We're number three! We're number three!
by Grant on Apr 15, 2008 10:30 AM PDT
71 comments
Throughout the doom and gloom of the offseason, most of us expected this team to be bad. There might have been disagreements as to just how bad -- once-in-a-generation bad, or eighth sign of the apocalypse bad? -- but few fans had any illusions about the state of the team.
The bullpen wasn't a factor in my personal pessimism, though. The bullpen was pretty iffy last year. It could still be wretched for the rest of this year. But there's no sense in worrying about a bullpen in April, just as there is no sense in being excited about a bullpen before the season starts. Bullpen agnosticism doesn't get enough respect in the world of baseball nerds. Felix Rodriguez is good until he isn't. Pat Neshek is a minor-league relief ace until he's a major league relief ace. The names change, but the volatility remains the same.
But here's what I like about the current state of the Giants bullpen:
- The late-inning guys can strike hitters out. Last season, Brad Hennessey, Steve Kline, and Randy Messenger were used in high-leverage situations, which meant that too many balls were put in play. Brian Wilson, Merkin Valdez, Jack Taschner, and, hopefully, Erick Threets all have a better chance to strand inherited runners and keep the pressure off the defense. He's only thrown seven innings, but Tyler Walker looks nasty. His pitches look nasty, too. He had stretches of nastiness in his first stint with the Giants, but he would struggle with his control and consistency. He didn't have his split/change thingamabob back then, though, and that's a big part of the current nastiness.
- With the exception of Walker and Taschner, all of the late-inning guys are under 30. I suppose that doesn't make a difference if you subscribe to the bullpen agnosticism detailed above, but it at least adds to the veneer of youth on the team.
- The boring types -- Hennessey, Yabu, and Chulk -- aren't going to be tossed into late-inning situations unless the current late-inning folks stumble. As far as managerial trust goes, the early success of Walker, Wilson, and Valdez means a lot more than a good stretch in June. I don't mean "boring types" to be overly derisive, but there isn't a whole bunch of upside with the Hennelkabu trio. Chulk had a nice 2007, and he might yet forge a Tim Worrell kind of career, so it might be a mistake to lump him in with Yabu and Hennessey, but he isn't exactly a future closer.
It isn't as if the bullpen has been lights out -- only two guys have an ERA under 4.00 (Yabu and Merkin) -- but as far as watchability is concerned, the Giants are sending the right guys out in the late innings. Will watchability prevent 100 losses? Dunno. It's fun for now, though.
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There's a move to be made today
Chulk will be activated. Who will take the fall?
by cakes on Apr 15, 2008 10:37 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
If this is a meritocracy
then Hennessey needs to be sent down. Or is he out of options?
Eagerly awaiting Crazy Crab Bobblehead Night on 7/18.
by Kitspool on Apr 15, 2008 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was just about to post this from the Chronicle:
If the Giants activate reliever Vinnie Chulk today, they must create roster space. Brad Hennessey (17.47 ERA in six outings) is struggling the most among relievers. He has an option remaining and can be sent to the minors to get his groove back
Sending Henny down or DL’ing him makes the most sense.
Adopted Giant Brian Wilson: One of the few reasons to watch this year.
by sfgreg on Apr 15, 2008 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he's got an option, okay.
Although he’s pitched well, I wouldn’t squawk if they cut Yabu, who’s unlikely to sustain his current pace all season (if he even stays healthy).
2008: My previous assessment may have been overly optimistic.
by EliminateMe on Apr 15, 2008 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yabu’s proven to be a solid innings eater thus far, coming into games when our young starters struggle to get into the late innings. I know age and fit aren’t on his side, but unless they’re planning on using Chulk in that role, keeping Yabu up makes a bit more sense.
If he has the options, I’d prefer they DFA Henny – to this point in the season, he’s been the “white flag” Bochy flies when he’s conceding defeat. His other role has been capably handled by Wilson thus far, and the team hasn’t decided that he’d make a good long relief guy (which is weird since he’s handled starting reasonably well in the past).
by SheboyganBratwurst on Apr 15, 2008 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Typo?
Why would you DFA him if he has an option?
2008: My previous assessment may have been overly optimistic.
by EliminateMe on Apr 15, 2008 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right
We wouldn’t want that now ;)
by SheboyganBratwurst on Apr 15, 2008 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
When Brad is sent down
When Brad is sent down to bet his groove back, will he be joining Stella?
by sharksrog on Apr 15, 2008 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's not
it’s a veteran savvocracy.
Bonds stands alone.
by nostocksjustbonds on Apr 15, 2008 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The bullpen
If/when some of the bullpen falters replacements could be found within the organization. AAA pitchers Billy Sadler and Alex Hinshaw and AA Sergio Romo could provide reinforcements sometime this summer.
by wilriv21 on Apr 15, 2008 10:50 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Don’t forget my boy Osiris!
2008: My previous assessment may have been overly optimistic.
by EliminateMe on Apr 15, 2008 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Old Dirty Bastard?
but he died 4 tears ago
by m3lkor on Apr 15, 2008 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll have you know I shed no tears when he passed away. Real men don’t cry. * runs away in a hidden corner and weeps *
by Natto on Apr 15, 2008 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
big baby jesus
gone but not forgotten. truly one of the most intriguing figures in the history of hip hop
by m3lkor on Apr 15, 2008 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice blog
Nice blog, Grant. Very well written and quite logical. You have proven that those two qualities are NOT mutually exclusive! :)
by sharksrog on Apr 15, 2008 10:53 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The bullpen
The rancid memories of Benitez are still so strong that yes this bullpen is extremely watchable by comparison. I don’t think this team will lose 100 - the pitching is too good as long as it stays healthy - but I don’t see it getting as high as .500. That goal disappeared as even temporarily plausible in the Brewers series.
by NearestNorwich on Apr 15, 2008 10:57 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of our old friend, does this sound familiar?
Armando Benitez strained his hamstring while making a minor league rehab appearance Monday.
Benitez suffered the injury while covering first base at Triple-A and doesn’t look likely to join the Blue Jays’ bullpen any time soon.
Adopted Giant Brian Wilson: One of the few reasons to watch this year.
by sfgreg on Apr 15, 2008 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did he cover first place his usual way
by smothering it with a bellyflop?
Ah, memories.
by Moggeee on Apr 15, 2008 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The first base bag -- He saw a gigantic square of french toast
Free chow. No wonder he hurried over and pulled out his hammy
by Moggeee on Apr 15, 2008 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Besides being 3rd in the division...
...the Giants have also clawed their way up to 8th place in the Wild Card race! Woo hoo!
2008: My previous assessment may have been overly optimistic.
by EliminateMe on Apr 15, 2008 11:04 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Don't not stop disbelieving!
2008: My previous assessment may have been overly optimistic.
by EliminateMe on Apr 15, 2008 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do think
Hennessey may have a somewhat bright future. Chulk reminds me too much of Rich DeLucia.
by tyrannoman on Apr 15, 2008 11:05 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Chulk had a nice 2007, and he might yet forge a Tim Worrell kind of career
ouch!
Billy Hayes: Nine more big-league plate appearances than you.
by delorean on Apr 15, 2008 11:23 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Walker / Wilson
Definitely the best potential setup / closer combo we’ve had since the early 2000s. Walker’s off-speed stuff has been dynamite, and if Wilson can learn to locate his pitches a little better, he could be great.
Hopefully they get enough chances to prove how good they can be…
by SheboyganBratwurst on Apr 15, 2008 11:46 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I totally agree, and if they can sustain it, adding them to a pen of Tasch and Merkin is really awesome.
Now we just need Threets to get his sh*t together. Not looking so bad in the pen.
And Boom Goes the Dynamite
by Andy from DC on Apr 15, 2008 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My favorite thing about this post
is that it pushes that dog down further on the screen.
That, and all the well-crafted syllables and punctuation.
Good Jeebus that dog freaked me out this morning.
When life hands you lemonade, trade it for older, "proven" lemons.
by oneflapdown on Apr 15, 2008 12:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
Last night I was not at home and was forced the watch the game at a house with no HDTV. After watching a few innings of watching Randy Johnson, I thought that it might have been divine intervention. And I’m not even religious. Having grown up in San Ramon, I can’t believe that ugliness came out of my valley.
by WilliamVanLandingham on Apr 15, 2008 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know this isn’t the gameday thread, but here is today’s lineup:
F. Lewis lf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .343
E. Velez 2b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .225
A. Rowand cf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .303
B. Molina c 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .280
J. Bowker rf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .667
J. Castillo 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .275
D. Ortmeier 1b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .200
B. Bocock ss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .186
K. Correia p
Adopted Giant Brian Wilson: One of the few reasons to watch this year.
by sfgreg on Apr 15, 2008 12:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
NORLYa?
I’ll take it!
If you like things that are funny, perhaps you will enjoy ChatterBalks Dot Com?
by groug on Apr 15, 2008 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No Durham! No Aurilia! This is a dream lineup. I think I am going to go home sick from work now.
by WilliamVanLandingham on Apr 15, 2008 12:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Durham
is supposed to be the only Giants player wearing #42 today in honor of the 61st anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier. (Also, the first anniversary of Durham breaking the suck barrier.) I figured he’d be starting as well. Am pleasantly surprised.
Eagerly awaiting Crazy Crab Bobblehead Night on 7/18.
by Kitspool on Apr 15, 2008 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hm, who then is 42? Right Said Fred?
"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.
by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Apr 15, 2008 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Probably still Durham
But he’s sitting in the dugout.
If you like things that are funny, perhaps you will enjoy ChatterBalks Dot Com?
by groug on Apr 15, 2008 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
WOOOO HOOOOO
NO FREAKING SHITTY VETERANS..
Eugeniooooooo!!!!
by FairweatherFan on Apr 15, 2008 12:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only shitty rookies!
FIRE BRIAN SABEAN
by zenbitz on Apr 15, 2008 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Omar Vizquel
Now that is it assured Vizquel’s 2009 contract will not vest – what will SF do about SS for the remainder of this season and going forward?
by wilriv21 on Apr 15, 2008 12:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Tim Beckham?
Olma Rosario; liking the cut of your jib since 2008
Free Angel Joseph from US immigration!
by Mr Scruff on Apr 15, 2008 12:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
will not be around come selection #5
by wilriv21 on Apr 15, 2008 12:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Probably not, but its a nice thought anyway, as is the possibility of Alvarez falling to us because of wage demands. Neither is likely, but nice thoughts nonetheless.
Olma Rosario; liking the cut of your jib since 2008
Free Angel Joseph from US immigration!
by Mr Scruff on Apr 15, 2008 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sabean's on it
The waiver wire, I mean.
He found talent there once. He goes back like it’s the corner bar.
by Moggeee on Apr 15, 2008 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah, just picked up KC on my fantasy team.
Great move, or the greatest move. Discuss.
And Boom Goes the Dynamite
by Andy from DC on Apr 15, 2008 12:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
This is gonna be my first game of the year! I’m so excited!
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
by jponry on Apr 15, 2008 1:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I strongly suggest
the new Catfish Po’ Boy. You can get it from the spot next to Crazy Crab’z. It’s outstanding.
by SheboyganBratwurst on Apr 15, 2008 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
First
Gameday thread? Or are you attending in person? I thought you were still in England.
Eagerly awaiting Crazy Crab Bobblehead Night on 7/18.
by Kitspool on Apr 15, 2008 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry, first game where I’m actually able to follow the game as it’s going on. I’m still in England until mid-June. :)/:(
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
by jponry on Apr 15, 2008 1:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
she is across The Pond looking for a nice bloke
by wilriv21 on Apr 15, 2008 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I actually got “married” in Egypt last week, in that when some of the cab drivers asked if my friend and I were married it was easier to just say yes than explain that we were just friends.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
by jponry on Apr 15, 2008 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m in England too, Pacific time night games are sleep killers
Olma Rosario; liking the cut of your jib since 2008
Free Angel Joseph from US immigration!
by Mr Scruff on Apr 15, 2008 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was all excited when I saw the time for this one since it starts at like 9:30 GMT!
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
by jponry on Apr 15, 2008 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its great isnt it? I missed one of the day games through not realising it was one, could of watched it too, I was gutted!
Olma Rosario; liking the cut of your jib since 2008
Free Angel Joseph from US immigration!
by Mr Scruff on Apr 15, 2008 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I so wish MLB would let KNBR broadcast the game online for people in the SF DMA. It’s been a pain to keep a radio in my cube. I know that sounds illogical, but damn its true.
And Boom Goes the Dynamite
by Andy from DC on Apr 15, 2008 1:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
you can purchase GameDay Audio for $15 for the season and get KNBR feed
by wilriv21 on Apr 15, 2008 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unlike many people on this site, I actually like Chulk. He gave up a few big hits in 2007, but who didn’t? His season overall was pretty good, anyway.
Besides, I can’t bear the thought of him leaving the team because then we would have given up Accardo for…for…Argh!!! Why, Sabean, why?
Less arm, more talk. Raisingcain is a GAMER.
Adopted Giant: Henry Sosa
by raisingcain on Apr 15, 2008 5:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The last time Brian Sabean was feeling jaunty
The last time our front office was optimistic (July, 2006), it traded Accardo away, hoping to get enough in return to have a chance at the Western Division title.
But a few days into August, the quest was over.
Gaining the ponderous Hillenbrand and the just-serviceable Chulk only added weight to a sinking ship, which surely would have gone down even had Accardo stayed.
by Moggeee on Apr 15, 2008 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not saying keeping Accardo would have won us a 2006 playoff spot. I’m saying we would still have him for at least a few more years as a young, hard-throwing bullpen arm. I’m sure most people here would prefer Accardo to Chulk in the pen.
Less arm, more talk. Raisingcain is a GAMER.
Adopted Giant: Henry Sosa
by raisingcain on Apr 15, 2008 7:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well then that's the difference between you and me.
I do like like him.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Apr 15, 2008 9:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me too
Though, it’s difficult sometimes when I’m fantasizing about a bullpen of Merkin, Accardo, Wilson, Walker and Nathan.
Only 958 games until the end of Zito's contract
by thehavenot on Apr 16, 2008 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What???
But Chulk is WAY sexier than Tyler Walker!
Oh…
Wait…
That’s not the kind of fantasy you were talking about, was it?
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Apr 17, 2008 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bea Arthur
Crazy Crab
Toes
Vinnie Chulk
If you like things that are funny, perhaps you will enjoy ChatterBalks Dot Com?
by groug on Apr 17, 2008 10:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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