2011 MLB Trade Rumors: Giants Shopping Jeremy Affeldt, Ramon Ramirez

Ken Rosenthol of Fox Sports is reporting that the San Francisco Giants are looking to trade relievers Jeremy Affeldt and Ramon Ramirez.  Rosenthol says the Giants are hoping to reduce the “heavy investments” in their bullpen this winter.

According to Rosenthol, this is an either or situation; the Giants hope to either trade Affeldt or Ramirez.

Both players are going to prove costly in 2012.  San Francisco decided to pick up Affeldt’s $5 million option and Ramirez, who is in his final year of arbitration, figures to receive $3 million next season.

Saying the Giants have “heavy investments” in their pen may be an understatement.  San Francisco signed lefty reliever Javier Lopez to a two-year, $8.5 million deal this offseason.  The club is also on the hook for $8.5 million for closer Brian Wilson, setup man Sergio Romo’s arbitration and possibly another $19 million if Barry Zito ends up in the pen.

Both Ramirez and Affeldt turned in impressive 2011’s for the Giants.  Affeldt, a left-hander, appeared in 67 games for the Giants, maintaining a 2.62 ERA and 1.151 WHIP over his 61 2/3 innings pitched.  While he has a career ERA of 4.12, Affeldt has been impressive as a member of the Giants.  Over his last three seasons in San Francisco, Affeldt has posted a 2.74 earned run average and 1.287 WHIP.

Ramirez, who was dealt to the Giants at the 2010 trade deadline, has been even better during his short stint in San Francisco.  Last season the righty logged 68 2/3 innings for the Giants while maintaining an ERA and WHIP of 2.62 and 1.165.  Ramirez owns a career ERA of 3.16, but has limited that number to 2.07 as a member of the Giants.

Rosenthol doesn’t list any names, but the Yankees, Blue Jays, Red Sox, Cardinals, Twins, Reds and Mets have all been tied to reliever–related rumors this offseason.

For more on the Giants, be sure to check out Around the Foghorn.