Because of the lack of sellers at this year’s trade deadline, many speculated that there could be some swaps between some competing teams. We haven’t seen a lot of it to this point, but there is still a day and a half before tomorrow’s 6:00 PM ET trade deadline, and one intriguing rumor from over the weekend ties the Giants to two current Braves.
According to Kiley McDaniel of ESPN, San Francisco is looking to bolster their middle infield and have had their eyes on two players, Vaughn Grissom and Nicky Lopez.
“The San Francisco Giants are looking for middle infield help, particularly one that comes with a steady glove,” said McDaniel “Atlanta Braves shortstop Vaughn Grissom and Kansas City Royals infielder Nicky Lopez have been connected to the Giants by industry sources.”
What’s ironic about this is, not long after this was reported by McDaniel, the Braves went out and acquired Lopez from the Royals in exchange for Taylor Hearn. Lopez is more of a defensive specialist that can play all over the infield. I don’t imagine the Braves have much interest in trading him now, as it fills a void they had on their roster behind their starters. However, moving Vaughn Grissom could be in the cards.
The Giants need some more production out of their middle infield, and while Grissom had a tough time defensively at shortstop, he can play second base and would be a tremendous upgrade to what they currently have offensively.
I still have trouble seeing the fit between the two sides. Grissom should definitely be on the table in trade talks for the Braves, but they need pitching, whether it be a highly valued relief arm or a rotation piece. The Giants have pitching depth, but they are also trying to make a push for the playoffs. I don’t see them giving up a quality piece to their pitching staff for Grissom, and that’s what it would take for the Braves to move him.
Alex Anthopoulos isn’t going to give Grissom away for nothing. He had his struggles this year at the major-league level, but he’s only 22-years-old and has been tearing the cover off the ball in AAA. Unless the Giants are willing to meet the Braves halfway and give up one of the better pitchers on their staff, I don’t see how a deal comes to fruition before tomorrow’s trade deadline.
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