The top Giant rumor of the weekend: the team is talking to Texas about 3B/1B Hank Blalock. Or going to talk. Have a longer look at Blalock's numbers, factor in that he's declined in power, defense and health the past two years, and this one sounds like nothing more than perfunctory tire-kicking. If the Giants can pry away Blalock for a grade-C prospect, yeah, OK, on the off-chance that his defense at 3B suddenly gets back to decent (which it hasn't been lately) and he figures out how to hit for power at Mays Field. But straight-up for Jonathan Sanchez? I agree with the guys at MLB Trade Rumors -- the Giants would probably want more.
Expect the Giants to be linked to a lot of marginal-to-intriguing 3B/1B types the next week. No doubt Sabean & Co. will be asking about all of them, serious or not. We've heard Jorge Cantu, Edwin Encarnacion, now Blalock. I expect Adrian Beltre to enter the mill soon. Remember, Sabean has said before, perhaps even often, that he doesn't want a one-year rental. Beltre would almost certainly be that. His defense is stellar, he's still young, and he's got enough power to go back on the market for 2010 seeking a long-term contract.
But for now he's owed $12 M, enough that perhaps Seattle would take in return less than Sanchez just to get his dollars off their books. And as a short-term fill, the Giants could do far worse. If the Giants can make other roster moves, say, clearing Dave Roberts from the payroll, Beltre's money might be quite doable.
Would you trade Sanchez for Beltre straight up? If not, what other Giant prospects would be a reasonable package? Discuss.
