Reliever Merkin Valdez was designated for assignment today to make room for Aubrey Huff, writes John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle. Valdez, 28, posted a 5.66 ERA, 6.9 K/9, and 5.1 BB/9 in 49.3 innings for the Giants last year.
With a 95.5 mph average fastball, someone will give Valdez a look. Heading into the 2004 season Baseball America ranked him as the #40 prospect in baseball. Heading into '05 he was at #58. Valdez had Tommy John surgery in October of '06.
Of all the dead weight on the team, I’m surprised at this move. I liked him, and it wasn’t too long ago that he was being hailed as a future stud in the rotation (pre-surgery of course).
this guy was really good. still throws hard so he’ll find a home.
I wouldn’t mind seeing the Pirates pick him up.
Well we have to give other RP a shot to crack the bullpen i think they like Waldis Joaquan (Spelling incorrect) and Dan Runzler alot. They have officially 3 spots open for RP if they carry 4 position players or 2 spots if they carry 5…..Wilson, Affeldt, Romo, Medders, Runzler, and Joaquan looks nice….They can bring back Merkin Valdez on Minor League Contract soo he doesnt take a 40 man roster spot
I don’t think they can bring him back on a minor league contract. I believe he’s out of minor league options (I think I remember reading that in an earlier post).
Freaking crazy… you mean to tell me this kid had no trade value what-so-ever?
you watch… he becomes the next Joe Nathan
Valdez had some serious talent….however, as long as we don’t get Pierzynski for Nathan and Liriano again, then I’m ok :(
Talent as in throws fire but cannot locate and has VERY weak offspeed stuff? Not to mention little movement on that fast ball? No doubt some teams that are starving for relievers will grab him quick but never showed the stuff Nathan showed. It was Nathan’s injury that put him on the block and Liriano was buried too deep in the minors at that point to show how good he would become.
Yes, he had some serious talent for leaving fat heat over the plate. Sure he threw 98 MPH, but that only meant it left the park that much faster.
are you serious? Valdez only has one pitch, a fastball. If hitters know you only have one pitch you’re in trouble.
Phillies need this guy as a cheap 5th starter option. Claim him on waivers, Ruben.
You realize at best he’s a long reliever right? But by all means claim him as your 5th starter.
Does the new “Giants Way” involve smoking excessive amounts of dope? Because me thinks that’s what Sabian is doing.
No that’s the “Lincecum Way”. Or “Two-time Cy Young Award Way”.
I can see the Pirates taking a shot at him.
Unbelievable – –
We toss Merkin (95mph stuff) and keep Fred Lewis (crap fielder & no clue at the plate)?
Neukom – why do you put up with this idiocy unless you don’t get it either? Sabean is a reflection of ownership. If they don’t stop his idiocy then we can only assume they are as clueless as he.
Good riddance! His propensity to give up the walk-off home run was only topped by Bobby “walk-off” Howry last season.
“Talent as in throws fire but cannot locate and has VERY weak offspeed stuff? Not to mention little movement on that fast ball?”
Everyone is a project to some degree – – except Fred Lewis.
You keep Merkin and show Fred the door – – Merkin vs. Fred – no contest.
Except for the fact that Lewis was 2nd on the team in OBP last year? He’s one of the only hitters from the ’09 that could draw a walk.
Now I’m not saying he deserves a spot ont he 25 man at this point, but let him fight it out in ST and if he can emerge as a consistent hitter and learns how to steal a base you have a lead off hitter.
Fred Lewis won’t be on the Giants next year either. The Giants will sign at least a bullpen arm and probably a catcher too this off-season. So they will have to DFA two more players on the 40-man roster.
lol at anyone trying to critcize this move
Waldis Joaquin is a clone of Merkin, a guy who can throw 100 but has no idea where it’s going
Should of battled it out on the field, have Merkin pitch to Freddy and the winner stays. LOL
Lewis would draw a walk then the Giants would cut him anyway since they see no value in walks.
Lewis would draw a walk then the Giants would cut him anyway since they see no value in walks.
Should of battled it out on the field, have Merkin pitch to Freddy and the winner stays. LOL
El Magifico is gone. By the way a “merkin” is a pubic toupee. I think thats funny.
To everyone defending Valdez:
He had a 1.723 WHIP last season. His BB/9 was 5.1. Opposing batters his .292 against him. He had 3 blown saves in three opportunities, including the Spillborghs grand slam. Oh, and that was out of 9 total save situations. 6 holds, 3 blown saves.
I am glad the Giants are done with this failed experiment; I only hope they can pawn him off somehow, since I’m sure some other organization thinks they can clean up his technique. That way, our Giants might get to hit some gopherballs off him next year.