Giants give up on Merkin Valdez, trade him to Toronto

Posted on January 20, 2010

Merkin Valdez of the San Francisco Giants pitches during the game against the Colorado Rockies at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California on April 30, 2008. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

 

Several years ago Giants right-handed pitcher Merkin Valdez was untouchable as he he worked his way through their minor league system. Along with fellow pitcher Matt Cain, Valdez was one of the top prospects in all of baseball. Every time trade talks came up with other teams, Valdez was always on the short list of young Giants opposing general managers wanted in return. Giants General Manager Brian Sabean would never even think of letting his future star leave the organization. Until now. This afternoon the Giants shipped the 28-year-old Valdez to the Toronto Blue Jays for cash considerations. Valdez was designated for for assignment on January 14th to make room for Aubrey Huff. Once this happened you knew it was just a matter of time before he was shipped elsewhere.

It is always a little sad when a can’t miss pitching prospect flames out at age 28, but this is exactly what happened in this case. Valdez, 28, posted a 5.66 ERA in 49.3 innings for the Giants last year.  He throws in the mid-90s and was ranked among the top 60 prospects in baseball before October ’06 Tommy John surgery. He showed flashes of brilliance last season and Bochy really wanted him to be the 8th inning guy, but he just couldn’t get anyone out and kept walking guys. He still threw hard, but his fastball was straight and he got hit so hard during the season.

I remember when the Giants brought him up in 2004 for a brief look. He had the chance to face Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols and Albert hit him hard in their one battle in San Francisco. I hope this is not one of those times when the Giants end up regretting giving up on a pitcher, but at age 28 it does not appear that Valdez will ever reach elite status. Too bad. He was going to be great.