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Inbox: Will Zito win 15 games?
Giants fans ask about Lowry, Guzman, Bumgarner and more
By Chris Haft / MLB.com
04/19/09 4:56 PM ET
Barry Zito has had a tough couple of years. But his career record in games where he receives four or more runs (100-6) remains amazing. Pitching in the No. 4 slot rather than as the ace should mean that he gets more run support. He managed to win 10 games last year when his offense was regularly blanked by opposing aces such as Arizona's Brandon Webb. What do you think a reasonable win total is for Zito this year? I am predicting 15-plus. Am I being too bullish?-- Duncan T., San Francisco
You're not bullish. You're just drunk on optimism. Though it's far too early to assume that the Giants will stay at or near the bottom of the National League West standings, it currently appears that any of the starters will be challenged to reach 15 wins -- if not through their own inconsistency, then due to the club's subpar offense. Remember, too, that as the season progresses and schedules become staggered by rainouts and off-days, Zito might not face as many No. 4 starters as you'd think. But he has thrown fairly well for a guy with a 10.00 ERA over two starts. I expect Zito to win at least 10 games again. Anything more, as is often the case, will depend on his teammates' ability to hit and play defense behind him.
What do you think the Giants will do with Noah Lowry if and when he returns? Do you think he'd consider becoming a left-handed specialist out of the bullpen? He's the definition of a gamer and it would be a shame to see him in another uniform.-- Ryan O., Sacramento
Lowry might pitch in long relief, but considering that 165 of his 175 professional appearances have been as a starter, he'd have trouble switching to another role. As for what the Giants will do with Lowry, they'll surely decline the $6.25 million option on his 2010 contract, but might re-sign him at a lower figure and give him a chance to win back his job. You're right about Lowry being a consummate "gamer." The Giants know this, so they should give him ample opportunities to rebound.
Since Omar Vizquel has left for the Texas Rangers and his playing days are clearly numbered, might he work in some major capacity for the Giants after he retires? Perhaps even become a manager? He's really amazing with younger players and certainly has enough Major League experience.-- Ed B., Daly City, Calif.
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But he has no managerial experience. Vizquel indicated during his Giants tenure that he'd like to manage but sounded reluctant to serve an apprenticeship by managing in the Minors or coaching in the Majors -- or both -- for a couple of years or longer.
Steve Decker quickly climbed through the Minor Leagues when he was a player in the early 1990s. It seems that it's happening again, but as a manager. What are the Giants' plans for Decker?-- Michael C., Laguna Hills, Calif.
If the trend continues, Decker seems to have a strong chance of becoming a Major League coach and might even be considered for the manager's seat, though I doubt that the latter would happen in the next few years.
Looking ahead to 2010, if Randy Winn's contract is not renewed, what are the chances Emmanuel Burriss could lead off and Jesus Guzman could bat cleanup and play left field, with Fred Lewis moving to right?-- Keith W., Los Angeles
You're definitely on to something. Burriss possesses the skills to be a competent leadoff man. He switch-hits, he's fast and he can bunt. I'm far less certain about Guzman's chances to become a regular by next year. Given Guzman's defensive struggles as an infielder, the outfield might be best for him, as you mentioned. But that would mean he'd need even more seasoning to master another new position. Also, don't forget that he entered this year having played only 15 games above Double-A.
What are the odds of seeing Madison Bumgarner this year?-- Mike J., Murphysboro, Ill.
Leery of rushing Bumgarner, the Giants left him at low Class A Augusta last year. I'm not as smart as the occupants of the club's front office, but after watching him mow down the Dodgers in the Cactus League finale, I'd like to see him in September.
I see the Giants' future being bright, but is there any chance they are able to keep Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Bumgarner and Tim Alderson? It may be getting close to the time when the Giants need to pull the trigger on some trades. Take notes from Oakland general manager Billy Beane -- ride the horse until just before he dies, then trade him for more than he is worth. Swap Cain while he still has some value. Soon he may make the transition from promising young star to classic underachiever. Any thoughts? Preferably from your head, not your heart.-- Chris W., San Francisco
My head is thick and my heart is soft, so either perspective is skewed. Economically, keeping all four pitchers is easily possible. And I certainly wouldn't trade Cain at this juncture, unless the Giants were offered Hanley Ramirez, Albert Pujols or somebody like that in exchange. Based on his first two starts, Cain looks poised for a big year.
Chris Haft is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
