Free Agency Decisions On Horrizon

The Giants have made it known that one of their 4 impending free agents (Barry Bonds) will not be back with the team in 2008, but they still have 4 more decisions to make before they start exploring the free agent market in November. Ryan Klesko, Omar Vizquel and Pedro Feliz are set to become free agents as soon as the world series ends. The late emergence of Daniel Ortmeier as a potential first basemen probably pushes Ryan Klesko out of the mix. The two big question marks are Pedro Feliz and Omar Vizquel. The free agent market for infielders is very thin this winter so both players will have value. It's tough to find two better players that defend their positions as well as Feliz and Vizquel do, but both struggled with the bat this season and neither have much offensive upside at this point in their careers. It is very likely that the Giants will bring back one of the two, but not both. Due to the fact that the other top free agent shortstops on the market are Cesar Izturis and David Eckstein, I would rather see Omar Vizquel return for another season. I can't say the same for Feliz. While I have admired his defense for years and wouldn't oppose his return in a utility role, he's steadily been the worst offensive 3rd basemen in the league over the last 3 years and I don't want to watch him take another 600 at-bats with this team next season. 3rd base is a spot where you need to have some offense, especially with this team, and Feliz has proven he can't carry the load.

The only way I can picture Feliz returning and Vizquel not, is if the Giants were interested in acquiring a shortstop via trade. Brian Sabean has hinted that he is likely going to have to trade some young pitching for some offensive help. There are actually two guys who have been mentioned as being available, Miguel Tejada and Edgar Renteria, either of which would instantly become the Giants best offensive player if acquired. However, with the direction the Giants are heading, I don't think it would make much sense to trade away a Noah Lowry for a declining Tejada or Renteria. The only Miguel I'd trade Lowry for is Cabrera.