The Giants’ 2010 roster began to take better shape on Tuesday, when the team optioned pitchers Madison Baumgarner and Joe Martinez to Triple-A Fresno.
The Giants made the decision Tuesday to take pressure off their young left-hander after became clear that he was not ready to take over the No. 5 spot in the rotation. Now he can go to Fresno and focus on getting ready to pitch for the season.
Bumgarner lost control and some velocity this spring. And his struggles this spring were in part due to him trying to work on his mechanics.
The Giants, and Bumgarner, hope his velocity returns in Fresno.
Martinez also was sent down to Triple-A camp. Elbow inflammation had kept Martinez off the mound most of this month. And although he reported no problems in recent bullpen sessions, the time lost clearly put him behind others in his preparation for the season. And with other pitchers doing so well, it was an easy decision to send Martinez down
FRANDSEN, LEWIS OUT? Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reported Tuesday that the Giants have been shopping infielder Kevin Frandsen and outfielder Fred Lewis this spring.
The indication is that neither player fits in the Giants’ regular-season plans, as the Giants appear to prefer Matt Downs as their backup infielder and Andres Torres and Eugenio Velez in the outfield.
Frandsen still has a minor-league option. But the Giants might look for a fresh start for him.
Lewis, on the other hand, is out of options. And if they can’t find a trade partner, the Giants also may be out of options with Lewis.
