Giants Rumors: Placido Polanco, Hanley Ramirez, Jonathan Broxton

With Pablo Sandoval getting a start at first base, Andrew Baggarly of CSNBayArea.com wonders if the San Francisco Giants might be open to acquiring a third baseman this summer:

But it might open another avenue for GM Brian Sabean to bolster the lineup. If he can’t acquire a first baseman ahead of the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, what about a third baseman?

There aren’t many attractive third basemen expected to be made available, but Sabean is known to value an experienced player such as the Phillies’ Placido Polanco. It’s highly unlikely, but if the Giants want to think big, and that means taking on some big-time salary commitments, they could gamble on the Marlins’ Hanley Ramirez.

Polanco is in the final year of his contract with the Phillies and, as Baggarly mentions, is a much more likely target than Marlins third baseman Hanley Ramirez. While neither team has determined their stance at the upcoming deadline, both Philadelphia and Miami have reportedly been mulling over the idea of selling this summer.

On the reliever front, Baggarly adds that the Giants aren’t likely to "part with the necessary package of prospects to get a top-flight closer," such as San Diego Padres right-hander Huston Street or Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Francisco Rodriguez. However, he does believe San Francisco could be in on Kansas City Royals closer Jonathan Broxton "if the price drops."

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Should Sandoval be moved to first?

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