As expected, the San Francisco Giants are looking to use the money they would have spent on Pablo Sandoval to bolster another part of their roster. Jon Lester will meet with the team next week.
Shortly after it was reported Sandoval had agreed to a five-year contract with the Boston Red Sox, ESPN's Buster Olney reported the Giants' Plan B might involve going after Lester because they have the money to spend. Additionally, the starting rotation has some issues with Matt Cain coming off of elbow surgery, Tim Lincecum's declining performance and Ryan Vogelsong headed for free agency.
Those problems will be no more if the Giants can figure out a way to land Lester and give themselves two of the best left-handers in the game. Madison Bumgarner, the team's lefty ace, delivered an historic World Series (and overall postseason) performance in 2014. A source told ESPN's Jim Bowden that Lester will meet with San Fran at some point next week.
The Giants have also been linked to Cuban outfielder Yasmany Tomas, who they could sign and really put themselves right back into World Series contention. The team already lost Sandoval and may watch Vogelsong, Jake Peavy, Sergio Romo and Michael Morse walk in free agency, so replacing those players remains a priority.
San Francisco needs to make another replacement outside of player personnel. Third base coach Tim Flannery announced his retirement on Tuesday, leaving a significant vacancy. Flannery was a close friend of manager Bruce Bochy and the two have coached together since Bochy managed the San Diego Padres from 1995-2006. They both joined the Giants in 2007.
"History will show I was part of the greatest baseball teams in Giant history, I also was part of the greatest baseball teams in San Diego Padres history," Flannery said, via this ESPN article. "I feel like the game has honored a humble servant of it, I have been blessed so much from this sacred game. I just now feel it is the time to send myself home safely."
"We wish Tim nothing but the best on his future endeavors and hope to see him out at AT&T Park again soon," the Giants said in a statement.
Flannery also played 11 MLB seasons for the San Diego Padres and was teammates with Bochy for five seasons.
