Giants reportedly talking with Pirates aboutMcCutchen
After addressing their infield needs by trading for Evan Longoria a couple of weeks ago, the Giants may be targeting another multiple-time All- Star to improve their outfield.
According to a report from Jon Paul Morosi, the Giants have been engaged in talks with the Pittsburgh Pirates regarding Andrew McCutchen.
Though the teams have been talking recently, Morosi states that a deal is not close and that the Giants remain hesitant to part ways with top prospects Tyler Beede, Chris Shaw or Heliot Ramos.
A five- time All- Star and 2013 National League MVP, McCutchen would present a nice offensive upgrade for a club which finished dead last in the majors with 128 home runs last season. McCutchen finished the 2017 season batting .279 with 28 home runs and 88 RBIs. FORMER A’S PLAYER PICCIOLO DIES » Former A’s shortstop Rob Picciolo, one of baseball’s most universally liked people during a playing and coaching career spanning 33 years, died Monday of a heart attack. He was 64.
Picciolo had a previous heart issue, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. He had undergone a surgical procedure in 2004 for an aneurysm in the descending aorta from his heart.
Affectionately called “Peach,” his last job in the major leagues was as Mike Scioscia’s bench coach with the Angels from201113. Previously, he was the Padres’ longest- tenured coach, spending 20 years with San Diego, including 11 seasons on current Giants manager Bruce Bochy’s staff.
“We lost a great man in Rob Picciolo,” former Padres player Mark Sweeney said on social media. “He always cared about everyone else first. He was a loyal baseball teacher.”
The Southern California native’s nine-year major league career began with the A’s in 1977, when he was installed as the starting shortstop for an Oakland team decimated by free agency, which cost the A’s five All-Stars. Five of Picciolo’s seasons in the majors were spent with the A’s. He also played for the Brewers and Angels.
Soccer
QUAKE S WILL PLAY GALAXY AT STANFORD AGAIN » The Earthquakes’ 2018 regular- season schedule was announced and is highlighted by a Stanford Stadium game against the Los Angeles Galaxy for the eighth consecutive season.
The event, which features a postgame fireworks show, is scheduled for 7 p.m. on June 30. The Quakes open the season March 3 at Avaya Stadium against Minnesota United FC. Three of the Quakes’ first five games will be played at Avaya.
Major League Soccer’s upcoming season includes a nine- day break in June for the World Cup in Russia. The World Cup break will run from June 14-22, during the group stage of the tournament.