A few weeks ago we had a lively debate whether Tim Lincecum or Jason Schmidt was the Giant starting pitcher of the decade. It's time to revisit the Best of the Oughts, dear readers, especially with the lull of Giant-related news right now. While people are trading Cy Young winners and signing John Lackey and Mike Cameron (best contract of the winter, so far) and doing all sorts of hot stovish things, the Giant front office has apparently decided to make the Tony Pena, Jr. signing their December highlight while waiting for Jermaine Dye's price to fall.
So let's think fondly upon a decade's worth of relief pitchers and catchers. With a bit of tongue-in-cheek, a large pinch of nostalgia, and a big ladies' night shout-out to Bobby Estalella, here are a few names for your consideration, all with handy links to their career pages so you can surprise yourself with little nuggets of statistical goodness. Remember, we can only count the player's performance within this decade, so Nen pre-2000 doesn't count:
Robb Nen
Felix Rodriguez
Tim Worrell
Scott Eyre
Brian Wilson
Chad Zerbe
And the backstops:
Doug Mirabelli
Bobby Estalella
Yorvit Torrealba
Benito Santiago
Mike Matheny
Bengie Molina
Hmm...someone seems to be missing. I can't quite put my finger on it.
While I try to figure it out, please cast your votes. Or if you want to acknowledge a forgotten backup catcher (Scott Servais!), or you just feel like giving some love to Matt Herges -- check out his work in 2003 after Sabean traded Clay Hensley for him -- let us know.
