Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News updates us on what’s going on with the San Francisco Giants.  Here are a few highlights:

Baggarly says GM Brian Sabean is in buy mode, but he won’t trade a starting pitcher unless he gets an “absolute stud” in return. The word last week was that a deal involving Milwaukee Brewers’ Corey Hart for left-handed pitcher Jonathan Sanchez was in the works. It’s unknown if the teams are continuing to negotiate or if talks have stopped. The only viable stud that could be available on the market is Prince Fielder, and that’s going to take more than a Sanchez to make that happen.

Kansas City Royals outfielder David DeJesus has the two-way skills that intrigue the Giants officials. DeJesus would be a good fit in terms of contract since he has an affordable club option of $6 million for 2011. Remember that the Giants have no intention to make a deal for a rental.

Baggarly suggests the Giants should add Cubs’ shortstop Ryan Theriot as a backup leadoff hitter and somebody that could provide the team insurance in the event Juan Uribe or Edgar Renteria go down for a long period of time. Theriot has been displaced from his spot in the Cubs’ lineup by rookie Starlin Castro. Last week, Baggarly ran the rumor by his club sources and he was told his name hasn’t come up yet, but opinions change quickly in the month of July.

Baggarly also says Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee could be worth a look. Two things would need to happen here: Lee would need to waive his no-trade clause and San Francisco would need to have a contract extension window to negotiate a deal if they want to stick with their guns and not acquire a rental. Lee is a free agent after this season, but he lives in California during the off-season so San Francisco could peak his interest.

Relief pitching: the Giants could use it. Baggarly doesn’t name anybody specific, but here’s a list of good relievers that Sabean should take a look at.