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Having seen him pitch live at Pac Bell I cant see why he isnt being considered for the 5th spot in the rotation?


GIANTS NOTEBOOK

Hermanson, Correia dueling for No. 5 spot

By David Kiefer

Mercury News

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - The Giants' most dominant pitchers in Cactus League play are the two fighting for the No. 5 spot in the rotation.

Dustin Hermanson struck out four and allowed one hit in two scoreless innings Monday in a 9-3 loss to the Kansas City Royals. Hermanson has yet to allow a run in four innings, yielding only one hit and one walk.

The other contender, Kevin Correia, had perhaps the Giants' most impressive performance -- a hitless three-inning stint against the Chicago Cubs on Friday. Correia struck out four and walked one. He is expected to make his second appearance today against Milwaukee.

``If they feel like I have to go and make some starts down in the minors, that's understandable,'' Correia said. ``But I think I'm ready. If I get the chance, I'll be able to prove it.''

Both pitchers were impressive in limited starts last season. Hermanson, a nine-year major league veteran, has played for four teams in four years and is trying to re-establish himself as a starter after a groin injury set him back two years ago.

Correia, 23, is on the fast track, becoming the first player from the club's 2002 draft to make the big leagues.

Hermanson, 31, said he knows he must throw well, even if he is believed to have the inside track.

``It's not a given,'' he said. ``And I don't want it to be a given, because it makes me work harder.''
"You're only young once, but you can be immature forever." -Larry Anderson, Relief Pitcher