Friday, December 02, 2005

 

Worrell Returns

Welcome back, Tim Worrell.

My initial reaction on hearing the news last night was joy. Worrell isn't an All-Star, but he is a solid reliever who had a terrible time in Philadelphia. His performance woes were most likely caused by the "personal psychological problems" that caused him to take a leave of absence from the team. Since he thrived after being traded to Arizona last year, I think this theory is pretty well founded.

Tim Worrell saved the Giants' bacon in 2003. That year, everyone expected Robb Nen to return from his labrum injury. As we all know, that didn't happen. Tim Worrell stepped in and did Nen's job. He was not lights out, but he was more than adequate.

In 2004, the Giants did not bring him back. The closer's role was turned over to Matt Herges, who Hindenburged after two months. We really missed Tim Worrell in 2004. We also missed the playoffs, and not by much. Tim Worrell could have made the difference; we'll never know.

In 2005, we thought we had a star closer in Armando Benitez. However, his hamstring was held together with ten-year-old bluetac, and it popped in April. Once again, we had no closer. Tyler Walker stepped in and did all right, but once again we could have used the services of Tim Worrell.

Just two weeks ago, Scott Eyre left for Chicago. Eyre was our best reliever last year, and could have been expected to regress in 2006 as a Giant. For less money than it would have taken to resign Eyre, we get Tim Worrell. Worrell at his best is not as good as Eyre was in 2005. However, there's a good chance that Worrell's 2006 will be close to Eyre's 2006, and cheaper to boot.

In 2006, Worrell might very well end up closing again. Benitez' durability and effectiveness are uncertain, following his major injury. Given the travails of the Giants' closers since 2002, it's wise to have a couple of sturdy backups. Now the Giants have two in Tyler Walker and Tim Worrell.

This signing will not make Giants fans ecstatic. As usual, most people are anxiously awaiting the Big Signing that will put the team over the top. This isn't that signing. It's not A.J. Burnett, who I don't believe the Giants will even try to sign, or Vladimir Guerrero, the poster child for the Big Signing Party. However, it is a solid signing that does address a small need. If Sabean is unable to greatly shore up the starting rotation this offseason, the bullpen will be critical to the team's chances. The $1.5 million that Worrell makes in 2006 will not keep the Giants from signing a starting pitcher, or trading for one. On the other hand, it doesn't reduce the need for starting pitching.

Overall, I like the signing, but I will be sad if this is the biggest move the Giants make this winter.

Jefferson 9:00 AM

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