Brandon Belt To Play In Dominican Winter League This Offseason

After a bit of speculation San Francisco Giants’ skipper Bruce Bochy made it clear that rookie Brandon Belt will play in the Dominican winter league during the offseason to get some more work in the outfield and get more comfortable with breaking pitches at the plate according to Andrew Baggarly.

“After talking with him [Bochy], I really think it’s going to make me a better player,” said Belt, who was working with the Giants to find a roster spot. “If it’s the best thing for me, then it’s important that I go. There’s a lot I can work on, and it’d probably be for just half a season.”

Recent call up Justin Christian felt that his time down in the Mexican league last season helped him considerably after seeing lots and lots of off speed stuff in hitter’s counts, something Belt definitely needs to get more confortable with. Along with his need for some improvement, the Giants also have Aubrey Huff on the books for $10 million next season, meaning that if Belt wants to be a regular in 2012 it will likely come from the outfield position.

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Giants Recall Brandon Crawford, Emmanuel Burriss From Triple-A Fresno, Darren Ford From Double-A Richmond

The San Francisco Giants called up some Fresno Grizzlies to fill out their 40-man September roster Friday, tabbing infielders Brandon Crawford, Emmanuel Burriss and Conor Gillaspie, along with pitcher Waldis Joaquin for the rest of the regular season in the Show. They also picked up speedster Darren "the bullet" Ford from Double-A Richmond.

Skipper Bruce Bochy decided that these four would be the best for the time being, with the possibility of bring up even more. Crawford and Burriss saw some significant time with the Black an Orange already this season with Crawford batting a disappointing .190 in 50 games with the Giants, while Burriss didn't fare much better at .217 in 48 games. Neither have been brought up for the bats per se, but more for the defensive abilities of Crawford and the speed and versatility of Burriss. 

Ford batted an even .300 during his 17 games in the bigs this season, stealing four bags along the way. Darren is always a fan favorite and one of the most dangerous men on the base paths in all of baseball, hopefully he will provide a spark to this sluggish offense. Conor Gillaspie spent a few games with San Francisco this year, but was playing well down in Fresno, batting .297 this year with 11 homers and 61 RBI.  

As for Joaquin, the 24 year old right hander has a 2-2 record in 49.2 innings pitched, along with a 3.44 ERA 23/27 BB to K ratio. Why the team didn't bring up Hector Sanchez or Dan Runzler at this point is unknown, but they may come some time later in the month. 

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Aaron Rowand, Miguel Tejada DFA'd by Giants

In a possible move to cut some extra baggage for the rest of the season the San Francisco Giants have designated veterans Aaron Rowand and Miguel Tejada for assignment. The timing couldn't be more telling as the rosters expand tomorrow, signaling that the Black and Orange aren't trying to keep two of their worst contracts on the team, possbily holding them back from a playoff run. 

Rowand may have struck a nerve after an interview that seemingly dissed San Francisco still has one year on his five-year, $60 million contract he signed in December of 2007. He's batted just .253/.310/.394 with a .704 OPS during his tenure with the Giants, not exactly living up to the standards the team thought he would reach. The 34-year-old is holding the Giants hostage for $12 million in 2012, but could be a useful platoon/bench veteran for another team, for the league minimum of course.

As for Tejada, he's been handcuffing the Giants all season long, but his mini pity party the other day may have been the last straw. GM Brian Sabean signed him to a one-year, $6.5 million contract during the offseason, but has been piss-poor for San Francisco, batting just .239/.270/.326 with four home runs, along with a .596 OPS over 343 plate appearances this year.

I can't speak for everyone, but personally I'm really, really, glad to see these guys go. I think many a Giants fan will rejoice with their departure, opening up spots for some talented youngsters on the up and up, such as Brett Pill and Eric Surkamp. 

What do you think? Head over to McCovey Chronicles to get in on the discussion.