[Giants]

Lockhart is my primary source for information regarding the farm system.  Her reporting is very thorough.  That is why I have Bishop in the “untouchable unless absolutely overwhelmed by an offer” category. 

So if she ranks Bishop #9 that means that SF has at least nine minor league players considered "untouchable unless absolutely overwhelmed by an offer" ?

I guess you can tell that I am not a big fan of trading top prospects, particularly at this time when the team’s core group of stars is nearing the end of their careers.

Understood. The question is who qualifies as a top prospect. If Bishop is indeed the Giants #9 prospect (and not currently among the top 100 prospects in baseball) then you really mean not trading any real prospects since lower ranked minor leaguers have limited trade value.

It's not an unreasonable position and the Giants should be careful about trading away prospects, my point was that if Bishop is untouchable then pretty much any prospect with trade value is untouchable, which essentially prohibits any substantial trades at all. Generally organizations are very protective of their top (or top two prospects) but willing to explore trades involving others if the return justifies it.

For perspective on this topic in general and on a possible Marte trade specifically, recall that in 2019 the Astros acquired Zack Greinke (35 years old at the time) from these same Arizona Diamondbacks and the price was four prospects (including three who were ranked among the top five in their organization) as well as cash.

Why I hate trading prospects (although I would make the Bryant trade again knowing what was known at the time of the deal)…..

https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs/2021...mpionship/

Yes, giving up prospects is sometimes necessary to push a team over the finish line.  However, as an “investor” with an eye on the long term, I believe SF needs to approach the idea of trading young talent cautiously.  There are still guys in the free agent market who would give the Giants the right-handed power they need.  Those options should be explored first….

[Giants]

Lockhart is my primary source for information regarding the farm system.  Her reporting is very thorough.  That is why I have Bishop in the “untouchable unless absolutely overwhelmed by an offer” category. 

So if she ranks Bishop #9 that means that SF has at least nine minor league players considered "untouchable unless absolutely overwhelmed by an offer" ?

I guess you can tell that I am not a big fan of trading top prospects, particularly at this time when the team’s core group of stars is nearing the end of their careers.

Understood. The question is who qualifies as a top prospect. If Bishop is indeed the Giants #9 prospect (and not currently among the top 100 prospects in baseball) then you really mean not trading any real prospects since lower ranked minor leaguers have limited trade value.

It's not an unreasonable position and the Giants should be careful about trading away prospects, my point was that if Bishop is untouchable then pretty much any prospect with trade value is untouchable, which essentially prohibits any substantial trades at all. Generally organizations are very protective of their top (or top two prospects) but willing to explore trades involving others if the return justifies it.

For perspective on this topic in general and on a possible Marte trade specifically, recall that in 2019 the Astros acquired Zack Greinke (35 years old at the time) from these same Arizona Diamondbacks and the price was four prospects (including three who were ranked among the top five in their organization) as well as cash.

Why I hate trading prospects (although I would make the Bryant trade again knowing what was known at the time of the deal)…..

https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs/2021...mpionship/

Yes, giving up prospects is sometimes necessary to push a team over the finish line.  However, as an “investor” with an eye on the long term, I believe SF needs to approach the idea of trading young talent cautiously.  There are still guys in the free agent market who would give the Giants the right-handed power they need.  Those options should be explored first….