All kinds of reports have been generated -- from agent Scott Boras, from the Giants, to third-party sources who chime in, sometimes with opinions that dramatically differ from other third-party sources.

In a rare interview on the subject, GM Brian Sabean confirmed to Sirius/XM Radio that the Giants have spoken with Boras, adding, "We have not made an offer. We've talked in parameters of what would be our tolerance year-wise. It would have to be a perfect fit dollar-wise, and more so what we're doing to try and build this thing ... on a younger basis. It's actually not what we're looking for, except that he's such a profound middle-of-the-order hitter, which we need.

"We're pretty well set in the outfield. If we got him on board, we'd have to trade an outfielder, and it would cause some havoc in terms of how the roster is built."

For now, Ramirez seems to have a possible fan base in Giants territory. In a poll question by the San Francisco Chronicle, readers were asked if the Giants should sign Ramirez.

Of 6,147 who replied, 44 percent answered "yes, but only to a reasonable short-term deal," 21 percent answered, "No, use the money to develop young players," 18 percent answered, "No, he's a cancer and will quit if the team falls out of the race," and 17 percent answered, "yes, at any price."