Hank Schulman got a tip last night that John Bowker could be called up today. Ryan Sadowski would head back to Fresno until after the All-Star break because the Giants don't need a fifth starter until July 21.
If it's true, where will Bowker play? Remember, he's naturally an outfielder. His stint at first base in the majors last year was an experiment, and it didn't work so well. But he's played 13 games there this year, so it's possible the Giants could start him over Ishikawa. It's also possible the Giants will want to give Rowand and Winn each a day off in this final four-game series before the break, so Bowker can get starts in the outfield.
Whatever the case, unless there's an injury or trade, Bowker will have seven, maybe eight games to do damage. It's likely more a quick audition for 2010 to see if he's closed up the holes in his swing that major-league pitchers easily exploited last year. Or an audition for the second half, but as currently constituted the roster doesn't have room for him. This call-up also could serve as a showcase for other teams to see if his performance this year at AAA is legitimate.
Play along with the scouts. Here's what to look for: 1) Is he staying back on breaking balls and change-ups? Bowker has a short, compact, powerful swing that lets him get to inside fastballs (unlike Ishikawa), but last year he wasn't able to adjust to the junk. 2) If he's in the outfield, does he take good routes to the ball? Bowker's not the fastest dude, but he'll be able to play a decent OF (most likely left field at Mays Field) if he gets good jumps and reads. 3) Is he overwhelmed against lefties? He only had 35 appearances in the majors last year against lefties, with five singles and one walk. In the minors, when he's hit well overall (this year in Fresno, 2007 in Connecticut), he's also done relatively well against lefties. (Check out all his minor league numbers and splits here.) Seeing how the Giants are in win-now mode, don't expect him to get much parlay-voo with lefties this time up, but it's certainly a question that will linger as the Giants -- or other teams -- evaluate his potential as a major leaguer.
