Much maligned off-season free agent signing Edgar Renteria launched a grand slam as the Giants rallied to beat the Colorado Rockies, 9-5, completing a three game home sweep to lift San Francisco into a wildcard tie.

Renteria’s seventh inning shot (4) off losing pitcher Rafael Betencourt (1-3) turned a three run deficit into a 6-5 lead.   Ryan Rohlinger and Eugenio Velez added to the hit parade in the eighth with a bases loaded two run double and RBI double, respectively.  Brandon Medders (3-1) picked up the win and Brian Wilson pitched the ninth in a non-save situation.  Matt Cain pitched well, but only lasted six innings, giving up back to back homeruns to Todd Helton (13) and Troy Tulowitzski (24) in the fifth. 

In the opener, Tim Lincecum (13-4) shone, tossing eight shutout innings as the Giants beat the Rockies, 2-0.  The defending Cy Young winner struck out eight and surrendered only four hits in the victory.  Pablo Sandoval broke a scoreless tie with his twentieth homerun in the fifth off loser Ubaldo Jiminez (12-10).  Brian Wilson tossed the ninth for his 31st save.

In the middle game, Barry Zito (9-11) played the role of stifler, tossing 8 1/3 innings, striking out seven and surrendering only one run on a solo homerun by Brad Hawpe (19) in the ninth as the Giants won 5-3.  Pablo Sandoval homered (21) for the second straight day and had three hits as the Giants used a balanced offense to beat Jason Marquis (14-9).  Brian Wilson recorded the final out to quell a late Colorado rally and notch his 32nd save.  

Well, a sweep’s great, especially when it’s mathematically needed.  Awesome job by the Giants on this six game homestand.   Especially when taking into account that they went 5-6 on the road trip.  Add the two together and that’s 10-7 in that stretch.  Not great, but good enough for a wild card tie going into the next series.  Pablo is awesome.  The Giants will only get better when they get Freddy Sanchez back next week.  Randy Johnson also might be back soon, but appears headed for the bullpen.  When taking into account that Joe Martinez got a bus ticket to Fresno, I have no idea who will be #5.  Ryan Sadowski hasn’t been that great in AAA since going back down.  I will again make my pitch for Kevin Pucetas.  I hear that newly returned Alex Hinshaw might be getting a turn.  Huh?  You’ve got to be kidding me.  Right now, with every game critical, they can’t be holding tryouts for that slot.  The Giants don’t play until Tuesday and it appears that they’re content skipping the five spot in favor of Lincecum going Wednesday.  Smart.  Today’s rally was huge.  All the more better that it came at the expense of a rival.   I don’t think I approve of the job that Ryan Garko’s been doing, thus far.  Yes, he hit two homeruns the other day.  However, they were in Colorado and the Giants lost the game, 14-11.  Travis Ishikawa’s shot against the Arizona broke the tie late.  I’m much more comfortable with Ishikawa at first.  Just my opinion.  Oh, and Nate Schierholtz forcing out a runner at second on Saturday night was awesome.  Great cannon in right. 

The Giants will next travel to play the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night.  The Rockies host the New York Mets Tuesday night.   

The San Francisco Giants clubbed 18 hits and beat the New York Mets 10-1 to earn a split in the four game set. 

Aaron Rowand had four hits and launched his tenth homerun of the season as the Giants hitters feasted early and often on former San Francisco rotation stalwart Livan Hernandez (7-8), touching the veteran up for six runs in 5 1/3 innings.  Joe Martinez (3-1), a New York native, had a successful homecoming, tossing five innings of five hit ball while surrendering one run.   Nate Schierholtz added a two run pinch-hit double and Randy Winn had three hits to pace the Giants offense.

In the Friday night opener, Met rookie Bobby Parnell (3-4), making only his second start on the year (against 54 relief appearances) was masterful, tossing six shutout innings, striking out seven while walking none, as the Mets won 3-0.  Angel Pagan led off the game with a homerun (3) off Barry Zito (8-11) and Francisco Rodriguez tossed a perfect ninth for his 26th save. 

In the second game of the set, Benjie Molina broke a 4-4 tie in the top of the tenth with a homerun (15) off Francisco Rodriguez (2-4) as the Giants prevailed 5-4 in ten innings.  Brian Wilson (5-5) blew a long save for Matt Cain, but tossed 2 2/3 shutout innings for the win.  Cain was strong again, notching 7 1/3 strong innings and leaving with the lead.  Earlier in the game, Cain hit David Wright in the helmet with a fastball, knocking the slugger out and sending him to the hospital.   Mets starter Johan Santana retaliated, throwing behind Pablo Sandoval in the seventh.  The Giant third baseman responded by depositing the next pitch over the left field fence for his 18th homerun of the season. 

The third game was likewise a pitcher’s duel as Jonathan Sanchez and Mike Pelfrey matched pitches for more than seven innings, each leaving with the score tied 2-2.   Daniel Murphy drove home Jeff Francoeur, singling off Jeremy Affeldt in the bottom of the ninth to win the game for the Mets 3-2 and make a loser off Sergio Romo (3-2).  Francisco Rodriguez (3-4) struck out the side in the top of the ninth for the victory.

Well, they got the split.  That’s what you ask for on the road, right?  But the bats (with the exception of the last game) were silent.  Four good outings and two wins to show for it.  I don’t know.  I’m amazed more the more I watch this.  Come on guys.  Cain losing a three run lead was a bit of a shocker, too.  I pray that David Wright is okay.  It appears as if he is.  Ended up on the disabled list with a concussion.  Martinez played well.  That’s nice to see.  Let’s keep this momentum going into the next series.  Heck, the Dodgers keep losing.  Perhaps the Giants can win this thing yet. 

The Giants will next travel to Cincinnati on Tuesday to play the Reds.  The Mets host the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday. 

Juan Uribe lifted his fifth homerun of the season to left field, sinking the Dodgers 4-2 in ten innings and allowing the Giants to salvage the final game of the three game set with division leader Los Angeles.

The Dodgers forced extra innings when Adam Ethier singled home Rafael Furcal, tying the score against Tim Lincecum with two outs in the ninth.  Winner Brian Wilson (4-5) quelled the rally and pitched the tenth for the win.  Uribe blasted an 0-2 offering from loser Guillermo Mota (3-4) into the seats for the final tally.  Lincecum finished the day surrendering four hits, two runs, and striking out seven.  Great day for the game’s top pitcher.  He should have had the win.  Ended up with a no decision.

In the first game, the Giants jumped out to an early 1-0 advantage when Travis Ishikawa blasted an offering from HIroki Kuroda (5-5) over the right field fence in the second inning.  However, the Giants would get little else as Matt Kemp banged a three run double off loser Jonathan Sanchez (5-10) in the fourth en route to a 4-2 victory.  Mark Loretta followed with a run scoring single to give the Dodgers a 4-1 advantage.  Benjie Molina hit a rather meaningless solo homerun (14) off closer Jonathan Broxton in the ninth.  However, after allowing a single to Randy Winn, Broxton slammed the door the rest of the way for his 25th save of the season.

In the middle game, the Giants again struck first, jumping out to a third inning 1-0 advantage over Randy Wolf (6-6).  However, rookie Joe Martinez (2-1) couldn’t hold the lead through the fifth and the Dodgers prevailed 9-1.  Martinez shut the Dodgers out through the first four frames but was chased after Ethier and Manny Ramirez blasted back to back run scoring doubles to give the Dodgers a 3-1 lead.  The hit parade continued in full swing in the seventh when Ramirez (13) and Matt Kemp (16) sent balls into orbit off Brandon Medders for the final numbers. 

All in all, the Giants looked atrocious this series.  Yes, I know that the umpires blew some (A LOT) of calls this series.  However, that doesn’t excuse Sanchez’s wildness (two walks before the back breaking double) or the inept offense shown by the Giants.  Questionable managerial moves, too.  Such as, in the first game, Ishikawa blasted a homerun and drew the team’s only walk on the day.  He had a chance to come up with runners on base but late, because a lefty was on for the Dodgers, he was lifted for a right hand hitter (Ryan Garko).  STUPID!!!  Does the concept of ‘hot hand’ mean nothing to Bochy?  Guess not.  And another thing.  I think I’m tired of seeing Garko in the lineup.  I don’t care if he was a deadline pickup.  He’s been playing horrible.  There’s a reason Ishikawa’s had more reps recently.  I won’t hold the feet of Martinez to the fire too much.  He did a servicable job for four innings.  But the pressure might have gotten to him in the fifth.  He’s young.  However, he needs to get through that frame.  If not, tickets to Fresno can be bought at a premium.  Did I see Randy Winn batting fifth this series?  Wow!!!  That’s a sure fire way to protect Molina at four.  Incredible.   This was a huge series.  They needed two or three wins and got one.  Amazing.   I guess there’s always the wild card.  Timmy should have had the victory today.   Perhaps there’s a reason why they call the umps ‘blue’.  Did I just say that?  Strike that from the record. 

The Giants next travel to New York to take on the Mets Friday night.  The Dodgers will hopefully lose to the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix.  We can hope, right?

Joe Martinez won his first major league start and Eli Whiteside hit a grand slam as the San Francisco Giants beat the Houston Astros 10-6, taking the three game Texas road swing, two games to one. 

Martinez (2-0), sidelined since being beaned with a line drive in the third game of the season, scattered seven hits and three runs over five innings, striking out five in the effort.   After the Astros jumped to a 3-0 lead following a two run double by Jason Michaels and RBI infield single by Kazuo Matsui in the second, the Giant bats erupted.  Pablo Sandoval started the rally with a two run single in the top of the third.  The score held at 3-2 until the sixth when new acquisition Ryan Garko drove in Sandoval with a single to tie the score.  Following an Aaron Rowand double and an intentional walk to Edgar Renteria (IW to Renteria????  Seriously, they deserved what came next.), Eli Whiteside slammed the first offering from Brian Moehler (7-7) into the left field stands, putting the Giants ahead 8-4.  Each team scored two runs in the ninth, the Astros on a two run launch by Hunter Pence (14) for the final tally.  Sandoval had three hits on the day, raising his average to .334 on the season.

In the opener, Matt Cain (12-3) had a rare speedbump in his season of excellence, surrendering fifth and sith inning homeruns to Geoff Blum (6) and Kazuo Matsui (5) respectively, while losing an early 2-0 advantage and the game to Mike Hampton (7-8), 4-3.  The Giants consistently squandered scoring opportunities with runners on base in the early going and couldn’t get the big hit when it counted late.  Jose Valverde finished up, pitching the ninth for his 13th save.  

in the middle game, Jonathan Sanchez (4-9) put his 2009 road woes behind him, snapping a nine game travel streak by shutting out the Astros on four hits over seven innings and striking out eight as the Giants prevailed 8-1.  Benjie Molina had three hits and two RBI as the Giants battered rookie Astros starter Felipe Paulino (2-6) early and often, to the tune of nine hits and five runs over 4 1/3 innings.  Freddy Sanchez (7) and Pablo Sandoval (16) lifted back to back homers in the sixth off reliever Wesley Wright. 

So, what to say?  The sweep would have been nice, but hey, a series win is good, too.  And with the Dodgers within striking distance, every series win is necessary.  Of course, though Cain is the man this year, you can’t win them all.  And this one he lost.  He did get the complete game and, it’s better now than against a NL West opponent, I guess.  Sanchez was nails.  Martinez was nice in what he did.  He looked like a rookie #5 and I guess that’s what he is.  The starting pitching was awesome (as usual).  Great job by the offense after that first game.  Garko seems like he’s getting in the game a little more.  Also, Sandoval’s a stud.  As I said earlier, if you walk Renteria intentionally, you deserve the next pitch you throw being hit into orbit.  It’s only logical.  Now, the team has some momentum going into this weekend against the Reds (and the Dodgers after them).  Lincecum starts off this series.  Let’s get him some runs, alright?

The Giants will next take on the Cincinnati Reds at home on Friday night.  The Astros host the Milwaukee Brewers.  Go Giants and whoever plays the Dodgers and Rockies!!!

Freddy Sanchez waited several days to make his debut for the San Francisco Giants.  However, his performance Sunday against the Philadelphia Phillies not only helped boost the team to a 7-3 victory, but also helped endear him to Giant faithful as the team took three of four games at home against the NL East leaders. 

Sanchez singled and doubled, driving in two critical runs and scoring once as the Giants rallied from an early 3-1 deficit with six unanswered runs in the fifth and sixth innings off losing pitcher Cole Hamels (7-6).   Barry Zito (7-10) went six strong innings, limiting the high powered Phillies offense to six hits and three runs (two earned), striking out five and walking none.   Eugenio Velez continued his torid hitting, driving in two runs with a bases loaded single in the sixth that tallied the final runs.  Aaron Rowand also contributed an RBI triple in the second. 

In the opener, Pablo Sandoval drove in four runs with a sacrifice fly, double, and homerun (16) as the Giants won 7-2.  Rodrigo Lopez (3-1) was hit early and often in losing his first decision on the season.  Eugenio Velez had three hits and drove in three with a double and two singles.  Jonathan Sanchez (4-9) pitched into the sixth, surrendering three hits and striking out seven.  The only real blemish on Sanchez was Chase Utley’s 23rd homerun of the season in the sixth.  Giant outfielder Andres Torres left the game after the bottom of the second with a strained left hamstring.  He was replaced by Randy Winn.

In the second match of the series, newcomer and defending AL Cy Young winner Cliff Lee (8-9) handcuffed the Giants on four hits, carrying a no-hitter into the sixth.  Jayson Werth drove in three and launched a homerun (22) in the 5-1 Phillie victory.  Rookie Ryan Sadowski (2-4) didn’t pitch poorly, but lost his fourth straight decision, leaving after four innings with shoulder tightness, surrendering one run on three hits and three walks.   

In the third game, Tim Lincecum (12-3) stymied the Phillies through eight shutout innings, winning 2-0.  Lincecum struck out eight and scattered seven hits and walked one.  Joe Blanton (7-5) was the hard luck loser, pitching seven strong innings, blemished only by two sacrifice flies by Juan Uribe.  Brian Wilson pitched the ninth for his 27th save. 

Great series for the Giants.  I can’t really think of too many complaints.  The pitching was awesome.  Even in the loss, Sadowski pitched well.  A lot of good momentum to end the home stand with a 6-1 mark.  The staff did an impressive job with turning back an incredibly potent offense.   Sanchez was great in his debut.  This is what the team needs.  Velez has been a sparkplug since his recall.  Nice to see that he’s over .300 and doing what was expected when coming out of spring training last year. 

In moves to make room for Sanchez, the Giants optioned Jesus Guzman and Ryan Sadowski to Fresno, recalling reliever Waldis Joaquin from Connecticut.  Joaquin has pitched well in the minors but is most likely holding a spot until they either recall Kevin Pucetas or Joseph Martinez to make the start on Wednesday or look to a reliever, such as Justin Miller, to make a spot start.  Not sure if this is a demotion for Sadowski or a chance for him to work on pitching in the minors for a bit (and to take a closer look at his injury).  I think it’s a good opportunity for either Pucetas or Martinez to have a shot in the rotation, but we’ll know for sure on Wednesday.

The Giants travel to Houston to begin a three game set with the Astros Monday night.  The Phillies will go to Denver to start a three game set with the Rockies on Tuesday.  The Giants and Rockies each sport identical 58-47 marks to lead the National League wild card chase.  Go Giants.  Go Phillies. 

On a day when they acquired all-star second baseman Freddy Sanchez from Pittsburgh, Randy Winn singled in Eugenio Velez with two out in the bottom of the tenth inning for a 1-0 victory as the San Francisco Giants completed a three game sweep of the Pirates. 

Brian Wilson (3-4) pitched the tenth for the victory, striking out two while retiring the Pirates in order.   In the presence of run support, Cy Young candidate (check the record…I did call this shot in the preseason) Matt Cain would have had a complete game, three hit shutout.  Without it, he ended up with a no decision that drove his ERA down further, to 2.12.   Can’t get wins every time.  This way is the best way to go when that doesn’t happen, I guess.  Newly acquired first baseman Ryan Garko picked up his first hit for the Giants, a second inning one out single. 

In the opener, Tim Lincecum (11-3) threw a complete game four-hitter, striking out a career high 15 batters, as the Giants won, 4-2.  Pablo Sandoval went 3 for 4 with a double and Andres Torres tripled and drove in two as the Giants got a measure of revenge on Paul Maholm (6-5) who masterfully beat the Giants the last time he faced them in Pittsburgh.   San Francisco piled up four runs in the first two innings and Lincecum cruised the rest of the way. 

In the middle game, newly recalled Eugenio Velez homered (1) and drove in a run with a double as the Giants beat the Pirates 3-2.  Starter Charlie Morton (2-3) was the target of Velez’s success, losing despite giving up only two runs in six innings.  Sandoval drove in another run with two hits and Sergio Romo (3-1) struck out Andrew McCutchen with two on, stranding runners inherited from starter Barry Zito, for the victory.  Brian Wilson worked the ninth, striking out two, for the save, his 26th.  Zito didn’t have his best stuff, but worked around base runners all day, surrending nine hits and only one run in 5 2/3 innings. 

They needed this sweep.  After that horrific road trip (which began in Pittsburgh), the Giants REALLY needed this sweep.  In addition to the sweep that was handed the Dodgers in St. Louis, this sweep is incredibly profitable.  The pitching was nice.  Good to see Romo come back from his recent troubles.  Also, Wilson is the man in the bully.  Jeremy Affeldt lost his consecutive innings scoreless streak (at around 250 or so, I think).  That’s alright.  Regain the focus.  The only homerun in this series was Eugenio Velez.  Eugenio Velez?  Really?  Hmmm.  Perhaps Pablo (who is hitting well, by the way) can start pumping blasts out when the world champs hit town tomorrow night.  We’ll see.  Oh, and Ryan Garko needs to start producing.  The honeymoon won’t be a long one.  Results will be expected about last Thursday.  For the record, I’m not overly enthused with this pickup and still think that Travis Ishikawa is the answer at first.  However, it also doesn’t look like they’re planning on moving him and both are cheap employees.  May the better first baseman win.  Platoon until that is determined. 

The Giants will next begin a four game series with the visiting Philadelphia Phillies (and newly acquired starter Cliff Lee) on Thursday night.  The Pirates travel home to host the Washington Nationals. 

In an attempt to shore up second base, the San Francisco Giants acquired three time all-star second baseman Freddy Sanchez from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for minor league starting pitcher Tim Alderson. 

Sanchez, 31, is a former batting champ (2006).  He holds a .300 career batting average and should stabilize a position that has been in a state of flux for the Giants all season. 

Alderson was projected as a future stud in the Giants rotation.  However, with the force that is Lincecum/Cain, combined with the soon-to-arrive Madison Bumgarner, Alderson was a little more expendable.  Hope he does well in the Pittsburgh system which, due to lack of depth, might lead him to the big leagues before the end of 2009.

What this means for the Giants is that there is no longer a question of who will play second base.  While Juan Uribe was nice at times, he never felt right there.  Emmanuel Burriss is done for the season with a broken foot.  Kevin Frandsen and Matthew Downs both were found wanting in their stints at second.  Eugenio Velez has been nice in the past few games, but hasn’t been overly dependable over the long haul.  Sanchez is a nice addition and comes at a good price (salary speaking).  Alderson was a costly bartering chip, but the minor league depth (Joseph Martinez, Kevin Pucetas, others) is there to make up for it.  Also, in spring training, I recall Alderson getting beat around like a pinata.  Perhaps that was a warning sign, but then, that’s only spring training.  The only question is Sanchez’s knee, which has kept him shelved of late.  However, the Giants doctors checked it out during the series and gave it a pass.  The Giants would like that knee to carry the team deep into the playoffs and beyond in 2009. 

Attempting to remedy a struggling offense, the San Francisco Giants acquired first baseman/outfielder Ryan Garko from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for Class A starting pitcher Scott Barnes.  Garko, 28, was batting .285 with 11 home runs and 39 RBIs in 79 games for Cleveland.

In other roster moves, the team recalled infielders Eugenio Velez and Jesus Guzman from AAA Fresno while shipping out second baseman Matt Downs and outfielder John Bowker. 

What does this mean?  First of all, I think that Travis Ishikawa might soon be traded as a result of these moves.  The only way that this doesn’t happen (and I hope it doesn’t) is if they look to Garko to play left field.  Hey, stranger things have happened.  Second, the team’s patience for John Bowker might have reached an end.  He’s done little with the bat this season.  We’ll see what the future holds for him.  Another reason for the recalls of Guzman and Velez might be to prove that they can play at the major league level.  In other words, they might be trade bait.  I can’t say that either of their departures would make me too bummed.   Also, can’t say that Barnes will be greatly missed, as yet. 

Guzman and Velez both start tonight.  More to come. 

After dropping their third straight road series, the San Francisco Giants will head home to friendlier confines, trailing in the wild card hunt and third place in the National League West. 

This trip exposed several weaknesses among the team.  First, and foremost, the team needs a stick.  The Giants hitting was abyssmal.  If it wasn’t for two big innings, this very easily could have been a 1-9 trip instead of the 3-7 that the record books show.  That’s sad.  Whatever power they had has appeared to have dried.  Second base is the most glaring hole in the lineup.  While Juan Uribe played well in the first half, he seems to be swinging and missing more than I’d like in a starter.  This team needs to either make a move before the deadline (Freddy Sanchez???) or remember their bats. 

Also, Ryan Sadowski, sadly, doesn’t appear up to snuff in the major leagues.  This takes care of a big ‘worry’ of six starters for five spots.  When Randy Johnson returns, this is now an easy call to make.  Perhaps it’s time to bring up Madison Bumgarner.  Maybe Kevin Pucetas if they want to play it safe.  Probably the latter.  Sadowski doesn’t appear to have the make up to help the team at this level.

The big two (Lincecum and Cain) are currently holding the Giants season afloat.  Lincecum goes tonight.  The team needs to turn it around immediately.  Dropping ten runs on the board against visiting Pittsburgh would be a good start.  If the Giants continue to play horrible offense, this will be a nightmare second half.  Here’s hoping they bring their bats and A game tonight. 

A smile crosses my face when I think of how well the Giants have performed on the season.  I guess I was used to losing or something.   In my wildest dreams, I don’t think I would have ever predicted 49-39 at this point in the season.  Factor in that they have the third best record in the National League and lead the wild card and my smile widens.

First and foremost, the secret to the Giants success this year is their pitching.  The starters start the games, so we’ll begin with them.  The two headed beast of Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain has given the team an awesome stability at the top of the rotation.  I will set this one two punch against any in the majors.  With Timmy, after two hiccups to begin the season, he’s merely continuing what won him the Cy Young award last season.  As for Cain, he’s showing us what he can do when he has the comfort level a little run support will allow.  Incredible.  If each continues their first half performance, the Giants will be well.  Randy Johnson’s been good, not great, not stellar.  He’s been a stable influence in the rotation when he’s not giving up taters.   However, his 8-6 record is gone until August (or September).  A lot will happen between now and then and his return should be viewed on a par with a late season trade.  It could push them over the top but won’t help them in the short term.  After him, Barry Zito’s been hit and miss, sink or swim, bouquet or stink.  In other words, a great number four.  For every dominating outing he has, there is seemingly one bad one and two that can go either way.  I’ll take the dominating ones when we can get them.  However, while he’s nice when on, he can’t be depended upon in crunch time.  So that leaves us with the kids.  Jonathan Sanchez was great in his last outing (no-hitter) and mostly abyssmal in the previous 13 before that.  It’s imperative that this last start was not an anomaly and that the Giants can depend on more of that sort.  If he starts walking the world in his next outing, the team should be concerned.  If the next batch are the same as the first 13, a change will be in order.  If he continues this dominance, then the Giants are in for a treat.  The rookie, Ryan Sadowski, has been good in three starts.  As a true #5, whatever the team can get from him will be gravy.  If he can remain accurate with his pitches (in his lost, he walked four), it appears he can be a consistently good juxtaposition to the fireballers at the top of the rotation.  He’s one to watch in the second half.

The bullpen was awesome.  Between Justin Miller, Brandon Medders, Sergio Romo, Jeremy Affeldt, and Bobby Howry, leads were often safe in the first half.  The only real question mark is oft-injured Merkin Valdez and his ‘just under five’ ERA.  Perhaps they could use an upgrade in this department.  Every other pitcher who hasn’t produced in the bullpen this year (Matos, Misch, Hinshaw) has been shown the door in short order.  Let’s hope the Giants don’t get too tentative about this one.  Perhaps a returning Joseph Martinez is the answer.  Brian Wilson, as usual, gave us a few nervous moments but, more often than not, came through for the Orange and Black.  I don’t see why that should change in the second half.  Nor do I see any need for a different closer (though the reactionaries will always scream that the sky is falling and somebody other than Wilson should be the closer….they are wrong). 

For the lineup, I’ll be brief:

First base-The lineup improved once 1) Travis Ishikawa started hitting and 2) once Travis Ishikawa started playing consistently.  I love this guy at first.  He should be the starter from here on out.  They need no upgrade at this position.  He saves uncountable runs with his scoops at first and, I’ll call my shot, he will end up the season with 20 homeruns and 80 RBI.  Mark it down. 

Second base-After the failed (can we declare it failed yet??  Yes, we can.) experiment with the combination of Emmanuel Burriss (didn’t hit/sent to the minors and currently missing the rest of the season with a broken foot) and Kevin Frandsen (sent to the minors/recalled and didn’t hit/currently being given a second look in the majors as a pine rider), Juan Uribe was a pleasant surprise at second base.  He’s hitting .301 and fielding second base like he was born to play it.  I don’t trust him 100% to continue this torrid pace and don’t think either Matt Downs or any minor league youngsters are the answer should he fail.  Therefore, if they are going to grab a stick by the deadline, second base is a good area to shore up.

Shortstop-I know many have been very critical about Edgar Renteria but, to be honest, he hasn’t been playing that badly.  Very average with his range.  His stick is nothing to write home about but he is good about tossing gas on the fire when the team starts blasting balls around the field.  In other words, he’s doing exactly what the Giants thought he would.  He is an accompaniment.  Nothing more, nor less. 

Third base-Hey, hey, what can I say?  Pablo Sandoval is the man at this position.  At the hot corner, he has been awesome.  Most of his seven errors came during his little stint at first base.  At third, he has been special.  His bat is awesome.  The league will grow to fear him.  As an added bonus, his power came around, in a hurry.  We’re looking 30+/100+ from him by the end of the year.  This is a bat to build a lineup around.  It’s also one that can carry a team offensively for a stretch. 

Catcher-Benjie Molina first, should not be hitting cleanup.  His power hitting seems to have abandoned him.   The pitchers like him, however, so we’ll continue to see him in the lineup.  However, don’t expect a ton from him.  And, lest we forget, he does like to surprise, at times.  Dependable bat that should be more potent in the second half.  Eli Whiteside has been a nice surprise.  I enjoy him playing in small doses.  The white hair is a bit freaky, though.  Eh.  I guess it matches his name.  Bucks the team trend, too, as it’s not a mohawk. 

Left field-Fred Lewis, who I pushed hard in the preseason, appears to have worn out his welcome.  Too many strikeouts with too little production will do that.  Sorry Fred.  I did lobby hard for ya’ for three years.  Nate Schierholtz has been nice as a substitute (though he’s better suited for right field) and should get more starts in the second half.  His scorching bat seems to have cooled a bit.  If he can’t pick it up by the end of this month, then that’s another spot where they might be able to use an upgrade. 

Center field-Aaron Rowand has experienced a renaissance since moving to the leadoff spot.  Amazing.  He’s hitting well and playing good defense (although the strikeouts are a bit high).  He swooned last season.  However, I think he’ll keep this up for the duration.  He’s playing with a vigor that is nice to see. 

Right field-Earlier stated, I think that Schierholtz is best suited to play here and move starter Randy Winn over to left.  Winn’s good.  He’s a leader.  He’s rather unspectacular.  However, he’s a veteran and, as such, is an asset to the team.   Important to have these down the stretch. 

I’ve read a great deal of ‘experts’ and ‘fans’ desiring that manager Bruce Bochy get the axe and that general manager Brian Sabean be smoted with the same stroke.  I think this idea is silly.  While I was a little miffed at Bochy for sticking with some veterans in the field early when I thought they should be on the bench or seeking other employment, he came around and now Ishikawa’s playing at first while Rich Aurilia’s riding the bench.  I think Bochy’s doing a great job with this team, overall.  Let’s see if he can get them to the playoffs and beyond.  I think he can.  That should keep the aforementioned smile beaming on my kisser.  Now, round one was fun and is in the books.  Let’s get going on round two of the season.