LHP Randy Johnson has signed with the San Francisco Giants. With 2008 CY Young winner Tim Lincecum and bulldog Matt Cain, the Giants now have the best top of the rotation in the weak offensive environment of the NL West. With Barry Zito and Jonathan Sanchez in the four and five holes, the Giants now have one of the best rotations in the National League.
Before visions of rotation sugar plums begin dancing in the heads of Giants fans, MLB.com reports Jonathan Sanchez could be available in a trade but only for a player who will not be a free agent following the 2009 season. (Sorry, New York Yankees.) One can look at the Giants infield and easily conclude Sanchez's left arm is being used as bait to upgrade the Giants' offense from there. Since the team invested $18MM in SS Edgar Renteria, the targets would be one of the other infield positions.
With the 2009 condition in place, one is lead to believe Giants' GM Brian Sabean is looking for non-Aubrey Huff type and that may be partially true. With RF Randy Winn, OF Dave Roberts and C Bengie Molina free agents following the 2009 season, don't be shocked to see near-major league ready OF or C be the main target with an Aubrey Huff tagged-on.