Morning Marquee: Giants reportedly in on Ben Zobrist

Another report surfaced on Friday that the San Francisco Giants are interested in Tampa Bay Rays’ utilityman Ben Zobrist, furthering speculation that the team could ultimately land him after the Rays put together a surplus of infielders in recent weeks.

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Other than the Zobrist rumors surfacing yet again, the Hot Stove was relatively quiet as the weekend neared. However, the Chicago Cubs’ outfield situation seems to be clearer as a platoon of Chris Coghlan and Chris Denorfia seems more likely with each passing day. Reliever Jason Motte‘s role, however, is less clear – with Hector Rondon currently serving as the team’s ninth-inning man. Should he stumble, Motte may be the man to take over the ninth-inning duties.

Both Max Scherzer and James Shields remain on the market, and a recent report also detailed that the Giants are out on the coveted right-handers. The club had been previously linked to Shields, but the news on Scherzer is nothing new. It appears the longer Scherzer is on the open market, the more one has to at least consider the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees as feasible landing spots.

Here’s more from around the world of Major League Baseball.

“Get ready for a Chris Coghlan-Chris Denorfia platoon” – Cubbies Crib

“Giants one of many teams in on Ben Zobrist” – Call to the Pen

“The Max Scherzer sweepstakes” – ESPN (Insider)

“McLouth reunion doesn’t seem likely” – Baltimore Sun

“Where will Jason Motte fit into the Cubs’ pen” – Cubbies Crib

Next: A quick review of the Chicago Cubs' offseason