NL West Report: The Belt Era Beginneth

There's no way the Giants would do it. They stashed Tim Lincecum in AAA his rookie year when he was ready. They treated Buster Posey the same way. Neither of them required much roster juggling to call up early, and yet the Giants blocked them from the Opening Day roster.

So when another stud prospect came banging on the door this March, most (myself included) assumed Brandon Belt would remain in the minors in April. After all, erstwhile Aubrey Huff re-upped with a two-year deal just this past offseason. But Brian Sabean bucked the trend, officially announcing that Brandon Belt would be the Giants' Opening Day starter at first base. The move necessitating putting Travis Ishikawa on waivers, a first baseman who was to be entering his fifth MLB season with the Giants, tenth with the organization.

What to expect from Belt? His rise to prominence has been swift to be sure. At this point last year, he had played all of zero minor league games. After one year in the minors, the fifth-rounder is an Opening Day starter. Amazing. As much as that somewhat small sample size may be a red flag, the scouting folks express no reservations in the kid's ability.

He will likely struggle more than Buster Posey or Jason Heyward did last season. He was just 11-for-61 in AAA last year, and Posey/Heyward were even more high profile when entering the league than Belt is. There will be growing pains, but the ceiling he is capable of should frighten fans of NL West opponents. The Giants' probability of repeating as division champs just got a little bit better.

Transactions:  Optioned LF/1B Brandon Allen, optioned LHP Jordan Norberto, optioned RHP Esmerling Vasquez, released RHP Carlos Rosa, outrighted 2B Tony Abreu.

Injuries:  Placed IF Geoff Blum and LHP Zach Duke on the 15-day DL retroactive to March 22.

Los Angeles (2010: 80-82, 4th, W2, 12.0 GB)

This Week: 4-game home series vs Giants (Thu-Sun). 2-game road series @ Rockies (Tue/Wed)

You Should Know:  The Dodgers have eliminated the fifth starter role while Jon Garland is out. He figures to be back in April....Garland is one of FIVE players on the projected Opening Day roster that will start the year on the DL. Of those five, only Dioner Navarro is younger than 31.

25-Man Roster:  Lance Cormier got a surprise slot in the bullpen at the expense of Ramon Troncoso. With Casey Blake on the disabled list, Ivan DeJesus slid into a bench infield spot. Jay Gibbons' eye issues remain, and his spot on the disabled list allowed Xavier Paul (who is out of options) to make the club. With Jon Garland on the DL, the Dodgers have elected to go with a 4-man rotation, 11-man staff, and 6-man bench. That's good news for the out-of-options Hector Gimenez, who won a utility role. Dioner Navarro is also on the disabled list, so AJ Ellis will be one of the two back-ups at catcher, along with Gimenez. All other roster spots were as projected.

Transactions:  Called up IF Aaron Miles, RHP Mike MacDougal, and RHP Lance Cormier. Optioned RHP John Ely, RHP Travis Schlichting, LHP Scott Elbert and RHP Ramon Troncoso to AAA Albuquerque. Released LHP Ron Mahay. Designated RHP Jon Link for assignment.

Injuries: Placed RHP Jon Garland, OF Jay Gibbons, C Dioner Navarro and 3B Casey Blake on the disabled list.