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Fansided

MLB Rumors: Giants want to trade for second baseman

By Bryan Rose

May 26, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants outfielder Hunter Pence (8) holds onto his hat during the playing of the national anthem before the start of the game against the Chicago Cubs at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
May 26, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants outfielder Hunter Pence (8) holds onto his hat during the playing of the national anthem before the start of the game against the Chicago Cubs at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The San Francisco Giants have understandably tired of second baseman, Brandon Hicks.

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A career journeyman, Hicks was thrust into the starting spot after starter Marco Scutaro was unable to start the season due to lingering back issues. Scutaro, who could be nearing a return, is likely to be placed in a utility role moving forward considering the team can’t count on his health and Hicks, despite an early season outburst, has been horrible offensively.

That has lead the Giants to look for a replacement, this according to Nick Cafardo.

“General manager Brian Sabean is trying to add a second baseman by the trading deadline. A great fit would be Chase Utley, but there’s three issues: Would the Phillies want to deal him, would Utley waive his 10/5 rights, and would the Giants give up a bounty for him? It would seem the Giants’ sights would be somewhat lower.”

Utley is due $10 million dollars next season so he’s not completely unaffordable, though considering he’s one of the better and more in-demand players the Phillies have, they’ll likely attempt to squeeze out every possible prospect penny they can from Utley. That’s a price the Giants understandably would balk at, so as Carfado mentions, they’re likely to find a cheaper alternative.

For now, it appears as if Hicks’ time in the lineup is limited and Scutaro, if he does return, won’t be much more than a bench player.

Who the Giants would potentially be targeting outside Utley is unknown, though the Cincinnati Reds have been attempting to move Brandon Phillips for some time. He, however, is likely to be too rich for the Giants’ blood unless the Reds were to pay a significant portion of his salary.

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