3 team needs for the Giants leading up to the trade deadline
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The San Francisco Giants were sitting pretty in the National League West 17 games over .500 heading into action on June 1, but a dismal June and a mediocre July to this point has opened the door for the Los Angeles Dodgers to close the gap.
So, what moves can the Giants make to increase their chances of a playoff berth? Here are three areas they need to improve in to be contenders.
1. Second baseman
Injury-plagued Marco Scutaro has missed significant time with a back issue and now his neck is acting up. The Giants have a glaring need for an upgrade at the second base position and are reportedly pursuing Ben Zobrist and Chase Utley. Youngsters Ehire Adrianza and Joe Panik were given a shot at the position, but it seems both players aren't quite ready for the challenge of a pennant race.
2. Starting pitching
Manager Bruce Bochy has diagnosed perennial playoff stud Matt Cain with a "cranky elbow" which doesn't bode well for the starting rotation down the stretch. Tim Hudson and Madison Bumgarner have been fantastic for the Giants, and Tim Lincecum has shown flashes of brilliance as demonstrated by his no-hitter vs. the San Diego Padres. Ryan Vogelsong has lost four consecutive starts and his five wins to this point are hardly impressive.
Starting pitching has long been the backbone of the team's title runs in recent years, and San Francisco is a rumored long shot to trade for Tampa Bay Rays ace David Price. A middle-tier starter, however, seems more realistic to fill in behind Bumgarner and Hudson and act as an insurance policy for Cain.
3. Power bat
The Giants have launched the third-most homers in the National League to this point, but lack a true power hitter. Five players have at least 10 home runs as part of a balanced attack with Michael Morse leading the way with 14 dingers. But Brandon Belt, who continues to deal with injury issues, may be headed to the disabled list with a concussion. Acquiring another left-handed power bat, such as Chicago White Sox slugger Adam Dunn, may be a sharp move by Brian Sabean.