Crowded Bullpen
One of the biggest stories to pay attention to during Spring Training is the competition in the Giants' bullpen. Bruce Bochy will have plenty of options to choose from. I imagine decisions will be made based on Spring performance, and it will be exciting to see how that plays out. Here's a breakdown of where the Giants stand.
Virtually guaranteed: Brian Wilson, Tyler Walker, Brad Hennessey.
The bullpen was at its best last year with Wilson closing and Walker and Hennessey setting up. Hennessey's name has been brought up in trade talks, but if he's still in a Giants uniform come March 31, he's in.
Back from last year (but not guaranteed): Vinnie Chulk, Randy Messenger, Steve Kline, Jack Taschner.
Chulk is almost guaranteed as well, but he needs to show that he's rebounded from his health problems at the end of last year. None of the rest of this group were particularly impressive last year. Messenger throws hard, but can't seem to strike many people out. Kline and Taschner both had the same problem: they're lefty specialists who couldn't get lefties out. I'm on the record saying the Giants should shop Kline for whatever they can get, or just release him.
If they don't make the rotation: Kevin Correia, Jonathan Sanchez, Pat Misch.
Correia is the frontrunner for the fifth starter spot, and the Giants aren't sure what they want to do with Sanchez yet. Out of the bullpen, I think he's worth a shot over Kline or Taschner. If the Giants decide to make him a starter, he will probably start the year in Fresno. Misch will only make it if a pitcher is traded, which isn't out of the question. Both Correia and Sanchez could be available.
Offseason acquisitions: Jose Capellan, Scott Williamson, Keiichi Yabu.
As a rule-five pick, Capellan has to make the team or else he'll be sent back to the Red Sox. He's never pitched above AA, but the Giants will pay close attention this spring. We'll have to wait and see if Williamson and Yabu have still got anything. If they show promise, I think they're worth a shot over one of the returning players.
Fresno: Erick Threets, Merkin Valdez.
Both these guys are once highly-touted prospects who have had injury problems and are looking to make a comeback. Again, I'd take a chance just to see what they've got.
The Giants' bullpen was a major reason the team was so bad in one-run games in 2007. For that reason, I would hate to see the team start 2008 with the same cast. There's plenty of options available. There's got to be some talent in there somewhere.
Virtually guaranteed: Brian Wilson, Tyler Walker, Brad Hennessey.
The bullpen was at its best last year with Wilson closing and Walker and Hennessey setting up. Hennessey's name has been brought up in trade talks, but if he's still in a Giants uniform come March 31, he's in.
Back from last year (but not guaranteed): Vinnie Chulk, Randy Messenger, Steve Kline, Jack Taschner.
Chulk is almost guaranteed as well, but he needs to show that he's rebounded from his health problems at the end of last year. None of the rest of this group were particularly impressive last year. Messenger throws hard, but can't seem to strike many people out. Kline and Taschner both had the same problem: they're lefty specialists who couldn't get lefties out. I'm on the record saying the Giants should shop Kline for whatever they can get, or just release him.
If they don't make the rotation: Kevin Correia, Jonathan Sanchez, Pat Misch.
Correia is the frontrunner for the fifth starter spot, and the Giants aren't sure what they want to do with Sanchez yet. Out of the bullpen, I think he's worth a shot over Kline or Taschner. If the Giants decide to make him a starter, he will probably start the year in Fresno. Misch will only make it if a pitcher is traded, which isn't out of the question. Both Correia and Sanchez could be available.
Offseason acquisitions: Jose Capellan, Scott Williamson, Keiichi Yabu.
As a rule-five pick, Capellan has to make the team or else he'll be sent back to the Red Sox. He's never pitched above AA, but the Giants will pay close attention this spring. We'll have to wait and see if Williamson and Yabu have still got anything. If they show promise, I think they're worth a shot over one of the returning players.
Fresno: Erick Threets, Merkin Valdez.
Both these guys are once highly-touted prospects who have had injury problems and are looking to make a comeback. Again, I'd take a chance just to see what they've got.
The Giants' bullpen was a major reason the team was so bad in one-run games in 2007. For that reason, I would hate to see the team start 2008 with the same cast. There's plenty of options available. There's got to be some talent in there somewhere.
posted by Charlie at
12:54 PM
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