Report: Samardzija, Leake are Giants' Plan B after Greinke
Zack Greinke is still deciding on where he'll pitch next season, with the potential suitors leading the way reported to be the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants. If Greinke decides to re-sign with L.A., though, the Giants reportedly have a plan in mind.
According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Giants' "Plan B" will be to go after right-handers Jeff Samardzija and Mike Leake, while veteran John Lackey or a trade could be options if that doesn't work out.
After David Price set the bar with his seven-year, $217-million contract with the Boston Red Sox, the Dodgers have reportedly been mulling a $210-million deal for Greinke, which could force the Giants to go all in or revert to their backup plan.
With Samardzija reportedly telling teams he's received a $100-million offer, the Giants may have to spend a pretty penny to acquire the former Chicago Cubs draft choice.
A combo of Samardzija and Leake could still come in under the price for Greinke, though, while adding two arms to their rotation instead of one, albeit not of the same caliber.
| PITCHER | W-L | IP | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zack Greinke | 19-3 | 222 2/3 | 1.66 | 200 |
| Jeff Samardzija | 11-13 | 214 | 4.96 | 163 |
| Mike Leake | 11-10 | 192 | 3.70 | 119 |
If Greinke and the Dodgers go with the $210-million figure, the 32-year-old would best Price's annual average value, making him the highest-paid player in baseball history per annum, and making the Dodgers a favorite once again to win the National League West division, regardless of any additions the Giants could make.