We may be in the heat of the pennant races, but the Giants' hot stove talk appears to be on fire.
A lingering rumor was given new life Wednesday night. ESPN's Peter Gammons said the Giants could trade starting pitcher Matt Cain, 23, to the Brewers for first baseman Prince Fielder, 24, shortstop J.J. Hardy, 26, and another player. He didn't cite his source.
First, I would make this deal in a heartbeat. Cain (15-29 the last two seasons) has yet to fulfill his potential. Fielder (80 homers and 212 RBIs in that time) is a legitimate left-handed slugger. And Hardy (314 hits) would be an offensive upgrade for aging Omar Vizquel.
Whether you agree with me or not, I'm not Giants general manager Brian Sabean. He has shunned overtures to deal Cain or Cy Young nominee Tim Lincecum.
Sabean has said he sees keeping Cain, Lincecum and Barry Zito together for some time. And if Zito has turned it around, Sabean could have his own version of Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux and John Smoltz.
That takes patience. Lincecum has blossomed, and Cain hasn't.
If you are going to rebuild the Giants – along with the kids coming from the minors – this would be the deal to kick-start them.
What to surf
www.baseball-reference.com Check out the statistics for Cain, Fielder and Hardy here.
What to watch
Ryder Cup, 5 a.m., ESPN If you just woke up, there's still time to see some great golf.
What to do
No. 5 Casa Roble vs. Vista del Lago at Folsom High School, 7:30 p.m. First-year Vista could give the No. 5 team more than it expects.
Thursday's results
American League
• Angels 6 A'S 4
• Royals 12, Mariners 0
• Yankees 9, White Sox 2
• Blue Jays 3, Orioles 2
• Twins 11, Rays 8
National League
• D-backs 3, GIANTS 2
• Dodgers 4, Pirates 3 (12)
• Cubs 7, Brewers 6 (12)
• Marlins 8, Astros 1
• Phillies 4, Braves 3
• Mets 7, Nationals 2
• Cardinals 5, Reds 4
The last word
What you're saying on the sacbee.com comments:
"I am going to guess Sullivan does not last half the season and will follow in Smith footsteps if this keeps up." – pressto on "Martz's offense tries his QBs' toughness"
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