2008 Mock Roster #2

The Giants have been one very quiet so far this offseason and it's really tough to judge at this point exactly what direction they are headed in. Brian Sabean said at the end of the season that he would likely have to deal some young pitching in order to obtain some offense and at the pace free agents are being signed right now, it's likely they will have to do just that.

Trade 1: 2b Ray Durham and lhp Pat Misch to Seattle for 1b Richie Sexson

Trade 2: lhp Jonathon Sanchez, of Dave Roberts and cash to Chicago for 3b Joe Crede

Free Agent Signings: rhp Troy Percival (1 yr. $4.5 million plus incentives) and lhp Jeremy Affeldt (2 yr. $8 million)

Lineup:
CF Rajai Davis
RF Randy Winn
3B Joe Crede
1B Richie Sexson
C Bengie Molina
LF Nate Shierholtz
2B Kevin Frandsen
SS Omar Vizquel

Bench:
OF Freddie Lewis
IF Rich Aurilia
1B/OF Dan Ortmeier
OF/IF Eugenio Velez
C Elezier Alfonzo

Starting Rotation:
LHP Barry Zito
RHP Matt Cain
LHP Noah Lowry
RHP Tim Lincecum
RHP Kevin Corriea

Bullpen:
CL: Brian Wilson
SU: Troy Percival
ML: Brad Hennessey
ML: Tyler Walker
ML: Jeremy Affeldt
ML: Steve Kline
LR: Travis Blackley

This roster would fit the Giants budget and would also give the young players on this team a legit shot at getting some regular playing time. The two trades are not unrealistic possibilities as both Richie Sexson and Joe Crede are on the market and the trades I suggested could have benefits for both teams. The bullpen (arguably the teams biggest weakness) would be much improved with the signings of Percival and Affeldt upgrading over Vinnie Chulk and Jack Taschner. The Giants have shown interest in Percival after his resurrection with St. Louis last year and he could serve as a mentor to Brian Wilson while also providing insurance in case Wilson isn't ready to close. Most importantly, the Giants would keep their young pitching core (Cain, Lowry and Lincecum) together.

Mock Roster #1