Analysis of the Hunter Pence Trade to the Giants

The Trade: 

Giants: Hunter Pence and cash

Phillies: Tommy Joseph, Nate Schierholtz and Single-A RHP Seth Rosin

Quick Analysis:

The Giants were looking for an outfield bat to complement baseball’s hits leader Melky Cabrera, and they accomplished that in acquiring Hunter Pence from the Phillies. Pence hit 17 home runs with the Phillies. That mark would lead the Giants by a modest margin, and he has found success at AT&T Park as well, hitting five home runs in 76 career at-bats at AT&T Park.

Tommy Joseph will likely replace Carlos Ruiz after the 2013 season, who will be pushing 40 at that point. Scouts says that he is a very good acquisition  for the Phillies because good young catching is hard to come by these days. Other scouts agree, saying that he will be an everyday player in the near future.

Seth Rosin is not a top prospect, but shouldn’t be overlooked.

What it Means for the Giants:

It looks like GM Brian Sabean might’ve pulled off a great deal for Pence. Joseph is a couple years away, and Nate Schierholtz wanted out of San Francisco in hopes to take on an everyday type role. Pence will be a massive upgrade over Gregor Blanco in right field, and will be give the Giants an additional bat outside of Melky Cabrera and Buster Posey, who have been heavily relied on this season.

While good young catchers are hard to come by, the Giants also have Hector Sanchez and Andrew Susac in the organization. And don’t forget about Buster Posey.

Quick Facts:

-At AT&T Park, Pence has hit .329 (25x76) w/ 3 2Bs, 5 HRs & 10 RBI in 20 games. He has posted a .366 OBP and .566 SLG as well

-Pence has five homers in 76 career at-bats at AT&T Park. The Giants have 16 homers in 1,711 home at-bats this season.

Posted in: Hunter Pence,Philadelphia Phillies,San Francisco Giants