In breaking Giants news (related to this entry), San Francisco just announced they traded Balkin' Benitez to Florida for Randy Messenger.

It's a move long overdue. As every S.F. fan knows, Benitez hasn't performed anywhere near the standard he set in 2004, when he saved 47 games for the Marlins. Apparently, it took Tuesday's debacle to finally convince the Giants front office to get off their bums and do something.

Messenger is a welcome addition to the bullpen. He has an ERA of 2.66 in 23 1/3 innings of work, which seems to indicate he is capable of preserving a lead. Now, with any luck, San Francisco's offense will come alive so he has a lead to preserve.