There are already numerous posts about this on the list, so lets try our hands at being an advisor to Bochy and have a poll on what the rotation for the giants should be. Of course, it is guess work without really knowing for sure what the match-ups are for the Giants pitchers versus the Rangers hitters (and their pitchers and our hitters), but here is my rationale:

We should start Timmy and have Cain go second - they are our two best pitchers, and we would have them back for game 5 & 6 if necessary. If we go to game 7, its all hands on deck anyway. But based on what we have seen so far, I would have Madbum start game 3 and Sanchez game 4. AND...I would have Zito on the roster, in place of Mota. Never know when we could use him in long relief. Anywy, it would be a gamble to start a 21 year old in game 7, but Boch could have a quick hook ready, if there is any trouble, and then its the bullpen. And again, as I believed for the Phillies series, it will be the bullpen that wins it for us.

I am watching the Texas-Yankees game, and Texas is cruising...until suddenly, they Yanks get guys on in the 8th inning, and the Rangers just collapse. No middle relief that I can see. And a couple of things dawn on me: 1. The Rangers are toast. No middle relief, no way they win. And 2. hey...our middle relief can be lights out...one of the best middle relief crews in the major leagues, in fact. So...if we get a lead and can get into our bullpen in the 7th, 8th & 9th innings, and they are pitching the way they can, we have a REALLY good chance of winning. And I mean both against the Phils AND against who ever wins in the American League. I think our hopes will live and die with our relief pitchers...and I like our chances. What do you think?

I was looking at the Giants schedule, and if they followed their current 1 thru 5 rotation, then it looks like it would be Madbum pitching on the last Sunday against the Padres. While I am really enjoying how Madbum is pitching, it makes me nervous to think that he might be expected to pitch on what might be the most important game of the year (serious pressure). So I was curious as to what you all thought - will Madbum be skipped on one of his starts, so either Sanchez or Timmy is set to pitch that last day? I do - I think one of his starts will be skipped, either this week, or the last week. The question is, how do we want to have our rotation set up against the Rockies & Padres? Your thoughts?

So now the Giants have demoted the Big Sadowski down to AAA, temporarily bringing up a AA reliever, but with no one clearly in place to start Wednesdays game in Houston. Both Pucetas and Ortiz are pitching well in Fresno - and they have both been mentioned as possible promotion candidates. I believe it is time to give Pucetas his chance. What do you think? Should the Giants bring up Pucetas, Ortiz, or someone else? (And if someone else, who and why do you think?). 

in Major League Trade Rumors on Friday there was this:

J.P. Ricciardi would like prospects in return for Scott Rolen, whose contract the Jays wouldn't mind shedding. Rolen's on a 25-game hit streak, with a .330 average and an .876 OPS, so the $16.5MM remaining on his deal before the end of next year is palatable, especially when you consider his strong defense.

 Should we try to get Rolen? The Giants have a good team chemistry, would he fit in? And if yes, what prospects should we offer (besides our untouchables)?