On the radio this morning, Mike Krukow didn’t back down from his scathing comments last night during the wrap. He started with this: “I’d be a bad GM, because I’d be releasing guys right and left.”
About Benitez’s performance, he said the first balk call was “ticky-tack.” The second balk, however, “was a high school balk.” And what was worse, he asked, “the balk or the leadoff walk to Reyes?” Both were “unforgivable.”
So, any viable alternatives to Benitez? Ortiz is “a candidate” but “can he throw enough strikes”? “The number one job as a reliever is you have to throw strikes.”
Hennessey is the best strike thrower in the bullpen, but he’s tentative right now because he’s lost his slider. What about Lincecum? “Do you subject him to the rigors of closing? They’re already handling him with kid gloves.” Closing is terrible on the arm, worse than starting. “I would look at other options before him. You don’t risk that arm.”
(I agree.)
So, Kruk, what should Sabean do to make this team better? The one strength in this organization is starting pitching, he said, but messing with the rotation — no way. Leave it where it’s at. “Five for five.”
He then stated the obvious: Bring in another arm in the bullpen and another hitter. But how? Do you want to trade prospects to roll the dice and make a run at this year? He wasn’t sure how strong the minor-league prospects are, but he said “I hope so,” and emphasized the decisions have to be made in the next couple weeks.
Again, I agree. The Giants don’t have until the trade deadline to tread water. Here’s what to do immediately:
1) Trade Armando Benitez for anything or anyone. A utility player. A single-A prospect. A player to be named later. Just get him off the roster and his salary off the books. The money the Giants save (this year's $7.6 M salary pro-rated, and $3.2 million in future signing bonuses) could be applied toward another incoming player. They may not be able to trade him without swallowing some of that cash, but at least try. If no one wants him, release him, but only as a measure of absolute final last resort.
2) Make Russ Ortiz the closer. Give him a month. Why the hell not? If that feels too squeamish, give the job to Hennessey for all the good work he's done this year. If Bob Wickman and Chad Cordero can close ballgames, Hennessey sure as hell could.
3) Keep Ortiz healthy. As soon as the opportunity arises, trade him (or Matt Morris, or Noah Lowry) for a big right-handed bat. First base, third base and right field are all slots for a new player. Aurilia, Klesko, Feliz and the Lewis/Ortmeier platoon are expendable. Don't make this trade for trading's sake, of course. The Giants don't need Richie Sexson, and they don't need a three-month rent-a-player.
