Why is today’s game crucial for the Giants? Read no further than this paragraph, from ESPN writer Jayson Stark’s assessment of the trade landscape:
Five weeks ago, it would have been tough to find anything about Morris that clubs could grumble about, other than his contract ($9.5 million next year, with a $9 million option or $1 million buyout for 2009). After his first 13 starts, he was 7-3, 2.56, and had given up more than three earned runs just once all year.
But in five starts since, Morris is 0-2 with an 8.13 ERA -- the highest ERA of any NL starter who can match his innings pitched. So it's obvious, says one scout, that "the wheels are starting to come off a little bit." But for teams in a big ballpark (Dodgers, Padres, Braves, Mariners, etc.), he might still be a fit. At least, said an official of one club with a laugh, "He's one of the best of the worst.”
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P.M. UPDATE: Sigh.
Sanchez up, Misch down. According to this, Misch will move into the Fresno rotation, perhaps as a replacement if Morris or Lowry is traded, perhaps as an audition for a rotation spot in the bigs next year.
