Todd

Linden

Linden wasn’t exactly tearing the cover off the ball at Fresno (.273-3-27 in 176 at-bats), and his 46/14 K/BB rate leaves much to be desired, but he’s got upside and can do at least as well as Jeffrey Hammonds was doing.

Linden also is a switch-hitter, so he’s a likely candidate to play left field when Barry Bonds gets the day off. Linden will be worth using in deep NL-only leagues if he can get the at-bats Alou says he will.

Linden has been awesome in Triple-A this season, but he went 10-for-58 with two homers and 20/3 K/BB in 17 games after joining the Giants in June. He might be used mostly off the bench while Michael Tucker, Edgardo Alfonzo and Jason Ellison continue to pick up at-bats in Moises Alou’s place.

With Moises Alou sidelined, the Giants are giving Linden another chance to show he belongs. Since Alou might be back by next weekend, Linden still doesn’t seem like a very good pickup in NL-only leagues.

Linden has started all six games since being called up, going 9-for-23 with one homer and two RBI. All the playing time could be taken as an indication that he’s up for good, but unless the Giants decide to release J.T. Snow, he’s still the top candidate to go when Moises Alou returns, something that could happen this weekend.

Linden had been 13-for-31 while starting the Giants’ previous eight games. Maybe he’s due for a day off on Sunday.

Linden didn’t start yesterday and also sat out the Triple-A All-Star Game because of the problem.

He also drew a walk and sacrificed to the pitcher in the game. Linden was starting with Barry Bonds out of the lineup. His only chance of regular playing time is a trade to another club or seeing Moises Alou or Bonds go on the DL.

Linden had missed a game with a shin contusion.

Linden, who had a disappointing .260/.349/.466 season in Triple-A, will be used as a pinch-hitter for the rest of the season. He’ll probably return to Fresno to start 2005.