Tim

Worrell

Not like we needed Alou to make it official, because ''It’s a matter of common sense,’' Alou said. ''He’s the guy right now, until he falters or pitches too many days in a row.’' Felix Rodriguez fans are sad not to see him at least get a chance, but F-Rod remains useful in his setup role. Worrell is an excellent short-term pick for saves.

Worrell could be signed soon. He won’t cost the signing team a first-round pick, so in that way at least, he’s a better investment than Keith Foulke or Eddie Guardado.

There haven’t been any teams showing interest in Worrell as a closer, but that could change once Keith Foulke and Eddie Guardado sign. For that reason, expect Worrell to take some time to make up his mind.

Worrell, though encouraged by the eight-minute session, will withhold judgment until today. ''The problem has not been the actual throwing,’' he said. ''The problem is always the next day. It’s not to the point where I couldn’t pitch. It was just getting progressively worse.’' If Worrell has no shoulder soreness today, he sees no reason why he can’t pitch this weekend.

Worrell lives in the Phoenix area, but manager Felipe Alou doubted that Worrell would pitch again this season. He’s posted a career-worst 7.52 ERA in 20 2/3 innings out of the bullpen this year.

``We have to get Timmy back on the wagon to see how he’s doing,’' manager Felipe Alou said. The Giants bullpen has pitched well lately so it is tough to figure out who will be demoted when Worrell is activated. Jonathan Sanchez has the least experience in the pen and thus is the likely candidate.

Worrell had a 6.91 ERA in 14 1/3 innings before going on the DL last month with a pinched nerve in his neck. The Giants may want to avoid using him in close games initially.

Maybe he should have gone on a rehab assignment. He was extremely fortunate not to give up four runs in the inning, as he made a terrible pitch to Miguel Cabrera that would have resulted in a two-run homer most of the time. Instead, Cabrera didn’t get under it quite enough, creating a lineout to the wall in left field.

It’s believed that Worrell has some labrum damage. He’s out for the season.

Yeah, that’s a surprise. In addition to having labrum damage repaired, the Giants had to remove scar tissue from the AC joint. “There was a fair amount of cleanup to be done,” trainer Stan Conte said. The Giants are still projecting Worrell to be ready for spring training, but time will tell.