Biography

Merkin R. (Malo) Valdez… Graduated from Escuela Rural Palenque High School in native Dominican Republic… Single.

2009 Highlights

After injuries in his previous two seasons, bounced back in 2009 and was one of five members of Giants’ bullpen to be a mainstay in ‘pen for entire season… Went 2-1 with 5.66 ERA (31ER, 49.1IP) in 48 relief appearances in what was his 1st full season in the big leagues… Allowed an opponents avg. against of .292 (57-for-195) with left-handers at .250 (21-for-84) and righties at .324 (36-for-111)… That .292 avg. was 11th-highest among NL relievers… Allowed at least one hit or one walk in 34 of his 48 games, but had 32 scoreless outings… Inherited 22 runners and allowed 13 to score (40.9%)… Was 0-for-3 in save opportunities… Opened season with Giants for 2nd consecutive year… BIG START: Was highly effective in his 1st 15 outings, posting 2-0 mark with 2.76 ERA (5ER, 16.1IP)… Had 12 scoreless efforts in that span while allowing .220 avg. against (13-for-59)… That 2.76 mark was his lowest figure all season, as he logged 7.09 mark (26er, 33.0ip) over his final 33 games, allowing runs in 13 of those 33 contests… WIN #1: Earned 1st career victory April 27 vs. Los Angeles-NL despite allowing run in 1.2 innings… Entered game in top of 7th with 3-2 lead and runner on 1st base… Earned 2nd win after tossing 1.2 scoreless innings May 31 vs. St. Louis… Gave up three runs in back-to-back outings July 5-8 vs. Houston and Florida… Held opposition scoreless for 8-straight games July 26-Aug. 17 (8.2IP)… Was touched for season high four runs and three BB’s Aug. 23 vs. Colorado… WALK-OFFS: Very next day he suffered his 3rd blown save of year in Denver, entering game in bottom of 14th inning with bases loaded and Giants holding 4-2 lead… Surrendered game-winning grand slam to Ryan Spilborghs, 1st walk-off grand slam in Rockies history… Allowed another walk-off home run to Milwaukee’s Prince Fielder Sept. 6 at Miller Park… Game was tied at 1-1 through 11 ½ innings before Fielder hit 1-out homer to right field giving Brewers 2-1 victory… Was touched for 14 runs (12ER) over his final 7.2 innings with opponents batting .410 (16-for-39)… Did not appear in SF’s final seven games