A Giant Trade

Austin Mirmina takes a look at a move made by the Giants.

(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Giants General Manager Brian Sabean realized the offensive hole that was left following the 2011 season. And on Monday, Sabean attempted to fill the void.

In a trade with the Royals, the Giants acquired outfielder Melky Cabrera and shipped left-handers Jonathan Sanchez and Ryan Verdugo to Kansas City. The move will help bolster the offense for the Giants, a team that is already rich in pitching with starters like Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Ryan Vogelsong and Barry Zito.

This is the second time that Sabean has dealt a starting pitcher with potential in recent memory – the first being stud-prospect Zack Wheeler, who was traded to the Mets for Carlos Beltran back in July. But the move backfired, as Beltran’s services were unable to guide the team to another World Series appearance.

But Sabean put his team in a better position on Monday. By acquiring the 27-year-old Cabrera, the Giants took advantage of a solid, affordable bat in the free agency market while also patching up holes in the offense that scored the second-fewest runs last season (570).

The switch-hitting Cabrera had a career season in 2011, batting .305 with 87 RBIs, 18 home runs and 107 runs scored. He also set highs in hits (201), doubles (44), and stolen bases (20). Cabrera attributed his recent improvement to diligent preparation during the offseason, which included occasional sessions at Alex Rodriguez’s batting cage in Miami.

"He's the type of player this club needs," Bochy said of Cabrera in an interview. "He crosses home plate."

Sabean had to surrender a quality starter in order to snag the inexpensive Cabrera from the Royals. That meant trading southpaw Jonathan Sanchez, who threw the club’s first no-hitter in 33 years in 2009. The Giants were never close to trading Sanchez in the past, and opted to keep the pitching rotation together. But given the team’s need for more offense, this was the right time to pull the trigger, Sabean said.

Acquiring Cabrera was ultimately the best decision for the Giants. He was solid last season at the plate, and has the flexibility to play any outfield position. Cabrera made only $1.25 million in a one-year deal with the Royals, but even if he asks for a raise, his salary is still a far cry from those of Aaron Rowand and Carlos Beltran, who are currently free agents.

It is clear the Giants are preparing for another deep playoff run next season.