Options

A couple posts ago I revised my bullpen outlook once I learned Merkin Valdez was out of options. Here’s an explanation from ESPN’s Rob Neyer of why some guys got ‘em and some guys don’t, plus a primer on other rules. (Small print update: I’ll add the link to my list of resources to the right.)

Apparently there is no authoritative source on the status of individual player options, so Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors has started his own. For the record, these Giants are out of options this year: Davis, Lewis, Threets and Valdez.

With the Giants’ need for infielders, here are a few interesting names from other teams: Wilson Betemit of the Yankees; Dan Johnson of the A’s; Andy Marte of the Indians; Jeff Keppinger of the Reds. Keppinger in particular “gets no respect” from the Reds, says BP’s Rany Jazayerli in this look (subscription req’d):

“Typically, Keppinger still has an uphill battle for playing time on his hands this year. Alex Gonzalez is still under contract for the next two years, and is the much better fielder. Keppinger could move back to his natural position, except Brandon Phillips—one of only two second basemen (the other is Alfonso Soriano) to put together a 30/30 season—has that job locked up. Keppinger is currently slotted for super-utility duty, which is a shame.”

Some old familiar names: Boof Bonser, Jason Grilli, and David Aardsma.

* Courtesy of Giants Jottings, here’s a photo of Rule 5 draftee Jose Capellan. Big boy.

Photo above courtesy of dkwonsh under a Creative Commons license.

El Lefty Malo covers the S.F. Giants on his blog, Lefty Malo.