In this season of dubious information — the hot stove is powered by leaks from agents and front offices that are all trying to move public opinion in order to serve their own interests — it’s hard to know if anything is true. But there’s a rumor out there that’s gaining steam. First, the Tampa Bay Times’ Marc Topkin suggested it, and then USA Today’s Bob Nightengale confirmed that it was a real-life rumor.



It looks like the Giants are interested in acquiring the Rays’ Evan Longoria to play third base in San Francisco.



Should they be, though?



The former cornerstone third baseman is coming off the worst full season of his career, and Longoria’s got five years and $87 million left on his contract. Does he offer surplus value on his deal? Is he a good bet to bounce back? Is there a cheaper way to improve at the position? All of these questions are being bandied about at Third and King, so let’s see if we...