From sfgiants.com:
Dan Ortmeier
Ray Durham
Omar Vizquel
Kevin Frandsen
Dave Roberts
Aaron Rowand
Randy Winn
Eliezer Alfonzo
Rich Aurilia
Fred Lewis
Rajai Davis
Nate Schierholtz
Assuming that there aren't any spring training injuries or trades and that Sabean is of a similar mind regarding Schierholtz's development, the Giants will actually need to add a bench player. That's a big assumption. The article is written as if the Joe Crede trade is a forgone conclusion. We hardly knew ye, Jonathan Sanchez. If the gods intervene, though, and don't bequeath this awful roster an unnecessary one-year rental at a high price, there will be slim pickings. Here are the non-roster invitees with an outside shot:
And here's a screenshot of my detailed spreadsheet of MLB-ready prospects in the upper levels of the Giants system:There really aren't too many appealing choices between the two groups, but I'm all for giving Justin Leone a spot on the bench. He's shown a little power and patience in the minors, and he can play every position but catcher. Not that I'd want to see him at shortstop, but he can at least do a reasonable facsimile of whatever Aurilia can do at short these days.
I hereby announce that Justin Leone is the winner of the 2008 Brian Dallimore Award for Unrealistic Expectations Placed on a Career Triple-A Journeyman. The BDAUEPCTAJs aren't just given to anyone, so congrats to Justin.
What the article really means, though: The Giants are trading for Joe Crede. It's a matter of when, not if.
What the real question should be in the sfgiants.com article: How can we give away Dave Roberts to create playing time for the young outfielders?
Yeah, well, I'm going to do it until the horse turns into a fine powder. And then I'll beat the powder. These are not idle threats.
Sorry. I got off track. Comment starter: Last bench spot? Will the Giants bury three young outfielders on the bench, will they trade for Crede, or will a mystery man emerge to take a utility role?