Sergio Romo, whose growing legion of fans are known as Romosexuals -- but not this kind -- has been shut down with a sore elbow. A "sprain," as it's being reported, can be anything from a little soreness to a deeper injury that hasn't dared yet speak its name. Romo was penciled in for one of the seven bullpen spots, but since he's being shut down for at least a week, let's assume he starts the year on the DL. What does this mean for the bullpen?
So far, we know this:
Brian Wilson
Jeremy Affeldt
Bob Howry
Hey, what happened to the bullpen? Merkin Valdez hasn't yet pitched in a real game. Alex Hinshaw and Jack Taschner were considered more yes than no, but both have been awful so far, with Hinshaw even drawing negative comments from Bruce Bochy. Not a good sign, especially when Hinshaw has options. Billy Sadler is Billy Sadler is Billy Sadler. Did I mention he's Billy Sadler?
Meanwhile, Keiichi Yabu is no Jack Kennedy. It's super early, of course, but keep an eye on this. There might be more competition than we imagined. Rule 5 pick Luis Perdomo has gotten plaudits so far, and ex-Diamondback bullpenner Brandon Medders has thrown a couple of clean outings.
Perdomo's already on the 40-man, so the Giants will look for any excuse to keep him. Romo starting the year on the DL might be Perdomo's lucky break. Medders or the other non-roster invitees will have a harder time, but the Giants like any team have at least a couple guys on the 40-man who, if jettisoned, wouldn't make anyone cry.
You want a totally half-assed unwarranted Opening Day bullpen prediction?
Wilson
Affeldt
Howry
Perdomo
Taschner
Yabu
Sadler
Hinshaw and Misch go back to AAA, Romo and Valdez start on the DL, Medders accepts a AAA contract with the promise of being the first guy up if Sadler insists on being Sadler or if the Perdomo Experiment doesn't pan out.
Speaking of non-roster guys, Josh Phelps has started out 0-for-8, which means nothing. But his best chance of making the roster might be found in Nate Schierholtz's upcoming MRI. If Nate is sidelined any length of time, Phelps's odds jump into the realm of reasonableness.
Other than trying to squeeze wisdom out of Kevin Frandsen's 1-for-2 against Kansas City's non-roster pitchers, the best part of spring training is the photo gallery at Giants Jottings. Photos from every game!
Seven games into the Cactus League, the most meaningless of sample sizes ever, but who cares: What's got you worried or excited so far?
