Alex Rios Is Perfect Fit for San Francisco Giants
By John Shea
@real_johnshea
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The San Francisco Giants have had difficulty finding a permanent solution to their ongoing debacle in left field ever since the departure of should-be Hall of Famer Barry Bonds in 2007. After trotting out Mike Morse in left for a decent chunk of the 2014 season, the Giants must now turn their sights toward a more competent fielding outfielder. Even though Gregor Blanco and Juan Perez were able to successfully form a platoon with Morse, the Giants’ offense often struggled with their slugger out of the lineup.
Veteran outfielder Alex Rios has the skill set needed to fill the Giants’ gaping hole in left field. The 33-year-old slashed a solid .280/.311/.398 batting line in 131 games with the Texas Rangers in 2014. Rios also owns a career .987 fielding percentage over 11 seasons, but has played just 11.0 innings in left field in his career.
General manager Brian Sabean reportedly had the chance to nab Rios from the Toronto Blue Jays back in 2008. The rumor mill hinted at a potential Tim Lincecum-Rios swap. Obviously, that never happened, and for good reason. But this version of MLB free agency won’t be the first time Rios will be linked to the Giants.
The Giants don’t flaunt frivolously deep pockets like the arch-rival Los Angeles Dodgers, but they have increased team payroll incrementally on an annual basis during the post-Bonds era. The Giants’ $147.7-million team payroll ranked sixth in the league last season. If their current trend of financial expenditure remains static, the Giants will likely enter 2015 with a payroll approximating $161 million, an increase of roughly $13 million.
The Giants have already committed $127.3 million to 13 players for next season. Assuming they’re able to re-sign Pablo Sandoval to a long-term contract, that figure would escalate to approximately $143 million, meaning that Sabean would have an estimated $18 million to fill out 11 roster spots. That feat is flat-out unrealistic, to say the least.
If Giants CEO Larry Baer does not convince the team’s board of investors to approve a sizable increase in team payroll exceeding an estimated cap of $161 million, the Giants will likely enter the 2015 season with an inefficient left-field platoon consisting of Blanco and Perez.
The Rangers recently denied Rios’ one-year team option worth $13.5 million, which included a $1-million buyout. Considering his age, Rios will likely net a contract in the two-year range totaling $24 million. At the moment, that out-prices the Giants, but the defending World Series champs need an everyday solution to their ongoing left field problem.
The Giants are banking big on Sandoval, but other pressing needs must be addressed. Rios would be a perfect fit for the Giants, given their need for a solid defensive outfielder and an additional middle-of-the-order bat.
John Shea is an MLB writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @real_johnshea. Like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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