We are now more than a third of the way through the 2014 baseball season and it's certainly been full of surprises. The Los Angeles Dodgers were not only favorites to run away with the National League West but were considered by many to be the favorites to represent the National League in the World Series. Very few pundits talked about the San Francisco Giants but things have changed 59 games into the season.
General manager Brian Sabean came through once again in the offseason—finding just the right pieces to build the best team in baseball. The Giants pitching has been strong, ranking third in the majors with a 3.11 earned run average, with much of that coming from a strong bullpen.
Their rotation has had its up and downs with Matt Cain missing multiple starts and Tim Lincecum continuing issues with his command. Tim Hudson, who signed a two-year deal with San Francisco in November, has fit in perfectly at AT&T Park with a 1.75 ERA and 0.87 WHIP.
San Francisco's offense has been the biggest surprise this season, especially when you consider Brandon Belt has been out since May 9 and Buster Posey continues to play through a back injury. While two of their best hitters from last year battle injuries, they have to be happy with the production from Angel Pagan and Michael Morse.
The Giants missed their leadoff hitter last year but Pagan has come back strong with a .364 on-base percentage. Pagan's ability to get on base has helped lead to a 32.23 runs created, ranking sixth at his position. Morse has also been a big piece of the Giants' offense, leading the team in home runs (11) and RBI's (38).
While the Giants' front office has to feel exultant over the team's success so far and a seven game lead over the Dodgers, there is still plenty of room for improvement. Some of that will come when Posey's back returns to 100 percent and he can hopefully return to being a .300 hitter and the return of Belt's power will be a welcome addition when he returns in a few weeks.
Unfortunately, it is looking less likely that Marco Scutaro will be able to return from a back issue that has kept him out of action all year. The Giants have to be happy with what Brandon Hicks gave them with eight home runs, but he isn't a starting-caliber second basemen for a playoff team. Hicks has just two hits in his last 10 games and 13 strikeouts during that time. He has started to see more time on the bench, starting only three of the Giants last six games with Joaquin Arias filling in the other three starts.
Arians is better served as a utility infielder, with the ability to play the four infield spots when a starter needs a day of rest. The Giants have prospect Joe Panik in Triple-A Fresno who is having a great season posting a .319 batting average with 33 RBI's and a .385 on-base percentage, showing the potential that made him the Giants' first round pick in 2011. While he could eventually see a promotion later on in the year, it wouldn't be wise to start a rookie at second in the middle of a playoff chase. With the lack of internal options at second, the Giants might want to turn to the trade market and in particular the Tampa Bay Rays.
Tampa Bay had high expectations coming into the season but due to injuries and poor play, they sit at 23-36. While starting pitcher David Price may be the hottest name on the trade market, San Francisco should look towards their second baseman Ben Zobrist. The 33-year-old just returned from a 15-day trip on the disabled list due to a dislocated thumb but is an ideal target for the Giants.
Zobrist is a switch-hitter with a .332 on-base percentage and while his .247 batting average may seem low, his .272 BABIP falls more in line with his .270 or more average the past two seasons. He could slide right in behind Pagan and be the Giants number two hitter in the lineup.
Not only does Zobrist get on base and hit for a respectable average, he also offers the versatility to play shortstop and the corner outfield spots. This would give San Francisco the flexibility to give Brandon Crawford a day off or give Morse more time off in the summer. He is another great clubhouse presence who would fit right in with the Giants and not disrupt their winning, fun atmosphere. Zobrist has a $7.5 million club option for the 2015 season, which would give the Giants the opportunity to keep him.
Acquiring Zobrist would really complete the Giants' lineup and give them one of the most well rounded groups in baseball when everyone is healthy. The team could also explore acquiring a fifth starter if Lincecum's struggles continue. San Francisco lacks elite talent in the farm system so acquiring a Price or Jeff Samardzija would really damage their farm system.
Instead, San Francisco could opt for a more affordable option and that could even come from their division. While the San Diego Padres just acquired Ian Kennedy last season, they could opt to take advantage of his 3.42 ERA and 1.14 WHIP. The 29-year-old is arbitration eligible in 2015 then enters free agency in 2016, so it might be a good time for San Diego to move him. Kennedy wouldn't cost San Francisco the type of package they would have to give up for one of the big names and has spent the last five seasons in the NL West.
Even if the Giants don't make a move, they are in great position to win the division and be a World Series contender as long as everyone can stay healthy. Their best prospects are still a few years away so it will be awhile before any young player gets called up and immediately plays a big role. But Brian Sabean is willing to do whatever it takes to win another ring and if he finds a move that can make that happen, he will pull the trigger.