Oakland Tribune: Sabean not optimistic about starting rotation

SAN FRANCISCO -- With four shopping days left before the trading deadline, San Francisco Giants general manager Brian Sabean is not optimistic the upgrade he'd like for the starting rotation will be available. "I don't believe the premium difference maker is out there," Sabean said, before Saturday's game against the San Diego Padres. "It's obvious with the roll we are on, you don't need to make a move for the sake of making a move. You'll end up with somebody who is similar to what we've already got -- no matter what you have to give up."Sabean and his scouts have identified "a handful" of starters and "a couple" relievers they'd be comfortable adding in a trade. It's doubtful they would add another bat."The frustrating part is I'm not optimistic the guys we like are out there and going to be available," Sabean said. "The greater problem is, let's say those premium guys are on teams that have hope or are still in it. Once those teams fall out of it, they're not getting through waivers."Sabean doesn't discuss specific names, but it's likely one player he's referring to is a pitcher like Bartolo Colon. While a certain difference maker, the Chicago White Sox have won nine straight games and it's doubtful Colon is available."I don't think there's any surprises out there," Sabean said. "There are less guys available than there are in print. ... (But) a lot can transpire in 48 hours, whether you've had previous conversation or whether somebody just picks up the phone out of the blue."After July 31, trades can still be made, if players pass through waivers. Over the last decade, it's become nearly impossible to make such a trade because teams block each other by "claiming" a player put on waivers.Teams must be careful claiming high-priced salary players because they might get stuck with the player if they aren't careful. The classic example was San Diego claiming Randy Myers in 1998, thinking Atlanta wanted him, and getting stuck with a huge contract for two years.

"The multiple claims will go away," Sabean said. "If we like a guy, we will claim him. Teams won't claim three or four in the same day, in the same week. That would be Russian roulette."

BOBBY UPDATE: The open-heart surgery on Bobby Bonds was successful Friday and his son, Barry Bonds, was back in the lineup Saturday. The younger Bonds didn't want to discuss it with reporters.

Jimmy Davenport, who is Bonds' closest friend, told the Associated Press the operation was not related to Bobby's cancer.

SNOW UPDATE: First baseman J.T. Snow wasn't in the lineup Saturday, but the pulled groin he aggravated Friday night isn't as serious as it was in June, which required a trip to the disabled list.

Snow received treatment all day Saturday. Trainer Stan Conte said groin injuries can be tough to predict, but he hopes to get Snow back onto the field "soon."

ONE-HOPPERS: The Giants won't face former teammate Shawn Estes this week in Chicago, or Mark Prior (who is out another week), but there will be a great matchup on Wednesday: Jason Schmidt vs. Kerry Wood. ... Step one in a long journey for pitcher Kurt Ainsworth (shoulder blade) came Saturday when he played easy catch. ... Kirk Rueter (shoulder) had no problems Saturday after his first start in nearly three weeks Friday night. ... Benito Santiago (finger) is eligible to come off the disabled list Tuesday and Conte believes Santiago will be ready.