I wasn't a fan of the Giants trade of Armando Benitez when it first went down. I thought it was an irrational decision made by GM Brian Sabean who was serving his complaining fan base and critical media more than the team's baseball interest. But to be fair, I'm not a Giants fan, so Armando Benitez hasn't cost me the immeasurable amount of pain he has cost the Bay Area faithful. And once Benitez was traded, it pushed Brad Hennessey to the closer role, leaving Russ Ortiz for the setup position (Ortiz had been bumped to the pen when he returned from the DL). Now Russ Ortiz is hurt once again, and he's being sent to the 15-day DL with a forearm strain (not enough loving there eh Russ?). The Giants have recalled Jonathan Sanchez in his place, and the bullpen has become significantly weaker. Matter of fact, it has been a glaring flaw for San Francisco this year. The Giants are 6-11 in one-run games. They've endured seven straight two-run losses. They're 3-7 in games decided in the last inning. The San Francisco Chronicle recently noted (as all Giants fans could tell you) that the bullpen has been a low point for the team since 2002. Let this serve as a reminder for all fans out there who demand a trade: make sure you have a decent replacement before you call for someone's head. And right now, someone's calling for Brian Sabean to get the chop -- with good reason.
Previously at FanHouse:
Armando Benitez Officially Traded, Giants Fans Celebrate
Russ Ortiz to the Pen, Tim Lincecum Expecting a Callup
