The San Francisco Giants added much-needed help to their depleted bullpen, pulling the trigger on two deals as the July 31st deadline came and went. 

With injuries sidelining lefties Jeremy Affeldt and Dan Runzler, the Giants traded for relievers Javier Lopez and Ramon Ramirez from the Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Red Sox, respectively. 

Lopez is a left-handed specialist, suited for pitching exclusively to tough-out southpaw hitters.  From what I understand, he’s really good at this, which is big due to the aforementioned injuries.  He cost a pretty penny too, as San Francisco sent outfielder John Bowker and starting pitcher Joe Martinez to the Pirates in return.  Both were bouncing between Fresno and the home club all season, so I can’t say that they’ll be horribly missed.  Bowker never really showed that he was capable of hitting at the major league level, despite ample opportunities.  Martinez both never performed in the majors and, to be honest, wasn’t really needed as the Giants have a full starting five.  Good move made.

Ramirez is a right handed thrower and less exciting of a pickup than Lopez.  He had a 4.46 ERA in 44 games for the Red Sox this season and is just a piece to toss into the mix.  Can’t say he’ll do well.  Can’t say he’ll crash and burn.  Just a matter of wait and see.  He was good in the two previous seasons and probably is an upgrade over either Denny Bautista or Santiago Casilla, so that’s something.  I can’t imagine being disappointed with such a low expectation level.  He also only cost the team minor league pitcher Daniel Turpen (who?).  Exactly.  This won’t seal their visit to the World Series, but it also won’t be a bummer if it flames. 

Go Orange and Black.