The San Francisco Giants’ center fielder, Andres Torres, will be out at least 10 days because of an appendectomy – a huge gap for a team trying to fight for a playoff spot. The Giants have a few internal options, but nothing like the Gold Golve-type defense that Torres brings to the table.

Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News asked manager Bruce Bochy if he or GM Brian Sabean discussed external possibilities for a temporary replacement. Bochy said no at the time.

Baggarly suggests a stopgap would be an acquisition of Dodgers outfielder Scott Podsednik. Podsednik was placed on waivers in late August, but it is unclear if he cleared. Should the Giants make a deal with their arch rivals for Podsednik, the outfielder would not be eligible for the playoffs because he was not on the roster by the August 31st trade deadline.

Regardless of that rule, Podsednik would be a better option than using the lackluster Aaron Rowand. And should the Giants make the postseason and win the World Series, he could earn a playoff share (the team would have to vote on it) and he would receive a Ring.