Durham's single lifts Giants in ninth

07/19/2006
SAN FRANCISCO -- For Giants pitcher Matt Morris, it was a game seemingly doomed after three innings -- he looked like a man stuck in a pinball machine -- and with the club trailing by four runs early ... forget it.
Let the loss happen and move on.
But there was a sudden, inexplicable changing of moods and mindsets for the Giants, who pulled off an improbable 7-6 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers at AT&T Park on Wednesday, roaring back from a five-run deficit with a series of stunning events.
It was an unbelievable day, from Morris throwing hitless ball from the fourth through the seventh, to relievers Jonathan Sanchez and Brian Wilson posting goose eggs, to unheralded rookie catcher Eliezer Alfonzo's continuing heroics, to Barry Bonds coming off the bench for a clutch hit and to mighty mite Ray Durham slamming a two-run homer in the fifth and slashing a game-winning single in the ninth.
The last person you'd expect to be in a chatty mood and with a smile on his face postgame was Morris, rocked by six runs on seven hits over three frames, with Gabe Gross slamming a this-game-is-history, three-run homer in the third.
Yet the veteran right-hander began altering speeds and finding location, giving the Giants time to avoid losing their second straight home series and close the gap behind National League West-leader San Diego to 2 1/2 games.
"It looks like it's looking up for us in the second half," said Morris, whose streak of wins in his last five decisions remains intact. "It's exciting. The race is starting to heat up, and it was a great momentum swing today and, hopefully, we can continue it into the other series.
"Today was a great win. The wind was blowing in our direction, and we just kept pouring it on. These are wins that are going to propel us. We've hung in there long enough and believe we can do it whether we're down or not. It was special."
Especially that fateful ninth. Bonds' timely base hit into right-center ignited the rally, then Steve Finley chopped a bizarre double through the infield, and following an intentional walk to Moises Alou to load the bases, the 34-year-old Durham cracked a two-run single off Brewers closer Derrick Turnbow's glove.
Many felt that the aging, oft-injured Durham could literally be on his last legs with the Giants, but he's basically carried the offense of late. His earlier homer was his 15th of the season, third of the homestand and fifth in his last eight games.
"Is he using an aluminum bat?" manager Felipe Alou was asked.
"It sounds like it," was the reply.
In his last 29 games, Durham is batting .320 with 11 homers and 29 RBIs.
"I'm just glad we were able to end it with a win," said Durham. "I hit the ball pretty good. Good thing it went off his glove, because I think it would've either been a bang-bang play, or it would've gone right up the middle. There was no way I was going to get doubled off. No way. No chance."
With the Padres coming into town for a crucial four-game series starting Thursday night, this victory was important, and maybe it's just a coincidence, but San Francisco has won two straight following a team meeting that focused on relaxing, playing hard and staying focused.
"It was a huge lift," said Durham. "Had we somehow lost this game with the first-place Padres coming to town, it would have felt like an uphill struggle. But now that we can come from behind and win a ballgame against a tough closer, it's a huge lift."
Getting his first Major League victory was Wilson, a 24-year-old rookie right-hander who tossed a scoreless top of the ninth, despite giving up Tony Gwynn Jr.'s first big-league hit, a double down the right-field line.
Tony Gwynn Sr. also doubled for his initial hit exactly 24 years ago to the day in 1982.
"The whole game, we had a ton of emotion going on," said Wilson. "It felt like from the get-go we were going to win this game. A lot of guys did the little things to help the team win.
"We all did our part. Everyone had an intricate part of the game, and it gives us momentum going into tomorrow."

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/

No indictment for Giants' Bonds

07/20/2006
SAN FRANCISCO -- No indictments were handed down Thursday against San Francisco Giants star outfielder Barry Bonds as a federal grand jury's 18-month term expired.
But a grand jury scheduled to convene next week again will be asked to review possible perjury and tax-evasion charges against Bonds as part of a larger ongoing federal probe into steroid use.
Hours after the grand jury's term expired Thursday, Greg Anderson, Bonds' former personal trainer who had refused to testify recently in front of the grand jury, was released from a federal prison in nearby Dublin, Calif., where he had been held since being cited for contempt July 5.
As Anderson left jail, though, he was handed a subpoena to testify before the new grand jury on Thursday. A regular grand jury has a term of 18 months and can be held over for six more months under special circumstances. If Anderson again declines to testify, he can go back to prison for as much as two years.
"They can subpoena him every day for the rest of this year, and it doesn't matter," Mark Geragos, Anderson's attorney, told the San Francisco Chronicle. "He's not going to talk."
Bonds told MLB.com before Thursday night's game against the San Diego Padres at AT&T Park that the reprieve gave him a "temporary sense of relief."
"Hopefully, this is over," Bonds said, reiterating what he also posted on his Web site, barrybonds.com. "I want to make it clear that I have no hard feelings toward the legal process, but there comes a point where everyone needs to move on."
Michael Rains, an attorney for Bonds, said during a hastily called early afternoon media conference near the entrance to San Francisco's downtown federal building, that Bonds hoped Thursday's events signaled an end to the case.
"This is not a moment of great joy. There's at least temporary relief in the news we heard today," Rains said. "This is a moment of humility. This is an issue that has plagued Barry for more than three years now. He's hoping that this is the end of it. But he doesn't know that, nor do I."
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California issued a statement saying it will "continue to move forward actively in this investigation." The newly impaneled grand jury will be the third in the past four years asked to hear evidence stemming from the investigation into the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative (BALCO).
Major League Baseball did not issue a statement regarding the day's proceedings. Rich Levin, a spokesman for the Commissioner's Office, said simply that MLB was "continuing to monitor the situation."
Peter Magowan, the Giants' president and managing general partner, said it was difficult for him or anyone on the club to comment about the case.
"I think we're doing OK," Magowan said. "You say there's a cloud over us, well, what cloud? The fact that there's a man who could still be indicted certainly is something that's not a positive. But he hasn't been indicted. Until he is indicted, if he is, nothing really has changed from the way it's been."
Rains said it wasn't clear whether a majority of the panel hadn't reached the standard of probable cause in the case to hand down an indictment, or the government, unable to put its key witness (Anderson) on the stand, simply didn't ask for one. Rains said that it was clear, though, that the federal government hadn't made its case.
"We have all heard the overworked adage in the legal world that you can indict a ham sandwich," Rains said. "And that's true. It's not hard to get an indictment. So what I say to the public is, if it's that easy, why don't we have an indictment?
"And the answer is, they don't have enough to indict a ham sandwich, let alone Barry Bonds."
Kevin Ryan, the U.S. Attorney overseeing the case, said in a statement released late in the day that his office had not sought an indictment from the just-expired grand jury.
"We are not seeking an indictment today in connection with the ongoing steroid-related investigation, and have postponed that decision for another day in light of some recent developments.
"Much has been accomplished to date; there have been five felony convictions stemming from the investigation, which has served to galvanize the national debate on the surprisingly widespread use, and dangerous and harmful nature, of anabolic steroids and performance-enhancing drugs in sports.
"However, some unanswered questions remain in this case. We intend to pursue the answers to those questions. We will continue to move forward actively in this investigation -- including continuing to seek the truthful testimony of witnesses whose testimony the grand jury is entitled to hear. After we complete the investigation, we will have a final conclusion about any charges, including whether charges are appropriate."
Bonds has been widely suspected of using steroids, particularly during the years 1999 to 2002 when his power numbers increased and he broke Mark McGwire's single-season home run record by hitting 73 homers during the 2001 season.
Bonds, who will be 42 years old on Monday and with 722 career homers is No. 2 on baseball's all-time list, has never admitted using steroids. He testified in front of the original BALCO grand jury in December 2003, and from that testimony perjury suspicions grew. When the transcript was illegally leaked to the Chronicle, Bonds said he may have unknowingly used topical steroids now called "the cream" and "the clear." Bonds said he thought the substances were arthritis balm and flaxseed oil.
Asked on Thursday whether his client had told the truth, Rains didn't equivocate.
"The answer to that is yes," he said. "I'm his lawyer. Are you going to be believe that? Is the media going to believe that? Is the public going to believe it? The government doesn't want to believe it and has refused to believe it. Hence the continuing investigation."
Bonds declined to talk about details of the case, but he offered thanks to the people who have supported him since the investigation began.
"First and foremost, I want to thank my family and friends," Bonds said. "Their support has been constant and unwavering. I would also like to thank my teammates, the fans and all those who have stood behind me throughout all of this. That support has made a difference for me and allowed me to stay focused on the field."

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/

Notes: Alou likes Bonds' chances in '07

07/20/2006
SAN FRANCISCO -- Yes, age is creeping up on Barry Bonds, who turns 42 on Monday, but manager Felipe Alou, who at 71 knows a thing or three about how creaky knees can ruin a career, believes the megaslugger will still be viable in 2007.
Whether it's for the Giants or another team remains to be seen.
"Oh yeah," said Alou. "He could be better next year. He could be healthier. If age allows for him to recognize the pitches early enough to stay back, he could be better."
San Francisco president and managing general partner Peter Magowan said on Thursday night that he wouldn't comment on whether the team wants to re-sign Bonds for another year.
"Whether that could happen, or should happen, will be discussed at the end of the baseball season," said Magowan.
Alou, meantime, sees Bonds' bad knees improving over the past month, and he says that's the key to being a good hitter, providing a stable, strong launch pad to rocket balls.
"He's a guy who is a perfectionist -- he's got a beautiful swing, and while people talk about hand-and-eye coordination, the legs are what propels the swing."
So could Bonds reach that seemingly unreachable stat of 755 lifetime homers, equaling and then surpassing Hank Aaron's Major League record?
"He needs 35 more homers, and he's going to hit a few more this year and get himself to a point to challenge the all-time record," said Alou.
Admittedly, he sees Bonds' overall baseball ability beginning to deteriorate, as he saw with former teammates Willie Mays and Aaron -- and himself. Yet asked if he feels Bonds' hitting only .250 means the distraction of a possible indictment and talk of steroid use is getting to the slugger, Alou said he didn't think so.
"I know he's hitting .250, but you expect that at 42," said Alou. "He's aging the age of a normal player. But Barry was MVP at 38. Barry upset? I hope they don't expect him to hit .300 or .350."
Alou has dealt with a variety of issues surrounding Bonds since becoming manager in 2003, and he has never felt the controversies have had a negative impact on Bonds' on-field performance or been a distraction for the Giants.
Alou's reaction upon hearing the news that a federal grand jury didn't indict Bonds on charges of perjury or tax evasion on Thursday after an 18-month session was as anticipated, as in no reaction at all.
"I saw the ticker on television," he said. "I always hope it's the end, especially during the baseball season. I wasn't worried, not really worried, and I don't believe the team is worried."
Rotation helps Finley: Center fielder Steve Finley is hitting only .257 overall, but his average has been steadily on the rise with the 41-year-old veteran batting .302 in July.
He was also hitting over .300 in mid-May, but he saw his mark plummet after posting a mere .238 average in June, mostly due to playing regularly with outfielder Moises Alou on the shelf with a severely sprained ankle.
Alou says he prefers to rotate the outfielders, giving all of them days off to keep them sharp.
"Even if you're old, when you're fresh you have all your energy and strength and can hit like a young guy," he said. "When Finley played every day, he tailed off and looked tired. Now he's back [hitting again] because he's fresh."
How to play: Giants players and coaches will host an instructional clinic for Junior Giants and Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. PT on Friday at the BSCSF Hunters Point clubhouse.
Participants will include pitchers Brad Hennessey and Jonathan Sanchez, catcher Eliezer Alfonzo, third-base coach Gene Glynn and hitting assistant Willie Upshaw.

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/

Homer-happy Giants take down Padres

07/21/2006
SAN FRANCISCO -- This could have been one of the coolest nights of Noah Lowry's pitching life, heading for the second shutout and third complete game of his career, blowing away the San Diego Padres with mechanical precision on Thursday night.
That didn't happen.
But even though the shutout evaporated and Lowry was forced to leave the ninth with one out, watching San Francisco take a 9-3 victory over the Friars at AT&T Park and rush to within 1 1/2 games of the National League West leaders was special nevertheless.
Hang the complete game. Who cares about the blanking?
It hardly mattered on this electric night, when Barry Bonds blasted his 14th homer of the season -- and 722nd of his career -- while rookie first sacker Chad Santos hit his first Major League homer and Ray Durham and Pedro Feliz followed Bonds' blow in the eighth with solo homers of their own.
The Giants have won three straight games for the seventh time this year, but they have yet to break through for four consecutive victories. That could change on Friday as there's been a palpable buoyant air, a new spirit, following a rare team meeting on Tuesday.
There's a gusher of competitive juices flowing.
"I felt pretty good going into the ninth," said Lowry. "I wanted to go out and finish it no matter what the score was. But it's a win, and that's all that mattered."
Lowry said there's an upbeat attitude permeating the team now, a one-for-all, all-for-one mentality. He can feel it, touch it.
"It's a new mentality here and everybody is believing in what we talked about," said Lowry. "Everybody's buying into what we talked about. It's a different feeling, to tell you the truth."
And different pitching by Lowry, who fixed minor mechanical flaws in his delivery in the bullpen and pitched one of his best games of the year, scattering six hits and shutting down the Padres for his first eight innings.
"The results were there today, and it was a big game for us," he said. "We had everything working tonight when we needed it, especially with runners on base."
Shortstop Omar Vizquel, who continues to display zest at age 39, wowed the sellout crowd of 42,047 with a perfect suicide squeeze in the three-run fifth, with Randy Winn dashing home and Vizquel safe at first.
"That's part of the things I've been talking about," said Vizquel. "Get something going on the bases, try to force a play. I think it's good that things are happening lately.
It was certainly a special night for Santos, as wife Jessica and 15 family members were in the stands, visiting from his hometown of Kaneohe in Oahu, Hawaii.
They waved huge signs, "Santos, #14" and "Aloha," and cheered everything the rookie did. And he did a lot. Along with his first Major League home run, the 24-year-old Santos also made two sparkling plays at first base.
"All the family came in for this one game," said Jessica, who had never attended a Major League game and was thrilled with her husband's shot to center field. "It brought tears to my eyes. Everyone's so happy. I've been telling everyone to quiet down because it echoes in here. I've been trying to make them keep quiet, but they can't control themselves."
Santos, called up on Sunday from Triple-A Fresno, ripped a line drive that same day for his first big-league hit and made his first start on Monday.
In his second at-bat, his group and surroundings fans chanted, "Let's go Santos," then clapped when he drew a walk.
The rookie's two-run homer off Padres starter Chan Ho Park (6-6) came in the second -- to the amazement of Santos himself, much less his cheering section.
"All cousins, mostly, nephews and nieces -- they were loud," laughed Santos about his contingent. "It felt real good; I didn't expect it, but the ball went out. It was nice. I couldn't tell you my emotions -- I'm too excited right now."
For Jessica, meantime, who has followed her husband on his long Minor League journey, this was a night to remember.
"We couldn't believe it," she said. "I still can't believe he's here. It's still all settling in my head."

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Will Feliz be ready?

03/13/2006
I love the World Baseball Classic -- it has been great. However, I have noticed that Pedro Feliz is not getting many at-bats with the Dominican club. Obviously, they are stacked with talent, and Pedro has wait behind Adrian Beltre and Albert Pujols. But, will Pedro be ready to go at the plate with so little action?-- Dan M., Vancouver, Wash.
That was a big concern of Feliz when he reported to camp, and after Monday's action, he had only six at-bats -- without a hit. Meantime, potential backup Angel Chavez has had 22 plate appearances this spring for the Giants and is batting .364 with five doubles and three RBIs. You know Pedro is impatient, and once the Classic is done, he'll have only about 15 days of preseason play.
Who is Shairon Martis? I heard he threw a seven-inning no-hitter against Panama, and he's only 18! Is this kid the real deal or did he just have a good game?-- Scott W., Eureka, Calif.
Martis is a prospect, and his stock certainly rose with his performance. He'll turn 19 on March 30 and has been sensational in two lower-level Minor League campaigns. He had a 1.79 ERA over 14 games in 2004 and a 1.85 mark in 11 games last season in the Arizona Rookie League. The right-hander from Willemstad, Curacao, is definitely for real.
Every year the Giants talk up their rotation, like last year, telling everyone how good it is. Is this year the year that it lives up to expectaions?-- Cole T., Petaluma, Calif.
It should. Jason Schmidt is feeling good and says he's mentally tougher after his rough 2005, while No. 2 Matt Morris is a realiable veteran who can wolf down innings. Add youngsters Noah Lowry and Matt Cain, and you've got a great mix.
Brett Butler is managing the Class A ballclub for the Diamondbacks this year. What are his chances of becoming the Giants manager when Felipe Alou retires?-- David B., Paso Robles, Calif.
Highly doubtful. Just like players making the Majors, managers have to learn their trade in the Minors, going through the ranks. Butler's barely a rookie. When Felipe retires, look for a seasoned skipper.
Whatever happened to Alex Sanchez? It seemed like he had some good things going for him besides his defense; is he still with the organization? If not, why wasn't he invited to camp?-- Joaquin L., Mill Valley, Calif.
Sanchez hit .256 for the Giants over 19 games last season, was placed on the disabled list with a sprained left elbow July 24, then designated for assignment Aug. 8 and released. He definitely was a defensive liability.
Who is this McMains guy!? It's amazing what he's done. Is there a bright future for him with the Giants?-- Clayton A., San Francisco Derin McMains, 26, has been frequently injured and had three surgeries over a 10-month period last year. He did well at Class A San Jose in 2005 with a .325 mark before shoulder problems. The upbeat McMains did have a great, but aborted, spring with the Giants with three homers in his first four at-bats. But he was reassigned to the Minor League camp Monday. Too many veterans ahead of him in the infield.
Is Matt Cain a good fantasy option? Will he start? Does it look like he should have a good '06 season?-- Gabe W., Honolulu, Hawaii
Yes. Yes. Yes. The 21-year-old is a smart pitcher who shows poise and adjustability on the mound beyond his years. Excellent stuff.

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/

Durham solid for Giants in defeat

03/13/2006
Giants at the plate: Leadoff hitter Abraham Nunez singled to start the game and added a double in the fifth off Jose Valverde. The lone Giants regular in the lineup -- Ray Durham -- got two of the Giants' first three hits and also stole a base. Daniel Ortmeier got the Giants on the board with a sacrifice fly in the sixth that scored Lance Niekro.
Diamondbacks at the plate: Jeff DaVanon walked three times in the leadoff spot. Tony Clark hit his second homer of the spring, a solo shot in the third inning off Giants starter Matt Kinney. Clark added a two-run single to left in his next at-bat.
Giants on the mound: Kinney struggled a bit with his control, as he walked three Diamondbacks and left trailing 4-0. Pedro Liriano did not fare much better, as he allowed three runs in his one inning of work.
Diamondbacks on the mound: Claudio Vargas, competing for the No. 5 spot in the rotation, kept the ball down and did not allow a run over four innings. Vargas pitched out of a jam in the second, striking out Kinney.
Cactus League records: Giants 6-5; Diamondbacks 10-3.
Up next: The Giants will return to the friendly confines of Scottsdale Stadium on Tuesday to take on the Rangers at 12:05 p.m. PT. Matt Morris will get the starting nod for San Francisco against right-hander John Danks.
The Diamondbacks will face off against the White Sox on Tuesday at Tucson Electric Park, with Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez starting against Brandon McCarthy at 1:05 p.m. MST. Luis Vizcaino, acquired with Hernandez from the White Sox in the Javier Vazquez deal, will also see action.

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/

Bonds homer, Niekro RBIs boost Giants

03/14/2006
Rangers at the plate: D'Angelo Jimenez ripped a two-run homer to right in the second inning and Hank Blalock had two singles.
Giants at the plate: Designated hitter Barry Bonds went 3-for-3 with a solo homer, two singles and a sacrifice bunt. First sacker Lance Niekro had two RBIs on a double, single and infield out.
Rangers on the mound: John Danks, 20, allowed four hits over four frames.
Giants on the mound: Starter Matt Morris pitched five innings -- most by a San Francisco hurler this spring -- giving up six hits and two runs. Jamey Wright threw three scoreless innings.
Cactus League records: Rangers, 5-6, Giants, 7-5.

Source: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/