Who's closing?
The SF Chronicle said in the middle of its main Giants story on Monday that a decision will be made this week on Blownitez getting traded. and Chris at the always-interesting Bay City Ball has a smart, dispassionate analysis of who the top 4 candidates are this year -- Blownitez, Brian Wilson, Kevin Correia and Jorge Julio, who he believes is the most likely player to be gotten in a trade. Here's his conclusion --
Despite all the options, I do not think Benitez is the best pitcher to close for the Giants. Is this one of those scenarios where “addition by subtraction” actually works? Maybe, as the Giants management seems to be split on the topic. Moving out Armando would most likely do wonders for clubhouse spirit even if I’m not a firm believer in that line of thinking. Constant bitching and criticizing teammates has got to wear thin even on the strongest of nerves after three straight years.
When it comes down to it the Giants will have to make the move that they think will give them the best chance of winning ballgames. If Benitez is truly healthy and motivated by the contract year then he could put up good numbers. I don’t know if it’s the negativity that surrounds Armando but I can’t pump my hopes up too much for that scenario. Rod Beck could also park his RV out in the parking lot to close 9th inning home games. At this point each seems as plausible as the other.
Despite all the options, I do not think Benitez is the best pitcher to close for the Giants. Is this one of those scenarios where “addition by subtraction” actually works? Maybe, as the Giants management seems to be split on the topic. Moving out Armando would most likely do wonders for clubhouse spirit even if I’m not a firm believer in that line of thinking. Constant bitching and criticizing teammates has got to wear thin even on the strongest of nerves after three straight years.
When it comes down to it the Giants will have to make the move that they think will give them the best chance of winning ballgames. If Benitez is truly healthy and motivated by the contract year then he could put up good numbers. I don’t know if it’s the negativity that surrounds Armando but I can’t pump my hopes up too much for that scenario. Rod Beck could also park his RV out in the parking lot to close 9th inning home games. At this point each seems as plausible as the other.

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