Farhan Zaidi had his initial press conference yesterday, as Bryan wrote about, and one of the takeaways had to do with trades. Specifically Madison Bumgarner, who would be a free agent after the 2019 season.
Zaidi: "I understand the (Bumgarner) question." Says Bumgarner has been a pillar of the franchise, but he's eager to get opinions on what makes sense in terms of a broader direction. Everything is on the table.
— Kerry Crowley (@KO_Crowley) November 7, 2018
Per Alex Pavlovic of NBC News Bay Area:
“I remember at the time thinking that I’m working with the A’s and going to the Dodgers, two rivals, and I can’t help it as a baseball fan but to have appreciation for what this guy has done,” Zaidi said. “He has been a seminal pillar of this franchise for a long time. That carries a lot of weight.”
This speaks to the depth of love and admiration Giants fans have for Bumgarner. And I imagine that for a lot of fans, a Bumgarner trade would be a bridge too far.
Or would it? Have the last two (and a half) seasons been enough to harden the hearts of even the most sentimental or even casual Giants fans? Would they be more accepting of a trade, or many trades, involving their favorite players?
I think they would understand, even if they didn’t like it. I was much more protective of the core players even a year ago than I am now. I’d like the organization to be able to turn it around with at least some of the group of players who were around for the last winning season. But maybe that opportunity has passed.
What are your thoughts? (Poll will be stripped on some browsers, but feel free to weigh in in the comments).
Poll
Have your thoughts on trading key players changed over the last two seasons?
This poll is closed
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65%
Yes. Trade whoever you need to to get the team turned around.
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20%
I still don’t want to lose my favorite players.
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10%
No, I was always for trading the main players while they still could.
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4%
Other (add in the comments)