SB Nation User Blog: ben p

Steve Soderstrom

ben p — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 07:03:29 -0000

I saw a "whatever happened to Steve Soderstrom?" in a gameday thread, and since we both are from Turlock, I thought I'd answer.

Steve's in the area, and I believe he got elected to some sort of city office in a town in the Modesto area. Does some coaching on the side. Married with 2 kids. They do stories on him around here every couple years.

His sister was my high school government/economics teacher, and a good one.

I'm not old enough to remember much of his time in the big leagues. Why didn't he stick?

Alfonzo Suspended 50 games

ben p — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:11:41 -0000

from Rotoworld: Eliezer Alfonzo-C- Giants Apr. 30 - 3:08 pm et Major League Baseball suspended catcher Eliezer Alfonzo for fifty games for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance. Alfonzo is a member of the Giants' 40-man roster. He had a solid rookie season for the Giants, but his defense kept him from being a backup once the team brought in Bengie Molina. He was hitting .306 with three homers and 14 RBI in 16 games for Triple-A Fresno this season.

Munter off to Tampa Bay

ben p — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 00:14:17 -0000

From Rotoworld:

Rays signed RHP Scott Munter to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.

The sinkerballing Munter could be a Shawn Camp-type middle reliever for the Rays, but he's going to need to pick up a few more strikeouts. The Giants non-tendered him last month.

I actually saw him strike a couple guys out in Fresno last year.

What a day for Giants' news.

Sanchez to DL, Atchison up

ben p — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 17:27:57 -0000

from Rotoworld:

Giants placed LHP Jonathan Sanchez on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to June 25, with a rib cage strain.

Sanchez hadn't pitched since the series against the Yankees, so he'll be eligible to return right after the break.

Giants purchased the contract of RHP Scott Atchison from Triple-A Fresno.

Atchison, 31, was a nice surprise for the Mariners in the second half of 2004, but he hurt his elbow the next spring and hadn't pitched in the majors since. He's back now after amassing a 2.11 ERA in 42 2/3 innings for Fresno. He'll be tried in middle relief.

Dealing Veterans

ben p — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 19:24:43 -0000

I've been hoping that the Giants will sell, sell, sell before the break, but this article makes me wonder whether it would be better to just wait it out and load up on draft picks. Deadline deals or drafting? What's your preferred rebuilding method?