San Francisco Giants

As we head into spring training 2010 all of Giants' nation has the same thing on their mind, offense. After some last minute acquisitions, the Giants look to be headed in the right direction. First, grabbing Mark DeRosa and Aubrey Huff this off-season will hopefully produce that offensive spark that the Giants have been longing for since the Bonds days. I was not initially thrilled with deciding to get DeRosa or Huff initially. DeRosa is a pretty decent hitter who can keep his average at around .270, while Huff is a streaky power man. When there are such prospects as Jermaine Dye, Adam Laroche, or Dan Uggla in the market why settle for average players? I honestly thought that with these two, the Giants were doomed to another just short of the playoffs season. Then the clouds parted ways, and (through some seemingly divine intervention) the Giant's organization made a big move and resigned the two big bats we all thought they were losing, Juan Uribe and Bengie Molina. I love Buster Posey, don't get me wrong, but Bengie can produce and it wouldn't hurt to see Posey take one more year of minors work. Uribe and Sandoval carried that team last year and now they have got DeRosa and Huff to hit around Pablo. Who could argue with a Derosa, Sandoval, Huff, Uribe, Molina 2 3 4 5 6? Plus, throw a healthy Sanchez in there and that is, without a doubt a playoff calibur team.

Continue reading "Spring Training 2010"

I thought that ship had sailed? I also thought it was certain that Bengie Molina would be a New York Met in 2010. New York was dangling a two year deal, but Molina's camp wanted a third year option. Something went terribly wrong in the negotiations, and the two sides parted ways, which is good news for the Giants! It's hard to get greedy in this current market place, especially when you're an older player (who turns 36 in July), and playing a demanding position like catcher. I thought Molina might have ended-up in the American League where he could also be a DH.   Whatever happened at the end of last season (not playing hurt?), I say forget any bad blood that may have bubbled to the surface between Molina and the Giants, and welcome him back behind the plate with open arms. The pitchers love him. He's a club house presence and leader. He will be an excellent mentor to the young Buster Posey. He comes at a relative bargain for one year and $4.5-million, and can hit! Fortunately though, he won't be relied upon to bat clean-up for San Francisco this year (assuming the off-season acquisitions come through as expected). Molina should be much more comfortable further down in the order as a number-six hitter, behind a 3-4-5 combination of Sandoval, Huff, and De Rosa. Now I'm digging this line-up a lot more than I was just a couple of weeks ago.  Yorvit Torrealba? Rod Barajas? Bengie's going to be a better hitter than both of those guys. Last year, Molina struggled through some injuries, but still managed to play in 132 games and had 491 at-bats. The rest of the pertinent numbers: 130 hits, (only) 52 runs scored, 25 doubles, 20 homers, 80 RBI's, and an incredibly low 13 walks...Yikes! That's reflected in a .285 on-base percentage, but a fairly solid .265 batting average. Molina drove in 95 runs with 16 homers and 33 doubles in 2008; with a .292 average, and .322 on-base percentage. So, assuming he plays most of the season, you know roughly what kind of numbers you're going to get. But what if Posey is ready to go mid-season and gets the call-up? That remains to be seen. I would say Eli Whiteside begins the year as Molina's back-up with Posey down in Triple-A Fresno.  By-the-way: Torrealba sported a .351 on-base percentage and a .291 average in just 64 games with the Rockies last season, sharing time with Chris Ianetta. It's hard to really compare any other stats with fewer than half the number of at-bats, but Yorvit did manage to work 21 walks in just 213 at-bats. So, he would easily have more than 50 BB's with 500 A.B's. Barajas, meanwhile, had a descent season with the Blue Jays in 2008 as far as power numbers (19 and 71), but his batting average and on-base were dreadful in roughly the same number of at-bats. So, considering Bengie's familiarity with the Giants' pitching staff, and his overall better hitting, he was clearly the best choice of the three. The fourth choice, Miguel Olivo, had already signed with Colorado -- essentially replacing Torrealba.   Merkin Valdez, who was designated for assignment earlier last week, has been traded to Toronoto for cash considerations. Valdez just never realized his potential, but maintained a dominant fastball even after returning from Tommy John Surgery. The bullpen has depth, despite the departure of both Valdez and Bobby Howry. Brandon Medders, Sergio Romo, Dan Runzler, Waldis Joaquin, and even Joe Martinez can fill the void; bridging the gap to Jeremy Affeldt and closer Brian Wilson. We'll see how things shake out in spring training. There's about a half dozen other bullpen candidates, including one-time short stop Tony Pena, Jr.   So, one more time, let's view what the opening day line-up should look like (with the assumption that Aaron Rowand will lead-off): CF Rowand2B Sanchez3B Sandoval1B Huff LF De RosaC  MOLINASS RenteriaRF SchierholtzSP Lincecum  I would say pretty solid, but is there another potential right fielder out there with more experience? Is the team willing to spend any more money? I would say probably not because they still have to sign Lincecum who has asked for $13-million in salary arbitration for 2010 -- the Giants are offering only $8-million. He'll get at least ten, and probably closer to twelve. Regardless of Timmy's final number, that will boost the team payroll somewhere around 100-million-dollars, and that includes about five-million in deferred money to Barry Bonds.  So, although it would be nice to add an Eric Byrnes (Bay Area kid for probably for not much money), Xavier Nady (former Cal Bear, most recently with the Yankees), or Jermaine Dye (Sacramento kid and one-time Oakland Athletic), it just doesn't appear financially feasible. I believe it was me last season who said that Schierholtz deserves an extended look to prove himself. Now that Randy Winn is gone, it appears the time is now for Nate to play everyday in right field for the Giants. There is some young depth for the outfield as well with Andres Torres, Eugenio Velez, John Bowker, and (I would say very reluctantly) Fred Lewis.  

Continue reading ""Bengie Molina is Back in the Squat ..."

 Hey, we all wanted another bat, right?   I like Aubrey Huff, but I certainly like the 2008 Aubrey Huff better than the 2009 version. I was lucky enough to go to the old Yankee Stadium in July of '08, and saw the Yanks beat the Orioles on a sweltering Wednesday afternoon. Aubrey Huff was smack in the middle of a potent Baltimore Line-up with Brian Roberts at the top, Adam Jones second, Nick Markakis batting third, followed by Huff in the clean-up slot, and Melvin Mora hitting fifth. Huff was batting over .300 at the time, and drove in his 72nd RBI in that game (in July!) -- I remember, because I just looked it up; July 30th, 2008. He went on to finish the season with 108 RBI's, 32 homers, 48 doubles, 182 hits, 96 runs, a .360 on-base percentage in 598 at-bats and 154 games played. Sounds pretty awesome, right? Well, last year was not so good. His average dipped to .241, with 15 home runs and 85 RBI's in time split between Baltimore and Detroit; following a mid-season trade. He had far fewer at-bats though (430), and only 109 hits, so I think it's a matter if consistency and playing everyday for Huff to be successful. I would say probably not a 30 home run guy at A.T.& T. Park, but I would be thrilled with 100 RBI's and 40 doubles and maybe twenty-something home runs, especially hitting behind guys like Freddy Sanchez and Pablo Sandoval. Let's re-visit that opening line-up scenario with the addition of Huff: 2B SanchezSS Renteria3B Sandoval1B HuffLF De RosaRF Schierholtz (Byrnes???)CF RowandC   PoseySP Lincecum  O.K., who hits lead-off? I was thinking Velez would get a look, but that was before they signed Huff, and now have to move De Rosa to left field from third base. My assumption is Sanchez would be at the top, but I would prefer to see him in the number two hole, and bat Renteria seventh where he belongs. Is Buster Posey going to be the opening day catcher? Who knows? Remember, Aaron Rowand was at his best last year in the lead-off slot.   And what's the deal with Adam LaRoche? He turned down a two-year deal for more money from the Giants to accept a one-year deal with Arizona? I thought it was location (East Coast versus West Coast), but apparently, it's all about the ball park. Let's be sure to boo La Roche heartily when the D-Backs come to town. It's kind of like Colorado's Todd Helton, who openly displays his disdain for hitting in the Giants' yard (although I saw him launch a home run in S.F. last season).  To make room on the 40-man roster, Arizona released Eric Byrnes, who has suffered through two miserable, injury-riddled seasons. To me, he would be an ideal fourth outfielder. He's a local guy who grew up here, and still has a home here. In 2007 in 160 games for Arizona, Byrnes had 626 at-bats, 179 hits (.286 average), .353 on-base percentage, 21 homers, 83 RBI's and 50 stolen bases. That was the year Arizona played Colorado in the NLCS. Anyway, I don't know if his body is breaking down as a result of age (33-34ish), or if there's another explanation, but he would be a great get. Hey, Eric Byrnes at 85% is better than Fred Lewis as a fourth outfielder (sorry Fred). If the lead-off slot becomes and issue, Byrnes could (I didn't say "should") be considered an option, and play right field.  Oh, and good bye Merkin Valdez -- you freaking gas can! Great fast ball, but no control. The Giants dumped Valdez to make room on their 40-man roster for Aubrey Huff, and look; we're right back at the beginning of this conversation.  Spring training is getting closer everyday. Let's go!   

Continue reading ""Is Aubrey Huff the Final Piece to ..."

 HAPPY NEW YEAR to all Giant fans! College Football is nearly complete, and the Super Bowl is a month away...  And before you know it, Spring will be back in the air, and pitchers and c

Continue reading ""Randy Johnson Officially Announces ..."

 Just sheer domination that didn't necessarily show up in the win column! Fifteen victories equals a Cy Young?  Let's look at ALL of the numbers to really appreciate how great Tim

Continue reading ""Tim Lincecum Captures Second Cy Young""

Well, that's one more issue resolved. See ya later Randy Winn - the softest number three hitter in the history of the game! I don't even know WHY he batted third for the Giants even once this se

Continue reading ""Goodbye Randy Winn""

As expected, Freddy Sanchez has re-signed with the Giants for two years and 12-million-dollars. That's certainly one mystery solved, and for a discounted rate too! Sanchez has something to prove to the organization, and the fans, after a disappointing end to last season. A three-time all-star, and 2006 N.L. batting champion, Sanchez was hobbled by knee and shoulder injuries that limited him to just 111 games between the Pirates and Giants. He did hit a respectable .293 with seven home runs and 41 RBI's. 

Continue reading ""Freddy Sanchez will be the Giants' ..."

  

  Do we really blame Carney Lansford for a bunch of over-anxious, free-swinging hitters?  The stats certainly don't lie.  Only the Padres, Pirates, and Astros scored fewer runs than the Giants' 657 runs in 2009.  San Francisco's 122 home runs was second-to-last in the N.L., behind only the Mets, who stroked just 95 homers with a half-injured team in their brand-new, spacious Citi Field. Walks: 392 for the Giants was dead last in the league (the Rockies had 660 walks to lead the league). And that leads us to on-base percentage; where the Giants ranked last at .309!  That is just dismal, anemic, pitiful....any other good adjectives to throw in there?

Continue reading ""Carney Lansford the Scape Goat for ..."

  I don't know about you, but I'm proud of the Giants' progress in 2009, and look forward to better things in 2010.  Did anyone have ANY expectations this team would remain compet

Continue reading ""Let's Talk About Next Year's Giants""

   It's hard to believe only 10 games remain in the regular season for the Giants, trailing Colorado by four games in the N.L. Wild Card race.  Although it's still mathematic

Continue reading ""Giants Begin Final Home Stand of the Season""

  As an optimistic Giants' fan, I must say I've enjoyed THIS season more than any in recent memory.  The hopes of reaching the play-offs as a wild card still intrigue me; how

Continue reading ""Giants Limp out of L.A., Dropping ..."

  Bruce Bochy announced after Tuesday night's Giants' win that Randy Johnson is back on the active roster.  To make room, Justin Miller was moved to the 60-day D.L. with elbow inflammation.  Miller has been a solid contributor all season with an ERA around three, but hasn't been quite the same in recent weeks.  Most notably, Miller was one of the pitchers who gave it up in the bottom of the 14th-inning in that disastrous loss to the Rockies in late August at Coors Field. Johnson is already making a contribution in the dugout and the clubhouse, helping to mentor a whole stable full of baby-Giants.  It'll be great to see RJ back on the mound, even if it's just in relief.  It makes you think he may want to come back for another year.  Dan Runzler, meanwhile, has already proven to be a valuable bull pen addition as an extra lefty to compliment Jeremy Affeldt.

Continue reading ""Randy Johnson Activated from the 60-Day D.L.""

  Tim Lincecum showed no signs of rust after skipping last week's turn in the rotation with back stiffness.  Lincecum spearheaded a 9-1 Giants' win over the Rockies, tossing seven strong innings, allowing just one run and striking-out eleven Monday night.  Lincecum threw 116 pitches, and seemed to benefit from the extra rest with a little extra SNAP on the breaking pitches.  Although he had double-digit strikeouts, he did walk four, and scattered numerous base runners.  

Continue reading ""Giants Close the N.L. Wildcard Gap ..."

  I went to Sunday's game, and enjoyed another strong outing from Brad Penny - this time against his former team the Dodgers in a 7-2 Giants' win.  Penny is now 3-0 in the orange-

Continue reading ""Brad Penny to the Rescue as Giants ..."

  Eugenio Velez drilled the first pitch of the game of Pedro Martinez for a home run and a 1-0 Giants' lead.  Too bad that was the end of the scoring for the rest of the game in a 2-1 loss to the Phillies Thursday.  Martinez looked really good with 9 strike outs over seven innings. No, his fastball is not what it once was, but he knows how to pitch, and still features a deceptive delivery with his arm angle. Philadelphia is hoping THIS will be the same Pedro they can take with them into the post season. Giants' fans may remember when Pedro came off the DL in May of '08 as a New York Met, and beat San Francisco at A.T.& T. Park. He also had two hits in that game, and Barry Zito was awful - I remember because I was there!  Now Zito has regained his form, and apparently, so has Pedro, because he was Way better today then he was at anytime last year with the Mets.

Continue reading ""Giants Can't Score Off Pedro Martinez; ..."

  I don't think anyone expected that!  How about 8 shutout innings in a small ball park against the defending World Series Champion Phillies!  And it was the real line-up too:  Rollins, Victorino, Utley, Howard, Werth, Ibanez.  How many all-stars and/or MVP's are in that batting order?  Penny looked comfortable, and was surprisingly NOT rusty at all, throwing an easy 94 MPH as late as the 8th-inning.  His last start for Boston was August 21st when he allowed 8 earned runs to the Yankees in just four innings of work.  Wednesday, it was some timely double plays, good defense, and plenty of composure from a 10-year vet.  This was A BIT of an upgrade over Joe Martinez and Ryan Sadowski.  (By the way, sorry to see the team designate the "Big Sadowski" for assignment - we barely knew you.

Continue reading ""Digging Brad Penny in the Orange and Black""

  Hopefully for Giants' fans, Brad Penny can find his groove back in the National League.  In his three inter-league starts against national league teams this year, Penny posted a

Continue reading ""Brad Penny on the Bump for the Giants""

  The Giants desperately need a number five starter, and have apparently filled that void with today's waiver acquisition of former Dodger and Marlin Brad Penny.  After a brief stint in Boston, Penny was released after 24 starts, and cleared waivers.  The Giants were one of at least six teams interested in the one-time all-star; who won 16 games in back-to-back seasons with the Dodgers in '06 and '07.  

Continue reading ""Giants Have Reportedly Signed Brad Penny""

  This is a team the Giants should sweep!  San Francisco sends Joe Martinez (3-1) to the mound against some guy for the D-Backs who IS NOT named Webb, Haren, or Davis, and that's good.  But even against an under-manned and injury-riddled Diamondbacks squad, The Giants have relied upon 8th-inning, three-run home runs to pull out victories both Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Bengie Molina's pinch-hit three-run blast off Chad Qualls last night could be one of the highlights of the year to date. Watching Molina limp around the bases (quad strain) instantly reminded me of Kirk Gibson's game-winner off Eck in game one of the 1988 World Series at Dodger Stadium - I was waiting for the under-handed fist-pump as Bengie rounded second base.  Of course the stakes weren't quite as high on a Tuesday night in August as they would be in October, but nonetheless; these games actually mean something.  The Dodgers beat the Rockies today, which means a win tonight could close the gap in the wild card race to just two games heading into the weekend showdown.

Continue reading ""Giants Go for the Sweep Over Arizona""

  News on the injury front is not good.  The Giants reportedly will be without their regular numbers two-, three-, and four-hitters tonight against Danny Haren and the Diamondbacks.

Continue reading ""Sandoval, Molina, and Sanchez All ..."

  Matt Cain must play the role of stopper for the Giants against Arizona tonight.  Not only that; he has got to go DEEP into the game, eat up some innings, and give a bewildered bullpen a break.  What can one say about Monday night's 14-inning nightmare?  There are still 37 games remaining on the schedule starting TONIGHT against the D-Backs (for three games), and then - guess who's coming to town for the weekend for three more games? - the Colorado Rockies.  Is it just me, or are the Rocks becoming almost as annoying as the Dodgers? 

Continue reading ""The Giants Have Got to Bounce Back ..."

  Six shutout innings and just two hits allowed Wednesday for Barry Zito, who didn't figure in the decision, as the Giants pulled-out a 1-0 win over the Reds. Since the All-Star Break,

Continue reading ""Barry Zito has been Stellar Since ..."

  The Giants escaped from New York with a four-game split Monday, and grabbed the first game of a mid-week series in Cincinnati Tuesday thanks to plenty of offense.  How about 18 runs and 30 hits in the past two games.  The question remains; how consistently can the bats remain alive for this team to contend into September for the wild card -- or conceivably -- the division.  After blasting Livan Hernandez and the Mets' bullpen for 10 runs on 18 hits Monday, San Francisco stung the Reds with a seven-run comeback to erase an early 5-1 deficit against Tim Lincecum. The 8-5 victory included 12 more hits by the Giants.

Continue reading ""Will The Hits Keep Coming for the Giants?""

  The Giants were turning the corner and heading home with a 2-1 victory in the bag behind another strong outing from Tim Lincecum. Then, the umpiring crew (once again) blew a call, an

Continue reading ""Giants Escape With A Win over the ..."

  

  How cool is this Eli Whiteside story?  The Giants' rookie back-up catcher, who plays sparingly behind Bengie Molina, has had some big moments in recent weeks.  After catching the Jonathan Sanchez no-hitter last month, Whiteside launched a grand slam today -- his first career home run -- helping the Giants to a 10-6 victory over the Astros.  San Francisco improves to 60-and-48, taking two of three games ON THE ROAD, and now return home to open a weekend set against Dusty Baker's Cincinnati Reds.  Thursday's off-day, by the way, is the first for the team since the all-star break in mid-July.

Continue reading ""The Giants Get it Done in Houston""

  Following a rock-solid home stand with only one loss in seven tries, the Giants got off on the wrong foot (once again) away from A.T.& T. Park.  San Francisco began a mini t

Continue reading ""Same Old Story for the Giants on the Road""

  I knew I forgot something.  The Giants had to give up something to get something, and Wednesday they parted with minor-league pitching prospect Tim Alderson in order to acquire Fre

Continue reading ""One More Thing About The Freddy Sanchez Trade""

  Clearly Brian Sabean had something else up his sleeve when he traded for Pittsburgh Second Basemen Freddy Sanchez Wednesday. Following San Francisco's extra-inning 1-0 win and a series sweep of the Pirates, the Giants then proceeded to swipe Sanchez, who has was one of the last remaining faces of a rudderless franchise.  The 31-year-old Sanchez, the National League's Batting Champion in 2006, is currently hitting .296 with six home runs, 34 RBI's, 45 runs scored, and 28 doubles this season.  Unfortunately, Giant fans may not see the immediate return of the deal as Sanchez is nursing a mild knee sprain, and has not played for several days.  However, before the trade was completed, Giant team doctors checked out the knee twice and gave the "all clear."

Continue reading ""Are The Giants Done Dealing Before the Deadline""

  I'm glad to see the Giants are willing to at least make one move before Friday's trade deadline.  San Francisco has acquired former Stanford Cardinal and Cleveland Indian Ryan G

Continue reading ""Welcome Ryan Garko""

  Yikes!  What happened to that sterling Giants' bullpen?  After dropping two of three to the Pirates, San Francisco made it three losses in four games to start the second half after getting clobbered by Atlanta 11-3 Monday.  Seven earned runs were allowed by three different Giant relievers -- a rarity this year. 

Continue reading ""Giants' Bullpen is Suddenly Stuggling""

 As I watched Tim Lincecum start the MLB All-Star Game in St. Louis, something just wasn't right.  It appeared he didn't have any control of his change-up or curve ball, as evidence by the 81 MPH curve that ran in and hit Derek Jeter's hand in the first inning.  Fortunately for Yankee fans, and anyone who might have Jeter as their fantasy league short stop, the ball struck the very knob of the bat, and didn't strike his hand flush.  He stayed in the game and had a couple of more at-bats.  But Timmy was clearly nervous, and said later that his heart was racing, and he couldn't feel his body, hence, a lot of pitches were "up in the zone." After watching Lincecum's two-innings of work Tuesday, I pose the question: "Opening Day assignments aside, has this guy ever pitched in a BIG game?"  The Giants certainly haven't played a lot of meaningful games in recent years, and the all-star game IS a big game when it comes to performing on the big stage in front of all your peers.  Lincecum allowed two hits, one earned run, zero walks, and one strike out on 35 pitches.  After struggling through the first inning, he clearly settled down and went 1-2-3 in the second inning, including a nasty hook to freeze opposing pitcher Roy Halladay.  Halladay, by the way, wasn't expecting to hit and had to borrow Evan Longoria's batting helmet (the "TB" team logo was peeled off so Tampa fans didn't get too excited about the possibility). Aside from some bad luck (Pujols error, broken bat single by Ichiro), Lincecum did all right for his first all-star effort after not being able to pitch in last year's "Mid-Summer Classic" at the old Yankee Stadium.  It's important for him to have these experiences now to better prepare him for the big stage of play-off baseball. As for the game itself, a 4-3 A.L. victory, the few highlights for me: Stan Musial making a pre-game appearance along with other Cardinal legends: Lou Brock, Ozzie Smith, Bruce Sutter, Bob Gibson, and Red Schoendienst.  All-Star MVP Carl Crawford's home run saving catch to rob Colorado's Brad Hawpe, and Detroit's Curtis Granderson's game-changing triple off the Padres' Heath Bell. The Giants are 49-and-39 at the break and get back to action Friday in Pittsburgh.  Let's hope that Matt Cain (who wasn't able to pitch Tuesday) will make his next scheduled start Sunday against the Pirates.  

Continue reading ""A Few Post All-Star Game Thoughts""

Hi there, and welcome to the first entry in my blog. I don't have a paticularly steady internet connection in my house currently, so the posts on here might be a bit sporadic at times, so my apologies in advance for that. Hopefully, I can keep you hooked so that you'll put up with this until I get a new internet provider. With that out of the way, let's move on to the actual baseball discussion, which is why we are all here.

Continue reading "Posey a Grizzley? Interesting..."

  JONATHAN SANCHEZ!!!!!  NO-Hitter!  WOW!  Was anyone ready for that?  I am stunned.  Just amazing. Granted, its the San Diego Padres, and not against a more robust hitting line-up.  The first no-no for the Giants since 1976 and the first no-hitter at home since Ed Halicki in 1975.  And, obviously, the first no-hitter EVER at A.T.& T. Park!

Continue reading ""JOANATHAN SANCHEZ, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?""

It's still not too late to vote for Pablo Sandoval, in fact, it's not too late to vote 1,000 times for Pablo before Thursday's "unlimited" voting deadline!  I guess it depends on how much extra time you've got on your hands, but in this quick-click society, what's 10 (or 100) votes over the course of the day.  I must admit, I've voted for Sandoval and Ian Kinsler of the Texas Rangers 40 times since Sunday, and feel very good about my contribution.  However, let's not get too carried away this process.  If everyone had just one vote, or maybe 10 votes?  That, to me would be a better indicator of who is deserving for the final roster spot.   What I REALLY think is that the players should vote for that final spot, and have it over and done with when the main rosters are announced in the first place.  Why drag it out?  Oh...I forgot, the "Mid-Summer Classic" has become a crucial match-up between leagues in JULY, to determine home field advantage in October.  That sure makes sense Bud Selig - brilliant idea!   I think the players (or coaches) would see the value of Pablo as a multi-positional option later in the game. Extra Catcher? Extra third baseman? Extra first baseman? Hello?? As for Wednesday's finale with Florida, the Giants were shutdown 7-to-0 by Marlins' right-hander Chris Volstad, who tossed a complete game five-hitter.  Easily his best effort of the season, improving to 6-and-8, Volstad (zero BBs and Six Ks in 105 pitches) helped Florida avoid the three-game sweep at the hands of the Giants.   The "Big Sadowski," Ryan Sadowski didn't have his best control with four walks allowed, as well as his first two earned runs in three starts.  Sadowski worked five innings, gave up five hits, three runs (two earned), walked four and struck out four. Sadowski has posted an ERA of 1.00 with only today's two runs allowed in 18-total-innings of work.  The bats were completely silenced by Volstad, while Merkin Valdez in relief served-up a three-run bomb to Dan Uggla, his 16th homer of the season.  As appealing as Uggla may be in a possible trade scenario, I would have to say that he strikes out way too much and needs to think more about his batting average (.223 after today) and on-base percentage, (around .332) rather than his home run count. Hey, I'll take two out of three over the "fish," but it sure would have been fun to see super stud short stop Hanley Ramirez.  Ramirez, an all-star starter, missed his fourth consecutive game with a hip injury.  Oh well... The Giants are 26-and-15 since Memorial Day, and welcome San Diego for a four-game weekend series.  The Padres are a team on the ropes and already willing to trade some of its pieces, including Scott Hairston to the A's.  Tim Lincecum gets the ball Thursday night, and looks to match fellow all-star Matt Cain with 10 victories.

Continue reading ""Have You Voted For Pablo Sandoval ..."

  Congratulations Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain!  The Giants' pitching staff, for a second year in a row, have two representatives on the National League All-Star team.  Third Baseman Pablo Sandoval did not make the roster today, but is one of five finalists that can still be voted in by the fans.  Go to sfgiants.com or mlb.com to log your votes for Pablo, and from what I understand, there is no limit on how many times one can vote.  The deadline to cast your ballot is Thursday. Here's a look at Pablo's competition for the final roster spot:  Cristian Guzman, WSH  Matt Kemp, LAD  Mark Reynolds, ARI  Pablo Sandoval, SF  Shane Victorino, PHI

Continue reading ""Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain are very ..."

  We are officially halfway through the season, and I'm trying not to get too excited about these Giants.  However, if the last three games are any indication of where this team i

Continue reading "Giants Outscore The Cardinals and ..."

 I'm confused.  No, not about this whole blogging concept which is quite new to me.  I'm confused about my favorite Giants' lefty Jonathan Sanchez (just kidding of course).  Is he going to ultimately remain a starter?  Can he someday harness his control?  Is he better suited as a reliever?  Does he still have any trade value with only a month to go before the trade deadline?  

Continue reading ""Should He Stay or Should He Go?""

One win after six starts but walking of the mound to standing ovation in the last three home starts, Barry Zito is earning his Giants uniform and his $126 million dollar contract. Zito is winning the fans over with his attitude and string of quality starts. May be I am jumping on the bandwagon a bit too soon, but you can’t help but notice that Zito has his swagger and confidence back from his Oakland A's days. He has canceled out all the distractions (Paris Hilton) and concentrated on his pitching mechanics and his point of release. In his previous three starts he has given up 4 runs (all of which were in two starts vs. dodgers) and has gone 6+ innings.

Continue reading "The ZenMaster, Barry Zito, is BACK!!!"

Dodgers up, ready to lose, facing Wilson.

Fred Lewis makes a half-hearted attempt to make a great play. Either go all out or don't. He only gave about 75% and decided last second that he could actually make the catch on that line drive to left. He dives, misses and it gets by him. Pinch hitter Mark Loretta gets a double from a single.

Continue reading "Dodgers at Giants, Top of the Ninth"

Giants up, facing Scott Elbert who gets one strike out and is pulled for Guillermo Mota.

Edgar Renteria smacks the first pitch toward the hole at short, but it was too slow and Furcal picked it up too deep. Not even close. Uribe hits one to dead center that I was sure would be no problem for Pierre. But he couldn't get there. I wonder if the wind didn't knock that one down. Two on, one out.

Continue reading "Dodgers at Giants, Bottom of the Eighth"

Dodgers up, facing Timmy!

Two pitches and two hits. It may be time to yank 'im. Bullpen only just wakes up after three more pitches.

That change up hadn't been touched all game. He was fooling Furcal with it too until that last one. The bat broke into 4 different pieces but the ball fell soflty inside of the left field line for a double as it spun into the giants bullpen area. One run scores. 

Continue reading "Dodgers at Giants, Top of the Eighth"

Giants up, facing Scott Elbert.

Molina uppercuts the first pitch he sees sky high and that baby is GONE! Triple and a homer for Bengie. I'd say that's a good day for him, eh? That's his 17th RBI this season. Not too shabby.

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Dodgers up, facing Skinny Timmy.

1-2-3. What else is there to say?

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Aaaaaaaaaand we're back. Just in time to see the first pitch of the inning!

Burriss' check swing makes contact for what effectively is a bunt. But, not ready to run, Burriss is easily thrown out. Lewis shows a good eye by working a walk from a 1-2 count and Renteria rewards him with a solid cut. You could tell by the sound of the crack that that was going to be a hit. Stand up RBI double. I like the way these Giants are hitting!

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Dodgers up, facing Timmy.

CORRECTION: I said earlier that Winn was out with a bruised ankle, but it was his knee. He fouled a ball off his knee yesterday and decided to sit a game or two.

Second inning in a row that Lincecum has started off with three straight balls. Last inning turned into a walk... and this one too.

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Giants up, facing Hong-Chih Kuo.

Kuo has an ERA over eight so far this season, but don't let that fool you, he can be unhittable. Just ask Rowand, Rich or Nate. Three up, three down.

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Dodgers up, facing Timmy.

Tim walks his first batter of the game. The first pitch to the next batter, Martin, was a no-doubt strike tht left a smoke trail. He ends up striking out swinging on a filthy change up that left Martin looking foolish.

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Giants up, facing Troncoso.

Look at that! Manny Ramirez made a decent play in left field. Fred Lewis hit it hard to Manny and it knuckled toward the line, but Manny was on top of it. Nice catch.

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Dodgers up, facing Tim.

Unfortunately Juan Uribe has placed Pablo Sandoval at third. We don't yet know why. They showed a replay of Pablo's last at bat and he did look like he was in a little pain during his futile jog towards first on a fly out.

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Giants up, facing Stults.

We are getting a good long shot of Carney Lansford, Giants hitting coach, and Timmy is sitting behind him. Tim has got a cold. He is sucking up snot and coughing up a storm. It doesn't help that it is a cold, cold day in San Francisco. It hasn't effected his pitching yet. At least not negatively.

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Dodgers up, facing Lincecum.

Eric Stults is batting EIGHTH! He's the second batter of the inning. The last time a Dodger pitcher did not hit ninth was 1965... 44 years ago. It was Don Drysdale and he bat seventh! But that's because Don Drysdale was a .300 hitter. Look it up. 29 career home runs. Seventh most all-time by a pitcher. Juan Pierre is ninth. No wonder he's not running hard in the outfield. He's been emasculated. 

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Giants up, facing Eric Stults.

The second pitch of the inning made it all the way to the backstop, but not in any ordinary way. Russell Martin would have needed to leap about three feet in the air to have caught that one.

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Dodgers up, facing Tim Lincecum.

Three outs on ten pitches. Only 4 pitches thrown for the last two outs.

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Again I was unable to write during much of the first inning. I'll be picking it up at Bengie's improbable triple.

Who would've thought Bengie Molina would ever hit a triple, let alone to left center. It looked like a home run but, like so many hard hit drives in Giants Stadium, fell short due to wind. Juan Pierre, CF  for the Dodgers, had enough time to get to the ball, but seemed to be convinced that it was well over the wall. He put little effort into running it down made an awkward jump at the ball. In fact, on the replay it looks like he may have jumped at the ball after it hit the wall. 

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Dodgers up, facing Bob Howry.

Manny's got his third (second lead off) double of the game. Definetely not the type of player we need, right Sabean?

There goes the game. Double for Ethier after maybe 8 balls fouled back in counts 1-2 and 2-2. Dodgers re-take the lead.

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Giants up, facing Billingsley.

Pablo hits a grounder up the middle that somehow curves far towards right field. So far that he thought about going two, and a faster runner would've made a double out of it. Sandoval, however, chose to stay at first.

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Dodgers up, facing Osiris Matos.

This freaking ump has removed the outside corner off the plate for Dodgers hitters, not to mention, the bottom of the zone. I am pissed. But Matos gets Furcal to swing at and miss two excellent pitches and he's gone.

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Giants up, facing Billingsley.

Nate Shierholtz is pinch hitting for Medders. Groundball to third. He looks safe to me and it is called SAFE! Replay shows that it was as close as a play can be. He may have been out. But it is way too close to tell. Great hustle play by Schierholtz.

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Dodgers up, facing Medders.

Manny leads off and works it to a full count from 0-2. Aaaaand opposite field double... again. He's good. Tell me why the Giants didn't pursue him again?

With one out, the Giants are walking Eithier to get to Kemp. I do not understand this. Kemp lines it to center. Bases juiced. Tell me again, why did we walk Ethier to get to Kemp? 

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Giants up, facing Billingsley.

Ishikawa's been struggling, but he just took a pitch that was initally behind him, right in the ankle. Hey, any way you can get on base is okay by me.

Uribe's up. Why don't they save us some time and change the sides right now? Eat my words? Don't mind if I do!! Uribe nails it to center field, well over Kemp's head. Ishikawa is held at third. Wise decision. He hesitated off the bat and so didn't have a chance.

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Dodgers up, facing Justin Miller.

Matt Kemp wisely tries to steal. Bengie Molina throws well, well off the bag towards first base. But Kemp is so absurdly slow that he still got tagged out. He got tagged so far from the bag that he hadn't even begun his slide yet, and never bothered. That is the first runner I've seen Molina throw out this year out of maybe 15 attempts. I don't know what his actual stats are. Those are just the ones I've seen.

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Giants up, facing Billingsley.

I hate the Dodgers. Sandoval wanted a hit and Loney makes a great doving stop of a hard, low grounder that's hugging the line. It looked like a hit the whole way, but Loney got there and made the play. Impressive.

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Dodgers up, facing Jonathon Sanchez.

Two change ups in the same spot, back-to-back, strikes out Furcal. Good pitching. 

Sanchez is still missing the occasional pitch anywhere from 4-6 geet off the plate, usually high and away. Hey, if it works for him...  Manny took him to town, though. Good thing it's impossible to hit home runs in this stadium because that off the wall, opposite field double is gone almost anywhere else.

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Giants up, facing Chad Billingsley.

That was such an uneventful inning; it just ended and I already forgot everything that happened.

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Sanchez just let one of his 6 feet off the plate pitches get too far out of Molina's reach. Ethier is at second now.

Randy Winn is great in right field. He caught a fly he's supposed to catch but he positioned himself and timed his run so well that Ethier didn't dare go for third. That's an important 90 feet because that was the first out of the inning.

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Fred Lewis just got beaned in the foot on a super sliding slider. The pitch did not look like it was going to be within 6 inches of him. It broke hard. As long as he misses that much, I don't mind.

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Furcal, like many speedy hitters, tries to bunt it to third because Sandoval's reputation of being a slow third baseman spread through the NL as quickly as his waist line at Thanksgiving dinner. But his bunt was terrible. It went up and floated to Pablo on one bounce. Furcal still came close to a bunt single though, that's how slow Sandoval is.

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I was eating dinner for the first two innings but I'm ready to write now.

For those that were wondering, the Dodgers only run came when Fred Lewis, in left field, set his feet and readied to catch a fly ball but forgot to actually catch the ball. The ball hit his glove and simply bounced out. Oddly poor defense.

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Dodgers up, facing Brian Wilson.

Wilson blew a save and the game yesterday. Let's see what he's got for us today. Bengie Molina is behind the plate now instead of Sandoval.

Blake is first up. 0-2 becomes 3-2. Wilson is trying too hard and losing the strike zone because of it. Blake bails him out swinging at a pitch well low. One away.

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Giants up, facing Ronald Belisario.

For anyone that cares, Sharks are down 3-1 at the start of the third. I think you can kiss this season good-bye.

Renteria shows bunt on the first pitch. During the wind up, he showed just a hint of a bunt on pitch two, pulled back and smacked a grounder past the out of position third baseman. Fred Lewis gets all the way to third on a close play. Excellently played all around.

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Dodgers up, facing Valdez.

Ethier broke his bat, and thankfully because that could've been a basehit up the middle otherwise.

Apparently Torres hurt something, a hamstring pull perhaps, rounding first and that's why Nate Schierholz came in for him. Winn is now in center and Nate's in right.

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Giants up, facing Wolf.

Uribe decides he's not going to make up for the lack of effort on defense by weakly slapping at a first pitch fastball and getting thrown out easily at first.

Torres, wi

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Dodgers up, facing Zito.

For anyone interested, the Ducks have tied it 1-1 mid-way through the 2nd period against the Sharks.

Bochy has a man in the bullpen warming up.

Zito just did something I have never in my life seen or even heard of. Kiper said the same thing. The ball slipped completely out of his hand during the pitch and it flew awkwardly in the direction of first. The ump decided to call it a throw to first and therefore and balk. Loretta advanced to second. 

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Giants up, facing Wolf.

Aurilia hits it high and hard to left, but not hard enough. I thought it was out off the bat, but it fell at the tip of the warning track.

Sandoval just hit himself in the helmet with his bat while preparing to step into the box. It was not intentional.

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Dodgers up, facing Zito.

By the way, the Giants went three up, three down last inning. I got distracted.

I never knew Bonds could be so articulate. I am used to hearing him speak only when he's upset about something, usually the media's line of questioning, and he has been flustered, inarticulate and just plain sounded dumb. Right now he is deflecting attention from himself, wanting to talk about current players rather than himself or his past. And he obviously knows what he's talking about. He sounds like an intelligent, articulate baseball expert. And he is.

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Giants up, facing Wolf.

Barry Bonds and is, at times, Michael Jackson like voice just walked into the announcer's booth. He had a lot of praise for Fred Lewis. That's nice to hear. He also has a lot of support for the Giants in general. He clearly misses the game and loves the Giants, his father's and his god-father's team (two great Giants).

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Rowand and especially Winn are getting some work out there in the outfield and are showing off their defensive talent. The wind is crazy, whipping and whirling the ball all over, and it shows in their foot work. But neither has missed a fly ball yet. Winn got two more this inning.

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Giants up, facing Wolff.

Sandoval popped foul three swings in a row. A fourth pop landed in no man's land between first and right field, but took enough time getting there that three Ddogers were waiting for it. Again, the Dodgers actually communicate and Hudson catches the out.

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Dodgers up, facing Zito.

For any Sharks fans, Sharks are up 1-0 in the middle of the first period.

Manny hits a lazy fly to right and he's out again.

TV camera found a Mom, Dad and Daughter in the audience. Dad was wearing a dodger shirt and cap. Mom and Daughter had Giants shirts and hats. Krukow says, "Who wears the pants in that family? Mom." Kuiper follows up with, "That baby doesn't even want to lean towards Dad." Hilarious.

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Giants up, facing Wolff.

Two grounders straight to Furcal and we've got two outs against us.

Aurillia gets a hit. Brownie points for Rich: he's a Giant through and through. Long time been a favorite of mine. Krukow just let the viewers know that Aurillia was "psyked up" about starting today because he wants to beat the Dodgers so much.

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Dodgers up, facing Zito.

Mark Loretta hit a grounder up the middle on the first base side. Burriss was playing so far towards first that I didn't think he had a chance. But the ball was slow enough that he got there. I still didn't think he had a chance to throw him out, but Loretta was practically jogging and was out by aa good 5-7 feet. Great play by Burriss. Zito pumped his fist he liked it so much.

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Giants up, facing Randy Wolff.

Not much to say about this inning. three up three down. Though Barry Zito hit a foul balldown the left field line that Manny retrieved and threw into the stands. A 30-year-old wearing a large Giants jacket caught the ball and immediately reared back to throw the ball back. Thankfully he realized that he'd probably get kicked out for interrupting play and didn't. He then looked around and I could read his lips. He yelled, "I don't want it!" and shrugged. There's a true Giants fan.

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Dodgers up, facing Barry Zito.

 The only guy who's had good contact with the ball against Zito so far was Kemp. He had a line drive foul but then walked. Everyone else has been too easy. Zit

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Giants up, facing

Renteria just popped way up to shallow right center. He ran it out the whole way because he's a veteran and it's windy. Ethier and Kemp bumped each other just as the ball landed in Kemp's glove... AND HE DROPS IT. Renteria got to second.

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Top of the first.

 Barry Zito is starting for the Giants. Dodgers already swept us in their stadium. I'd really like to be able to rub it into my friends' faces when the Giants sweep 'em right back.

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Anyone who has followed the rise of the Giants Tim Lincecum knows why they call him the 'Franchise.'  Another strong performance against the Arizona Diamondbacks , his second of the week, gave hi

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Good news-finally-for the Giants...A 1-0 10th inning win over the San Diego Padres had them sweeping the brief two game series.  Bengie Molina knocked in Andres Torres with a ground rule double t

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Big Unit goes 7:  Certain Hall of Famer Randy Johnson earned his 296th win, as the Giants took two of three from the Arizona Diamondbacks over the weekend.  RJ went 7 innings, struck out

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San Diego and Petco Field was not kind to the Giants this past weekend, as the Padres swept the Giants by scores 7-3 on Friday, 6-3, Saturday and 6-1 on Sunday.  Giants ace Tim Lincecum&n

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     Opening Day at ATT Park in San Francisco almost didn't happen as scheduled, as it rained most of the morning and a bit into the afternoon.  But, just to prove that bas

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Brewers up, facing Alex Hinshaw who kind of looks like Lincecum.

This should be the last half inning though Hinshaw has thrown only balls so far, getting the bullpen going.

Hardy whiffs big time through a curve ball for strike two (Fielder on first). Guess he thought he could make a 5-run home run if he hit it far enough. Gives up a double play instead.

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Giants up, facing Jorge Julio.

Winn homered and I missed it.

Renteria walks and Lewis ropes one to right for a line out.

Molina pops out for the third time.

Sondoval hits it hard, straight up the middle, on the ground, for a hit. It's about time the Giants had a good young grown hitter.

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Brewers up, facing Bob Howry

Kendall is out before I even knew what happened.

Craig Counsell pinch hits and earns a walk.

Sandoval is showing that he's not that great throwing on the run; Weeks beat his two-hop throw by a mile.

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Giants up, facing Dave Bush.

Molina crushes it to left again. This time it's over the wall. And Molina likes 'em low because that pitch was fished out of his heels.

Sandoval does his best Bengie Molina impression for a double in the gap.

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Brewers up, facing Jeremy Affeldt

Fielder knocks it into the opposite field gap. Stand up, lead off double.

Hardy's grounder moves Fielder to third.

But Cameron draws a walk, which leads to

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Giants up, facing McClung

Winn - takes ball one in the dirt almost 10 feet from the plate.  McClung still gets the out on a comebacker.

Renteria and Lewis both make easy outs.

End of six

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Brewers up, facing Brandon Medders

Weeks and Hart both fly out to center. And Braun strikes out. Good inning to start a season on for Medders.

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Giants up, facing Seth McClung who replaced Suppan

Fred Lewis - Walks.

Molina - Off the wall in left! That puts runners at the corners. That was one long single.

Sandoval - Chases a high, high, high fast ball, strike three.

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Brewers up, facing Martinez

Cameron - Base hit. Steals second on the second pitch.

Hall - Strikes out and is none too happy about it. He gave the ump a piece of his mind.

Kendall - Martinez makes an always risky pick off throw to second and just missed getting Cameron out. Grounder to third and Sandoval tags Cameron instead of throwing to first. Great heads up play by Sandoval, but a bad mistake by Cameron.

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Giants up, facing Suppan

Ishikawa - Hard groundball bounces off the glove of third baseman Hall.

Rowand - He hits it high, he hits it deep... 2-run homer to left. He knew it was game the moment it cracked his bat, and we're back on top!

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