The Giants lost the piece that put their lineup over the top, as one of the premier 3-6 duos in baseball. That piece irreplaceable piece is Melky Cabrera. Irreplaceable or not, the Giants want nothing to do with the “Melk Man”.
However, his loss leaves a glaring hole in left field. While the waiver wire contains no one with the skill-set as Cabrera, there are some players that GM Brian Sabean should target as the August 31st deadline approaches.
Jeff Francoeur
OK, so he might not be the most appealing alternative. But Francoeur could fill the left field void relatively well. The longtime Atlanta Brave is currently just filling a spot with the Royals as Wil Myers, the highly touted outfield prospect whose tearing up the minor leagues, waits in the wings. And Myers will continue to wait in the wings until Francecuor is sent packing.
The Giants shouldn’t be hesitant to take on yet another Royals’ player. Granted, Francoeur is hitting for a triple slash of just .240/.287/.373, but his experience is what makes him a desirable option. Because statistically, he doesn’t appear as much of an upgrade over the current replacement, Gregor Blanco whose hitting just .234/.328/.339
Blanco, though, has struggled since hitting an astounding .315/.427/.457 in May and his wobbly track record proves that the likelihood of him rebounding to that form, is slim. While Francoeur’s track record might not be all that impressive, he has played in four playoff series and boasts eight years under his belt, compared to Blanco who has bounced back and forth between the minors and the majors.
In the end, Francecour might stand as the most realistic option. Unlike other potential possibilities, he’s far more affordable. Even the Giants, who saved close to two million in Cabrera’s suspension, can’t afford to stretch out their payroll much farther. Francoeur is due to make about $2.5 million for the rest of this season, and $7.5 million next year. Plus, the Royals might assist the Giants by sending a small chunk of cash to sweeten the deal.
Vernon Wells
Most waiver claims come with a flaw. Well’s obvious flaw is his massive contract. He isn’t helping his case, either, by putting up nothing abyssal stats this season. If his .649 OPS doesn’t disgust you, than how about his negative WAR (-0.3)?
Anyway, Wells is set up to make $42 million over the next two years. That doesn’t include the $7 or so million he’s owed for the remainder of this season, either.
Is he worth taking a gamble on even if the Angels pick up the majority of his contract?
With the Angels, he’s the fifth outfielder on the depth chart, at best. To make matters worse, he hasn’t been an everyday player this season, either. Obviously, his range, speed, and value have all taken a beating due to his age and injuries, but the fact that he’s a very pedestrian hitter is offsetting.
When his contract ends, he will be approaching 36 years-old. Let’s just say that Los Angeles would have to throw in a whole lot of money for the Giants, or any team to take him off their hands.
David DeJesus
The Giants were rumored to be interested in DeJesus in 2010, but a season-ending injury dampened all rumors. The Giants, however, would be wise to attempt to acquire DeJesus once again.
DeJesus, like most potential waiver wire additions, comes with risk. He’s not exactly tearing the ball up (.334 WOBA), but he has a decent OBP (.359) and a change of scenery could bring new life to him. He possess the tools to tools spark a contender, and his contract makes him a foreseeable option for the Giants.
DeJesus’s defense is mediocre represented by his -1.7 UZR/150. Compared to Gregor Blanco, the Giants would be taking a few steps back. However, his bat would even out the situation. Left field isn’t as brutal as right field at AT&T Park, either.
DeJesus, 32, is set to make under $2 million for the remainder of this season and $4.250 million next year. Plus, he has a $6.5 million option for the 2014 campaign. Let’s just say that he’s no Alfonso Soriano who the Giants are also interested in.
