The San Francisco Giants have put together a quiet offseason following their 2014 World Championship. And while the club still needs some help, they won’t be looking at either Max Scherzer or James Shields. However, Ben Zobrist *is* still in play for the team.
Giants are out on Shields, never in on Scherzer and still trying to work a deal on Zobrist according to sources
— Jim Bowden (@JimBowden_ESPN) January 3, 2015
San Francisco could use some help in their rotation, but an ace like Scherzer or Shields would likely cost them a hefty sum. The team brings back World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner, but the rest of the rotation is shaky, and is projected to contain Jake Peavy, Tim Hudson, Matt Cain, and Tim Lincecum, all of whom have injury, age, or performance concerns.
If the club were to sign a starting pitcher, I’d expect someone like an Aaron Harang or Kyle Kendrick type to get a call – not exactly an inspired choice.
Ben Zobrist would be a great fit for the Giants, but then again, the 33-year old Rays Swiss army knife would be a fit for *any* team. He can play left field, where the club has Gregor Blanco penciled in. He can play second base in case Joe Panik struggles in his sophomore effort. He can fill in at first, at short, and in right in a pinch if Brandon Belt, Brandon Crawford, or Hunter Pence needs a day off.
He’s really a perfect player for them, coming off a .272/.354/.395, ten homer, ten steal season with the Rays in 2014, and is owed just $7.5 million in 2015 before hitting the free agent market.
