http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/los-angeles-dodgers-blockbuster-san-francisco-giants-counter-atlanta-braves-chipper-jones-082512
So, how will the San Francisco Giants counter the Los Angeles Dodgers' blockbuster?
You're kidding, right?
Actually, the Giants badly want to add a left fielder to replace the suspended Melky Cabrera. But they're "getting nowhere fast" in that search, according to a major-league source with knowledge of the team's discussions.
The Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks, both of whom trail San Francisco in the NL West standings, are in position to block any affordable hitter the Giants might want on waivers.
Generally speaking, only high-priced players clear waivers — assuming the money-mad Dodgers aren't blocking them, too, just because they can. Problem is, the Chicago Cubs' Alfonso Sorianohas indicated that he wouldn't waive his no-trade rights to play in San Francisco. And players such as the Los Angeles Angels' Vernon Wells and Kansas City Royals' Jeff Francoeur aren't necessarily the answer.
The Giants are in a tricky position. Gregor Blanco, the primary replacement for Cabrera, is batting .200 with a .543 OPS since June 9 (though hitting better of late). Blanco essentially is a center fielder playing left, and the Giants do not want to compromise their defense behind a rotation that has the highest flyball rate in the National League.
A right-handed hitting complement to the left-handed Blanco seemingly would be the best fit, but even then the choice isn't obvious. The Giants actually fare quite well against left-handers — they're 27-14 in games started by lefties, 44-42 in games started by righties. They also have a higher OPS against lefties (.718-.712).
Long story short, beggars can't be choosers, and the Giants will take any upgrade they can get. Their starting left fielder Saturday against the Atlanta Braves, Francisco Peguero, was making his major-league debut. Not the way the Giants want to enter their looming battle with the Dodgers.