According to a report in today's Chicago Tribune, the San Francisco Giants sent a top scout to Cleveland Monday night to watch White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye. It is also believed they may have scouted the Indians Victor Martinez, said a source in the Tribune article.
Dye, 35, would be a tremendous acquisition for the Giants. He is an above average hitter, and by all accounts is a strong veteran leader in the clubhouse, both something the Giants could use.
On the surface Dye seems like a perfect fit for the Giants. He grew in Vacaville, California, which is only an hour east of San Francisco. According to the Tribune, Dye and his family also make their off-season home in Scottsdale, Arizona, which is where the Giants spring training facility is located.
Dye's contract includes a $12 million mutual option for 2010 that becomes a player option if he is traded. The Sox would receive two draft picks if Dye stays with the Sox but his option isn't picked up and he leaves for free agency.
It still remains to be seen which direction the White Sox will go come the non-waiver trade deadline. Early reports were the White Sox were going to be buyers (i.e. their attempt to acquire Jake Peavy), then the team struggled and it appeared they were going to be sellers. Now a recent win streak has put the Sox only four games out of the division lead, which has created confusion on their actual trade position.
Here is how manager Ozzie Guillen explained the Sox's current position Monday night.
"If Kenny is going to make some moves, he will make the move first and then say he's selling. He's not going to tell people."
Should the White Sox elect to sell the Giant's appear to be a great trade partner. They have significantly upgraded their farm system over the last few years, and have several pieces that could accommodate the Sox's needs.
Here is a look at the Giants 10 best prospects courtesy of Baseball America.
1. Madison Bumgarner, LHP
2. Buster Posey, C
3. Angel Villalona, 1B
4. Tim Alderson, RHP
5. Tim Noonan, 2B
6. Ehire Adrianza, SS
7. Conor Gillaspie, 3B
8. Rafael Rodriguez, OF
9. Scott Barnes, LHP
10. Sergio Romo, RHP
Now don't expect the Giants to move any of their top three prospects (Bumgarner, Posey, Villalona) in any sort of deal, especially one that would bring back a 35 year-old outfielder. However, they may be willing to part with other pieces in their farm system.
The Giants are believed to be very serious about making a post-season run. They sit seven games behind the Dodgers in the west, but currently have 1 ½ lead on the NL wild card.
Expect the Giants to start attempting to make a move soon. They are in a strong position, and people within the organization believe a few additional parts could certainly make this a playoff team. Following the departure of Barry Bonds the Giants have disappeared from the national spotlight. With their loaded young pitching staff, and a plethora of mediocre teams in the NL, I see no reason the Giants cannot hang on and win the NL wild card.