Bear
05-07-2008, 07:14 PM
05/07/2008
By Chris Haft
MLB.com
PITTSBURGH -- The Giants tweaked their bullpen on Wednesday by optioning right-hander Brad Hennessey to Triple-A Fresno and recalling right-hander Billy Sadler from the same club.
Manager Bruce Bochy said that Hennessey will start for Fresno to get the regular work he needs. Hennessey, 28, led the Giants with 19 saves last season, but had struggled in a setup role this year. He had been scored upon in nine of 11 appearances while compiling a 1-1 record with a 12.94 ERA.
"He agreed that he has to get back on track and the best thing is to get out there on a consistent basis," Bochy said.
Sadler, 26, had excelled in 11 appearances with Fresno, posting a 1.13 ERA as opponents hit only .138 (8-for-58) off him. He also had 24 strikeouts in 16 innings, reflecting the command of his fastball, curveball and changeup that Bochy cited.
This is Sadler's second stint with the Giants. He relieved in five games at the end of the 2006 season, finishing with no record and a 6.75 ERA.
"I always [wondered] what the feeling would be like the next time I got called up, and it was the exact same feeling. Just phenomenal. Exciting," Sadler said. "Everything runs through your head about growing up as a kid and all the people who came along to help me get where I am."
Two of those people happened to be with Sadler when he received news of his promotion on Tuesday night. After Fresno's 3-2 victory at New Orleans, Sadler was enjoying a meal with his parents, Bill and Terry, who had driven three hours from their Pensacola, Fla., home.
Sadler, teammates with Giants closer Brian Wilson at Louisiana State University, didn't call his fellow Tiger before joining the big club. "I like to make it a surprise," said Sadler, who was greeted warmly upon arriving at PNC Park's visitors' clubhouse.
Sadler was issued jersey No. 34, most recently worn by left-hander Steve Kline, whose uninhibited behavior contrasted with Sadler's polite, subdued nature. Asked if he was worried about acquiring some of Kline's traits, Sadler laughed and said, "I did think about that."
This is a step in the right direction. Now we will not have "Mr. Deer In The Headlights" to kick around any more, but Sadler has to be a better pitcher.:beerbang:
By Chris Haft
MLB.com
PITTSBURGH -- The Giants tweaked their bullpen on Wednesday by optioning right-hander Brad Hennessey to Triple-A Fresno and recalling right-hander Billy Sadler from the same club.
Manager Bruce Bochy said that Hennessey will start for Fresno to get the regular work he needs. Hennessey, 28, led the Giants with 19 saves last season, but had struggled in a setup role this year. He had been scored upon in nine of 11 appearances while compiling a 1-1 record with a 12.94 ERA.
"He agreed that he has to get back on track and the best thing is to get out there on a consistent basis," Bochy said.
Sadler, 26, had excelled in 11 appearances with Fresno, posting a 1.13 ERA as opponents hit only .138 (8-for-58) off him. He also had 24 strikeouts in 16 innings, reflecting the command of his fastball, curveball and changeup that Bochy cited.
This is Sadler's second stint with the Giants. He relieved in five games at the end of the 2006 season, finishing with no record and a 6.75 ERA.
"I always [wondered] what the feeling would be like the next time I got called up, and it was the exact same feeling. Just phenomenal. Exciting," Sadler said. "Everything runs through your head about growing up as a kid and all the people who came along to help me get where I am."
Two of those people happened to be with Sadler when he received news of his promotion on Tuesday night. After Fresno's 3-2 victory at New Orleans, Sadler was enjoying a meal with his parents, Bill and Terry, who had driven three hours from their Pensacola, Fla., home.
Sadler, teammates with Giants closer Brian Wilson at Louisiana State University, didn't call his fellow Tiger before joining the big club. "I like to make it a surprise," said Sadler, who was greeted warmly upon arriving at PNC Park's visitors' clubhouse.
Sadler was issued jersey No. 34, most recently worn by left-hander Steve Kline, whose uninhibited behavior contrasted with Sadler's polite, subdued nature. Asked if he was worried about acquiring some of Kline's traits, Sadler laughed and said, "I did think about that."
This is a step in the right direction. Now we will not have "Mr. Deer In The Headlights" to kick around any more, but Sadler has to be a better pitcher.:beerbang: