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The San Francisco Giants may be working towards a deal with the Colorado Rockies after scouting their farm system in recent days, reports Hank Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle.
Don't be surprised if the Giants and Rockies make a deal. Colorado has scouted Fresno and Richmond recently. As I reported the other day...
— Henry Schulman (@hankschulman) July 27, 2012
… the Giants asked about Marco Scutaro for bench help a couple of weeks back. RH relievers Rafael Betancourt and Matt Belisle also could...
— Henry Schulman (@hankschulman) July 27, 2012
While the Giants have been rumored to be in search of bench help for some time, this is the first indication that they may want to acquire help up the middle. Current shortstop Brandon Crawford has struggled mightily on the offensive end, hitting just .236/.287/.342 in 90 games this season. The veteran Scutaro has hit .271/.324/.359 in 94 games for the Rockies.
On the prowl for bullpen help, and with Jonathan Broxton and Francisco Rodriguez off their radar, the Giants could bolster their bullpen with Betancourt or Belisle. The 37-year-old Betancourt owns a 3.00 ERA and a 9.3 K/9 rate in 36 innings this year. Signed through next season with a $4.25 million team option for 2014, Betancourt could be a good long-term option for the back of the bullpen.
The 32-year-old Belisle is putting together just as strong a season, amassing a 2.25 ERA and 7.8 K/9 in 52 innings of work. Belisle is also signed through next season with a $4.25 million option for 2014, but his option is mutual.
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What do the Giants need more: a shortstop or a reliever?
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