Sabean Smashes a Splash Hit at the Trade Deadline

San Francisco Giants General Manager Brian Sabean just faced one of the most difficult series of decisions in his tenure as Giants GM: should he alter the make-up of a team already rolling toward a post-season wildcard slot? How aggressively should he address several identified team needs to ensure they even make the playoffs? And, how much should he give up to get those missing pieces?Tough choices, and all to be achieved within a limited time period, from within a limited resource pool, while at the same time competing with other playoff hungry teams. And, by the way, this is a contract renewal year for Sabean, so also add in serious job performance pressure.But Brian Sabean pulled it off. Despite Ryan Garko's slow start, and Freddy Sanchez's immediate offensive impact, Brian Sabean gave the Giants the three things they needed most right now: 1) a line drive doubles bat to move runners on the bases and score runs; 2) fielding stability at second base, and by extension, the entire infield; 3) a bat at first base capable of driving in runs. In retrospect, the price paid was not a problem.Lefty Scott Barnes, traded to Cleveland for 1B Ryan Garko, had a nice 12-3 record at single A San Jose, but was rated the 9th best prospect in the Giants organization. And the Giants desperately had to make some move to upgrade the lack of offense at first base. Travis Ishikawa has shown no improvement after the Giants gave him many opportunities-- he has essentially remained a very good triple A player. Ishikawa is striking out once every 3.6 at bats (550 bats = 153 strikeouts). Add to that only 30 RBIs and 7 home runs, and the first base picture looked bleak. Garko brings at least a chance to create runs from first base.After having righty Tim Alderson's name enshrined in the minds of Giants fans the past two years as one of the organization's top three or four minor league prospects, it was difficult to see him traded. But Alderson's promise is no match for what Freddy Sanchez has already achieved during the past five years he has been a full time starter: a National League batting title, three All Star Game appearances, and an amazing glove at second base. If an additional rationale is needed here, apparently Alderson has slipped somewhat in the eyes of the Giants front office, so this move should have been a relatively easy one for Sabean.Whichever way the 2009 race for the National League West and the NL wild card turns out, Brian Sabean can feel he did what had to be done to put the Giants in position to make the playoffs. The competition is very tough: the Colorado Rockies will not stop winning games, and there's no way Atlanta, Florida, Milwaukee, and the Cubs go quietly. So the odds are high, but the Giants are at the table and finally have the chips to play to win.