7/28 06:34: According to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports, the Giants have stepped up their pursuit of a hitter with their eyes on Jorge Cantu. Rosenthal believes that the Giants are now in the lead to acquire Cantu. The Marlins are asking for young LHP.

7/28 00:01: The San Francisco Giants have the flexibility to acquire almost any player since their current roster allows for position flexibility. Chris Haft of MLB.com says, “Aubrey Huff can play right if San Francisco obtains a first or third baseman. In the latter case, Pablo Sandoval could move to first base and Huff still would go to the outfield. Andres Torres could move to right if a center fielder is acquired.” This gives the Giants the luxury to pick and choose who they want to go for, and maybe use it as leverage in their trade negotiations.

However, one industry source says the team likely won’t get a premier hitter such as Milwaukee Brewers Prince Fielder or Corey Hart or Washington Nationals’ Adam Dunn.

“If they do anything, it’ll be small,” one industry source said Tuesday.

The Giants are hesitant to part with left-handers Jonathan Sanchez or Madison Bumgarner. Haft says that one of them have to be involved if the Giants were to execute a significant deal.

GM Brian Sabean also wants to acquire a player that’s under contract for next year – no two month rentals for San Francisco.

So players like Kansas City’s Scott Podsednik and Jose Guillen, Washington’s Josh Willingham and Florida’s Jorge Cantu won’t fit that logic. They are all free agents after this season.

The Giants are also looking for a left-handed or setup reliever to strengthen their bullpen. They may be able to put that wish off until August since some relievers will clear waivers after July 31.

Related posts:

1. Update – San Francisco Giants Rumors: Interested in Hart, DeJesus, Dunn and Cantu
2. Update – San Francisco Giants Rumors: Need bat and relief – talks with Brewers regarding Fielder or Hart are dead
3. San Francisco Giants Rumors: Won’t rent players
4. Update – Is Prince Fielder the answer to the San Francisco Giants offensive problems?
5. AOL FanHouse on the MLB Trade Deadline: Oswalt, Werth, Fielder, Hart, Cantu, Dunn, Ross