Marty,

After writing the latest article on the state of the Giants’ pitching I searched for an appropriate title and gave consideration to describing it as a “shambles”. I decided that such a description might be too disheartening and,instead, settled on describing it as being in disrepair and asking whether it could be salvaged. On picking up this morning’s paper, I discovered that Glenn Dickey had no such cumpunctions and reasonably described the present pitching plight as a “shambles”. There could have been no greater justification for the use of such appelation than reading in the same paper that the Giants had just called up a heretofore remarkably unsuccessful pitcher, when pitching in the majors, from the Fresno farm. Giants fans, who have consistently been supporting the club with record breaking attendance deserve better. The earlier announced justification for for disposing of Ortiz was to save the money it would have cost to retain him, thereby forcing Sabean to look around for the best deal. That coming up with Moss was the best solution is open to question but the primary culprit is management. The Giants, if they are to have a successful year, are probably going to have to spend as much money as they saved by getting rid of Ortiz. It is exceedingly unlikely that any new face they come up with is going to be as good a pitcher as Ortiz. Further, to compound the lack of foresight on management’s part, their actions may end up costing them a pennant and the resultant income benefits that would produce. Ed