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Rotoworld

  • ATH Relief Pitcher
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    The Giants intend to give Merkin Valdez a starter’s workload this spring in order to prepare him for the minor league season.
    The team hasn’t ruled out carrying Valdez as a reliever, but there’s no real chance of him having a roster spot on Opening Day. He’ll be used as a starting pitcher in the minors.
  • ATH Relief Pitcher
    Giants optioned RHP Merkin Valdez, C Justin Knoedler, INF Jamie Athas and OF Carlos Valderrama to Triple-A Fresno; reassigned RHP Tyler Walker, RHP Lee Gardner, INF Brian Dallimore and OF Nathan Haynes to minor league camp.
    Valdez gave up six runs in 4 1/3 innings this spring. Although there’s a chance that he could be a factor in the majors in 2004, it’s more likely that he’ll pitch in Double- and Triple-A until September. Walker might get a chance to join the bullpen at some point.
  • ATH Relief Pitcher
    Merkin Valdez had more trouble with his right Achilles’ tendon while giving up four runs in one-third of an inning yesterday.
    Valdez, talked about as a longshot candidate for the fifth rotation spot last month, hasn’t had much of an opportunity to compete for a job. He’s going to need at least one more year in the minors.
  • ATH Relief Pitcher
    Merkin Valdez made his Triple-A debut yesterday and allowed four runs in five innings.
    Valdez had been at Single-A San Jose, but he was moved up for a start because the California League’s All-Star break has started. He’s not expected to remain with Fresno.
  • ATH Relief Pitcher
    Merkin Valdez will step into the role of the departed Felix Rodriguez, manager Felipe Alou said.
    Valdez won’t be worth owning as a setup man, though he’s worth watching in case the Giants get desperate for saves.
  • ATH Relief Pitcher
    Rangers sent RHP Merkin Valdez outright to Triple-A Round Rock.
    Valdez pitched only 4 1/3 innings in the major leagues this season. He’s off the Rangers’ 40-man roster.
  • ATH Relief Pitcher
    Athletics signed RHP Merkin Valdez to a minor league contract.
    Valdez has never cashed in the potential he showed in the minors with the Giants and has appeared in just seven games at the big league level over the last two years. Now 30, he’s a longshot to win a bullpen spot in spring training.
  • ATH Relief Pitcher
    Merkin Valdez has elected free agency.
    Valdez was outrighted off the 40-man roster earlier this week. The 30-year-old has always teased with his live arm but has failed to sustain any prolonged level of success at the big league level. He’ll seek out a spring training invite from another club.
  • ATH Relief Pitcher
    Double-A Norwich’s Merkin Valdez fanned eight in seven scoreless innings yesterday.
    Perhaps Valdez will move up to Triple-A with Jesse Foppert heading to the majors. He’s 4-2 with a 2.71 ERA, 62 H and 63/25 K/BB in 69 2/3 IP for Norwich.
  • ATH Relief Pitcher
    Giants optioned RHP Merkin Valdez, RHP David Aardsma, LHP Brian Burres, C Justin Knoedler, OF Fred Lewis, OF Daniel Ortmeier, RHP Alfredo Simon and LHP Erick Threets to Triple-A Fresno.
    Not all of these guys are going to open the season in Triple-A, but that will be sorted out later. Valdez and Aardsma could have bullpen spots before season’s end, though Valdez is expected to remain a starter for now. Knoedler is the Giants’ third catcher.