[ BASEBALL ]
Jerome Williams' steady progress through the San Francisco Giants organization has finally hit a speed bump. Waipahu’s Williams
sent downFrom staff and wire reports
The Giants' prized right-handed pitching prospect from Waipahu will probably start this season where he did last year -- with the Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies. If he does, this will be the first time in his five-year pro career Williams does not move up a rung.
Williams, 21, started spring training in the Giants-big league camp, and was No. 16 in Spring Training Baseball Yearbook's list of the year's top 100 prospects. But he was sent to minor league camp last week.
Williams went 6-11 in 28 starts last year for Fresno with a 3.59 ERA. He struck out 130 batters in 160 2/3 innings while giving up 140 hits.
While he was at the big camp this spring, Williams pitched two innings in one game, giving up one earned run on three hits. He struck out three and walked none.
Wright, Stevens cut; Karsay headed to DL: Jamey Wright was cut after a poor start for Seattle, and Lee Stevens was released yesterday by Tampa Bay.
Meanwhile, Steve Karsay and Turk Wendell learned they'll start the season on the disabled list, and Orlando Hernandez may soon join them.
Cubs closer Antonio Alfonseca strained his right hamstring yesterday, needing a cart to get off the field.
Wright started for Seattle and gave up six runs, seven hits, six walks and a wild pitch in 4 1/3 innings, allowing a pair of homers to the Chicago. He had an 8.35 ERA in 18 1/3 innings over six appearances this spring.
"We had a drop-dead date, which was today," Mariners general manager Pat Gillick said. "We thought it was fair to him to go since we didn't think he was going to figure in our plans.
"There were a number of clubs here today watching him and there probably is major league interest in him."