Option #6: Jermaine Dye
In 2009, Bay Area native Jermaine Dye proved that he still had something left in the gas tank. Now, at age 36, he could return home and help the Giants in a similar fashion to what Manny Ramirez can do.
Dye hit .250/27 home runs/81 RBI/.340 OBP in 2009. Like Ramirez, Dye could be a force off the bench or help if Pat Burrell struggles in left field.
Dye probably will not post his 2009 numbers, but he is another professional at bat with play-off experience who can get on base.
With the wide open spaces of right field, Dye's primary position, he is probably best suited for the bench or left field, but with Torres and Ross in the outfield, he does not need too much range out in the field.
Option #7: Jon Rauch
With Sergio Romo giving up big home runs late in games (especially in the NLDS), the Giants might want to seek another right-handed set-up option. Jon Rauch might be it if Romo struggles in 2011.
A change of scenery from the Arizona Diamondbacks seemed to help Rauch. In 2010, with the Minnesota Twins, Rauch went 3-1 with a 3.12 ERA in 59 games. He struck out 46, while only walking 14, posting an impressive strikeout to walk ratio that is almost 3:1.
The Giants already have a strong, deep bullpen and could make it even stronger with Rauch in 2011.
Option #8: Orlando Cabrera
With the Giants' backup shortstop position still not a foregone conclusion with Edgar Renteria not happy with the Giants' contract offer, they will need someone to fill the position since it is unrealistic to ask Miguel Tejada to play 162 games at short stop. Orlando Cabrera might just be a solid option.
In 2010, Cabrera hit .263, with 4 home runs and 42 RBIs, for the Cincinnati Reds. He may lack the World Series dramatics of Edgar Renteria, but he is a little guy who swings hard and has a little bit more power.
Not to mention, he would fit in well with all the Latin players in the Giants' clubhouse. Team chemistry was high in their 2010 championship season, so why not keep it that way?
Option #9: Prince Fielder
For a couple years now, Prince Fielder's name was tossed around as a potential trade target. If the Brewers fall out of the race, which is less likely now that they signed Zack Greinke, Fielder could be an option in 2011 for the Giants, especially now that their payroll is expected to reach $120 million and since 2011 is a contract year for him.
Fielder can flat out hit. In 2010, he mashed 32 home runs with 83 RBIs. He also gets on base, owning a career .385 OBP. He would dramatically change the look of the Giants' lineup.
Fielder has a heavy frame and could be a defensive liability. In 2010, he had a not-so-impressive -7.4 UZR. To accommodate Fielder, the Giants could move Huff to left field.
Option #10: Jose Bautista
Depending on Jose Bautista's arbitration case, he could become available, especially if he wins his case. If that happens, the Blue Jays would have to pay lots of money, so they might want to unload him.
If the Giants trade for Bautista, their lineup would look worlds better, granted 2010 was not a fluke. In 2010, Bautista hit 54 home runs and had 120 RBIs, and could be the big bat the Giants are looking for.
If Pat Burrell struggles like he did in the World Series, Bautista could be given consideration. Not to mention, he had a high OBP in 2010 at .378, but the Jays will want good talent in return for him.
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