Mailbag: Will Feliz be ready?

03/13/2006
I love the World Baseball Classic -- it has been great. However, I have noticed that Pedro Feliz is not getting many at-bats with the Dominican club. Obviously, they are stacked with talent, and Pedro has wait behind Adrian Beltre and Albert Pujols. But, will Pedro be ready to go at the plate with so little action?-- Dan M., Vancouver, Wash.
That was a big concern of Feliz when he reported to camp, and after Monday's action, he had only six at-bats -- without a hit. Meantime, potential backup Angel Chavez has had 22 plate appearances this spring for the Giants and is batting .364 with five doubles and three RBIs. You know Pedro is impatient, and once the Classic is done, he'll have only about 15 days of preseason play.
Who is Shairon Martis? I heard he threw a seven-inning no-hitter against Panama, and he's only 18! Is this kid the real deal or did he just have a good game?-- Scott W., Eureka, Calif.
Martis is a prospect, and his stock certainly rose with his performance. He'll turn 19 on March 30 and has been sensational in two lower-level Minor League campaigns. He had a 1.79 ERA over 14 games in 2004 and a 1.85 mark in 11 games last season in the Arizona Rookie League. The right-hander from Willemstad, Curacao, is definitely for real.
Every year the Giants talk up their rotation, like last year, telling everyone how good it is. Is this year the year that it lives up to expectaions?-- Cole T., Petaluma, Calif.
It should. Jason Schmidt is feeling good and says he's mentally tougher after his rough 2005, while No. 2 Matt Morris is a realiable veteran who can wolf down innings. Add youngsters Noah Lowry and Matt Cain, and you've got a great mix.
Brett Butler is managing the Class A ballclub for the Diamondbacks this year. What are his chances of becoming the Giants manager when Felipe Alou retires?-- David B., Paso Robles, Calif.
Highly doubtful. Just like players making the Majors, managers have to learn their trade in the Minors, going through the ranks. Butler's barely a rookie. When Felipe retires, look for a seasoned skipper.
Whatever happened to Alex Sanchez? It seemed like he had some good things going for him besides his defense; is he still with the organization? If not, why wasn't he invited to camp?-- Joaquin L., Mill Valley, Calif.
Sanchez hit .256 for the Giants over 19 games last season, was placed on the disabled list with a sprained left elbow July 24, then designated for assignment Aug. 8 and released. He definitely was a defensive liability.
Who is this McMains guy!? It's amazing what he's done. Is there a bright future for him with the Giants?-- Clayton A., San Francisco Derin McMains, 26, has been frequently injured and had three surgeries over a 10-month period last year. He did well at Class A San Jose in 2005 with a .325 mark before shoulder problems. The upbeat McMains did have a great, but aborted, spring with the Giants with three homers in his first four at-bats. But he was reassigned to the Minor League camp Monday. Too many veterans ahead of him in the infield.
Is Matt Cain a good fantasy option? Will he start? Does it look like he should have a good '06 season?-- Gabe W., Honolulu, Hawaii
Yes. Yes. Yes. The 21-year-old is a smart pitcher who shows poise and adjustability on the mound beyond his years. Excellent stuff.

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/