Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle says reliever Sergio Romo limped briefly after he twisted his right ankle during pitchers fielding drills on Wednesday. It was a minor ankle turn that did not prevent him from continuing with drills or throwing a bullpen session.
Team president Larry Baer said tickets sales are up, and they are one pace to reach 3.1 million.
Bruce Bochy said Freddy Sanchez might take ground-balls as soon as this weekend.
King of Cali thoughts: I’m glad it’s just a minor sprain. I really think Romo is a good piece in our bullpen. He’s got an edge to him when he’s on the mound. He gets the crowd into it when he gets that strike out to end the inning, and runs off the mound. I’m sure his ankle will be better by opening day, and not worse.
I can see why the tickets sales have gone up this year. It seems like a lot more fans are excited going into the start of this season. We know what our pitching staff can do. Now we are starting this season with a more balanced offense than we did a year ago. We just needed to score more runs last year. This year we know we have the potential to score a few more runs.
It’s nice to hear that F-Sanchez is getting close. This guy is going to be a big key to our lineup. He’s going to be on base in-front of our middle of the lineup. He’s a great hitter that Giants fans haven’t really got to see yet. I’m sure he will change a lot of minds of the fans that have been critical of him since the trade.
~King of Cali
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Technorati Tags: Bruce Bochy, Freddy Sanchez, Free Agents, Giants, King of Cali, Larry Baer, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, Sergio Romo, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors
Chris Haft of MLB.com chimes in on John Bowker. Bowker possesses more power than any other Giants with the possible exception of first baseman Aubrey Huff. Bowker has recorded his best numbers in the high Minor Leagues, since he has tended to swing over-anxiously during his stints in San Francisco in the previous two seasons.
Bruce Bochy said “Johnny has the power to this the ball out of any ballpark anywhere, [even] right-center in our ballpark.”
Bowker thrived last year at Triple-A Fresno, where he led the Pacific Coast League in batting average (.342), on-base percentage (.451) and slugging percentage (.596) while amassing 21 homers and 83 RBI’s in just 366 at-bats.
King of Cali thoughts: Bowker doesn’t seem like the same player in San Francisco than he does in Fresno. He starts to press and looks over-matched. He’s only going to get more comfortable in San Francisco with more at-bats. The power is there. It’s just getting him to his comfort zone at the plate. I really do see him turning into a major league player in the near future. He’s only got one option left, so he may not make the opening day roster.
One good thing is he does have the same hitting coach as he did in Fresno. He might be able to keep Bowker’s head in the game at the plate. If he can get hot at the plate and show some power. You better believe Bochy will find ways to get his power bat into the lineup. He can play left, right and first base.
~King of Cali
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Technorati Tags: Aubrey Huff, Bruce Bochy, Free Agents, Giants, John Bowker, King of Cali, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, Spring Training
Bruce Bochy told the media that the fifth spot in the rotation is more of an open competition now that the Giants have signed Todd Wellemeyer. Bochy also mentioned Kevin Pucetas and Joe Martinez as peripheral candidates.
Bochy also wanted to clear up some comments he made earlier this month. Buster Posey will take some grounders at first base, so the organization can have some options. This will also give him occasional rests from catching to stay fresh while keeping his bat in the lineup every day.
“He’s a catcher,” Bochy said. “We’re not trying to convert him.”
Uniform Number Change
Kevin Frandsen gave back his No.19 to pitching coach Dave Righetti and received No.9 instead. Frandsen said it’s time for a fresh start. Hence, the new number. He’s trying to win a utility job, but he still does have one more minor league option left.
Baggarly said in his article with the San Jose Mercury News that Aaron Rowand has lost 10 pounds. Rowand says he feels stronger and quicker. He’s been cycling since October, long before Bochy called to tell him that he would be the teams leadoff hitter. He averaged four days a week on the cycle and roughly figures he ticked off 2,200 miles.
King of Cali thoughts: I must say I’m really impressed. It’s one thing for players to say they are going to get in better shape during the offseason, and it’s another to do it. Rowand just looked to big and bulky last season. Like he couldn’t move good swinging the bat. I just hope he doesn’t try to hit homers and just makes good contact with the ball. If he does that. Then I’m sure we will see him on base a lot more. Maybe the leadoff spot is the best spot for him, cause he knows he has to get on base. Not try to drive in runs.
I think the open competition for the fifth spot in the rotation is a good thing. Let your pitching speak for itself on the field. I say whoever has the best stuff going into the start of the season. Should be the guy in the fifth spot of the rotation. With that said, I don’t see any of these guys beating out Madison Bumgarner. He’s going to show everyone that age doesn’t matter. When you’re ready… you’re ready!
~King of Cali
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A glance at the everyday lineup shows none of that is happening. Six of the eight position players are in their 30’s and were acquired via free agency or trade.
Baggarly asks the questions. Will an older, slower lineup score more runs?
I think they can,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy said.”
King of Cali thoughts: This lineup is definitely a slow one. You won’t see many straight steals, or anyone really burning up the base paths. I do however think this team will be more capable of scoring more runs on a consistent basis. The lineup is much more balanced throughout the lineup. I’m sure a couple players will have some bounce back years as well.
I do get tired of hearing the Giants over achieved last year. How is it over achieving if your pitching staff is really just that damn good? You have an ace in Tim Lincecum who can pretty much win every time out if he can get some decent run support. Matt Cain is capable of being a 20 game winner as well. Barry Zito has his ups and downs, but he had a stretch where he looked like the Zito of old. Jonathan Sanchez got his confidence back when he tossed a no-hitter, and he can possible take a big step this year as a more elite pitcher. Now you’re even throwing Madison Bumgarner in the mix at the end of the rotation. This guy can flat out pitch, and in time will be a front of the rotation kind of a guy.
The Giants are starting out with another great starting rotation in 2010, so if you can get a few more runs here and there. Then you would be able to get a few more wins than you did last year. Let me guess Giants critics… This will be considered another year of over achieving?
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Barry Bonds, Barry Zito, Bruce Bochy, Free Agents, Jonathan Sanchez, King of Cali, Madison Bumgarner, Matt Cain, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, Tim Lincecum
Andrew Baggarly reported on his blog (last week). Buster Posey isn’t “etched in stone” to begin the season at Triple-A Fresno. Bruce Bochy said him and Brian Sabean have talked about giving Posey a look at other infield positions. This is to increase Posey’s options of getting into games. 
Photo by Damon Tarver
When Baggarly told Posey about Bochy’s comments. Posey’s first response was “I hope someone gets me some new gloves!” It’s also been reported by Baggarly that Posey has put on 15 pounds this offseason.
Side Notes
Edgar Renteria (elbow surgery) is healthy and so is Mark DeRosa (wrist surgery).
King of Cali thoughts: Now this really got me thinking. Wouldn’t it be best to just move Posey to another position, so he doesn’t have to go through the everyday grind of being a catcher? Moving him to another position can also prolong his career by a couple more years. I’m sure the Giants are pretty set in having him as their future everyday catcher. They probably won’t really consider moving his position until later on in his career. We just need to get this guy use to some major league pitching, so he can hit like we know he’s capable of.
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Brian Sabean, Bruce Bochy, Buster Posey, Edgar Renteria, Free Agents, Giants, King of Cali, Mark DeRosa, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors
Chris Haft of MLB.com says the status of Nate Schierholtz as the Giants Opening Day right fielder has shifted from “projected” to “likely” on Saturday. Brian Sabean endorsed Schierholtz based on his defensive prowess.
Now that Winn has moved on and signed with the New York Yankees. Sabean said: “You always need your best fielder in right field, and the only guy who really has a chance to do that against the standard of Randy Winn is Schierholtz.”
There is still a possibility that Andres Torres and Eugenio Velez could platoon in right field. The emphasis on Schierholtz as a right fielder means that John Bowker, thought to be a candidate for that position, must concentrate on left field and first base if he’s to earn playing time.
Sabean legitimized reports that the Giants are pursuing Todd Wellemeyer and Hisanori Takahashi, saying “we’re engaged with two “free agents. “I don’t know if we’ll get one or both,” Sabean added. Wellemeyer, 13-9 with a 3.71 ERA for St. Louis in 2008, slumped to 7-10, 5.89 ERA last year.
King of Cali thoughts: Nasty Nate has proven he can hold down the right field spot defensively. Let’s just hope he can hold down the spot with his bat as well. If Schierholtz is struggling bad at the plate. I can see this turning into a platoon situation. Bruce Bochy will want to go with the hottest hitter if it gets to that point. The Giants are going to need all cylinders firing at all times to try to generate as many runs as possible. It’s your job to lose Nate!
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Andres Torres, Brian Sabean, Bruce Bochy, Eugenio Velez, Free Agents, Hisanori Takahashi, John Bowker, King of Cali, MLB Hot Stove, Nate Schierholtz, NL West, Randy Winn, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, Todd Wellemeyer
The Giants Flagship Station KNBR reported that Bruce Bochy was on the Giants Hot Stove with Jon Miller. When asked about Freddy Sanchez. Bochy said that he had shoulder surgery a month ago. Sanchez will be rehabbing most of spring training. It’s not likely that he will be in the Opening Day starting lineup.
I just hope this is the last of his injuries in a Giants uniform. Giants fans haven’t got to see how good of a hitter this guy really is. I’m just glad he at least had the surgery a month ago and didn’t wait till the season started to decide he needed it. Him not being available opening day isn’t the end of the world. That just means Juan Uribe will get the start, and we know what he can do in the lineup.
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Bruce Bochy, Freddy Sanchez, Free Agents, Giants, Jon Miller, Juan Uribe, KNBR, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Rumors
Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News said via twitter that after signing Mark DeRosa, Giants GM Brian Sabean says he’s focused on getting another bat. He has multiple offers on the table.
Baggarly also said via twitter that Giants manager Bruce Bochy isn’t sure where DeRosa or Pablo Sandoval will play/hit yet. Will be contingent on other moves to add a bat.
King of Cali thoughts: Now this is good news to hear. This is Sabean letting Giants fans know that they are not just going to settle on DeRosa. They still are looking for another bat to get some thump back in this lineup. Which makes the DeRosa signing good, because he’s a good compliment player.
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Brian Sabean, Bruce Bochy, Free Agents, Giants, King of Cali, Mark DeRosa, MLB Hot Stove, NL West, Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Blog, SF Giants Rumors, SF Giants Rumors
Posted on November 16th, 2009 by admin in
Q&A Hey Giants fans here is a Q&A that Dan Dibley was willing to do for us. As most of you reading this know Dibley works for KNBR. The Giants Flagship Station. Dibley is the Sports/Traffic Anchor. He has been a part of the KNBR Morning Show and Gary Radnich Experience since 2005.
King: What’s your thoughts on Bruce Bochy and Brian Sabean coming back in 2010?
Dibley: I think Bruce Bochy did a nice job by enlarge of making that collection of players successful in 2009. I don’t think many skippers would have gotten 90 wins out of the group of hitters. I’m glad to see him back. As for Sabean, while some of his free agent signings are questionable, I applaud him for “trying” to upgrade the offense with Sanchez/Garko. That said, this is his last contract, unless they make a big run in the next 2 years.
King: Who is your favorite player, current and all time?
Dibley: My current favorite player is probably Brian Wilson. He has really nasty stuff and just an odd-enough personality to succeed as a closer. I’d put Affeldt and Velez as my two runners-up, though I have a big soft spot for Freddie Lewis and Randy Winn. My all-time favorite would have to be Willie McCovey. He was in his heyday while I was growing up.
King: What is your best Giants memory?
Dibley: I’d have to say my best memory, and I cannot recall the exact date, was the night of the double-header with the Dodgers back at the Stick when anarchy ruled. I was in the outfield seats when fans began jumping over the wall, clamoring for home run balls, even on short pop ups. It was the last night they allowed fans to leave the seats and chase down HR balls. The crowd was unruly a bit but it was an awesome night.
King: What free agent player out there would you like to see the Giants go after?
Dibley: I would like them to go after Jason Bay, a power hitter who will not totally kill the Giants defense.
King: There has been rumors about a Cain, Fielder trade. If you were the GM would you make this trade?
Dibley: Initially, I would have made that trade but something about the deal does not feel right for me. Maybe it’s the fit of Fielder with the Giants but my gut says don’t do it.
King: There are some 09 Giants players that are now free agents. Which players would you like to see brought back?
Dibley: I would love for them to bring Bengie Molina back, but for only one year, a pipe dream I realize. Aside from that, it’s good that Freddy Sanchez is coming back but aside from that, they can all pretty much go away.
King: There is a lot of people that want to see Posey as the starting catcher next season. Do you think Posey is ready for that role?
Dibley: I don’t think he is ready to be the everyday catcher. The inside word is that he needs to get more musculature. Once he gets bigger he will tear it up.
King: What’s your thoughts on the NL having a DH?
Dibley: Hate the DH. Always have, always will. Baseball is a game of 9 on 9. We teach kids the ethos of playing the field and getting rewarded with an AB. The DH ruins that.
King: For the record… Who do you enjoy working with more.. Murph and Mac or Gary?
Dibley: Murph and Mac are the main course and Gary is the dessert. I get a well balanced meal from 5-9 then I get a terrific, varied “treat” from 9-10:30ish. I’m the the luckiest broadcaster in the market to be able to span two great, yet different shows.
King: Is there anything you want to let Giants fans know about you that they might not know?
Dibley: I love my job at KNBR and it is a partial culmination of my dreams. The fact that a mediocre student who never played professional sports can be such an integral part of a 50,000 watt sports station is testimony to the fact that dreams come true. I want people to know that dreams do in fact come true so keep believing and don’t give up, don’t ever give up.
I just want to say thank you very much to Dan Dibley for taking the time to do this Q&A for us. You can check out Dibley’s blog at dandibley.com and you can also follow him on twitter (twitter.com/dandibley).
~King of Cali
Technorati Tags: Baseball, Bengie Molina, Brian Sabean, Brian Wilson, Bruce Bochy, Buster Posey, Dan Dibley, Giants, Jason Bay, KNBR, Matt Cain, MLB, Prince Fielder, Q&A, Randy Winn, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants Rumors
Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle says Carney Lansford got the news Wednesday in Oregon just two hours before his father-in-law was buried. Lansford did not ask manager Bruce Bochy who might replace him.
“Frankly, I don’t care,” Lansford said Thursday. “I wish whoever it is the best. I hope they get some players for him.”
Fan Favorite Will Clark does not appear to be a candidate. Clark said Thursday he has not been contacted about the job.
“Bill Neukom was very kind to offer me the special assistant job,” Clark said of the Giants’ managing general partner. “I am very comfortable in that role right now.”
Technorati Tags: Bill Neukom, Bruce Bochy, Carney Lansford, Hot Stove, MLB Rumors, San Francisco Giants Baseball, SF Giants, SF Giants Baseball, SF Giants Rumors, SF Giants Trade Rumors, Will Clark
