At first glance, it felt like a small move, as the Giants gave up pitcher Jordan Johnson and cash, while designating outfielder Drew Ferguson for assignment. When you peel the layers back, you realize that everything Joe does well is the same skills Pablo Sandoval does well. Joe is a first and third baseman, but he can also play the outfield. He hits right handed with a strong on base percentage, so he is likely seen as a better option for the Giants bench than Sandoval.
With the numbers crunch of the opening day roster looming, and with Yangervis Solarte, Aramis Garcia and Alen Hanson competing for roster spots, Sandoval might be the odd man out.