With the trade deadline approaching, the Giants are in full clearance sale mode. Bochy plans to start Dave Roberts in left tonight, though his lengthy stint on the DL most likely depressed his trade value. Unless a contender wants a game-winning base-stealer handy for the World Series, Roberts will remain with the Giants. The upside is that he can mentor Velez, Burriss, and Lewis on base-stealing and come off the bench late in the game as a speedy pinch hitter, but his contract somewhat sours the value he brings.Omar, Taschner, and other vets are also being showcased. Bochy told Omar that once the trade deadline passes, he will no longer be the starter at SS (haven't we heard this before?). Taschner now gets an inning of relief a game--unless he walks two consecutive batters--instead of his usual role as lefty specialist.
In related news, Alfonzo is being sent down to Fresno in favor of Steve Holm. Baggarly speculates that the Giants could also call up Pablo Sandoval, who is mashing at AA, once they move Rich Aurilia. I'm not entirely in favor of the move if it happens, because the last thing I want to see is Sandoval sitting on the bench five days a week.
