SAN FRANCISCO -- Randy Johnson believes he will pitch again this season for San Francisco, albeit...

SAN FRANCISCO -- Randy Johnson believes he will pitch again this season for San Francisco, albeit as a reliever.

The 45-year-old Big Unit is on the 60-day disabled list and has been sidelined since July 6 with a strained left shoulder. He acknowledged pitching more than five innings and being effective would be tough at this stage.

...

"Starting is out for me now, because I've been out for two months," Johnson said Sunday. "When this happened, I was really discouraged. I'm late in my career, not early. It's not something I envisioned. ... It would be nice to come back in some capacity and help the team. Right now I'm just trying to get healthy."

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4432754

2 months ago Yoyo 14 comments 0 recs |

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Lefty out of the pen

most of his problems this year came in the later innings. He should be a force in the bullpen if he can make a come back.

by superk1ng on Aug 30, 2009 5:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

badass.

Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.

by jponry on Aug 30, 2009 5:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It always seemed logical to make him a long reliever to begin with, and especially now that he’s gotten his 300 wins.

Bruce Bochy would like you to look at the career numbers and stop complaining.

by cheno on Aug 30, 2009 6:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

“Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more.”

Brian Sabean strongly encourages you to disregard the drudgery of your employment responsibilities and join him in the consumption of spirituous libations.

by satyricrash on Aug 30, 2009 6:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Cool.

"Trust me: If I’m feeling lousy at the plate like that, I’m not just going to walk up there with bases loaded and get a hit because I’m some great clutch hitter." - Mr. F!
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by Natto on Aug 30, 2009 6:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I’d think he’d be even better than Hinshaw as a lefty out of the bullpen.

proud father of Edgar (Grandslam) Renteria

by rxmeister on Aug 30, 2009 7:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Well, that's a ringing endorsement.

VAE PVTO DEVS FIO

by Bhaakon on Aug 30, 2009 7:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You know, this is really awesome of him. It’d be really easy for him to pack up and retire – he’s got absolutely NOTHING to prove – but the guy clearly wants to be a part of what the Giants are doing and help the team. That’s just awesome.

Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.

by jponry on Aug 30, 2009 7:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I do love his clear willingness to help his team, but his tendency of giving up homers this year makes me iffy about him being a reliever. I’m having flashbacks of Vinnie Chulk…

The very bad man traded my son...So now I'd like you all to meet my new son, Ryan "Aaron" Garko...Dammit it's just not the same!

by boonitez on Aug 30, 2009 9:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Having Johnson come in as a setup man would be pretty sweet. I bet with him pitching just 1 inning or two he could probably add a few MPH to his fastball.

by Hobbes2d on Aug 30, 2009 8:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I would love for the Big Unit to come back this season in the playoffs. If he could somehow recreate the scenario from the 2001 WS where he came out of the pen to get the save…that was pure bedlam in Arizona. Imagine what it would be like if he repeated it at the Big Phone.

"If you want to walk, watch a mailman."--Shawon Dunston
"If you want to bunt, bake a cake."--Bruce Bochy

by Kitspool on Aug 30, 2009 9:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I think the equivalent would be Lincecum closing out a clinching Game 5 after winning Games 1 & 4.

Status: Feels so broke up. Wants to go home. || Still boycotting Johnsonville and Giants souvenirs or ballpark foods for repossessing my K Wall in right field.

by GiantBrass on Aug 31, 2009 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If he were used exclusively against lefties, he could be a major asset to the bullpen. This would hopefully enable Affeldt to be strictly the 8th inning guy, as he isn’t a true “lefty specialist”.

by RoyaleWithCheese on Aug 30, 2009 10:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs