Alou sees Sanchez as reliever for now

[Bear]

By Andrew BaggarlySTAFF WRITER

SAN FRANCISCO — Johan Santana might be the most dominating starting pitcher in baseball. The Twins broke him in as a reliever. It's a trend that many clubs have embraced as they introduce their highest-ceiling arms to big league competition.
But the Giants put hard-throwing lefty Jonathan Sanchez in the bullpen for the team's benefit, not his. While Sanchez could return to starting down the road, manager Felipe Alou likes the way the rookie profiles as a reliever.

"I would like to see him throw five innings, but he's all right doing what he's doing now," Alou said. "It would be good to find out, talk to guys who have managed him, see the full scouting reports. But I see a reliever there - a one-inning guy who can throw hard and get outs." Alou also noticed Sanchez has been tougher on right-handed hitters than lefties, a good indication he could be successful as a big league starter. To do that, he probably needs to improve his stamina by adding weight to his 6-foot-2, 165-pound frame.

For now, Alou wants Sanchez to focus on throwing strikes and hammering out some command issues against lefty hitters. "I haven't seen the same confidence against lefties, but we will," Alou said. "He will master that. We haven't seen the best of this kid."

Well the Giants are up to there old tricks again! If he is a starter and that great why not use him in thet role. Great minds fu.... UP!

[love_that_reefer]

Sanchez has looked very good so far tis year!

[Bear]

I agree but if you don't use Cain as a reliver because you think he is a starter would that not be true for Sanchez?

[love_that_reefer]

In 13 games in AA, he only started 3 games so he was being looked at as a reliever before he got called up. He's young and if they think he will be better served as a reliever then that's what should happen.

[Bear]

We all can only know what we are told about him. It is the article above that says Alou thinks he will be a great starter. Also it states

But the Giants put hard-throwing lefty Jonathan Sanchez in the bullpen for the team's benefit, not his.

If this is the case than the idea sucks. JMO. You can have yours as always!

[love_that_reefer]

Like I said, he has been used as a reliever for most of the year so nothing has changed. Down the road, who knows but for now he is in the pen and could replace Eyre as lefty specialist in a couple of years.

[Bear]

Look you have a lefty who some think could be the best starting pitcher the Giants have and you want to turn him into a lefty specialist to replace Scott Eyre? Its mind blowing how anyone could take a talent like that and come to that opinion! However you have the right to your opinion I just do not share it!

[love_that_reefer]

Its not my opinion bub!!! Its the scouts and coaches throughout the Giants organization that are doing this. Alou likes what he sees from him as a reliever so that's what he will be for a while. I said he could be a replace, not is going to be a replacement for Eyre. Til he actually starts a game, this is all we have to go on!!

[Bear]

[love_that_reefer]

Real mature! Again its not my opinion but what the coaches are actually doing!

[Bear]

Lets hope the Giants will use this young man where he is best suited!

[love_that_reefer]

Which is undetermined right now! Right now he is best suited as a reliever proved by his performance. Next year if he proves to be a better starter, let the man start!

[SF Kid]

I don't think Alou relly has a solid plan.

[love_that_reefer]

That's true but Alou is not the one who made him a reliever.

[SF Kid]

Who did?