If you're reading this, then by now I'm sure you've been made well aware of the statistics as they relate to Dan Uggla, both offensively and defensively. I'm sure you've come to the conclusion that those statistics are not ideal for a starting second baseman, especially for a team looking for a spark down the stretch of the regular season.
Though the Giants's intentions were to initially keep Uggla in the minors for a week or two before calling him up, they obviously felt forced into doing so now after placing Adrianza and Scutaro on the DL, along with Panik's ankle injury scare. Still, it wasn't terribly likely that two weeks in Fresno was going to transform Uggla back into half the hitter he was in Florida, and there was absolutely no chance he was ever going to learn to play anything close to respectable defense.
Ideally you want your team's position players to be able to perform at least one thing proficiently whether it be on offense or defense, and unfortunately for the Giants and their fans, Uggla appears inept whether he be donning a bat or a glove.
Personally I'd like to see Panik getting the lion's share of the starts at second going forward so long as Scutaro is unable to return to form. Outside Uggla, Panik and Scutaro, the Giants's current middle infield options on the active roster come in the form of Tony Abreu and Joaquin Arias.
In 53 games with the Giants last season Abreu played the part of serviceable replacement following Scutaro's injury, hitting .268 with a .301 OBP. Arias performed comparitively in 2013 batting .271 in 102 games, but this year his numbers are down substantially to .186/.215/.202.
All in all, there is a gaping hole in the Giants's 2014 roster at the second base position, and the front office has to actively be looking for solutions.
One name who would have made sense, someone who the Dodgers just coincidentally traded for, is Darwin Barney, formerly of the Chicago Cubs. While he hit just .230 in only 217 plate appearances this year with Chicago, Barney would have provided the Giants a significant defensive upgrade at the second base position, and his offense still would have likely surpassed that of Dan Uggla. Considering the Dodgers surrendered only a "player to be named later" in exchange for both Barney and cash considerations, it would've been nice had the Giants pursued Barney over Uggla considering Barney's relatively cheap price.
Alas, there are still more options on the trade market for the Giants to at least consider as upgrades before the trade deadline hits this Thursday, and after that they can still make moves via waivers.
Let's review some of the possibilities for San Francisco as they currently exist.
- Ben Zobrist. Realistically the best option for the Giants in that he has another year on his contract and can play both middle infield positions along with some outfield. However, his asking price will be high as the Rays remain in the hunt for the playoffs and have yet to make him 100% available.
- Chris Denorfia. Realistically the most realistic option for the Giants. Will be a free agent after this season and the Padres won't require much in return.
- Marlon Byrd. The annual Marlon Byrd sweepstakes are a go, and you'd be remiss if you don't think the Giants are once again in the mix. Signed through next season with a vesting option for 2016, Byrd would figure to be a great fourth outfielder moving forward.
- Alex Rios. Team option for 2015. Hitting .299 this year, but he doesn't fill an immediate need.
- Dayan Viciedo. Under team control through 2017, ideally a fourth outfielder. Again, he doesn't fill an immediate need, and he could require a higher asking price than would be justified due to his affordable contract status.