© Evan Habeeb | 2020 Sep 16
The stove hasn’t exactly heated up yet, but it’s been turned on.
In addition to re-signing Kevin Gausman, the Giants made two low-key signings the week, Farhan Zaidi specials, signing Jason Vosler, a 27-year-old infielder who last played in the Padres system, and righty Silvino Bracho, a minor league free agent from the Diamondbacks.
Those expecting a number of big splashes this offseason, Trevor Bauer’s name has been floated, are likely to be disappointed, as the Giants and Zaidi have not shown themselves to be keen on handing out big, long-term contracts with the team still in the midst of a rebuild.
Instead, expect the Giants to target some undervalued swingmen to fill out their rotation, one that is currently quite sparse. Giants beat writer Kerry Crowley threw out three names that San Francisco could target when he joined Papa & Lund on Thursday.
“I think they’re probably going to be looking at guys who are more in that Trevor Cahill, Tyson Ross type of role,” Crowley began. “Starters, relievers, fifth starters, swingmen, there’s a number of guys out there.
“Anibal Sanchez is one who really piqued my interest because he’s got good offspeed offerings, I think he can still offer some team something at the end of his career. Cole Hamels is coming off an injury but it appears he might want to pitch, and the Giants were rumored to be interested in him last offseason…I would add Taijuan Walker to that list. He has a spotty injury history but he knows the National League West well, so Farhan Zaidi is going to prioritize someone like that.”
Hamels, a four-time All-Star, has the most impressive resume of the three, but is coming off a season missed almost entirely due to shoulder surgery. Hamels, 36, was solid in 2019 posting a combined 3.81 ERA in seven starts with the Cubs.
Sanchez, also 36, is coming off a very disappointing campaign with the Nationals (6.62 ERA) but posted a 3.85 ERA and 2.83 ERA in 2019 and 2018 respectively. Walker is the youngest of the three at 28 years old and had an excellent season split between Toronto and Seattle posting a 2.70 ERA and 1.16 WHIP.
Listen to the full interview below.