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The buzz regarding the Giants' interest in Ramirez has risen recently. The Denver Post led the parade by reporting that the Giants were "aggressively pursuing" him. San Francisco's KPIX-TV reported that the team had offered Ramirez a multiyear contract. And SI.com's Jon Heyman wrote that the Giants had "entered the bidding" for Ramirez.

But two industry sources said Friday that any talk of Ramirez receiving a contract offer from the Giants has been overblown.

The Giants' priority still may be obtaining an offensively proven corner infielder, since their outfield is full. Moreover, signing Ramirez would send the Giants beyond their payroll limit and might force them to trade another outfielder such as Aaron Rowand or Randy Winn -- neither of whom has prompted much demand on the trade market despite respectable track records.


For all his offensive prowess, Ramirez is considered a defensive liability. Bent on maximizing the asset of a strong starting pitching rotation, the Giants have been reluctant to consider players who are subpar defenders.

However, obtaining Ramirez could make the Giants the favorites to win the NL West. And ticket sales -- a concern for all clubs given the nation's economic malaise -- surely would accelerate if he brought his act to San Francisco.

It's believed that the Giants might consider Ramirez if he lowered his salary demands, which reportedly are hovering around $20 million a year.