SAN FRANCISCO -- Brian Sabean observed that the Groundhog Day aspect to trades, the issue that emerges and commands notice with every deal, is the risk-versus-reward factor. Sabean obviously has been rewarded more often than not, assembling teams that won three World Series and finished above .500 in 13 of his 18 seasons as the Giants' general manager.
But one particular trade exposed Sabean to considerable criticism from fans and media: The November 1996 swap that sent third baseman Matt Williams and utility man Trent Hubbard to the Indians for second baseman Jeff Kent, shortstop Jose Vizcaino and right-handers Joe Roa and Julian Tavarez.