MLB rumors: Giants ‘fully engaged’ with Javier Lopez, still talking to Ryan Vogelsong

The San Francisco Giants had a handful of priorities coming into the offseason. They not only wanted to retain both Hunter Pence and Tim Lincecum (which they did), but they also wanted to add a pitcher or two to the back end of their rotation. Beat writer Hank Schulman hinted their main target was Tim Hudson, who they signed to a two-year, $23 million dollar contract on Monday.

Now will all those requirements met, the Giants have moved on to their next priority – bringing back reliever Javier Lopez.

Lopez has been open about his desire to remain with the Giants, suggesting he wanted to retire in San Francisco but when the Giants opted to repair other parts of their roster before coming to Lopez, he began talks with the Washington Nationals and New York Yankees. Those may have been nothing more than bluff moves though as Giants general manager Brian Sabean is reportedly ‘fully engaged’ in talks with Lopez:

"Sabean said they’ve “pretty much moved past” Tanaka. Hopes to have Lopez signed soon, said sides are “fully engaged.”"

In addition to the lefty reliever, the Giants are also speaking to Ryan Vogelsong who had his $6.5 million dollar option declined by the team earlier in the offseason. San Francisco reportedly has ‘feelers’ out for other pitchers, but remains interested in bringing Vogelsong back at the right price.