A late homerun by Manny Ramirez sunk the San Francisco Giants, 2-1, and kept them from gleaning the fruits of victory from back to back excellent starts Tim Lincecum and Barry Zito against the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

Staked to a 1-0 lead via a solo shot by Juan Uribe (2), Zito spun 7 1/3 shutout innings and exited, ahead 1-0, following a one out walk to Garret Anderson.  Sergio Romo (0-1) came on to face pinch hitter Manny Ramirez who launched a two run homerun (2) for the final tally, 2-1.  Clayton Kershaw tossed seven excellent innings for a no decision.  Ramon Troncoso (1-0) pitched 1/3 of a inning and backed into the victory for Los Angeles.  Jonathan Broxton pitched the ninth for his first save of the season.

In the opener, the Dodgers jumped all over Todd Wellemeyer (0-2) early, scoring seven runs in the first two innings, winning 10-8 after the Giants scored five meaningless runs in the ninth.  Adam Ethier blasted two homeruns (2,3) including a grand slam to back Vicente Padilla (1-1), who went seven solid innings, striking out seven Giants.   He also hit Aaron Rowand in the helmet with a pitch in the fifth inning.  Rowand exited and was taken for examinations which revealed several fractures around his nose.  He was placed on the 15-day disabled list.  Matt Downs was recalled from AAA Fresno to take his roster spot.

In the middle game, Tim Lincecum (3-0) shone for the third straight game, pitching six shutout innings, striking out seven, as the Giants won 9-0.   Giant hitters tore apart knuckleballer Charlie Haeger (0-1) to the tune of seven runs on seven hits and five walks in three innings.  With the bat, Lincecum went 3-4 with three RBI, to support his own cause.  Juan Uribe, Bengie Molina, Eugenio Velez, and Edgar Renteria all drove in a run to back Lincecum.

To be honest, this is the best I’ve felt after losing a series in quite a while.  Pitching was above average.  Hitting was adequate to good.  Per the games lost, the second could have gone either way.  Of course, there’s the argument, why wasn’t closer Brian Wilson brought on?  Why was Manny pitched to?  While both are legitimate, Romo is a quality pitcher and worthy of being trusted in the eighth in such a situation.   Per the first game, yes the bats weren’t there for a slugfest.  However, my only complaint is Wellemeyer (though he did alright after the early stumbling).   I’m starting to doubt he’s up to the task to be the team’s number five starter.   I think he did well enough in spring training to be here now.  However, I say that if he doesn’t start producing in the next game or two, he should get a few reps in the bullpen and they should look to the minor leagues for a replacement (probably Kevin Pucetas).  After all is said and done, the Giants went toe to toe with the Dodgers and came out of it looking pretty good (if even with less victories than losses). 

The Giants will next travel to San Diego to play the Padres.  The Dodgers will travel to Cincinnati to play the Reds on Tuesday night.

Utility infielder Juan Uribe and starting pitcher Brad Penny declined one year contract offers to remain with the San Francisco Giants.

Penny, signed as a free agent starter, was reportedly offered an incentive laden, one-year deal.  The 31 year old hurler was 4-1with an ERA of 2.59 in the closing month of 2009 after posting a mark of 7-8 with a 5.61 ERA in Boston. 

Uribe, signed to a minor league contract in the 2009 offseason, batted .289 with 16 home runs and 55 RBI, turned down a one-year contract with player option and buyout. 

The team aren’t in talks with representatives for either player at this time. 

Analysis of these two moves show that neither should really affect the team that much:

With Penny, while it was nice to have him pitching well for the final month, he was basically taking Randy Johnson’s place in the rotation.  Johnson’s now a free-agent.  The team has a rotation of Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez, Barry Zito and probably rookie Madison Bumgarner.  Hence, he wasn’t really needed any more.  If Bumgarner can’t go, the team has farm-hands Kevin Pucetas, Joseph Martinez, and Ryan Sadowski to choose from. 

Uribe was slightly more valuable.  He provided unexpected pop with a versatile glove.  However, I think that he was a one-season wonder in 2009.  I have a feeling that he would have regressed if he was snapped up with multiple years (which he no doubt now will be with another club).  There’s really no reason to sink a salary buster into somebody who was making an encore to a career swoon. 

Thanks to both for their contributions in 2009 and best wishes for next season.  Now, if the team can figure out how to get rid of Renteria for 2010.  But then, that’s a debate for another time.

Youngster phenom Madison Bumgarner will start the middle game of the Padres series tonight, bumping an ‘injured’ Tim Lincecum, and making his major league debut.   Lincecum will be rested for two days and then re-evaluated.  No long term outage is expected. 

First of all, Timmy’s back seems to have flared up with spasms.  If this is true, I, along with the entire Giants fan base, pray it flares down.  However, more on that later.

Second, it’s awesome that Bumgarner will get a start.  I’m excited too see him pitch. 

The Giants will need to keep close tabs on Lincecum.  This guy’s the franchise.  No need to overpitch him (even if he can do it).  However, there was no warning of this injury.  Could it be a smokescreen?  Pushing the kid back to face the Dodgers?  I don’t know.  This is the pennant race.  It’s imperative that the team is clicking on all cylinders and, to be honest, the starting pitching is doing just that.  The inclusion of a rookie (no matter how good) into the mix might be a bit risky.  However, assuming that this is legit, then this is the biggest hammer the Giants can bring down in this situation.  It definitely looks better than either Ryan Sadowski, Joseph Martines, Justin Miller, or Kevin Pucetas.  The kid’s getting baptized by fire tonight.  We’ll see if he remembers his asbestos underwear. 

Too many roster moves have been happening since the last series for me to wait to write about until the end of the swing through Philly.  Let’s touch on those, right now. 

First things first, and most important for the time being (like say….tonight) is the addition of Brad Penny to the rotation.  He comes at a low cost to the Giants as I believe that the BoSox will be picking up most of this tab on the year.  Penny appears to be healthy and back in the league where he’s most comfortable.  I say this is a good move.  He’ll be starting tonight and installed at the #5 spot in the rotation.  This spot is one that might be of importance due to the neck and neck run for the wild card against the Rockies.  I like his veteran savvy more than any rookie that could occupy that spot.  That included Kevin Pucetas, whom I’ve been pumping up for several months.  We’ll see how he does.  His test starts tonight against the Phillies.

The other move is a recall from the minors that should turn the head of any Giants fans with a pulse.  Catcher Buster Posey, the Giants top pick in the 2008 draft, was brought up for the September roster expansion.  This is critical because Benjie Molina has been fighting a nagging leg injury for about a week now.   Eli Whiteside isn’t what the team needs in a starter.  Posey’s excelled wherever he’s played.  I hope he’s plugged in for more than just token ‘cup of coffee’ starts.  If he continues his hitting charge, it might be bye bye for Molina in the offseason.  Also, should Molina be unable to go in the post-season, the team could plug Posey into his roster spot.  He should be suited up for Wednesday’s game. 

And it all starts tonight…..

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.   

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. 

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. 

After a wildly swung at-bat sent Randy Johnson to an early shower against Houston on Sunday, the San Francisco Giants placed the future hall of famer on the 15 day disabled list with a strained shoulder.  Manager Bruce Bochy gave a two to three week estimate for a time of recovery with former starter Jonathan Sanchez taking his rotation spot and infielder Kevin Frandsen being recalled from Fresno to take fill his roster spot. 

Now, what does that mean for us? 

1.  A solid #2 on the year (and southpaw, too) is gone for several turns in the rotation.  Other than this last start (where he was injured), he’s pitched good on the season.  He will be missed in this capacity.

2.  Sanchez is back in the rotation.  He’s pitched well in the bullpen but poorly in the rotation.  We’ll see if he’s learned anything in the time away from starting.

3.  The role of rookie Ryan Sadowski is now more important.  Without Johnson, he’s now a #4.  Not meaning to pressure him, but it’s very important now that the first two starts weren’t flukes.

How Sanchez responds to this is very important.  If he flops, then perhaps they’ll need to go to AAA and grab Kevin Pucetas.  If he does well enough, then this bad news will be minimized.  I guess it’s all up to Sanchez (and his mental toughness) at this time.  Of course, Joe Martinez also might be back soon.  After all is said and done, if this is just a tweak and Johnson can come back 100%, then that will bode best for the Giants.   

Randy Johnson and Tim Lincecum continued their dominant stretches as the Giants rallied from an early loss to take two of three from the Athletics in Oakland. 

In the opener, the Athletics rallied from a solo homerun by Travis Ishikawa (4) to take the game 5-1.   Former Giant Rajai Davis tripled and scored twice, Orlando Cabrera doubled twice, and rookie Trevor Cahill (5-5) pitched seven quality innings as the Athletics sent Jonathan Sanchez (2-8) to his fourth consecutive loss.   Cahill was stingy, only allowing four hits and one run while striking out four.  Brad Ziegler pitched two innings for the save, his sixth on the season.

In the middle game, Tim Lincecum (7-2) shone, pitching a complete game,  striking out twelve, and only surrendering a solo homerun to Jason Giambi (10) as the Giants prevailed 4-1.  The Giants got to Vin Mazarro (2-2) early, scoring twice in the first and second innings on RBI doubles by Pablo Sandoval and Edgar Renteria and sacrifice flies by Benjie Molina and rookie Matt Downs.  Lincecum was helped out of two late jams by double plays as he completed his second game of the season, both against Oakland. 

In the rubber match, Randy Johnson (7-5) threw seven dominant innings and Nate Schierholtz smacked a two run homerun as the Giants feasted off Gio Gonzalez (0-1) for ten hits and six runs over 3 2/3 innings en route to a 6-3 victory.   Aaron Rowand added an RBI double.  Brian Wilson pitched the final out for his 20th save of the season. 

Nice to see the Giants pitching step up to the plate for them.  You knew that Lincecum was going to be mad after his loss to the Angels.  He let nobody down this series.  Johnson looked good, too.  The kids are getting some looks.  Schierholtz smacked the ball around and Ishikawa kept up his torrid stretch.  Per Sandoval, he is bashing.  This guy is definitely an incredible all round hitter.  My only complaint is Sanchez.  He just looks lost out there.  One thing goes wrong, such as not getting a strike called, and he seems to flip out and walk the world.  Perhaps he could use some time in Fresno, getting his psyche in order.  If he goes down, Kevin Pucetas is ready.  If not Pucetas, there’s a handful of others who could be up to the task.  Just something to keep in mind.  If they got dominant starts, consistently, out of all five pitchers, this team could really be rolling.  As of right now, it’s four good starts (even from Zito) and then a consistent hiccup.  That’s not good. 

Good news for San Francisco.   After the series, they now stand at 39-32 on the season.  That’s good enough for:  1) the second best record in the National League and 2) the current wild card lead.  They also now stand seven games behind the Dodgers for the National League West lead.  Nice stuff.  Whoda thunk this could have happened before the season?

The Giants, finished with interleague play for the season, will next travel to Milwaukee to play the Brewers on Friday.  The Athletics will host the Colorado Rockies Friday night. 

Without a doubt, the most exciting jewel in the crown of the 2009 San Francisco Giants has to be their starting five (but then, being a huge pitching guy, I’ve been saying that since the days of Rueter and Estes).  However, I think that this year, I might be on to something.  Take a look at the rotation and tell me I’m wrong. 

First things first, number one is Mr. Cy Young himself, The Freak, Tim Lincecum.  What can be said?  What needs to be said?  He’s awesome.  If he can be 80% as good (and by saying that, don’t take at all that I feel he’s in decline) as he was last year, he’d be the #1 for any staff in baseball.  He’s young and had an awesome spring training.  Great things can be expected when he gets the ball.

Number two will be Matt Cain.  I feel that he finally has the offense to back up his wonderful pitching.  I’m going to call my shot and say that if the Cy Young stays with the team this season that he’s going to be the guy to get it.  I think he’s that good.  A penchant for giving up gopher balls and an inefficienct pitch counts are the only things keeping Cain from the heights that Lincecum achieved last year.   Judging from his spring, I think that he’s figured out the pitch counts problem.  We’ll see how it goes with the home runs.  Again, I say that ’09 will be this guy’s year to shine. 

In the number three spot is new free agent acquisition Randy Johnson.  This brilliant pick up should only serve to better impact the staff both directly and indirectly.  With his spring training, Johnson was practically lights out.  We know what we’re getting with this one.  This is Johnson of 2009, not 1999 (nor the not quite Cy Young caliber 1989 model, thankfully).  That means, he’s older and has lost a few digits on the fastball.  However, he’s still nasty and in this, his swan song, no doubt wants to go out with a bang.  Provided his injuries stay away, look for him to be an exceptional #3.  Also look for him to lift younger pitchers such as Jonathan Sanchez and Matt Cain in the role of mentor.  The staff will only be better with Johnson on the team.

For the number four, we have our $16 million dollar man, Barry Zito.  Remember when this was a big offseason pickup?  Okay, I’ll go easy on the guy.  He no longer generates the same excitement that he did in the last two seasons (shocked?).  However, he’s pitched well at times in the spring and perhaps he’s turning the corner and finding a comfort zone with the team.  I like to take heart in that, though he started off 0-8 last season, he finished 10-17.  Therefore, after that abysmal beginning, he was 10-9 the rest of the way.  Not bad for a #4.  But then, I digress.

Bringing up the rear of the rotation will be southpaw Jonathan Sanchez.  He electrified and excited at times last season but ran out of gas some time in July (not to mention he got a stint on the DL).  That’s a stamina thing.  This year, he should be ready to pitch a full season.  What he’s shown at times has been incredible.  If he lives up to expectations, this should prove to be a good ‘no move’ by the team when they decided not to trade him in the offseason. 

I was originally hoping that Noah Lowry would assume the number five position this season but, alas, he was again beset by injuries and didn’t throw in spring training.   I like this guy and would very much like to see him back with the team.  However, nothing should be counted on at this time.  He has an option left and perhaps could work out the situation in Fresno.  Lest we forget the last time that a pitcher was injured this much was Rob Nen.  He never pitched again and the Giants finally a closer last season.  We don’t need the equivalent of Matt Herges and Tim Worrell in the rotation as we wait for Lowry to get well.  If and when he comes back, perhaps the role of long reliever might suit him. 

Should any of the starting five have to spend a stint on the shelf, there are some young guns who can step up and be inserted (aka, this year’s Matt Palmer).  Kevin Pucetas tops this list, though he wasn’t exactly sharp in spring training.  Joseph Martinez is another name that we might get to know (though I think he would be better suited in the bullpen).  Another is Jesse English (he did have a solid 2008).   Many are clamoring for Henry Sosa to get a look but last year wasn’t great for him and he definitely needs more time in the little leagues.

The names you won’t (and shouldn’t) be seeing in the rotation (even as fill-ins) this season are either ‘no ways’ or ‘not yets’.  Leading the former category is Ramon Ortiz (why was he signed and can we get rid of him yet?).  Second is Pat Misch.  Misch is nice but proved himself unready to start at the major league level last season.  His spring wasn’t mind blowing, either.  The ’not yets’ are two young studs who shall get all the time they need to develop.  If you don’t know their names (and how can you not?), they are Madison Bumgarner and Tim Alderson.  Alderson got boxed around a little in the spring training and doesn’t need that same thing happening when it counts (at least not at this time).  With Bumgarner, perhaps his performance in the spring will get the front office salivating to bring him up.  They should control this urge and, unless he’s absolutely putting up numbers such as Lincecum did in the minors in 2007 (look them up….they were quite impressive), he should spend the year learning his craft and looking forward to 2010.