2011 Season Notes

[love_that_reefer]

Ross took batting practice yesterday but it still at least a week away from returning. Some reports are saying two weeks. Wilson is looking like he will be ready to go this week. When Wilson comes back, Runzler is most likely to be sent down because he has a Minor League option left.

[GiantsFanatic]

Just out of curiosity, when you say minor league option left, what does that exactly mean? I mean is that part of his contract? Or is it in every players first big league contract?

[love_that_reefer]

A player has only so many options to be sent back down to the minors. I think its a pre-arbitration affair. Ishikawa was out of options so we had to put his on waivers. Runzler has one more option to be sent down so he is the most likely to go when Wilson comes back.

[love_that_reefer]

Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News hears that Santiago Casilla will likely be placed on the disabled list when Brian Wilson is activated Wednesday.
According to Baggarly, Casilla's elbow has been "cranky." The 28-year-old right-hander hasn't made an appearance since he allowed one run on one hit and a walk against the Dodgers on Opening Day last Thursday.

Looks like we won't have to send Runzler down just yet.

[love_that_reefer]

The Giants signed righty Doug Mathis yesterday, according to the Pacific Coast League's transactions page. He's already made a start for the Fresno Grizzlies. The 27-year-old had been released by the Indians last week.

Mathis posted a 5.66 ERA, 5.5 K/9, 3.1 BB/9, and 0.7 HR/9 in 89 Triple-A innings last year, mostly as a starter. He was worse with the Rangers in 22 1/3 relief innings, allowing seven home runs and 30 hits.

Can never have too much pitching I guess.

[love_that_reefer]

Ishikawa cleared waivers and remains a Giant

[Hammer]

barry zitos mustache = pure unadulterated awesomeness

[love_that_reefer]

Andres Torres (Achilles) is likely to miss next week's Giants-Dodgers series.
He still might avoid the disabled list. Torres arrived at the ballpark Sunday wearing a walking boot and using crutches, standard protocol for a mildly strained Achilles. "I can't tell you how long until probably Wednesday, and then we'll see where we're at with him," manager Bruce Bochy said. "But he came in today and felt much better, which is good news. Anytime somebody makes progress overnight the way he has, that's always a good thing." Aaron Rowand will be the center fielder while Torres is out.

Rowand has been doing well at the plate so maybe this won't be all bad. I just hope Torres doesn't try to rush back and make it worse like Frandsen did a few years ago.

[love_that_reefer]

Looks like Zito is the next to join the DL. Zito sprained his foot fielding a bunt which was a blessing in disguise. Zito was barely hitting 83mph on his fastball Saturday. Mota came in and pitched well. Ryan Vogelsong will be called up to take Zito's place. Vogelsong looked good in ST and can throw harder than 83mph.

[love_that_reefer]

Torres will be activated from the DL this Friday, DeRosa next Tuesday

[love_that_reefer]

Giants manager isn't sure how the playing time will break down between Mark DeRosa (wrist), Miguel Tejada and Mike Fontenot when DeRosa comes off the disabled list Tuesday.
Tejada has moved over to third with Pablo Sandoval out, with Fontenot taking over at shortstop and as the No. 3 hitter. "That's going to be a tough call," Bochy said of Fontenot. "He's doing such a nice job. We'll get together Tuesday and talk about how we're going to work this out." We would expect DeRosa to get a real shot to supplant Tejada at third, though all three players figure to play a decent amount.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy indicated that Andres Torres (Achilles) will be his regular center fielder after he comes off the DL Tuesday even though Aaron Rowand has played fairly well.
"It's fair to say we'd like to have Andres out there," Bochy said. "He gives us some speed and a switch-hitter in the lineup." It's not a surprising decision, as Torres earned the right last season to be the regular center fielder. Plus, with a .271/.317/.398 batting line, Rowand really isn't playing that well. With Torres and Mark DeRosa coming back and Rowand, Pat Burrell, Nate Schierholtz, Cody Ross, Miguel Tejada and Mike Fontenot all vying for playing time, Bochy has an unenviable task ahead of him.

Fontenot definitely has earned playing time at SS when DeRosa comes back. He has been hitting the ball well and drawing walks, something Tejada hasn't been doing. Fontenot has also been playing good defense at SS which is something I didn't expect but he has been sharp. Fontenot needs to stay.

As for Torres, we need him back in the leadoff spot. Rowand batting leadoff is really a disgusting sight to see. Rowand has been hitting well compared to other Giants but Ross just hit his first HR and Nate has been doing well too. Rowand might be stealing time from Burrell who has been getting on base lately. Bochy does have a bit of a problem in the OF.

[love_that_reefer]

Pablo Sandoval fielded ground balls Tuesday for the first time since undergoing surgery to repair a fractured hamate bone last week.
Sandoval was still wearing a cast and is expected to miss at least four weeks. Mark DeRosa, who was activated from the disabled list on Tuesday, is now expected to see most of the time at third base during his absence.

Good to hear he is still trying some baseball activities but it is his hitting I am more worried about.

[love_that_reefer]

Conor Gillaspie was removed after one inning Tuesday for Triple-A Fresno, leading to speculation that he could be called up Wednesday.
Miguel Tejada has been ineffective all season, and Mark DeRosa is hitless since returning from the disabled list, so it would make sense to bring Gillaspie up to see if he can help out at the hot corner while Pablo Sandoval is out. He's batting .293/.373/.429 with two homers and 25 RBI for Fresno this season.

Very interesting development if true. I was upset when Rohlinger was called up over Gillaspie when DeRosa hit the DL but now it looks like someone will be released.

[GiantsFanatic]

How old is Gillaspie? He's been in the farm system for a while huh?

[love_that_reefer]

He'll turn 24 this July. It just feels like he has been in the system so long because he was called up way before he should have been, 20 yrs old and his first year in the system. Looks like he was slid into and hurt his ankle so no call up expected.