Merkin

Valdez

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.

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.

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.

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.

Valdez won’t be worth owning as a setup man, though he’s worth watching in case the Giants get desperate for saves.

Valdez pitched only 4 1/3 innings in the major leagues this season. He’s off the Rangers’ 40-man roster.

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.

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.

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.

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.