Brad Hennessey, once a starter, was selected in the first round of the 2001 draft. For quite some time, it appeared that he was the heir apparent for the fifth spot in the Giants' rotation, but he never quite solidified his position. Eventually, he lost his shot at the rotation thanks to young pitchers Noah Lowry and Matt Cain. Kevin Correia, meanwhile, was taken in the 4th round of the 2002 draft as a starter, and looked like Hennessey's main competition for the ever-elusive fifth spot in the rotation. Yet, like Hennessey, he struggled and showed only a few bright spots as a major league starter. Both were moved to the bullpen, where their fortunes appear to have turned around completely.Brad Hennessey, 27, has been the Giants' closer since the departure of Armando Benitez. Despite his professed confidence in his new role, he experienced a few understandable growing pains, blowing one of this first three saves and making the other two far too exciting. Yet, since June 25, Hennessey is 5/5 in save opportunities. In fact, he has not given up a run in a save situation since that time, and has only one walk and 4 hits in that time. This leaves some room for improvement, but gives him an even 1.00 WHIP in save opportunities this last month. Brad Hennessey has found his niche as a closer with the Giants.
Kevin Correia, 26, has struggled at times during the season, but has consistently been used in 7th and 8th inning situations this season. Currently, he appears to be pitching the 7th inning, leading into 28 year old Vinnie Chulk in the 8th. The Giant bullpen also features 25 year old Randy Messenger, sporting a 1.84 ERA. With so many late inning options, Giants fans can hope to see the Giants win more close games the rest of this season and for many seasons to come. Not needing to acquire any late-inning relievers will allow the upper management to focus on bringing much needed hitters to San Francisco with the projected $35 million they will have to work with this offseason.
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