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

03.06.2008
Messenger Gets the Message

The Giants sent Randy Messenger to Triple-A, so contrary to what I assumed a few days ago, he does have options left. Though, ahem, I was right in guessing he'd be the first righty demoted. I'm still waiting for the duck to come down and give me fifty dollars.

It didn't take them long to decide -- Messenger has only pitched in two spring games. Baggarly in the Merc noted that "Messenger was too upset to issue a comment; he asked his agent about the possibility of being released." Big clue right there that his head hasn't caught up to his arm. Dude hasn't earned the right to be upset at a demotion.

The team also released Scott Williamson so he would have time to catch on elsewhere. Are the Giants slowly but surely clearing room for Merkin Valdez, as Baggarly writes? Merkin pitched well yesterday: three batters faced, three strikeouts.

It also seems possible that Noah Lowry could start the year on the DL. Is it wrist tendonitis? Is it something else? Apparently he's having more tests, so Lowry's own assessment of the injury being a "one or two" on a scale of 10 is not the final word. If he's disabled, how about this for an opening day pitching staff:

Starters: Zito, Cain, Lincecum, Correia, Sanchez
Relievers: Wilson, Walker, Hennessey, Chulk, Valdez, Threets, Capellan

Having those three guys at the back of the bullpen is enough to scare even the most adventurous rebuild optimist, so I doubt the Giants will have the guts to keep both Threets and Capellan. Today's prognostication, subject to change without notice: Valdez, Kline and Threets will round out the 'pen, with Capellan going back to Boston and Taschner to Fresno.
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[March 6, 2008 2:11 PM]  |  link  |  reply
Frank said

It seems to me that Sanchez needs steady work, ie a SP slot in Fresno, for at least half a year. Thus, if Lowry isn't ready, I would think Misch would be the #5.
I also agree Capellan is likely to go back to Bosten, especially if the team starts with 11 pitchers. Fortunately for us, too many other guys, guys out of options, have been good to decent - Valdez, Threets, and one of the NRIs (is it Yabu?). BTW, if Capellan is sent back I think that is NOT evidence of Sabean's stupidity, but evidence that they approached the need to strengthen the bullpen wisely - and other options rose to the top.