Don’t expect to see big move in Vegas
LAS VEGAS — The house always wins at the gaming tables in the long run. Chances are, Giants executives who might have ventured to the casino at the Mandalay Bay will leave for home Thursday a little poorer — and likely no richer in on-field talent.
President of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi on Wednesday downplayed expectations of a trade or signing before he goes home following Thursday morning’s Rule 5 draft. He still remains optimistic that the meetings he conducted with agents and other teams will lead to deals that pare the Giants’ shopping list, which includes corner outfielders, starters and a backup catcher.
“I’m not sure we’re going to have anything really finalized in the next 24 hours, but I can certainly see some of the conversations we’re having leading to some moves next week before the holidays.”
The market has been slow to develop, like last winter. A few players have come off the board here and before the meetings, including outfielders Andrew McCutchen (Phillies) and Billy Hamilton (Royals) and pitchers J.A. Happ (Yankees), Patrick Corbin (Nationals), Nathan Eovaldi (back to the Red Sox), Tanner Roark (Reds), Ivan Nova (White Sox), Charlie Morton (Rays) and Tyson Ross (Tigers).
The Giants had discussed some on that list with their agents or existing teams.
“There are guys who have been traded, or landed with other teams, that we had conversations about, but weren’t necessarily comfortable with the ask, either on a trade or a (free-agent) deal,” Zaidi said.
“I still think we’re very early in the process if you look at the volume of moves that have been made so far.” Posey update: Manager Bruce Bochy said Buster Posey’s right-hip surgery in late August revealed a microfracture in addition to the torn labrum and bone spurs the operation was meant to correct.
The team expects Posey to begin running sprints in mid-January. He will not be a full participant in spring training, but he is progressing with no setbacks, Bochy said. More on openers: Bochy said he is fine with using openers to start games, which Zaidi said could be in the club's future depending on the makeup of the pitching staff. Asked whether Madison Bumgarner will be exempt, Bochy said, “I would say yeah, but I might pinchhit him in the first inning.” Who closes? Bochy would not commit to Will Smith as the Opening Day closer, if the Giants keep him, saying others, including Mark Melancon and Sam Dyson, could be in the mix.