Don't Touch Lincecum or Cain

In light of last week's Winter Meetings, I'm glad the only major trade that transpired was between Detroit and Florida. Not to say, the meetings could not have been more eventful, but fortunately for the Giants and their fans what could have been, should never have been.

The Toronto Blue Jays offered Alex Rios to the Giants for Tim Lincecum, and Brian Sabean wisely turned down the Jays offer. For now, anyway.

Heading into the 2008, post Barry Bonds season, it's no secret that the Giants soarly need some thump in their lineup. Rios, his combination of power, speed, and average would be a welcomed addition to the dreadful Western Division Dwellers. However, is Rios an impact player? Do you trade a possible ace, for a nice addition?

Much of the talk has centered on the fact that the Giants have to start somewhere to improve their feable offense, but would Rios make much of an impact in 2008? By himself, I think the universal answer is no way! So why trade a potential ace like Lincecum, for maybe three or more wins in 2008. It just does not make sense, especially if the Giants are trying to field a competitive club for next season. And that is what Sabean and company have not acknowledged, either way.

I think the Giants should test their fans, at least for 2008, and find out if AT&T Park is a credible gate drawer. Maybe they should allow the fans of the Bay Area to consider whether they have the patience to wait one or two seasons while the Giants rebuild to become a contender.

I think the Giants, instead of trading all important good pitching, should field a team of unproven players and let the chips fall where they may, at least for next season. Examine the gate results at the end of 2008, and then reconsider their plans for 2009, but only if the fans are not happy with the results.

Who's to say the fans don't have the patience to wait a few seasons for home grown talent, and a free agent better than Andruw Jones? What a sight it would be in 2009 or 2010 to see Cain and Lincecum pitching in a pennet race. It just could happen, if the Giants have the patience?