Could "The Panda" be snapping out of his slump? Pablo Sandoval was hitting bullets all over the place Friday night as the Giants finally offered some run support behind Matt Cain in a 5-0 win. Sandoval went 2-for-3 with a home run, a single, and a sac fly, driving in three of the team's five runs which was MORE than enough for Cain. The Giants' right-hander tossed a complete game, one-hit shutout with nine strike outs and zero walks in 122 pitches. Cain pitched well enough to win his last start against the A's, going 8-innings, and getting knicked for an unearned run in a 1-0 loss. The Giants scratched out seven hits off Arizona pitching, but were the beneficiary of six walks, five of which were courtesy of starter Edwin Jackson, who only allowed four hits through seven innings. Sandoval's eighth-inning blast over the center field wall came off struggling reliever Chad Qualls, who may be in jeopardy of losing his closers' job with the D-Backs. By the way, Freddy Sanchez banged out two more hits and drove in a run, boosting his average to .290 while playing brilliantly at second base. Sandoval's average was bumped up to .283, and inched closer to the .300 plateau that we've come to expect (.330 in 2009).
NOW FOR THE NEWS...
Buster Posey's time is now! The Giants have called up their prized prospect to play some first base and maybe catch once a week, as he continues to get his feet wet at the major league level (after last year's brief September debut). Posey has been tearing up Triple-A with a .349 average, .442 on-base percentage, and 32 RBI's. Apparently, the time is now with Bengie Molina continuing to slump (only 10 RBI's to date), and Aaron Rowand suddenly silent (down to .231) at the plate. Waldis Joaquin was optioned to the minors to make room for Posey on the roster. Eli Whiteside is still with the big club, implying that catching will not be an immediate priority for Posey -- maybe some outfield too?
Speaking of outfielders, Pat Burrell has reportedly signed a minor-league contract with the Giants. The long-time slugger of the Phillies has absolutely fallen off the map since 2008, and was recently released by Tampa Bay. A Bay Area product of Bellermine Prep in San Jose, Burrell could be a legitimate power threat coming off the bench. As far as his potential of playing the outfield, a lot of that depends on Mark De Rosa's pending return; Rowand's struggles, and the injured shoulder belonging to Nate Schierholtz. Burrell could very well be done (still only 33), however, it's worth a shot -- he certainly won't cost very much (he's still being paid big money by the Rays).
Jeremy Affeldt, who avoided the DL with a tweaked hamstring, will hopefully be available to pitch again real soon.
