies. Pucetas has not pitched well as of late, and relies on his defense due to his low strikeout rate. Pucetas is not on the 40 man roster, and would likely be a starter if called up.

Madison Bumgarner, LHP

2009: Minors (A, AA): 116.1 IP, 1.93 ERA, 3.63 FIP, 6.39 K/9, 1.07 WHIP

When I did the position player list, I left Posey out because it has been stated he won't get called up. He was talked about anyway. Point being it's hard to make this list without including Bumgarner in a token fashion. While the results have remained the same, the strikeout rate is down. If Bumgarner were to be called up, it would be for a bullpen role.

With the 2 days of offensive ineptitude causing anguish the way they would, I thought I would look towards potential September call ups. Who out of this group will have the most impact on the Giants WC & NL West push?

The Candidates:

Rich Aurilia, 1B/3B

2009: Minors (A & AAA): .118/.246/.471; Majors (SF): .220/.267/.294

Although Aurilia is technically on the DL, he is essentially a September call up, as it has become apparent that the FO wanted to keep Aurilia around for September. Aurilia has been an unbearable presence on the team to most fans, although he is team leader in Fake Bunts and is second in Grit and Gaminess to Aaron Rowand.

Andres Torres, LF/CF

2009: Minors (A & AAA): .297/.316/.486; Majors (SF): .247/.337/.472

Torres, the Giants 5th Outfielder to start the season, has provided good defense in the outfield as well as providing a decent bat and speed off the bench. Torres, currently on the DL, is being waited to be activated until September.

John Bowker, LF/RF/1B

2009: Minors (AAA Fresno): .350/.453/.631; Majors (SF): .182/.222/.333

Bowker, who made an initial splash in the majors last season, has had a breakout year at AAA Fresno. Unfortunately, that reworked approach has not been shown yet in the majors, where Bowker has recieved 33 ABs and sporadic playing time during call ups.

Kevin Frandsen, Super UTIL

2009: Minors (AAA Fresno): .297/.350/.425; Majors (SF): .128/.190/.154

Frandsen, who was a starting 2B candidate during spring training, has since been converted to a super Utility role, playing LF, 3B, SS, 2B and 1B. Unfortunately, Frandsen tragically hit a foul ball that broke GM Brian Sabean's Daughter's nose, resulting in a rift between him and the FO.

Ryan Rohlinger, 3B/ SS/ 2B/ C

2009: Minors (AAA Fresno): .282/.353/.462

Rohlinger, primarily a 3B, has also spent some time at SS, 2B and C this season. Rohlinger is probably most famous for not being Jose Castillo, a title he earned last season.

Matt Downs, UTIL

2009: Minors (AAA Fresno): .293/.383/.489; Majors (SF): .170/.250/.264

Downs has spent time at 2B, SS, 3B and RF this season. Downs who was one of the candidates in a season-long search for a starting 2B, had 2 stints with the Giants this season.

Jesus Guzman, 1B

2009: Minors (AAA Fresno): .320/.374/.496; Majors (SF): .133/.133/.133

Guzman, signed as a minor league FA in the offseason, has enjoyed a good offensive season in Fresno. Unfortunately for Guzman, he is 5th in the pecking order for 1B, behind Ryan Garko, Travis Ishikawa, Pablo Sandoval and Aurilia.

For the purposes of this post, I only included players on the 40 man roster. Also, I decided to take the FO word that C Buster Posey will not be up in September. So...Who makes the most impact on the race?

With the trade deadline approaching and the Giants firmly in... wait, can we call this contention?, the talk around here has been bat-centric. So I pose this question: if you could choose one player to add to the giants, who would it be? for the purposes of this poll, we will focus only on hitters, if you feel the team needs to add a pitcher, state so in the comments.

Now the contenders:

Brandon Wood 3B/SS/1B, Salt Lake Bees (AAA affiliate of the LA Angels)

.305/.379/.620 (avg/obp/slg), 15 HRs at AAA Salk Lake (187 ABs)

Former top prospect of the Angels that projects for power, but not average at the major league level. Could play almost any IF position, though is probably best suited for 3B.

Mark DeRosa 2B/3B/LF, Cleveland Indians

.280/.348/.479 (avg/obp/slg), 13 HRs (257 abs)

FA after this season; can play multiple positions, but is below average at those positions defensively (at lest 2B, not sure about the others).

Howie Kendrick 2B, Salt Lake Bees (AAA affiliate of the Angels)

.231/.281/.355 at LAA (186 ABs)

.286/.348/.476 at AAA Salt Lake (21 ABs)

Former starting 2B for the Angels, sent down to the minors last week. Has hit for average in the MLs, but not much else (Career line of .294/.324/.417).

Dan Uggla 2B, Florida Marlins

.216/.332/.414 at FLA

A bat-only 2B that may have to be moved to 3B in the future.

Nick Johnson 1B, Washington NationLOLs

.311/.415/.439 at WSH (228 ABs)

FA after this season; good on-base man, leads the league in not being Rich Aurilia; it is unknown if he is well versed in the fake bunt.

Kevin Frandsen 2B/SS/3B, Fresno Grizzlies

.330/.382/.484 at AAA Fresno (188 ABs)

We have said almost everything that needs to be said about frandsen the past couple days. Well versed in the art of the HBP.

BOWKERMANIA! RF/1B, Fresno Grizzlies

.343/.451/.573 at AAA Fresno (213 ABs), 10 HRs

Bowker has had a ridiculous season at AAA Fresno, getting on base at a .451 clip with double digit HRs and Steals. Can play 1B, but is primarily an OF.

Jesus Guzman 1B/3B, Fresno Grizzlies

.316/.364/.548 at AAA Fresno, 9 HRs

Guzman, a minor league FA pickup in the offseason, has impressed so far in the minors. Guzman played 3B most of his minor league career before being converted into a 1B this season.

So, what say the McCoven?

We are now 2 weeks into the season, and while the results are not yet what some were expecting, let's step back and look at the big picture:

The Giants sit at 4-8, tied for 4th place in the NL West with Arizona, and are a ahlf a game back of the Rockies for 3rd. The Giants are currently 5.5 games back of the Bums for 1st place.

The pitching, expected to dazzle, has been less than stellar these first few weeks. However, as much frustration as there has been, the Giants sit 9th in the NL in team ERA, at 4.75. Opponents have hit .249 against the Giants, good for 5th in the NL. The staff is also 4th in K's, w/ 100. The Bullpen, while giving up some leads early in the season, is 7th in the NL with a 4.38 ERA. The staring staff has not fared as well, as they are 9th in the NL with a 4.96 ERA. Interestingly enough, the Giants starters are tied for 2nd in the NL in K's, with 69 thus far.

The Offense, expected to improve off of last season's poor performance, has regressed following an impressive opening series. The Giants are 15th in the NL with 37 runs scored. Additionally, the offense is 12th in BA, hitting .239, and 15th in OBP, getting on base at a .297 clip. Individually, while the young hitters are taking most of the blame, poor performances have come from veterans and young players alike. Ishikawa and Aurilia, the 1B platoon (like it or not), have started with BA of .167 and .161, respectively. The starting middle infield of Emmanuel Burriss and Edgar Renteria have started .189 and .200, respectively. Also, Pablo Sandoval (.244) and Randy Winn (.234) are struggling to begin the season. For those who wonder where Nate Schierholtz is in this writeup, he has one less AB than Tim Lincecum. The bright spots have been the play of Fred Lewis and Aaron Rowand, who have carried the team in the first 2 weeks. Lewis is hitting .395 with a .521 OBP, while Rowand is hitting .297 to start the season.

I Just thought I would put the numbers into perspective with the rest of the NL. the team is struggling equally, veterans and youngsters, so the youth movement should not be abandoned for Uribe, Aurilia and McPherson. Nate should probably see some time, but noone knows who I am talking about anyway. The pitching appears to be coming around, but facing the D'Backs offense will do that to you. Thoughts on the first 2 weeks of Giants Baseball?

Orlando Hudson is a to be FA this offseason, after playing the last 3 seasons for the D'Backs. I realize that the organization has made a statement of not signing big free agents, but who are we kidding, this is the Giants, and they sign Free Agents readily. Orlando Hudson is the best 2B on the FA market, having a reputation  for excellent defense (2 consecutive Gold Gloves at 2B) and sporting a career line of .282/.346/.779. However, that does not reflect his offensive performance since he joined the D'Backs in '06. From '06 to '08, Hudson has posted an avg of over .285, OBP of over .350 and OPS of over .800. He has battled some injuries, including playing in only 107 games this season. Let's examine the pros and cons of signing O. Hudson:

Pros:

• Fills a position of need for the Giants.
• Plays excellent defense, which would strengthen a bad defensive infield for the Giants.
• Is certainly no slouch with the bat. While not a game changer, his presence in the lineup would definitely help an anemic offense.
  
• Hudson's presence would allow Kevin Frandsen to play 3B, which while not ideal, would keep the Giants from spending money or trading for a big name 3B.
• Although Hudson has been injury prone, the Giants are one team that could handle him going down for a month, with Velez, Denker and Franny available to pick up time in the event of an injury.

Cons:

• His presence on the Giants would most certainly stunt the growth of at least 1 of 3 players: Kevin Frandsen, Travis Ishikawa or Eugenio Velez. If Frandsen and Sandoval see the majority of the time at the corner infield spots, Ishikawa would see next to no time, unless Sandoval splits time between 1B and 3B and ishikawa gets 2 starts a week. Velez will see next to no time at 2B and would be limited to 1 start a week and pinch hitting, pinch running duties.
• He certainly would not come cheap. Hudson made ~6 mil this year and is the best 2B in a fairly weak 2B class, so he will get paid well, and the Giants recent track record of FA deals is not in their favor.
• Injury prone.
  

 I believe that Hudson would be a great addition to the Giants, but only at the right price. The Giants would be best served to over pay for a shorter term deal, like a 3 year deal, and abandon the ideal if Hudson rejects it.

What do you think, Orlando Hudson for 2009 2B?

I was kicking this around for the past few days, and with as many good nicknames as have been kicked around this year, why not vote on them? I mainly stuck with more recent names, and I'm sure 7 options isn't nearly enough, but let me know if there is a big one I am missing. I have cracked up over the various nicknames for Velez this season, so I'm not making it a secret which one i'm picking.

EDIT: Big Panda and The Freak added by popular demand.

The fantasy team at ESPN.com broke down lineup changes for the remainder of interleague play. Here is what was written about the Giants:

And the extra lineup slot goes to … does anybody care? OK, we'll say Rich Aurilia or Emmanuel Burriss.

So I pose this: Do the McCoven care who is the DH?

Personally, I'm all for starting the Hebrew Hammer.

Filler, filler, filler, filler, filler, filler, filler, filler, filler, filler, done.

If this doesn't feed fuel to the fire on all of the thighler jokes on gameday threads, i don't know what will.

From the SJ Mercury News and Andrew Baggarly:

The fire brigade wasn't done for the night, because struggling setup man Tyler Walker pitched himself into trouble again in the eighth.

"It looked like he got tired there," Bochy said. "A polar bear doesn't do well in the heat."

There you go, let the thighler jokes fly.

Tuesday's game @ the rockies is looming and the giants website still has Misch penciled  in as the starter even though he has been pitching out of the bullpen recently.  With the Fresno starters getting knocked around lately, this is certainly an interesting decision. So i pose to the McCoven, who should take the hill tomorrow night? Personally, i'm hoping to be sipping on some Hennessey.

P.S. this is my first time working with a poll, hopefully it works.

I'm sure some of you have read this, but i thought i would post this for the benefit of all. Keith Law ranked the Giants first day draft as the top first day draft this year. His thoughts:

1. San Francisco Giants

Buster Posey falling to them at No. 5 was part luck, but the Giants also had the guts to take him. Posey reportedly is asking for $12 million. Sandwich pick Conor Gillaspie should have gone in the first round, and Roger Kieschnick has first-round potential despite mediocre performances. Keep an eye on fifth-rounder Edwin Quirarte, a reliever from Cal State Northridge with big-time sink on his fastball and an improving splitter.

It's nice to hear something tangible about Quirate, he sounds like an interesting pick for the Giants at the very least. Rounding out the top 5 (2-5) were the Red Sox, Royals, Cardinals and Tigers.

Thoughts?

Ok, hear me out, but Zito has actually been markedly better since his "time off." On just thinking about his starts without any numbers, I thought he had done marginally better, but the numbers tell a bit of another tale:

5 G, 5GS, (1-2) W-L, 28.1 IP, 3.49 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, .284 BAA, 21 K's, 16 BB's

Now the WHIP is still alarmingly high, but Zito has drastically improved all of his stats from April to May. I think the Real Zito may be somewhere in the middle, closer to a 4.2-4.3 range ERA.

Comment Starter: Was Zito's month a fluke, or is he becoming a serviceable starter for the Giants?

Ok, so here it goes: i am going to go point by point, then accept the ridicule after words.

Assumptions:

    1. The SS Situation remains the same. I am not going to touch the quagmire that is SS. I am assuming that Bocock remains the SS and Burriss is his backup. I am assuming that Vizquel is out for the year. Plus, Bocock's defense is the key to my plan.

    2. Rajai Davis clears waivers and heads to AAA Fresno.

    3. Erick Threets comes off the DL healthy and pitches well.

Moves:

    Trade: Randy Winn and Erick Threets to SD for 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff

    Trade: Ray Durham and Cash to CHW for a PTBNL

    Move: Rich Aurilia is DFA'd

    Move: Nate Schierholtz and Rajai Davis are recalled from AAA Fresno

Giving up Threets would be hard, but Kouzmanoff would bring a key offensive presence to the lineup and could bat cleanup. Bocock's defensive presence would help mask Kouzmanoff's defensive inadequacies.

Thus the lineup would look like this:

1. Fred Lewis, LF

2. Eugenio Velez, 2B

3. Nate Schierholtz, RF

4. Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B

5. Aaron Rowand, CF

6. Bengie Molina, C

7. John Bowker / Dan Ortmeier, 1B

8. Brian Bocock, SS

Bench:

Jose Castillo, 3B/2B

Dan Ortmeier 1B/lF

Steve Holm, C

Emmanuel Burriss, SS/2B

Rajai Davis, CF/LF

Thoughts? Ridicule?