Giants have 'sense of urgency' at Meetings

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Giants have a lot going on at baseball's Winter Meetings. Take general manager Bobby Evans' word for it.
Though the Giants haven't agreed on a trade or signed a free agent, they're striving to seal a deal or two, insisted Evans and people familiar with the club's talks.
"I think there's a sense of urgency to try to address some of the needs, sooner than later," Evans said, pointing out that the Meetings are occurring a week later than usual.
So, beneath the silence, the Giants' trade talks remained ongoing.
A source with knowledge of their discussions with the Milwaukee Brewers regarding right fielder Domingo Santana called the dialogue "straightforward." Santana, 25, posted a .278/.371/.505 slash line while gathering 30 home runs and 85 RBIs.
However, the Giants were blunted in efforts to negotiate a swap for either of Miami's productive pair of outfielders, Marcell Ozuna and Christian Yelich. Any common ground the Giants might have found with the Marlins during the Giancarlo Stanton negotiations has scattered, largely because different contractual terms are at issue.
Taking care not to identify which players San Francisco is discussing with Miami, Evans said, "The good thing is, they've studied our [farm] system. ... But ultimately, we've looked at it as if we're starting from square one with what our proposals look like."
Briefly during Tuesday afternoon, the Giants appeared to be closing in on a deal with the Cincinnati Reds for their fleet center fielder, Billy Hamilton. Appearances proved to be deceiving. Sources familiar with the talks said the sides weren't close.
Giants manager Bruce Bochy doused Hamilton with praise.
"There's few players in the game like Billy Hamilton. I mean, it's disruptive speed," Bochy said. "That's how fast he is. He's one of those guys they know is probably going to go, and he still has a good chance of stealing a base. So when you talk about the gifts and talents of a Billy Hamilton, there are few guys that can do that in the game. He's entertaining. The Reds have a nice player there."
Evans wouldn't confirm or deny that the Giants planned to speak with agent Scott Boras, who will arrive here Wednesday. Of course, Evans is well aware that Boras represents J.D. Martinez, the top remaining free-agent slugger.
Meanwhile, Evans will approach the final full day of the Meetings feeling positive yet realistic about the Giants' chances of acquiring a competent hitter or outfielder.
"I'm hopeful, but I think there's a difference between being hopeful and being optimistic," he said. "I'm hopeful because the conversations are active. But I can't foretell what clubs are going to do."