Potential September Call-Ups

We're just a few days away from the calendar turning to September, at which time MLB rosters can expand to 40 instead of 25. Here are a look at a few guys the Giants could bring up to the big league team in the next week or so.

Xavier Nady, OF: The Giants picked up the right-handed hitting outfielder with September firmly in their minds. Nady got off to a bit of a slow start in Fresno, but has come on strong of late. He blasted two home runs in Sunday's game to help the Grizzlies over the Reno Aces, and has 6 homers and 17 RBI in 21 games. I was a little surprised when the Giants went with Francisco Peguero over Nady last week when Justin Christian went down, but it won't be long before Nady's in a Giants uniform. The Giants still have a couple of days left before the waiver deadline, but if they don't get anyone, Nady could become a key cog for them down the stretch. It wouldn't surprise me if he's platooning with Blanco in left by the time LA comes to town on September 9th.

Guillermo Mota, RHP: The toughest decision the Giants face could be with Mota. Ideally, they'd love it if they could slide him into their bullpen knowing that he'd be the same sturdy arm he's been for them the last few seasons. However, after his 100-game suspension, and rocky start to his rehab assignment, they may not want to take the risk. I think the only thing they'll take into account in regards to the suspension is the missed time, not the fact he was out for use of PEDs (which has been a huge thorn in the side of this team this season). If the Giants think he can contribute, he'll be up.

Mitch Lively, RHP: The 26 year-old Lively has been one of the Grizzlies most consistent relief arms of late, and for a team desperately needing relief help, he should get a shot in SF. He's really turned up his performance lately too, sporting a 2.33 ERA in 19 innings over his last 10 appearances. During those 19 innings, he's struck out 20, walked just 5 and has allowed just 14 hits. Lively also had a 2.14 ERA in 2011 split between A and AA ball so he's shown his capabilities.

Heath Hembree, RHP: Now, this one is a little more delicate. The Giants may not want to expend Hembree any more in 2012 after the young flame thrower battled an arm injury earlier in the season. He hasn't been especially crisp since coming back from it either, but he has thrown decently in August. If he did get the nod, it wouldn't be as a late reliever with the big club, probably more of a mop up duty in low pressure situations. My guess, though, is they hold off on calling up their prized 23 year-old 'closer-of-the-future' this season.

Yusmiero Petit, RHP: The Giants tried it out with Eric Hacker, and it didn't work, but Petit may have a better shot at making the transition from minor league starter to big league reliever. After all, he's done it many of times throughout his career and has been pitching pretty well for Fresno lately. He's given up 3 earned runs or less in 7 of his last 10 starts, and likely makes a better relief candidate than Hacker because of his ability to strike guys out (143 in 159 IP). He'd also give the Giants a security blanket in case they need an emergency start down the stretch.

Dan Runzler, LHP: Runzler has been an enigma the last few years. He's got one of the livest arms in the system and can bring the heat, but his control has baffled him this season. His ERA is up in the 6's for the Grizzlies and the last thing Bochy needs is a reliever who can't throw strikes, but when he's on, he can still be dominant. If he is called up, I wouldn't look for him to be used in any close situation.

Connor Gillaspie and Nick Noonan, IF's: Most Giants fans are familiar with both these guys, as both have been in the system for a while and each are having solid years in Fresno. Gillaspie has a .287 average with 14 homers and 49 RBI. Noonan is hitting .303 with 61 RBI (.333 last 10 games). These are the most likely young hitters to get a look, due to their experience.

Of course, the players on the DL, namely Aubrey Huff, Justin Christian, Shane Loux and Brad Penny will also be activated if and when they become available. Obviously the Giants main goal will be to get quality pitchers and bats who can contribute off the bench. Then there are a couple guys who were called up earlier in the season and should get the all again like Dan Otero. Overall, not a largely inspiring list. A couple of vets on their last leg, and some young guys who've gotten a cup of coffee and not done a whole lot. Fortunately though, the Giants are in the hunt for October, and can't afford to waste roster spots on young prospects on an evaluation basis. They need to use this roster expansion intelligently, as it could determine whether or not they make the postseason.