July 31 is rapidly approaching. Buy or Sell lets each team know where they stand.It's very odd that a) the Giants are not completely out of their division race and b) that somehow, they are reasonably stocked with prospects. Just imagine what would have happened if Brian Sabean really knew what he was doing.
However, as we have seen from the trade of Ray Durham to the Milwaukee Brewers, the Giants are, heading into the final 11 days before the trade deadline, most certainly sellers. They stand eight games back of their division, and it's not likely that even the most stout of second halves from their youngsters or tepid of performances by the Dbacks and Dodgers will let them sneak into the playoffs.
In terms of assets and receivables, the Giants have a pretty decent situation. They have no true veteran superstar to deal (unless they're willing to pay 75% of Barry Zito's contract and his "star" status is certainly debatable). In addition, they need young offensive help, but they need it everywhere, so it's not like they need to be picky.
Rich Aurilia, Dave Roberts, Randy Winn and even Omar Vizquel represent tradeable veteran talent with three or less years on their contract. They aren't premiere guys by any means, and the two years after this season that will saddle the receiving team might negate their trade value.
But the Giants could conceivably get something back for them in a clearinghouse style sale. Roberts particularly seems like a good candidate to move with a strong market for a left fielder. He's not Matt Holliday, but hey the Mets farm system, well, you know.
The other thing that could happen, but won't happen, is that the Giants trade Brian Wilson to a contender that needs bullpen help. He was the National League leader in saves at the break, he was just an All Star and people seem to love him despite his bad peripherals. So why not deal him at his absolute peak when you have Alex Hinshaw in the bullpen anyway?
Combining him with Tyler Walker to pick up some offensive talent that could actually help the team in 2009 seems like a pretty good move for a seller like the Giants. They're selling, in case you didn't pick up on that.
