Oakland Park Baseball

I think this is a really great pick-up for the Giants. He pitched so well when the Giants were in contention a few years ago, and also pitched excellently last year for the Phillies.

I think he could be a great set-up man for Benitez, and could easily close for him if the hamstring injury pops back up for Armando (knock on wood).

It is important to note, however, that this in no way will make up for the departure of lefty RP Scott Eyre. That hole remains to be plugged, from my understanding.

Also in Giants news, I like the idea of Bonds playing in the World Baseball Classic this winter (or whatever it's called). An article I read correctly stated he will get to see many more at-bats than he would in Spring Training because he'll be able to DH, plus, Bonds will be given a chance to add credibility to the notion that he is clean, because the World Baseball Classic is operating under MUCH more stringent drug-testing rules [governed by the World Doping Council (or whatever it's called), rather than by MLB].

Now if they could just get Jeff Kent back to protect Bonds in the lineup. Just kidding, but I'm skeptical Moises Alou can do the job.

Baseball=Life wrote:I think this is a really great pick-up for the Giants. He pitched so well when the Giants were in contention a few years ago, and also pitched excellently last year for the Phillies.

Absolutely! I was so sad when he left (SF's fault) This will help us a lot.

Baseball=Life wrote:It is important to note, however, that this in no way will make up for the departure of lefty RP Scott Eyre. That hole remains to be plugged, from my understanding.

I disagree. Eyre's numbers were nearly as good vs. lefties as it was v. righties, and the giants used him all situations. Therefore, Worrell fills the hole, and Tashner can do the lefty role (he had a great term with the giants before he got hurt).

Baseball=Life wrote:Also in Giants news, I like the idea of Bonds playing in the World Baseball Classic this winter (or whatever it's called). An article I read correctly stated he will get to see many more at-bats than he would in Spring Training because he'll be able to DH, plus, Bonds will be given a chance to add credibility to the notion that he is clean, because the World Baseball Classic is operating under MUCH more stringent drug-testing rules [governed by the World Doping Council (or whatever it's called), rather than by MLB].

Agreed! Plus, its nice to see a super-megastar putting himself out there after being hurt. And after the USA's embarrassing Olympic basketball team, where no starts saw the need to play, will set a positive example.

Baseball=Life wrote:Now if they could just get Jeff Kent back to protect Bonds in the lineup. Just kidding, but I'm skeptical Moises Alou can do the job.

Disagree. First, Kent's a fucking ass and I am so glad he is gone. Second, even just a year after Kent had his MVP year, Bond was walked a then-record number of times. They will walk Bonds regardless of who is on deck.

Very compelling points, all of them. I am convinced and stand corrected.