At Giants camp, Bonser back where it all began

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Boof Bonser has received another opportunity to fulfill the destiny that the Giants envisioned for him 13 years ago.

Bonser, San Francisco's No. 1 selection (21st overall) in the 2000 First-Year Player Draft, is in big league camp as a non-roster invitee -- no longer a prospect, but still a candidate to provide depth. A starter for most of his professional career, Bonser could fill a long relief role that the Giants currently don't have but may deem necessary.

"I'd love to be up with the team that drafted me," said Bonser, who went to Minnesota with Joe Nathan and Francisco Liriano in the notorious A.J. Pierzynski trade in November 2003.

Making 60 starts in 111 appearances spanning four seasons with the Twins, Red Sox and A's, Bonser compiled a 19-25 record with a 5.18 ERA from 2006-10. He started only one Triple-A game in April 2011 before undergoing Tommy John elbow surgery, which didn't deter the Giants from signing him as a Minor League free agent in December of that year.

"I was very surprised that they called me and asked me to come back," Bonser said Sunday of the Giants. "I thought that was great."

Bonser made six appearances in the Arizona Rookie League last year as part of his rehabilitation before going 0-3, 4.50 in 11 games (seven starts) with Triple-A Fresno.

The right-hander's saga seems as fleeting as it has been eventful.

"I get drafted at 17; all of a sudden I'm 31 now," Bonser said. "It's kind of a -- I don't want to say 'culture shock' -- but like, wow."