Jonathan Sanchez: 6 Ways the San Francisco Giants Can Shake Up Their Rotation

Now that Jonathan Sanchez's map back to the majors has been officially been laid out, the San Francisco Giants are presented with a problem; however, it is a predicament that any team would like to have.

The Giants are known for their starting pitching, and upon Sanchez's return, they will officially have too much of it.

Sanchez pitched two and two-third innings for the Giants class-A affiliate in San Jose on Sunday night. However, it was a less-than-stellar performance, pitching two and two-thirds innings and giving up six earned runs.

After one more start in Fresno, "Dirty Sanchez" will be primed to regain the rotation in time for the series against the Phillies in Philadelphia on July 26. 

I'm sure Sanchez is licking his chops right about thinking about facing Chase Utley.

But wait, it just isn't that simple. 

The Giants already have their rotation set with pitchers such as: Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner, Ryan Vogelsong, and now Barry Zito.

After Zito got ruffed up against the Padres on Saturday night, Bruce Bochy will be up late at night, trying to solve the starting rotation puzzle.

Here is a list of six ways the Giants can mix up their starting rotation in the midst of Jonathan Sanchez's return from the disabled list.

Lincecum, Cain, and Bumgarner Are Only Starters with No Leash

While the Giants' starting rotation is considered one of the best in the majors, only three out of the five will make his scheduled start no matter what, barring no injuries.

That is not taking anything away from the Giants other starters, but Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Madison Bumgarner will be a force to reckon with at the top of the Giants rotation for years to come.

While Cinderella man Ryan Vogelsong has been a heart-warming story not only for the Giants, but for the entire country, there still remains the possibility of him waking up from this fairy tale story. Nonetheless, he has pitched brilliantly and there are no signs pointing to a possible regression, so worry not Giants fans.

On the other hand, the unpredictably of Jonathan Sanchez and Barry Zito will definitely play a factor in how the Giants management will look to sort out this predicament. 

1) Trade Jonathan Sanchez for a Bat

It is no secret that the Giants need some offensive help if they have any hope of repeating at World Champions.

While Giants management has already openly admitted that they are looking to acquire a bat before the July 31 deadline, the only question that remains is what will the Giants give up to get one?

One name that has continually been mentioned is Jonathan Sanchez, who has the potential to bring in a legitimate offensive threat in return from a trade.

While Sanchez wouldn't be enough to acquire players like Carlos Beltran or Hunter Pence, he would definitely be a major piece in a trade for that impact bat the Giants desperately need.

Percent Chance Happening: 70 percent

2) Move Zito to Bullpen for Long Relief

If Barry Zito was moved to the bullpen, he would instantly become the most expensive reliever in the history of the game.

Bruce Bochy does like to situationally use his relievers to exploit mismatches, so Barry Zito could be used to eat up innings, or to take on segments of the lineup that consist of lefty hitters.

Guillermo Mota has done an excellent job for the Giants acting as their long reliever; however, he has struggled in many other crucial situations.

If Barry Zito makes the move to the pen, expect Mota to be the odd man out.

Percent Chance Happening: 80 percent

3) Move Jonathan Sanchez to the Bullpen

Jonathan Sanchez has made a few appearances out of the bullpen, but they have not been anything to write home about.

Sanchez tends to struggle with his location when pitching. This could be a direct result from his lack of command, or simply because he is overthrowing his pitches. 

It is likely that Sanchez has the mindset to overthrow during his relief appearances since he is only scheduled to face a few batters rather than pitch six-seven innings.

Either way, unless Sanchez learns to pitch within his limits, I do not see a move to the bullpen a likely scenario.

Percent Chance Happening: 10 percent

4) Demote Zito to Triple-A

While Barry Zito surprised many due to his phenomenal performances after returning from injury, he reminded the Giants how bad he truly is on Saturday by allowing eight runs in 3.2 innings pitched against the Padres.

While a demotion to Triple-A is unlikely due to his massive contract, it is certainly an option the Giants management can ponder while they await the return of Jonathan Sanchez.

If Zito goes down to Fresno, it will give him some time to work on his command, which is essential to his success due to his low velocity.

Zito would also be available at moment's notice in case of an injury to the pitching staff, or it an emergency start is necessary.

Percent Chance Happening: 45 percent

5) Move to a 6-Man Rotation

A six-man rotation is also another highly unlikely possibility since it is already the second half of the baseball season. 

Contrary to the popular belief, starting pitchers never have an off day in between starts. Even though they typically have four days to rest, starting pitchers use those days to mentally and physically prepare for their next start.

Pitchers are creatures of habit because they strictly abide to their weekly schedules and rituals. Moving every pitcher's start back a day for the rest of the season would be too risky of a maneuver this late in the season.

Percent Chance Happening: 5 percent

6) Move Barry Zito Back to the Disabled List

Many have speculated that Jonathan Sanchez's recent trip to the disabled list wasn't really due to injury. Instead, its intent could have been to give Sanchez a mental breather, or to allow Barry Zito a shot at the rotation. It could have even been both.

Whether this speculation is true or not, the Giants could possibly use a similar approach when dealing with Barry Zito.

While an our-right release of Barry Zito is unlikely due to the financial complications it would entail, I see this as a likely option the Giants will consider.

Percent Chance Happening: 65 percent