When the Giants Come to Town, It's Bye-Bye Baby

12.19.2007
Fullpen

Cow2I just realized the Giants have way too many relief pitchers. Even with Atchison, Giese and Munter out of the organization, there are plenty of cuts to make.

If the season started today, the rotation would be Cain, Zito, Lincecum, Lowry and probably Correia, because I can’t see Correia moving back to the pen after his late-season success in the rotation. That pushes Sanchez back to relief and makes for some crowds.

Wilson
Walker
Hennessey
Kline
Sanchez
Chulk
Misch
Taschner
Messenger
Capellan

Wilson is expected to break camp as the closer. Walker and Kline have guaranteed contracts. Hennessey and Chulk are arbitration eligible and due modest raises. Capellan has to stick on the big-league roster or be sent back to the Red Sox farm.

There are 10. Let’s say the Giants want seven to start the year. Here’s my guess at how things shake out:

* Either Correia or Lowry is traded, which opens a rotation slot for Sanchez. (Nine.)

* The Giants are willing to pay either Chulk or Hennessey a raise, but not both. One is traded. (Eight.)

* In spring training, either Capellan shows he’s nowhere near big-league ready and is sent packing; or Taschner is sent back to AAA; or Kline is traded/released. I’ll put my money on the first scenario. (Seven.)

How would you solve the Giant bullpen logjam?

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[December 19, 2007 7:01 PM]  |  link  |  reply
Dan from NM said

I'd cut Chulk, Messenger and probably Taschner (unless Tidrow decides Capellan will never 'mount to nothin').

[December 19, 2007 10:25 PM]  |  link  |  reply
Frank said

Yes, very interesting. Unless Messenger and Taschner show a lot (and a lot of improvement) in ST, they're not gonna make it. That leaves 8 for 7 spots. (I think Chulk is one of our better relievers). As you point out, the outcome hinges on Capellan. I think Wilson, Henn, Walker, Chulk are givens. And that is 4 RHs. They proably take at least 2 LHs. If Cappellan makes it, that would give the team the luxury of sending Sanchez to AAA to start, put Misch in the pen, which is almost certain. It is possible they will do something with Kline - maybe a ST trade or a deadline trade. They have Taschner, Misch, Sanchez, Cappellan who can all give about what they are looking for from Kline.
My prediction:
Wilson
Walker
Henn
Chulk
Misch
Taschner
Kline or Cappellan

[December 20, 2007 10:29 AM]  |  link  |  reply
ELM said

Frank, good point. If Lowry or Correia isn't traded, then sending Sanchez back to AAA to start would be the best move.

[December 20, 2007 11:15 AM]  |  link  |  reply
obsessivegiantscompulsive said

Good point Lefty! And the Giants are aiming to add another arm to the bullpen, making even more fuller!

I like Frank's analysis, that makes sense. If they are looking to add another vet, I don't see them then trading Kline, but if Cappellan shows he's ready (enough) for the show, I guess they will have to.

I had been hoping that Lowry could be traded and open a spot for Misch in the rotation, but that doesn't look likely at the moment, though Carlos Silva just got a 4 year, $40M-ish contract, so that makes Lowry look pretty good (i.e. cheap) right now. Either way, I think Misch would be wasted in the minors and deserves a spot somewhere on the roster.

[December 20, 2007 12:45 PM]  |  link  |  reply
Not your GM Yet said

I'd trade Sanchez, Corriea, Velez, Davis, and one (will probably need to be two) of the following Messenger, Chulk, Capellan to Baltimore for Bedard.

Cain
Lincecum
Zito
Lowry
Bedard

Wilson
Walker
Hennessey
Kline
Taschner
Misch
Whomever is not traded (Messenger, Chulk, Capellan)

[December 27, 2007 8:08 PM]  |  link  |  reply
Grant said

Visiting for the first time in a week, and I notice that I recently stole the idea for this post.

Remember: Lengthy legal battles only serve to line the pockets of lawyers.