Nov 6th 2008 11:30AM by Matt Snyder (author feed)
According to Giants GM Brian Sabean, young hurler Matt Cain is untouchable, yet his name continues to surface in trade rumors. I’ve actually heard a few unsubstantiated rumors where he would land with the Brewers or Cubs, among other teams. Do the other GMs not know Sabean is keeping Cain no matter what?”Yes. Clubs know that. That hasn’t necessarily discouraged clubs from inquiring or making suggestions of offers. But we don’t see anything out there that gives us a net gain by losing him.” I guess it’s okay to try and knock Sabean over with an offer, and considering he’s the guy who has single-handedly dismantled the Giants organization, you can’t blame the other GMs for not believing him.

You have to admit, Sabean is in a pickle — albeit a self-inflicted one. Their offense as it stands is absolutely pathetic. They do have a good amount of quality arms. If you can’t raise enough money to sign Manny Ramirez, Mark Teixeira, Adam Dunn, and a few other studs — which would only begin to broach how much offensive help they need — the only way to improve the offense is to deal from the strength for a net gain.

Just don’t expect Cain to be the piece that moves. Or Tim Lincecum, for that matter.