Giants Team Report 04/06/03
April 06, 2003
News
The biggest news has been the trade of Livan Hernandez to the Expos. As a result, Kurt Ainsworth will now have a fulltime spot in the rotation. Expect double digit wins and a mid/upper 3's ERA from this rookie.
Jim Brower, also acquired in the trade, will be middle reliever/mop up man.
Local Spin
Besides the rejoicing over the departure of Livan Hernandez, the Giants fans have been greeted by several pleasant surprises.
Joe Nathan has been a revelation in the bullpen, coming off of Tommy John Surgery and a strong spring, has dominated in the bullpen. When Nen comes back, the Giants will have FOUR legit late innning arms. A strong bullpen now means the game is over by the 6th inning, and even 4th-5th inning jams can be addressed with a quality arm such as Nathan, and still have 3 arms left for the late innings.
Jose Cruz has also taken advantage of his switch to the NL and influence of new manager Felipe Alou to become the hitter people thought he could be. He's been pounding the ball, but one should be careful of how he fares at Pac Bell Park, which is death on most hitters.
New leadoff man ray Durham has been every bit as good as advertised, being on base constantly and sparking the offense as expected.
Benito Santiago has shown that he still has pop left in his bat, but don't expect a 40yr old catcher to con tinue this through the whole year.
Edgardo Alfonzo is off to a slow start, but he's getting on base and will make people pay for walking Bonds.
On the Farm
Top Prospect Jesse Foppert showed the stuff to succeed in the majors, but the Giants want him to gain arm strength in the minors, and polish his off-speed pitches. If Ryan Jensen continues to get pounded, fans will clamor for Foppert, but the Giants perfer to see Foppert dominate the minors FIRST, then bring him up. Watch for a post all-star break appearance by Foppert.
Phenom Jerome Williams is also working on arm strength in the minors, and will be on the team in 2004, possibly in the bullpen.
Add/Drop
If you haven't already added Jose Cruz to your list of quality OF's, u should. Hitting with Bonds in the lineup and behind Ray Durham will help alot.
Tim Worrel is going to get saves, so he is a definite add.
