Giants casting 'wide net', are interested in Max Scherzer

With longtime cornerstone Pablo Sandoval moving on to Boston, the San Francisco Giants are casting a "wide net" in searching for potential additions, per CBS Sports' Jon Heyman. The club is looking at a large number of players including free agents Nelson Cruz, Nick Markakis, Chase Headley, Yasmany Tomas (who has since signed with the Diamondbacks), Torii Hunter Jon Lester, and Max Scherzer, as well as trade targets Justin Upton and Jay Bruce.

The Giants are seeking upgrades at both third base and in the outfield, and judging by some of the upper-echelon names they are exploring, they seem quite set on making a splash.

Of course, the most notable tidbit from this report is the Giants' interest in Lester and Scherzer, especially Scherzer who has yet to clearly establish a market other than the Tigers and (possibly) Yankees. The 30-year-old Scherzer would clearly be a major addition for the Giants, who would then arguably have the best one-two punch (along with Madison Bumgarner) in the game. Still, it's unclear just how interested the Giants are in Scherzer and whether they would be willing to pony up the likely $160 million-plus it will take to sign him.

The Giants are also looking at a variety of other "second-tier" pitching options, including possible bounce-back candidate Justin Masterson. They could also explore re-signing Sergio Romo and Jake Peavy.