The Giants also are believed to have renewed interest in Cincinnati Reds right-hander Mike Leake, 27. Some observers believe that Leake, 9-5 with a 3.56 ERA, isn't a significant upgrade over most of San Francisco's current starters, such as Matt Cain, Tim Hudson and Jake Peavy. However, Leake has won his past four starts, working eight innings in three of them and recording an 0.60 ERA in that span.
The Giants would risk saying farewell to either Gallardo and Leake after only a few months. Both are eligible for free agency after this season.