Brad Hennessey May Get Some Saves for Giants

With manager Felipe Alou losing patience with Giants closer Armando Benitez, who muffed his last three save opportunities, watch for ex-starter Brad Hennessey to get a chance to close a few games. If it goes well, he might close a few more. Hennessey, 26, has never been projected as a save specialist, but then again the former 21st overall pick has never envisioned himself in the bullpen, either. But that's where he has been watching the games lately. Problem is, he allows a few too many baserunners despite his sparkling 2.60 ERA. As an alternative, of course, there's always Jonathan Sanchez, a lefty with a 95-mph fastball who has been compared to Oliver Perez when Oliver Perez was Oliver Perez. Sanchez has the potential to strike out nearly a batter an inning and owns a microscopic ERA. You never know. Alou could see a succession of lefty hitters coming up in a save situation, look down to the bullpen, and spot the eager, 24-year-old rookie.