The Giants whipped the St. Louis Cardinals 15-0 Wednesday, but the day didn’t feature only good news for San Francisco fans. It was learned that the team and Melky Cabrera stopped talking about a contract extension until after the season, opening the door for the left fielder to file for free agency and sign elsewhere. 

It would be a tough loss for the Giants, who struck gold when general manager Brian Sabean acquired Cabrera from Kansas City for Jonathan Sanchez. Cabrera leads the majors in hits and was MVP of the All-Star Game, while Sanchez was horrible for the Royals and was dealt again to the Rockies.

Once the season ends, the Giants get just five days of exclusivity to work a deal with Cabrera before he’d be free to talk with all teams.
According to a report by CBSSports, the Giants offered something close to a three-year, $27 million deal, which seems low for someone who has excelled so much at the Giants’ hitter-unfriendly park. But three years and $27 million is what Carlos Quentin got from the Padres.

“I like it here,” Cabrera said. “The manager treats me well and gives me an opportunity to play every day and play well. I’d like to stay here. Right now, my focus is on winning ballgames one at a time.”

Cabrera did his part in Wednesday’s win, going 2-for-4 with a sacrifice fly. He scored two runs.

Elite.