Inbox: Is Bumgarner still a No. 1 starter?

I may make many of my fellow Giant fans mad with this question, but here goes. Madison Bumgarner is not a legitimate No. 1 starter. He's maybe a No. 2 and, in a worst-case scenario, a No. 3. What are the chances we can either land a No. 1 via free agency or even trade for a No. 1? Also, Jeff Samardzija is not even a No. 3. All I can say for him is that he is an "innings eater" when healthy, but definitely not someone who can be relied on to consistently get batters out. Is there a possibility we trade or even release him without it affecting our purse too much?

-- James J., San Antonio, Texas

You said a mouthful, James. Whether Bumgarner remains an ace-quality pitcher should stir debate.…