SAN FRANCISCO -- Indications continued to grow on Friday that the San Francisco Giants' interest in left fielder Manny Ramirez is genuine, although no definitive evidence emerged suggesting the left fielder will be the fifth free agent to join San Francisco this offseason.

Needing a productive hitter for the middle of their batting order, the Giants certainly could use Ramirez, who carried rival Los Angeles to the National League West title this past season after the Dodgers acquired him from Boston. SI.com's Jon Heyman wrote that San Francisco has "entered the bidding" for Ramirez, and KPIX-TV reported earlier that the club had made Ramirez a multiyear contract offer. But two industry sources said on Friday that recent reports linking Ramirez to San Francisco have been overblown.

Numerous Giants officials could not be reached for comment.

The Giants' priority still may be obtaining an offensively proven corner infielder, since their outfield is full. Moreover, signing Ramirez would send the Giants beyond their payroll limit and might force them to trade another outfielder, such as Aaron Rowand or Randy Winn -- neither of whom has prompted much demand on the trade market, despite their respectable track records.

For all his offensive prowess, Ramirez is considered a defensive liability. Bent on maximizing the asset of a strong starting rotation, the Giants have been reluctant to consider players who are subpar defenders.

Yet, Ramirez would serve as the legitimate cleanup hitter the Giants lack. Obtaining him might make them the favorites to win the NL West. And ticket sales -- a concern for all clubs given the current economic climate -- surely would accelerate if he brought his act to San Francisco.

It's believed that the Giants might consider Ramirez if he lowered his salary demands, which were hovering around $20 million per year.

San Francisco, the NL West's most active team this offseason, already has signed left-hander Randy Johnson, relievers Jeremy Affeldt and Bob Howry and shortstop Edgar Renteria in an effort to halt their skid of four consecutive losing seasons.