Not the Giant I Expected to Get Claimed

The Nationals just claimed Giants’ minor league pitcher Jesse English off waivers.  English was designated for assignment recently to make room on the Giants 40-man roster.

You’re likely thinking, “Jesse Who?” and not without good reason.

English did have a fine year at A+ San Jose in 2008, going 13-7 with a 3.19 ERA and recording 135 Ks in 135.1 IP.  However, this year at AA Connecticut at age 24, English didn’t show much.  He went 7-7 as a starter with a 4.20 ERA and 71 Ks and 57 BBs in 100.2 innings pitched.  A 4.20 ERA at his age in an exteme pitchers’ park doesn’t cut it.

Frankly, I’m not sure why the Nationals wanted him.  He has had injury problems in the past, and 2008 was really his only impressive minor league season.

As I said in a recent post, Osiris Matos, who was also recently designated for assignment by the Giants, is the guy whom I expect other teams to fall over each other trying to claim.  Matos and English are the same age, and Matos appears to be far closer to being a major league pitcher.