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.

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. 

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.   

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. 

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. 

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. 

Easily the jewel in the crown of the four game set was the second game, where former rotation stalwart Jonathan Sanchez, pitching in place of an injured Randy Johnson, tossed a no-hitter, facing just one batter over the minimum, as the Giants cruised to an 8-0 victory.   With his father in attendance, Sanchez (3-8) struck out eleven, walking none.  The only base runner for the Padres was Chase Headley, who reached on a fielding error by third baseman Juan Uribe in the eighth.  Pablo Sandoval backed him with a three run homerun in the fifth, his fourteenth, off Josh Banks (1-1).  Aaron Rowand also drove in three.  Sanchez’s no-hitter was the first for a Giant since John Montefusco in 1976. 

In the first game of the series, Tim Lincecum almost preceded Sanchez’s night of greatness with one of his own, taking a no-hitter, 29 inning scoreless streak, and a 6-0 lead into the seventh inning before fading, allowing three runs and giving way to the bullpen as the Giants ultimately prevailed, 8-3.   Benjie Molina (11), Travis Ishikawa (7), and Juan Uribe (3) struck homeruns in support as the Giants made a loser of Josh Greer (1-4).  Lincecum, (10-2) struck out eight and walked four in his final start before he leads the National Leaguers into action as the starting pitcher in the 2009 All-Star game on Tuesday night. 

In the third game, the Giants survived a scare as Matt Cain took a line drive off the bat of Padres starting pitcher Tim Stauffer (0-1) to the right arm in the second inning.  After tests, it was determined that the All-Star, who was subsequently named inactive (by the team) for the midsummer night’s classic, suffered from only a deep bruise and shouldn’t miss a start.  Pablo Sandoval blasted his fifteenth homerun of the season, a two run variety, off Stauffer in the fourth.  The bullpen did the rest as Justin Miller (2-1) went three and one third innings and combined with Brandon Medders, Sergio Romo, Jeremy Affeldt, and Brian Wilson to limit the Padres to one run on three hits for the rest of the game, as the Giants prevailed, 2-1, with Wilson pitching the final four outs, striking out three, for his 23rd save.

In the final game, the Padres offense erupted on Barry Zito (5-9) for nine runs over four and one third innings.  Homeruns by Kevin Kouzmanoff (12) and former Giant Eliezer Alfonzo (2) made a winner of another former Giant, Kevin Correia (6-7), who threw into the sixth, giving up three runs.  The only bright spot for the Giants was John Bowker, who picked up his first hits on the season, an RBI single and solo homerun, his first, in a losing effort. 

First of all, in the first three games, the Giants pitching ruled.  Awesome job.  I don’t care if this is the Padres, they’re still major leaguers out there.  Great efforts by Sanchez and Lincecum.  Equally to the bullpen in lifting up Cain.  Very fortunate for the Giants that it was only a bruise on his golden right arm.  Way to go for Sanchez in sacking up in place of Johnson.  If he can continue in a similar manner, it will minimize the damage from the loss of the future hall of famer.   Oh, and Sandoval’s awesome at the plate.  The league is starting to develop a healthy fear of him.  That’s only good for whoever bats behind him.  Ishikawa went 0-2 on Sunday, ending his hitting streak at ten games.  Zito was slapped around.  Hey, it’s alright.  That’s what happens with number four starters.  They have two good games and then one bad game.  Too bad he costs this much. 

On a transaction note, before the series, in order to get a better look at Bowker, the Giants optioned rookie starter Ryan Sadowski to Class A San Jose.  This also was to allow the youngster to keep his scheduled start on Monday as the Giants had no need for him in the rotation until after the break. 

The Giants are off until Friday for the All-Star break.  After that, they’ll play in Pittsburgh against the Pirates.  The Padres will host the Colorado Rockies on Thursday night.   Enjoy the All-Star game!!!

Sadowski carried a 2-0 record into the afternoon affair, a number made even more robust with his ERA of 0.00.  To the youngster’s chagrin, the Marlins would have a top notch pitcher of their own on the mound in the person of Chris Volstad.  Volstad (6-8), a second year pitcher, tossed a five hit complete game shutout, his first in the major leagues.  He was backed by RBI from Emilio Bonifacio, Jorge Cantu, John Baker, and Dan Uggla (who collected three on his 16th homerun in the ninth inning).  Loser Sadowski (2-1) continued his unscored upon career into the fourth inning when, with two out and two on, Baker stroked a single, scoring Cantu from third base.  Overall, the rookie pitched five plus innings, walking four and surrendering five hits and three runs, two earned.  His ERA currently stands at a not unimpressive 1.00. 

In the series opener, Matt Cain, fresh off receiving his first all-star game nomination, continued his 2009 charge by notching his tenth victory of the season, leading the Giants over the Marlins, 5-4.  The right hander (10-2) lowered his ERA to 2.42 by pitching 6 2/3 innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits, striking out five while walking two.  Nate Schierholtz had a sacrifice fly and Pablo Sandoval crushed his team leading thirteenth homerun of the season, a fifth inning grand slam, off losing pitcher Sean West (3-3).  Brian Wilson played the role of Kid Cardiac, tossing a shaky ninth inning for his 22nd save, surrendering two runs on three hits and a walk before retiring Emilio Bonifacio on a ground ball back to the pitcher for the final out. 

Barry Zito tossed into the ninth in an impressively dominant outing in the middle game, allowing four hits and a walk while striking out six as the Giants took the game, 3-0.  Zito (5-8) outdueled Josh Johnson (7-2) as Juan Uribe hit his third homerun of the season and Bengie Molina lofted a sacrifice fly to break a scoreless tie in the fourth.  Sergio Romo pitched the final two outs of the ninth (both strikeouts) for his first save.  The team decided that Wilson needed a rest after his 37 pitch outing the night before. 

What can be said?  The Giants won the series.  However, for the second series in a row, they fall in game three.  It’s great that they’re winning the home sets, but a sweep screams dominance.  Perhaps they’ll achieve this in the next series when they draw the Padres for four.  Who knows?  Pablo’s hot (VOTE PABLO!!!  VOTE PABLO!!!).  He’s starting to carry this offense.  That’s nice.  Also, Travis Ishikawa has quietly put together a seven game hitting streak.  I wonder if anybody knows.  I wonder if he knows.  Hmmm.  Schierholtz has gone cold.  (VOTE PABLO!!!)  Perhaps he could do with a night off.   Sadowski looked human today.  Nobody expected him to be perfect, however he needs to be hitting the plate to be effective.  Four walks killed him.  However, the goose egg the offense put on the board also wasn’t helpful. 

The Giants will next host the Padres for four games over the weekend.  The Marlins go south to play four against the Diamondbacks. 

VOTE PABLO!!!!!

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.   

Sadowski (1-0), starting in the rotation spot regularly occupied by Jonathan Sanchez, surrendered only three hits and four walks in the effort.  He was supported by two RBI by Randy Winn, an RBI single by Travis Ishikawa, four hits by Nate Schierholtz (including his third homerun of the season), and the first major league roundtripper by second baseman Matt Downs.   Jeff Suppan (5-6) picked up the loss and Sanchez threw the ninth, striking out the side to end the game. 

In the opener, Matt Cain (9-2) had an uncharacteristically poor outing, surrendering five runs in seven innings as the Brewers rallied behind ace Yovanni Gallardo (8-4) for a 5-1 victory.   Gallardo worked around a first inning homerun by Pablo Sandoval (9), allowing only four hits in 7 2/3 innings.  J.J. Hardy added his seventh homerun of the season for Milwaukee.

Giant closer Brian Wilson (2-4) couldn’t hold a two run, ninth inning lead in the middle game as the Brewers rallied for a 7-6 victory.   Milwaukee countered two homeruns by Pablo Sandoval (10,11) with two of their own in a four run sixth, as Prince Fielder (19) and Casey McGehee (4) launched back to back shots off Barry Zito and Brandon Medders, respectively (Fielder’s a three run variety), in a four run sixth inning that turned a 4-0 deficit into a 4-4 tie.  The Giants rallied to score twice in the top of the ninth with sacrifice flies by Benjie Molina and Edgar Renteria off Trevor Hoffman (1-1).  In the bottom of the frame, following a Wilson strikeout of Mike Rivera, pinch hitter Craig Counsell hit an infield single.  After Mat Gamel drew a walk, Corey Hart singled home pinch runner Jason Kendall with a single to center.  J.J. Hardy followed with an RBI single to center to tie the score at six.  After a strikeout of Ryan Braun, Fielder followed with a double down the right field line, driving in Hart from second with the winning run, 7-6.

Where to start?  Where to start?  I guess kudos have to be given to the kid, Sadowski.  Way to man up and stop the losing skid.  For whatever reason, I don’t see us getting the same results from Sanchez in a similar position.  I’ll be honest.  I consider myself somewhat savvy with regards to the young Giants on the farm and I had never even heard of him.  Shows what I know.  However, before I get too excited, I’ll recall the debut efforts by Salmon Torres, Mike Remlinger, and Dennis Cook.  For now, the moment should be savored by Sadowski.  However, I think I’d like a second one before I get too worked up. 

Cain had a bad outing.  So did Wilson.  Such is life.  Again, let’s see if it’s a hiccup or a trend.  I have a feeling that it’s the former.  Until it’s been proven otherwise, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. 

Back to Sanchez.  It’s nice to see him work the ninth as he did today.  I don’t want him back in the rotation but he looked nice out of the bullpen. 

Sandoval left the game today with an upset stomach.  That’s better than the jammed wrist I was worried about him having last night.  He’ll be back tomorrow. 

Schierholtz is excelling as a starter.  Between him, Sandoval, and Ishikawa, I think the Giants might have a promising core nucleus of talent.  Sweet.   Was nice to see them batting three through five today.  Perhaps this should be attempted again.  Bat Molina at six, where his wheels won’t slow many people down but his bat may still shine.

The Giants next travel to St. Louis Monday to play the Cardinals.  The Brewers will host the New York Mets.