Hunter Pence arrived at the San Francisco Giants’ park right after the end of their game against the Mets on Tuesday night, and the mood was good. Not only because the Giants won 4-1, but because Pence is a bona fide addition, a right-handed power hitter the Giants coveted.
He’ll bat fifth and play right field on Wednesday.
“It’s definitely exciting that he’s going to be here,” said catcher Buster Posey, who’ll bat in front of Pence. “I think he’s a dynamic player who will not only help us with offensive production, but the energy he brings.”
The Giants sent outfielder Nate Schierholtz, highly rated catching prospect Tommy Joseph and Class A pitcher Seth Rosin to Philadelphia for Pence. The Giants are receiving $500,000 — Pence is due another $3.8 million this season.
With the Dodgers’ lineup beefing up with Hanley Ramirez, acquired last week from the Marlins, and Shane Victorino, acquired Tuesday from the Phillies — who were kind enough to sent two outfielders to the NL West on the trade-deadline day — GM Brian Sabean felt compelled to act.
He pulled the trigger after the Giants lost five straight, including three to the Dodgers, two by shutouts.
“In some ways it is a reaction,” Sabean said, “not only having played the Dodgers and getting swept, but knowing they were going to be extremely active and not wanting them to outdistance you because of a personnel move you didn’t pursue or try to finalize in the end.
“We were hoping we could infuse something from the outside like they did, and now, after going through a five-game losing streak and seeing we needed a lift … we’re glad to be able to make a move.”
Pence, 29, is hitting .271. Once Pablo Sandoval comes off the disabled list, Pence likely will hit sixth.