Giants hope healthy days lie ahead

01/01/2006
It would be nice if the Giants' 2006 season could be scripted, edited, revised and perfected, but baseball is the ultimate "what you see is what you get" reality show.
It's an ever-changing, ever-evolving daily game of hits and misses, triumph and despair.
For San Francisco, last season was a rough one, akin to "Survivor" in the wilds of the National League West, a tale of debilitating injuries, inexplicably poor performances and, with the entire division seemingly stuck in a swampy muck, just striving to, well, survive.
But a new year dawns, and with it comes perennial optimism, based not only on the team's track record over the past decade but also on the premise that 2005's disappointing third-place division finish was a whale-sized fluke.
So it's onward and upward, and once more -- and perhaps for the final season -- the health and strength of 41-year-old Barry Bonds will be the plot line, determining whether or not there's a happy ending.
If Bonds can stay relatively strong for 120 games or so, the homers, RBIs, intimidating at-bats and those inevitable intentional strolls will return, along with their byproducts: rallies, runs and wins.
The same can be said of outfielder Moises Alou, who, hampered by leg problems but ever an offensive force to be reckoned with, is also heading toward that treacherous territory known as His Forties. It may be Alou's sayonara season, but it could be an awesome one if he can stay out of the training room.
The Giants' outfield depth and explosivness was aided considerably with the addition of slugger Steve Finley, and if center fielder Randy Winn produces only half as well as his stupendous 2005 in San Francisco livery, the outfield's run production will be massive.
The key, however, as always, is pitching.
Back is ace -- and sometime joker -- Jason Schmidt, he of the once-buzzing fastball but now, by necessity due to arm problems, a more well-rounded pitcher. Keep your fingers crossed that Schmidt's right arm remains viable, as it was in 2003 and 2004.
Hello, Matt Morris. This veteran, probably Schmidt's equal, is starter No. 1 1/2, and he'll make up a formidable foursome along with young guns Matt Cain and Noah Lowry. Expect a lot of innings, a lot of strikeouts, and if luck and health and the vagaries of sport are on their side, victories.
This team can be very good, thanks to a cast of position-player holdovers.
There's the defensive wizardry and batting skills of shortstop Omar Vizquel, the catching and throwing expertise -- and surprisingly good hitting -- of backstop Mike Matheny, the athleticism of aging infielder Ray Durham and the hopeful full-time third-base role of Pedro Feliz. Lance Niekro, older and, hopefully healthier, gets his best chance at first base.
The bullpen should be as strong as ever, thanks to returning closer Armando Benitez, the addition of setup men Tim Worrell and Steve Kline, plus the promising talents of Jack Taschner, Jeremy Accardo and Scott Munter.
Those are the characters in this new drama, to begin its run on Monday, April 3, at San Diego.
Don't touch that remote.
Offseason report card: With Morris solidifying the rotation and the young pitchers gaining experience, the starting staff is potent. The loss of reliever Scott Eyre hurts, but the signing of Kline and Worrell keeps the bullpen strong. The addition of veteran pinch-hitter Mark Sweeney bolsters the bench, and perhaps only a slugging left-handed hitter remains to be acquired. On a scale of one to 10, the Giants rate a 9: expected to contend.
Arrivals: RHP Matt Morris, LHP Steve Kline, INF/OF Mark Sweeney, RHP Tim Worrell, OF Steve Finley.
Departures: RHP LaTroy Hawkins, LHP Scott Eyre, RHP Brett Tomko, 1B J.T. Snow, INF Edgardo Alfonzo.
The road ahead: "Train hard, but with care" is the motto until Spring Training begins. The occurrence of far too many injuries, some chronic, to pitchers and veterans may necessitate workout changes.

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

Around the Horn: Starters

01/04/2006

It was a gamble for sure, a pull of the slot machine lever, as the Giants picked up pitcher Jason Schmidt's 2006 option for $10 million.
A considerable chunk of change, especially coming off Schmidt's subpar 2005, yet when you consider the man's track record, his voracious appetite for innings, his ability to adjust to a variety of physical ailments, his go-after-'em mindset, talent for making batters whiff ... OK, we get it -- he's worth it.
Besides, Schmidt will only turn 33 on Jan. 29, so he's still in his pitching prime, and who -- this is a question general manager Brian Sabean asked himself -- is just as viable or better in the free agent/trade market?
It was not the vintage Schmidt on display last season. The 11-year Major Leaguer felt super entering Spring Training, but suddenly that right limb lost its zing, and later a groin injury also hampered his effectiveness.
It seemed almost contagious, for the Giants were sick as a whole before rebounding in the second half and making a great -- if futile -- run for the National League West checkered flag.
While Schmidt only won 12 games, he has still averaged 15 victories the past four seasons, and the tall right-hander also learned to cope with the loss of pure 97 mph smoke by using, well, less smoke and more mirrors, utilizing his offspeed stuff to the max.
Considering San Francisco had an off-year with but 75 wins, Schmidt did OK, with the Giants sporting a solid 18-11 record in his assignments.
Schmidt remains the ace, but now there's also a reliable king in the rotation deck with the signing of veteran Matt Morris to a three-year deal.
Suddenly, the staff is way better, and there's already an affinity between Schmidt and Morris, as the latter has averaged 14.25 wins the past four seasons and also altered his style to accommodate a weaker, career-wearying arm.
Morris was strictly a turbocharged fastball pitcher before, but now also relies on an excellent slider and refined curveball after recovering from surgery to repair a frayed labrum in his right shoulder following the 2004 season.
Schmidt had an operation at the end of 2003 to remove scar tissue and repair a right elbow tendon.
With Kirk Rueter and Brett Tomko gone, Morris fills a vital gap as the No. 2 man, while Giants fans are itching to see how lefty Noah Lowry fares in his third season and -- even more so -- eager to watch 21-year-old Matt Cain test the Majors on a full-time basis.
Morris will infuse stability and give the Giants a true Big Four lineup ... if the staff can avoid being ravaged by injuries and ineffectiveness.
The former St. Louis star has a proclivity -- much like Tomko -- for giving up the long ball. He issued 57 homers in 62 games the past two years, including 35 blasts in 2004, tied for second in the NL with Chicago's Greg Maddux behind "leader" Eric Milton, who yielded 43 for Philadelphia.
That's why spacious SBC Park is so appealing to Morris. His former teammate Tomko had 35 gopher balls in 2004 but only 19 as a Giant the following season and 20 last year.
Sabean's big push in the offseason was for Morris specifically.
"Bringing Matt on board obviously gives us ... a 'name' in the National League and a pitcher who comes into the rotation who not only leads by his reputation but gives us the innings we didn't have in the past," Sabean said.
"I think he's going to complement not only Jason Schmidt but also the young kids. He's not only a competitor but a real gamer and comes highly recommended by the scouts and internally by [Giants catcher] Mike Matheny."
Matheny, who lobbied hard for his ex-Cardinals teammate, was helpful with advice and experience in guiding Lowry and Cain last season, and now Morris will assist as well.
Lowry, who turned 25 on Oct. 10, had a wobbly first half (5-9, 5.07 ERA), but his great August (5-0, 0.69) keyed his 8-4 mark and 2.43 ERA over his final 15 games as he learned to trust his stuff and get ahead in the count.
Cain showed in his 38 days of big-league time that he belongs, even if it was only seven games and 46 1/3 innings. His fastball is among the best of baseball's young hurlers and he will round out the rotation as the No. 4 man.
The fifth guy? Unless the Giants signed a veteran, that role goes to Brad Hennessey, who'll be 26 when pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training in mid-February. Hennessey had 13 quality starts in his 21 appearances and was fifth in the NL for rookies with 118 1/3 innings.
Considering the starters finished 12th in the NL with a 4.52 ERA in 2005 and tied for sixth worst with a .265 opponents' batting average, the only way to go is onward and upward.
That should be the case for the Giants' rotation in 2006.

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

Linden hopes winter work will pay off

01/06/2006
SAN FRANCISCO -- Outfielder Todd Linden played a month for Mazatlan of the Mexican Winter League for multiple reasons -- staying in condition, staying focused on breaking balls and staying positive.
His next mission is more difficult: Staying in the San Francisco system.
Only 25 and fresh off a powerful season at Triple-A Fresno, where he belted 30 homers and led all of the Minor Leagues with a .682 slugging percentage, Linden suddenly faces a crossroads in his quest to join the parent Giants.
He's now out of options, meaning he's been on the 40-man roster for three seasons, and now Linden must be kept on the 25-man list for 2006 or be forced to clear waivers.
"It went well," said Linden of his 23 games in Mexico, although he batted only .182 with one homer and 11 RBIs. "I wanted to go down there and get more at-bats and have a good time. I was taking things seriously, but wasn't worried over numbers.
"But being out of options, the bottom line is what do I do now?" Linden said. "I do feel I have a good resume to back me up, but if I'm not in the mix now, I may never be."
Linden and last year's rookie outfielder, Jason Ellison, have talked about both their situations this winter, as the duo will likely be vying for the fifth outfielder's spot. Ellison had a decent year, but now with veteran Steve Finley and reserve outfielder Mark Sweeney aboard, both he and Linden could be the odd men out.
Still, there's the health of oldsters Barry Bonds, Moises Alou and Finley to worry about -- how many games will they play?
"I'm trying to figure out where I fit in," said Linden. "Who knows? With the new guys ... that's no surprise. There might be a fifth outfield spot open, but we can only guess."
Linden, who started weightlifting, running and cage work two weeks ago, plans to be at Spring Training early -- pitchers and catchers report Feb. 15, regulars Feb. 20 -- to get some answers.
In Winter League action, Fresno outfielder Doug Clark is on a tear, hitting .324 with 11 homers and 42 RBIs for Caracas, Venezuela. He also had 14 doubles and a .564 slugging percentage.
Caracas teammate Mike Cervenak is batting .308 with six homers and 27 RBIs over 49 contests, while infielder Angel Chavez is batting .188 for Culiacan in Mexico. Chavez, who batted .263 in 10 games for the Giants last season, has agreed to play for his native Panama in the World Baseball Classic next March.
In Venezuelan play, Julio Cordido is hitting .268 for La Guaira and catcher Eliezer Alfonzo sports a .250 mark for Oriente.

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

Giants, Levi Strauss announce deal

01/06/2006
SAN FRANCISCO -- SBC Park's unique right-field configuration -- the long, narrow arcade where fans have craned their necks watching Barry Bonds' historic blasts fly into McCovey Cove -- is about to get a facelift.
The Giants announced an agreement Friday on a five-year partnership with San Francisco-based Levi Strauss & Co. to sponsor the right-field section, which will be renamed Levi's Landing.
Banners and flags will feature the new look on the slanting 25-foot-high wall, only 309 feet from home plate at the foul pole.
"We are thrilled to partner with a true San Francisco icon -- the original inventor of jeans -- Levi Strauss & Co.," said Larry Baer, Giants executive vice president and chief operating officer. "It is only fitting that we would join forces. We are both 100-plus-year-old companies, and we share a commitment to innovation and to the San Francisco community."
The Giants have been in existence for 123 years, while Levi Strauss & Co. has been a San Francisco fixture for nearly as long.
"This partnership is a perfect fit," said Phil Marineau, chief executive officer of Levi Strauss & Co. "Levi Strauss & Co. and the Giants are two venerable San Francisco institutions that stand for enduring quality and have a long history of involvement in the community. The Giants' ballpark is a premier sports venue that will play host to some of the great moments in sports history over the next several years."
The Levi's name will be featured on the Splash Hits sign, on a banner stretching above the signature right-field wall's archways and on arcade flags.
One of the more intriguing aspects of the arcade section are the seven rows of seats, plus standing room, overlooking McCovey Cove, the landing spot for Bonds' 71st home run in 2001 and career homers 500, 600 and 700.
The Levi's Landing agreement will help the Giants continue to provide a strong community outreach program. The team works with business and non-profit partners to educate and raise fans' awareness of important community issues.

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

Giants' spring tickets on sale Tuesday

01/09/2006
SAN FRANCISCO -- After an unusually wet winter in the Bay Area, the drier and warmer climes in Arizona's Valley of the Sun seem particularly inviting, and adding baseball to the equation should make for a great Spring Training for Giants fans.
Tickets for the 14 home Cactus League games at renovated Scottsdale Stadium, featuring a new concession stand, expanded grass seating areas and a unique outfield entry plaza, will go on sale starting at 10 a.m. PT on Tuesday.
Ranging from $8 to $25, tickets can be purchased online at www.sfgiants.com, as well as Giants Dugout Stores, the SBC Park box office, at Scottsdale Stadium and tickets.com outlets in the Phoenix area. For group packages and more information, call 415-972-2000.
Spring action concludes with three games at SBC Park: Thursday, March 30, vs. the Angels, and March 31 and April 2 against the Oakland A's.
Regularly scheduled spring games begin at Scottsdale Stadium on Friday, March 3, against the Milwaukee Brewers. Last season, the Giants set a ballpark record by averaging 10,624 fans per game.
Among highlights this spring will be a March 5 exhibition against the USA's World Baseball Classic squad, a March 25 game against the defending World Series champion Chicago White Sox and two contests vs. a perennial Cactus League rival, the Chicago Cubs, on March 4 and 12.
Official Spring Training travel packages to Scottsdale are available on sfgiants.com.
Ducats are also available for World Baseball Classic Pool B games: Canada vs. South Africa, 7 p.m. on March 7; Mexico vs. South Africa, 7 p.m. on March 8; and USA vs. South Africa, 1 p.m. on March 10.
The revitalized Giants, featuring a healthy Barry Bonds along with new right-handed starter Matt Morris, outfielder Steve Finley and a bolstered bullpen with the acquisitions of Steve Kline and Tim Worrell, are expected to contend for the National League West title next season.
They showed their potency from Aug. 27 onward in 2005, logging the NL's fourth-best record (20-15) and staying in the divisional race.

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

Mailbag: Giant musings by the Bay

01/09/2006
Why don't the Giants play Steve Finley at first base? He killed the Giants when he was on opposing teams. You can't sit him on the bench.-- Sean H., Fremont, Calif.
I wouldn't sweat it -- there are already enough players on the team who can play first in Lance Niekro, Mark Sweeney, and -- in a pinch -- Pedro Feliz. Finley will see plenty of action as a regular late-inning replacement and probably start three times a week to give Barry Bonds and Moises Alou valuable time off. You never know what will happen, but Finley's talents won't be wasted.
Will Matt Cain still be considered a rookie next season?-- Brian N., San Bruno, Calif.
Yes. A player is considered a rookie until he has exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the Major Leagues, or accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a Major League club during the period of 25-player limit. Cain pitched 46 1/3 innings over seven games in 2005, compiling a 2-1 mark and 2.33 ERA, and has 38 days of big-league service.
I keep hearing negative things about the clubhouse atmosphere with the Giants since Felipe Alou took over. I also heard comments about how the players don't eat out together or really socialize. Looking at the Astros, who all grew beards as a sign of team unity, shouldn't general manager Brian Sabean look at building a closer-knit bunch of guys? I think unity is important.-- David S., Hutto, Texas
The clubhouse belongs to the players -- that's their sanctuary -- and managers rarely venture there except for team meetings. What happens there is the players' business, and the "atmosphere" is regulated by the athletes themselves with all their various backgrounds, biases, temperaments, mood swings, etc.
You build a close-knit team and unity with victories -- winning and chemistry go hand in hand. Sure, things boil over due to stress and overheated emotions, but nothing out of the ordinary. Alou is respected by the players.
Enough of the Joe Nathan-led attacks on Sabean! Any half-knowledgable baseball fan can tell you that Sabean's tenure has been the most successful period in San Francisco Giants history, post-Willie Mays. Fans complain about the age of the team, then they complain about the youth. Wait for Barry to get back in the lineup full-time.-- David C., Guerneville, Calif.
Good call. I've been accused of being a Giants apologist, but I've got great perspectives, having covered the team during those terrible '70s, the Joe Altobelli era and the 100-loss year of 1985 -- so the Sabean years are comparatively sensational.
In keeping with the recent trend towards youth, I was wondering what you predict the starting lineup will be in 2006 and '07.-- Robert R., Belmont, Calif.
Projected lineup for 2006: CF Randy Winn, SS Omar Vizquel, 2B Ray Durham, LF Barry Bonds, RF Moises Alou, 3B Pedro Feliz, 1B Lance Niekro and C Mike Matheny. For 2007? Tough call for now, depending on what Barry and Moises do. But expect Vizquel, Winn, Matheny, Feliz and Niekro to be there.
After years of not producing many quality pitchers from their Minor League system, the Giants in 2004-05 have promoted a half-dozen or more that look to have electric stuff and potential for real careers in the big leagues. What went right? Scouts, Minor League coaching, new philosophy, what?-- Randy M., Menlo Park, Calif.
All of the above. Crystal balls don't exist -- predicting talent isn't scientific or statistical, it's learned through experience. The Giants have long sought pitchers first, position players second. Yes, some of the good, young hurlers have been traded, but that's part of baseball. Nobody's perfect, yet good scouting is the real key, so player personnel guru Dick Tidrow and his gang deserve much credit.

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

Around the Horn: Bullpen

01/11/2006
SAN FRANCISCO -- Watch Giants reliever Tyler Walker do the "Monster Walk" and that'll tell you how the club's bullpen fared for much of last season.
Walker's a big guy -- 6-foot-3, 240 pounds -- yet he's no match for this heavy exercise contraption attached to his ankles, as he staggers in short, difficult steps like some Frankensteinian creature. Small children scurry away in fear. Oh, it helps keeps the legs and groin muscles strong, but it's an effort.
And boy did the 'pen likewise struggle in 2005, especially in the first half.
New closer Armando Benitez was the first domino to fall when he literally tore his right hamstrings off their moorings in late April, missing 3 1/2 months. That forced the Giants to use Walker and later LaTroy Hawkins as game saviors, seriously crimping the bullpen as a whole.
San Francisco had to use journeymen Matt Kinney, Al Levine, Brandon Puffer and Brian Cooper just to fill out the roster, and it didn't help when Hawkins missed 16 games with ulnar neuritis, Walker was felled by shoulder inflammation and rookie Scott Munter -- a surprise hero -- missed 18 games with elbow inflammation and underwent surgery.
The club also designated veteran reliever Matt Herges for assignment in May and released Jim Brower a month later. Both had contributed greatly in 2004 but flamed out, possibly due to overuse.
Amazing, however, the club's 'pen still shared the National League lead with 30 victories, while tying for third with 46 saves.
Despite the loss of super-setup specialist Scott Eyre -- he of the 2.63 ERA over Major League-leading 86 appearances -- the San Francisco relief corps should be better in 2006, barring catastrophic injuries.
First, Benitez should be stronger than ever. He lost fastball velocity returning from his hamstring surgery yet tied for second in the league with 15 saves from Aug. 15 on. It was obvious, however, he was still not 100 percent.
Second, veteran Tim Worrell, who saved 38 games for the Giants in 2003, is back as a late reliever and veteran lefty Steve Kline was acquired from Baltimore over the winter in a trade for the relatively ineffective Hawkins.
Worrell finished with a flourish at Arizona, and Giants manger Felipe Alou likes Kline's presence and effectiveness on the mound.
"I believe he'll pitch very well for us next summer. There are similarities with Eyre -- that same lefty mentality with a nasty slider," said Alou about Kline.
It was with a sigh of relief, too, that general manager Brian Sabean saw Kline sign for next year. The reliever had thrown for the St. Louis Cardinals for four seasons before going to the Orioles in 2005.
"The first thing that comes to mind is we might have dodged a bullet for losing Scotty," said Sabean. "This guy has quite a track record and returning to the National League may be what he needs."
Third, just look at those sensational young arms.
Left-hander Jack Taschner was a non-roster spring invitee last year, but he dominated action with Triple-A Fresno (3-0 record, 1.64 ERA, 10 saves) and was outstanding in 24 Giants games, going 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA and holding opponents to a .185 batting average.
Then there's 6-foot-6 Munter, who stunned opponents with his heavy sinker and assortment of breaking balls, accounting for a 2-0 mark and 2.56 ERA. He ranked second among loop relievers for ground-ball percentage (77.6).
Also emerging in 2005 was right-hander Jeremy Accardo, a non-drafted free agent signed in 2003. He wowed fans at Fresno with a 1.95 ERA over 25 games, then pitched 20 scoreless innings in 28 outings for the Giants, while stranding 14 of 15 inherited runners.
Ageless Jeff Fassero, a godsend last year as he spot-started and relieved, was 3-1 with a 2.87 ERA in the second half. At 43, the lefty has a cool attitude and still-wicked pitches.
Also returning to the bullpen is Kevin Correia, 12-7 in 19 big league starts but a 3.58 ERA in as many relief appearances. It's doubtful he'll be starting again unless it's an emergency, as his 1.59 ERA and .200 average against in five outings showed his relief effectiveness in 2005.
Walker, who had 23 saves last season, has grown in confidence the past two years and with Worrell could also spare Benitez from too many closing opportunities.
Oh yeah. Not to forget Walker. The 29-year-old San Francisco native should shine in a setup role -- provided he leaves the "Monster Walk" contraption in the training room.

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

Youngster Begg shines in Venezuela

01/13/2006
For Giants and would-be Giants, the Winter League season is over, with the focus now on Spring Training and the World Baseball Classic.
Dominating among pitching prospects was right-hander Chris Begg, with a 5-1 record and 2.43 ERA over 10 games at Zulia in the Venezuelan Winter League.
The 26-year-old native of Ontario, Canada, had a solid season with Double-A Connecticut in 2005, logging an 8-7 mark and 3.07 ERA, fifth best in the Eastern League. He also pitched for Canada in the World Cup in Holland.
Other San Francisco organizational hurlers' final stats: Felix Diaz, 4-1, 3.46 ERA for Licey of the Dominican Republic; Pedro Liriano, 1-0, 4.09, Licey; Oscar Montero, 2-5, 4.65, Oriente, Venezuela; Jonathan Sanchez, 2-2, 2.91, Carolina, Puerto Rico; Michael Tejera, 1-1, 3.50, Obregon, Mexico; Jose Sanchez, 0-0 3.86, Escogido, Dominican Republic; Arnoldo Mercado, 0-0, 12.15 ERA, Mochis, Mexico; and Benigro Cepeda, 0-0, 2.08, Caguas, Puerto Rico.
Infielder Angel Chavez, destined for WBC play next March for his native Panama, finished with a .250 average over 41 games for Oriente, while infielder Mike Cervenak hit .308 in 49 games with Caracas in Venezuela.
Julio Ramirez batted .267 for Gigantes in the Dominican; Guilleromo Rodriguez hit .228 for Zulia, Venezuela; Jose Yens played nine games for Gigantes with a .269 average; Julio Cordido batted .268 for La Guaira in Venezuela; Carlos Valderrama, .213 for Zulia, Venezuela; Eugenio Velez, .373 over two games with Estrellas, Dominican Republic; and Yamid Haad hit .132 in 16 contests with Estrellas.
Linden options: Whew.
That could have been outfielder Todd Linden's reaction -- one of sheer relief -- when he learned he had not run out of options, meaning if he isn't kept on the Giants' 2006 roster the full season the 25-year-old would face waivers. Linden believed his three seasons of options had run their course, but that wasn't correct.
The Giants confirmed this week Linden has another grace year and can be promoted and demoted numerous times this coming season.
"I'm kind of disappointed," said Linden when he learned the news. "I was excited about the challenge, getting pumped up about it."
Linden indeed reponds to pressure. Last season he was sent to the Minor League camp during Spring Training, but rebounded with a sensational year at Triple-A Fresno, hammering 30 homers, 80 RBIs and an amazing .682 slugging percentage, highest in all of Minor League baseball.
Last week, Linden told MLB.com he faced an uncertain future with San Francisco, especially considering the club acquired veteran outfielder Steve Finley as well as infielder-outfielder Mark Sweeney over the winter.
"I do feel I have a good resume to back me up," he said, "but if I'm not in the mix now, I may never be."
Linden's reprieve came from 2003, when he was put on the 40-man roster on Aug. 17 and was optioned to Fresno three days later but recalled on Aug. 21, when pitcher Jesse Foppert had arm problems. Thus, Linden never "burned" an option for that year.
Alfonso departs: Carlos Alfonso, 55, was the longest-tenured Giants coaching staffer, serving 19 seasons, but the Cuban-born former ballplayer is now with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays as the club's first director of international operations.
Alfonso was administrative coach and video coordinator the past six years. Following his Minor League playing career in the Houston Astros organization, Alfonso was the Giants director of Minor League operations in 1986-87, became director of player development and later the manager of the Triple A Phoenix Firebirds.
He later was the Giants bullpen and first-base coach before becoming more of an administrator.
For Alfonso, the move to Tampa Bay takes him back to familiar territory. He attended the University of Florida and Florida International University.
Notes: When the Giants recently placed newly acquired infielder Jose Vizcaino on the 40-man roster, they designated left-handed pitcher Brian Burris for assignment. The Baltimore Orioles subsequently claimed him on waivers. ... Former Giants relief pitcher Wayne Franklin has signed a Minor League contract with Tampa Bay and has been invited to Spring Training, while ex-Giant outfielder Marquis Grissom, 38, has inked a Minor League deal with the Chicago Cubs. ... Ex-Fresno outfielder Doug Clark, who batted .316 for the Grizzlies in 2005 and played in eight games with the Giants, is with the A's and is a non-roster invitee to their Spring Training camp.

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

Giants FanFest set for next Saturday

01/14/2006
SAN FRANCISCO -- Pier 48 near SBC Park is usually fairly quiet, save for kids and families playing near McCovey Cove, but it'll be booming with activity next weekend.
The KNBR/Giants Winter FanFest will run 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT, Saturday, Jan. 21, with coaches and players on hand. And fans can also purchase individual games tickets for the 2006 season.
Ticket prices range from $12 to $44. Visa cardholders can also obtain single-game tickets on Friday, Jan. 20. For information, log onto sfgiants.com. Tickets for Cactus League games in Scottsdale, Ariz., in March will also be on sale at the FanFest.
Fans will have the chance to receive autographs and pose for photos with Giants players and participate in question-and-answer sessions and clinics with the stars.
Giants personnel on hand will be manager Felipe Alou, coaches Gene Glynn, Joe Lefebvre, Luis Pujols, Dave Righetti, Ron Wotus and Williw Upshaw, plus players Mike Matheny, Mark Sweeney, Jeremy Accardo, Brad Hennessey, Matt Morris, Jack Taschner, Matt Cain, Steve Kline, Scott Munter, Kevin Correia, Justin Knoedler, Lance Niekro, Jose Vizcaino, Ray Durham, Daniel Ortmeier, Omar Vizquel, Jeff Fassero, Todd Linden, Tim Worrell, Steve Finley and Noah Lowry.
There will be numerous booths and events for fans, including a speed pitch, batting cage and home run derby field.
Tickets for the 2006 campaign can be purchased at sfgiants.com, Tickets.com Ticket Outlets in Northern California and Giants Dugout Stores. Fans can purchase ducats by calling tickets.com charge-by-phone at 877-4SFGTIX.
Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow, Duane Kuiper, Jon Miller, Dave Flemming and Greg Papa will also be at the FanFest, where the KNBR booth is one of the more popular at FanFest.
Free parking is available at Lot A, directly across from Pier 48.

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

Mailbag: Does Clark belong in the Hall?

01/16/2006
In this year's Hall of Fame voting, why was Will Clark not given the respect he deserves? He received 23 votes, not even qualifying him to stay on the ballot in the coming years! He was a good, consistent player, hitting around .300 every year. Just curious, and was wondering if there is any obvious reason for this.-- Scott R., Westby, Wis.
The obvious reason is the Baseball Writers Association of America voters didn't think he's a Hall of Famer. I did vote for Clark, as well as ex-Giant Willie McGee, but I did so knowing full well neither would make it. I felt they deserved a shot.
There are some sure-fire future HOFers -- superstars like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Randy Johnson -- but others -- like Clark and long-time Dodgers great Steve Garvey, who only has one year left on the ballot -- are on a second tier. Making Cooperstown should only be for the elite, and it's one of the toughest places to get into -- unless you buy a ticket.
The Giants seemed to have shored up almost every position to the best of their financial ability this offseason, with the exception of first base. There, they are going to rely on an unproven Lance Neikro and a perennial backup in Mark Sweeney. Why not go after someone else more proven that can have an impact?-- Ryan V.B., San Diego, Calif.
If neither Niekro nor Sweeney pan out, the Giants will look elsewhere. Spring stats will give us a glimpse of who's best, who isn't, and there's a long season ahead to evaluate personnel, make trades, and give pink slips. First base will be a much-watched spot in 2006.
Am I the only one who is not excited about seeing Steve Finley in a Giants uniform? I was at the game at Dodger Stadium when he hit the walk-off, season-ending grand slam against us, and it seems like nobody cares. If and when the Giants do win the Series, the last thing I want to see is that guy celebrating.-- Ryan S., San Francisco
But that was last season. Ancient history. Hey, Dusty Baker was a long-time Dodgers star, and he became one of the Giants' best managers. Players come and go, and Finley's allegiance is now with San Francisco, period. If the Giants win the World Series in 2006, Finley will no doubt be a big part of it.
With all of their free agent acquisitions and trades, could the Giants be considered a real World Series contender for 2006, or is it too early to tell?-- Robert L., Sacramento, Calif.
It's pretty early -- we won't know if they can contend unless they make the playoffs next October. However, the team is, in theory, way ahead of the racked-by-injuries 2005 edition. Bonds' return alone is a significant improvement, while the pitching staff is much more experienced.
We all know that GM Brian Sabean is known for working under the radar. So it's no surprise that the past few weeks have been really quiet regarding Giants trade rumors. Anything intriguing that you might have caught wind of?-- Michael G., Chico, Calif.
The team was eyeing pitcher Josh Fogg as a fifth starter, but determined he might not be better than Brad Hennessey or some of the younger Giants hurlers at this point. With the goal of improving at every position, Sabean is constantly evaluating players -- on the Giants and elsewhere.
All the position players except Mike Matheny seem to have capable backups in the event of injury. If the Giants lose Matheny, though, it will be like pulling the plug. Is Sabean still in the hunt for a veteran backup backstop?-- Stu G., Ventura, Calif.
Sabean's always on the prowl to better the team, but so far it appears veteran catchers are leery of signing with the Giants, fearing they will see little playing time behind Iron Mike, who played in 134 games last year. If the backups are inadequate this coming season, though, expect someone new.
Would you know how to contact J.T. Snow to give him condolences for his father? He has been a long-time favorite of my family, and we want to send him a note saying how much we will miss him with the Giants. He has always been one of the class acts of the game, and it would be nice to let him know how we feel. -- Brian S., Novato, Calif.
That's a wonderful idea, and I'm sure J.T. -- now with the Boston Red Sox -- would appreciate it. Write to him in care of the Red Sox at City of Palms Park, 2201 Edison Ave., Fort Myers, FL, 33901-3869. During the regular season, Snow can be reached at Fenway Park, 4 Yawkey Way, Boston, MA, 02215-3496. For those who hadn't heard, Jack Snow, a former NFL star and a long-time St. Louis Rams broadcaster, died Jan. 9 from a staph infection.

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

Fan-oriented weekend begins with chats

01/18/2006
SAN FRANCISCO -- Giants fans wanting to ask questions of new team members Matt Morris and Steve Finley and returning star outfielder Randy Winn can do so online Friday afternoon on sfgiants.com.
Right-hander Morris is scheduled to chat from 2-2:30 p.m, Winn from 2:45-3:15 p.m. and center fielder Finley from 3:30 to 4 p.m.
Those players, as well as most of the Giants, are in town for Saturday's annual KNBR/Giants FanFest at Pier 48, across McCovey Cove from SBC Park. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT and features memorabilia and information booths, the popular KNBR (680) broadcasts with athletes and celebrities, plus activities for kids.
Morris, the likely No. 2 starter next season, was signed last month to a three-year contract, while the 38-year-old Finley was acquired from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in a swap for third baseman Edgardo Alfonzo.

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

Giants invite Wright to Spring Training

01/17/2006
SAN FRANCISCO -- Former Colorado Rockies pitcher Jamey Wright, 31, could be in the running for the Giants' fifth-starter spot in 2006 after receiving a non-roster invitation to Spring Training.
Giants general manager Brian Sabean announced on Tuesday that the club has extended invites to 24 players, including Major League veterans and a bevy of players from Class A San Jose's 2005 California League championship team.
Wright is the Rockies' all-time leader in games started (216) and has a 61-88 record with a 5.13 ERA playing for Colorado, Milwaukee, St. Louis and Kansas City.
To his credit, the right-hander sports a 4.51 ERA in 156 starts away from Coors Field and has starred in six appearances at SBC Park, logging a 2.29 ERA. Last season, he led Colorado with 13 quality starts.
Also issued invites were right-handed pitchers Matt Anderson, Joe Bateman, Justin Hedrick, Matt Kinney, Pedro Liriano, Jeff Miller, Billy Sadler and Brian Wilson; left-handed pitchers Jonathan Sanchez and Michael Tejera; catchers Todd Jennings and Brian Munhall; infielders Brian Buscher, Tomas de la Rosa, Kevin Frandsen, Derin McMains, Pablo Sandoval and Jake Wald; and outfielders John Bowker, Brian Horwitz, Abraham Nunez, Adam Shabala and Clay Timpner.
Anderson, 29, is also a Major League veteran who played in 12 games for Colordo in 2005. A lifetime reliever, the right-hander is 15-7 with 26 saves and a 5.19 ERA in 257 career appearances. He was with the Detroit Tigers from 1998-2003.
Bateman, 25, had an outstanding season at Class A San Jose, his 21 saves tying him for the farmhand lead. He had a 1.91 ERA and struck out 80 batters in 75 1/3 innings.
Hedrick, 23, had 12 saves and a 3.55 ERA in 55 relief outings for San Jose, while Kinney, 29, was 2-0 with a 6.00 ERA for the Giants last season and had a 1.86 ERA in four relief appearances. He's also seen action with Minnesota, Milwaukee and Kansas City.
Liriano appeared in five games in relief with Philadelphia in 2005, but spent most of the year at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, logging a 3.90 ERA over 22 games. Miller, 26, was claimed off waivers from Pittsburgh last November. He had a 3.53 ERA for Triple-A Indianapolis last season.
Sadler, 24, was 6-5 with a 3.31 ERA for Double-A Connecticut last year, and he has held opposing hitters to a .194 average over 106 Minor League relief outings.
Wilson, a 24-year-old right-hander, had a tremendous 2005, going 6-2 with an organization-high 21 saves, a 1.35 ERA and a .172 batting average against. He pitched 50 games in relief for Class A Augusta, Connecticut (Norwich) and Fresno.
Sanchez, a lefty, is a strikeout artist. He fanned 166 batters in just 125 2/3 innings at Augusta. Tejera, a Marlins pitcher in 2002 and 2003, is 11-13 with three saves and a 5.14 ERA over 111 career Major League outings.
Jennings, 24, starred for San Jose in 2005, batting .288 with 22 doubles, 10 homers and 67 RBIs. He's a longtime catcher but also plays in the infield.
Munhall, 25, batted .297 with a career-high seven home runs and 31 RBIs at San Jose and Fresno last season. Buscher, a left-handed-hitting third baseman, was also a Little Giants standout, batting .282 with 29 RBIs in 55 games.
Frandsen is young, only 23, but he's a top prospect who played on the U.S. Futures All-Star squad last season. At three levels in 2005, he hit .335, scored 96 runs, had 76 RBIs and 21 stolen bases.
De la Rosa, 28, a 10-year Minor Leaguer, batted .293 with 48 RBIs in 89 contests last year with Colorado's Triple-A Colorado Springs team. He also played under manager Felipe Alou while with Montreal in 2000 and 2001.
McMains hit .325 for San Jose in only 22 games, but he was mostly sidelined with injuries.
Sandoval, 19, will be the youngest player in camp. He had an All-Star season at Class A Salem-Keizer in which he ranked third in the Northwest League with a .330 batting average. Wald, a 25-year-old infielder, sparkled at San Jose, hitting .293 with 15 homers and 68 RBIs.
Bowker, a 22-year-old Sacramento native, has batted .295 with 19 home runs and 94 RBIs the last two seasons and drove in 67 RBIs for San Jose in 2005.
Horwitz, a 23-year-old UC-Berkeley graduate, has won consecutive batting titles in two different leagues -- the Northwest League in 2004 and the South Atlantic League (.349) for Augusta last year and was third among Giants farmhands with 88 RBIs.
Nunez, 29, is a nine-year pro who batted .274 with 17 homers and 86 RBIs for Triple-A Tacoma (Mariners chain) last year.
Shabala, 26, is well-known to Giants' fans for his six seasons in the organization. He hit a career-high 14 homers for Fresno last year.
A speedy outfielder, the 22-year-old Timpner earned All-Star honors at -- you guessed it -- San Jose, leading the club with 12 triples and 34 stolen bases. He also batted .291.

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

Brian Sabean chat transcript

01/17/2006
Brian Sabean: Hello fans, I'm happy to be here to chat with you. Spring Training is just around the corner, so let's get started.
tom_sigismonti: Do you expect Barry Bonds to be 100 percent by the start of the season?
Sabean: Every indication as we speak, Barry will be ready for Spring Training, including he has agreed to participate for the U.S. team as a DH in the World Baseball Classic.
nebraskanheat: Is Scott Munter healing well?
Sabean: Munter is on schedule to be ready when all the pitchers report on Feb. 15. He obviously opened our eyes last year and will be given a chance to make our staff, probably as a middle reliever.
nebraskanheat: Brad Hennessey and Kevin Correia seem to be set on battling for the fifth spot this spring. Are they entering Spring Training with an equal shot at the no. 5 spot, or is it Hennessey's job to lose?
Sabean: Hennessey, last year, had 13 quality starts out of 21 starts and because of that will be given a bona fide shot to become our fifth starter. Correia showed signs of brilliance last year and his overall stuff is really intriguing. Also, we've signed Jamey Wright to a Minor League non-roster invite. Jamey was with Colorado last year and has pitched well in the past as a fifth starter type.
danny_seidel: Do you see any young talent coming into Spring Training that can surprise us during the regular season?
Sabean: Starting with the pitching, Merkin Valdez will be given a chance to impress the staff. In the catching department, Eliezer Alfonzo, recently added to the roster, will be added to the backup competition along with Yamid Haad and Justin Knoedler. We look forward to seeing Kevin Frandsen not only play second and third base, but he might be given an opportunity to learn shortstop as well. He's on the fast track to become a full-time player in the Major Leagues. And lastly, in the outfield, Dan Ortmeier and Nate Schierholtz hope to get enough exposure this spring to give us an idea how far along their development is.
giantman2: Brian, how many at-bats do you see Lance Niekro getting? Hopefully he'll get the majority of at-bats at first base, regardless of lefty-righty matchups.
Sabean: At this point in time, Lance will be given a chance to win the job full-time. We feel he's put himself in a position to do so. It remains to be seen exactly what will transpire with the number of at-bats, especially against right-handed pitching, thus the reason for bringing in Mark Sweeney to help his transition into becoming a full-time player.
Eric_Young: Did Armando Benitez play winter ball? Does he appear healthy now?
Sabean: No, he did not play winter ball. He finished the year healthy and is looking forward to arriving in Arizona to begin his workouts before the Feb. 15 reporting date.
dedicated2giants: Has there been any progress in long-term contract discussions with Randy Winn?
Sabean: We're very interested in signing Randy long-term. I talked to him as recently as today and he is interested in pursuing a multi-year deal. Formal talks won't begin until the end of the month or the first week in February.
jack_rhodes: Will the Giants try and get a superstar when Bonds is done?
Sabean: Replacing Barry, per se, will obviously be almost impossible, but we are committed to sign the best player or players available with the monies that will be available once he leaves.
bndskntsnw: Is there ever any discussion about batting Barry third to get him more at-bats and guarantee his appearance in the first inning?
Sabean: Internally, we usually visit on this subject every year. At the end of the day, it usually ends up being discussed first-hand between the player and manager and they decide what is in everybody's best interest.
danny_seidel: Which player, besides Bonds, do you think will have the biggest impact on the Giants season?
Sabean: Pure and simple, Jason Schmidt.
Bryan_Dorfler: Brian, has your budget been allowed to increase much with all of the new Major League Baseball media revenue? If so, how much and what do you see the 2006 player payroll being?
Sabean: Our budget for 2006 will end up being similar to last year's figure, in and around the mid-80s, with an opportunity to be increased at the trade deadline.
dedicated2giants: Have you spoken with Steve Finley on his role with the team? Since being acquired, he has not seemed too pleased with the idea of being a bench player, albeit a often used one.
Sabean: I have spoken with Steve, including just recently, and his desire is the same as ours: to play as much as possible. We feel confident that he'll get plenty of at-bats in our outfield. The only complicated situation that is inherent is that his best position is center field and we are in the process of trying to sign Randy Winn long-term at that position. Having said that, we do have a club option on Steve and it is in our best interests to make sure he does get ample playing time in order to evaluate him properly against picking up that option. So simply stated, we do not view Steve as a bench player, more as a starter in an outfield that will probably change on a day-to-day basis to utilize everybody's strength and keep everybody fresh and healthy.
coppernob: Have Ned Colletti's moves in Los Angeles so far surprised you at all?
Sabean: No, not at all. In fact, it's obvious everybody in the division is trying to have the most competitive team they can in hopes of giving themselves a chance to not only win the division, but become a playoff team. In general, the whole division has been very active. This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone based upon how weak we all were last year.
losangelesgiant: Do you feel that you have upgraded relief pitching from last season?
Sabean: We'd like to think so. Tim Worrell has a great track record, especially late in the game, and hopefully will become our go-to setup man. Experience and track-record wise, the addition of Steve Kline has lessened the pain of losing Scotty Eyre to free agency. A healthy Benitez and a year's more experience for Jeremy Accardo, Munter and Jack Taschner bodes well. Tyler Walker and Fassero's contributions last year prove how versatile and durable they are and will be counted on in a number of roles during the season.
cappy1j: If Felipe Alou retires, would Ron Wotus be first in line for the managerial job?
Sabean: Wotus is a valuable asset and has been to our organization for a long time now. He is one of the up-and-coming managerial candidates in all of baseball and certainly will be given a chance to interview if our managerial situation were to change.
dedicated2giants: If Schmidt returns to form in 2006 will you try and re-sign him even with the likes of Matt Cain, Matt Morris and Noah Lowry around to hold down the future?
Sabean: Absolutely, if he returns to form.
nebraskanheat: How do you feel we match up with the rest of the NL West?
Sabean: In our judgment, we are not only a stronger team from top to bottom that started the season last year, but are also stronger than the team we had to finish the year. We feel the division is wide open and that we should be back in the saddle to make another run at winning the division or making the playoffs.
giantskent: Do you think that Pedro Feliz will pan out at third base?
Sabean: Pedro will be our everyday third baseman and quite frankly, he's one of the better defensive third basemen in our league. To have him in the lineup every day at that position as well as hitting further down in the lineup this year should be good for all parties.
heints25_2: Who will backup second base and shortstop?
Sabean: We signed Jose Vizcaino for this very purpose. We need to keep Omar Vizquel and Ray Durham fresh. The fact that he now plays all four infield positions and has been a competent pinch-hitter will really expand our roster.
thisisntmycar: When you are trying to sell a free agent on the virtues of joining the Giants organization, is there any one selling point that can, without fail, get them interested in talking to you?
Sabean: Our own players themselves are our best ambassadors.
ernie_williams: If you have five outfielders, does that mean Todd Linden and Jason Ellison are competing vs. each other for the fifth spot?
Sabean: It's complicated as a result of Sweeney being able to play the outfield and ultimately whether we keep 12 or 11 pitchers.
Base_Ball: Do you see Bonds being used often as a pinch hitter when he does not start?
Sabean: We certainly hope so, but believe it or not, there are times when players of his stature are virtually given a complete day off, which means they aren't available to pinch-hit or even play defense.
nebraskanheat: How will the World Baseball Classic affect your plans for Spring Training?
Sabean: Hopefully, once the teams are announced and we know which of our players have made the final rosters, we will then make plans for them to come to Spring Training early so they can become game-ready sooner than usual. We feel it's an honor for our players to be invited and participate and trust that they will come into camp in the best possible shape to begin playing all out much sooner than they are accustomed.
danny_seidel: What role do you see Cain playing this year?
Sabean: Matt will certainly be in our rotation. It remains to be seen what slot he will take, but we hope he's capable of providing in and around 200 innings.
dedicated2giants: Looking back on the LaTroy Hawkins trade, do you feel you jumped the gun or was it a neccessary move for a possible playoff run?
Sabean: Looking back, I do have the same feeling that we were in a desperate situation in the bullpen. Our starters were not providing the innings needed, home or road, and the bullpen certainly was being overtaxed.
Dave_Hill: Does Kevin Frandsen have a chance to win a job with the big club in Spring Training?
Sabean: Kevin's going to be given every opportunity to show us how ready he is to play in the Major Leagues in 2006. With Durham as our everyday second baseman, Kevin would obviously be hard-pressed to win that spot, but we are encouraged that he does play second and third base at this time and also will be introduced to shortstop. It would be in his best interest as a young player to play every day as a second baseman instead of being on our roster as a utilityman.
giants6gal: What was behind the decision to get Sweeney instead of resigning J.T. Snow?
Sabean: The signing of Sweeney did not affect our decision with J.T. Sweeney's obvious strength is that he can play first base and the outfield as well as come off the bench as a pinch-hitter. But when we made the decision to give Niekro a chance to become the full-time first baseman going into the future over J.T., we felt he needed some support, which Sweeney provides.
Jeremy_Baril: Do you think Walker's slump last year was because he was asked for so much so soon? Will he be back to normal this year and be a good middle relief pitcher?
Sabean: Tyler really stepped up for us in a very difficult situation, first to become the closer once Benitez was injured, but more so was open-minded to helping the staff any way that he could throughout the year. His durability is a valuable commodity.
giantman2: Do you think that either Bonds or Moises Alou will be with the Giants past 2006?
Sabean: We certainly have to be open-minded given the principals involved.
Howard_Lewengrub: Why did you choose to sign Vizcaino over Rich Aurilia? The price was about the same and Aurilia is younger and a better hitter.
Sabean: We had bona fide interest in Richie, but unfortunately his signing would have cost us another draft pick and we felt with the picks we lost last year, and the two we've already lost this year, that it was time to hold onto our picks.
jack96: Any update on the assistant general manager position ?
Sabean: Currently, we are working on restructuring our department from within and there are no immediate plans to fill Ned's duties from the outside.
katgman: With a payroll the same as last year, the Giants have moved into the middle of the pack or lower in budget. Is this an aberration or a long term policy?
Sabean: At the end of the day, we still expect to be in the top third of baseball's payroll expenditures.
Sabean: Thanks for joining me today. We're hoping to do this once a month, so I look forward to chatting again with you soon.

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

Around the Horn: Catcher

01/18/2006
SAN FRANCISCO -- With all that gear he wears, Giants catcher Mike Matheny looks like a cross between the Man in the Iron Mask, a transformer warrior and a SWAT team member.
Not exactly a superhero, but close.
When the 35-year-old Matheny is in game mode, he has tunnel vision with the pitcher, total focus on the mission at hand, and his competitiveness is way past the red line. Just ask pitcher Jason Schmidt.
"Nobody works harder than him, that's for sure," said Schmidt. "Just the way he prepares for the game. His intensity level is above and beyond what everybody else's is. He really puts everything into it."
Schmidt recalled the first time he had a bullpen session with Matheny during Spring Training last year, as the right-hander dawdled during warmups he was startled that the catcher was fiercely blocking balls in the dirt, leaping after high pitches, acting if this was a playoff game.
Taking games and situations and pitch counts personally -- even blaming himself if pitchers' offerings miss the plate -- is hard-wired in Matheny's brain.
Yet the veteran still admits, somewhat reluctantly, that playing in 134 games -- second-highest of his 11-year career -- with a most-ever 443 at-bats can be tiring, and despite his "Iron Mike" personality and I-wanna-play work ethic, there's a huge drop-off if he's out of action.
Matheny had a career-high 13 homers and 59 RBIs last season, hit .311 with runners on base, posted the highest single-season fielding percentage for a San Francisco catcher with one error in 862 chances, led all big league catchers with 34 doubles and probably led the Majors in playing games when he shouldn't have.
Which brings us to the backup catcher. Gone is long-time No. 2 Yorvit Torrealba, and last season's second stringer, Yamid Haad, is now back in the Minor Leagues and trailing Justin Knoedler and Eliezer Alfonzo as contenders for the Giants' reserve role.
Also in the mix is Todd Jennings, 24, a non-roster spring invitee who also played extensively in the infield last year with Class A San Jose. establishing career highs last year in every category except average and triples. He hit .288 with 22 doubles, 10 home runs and 67 RBIs.
Knoedler, 25, played in only eight games for San Francisco last year, managing to collect his first Major League hit, a pinch-hit single. For Triple-A Fresno, the backstop batted .272 with four homers and 32 RBIs.
Knoedler -- pronounced kuh-NAID-ler -- has a great arm but is still trying to perfect his swing against big leaguers. To that end, he worked with Giants hitting instructors Joe Lefebvre and Willie Upshaw last season.
"It's a game of adjustments -- to pitchers and to your swing," he said. "I'm trying to get consistent at the plate, and even if I don't get success right away and strike out, I'm keeping the same approach, the same swing. I've finally found the right slot for my hands."
Who's his favorite catcher? Matheny.
"He's a soldier," said Knoedler. "I have more respect for that guy than anybody. He played (134) games and I don't know if I can do that. He never complained, played like 20 games in September and was still blocking balls. He was fun to watch."
If Alfonzo's offense doesn't slacken -- or the Giants don't sign a seasoned catcher -- he may be the sleeper in the two-man race for No. 2.
The 27-year-old Alfonzo hit .313 in 49 games for Double-A Connecticut before a brief stint with Fresno.
In a search for backups this offseason, Giants general manager Brian Sabean said some candidates seemed reluctant to sign considering Matheny's everyday status.
It's up to Knoedler, Alfonzo or Jennings, then, to prove they can adequately handle the job.

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

Giants front office gets a reshuffle

01/19/2006
SAN FRANCISCO -- Baseball teams like to promote players after jobs well done, and that goes for office personnel, too.
Following the recent departure of Giants assistant general manager Ned Colletti to the GM position with the Los Angeles Dodgers, there was a vacancy in the baseball operations department and concern about whom the club should hire.
Given added responsibility to fill the gap, five executives -- Pat Dobson, Bobby Evans, Matt Nerland, Rick Ragazzo and Jeremy Shelley -- came to the rescue of general manager Brian Sabean during a stressful time before and after the Winter Meetings.
All have new titles for 2006. Dobson has been named special assistant to the general manager, Evans is new director of player personnel, Nerland is director of scouting, Ragazzo director of international operations and Shelley has been named director, baseball operations.
"[Ned Colletti's] departure allowed us the opportunity to restructure the baseball operations department," said Sabean, "In doing so, we've been able to give all parties concerned more duties and greater responsibility. It's a pleasure and an honor to be able to promote from within."
Dobson, a 20-game winner for the Baltimore Orioles in 1971, starts his ninth season with San Francisco. He had been the advanced scout, although his new role will still entail evaluating and scouting opponents.
Evans, now in his 13th season, was formerly the Giants' director of Minor League operations and now will assist Sabean in contract negotiations, waiver and rule compliance and budgets with the parent team and farm clubs.
Nerland is a 17-year veteran with the Giants who will oversee scouting operations and will advise the GM on Major League player acquisitions as well as preparation for the First-Year Player Draft in June.
Ragazzo begins his 10th season in charge of international operations, but his role now includes Major League issues.
Shelley's role has expanded and will include arbitration preparation, statistical research, Major League contracts, international operations plus pro and amateur scouting.

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

Alou thinking of putting Bonds second

01/20/2006
SAN FRANCISCO -- Baseball tradition holds that a lineup's fourth batter is the slugger, the big bopper, the man who puts fans in the seats and can launch balls into the ionosphere ... well, maybe the second deck.
Giants manager Felipe Alou, though, is tempting fate and catcalls by toying with the idea of batting basher Barry Bonds in the No. 2 spot this coming season. It's not a "Say Hey" moment, more like a "Say what?" one, yet the skipper insists he'll give it a whirl.
There's a hitch. Bonds hasn't been asked yet.
"I'll see how he feels, but that would get him off to a quick start," said Alou on Friday, as he and a contingent of Giants met with the media on the eve of the annual KNBR/Giants FanFest at Pier 48, just a few dog-paddles away from SBC Park.
"I started talking about it a few days back. This is something that's not in cement, but I'd like to do it -- of course I'll have to run it by Barry," said Alou. "I got a Christmas card from him, and I understand he's in the Dominican Republic. It's going to be Spring Training when I see him, and then we're going to discuss that."
There was a short time in Cactus League action two years ago when Bonds was put into the No. 3 slot, but after a week, the outfielder was back in his familiar cleanup role after telling the field boss he preferred it. Alou added that same year that he considered moving Bonds to the No. 2 slot to get the then-sluggish offense cranking, but it perked up on its own.
"Barry was ready to go and bat second," said Alou. "We were hoping they'd pitch more to him."
The reasoning now is that Bonds will likely be taken out of games in the late innings -- to rest his legs and help keep him healthy -- and Alou would prefer inserting a good hitter, the caliber of Steve Finley, as a replacement rather than an on-the-bench leftover.
"He always tries to do what's best for the team," said Alou. "No question about that. I hate to take him out of the game and have one of the kids bat fourth in a late-inning situation. You don't want a young kid to come up three times in extra innings."
Don't forget, Alou added, Bonds will be 42 next season, and it may take ongoing discussions among the medical staff, Bonds and the manager to determine how long the player will stay in a game. The Giants hope that Bonds will play in about 120 contests despite his arthritic knees.
Bonds played only 14 games last season after recovering from three knee surgeries and a bacterial infection, yet he still hit five homers to move within six clouts of Babe Ruth's career mark of 714.
So who would bat No. 4?
That would be Moises Alou on many occasions and perhaps Finley, with "Mo" also batting fifth.
"Finley will give me the opportunity to rest Barry and Mo at will," said the skipper. "I'm going to play [Steve] a lot and keep the other guys healthy."
The crucial leadoff spot is up for grabs. Veteran Ray Durham sparkled in that role in 2003 and 2004, but last season the second baseman transitioned to a lower spot in the order easily, batting .290 with 12 homers and 62 RBIs overall. He had a spectacular second half, hitting .300 with 16 doubles, seven homers and 37 RBIs.
That helped balance the order, especially with Randy Winn starting 48 games in leadoff over the second half, right behind rookie Jason Ellison's 49 starts. Omar Vizquel led off 22 times.
"No question, Ray was a leadoff guy until last year, because of circumstances -- injuries to Barry and Mo," said Alou. "I would like him to be the leadoff guy, but Winn is a pretty good one, too, and Omar is, too, but I think Vizquel would prefer batting second."
The skipper expects a big year from Durham, who is in the final season of his contract.

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

Trifecta: Morris, Winn, Finley chat online

01/20/2006
Matt Morris: Hi fans, I'm excited to be here and chatting with you today. Let's get to some questions.
thebige7: Are you going to keep your beard?
Morris: I'm going to try to keep the beard. I think the weather out here in San Francisco is more suitable for the beard. I struggled with it in St. Louis. But should I?
sfgyrosfan_2: During your career, which team and/or player has it been the most difficult for you to pitch against?
Morris: Mike Piazza has been the most difficult out for me. He just seems to hit the ball to all fields and I have nothing for him!
Base_Ball_2: Why were the Giants your top choice this offseason?
Morris: They showed a lot of interest in me, which made it a little easier. It's a class organization with a great reputation and I felt they have the best chance to win a World Series.
sfgyrosfan_2: Matt, as a youth, where did you grow up and which team did you root for?
Morris: I grew up in Middletown, N.Y., and was a Mets fan. The '86 World Series had a big impact on my Little League career. Guys like Lenny Dykstra, Wally Backman and Dwight Gooden had a huge impact on me.
danny_seidel: Are you excited to be reunited with your former teammate Mike Matheny?
Morris: I'm very excited. He takes a lot of the thinking out of the game with all the preparation he does, and it allows the pitcher to concentrate on the job at hand. Knowing each other already will make it that much easier to start winning some ballgames.
Chris_Lee: What's your favorite pitch?
Morris: I have to say the one that's an out! But really, it's a sinker. It's my bread and butter pitch, and when that's working, it allows me to use my offspeed effectively.
jtsnowfan: Hey Matt, why aren't you going to compete in the World Baseball Classic?
Morris: I wasn't asked, but also, for a starting pitcher, to be ready for a game that early in Spring Training is going to be tough. For a reliever to go an inning or two is easier, but for a starter to go seven or eight innings that early might not be the best thing for your team or organization.
Base_Ball_2: What is going to be the key to making a run deep into the playoffs this year?
Morris: The hardest part of the season is to make it to the playoffs. If you stay consistent enough and try to win each series, you'll have a good shot, but once you're there, you have to be playing your best ball. Everybody has to be on top of their game, everything seems to be magnified, and I'm looking forward with a veteran team to going deep into the playoffs.
the_game: Do you believe that with SBC Park being a pitcher's ballpark, as well as the return of Matheny as your catcher, 2006 could be one of your best years?
Morris: I'm going to find out how much of a pitcher's park it is, being able to throw most of my games here. And with Matheny as my catcher, we're looking to do big things.
Joe_Sands: What is the funniest or most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you playing baseball?
Morris: It happened at Candlestick Park. I was at first base after a botched sacrifice bunt that didn't get the runner over. A ground ball to short, flipped to second, my whole goal was to take out the second baseman and break up the double play. As I slid in, and broke up the double play, I proudly ran back to the dugout, not realizing that Jeff Kent had dropped the ball and was chasing me through the infield to tag me out.
Omair_Majid: What was your strategy pitching against Barry Bonds?
Morris: My strategy was to become a teammate! But really, it was sinkers, down and away, trying to concentrate on the location of the pitch, because any mistake is deposited somewhere deep.
bndskntsnw: The Cardinals staffs always seemed to feed off each other. Do you think you can bring that to the Giants?
Morris: My goal is to come in here and have the pitching staff compete and continue to make each other better, while also making it fun. I'm looking forward to working with some of the younger guys.
jtsnowfan: Hey Matt, what do you think of your new manager Felipe Alou
Morris: He's been great so far, just getting to know him. I know of his reputation and his winning attitude, and I'm looking forward to learning his style of managing and competing for him.
boyoty: Mr. Morris, what is one thing you hope to accomplish with the Giants you did not get with the Cardinals?
Morris: The only goal left I have is winning a World Series and putting a ring on my finger, and I felt this was the best chance I have. So we'll give it a shot!
thecove: Matt, how does the arm feel?
Morris: Right now, I'm slowly getting it into shape. I started throwing in the beginning of January, and I usually take the whole month to loosen everything up. Come February, I get on the mound and start throwing bullpens to get ready for Spring Training. Right now, I'm feeling good and ready to go.
Chris_Lee: What are some things about the city that you're looking forward to experiencing while playing here?
Morris: The diversity of the city, so many things to do, so many different things to see. I can't wait for my family to come out and check out the sights and enjoy San Francisco.
Jonathan_Jacobs: How important is a cohesive clubhouse to the success of a baseball team?
Morris: You spend more time with the guys on the team than you do your family, so for everybody to get along and pull for each other is essential for a championship team. So I'm looking forward to meeting the guys, having fun and winning ballgames.
thecove: What is your strategy to pitch to Albert Pujols?
Morris: I don't want to give too much of my strategy away, in case he's reading! But I am going to attack him and be aggressive, pitch him hard inside one at-bat, pitch him soft away another at-bat and try to keep him on his toes.
bndskntsnw: Matt, this will be your first time out of a Cardinals uniform, is that exciting or something you need to get used to?
Morris: I had the full uniform on today for the first time and felt funny, but a couple hours later felt good and at home. I'm looking forward to wearing the Giants colors and pitching.
knibby1: Matt, are you going to change your pitching style at all, now that you will be pitching at SBC so often?
Morris: No, I think my style suits the ballpark well, being a ground ball pitcher. I'll be able to be more aggressive in hitter's counts, knowing the ballpark will hold a lot of the fly balls.
Morris: I appreciate everybody joining me, and I look forward to chat time in the future.
Randy Winn: Hello fans, I'm a little early, but let's get started. I'm looking forward to chatting with you.
Nick_Boulas: Randy, who is going to win the Super Bowl?
Winn: I'm a little partial to Seattle, having played there for 2 1/2 years.
Handsome_Giant: Randy, what spot in the order do you prefer to bat?
Winn: I really enjoy hitting leadoff. You have a great chance to affect the game right off the bat, to put the other team on their heels.
sfgyrosfan_2: Randy, You batted second in Seattle and leadoff here. Did it make any difference in your batting approach?
Winn: Hitting behind one of the best leadoff hitters in the game, Ichiro, was fun as well as a learning experience. But no, I did not change my approach to hitting. I believe you hit based on the situation of the game.
jtsnowfan: Hi Randy, I'm a very big fan of yours. I was wondering if you miss Seattle?
Winn: I really enjoyed my 2 1/2 years in Seattle. Seattle is a wonderful city. The thing I miss most is my teammates.
jay_juhl: Randy, how much does it mean to you to be back in the Bay Area?
Winn: I'm really happy to return to the Bay Area where I grew up and played Little League as well as high school and college. The best thing about being back is that my parents and family get to see me play on an everyday basis.
danny_seidel: What pitcher do you think is the hardest to hit in baseball?
Winn: For me, I have the most trouble against Tim Hudson. He has a very good sinking fastball as split-finger. It's hard to tell the difference between the two.
Base_Ball_2: Randy, after years of playing the game, Barry and Moises are both probably fairly set in their ways both defensively and offensively. How much communication and teamwork do you see the three of you having in the outfield?
Winn: I believe that communication and teamwork are key in having a good defensive outfield. No one person can cover an entire outfield. You pick your positions based on the hitter and how our pitcher is pitching to that specific hitter. All of these things are discussed before the game in meetings.
Joe_Sands: With the All-Star Game coming to San Francisco in 2007, it would be great to see you play in it. How important is the All-Star Game to you?
Winn: I was fortunate enough to play in the All-Star Game in 2002. It was one of the highlights of my professional career. It's an honor to be selected to a team of the best players in the league.
Omair_Majid: Do you think the Giants have a chance winning the World Series this year?
Winn: Of course. The key to our team is health. If Barry and Moises stay healthy, our offense should be very good, and if Jason Schmidt and Matt Morris are healthy, our pitching staff should be very good.
samfran: Are those always the same pair of Oakleys?
Winn: I usually wear Oakleys during our day games. Yes, they are the same pair, but I do have a backup pair.
nate_farey: Mr. Winn, what other sports did you play?
Winn: As a kid, I played pretty much every sport, but when I got to college, I played baseball and basketball.
excusemeswing: Which was more gratifying -- hitting for the cycle or nearly taking Trevor Hoffman yard to tie that game up last season?
Winn: The at-bat off Hoffman, because it helped us win a very important game. Hitting for the cycle is great, but it's an individual accomplishment.
jtsnowfan: Why did you decide to compete in the World Baseball Classic?
Winn: Having the World Baseball Classic is a great concept. There are so many great players from different countries in the Major Leagues that it's going to be fun to find out which team can boast that they have the best players.
dedicated2giants: Randy, do you have a preference when it comes to hitting right or left?
Winn: I don't have a preference hitting from either the right or left side. I'm a natural right-handed hitter. It's taken a long time to develop where my right and left are equal.
Chris_Lee: What's something not related to baseball that you wish you could be better at?
Winn: I'm going to say golf. A lot of my friends are starting to play, and I'm terrible.
therealistfan: Randy, your stats show you improved while being on the Giants. Do you feel comfortable hitting at SBC park?
Winn: Not right now, because it's a big dirt mound from a monster truck rally! But, yes, this park seems to play fair, although it's very deep in right-center.
Base_Ball_3: Randy, being a veteran center fielder, how difficult is it helping someone like Jason Ellison improve his game knowing that he is trying to take your position?
Winn: For me, it's not hard at all. When I was a rookie, there were veterans who took me under their wing to show me the ropes. I feel that it's my duty as a veteran player to show the ropes to the younger guys.
Handsome_Giant: How important is it to have Willie Mays around? What have you asked him?
Winn: I haven't had a chance to talk to him a whole bunch. Having him around shows the tradition of this Giants ballclub. He was a great player as well as a classy player, and it's nice to have him around.
James_Wiley: Throughout your whole pro career, including the Minors, what was the best game you've ever had?
Winn: I'd have to say the cycle. And then there's one other game where I was 5-for-5 with seven RBIs in the Minors.
bndskntsnw: Randy, can we expect 20 stolen bases out of you for another season? How are the wheels?
Winn: My body feels pretty good right now, going into the season. Hopefully I will be able to steal a lot of bases to get myself in position to score runs.
kenkttan: Which teams do you think will be the most competitive in the West?
Winn: I believe the best team in the West will be the Giants. Also, I believe the Dodgers did a great job improving themselves with the additions of Furcal, Nomar, Baez and Bill Mueller.
kevin_stromfeld: Who did you idolize as a child?
Winn: My favorite player growing up was Ozzie Smith. I played shortstop in Little League, and he was the best shortstop in the game.
Base_Ball: Do you get wrapped up in the Giants vs. Dodgers rivalry, or is it just another series?
Winn: I've never played for a team that's had a bitter rival like that of Giants-Dodgers. I haven't had a whole lot of time to get wrapped up in it personally, but when we played the Dodgers in L.A., it was a very hostile environment. That brings a different level of intensity to the game.
Winn: Thanks for spending time with me. I've really enjoyed answering your questions. See you at SBC Park in April!
Steve Finley: Hi fans, I'm glad to be here, and I'm ready to start answering your questions.
Base_Ball: Mr. Finley, I know that you had a good bit of nagging injuries with the Angels last year, how do you feel coming out of the winter? Also, how difficult was it facing American League pitching after feasting on National League pitching for so long.
Finley: I had one injury to my shoulder in the second game of the year, and it took until after the All-Star break and going onto the disabled list to get back to somewhat normal. But I'm completely healthy now and looking forward to a strong year.
Chris_Lee: What are your offseason workouts like? Spring Training workouts?
Finley: Offseason workouts are very intense, core and stability training three days a week and agility two days. Spring Training is maybe two days a week of the weight training and seven days of baseball.
Handsome_Giant: Steve, how do you feel about playing in SBC?
Finley: I'm looking forward to playing in front of the great fans here and even though I haven't hit great here, odds are on my side now!
oasdjfd: Are you thrilled to be back in the NL?
Finley: Yes, being in the American League facing a lot of pitchers that I had never seen before was difficult. I'm definitely glad to get back to familiarity.
sfgyrosfan_2: Steve, you have been a notorious "Giant-killer" since your San Diego days. Any explanation for that. Is there any other team you've enjoyed similar success against?
Finley: I've always hit great against every team in the NL West, and I plan on continuing the trend.
andre_principe: How much playing time are you expecting this year?
Finley: Lots!
Handsome_Giant: How do you feel about the Giants/Dodgers rivalry?
Finley: I didn't realize how bitter the rivalry was until I was traded to the Dodgers. I really enjoyed the intensity of the games between the two teams, at both ballparks, and I'm looking forward to it again this year from the other side.
kevin_stromfeld: Up until this point what has been the best moment of your career?
Finley: I have two: The first individual moment was when I hit the walk-off grand slam to beat the Giants in 2004 (sorry!). My best team moment was winning the World Series in 2001 in the bottom of the ninth of the seventh game.
Joel_Mead: What members of the current Giants team have you played with earlier in your career?
Finley: I've played with Tim Worrell and Mark Sweeney, both with the Padres. That's it, I believe.
Todd_Horwath: What type of car do you drive? Is it sweet?
Finley: H2. And yes, it's sweet!
dabassplaya06: How do you feel about playing with Barry instead of against him?
Finley: I've always wanted a chance to play with Barry because he's probably one of the best players to ever put on the uniform.
kevin_stromfeld: Steve, what do you think will be the key for the Giants success this year?
Finley: Staying healthy. That's really it.
Joe_Sands: What kind of job would you do if you weren't a baseball player?
Finley: My degree's in physiology, and I was going to go to chiropractic school if baseball didn't work out, so I'd be a chiropractor.
nate_farey: Any advice for youngsters playing the game?
Finley: Just have fun playing baseball. Play pickup games instead of organized games, tapeball in the living room, whiffleball in the back yard. Just get outside and have fun with baseball because it's the greatest game on earth.
trayyyy: Steve how do you feel about coming to San Francisco?
Finley: I'm excited about being here. I almost signed here twice as a free agent, so San Francisco's always been on my list of teams I wanted to play for.
Bikas_Satpathy: Who do you think is the biggest threat to the Giants this year?
Finley: It's a tough division, but I like our chances. The injury bug is probably the biggest threat to us.
kevin_stromfeld: Who is the toughest pitcher you have ever faced?
Finley: The toughest is probably Randy Johnson. I think that's enough said.
ecnadoznoflaees: What do you look forward to most in 2006?
Finley: I'm looking forward to being back in the National League and healthy. I'm looking forward to this team having a great year and I'm looking forward to hopefully having an opportunity to win another ring.
Finley: Thanks fans for chatting with me today. I'll see you all at the ballpark this season.

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

Giants share smiles with sick children

01/20/2006
SACRAMENTO -- Upbeat music rocked through the second-story play area at Shriners Hospital for Children in Sacramento on Thursday, and the interaction between young patients and Giants players was equally high tempo, with crescendos of whoops and laughter.
"It was just a fun day," said hospital spokeswoman Catherine Curran after San Francisco manager Felipe Alou and 11 Giants visited some 60 kids at the facility, which provides free care to patients who have orthopedic conditions, spinal cord injuries and burns.
"Everything I heard has been so positive," said Curran. "One staff member told me, 'You could feel the joy,' and that summarized it for the players, patients and parents."
On hand to sign autographs, play games and chat with the kids were pitchers Matt Morris, Jeremy Accardo, Matt Cain, Brad Hennessey, Jack Taschner, Steve Kline and Noah Lowry, as well as outfielders Daniel Ortmeier and Randy Winn, infielder Mark Sweeney and catcher Justin Knoedler.
It was the Giants' first visit to the Northern California Shriners Hospital since its opening in 1997, and Curran hopes it won't be the last.
"It's something everyone would enjoy and look forward to every year," she said. "It was a great event today and the players were great -- very gracious and kind and fun."
Following a tour of the facility, the players shared a lunch of hot dogs and drinks with the kids, sang karaoke, tossed small sacks into a baseball board game -- "I got a homer!" boasted Ortmeier -- and mingled with guests.
Smiles were the order of the day, and none shined brighter than that of three-year-old Dorion, who shared grins with Hennessey, while pitcher and part-time magician/comic Kline donned a huge cowboy hat -- fittingly colored Giants orange -- and cavorted with patients.
"A lot of these kids can't make it to the ballpark because of their conditions, and it's great for us -- it makes us humble real quick," said Kline. "I did Shriners Hospital in St. Louis, and love doing it."
Alas, there were no tricks from Kline this day.
"Not yet," he said. "I'm kind of tame right now. First time I meet people, I don't want to use it all up at once."
Another former Cardinal, Morris, has long enjoyed charity visits, and loved interacting with the patients while being extra-patient himself, as small hands thrust Giants caps and baseballs his way for signatures.
"It's always a pleasure for us -- seeing the smiles on their faces," said Morris. "The faculty here at the hospital really deserves the applause, and it's nice to be able to visit and brighten up the day of some of these youngsters. They might be injured or having problems.
"When we leave here, we'll be thinking a lot about what happened today, and we're pretty proud of ourselves coming here and seeing the youngsters," said Morris.
Winn, a Bay Area native, laughed as Knoedler played "horse" at the double-hooped basketball stand, making a variety of long jumpers and tricky shots.
"It's fun to give back," said Winn. "I always liked doing stuff with kids, so when you see smiles on their faces, it's priceless, it's great. The parents come up and say how much it means when we visit. It does your heart good."
Taschner spent time with nearly all the youngsters -- some in wheelchairs, others lying in hospital beds, others sporting splints and casts, and protective coverings for burns.
"It's an aspect of life we don't get to see every day," said Taschner, who is looking to solidify his claim for a relief spot in 2006. "Maybe we give some inspiration. But it's a lot of fun to see smiles on their faces. We're getting something out of it. It makes me want to work harder -- I feel gifted."
It's possible that the visit to the Sacramento Shriners facility will be a recurring one. Shana Daum, the Giants' director of public affairs and community relations, has her fingers crossed.
"It does have an impact with the community, but personally, I think it also makes an impression on the guys," said Daum. "It's such a worthwhile thing, and this is a great group."
The 80-bed Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, which replaced the San Francisco hospital that opened in 1923 -- is operated solely through donations. Patients and families receive free services in all 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children.

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

Giants FanFest a big hit

01/21/2006
SAN FRANCISCO -- Giants rookie pitcher Matt Cain is usually oblivious to fans.
On the mound, he is totally focused on catcher Mike Matheny, tunnel vision personified, the roar of aficionados dull and far away. It's as if he's alone out there, squaring off against the batter.
But Saturday was decidedly different. He chatted with Giants fans, talking baseball -- what else? -- during the annual KNBR/Giants FanFest at Pier 48, a Barry Bonds mammoth homer away from SBC Park.
"It's good that fans can get close to us and see what we really look like, and we can talk to them," said the 21-year-old Cain. "When I'm pitching, I rarely see anything above the cap bill. But as the game goes on, it wears you down a bit, so they really start to get you pumped up."
Brandon Hatt, of coast side community Half Moon Bay, was standing in line at the photograph booth with friend Joanna Haas, having pocketed three autographs -- announcer Duane Kuiper, pitcher Tim Worrell and coach Luis Pujols -- and was anxious to get more.
"The lines are long and we don't know who we're going to get, but at least it's free," said Hatt, attending his fourth FanFest. "It's fun to see the players and even the announcers, which we don't get to see all year. I think this is the best one -- there's more to do this year."
Indeed.
The site was expanded perhaps another quarter length of the pier, allowing for extra booths, more space for those autograph and photo areas, bigger food areas and easier accommodation of the mini playing field.
There was peripatetic mascot Lou Seal inking autographs with his, uh, flippers and nodding and gesturing to his gaggle of fans. He's not a big talker, but a huge gesticulator.
There was a special booth celebrating -- or maybe commiserating -- the 100th anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and encouraging residents to join the San Francisco Fire Department's Neighborhood Response team training classes to prepare for the "big one."
A popular booth was speed pitch, where fans threw baseballs -- and probably threw out their arms -- trying to break the 70-mph "batting practice" barrier. There was a kiddie drawing area, new Dodge trucks and SUVs there for inspection, displays of old-time Giants uniforms and memorabilia there for introspection.
At the sfgiants.com booth, hosted by MLB.com producers Chris Shuttlesworth and Rick Gold, fans clamored for free orange T-shirts with both the MLB.com and sfgiants.com logos -- the line one of the longest of the day.
There were about 20 Giants players participating in the FanFest, more than usual, and that's what drew East Bay resident George Curry, along with niece Karina and granddaughter Danelli.
"Oh yeah, I'm a big Giants fan," he said. "I grew up right by Candlestick Park. This is a good one because there's lots to see and do."
Baby Danelli, dressed in a colorful Giants outfit, wasn't that impressed, however. She was asleep in her granddad's arms.
The FanFest is for the fans, of course, but even the coaches enjoyed the five-hour event.
"I think it's a great event," said third base coach Gene Glynn. "This is, like last night with the season-ticket holders, you really get to know people -- kind of like Camera Day. You only hear their voices or feel their presence and their excitement during games."
There were also continuous lines to purchase individual and season tickets.

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

Bonds decides against playing in WBC

01/23/2006
After a long period of deliberation, San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds has decided not to play in the World Baseball Classic, he told MLB.com on Monday, reiterating a posting on his Web site.
"The timing is just not right," Bonds said when reached by telephone in Los Angeles. "I have too many other responsibilities, too many things I have to take care of that are important to me. I owe it to the city (of San Francisco), my knee, my team, the fans and my family. I have to put my greatest effort right now into all of that."
Bonds underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee three times this past year and played in only 14 games, all in September, as the Giants made a late and unsuccessful run at the San Diego Padres for the National League West title. He had originally said he would play for Team USA in the upcoming tournament that runs from March 3-20 and was placed on the 52-man U.S. provisional roster that was filed this past week.
But he said he had second thoughts and made his decision after returning from a trip to the Dominican Republic.
"They (Team USA) doesn't need me," he said. "They have plenty of talent. They don't need me taking up space."
Even without Bonds, the U.S. roster remains impressive. Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Roger Clemens top what should still be a formidable team.
On his Web site, barrybonds.com., Bonds further explained the decision.
"After the announcement I received a lot of criticism as well as concern from fans and my family and friends," he said. "The obvious objections were about my health and whether or not I would be ready to play. In the end, I decided that I can't take any chances that might jeopardize my season. I don't want to give the impression that the WBC is not important. I know this means a lot to showcasing our sport worldwide, and the patriotism of playing for Team USA would have been a great honor. I feel what is best for me, my family, the Giants, and our fans is that I sit the WBC out."
Bonds will be 42 on July 24 and Giants general manager Brian Sabean said at the end of the 2005 season that he hopes the seven-time National League Most Valuable Player will be able to play up to 120 games and be a force for San Francisco in 2006. Bonds heads into the season with 708 home runs, six behind Babe Ruth's 714 and 47 in arrears of Hank Aaron's all-time leading 755.
He said he's about to begin taking batting practice again during the weeks prior to the start of Spring Training, but he hasn't determined whether this season, his 21st, will be his last.
"I'll play this year and maybe one more," Bonds said. "I'll speak with my wife about it and my mother. I speak with mother more than anybody about these things. It's getting harder and harder. Going to the same cities, eating the same food. I'm going to be 42 years old. It's getting near the end."
On Jan. 31, 2005, Bonds had surgery on his right knee to remove torn meniscus. This after he rehabbed from surgery on Oct. 17, 2004, to clean debris from beneath his left knee cap. Bonds tried to come back at the outset of Spring Training, and underwent right knee meniscus surgery again on March 17.
For the next six weeks he showed no improvement and finally visited the clinic of Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles where he was diagnosed with a serious bacterial infection. On May 2, he had the knee flushed with antibiotics and had to wear a portable IV for another week.
The infection was ultimately purged. On June 24, Bonds left the team to rehab at the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic under the auspices of Yocum, the Angels' chief orthopedic surgeon, and physical therapist Clive Brewster.
Bonds rejoined the team at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 5 to resume batting practice and returned on Sept. 12 to hit five home runs in his first 36 at bats. He finished 2005 with a .286 batting average (12-for-42), including a double, the five homers, eight runs scored, 10 RBIs in and nine walks, three of them intentional.
About the condition of his right knee, Bonds said there are still good days and bad.
"My knee is the way my knee is and the way it's always going to be," Bonds said. "The less stress on it the better it is. That's what I'm going to start finding out now: how much stress I can put on to see what the aches and pains are going to be."

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

Bonds decides against playing in WBC

01/23/2006
After a long period of deliberation, San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds has decided not to play in the World Baseball Classic, he told MLB.com on Monday, reiterating a posting on his Web site.
"The timing is just not right," Bonds said when reached by telephone in Los Angeles. "I have too many other responsibilities, too many things I have to take care of that are important to me. I owe it to the city (of San Francisco), my knee, my team, the fans and my family. I have to put my greatest effort right now into all of that."
Bonds underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee three times this past year and played in only 14 games, all in September, as the Giants made a late and unsuccessful run at the San Diego Padres for the National League West title. He had originally said he would play for Team USA in the upcoming tournament that runs from March 3-20 and was placed on the 52-man U.S. provisional roster that was filed this past week.
But he said he had second thoughts and made his decision after returning from a trip to the Dominican Republic.
"They (Team USA) doesn't need me," he said. "They have plenty of talent. They don't need me taking up space."
Even without Bonds, the U.S. roster remains impressive. Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Roger Clemens top what should still be a formidable team.
On his Web site, barrybonds.com., Bonds further explained the decision.
"After the announcement I received a lot of criticism as well as concern from fans and my family and friends," he said. "The obvious objections were about my health and whether or not I would be ready to play. In the end, I decided that I can't take any chances that might jeopardize my season. I don't want to give the impression that the WBC is not important. I know this means a lot to showcasing our sport worldwide, and the patriotism of playing for Team USA would have been a great honor. I feel what is best for me, my family, the Giants, and our fans is that I sit the WBC out."
Bonds will be 42 on July 24 and Giants general manager Brian Sabean said at the end of the 2005 season that he hopes the seven-time National League Most Valuable Player will be able to play up to 120 games and be a force for San Francisco in 2006. Bonds heads into the season with 708 home runs, six behind Babe Ruth's 714 and 47 in arrears of Hank Aaron's all-time leading 755.
He said he's about to begin taking batting practice again during the weeks prior to the start of Spring Training, but he hasn't determined whether this season, his 21st, will be his last.
"I'll play this year and maybe one more," Bonds said. "I'll speak with my wife about it and my mother. I speak with mother more than anybody about these things. It's getting harder and harder. Going to the same cities, eating the same food. I'm going to be 42 years old. It's getting near the end."
On Jan. 31, 2005, Bonds had surgery on his right knee to remove torn meniscus. This after he rehabbed from surgery on Oct. 17, 2004, to clean debris from beneath his left knee cap. Bonds tried to come back at the outset of Spring Training, and underwent right knee meniscus surgery again on March 17.
For the next six weeks he showed no improvement and finally visited the clinic of Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles where he was diagnosed with a serious bacterial infection. On May 2, he had the knee flushed with antibiotics and had to wear a portable IV for another week.
The infection was ultimately purged. On June 24, Bonds left the team to rehab at the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic under the auspices of Yocum, the Angels' chief orthopedic surgeon, and physical therapist Clive Brewster.
Bonds rejoined the team at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 5 to resume batting practice and returned on Sept. 12 to hit five home runs in his first 36 at bats. He finished 2005 with a .286 batting average (12-for-42), including a double, the five homers, eight runs scored, 10 RBIs in and nine walks, three of them intentional.
About the condition of his right knee, Bonds said there are still good days and bad.
"My knee is the way my knee is and the way it's always going to be," Bonds said. "The less stress on it the better it is. That's what I'm going to start finding out now: how much stress I can put on to see what the aches and pains are going to be."

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

Mailbag: How healthy will Bonds be?

01/23/2006
Without a doubt, the fate of our team in 2006 will be resting on the shoulders of Barry Bonds. So my question to you is: Will Bonds be starting the season at 100 percent?-- Chris C., Los Gatos, Calif.
That reminds me of the time when I asked Matt Williams, then in his mid-30s, if he was "100 percent" after offseason surgery. He laughed and said, "I haven't been 100 percent since my rookie year!"
Baseball takes its toll on players, and Bonds will always be hurting from his arthritic knees, especially the right one. It's bone-on-bone, and he'll probably require knee replacement surgery so he can walk normally post-baseball. Bonds will definitely be game-ready, but the team will be careful not to wear him down.
If Bonds is injured in the World Baseball Classic and can't play for the Giants this year, will the Giants remain responsible to pay him his salary? Bonds playing in this tournament seems remarkably selfish given the questions regarding his health and stamina, and in no way takes