San Francisco Giants: Jonathan Sanchez's Last Start Cost Him Rotation Spot?

Jonathan Sanchez was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday, but will he be missing from the rotation for longer?

With Barry Zito's return, Ryan Vogelsong's continued success and Sanchez's inconsistent outings, the Giants may have seen the last of Sanchez as a starter in 2011.

The 28-year-old lefty has not walked fewer than three batters since May 22 and in those six starts has been maddeningly wild.

Sanchez has issued 29 free passes in 38.2 innings and has a league-leading 59 walks for the season.

Had he stayed healthy and in the rotation, he was on pace to walk more runners than a year ago when he led the league.

Sanchez has complied his worst WHIP since he became a regular starting pitcher in 2008 (1.42). His ERA has also made a steady climb from 3.47 to 3.81.

Much like Zito a year ago, Sanchez has not built up much equity to show why when he returns he deserves to be back in the rotation.

Sanchez and Zito have been the center of trade rumors because of his erratic performances and as the team approaches the All-Star Break, this could buy some time for the Giants to find a taker for either of the two disappointing pitchers.

The Giants depth in the rotation allows them to give up one of the two.

But which is more worthy of keeping? And no, their contracts will not be part of this decision.

Let's take a look at each pitcher's pros and cons.

• Zito pros: Innings eater, generally strong second half pitcher, cool demeanor on mound
• Zito cons: Has not had a season with the Giants with an ERA below 4.00, tendency to walk multiple batters in single inning, mid-80s fastball
• Sanchez pros: Untouchable when on his game, nasty slider, splitter make it difficult to batters to get solid hits
• Sanchez cons: Will walk the world, lack of confidence, inning can snowball if confidence shaken (i.e.: error, multiple walks, RBI hit)

For most Giants fans, a Sanchez outing is one where you know he is capable of throwing a no-hitter (he's done it) but you cringe when he gets himself into trouble via the walk.

Zito starts, on the other hand, have such low expectations at this point that when he actually does well, it is a time for celebration.

But this doesn't answer which would be best to have for the remainder of the season.

Here's another pro about Sanchez: He has greater trade value.

Although he is a free agent after the season, Sanchez is four years younger than Zito and will have a much more manageable contract when he eventually does sign one.

For torture seekers, the better bet seems like Sanchez but for greater chance of unexpected moments, Zito might be best.

Personally, if Sanchez has not been traded, I want him in the rotation.

But him being traded means the Giants hopefully received something to help the offense in return so I hope it is Zito, not Sanchez, in the rotation come September.