San Francisco Giants @ Bare Baseball - Baseball MLB Blog

Durham's single lifts Giants in ninth

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 16:09:00 +0000

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

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

No indictment for Giants' Bonds

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 16:08:00 +0000

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

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

Notes: Alou likes Bonds' chances in '07

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 16:06:00 +0000

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

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

Homer-happy Giants take down Padres

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 16:04:00 +0000

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

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

Mailbag: Will Feliz be ready?

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 19:39:00 +0000

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

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

Durham solid for Giants in defeat

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 19:38:00 +0000

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

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

Notes: Durham feeling no pressure

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 19:37:00 +0000

03/13/2006
TUCSON, Ariz. -- Doing well, thank you for asking.
Giants veteran second baseman Ray Durham has had an unremarkable Spring Training, and that's just the way he likes it. No hurry about anything, no pressure about this being perhaps his last year in San Francisco livery.
"Staying healthy -- that's it -- knock on wood," said Durham, who banged two singles in Monday's 7-4 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks at Tucson Electric Park, boosting his average to .353 over seven Cactus League contests.
"That's all I can hope for, just getting my work in and trying to stay healthy," added the 34-year-old infielder. "[Contracts] don't bother me -- I just go out and play and it'll speak for itself. If I do well, so be it; if I do bad, so be it."
Durham's new steady-as-he-goes credo and solid offseason workouts have made him physically and mentally stronger, as he won't overextend himself on routine plays -- he admits that was a difficult transition after a career of pushing hard at all times.
"I felt pretty good last year until a checked swing screwed up my groin -- go figure," said Durham. "But I definitely feel stronger. We've got some games left and the key for me now is to maintain and get my work in. But I also have to be careful to avoid that freak accident, freak injury, which last year was.
"That kind of hampered me all year," said Durham, who still hit .290 with 33 doubles and 62 RBIs and never went on the disabled list after two consecutive seasons of DL time.
Also on Monday, outfielder Dan Ortmeier hit a deep RBI double to left-center following Kevin Frandsen's base hit and also had a sacrifice fly in the sixth, scoring Lance Niekro, who had singled.
Niekro, who struggled last season against right-handed pitchers, went 2-for-3 Monday, with both hits vs. starboarders. He's batting .500 (10-for-20) over his last seven games.
Kinney so-so: Losing pitcher Matt Kinney (1-1) gave up five hits and four runs over three innings, but didn't feel he threw that poorly, save for giving up a homer to Tony Clark in the third.
"I thought at times I made some good pitches, and I thought the results were worse than the way I threw -- one of those days," said Kinney. "I felt I had some good stuff, but there were a few pitches that could have changed the momentum of the game. I didn't think I threw the ball horrible."
Top of the heap: The Giants' hottest hitter this spring is perhaps the least known -- Abraham Nunez.
The 29-year-old center fielder, plucked from free agency last December after stints at Florida and Kansas City in 2005, slammed a single and double for San Francisco on Monday.
That raised his average to .454 over seven games.
A pro since 1997, Nunez has a .209 Major League average in 136 games and is a long shot to make the Giants' outfielder-laden squad, but seems a sure bet for Triple-A Fresno this season.
On the sweet spot: After a slow start, Frandsen has picked up the pace, going 7-for-13 (.538) with a double, homer and three RBIs in his last six games. ... Third baseman Angel Chavez leads all National League hitters with five doubles, and over his last five games is batting .500 with three two-baggers, a triple and two RBIs. ... Outfielder Jason Ellison has hit safely in five of his last six games, batting .381 with three doubles, a triple and pair of RBIs.

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

Bonds homer, Niekro RBIs boost Giants

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 19:37:00 +0000

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

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

Giants' focus goes beyond Bonds

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 19:36:00 +0000

03/14/2006
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- It's likely to happen in April, probably in a Giants home game, when Barry Bonds will rocket career home run 715, surpassing Babe Ruth's legendary lifetime total.
A moment to treasure, a feat to remember, but surely one of the most controversial events in baseball, with reactions running the gamut of opinions and emotions, but separated into two distinct factions.
For. Against.
There is, it seems, never an in-between for fans' feelings regarding Bonds, who is only seven blasts shy of Ruth's mark. Yet the Giants will play it straight as the megastar circles the bases after the historic blast.
"It's a tremendous achievement," said Larry Baer, San Francisco's executive vice president and chief operating officer, Monday at Scottsdale Stadium. "We don't know exactly what we're going to do ... but it's not something that will go unrecognized. There won't be silence."
Silence, however, is essentially what's coming from the front-office team when the topic is in regards to what managing general partner Peter Magowan calls the ongoing "legal proceeding" baseball Commissioner Bud Selig's office is conducting in the wake of allegations Bonds used performance-enhancing drugs.
Excerpts from the book "Game of Shadows," which excoriates Bonds' off-field life? Reaction to the allegations? Will Bonds be suspended?
"I can't comment on any of this," Magowan said. "It's a position we've taken for two years now. The Commissioner has his investigation going, a review. He had broad power. He has promised to do a careful review and we'll cooperate any way we can. Until we have the facts, we can't comment."
And his emotions about it all? "I can't comment," he said.
One sentiment has been commented on ad nauseam -- that the tornado of questions surrounding Bonds' multiple issues has detracted from the team and its quest to rebound from its subpar 2005 season.
Baer said he and manager Felipe Alou are somewhat distressed over the all-Bonds-all-the-time media mindset.
"We have a damn good team this year," Baer said, "but it's completely lost. That's one of the melancholy feelings I've had. There are 24 other guys going to go north to San Francisco and they've played well. They're top professionals, and I wish that piece wouldn't be lost."
Still, Bonds is the overriding story, the team's main man. Magowan said if he knew everything that would occur with the slugger during the past few years, he would still have signed the seven-time MVP.
"He's a winning ballplayer," Magowan said. "He's helped us win."
And, given relatively good health, Magowan said Bonds will continue to help the Giants win.
"I think from all that I've seen and heard, I think he's going to do fine," Magowan said. "You never know. He could trudge out to left field at any point and his career could be over. But he still seems to be able to hit the ball and he says he's not in pain."
Magowan is confident San Francisco fans will embrace Bonds as rewrites the homer record book. The Giants have sold about 2.5 million tickets already for the 2006 season, and 3 million is all but certain.
Magowan said he is optimistic about this season, yet laughed, saying he had similar thoughts about the Giants prior to their underwhelming performance last year -- 75-87 record, third place in the National League West.
"I think the division is going to be a lot better -- it won't be the laughingstock of baseball like it was last year," Magowan said. "The Dodgers are definitely improved, the Padres are improved, Arizona has improved, too, with some good young players."
The Giants hope Bonds, who played only 14 games in 2005, will play a minimum of 100 games. "I don't know what the number is, but the more he can play the better," Magowan said. "It has to be more than 14, but even if it was 14, we have a better outfield than we had last year."

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

Griffey defends Bonds

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 19:34:00 +0000

03/14/2006
FULLERTON, Calif. -- Ken Griffey Jr. stepped up to the plate on Tuesday during a Team USA practice at Goodwin Stadium on the campus of Cal State-Fullerton and defended Barry Bonds against the latest allegations that the San Francisco Giants slugger used performance-enhancing drugs. And that Griffey knew about it.
The newest twist, allegedly involving a 1998 conversation between Griffey and Bonds at Griffey's Florida home, is detailed in a new biography by Jeff Pearlman about Bonds entitled, "Love Me, Hate Me: Barry Bonds and the Making of an Antihero." The excerpts of the book have yet to be released, but on Tuesday a quote from the book attributed to Bonds was read on ESPN describing how Bonds told Griffey that offseason that he was going to start taking "some hard-core stuff."
"I've been to Barry's house, he's been to my house since we were kids, so that is nothing new," Griffey told a group of reporters. "The conversation that supposedly happened, I don't ever remember happening. That's it. I just don't remember talking about the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
"I know Barry differently than most people. Baseball is probably the furthest thing from his mind once the season is over. Once the season starts, that's when all hell breaks loose."
Pearlman, asked if he was quoting Bonds directly, said that the information didn't come from Bonds or Griffey, but from "multiple sources."
Details of the latest book about Bonds came a week after another book was excerpted in Sports Illustrated alleging Bonds used performance-enhancing drugs during a five-year period beginning in 1998.
That book, entitled "Game of Shadows" and written by a pair of San Francisco Chronicle reporters who covered the federal investigation into the Bay Area Laboratory Cooperative (BALCO), says Bonds used an array of steroid-based drugs from 1998 to 2002, including the 2001 season when Bonds hit 73 homers to break Mark McGwire's three-year-old record.
Griffey said on Tuesday that players were growing weary of all the chatter about Bonds.
"As baseball players, we're all tired of being asked about Barry and anything that's negative toward our sport," Griffey said. "We have enough problems in the world. Let's talk about those rather than what's happening here."
Griffey said he knows nothing about Bonds using performance-enhancing drugs and said that all of Bonds' 708 homers were accomplished "naturally." Bonds goes into the season six homers behind Babe Ruth's 714 and 47 in arrears of Hank Aaron's 755.
Bonds, at 41, is recovering from having surgery on his knee three times last year. But Griffey said his friend's success is easy to explain.
"How do I explain it? He works hard," Griffey said. "I've got cousins who work in gyms. All they do is lift weights and they make Barry look small. When you go in the gym and give 100 percent, you're bound to see results. That's the way things work. I have to do it with rehab -- give 100 percent in rehab to get back on the field."
When asked if he thought Bonds had obtained his strength and size naturally, Griffey said: "Does it really matter what I think?"
Pressed again on the question, Griffey said: "Yeah!"
Griffey, 36, was once considered the heir apparent to Ruth and Aaron, but because of a series of injuries since he left the Seattle Mariners for the Cincinnati Reds after the 1999 season, he has missed more games than hit home runs.
Griffey, who has three homers in the World Baseball Classic, has 536 in his 17-year career.
Bonds has consistently denied the use of steroids, and until 2003, Major League Baseball did not test for a wide variety of drug use. During the past three years, as the incidence of testing and the penalties for being caught has increased, Major League Baseball has yet to report that Bonds failed a drug test.
No one has ever insinuated that Griffey used performance-enhancing drugs and on Tuesday, Griffey defended himself on that front when it was posed that all the stats from this era, including his, are tainted.
"You can't look at mine," Griffey said. "You know damn well that what you see is what you get. You can look at other people and speculate all you want. But you guys know that from looking at me, I didn't touch a thing. I don't worry about other people's numbers. You guys know me. I don't worry about your relationships with other people."

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

Notes: Bonds plays small, long ball

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 19:33:00 +0000

03/14/2006
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Barry Bonds can't help himself.
Even when he tries something "just for fun," it pays off in a Giants victory.
Fresh off a homer to right field -- his second of the spring -- Bonds surprised everyone, except himself, by laying down a perfect sacrifice bunt off Rangers pitcher Kevin Walker in the sixth inning.
What?
That's not a misprint. After Steve Finley laced a double down the right-field line, Bonds moved pinch-runner Jason Ellison over to third with the score tied, 2-2, with a bunt that Walker fielded and tagged Bonds out. Then Lance Niekro cracked a hard infield grounder, allowing Ellison to race home, the winning margin in San Francisco's 3-2 win.
"I don't know any signs," said Bonds, who also singled twice, raising his spring average over three games to .714. "I did it just for fun. It's just getting your at-bats during Spring Training."
Did Alou give the bunt sign?
"I flashed it," said the manager, smiling, then adding quickly, "No ... I didn't. Barry can do anything he wants with the bat and baseball. He looked OK, but he's still being cautious [in running] is what I see."
Whether Bonds will play again Wednesday when the Giants host the Milwaukee Brewers at Scottsdale Stadium remains to be seen. "We'll see," said Alou.
Bonds, who DHed Tuesday, isn't certain if he'll play, but as for returning to left field again, he took a jab at reporters.
"No, I'm not looking forward to that at all," he said. "I'm just trying to stay out of the way. But it might be fun to get out there and misplay one so you guys will have something to write about -- 'He's slowed down now ...' Just for the attention."
As a footnote, Bonds said he has begun piano lessons and practices about two hours a week, trying to keep up with daughter Aisha, 7, who Barry admits plays much better.
Solid effort: Giants pitcher Matt Morris thought, at least for a few moments, that someone -- maybe a prank-pulling teammate -- had hidden his civvies for fun.
"I hate this place," he laughed.
Fresh out of a postgame shower, he looked in vain for his clothes in his clubhouse cubicle ... then found them neatly folded on a hanger.
"I like this place," he said, laughing again.
It was indeed a happy day for the 31-year-old right-hander, who pitched five innings in the Giants' victory, allowing two runs on six hits.
It was the longest Cactus League outing by a San Francisco pitcher this spring.
"When you have a defense like that, it's nice just to throw strikes and let them work," said Morris of his 76-pitch stint, which features an outstanding running catch deep in center field by Finley, a nice double-play-grounder pickup by Niekro and a perfect throw by catcher Mike Matheny to nail a runner.
"Physically I'm recovering -- that's the main thing, increasing your pitch count every time, your endurance and stamina, then recover and do it all over again," said Morris. "I've been pretty on pace with that."
Alou is delighted to see the No. 2 starter getting stronger with each outing.
"He's not quite there but he's getting better," said Alou. "He's getting close. He has very steady tempo on the mound."
Alou also liked the three scoreless innings pitched by winner Jamey Wright (1-0), the fifth-starter candidate having thrown five shutout frames over two outings.
"His curveball was erratic and he was a little wild, but we like his arm, and today was a standard outing for him," said Alou.
Lance hot: First baseman Niekro is having a great spring. He went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs on Tuesday, raising his average to .462 over 10 games.
He's now hit safely in his last eight games and had 10 RBIs over that stretch.
Finley's speed: Although Finley called his back-to-the-infield catch of a Jason Botts shot in the second inning "easy," it was far from that ... at least for a "normal" outfielder.
"That's why we won't start him in right or left field," said Alou. "Finley's a tremendous center fielder."

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

Bonds still could join Team USA

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 19:32:00 +0000

03/14/2006
FULLERTON, Calif. -- The story that won't go away began to heat up again at Team USA practice on Tuesday and this time the team's manager gave it some credence. With Johnny Damon's left shoulder ailing, Barry Bonds could be asked to join Team USA if it ascends to the World Baseball Classic semifinals on Saturday at San Diego's PETCO Park.
Bonds is on Team USA's 52-man provisional roster and has missed the first two rounds while he's rebuilding strength in his thrice surgically repaired right knee in the San Francisco Giants camp at Scottsdale, Ariz. And with a crucial second-round game against Mexico at Angel Stadium on Thursday, manager Buck Martinez said it wasn't out of the question that Team USA could ask Bonds to play if the U.S. moves on.
"At this point I think I would contact anyone," Martinez said in the wake of Monday night's 7-3 loss to Korea that has placed the U.S. in jeopardy of elimination. "If we have a need to add somebody to this roster then we would be open to anybody who is on that provisional roster."
Bonds said last week that he would not personally pursue joining the U.S. team, but he did leave the door open a crack when he said that he might reconsider that position if asked by USA Baseball officials.
On Tuesday in Scottsdale, where Bonds went 3-for-3 with a homer as the designated hitter in a 3-2 Giants win over the Texas Rangers, Bonds was asked again whether he'd consider joining the U.S. for the semifinals and possible finals next Monday.
"I can't answer that until I get the call," Bonds said.
Bonds played his first game as a DH last Thursday and his first in left field on Sunday. Martinez said that the late spring start for Bonds wouldn't hinder the lefty-slugger, who has 708 career homers, from being added to the team.
"Barry Bonds with a couple of games under his belt is pretty potent," Martinez said.
Damon said before Tuesday's workout that he won't throw for about a week. That would make him ineligible to play the outfield during the remainder of the tournament. Damon added that he could still help as a pinch-hitter or DH, although Martinez has been using either Chipper Jones or Alex Rodriguez lately in the DH slot with the other playing third base.
Any team in the Classic can add a player in between rounds if one on the 30-man roster has an injury or must depart on a bereavement leave.
"I really think I would (stay) on the roster," Damon said. "It would be a lot tougher to pull somebody off their Spring Training team and have them come out for a couple of days. Buck knows he can use me in many different ways, whether I have to run, pinch-hit or DH."
Martinez said the decision to add Bonds would be up to the manager, the coaching staff and Bob Watson, USA Baseball's general manager and a Major League Baseball executive. He also said other players on the provisional roster -- Eric Chavez, David Wright, Morgan Ensberg and Bill Hall -- would be considered.
Bonds is the only other eligible outfielder. Luis Gonzalez, Carl Crawford and Lance Berkman have already opted out for injuries or personal reasons.
"He's still a guy we can use," Martinez said about Damon. "I don't think we've gotten to the point of making a decision. Yet. We've been considering some things. We've got a couple of more days before that decision has to be made. We also need a big win and have to have some help."
Bonds has been surrounded by a buzz during the last week that has involved two books that have restated allegations that he used performance-enhancing drugs for a five-year period from 1998 to 2002, including the 2001 season when he hit 73 homers to break Mark McGwire's three-year-old record.
Commissioner Bud Selig said last week that he would read any appropriate material about the matter before commenting on the accusations. Bonds is six homers behind Babe Ruth's 714 and 47 in arrears of Hank Aaron's MLB all-time leading 755.
Asked if Selig would have any input regarding Bonds being placed on the roster, Martinez said with a laugh: "No. He's on our provisional roster. I think he's our property."
Martinez also said that adding Bonds to the team wouldn't be a distraction.
"I don't think so given the way he went over and talked to the players on Friday in Scottsdale," Martinez said, citing Bonds' visit before the U.S. beat South Africa, 17-0, to qualify for the second round. "He just wanted to lend support to the team, let them know that he was behind them and kind of alleviate any misconceptions. He went down into the dugout and shook hands."

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

Giants cruise to victory over Brewers

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 19:31:00 +0000

03/15/2006
Brewers at the plate: Bill Hall singled, tripled and scored a run in the fourth on Corey Koskie's double.
Giants at the plate: Barry Bonds went 2-for-2 with a double and three-run homer, lifting his spring average to .777 (7-for-9) with three homers and six RBIs. Steve Finley, 41, blasted a three-run homer to the left-field corner in San Francisco's four-run first inning.
Brewers on the mound: Starter Doug Davis gave up eight hits and seven runs over three innings.
Giants on the mound: Starter Brad Hennessey threw three shutout innings, then yielded two runs in the fourth. Reliever Tim Worrell allowed three runs in the eighth.
Cactus League records: Brewers 8-6; Giants 8-5.

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

Notes: Hennessey likes power surge

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 19:30:00 +0000

03/15/2006
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Pitcher Brad Hennessey wouldn't mind if slugger Barry Bonds is in the lineup every time he pitches.
Hennessey picked up his first victory of the spring on Wednesday in a 10-6 verdict over the Milwaukee Brewers at Scottsdale Stadium. The Giants right-hander squirmed out of several jams and allowed two runs over 3 2/3 innings.
Hennessey had the pressure off early, as San Francisco put up four runs in the first inning, with outfielder Steve Finley clubbing a three-run homer, and Bonds adding a double.
Bonds later departed the game following a booming three-run shot to the right-field picnic pavilion in the second inning.
Poor Barry. So old, so weak-kneed.
The 41-year-old Bonds is sizzling this spring -- he's 7-for-9 (.777) with three homers and six RBIs in only four games -- and he has yet to show signs of knee problems.
"It's amazing someone could be out on his front foot so much and still hit it as far as he does," said Hennessey. "He was strong enough to absolutely hammer it. It's nice to have him in the lineup, with the potential to go up top every at-bat.
"It's pretty impressive to come in and do what he does," said Hennessey, who's fighting with veteran Jamie Wright for the fifth starter's spot. Wright has thrown five scoreless innings of relief.
Hennessey is getting plenty of work -- he's pitched 12 1/3 innings over two starts and appears to be sharper with each outing.
"I feel pretty good," said Hennessey. "Obviously I'm not in midseason form and hitting all my spots all the time, but I feel good about how I've done so far and how I'm getting ahead of hitters. I'm going to keep chugging away."
Bonds was not talking to the media on Wednesday, but manager Felipe Alou admitted concern that opposing pitchers will have a defensive strategy facing Bonds during the regular season.
That means more rubber chickens -- signifying intentional walks -- hanging from that right-field wall at AT&T Park.
"I'm afraid for many reasons I don't want to discuss now," said Alou. "They won't give him pitches to hit."
Bonds won't make the hour-long ride to Surprise, Ariz., on Thursday when the Giants play the Texas Rangers, but he is expected to start in left field against the Chicago Cubs at Scottsdale on Friday.
Injury update: Giants closer Armando Benitez, who missed 3 1/2 months of action last season after ripping his right hamstring, has swelling in his left knee and will miss several days, according to trainer Stan Conte.
Benitez said he felt soreness in the knee while warming up for his relief stint against San Diego on Sunday -- he was rocked for six runs over a 36-pitch effort -- but pitched anyway.
"I didn't think it was serious," said Benitez, who had a cortisone shot to reduce the inflammation. "It was a mistake to go out there. Look what happened."
An MRI was taken, and the injury was diagnosed as an inflamed bursa sac. "He threw today in the back field and felt much better than yesterday," said Conte on Wednesday.
Benitez says he expects to be out three to four days.
"I heard it's not a big deal," said Alou. "It's not his bad knee. He'll be OK."
Also expected to miss a few days is infielder Jose Vizcaino, dealing with a minor right squad strain for the second time this spring. The 38-year-old Vizcaino has played in seven Cactus League games.
Finley still torrid: Finley has blasted two homers, driven in five runs and played excellent defense. At 41 years and three days old, Finley seems to be on his first legs, not his last.
"Finley will never be an old guy, not with that body," said Alou.
The 17-year big-league veteran says he's usually "all over the place" with his spring swing but discussions with Bonds have kept it in a groove.
"He's helped me a lot, talking about the swing and different approaches," said Finley, hitting .444. "It's been a big help -- just to be able to apply that and make a good pass every time. Even if I do make an out, it feels like a good swing."

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

Correia shines in Giants' loss to Texas

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 19:28:00 +0000

03/16/2006
Giants at the plate: Tyler Von Schell had a double in the eighth and scored on Kevin Frandsen's single to break a 2-2 tie. Jason Ellison led off the game with a single and scored on Dan Ortmeier's triple to right-center. After Todd Linden was hit by a pitch, Lance Niekro hit into a double play to drive home the second run.
Rangers at the plate: Tim Olson had a game-winning, two-out single in the ninth. Kevin Mench hit a two-run home run, his fourth of the spring, and he has 13 RBIs. The Rangers were 1-for-28 with runners in scoring position over the past three games before Rashad Eldridge had an RBI double in the eighth.
Giants on the mound: Starter Kevin Correia, trying to win a spot as the Giants' fifth starter, entered the game with a 7.36 ERA but held the Rangers to one hit in four innings. He did not walk a batter and struck out two.
Rangers on the mound: Starter Kameron Loe gave up two runs in the first inning but settled down and retired 12 batters. He gave up a single and a double in the fifth before coming out of the game. Scott Feldman took the loss by allowing a run in the eighth.
Cactus League records: Giants 8-6, Rangers 6-7.

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