Bottom of the 1st.

Top of the 1st Summary: Lowry with 7BBs in the top of the 1st.

The main reason for this diary is because I could have sworn I heard our own Goofus calling into KNBR at about 5:30 this morning.

Something about Randy Winn getting boo'd at the Warriors game. But then after the caller established credibility and the host asked his opinion on the Giants off-season thus far (mainly that Sabean has yet to do anything) there was no response outside of a "yea". I have to say I was a little disappointed for the following reasons:

1. The opportunity to inject KNBR with some actual intelligent insight from a real Giants fan was not taken advantage of.
2. No reference to McC.

For those following the game. Cain mowed them down 1-2-3 in the first with 1 K.

Todays ST blog is pretty good. Live BP on the hitters first day. Barry vs Barry, Barry vs Cain (going yard)... good stuff.

http://giantsjottings.blogspot.com/

I'd heard some reports that he lost weight, but figured it was in the same way Mando had lost weight. But I was just checking out the ST Blog and wow.. he really is much skinnier than I've ever seen him. Even the blogger notes that he thinks Russ is smaller now than in his rookie year.

I for one wasn't thrilled with the Ortiz signing, but seeing the picture of him has me a little more optimistic.

Scroll down to the pictures.

http://giantsjottings.blogspot.com/

It's that time of year again. W's have looked good, going 5-1 in the preseason and averaging 114 points per game. Do any believers remain amongst us? Can Nellie bring it back?

Finally. 3-5 with a 2B and HR.

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061026&content_id=140268&vkey= news_milb&fext=.jsp

There's even a link to watch his HR. It was a beauty.

Go Nate, Go.

DREAMING OF WEAVER? The Giants have spoken with the Angels about Jeff Weaver, who struck out seven while allowing two runs over six innings. The interest in Weaver could be a sign that the Giants are open to trading one of their other pitchers for a bat.

"The stuff is not the same as it was in Detroit, but he can still pitch," said Alou, who was asked strictly about Weaver's performance.

http://www.insidebayarea.com/giants/ci_3966402

The only thing I can think of is that Sabean might deal a current SP for a 1B. Lowry in a package for Dunn?!, I'd do it.

First, they aquired this slugger:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=2458217

Also, Sabean says callups will be Ishikawa and The Dirty One, Mr. Sanchez.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/baseball/mlb/05/19/bc.bbn.astros.suspensions.ap/index.html

Garner also got 1 game, plus a fine.

Has this been mentioned?

"Another case in point is third-base prospect Angel Chavez being designated for assignment to clear a roster spot for backup catcher Todd Greene. Chavez had a good spring, but became exposed and was snatched by Philadelphia on Wednesday, then optioned to Double-A Altoona."

Not that he's a future all-star or anything, but the Giants are already pretty thin on backup SS options.

A Giants fan attending ST is keeping a daily blog with lots of photos.

http://giantsjottings.blogspot.com/

Somewhat noteworthy

I wouldn't consider it a big loss, but with the Giants already thin at "iodine tablet" SPs, it's certainly not a good thing.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?leaguenum=&sport=MLB&id=9418

For Abreu.

I originally called bullshit, but after some research it was indeed reported on 610WIP in Philly. Doubt it would happen, but interesting.

The guy on the radio (Eskin?) was speculating that the Giants were trying to finalize a deal with Morris first, and Alou could move to 1B.

Clearly Gillick is trying to pimp Thome, but here is an article from the Philly Daily News:

http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/sports/13109611.htm

"Gillick said head trainer Jeff Cooper saw Thome recently.

'Coop says he's in tremendous condition, the best in 3 or 4 years,' Gillick said."

Another quote from a scout:

"Other teams know they have the Phillies over the barrel,"

I'm hoping Sabes and Ned are doing their homework here, and if Thome is indeed healthy again, this could be interesting. For all his risks, the upside is literally a 50 HR season. No other 1B option brings that type of potential.

From the CalLeaguers website:
http://www.calleaguers.com/2005CalLeagueTop30115.html

Giants on the list:

#19 - EME
Half a player. Controls strike zone well and took
most aggressive hack in league. Makes at bats
count. Pure hitter who can make a park look
smaller. Slowest player in league. Offensive
player on defense. Brutal instincts and zero
interest in getting better with leather. You would
think I would have seen him out for early work at
least once all summer? Playing in the wrong
league. The minute he gets traded to an AL team
his value spikes. Right now he's a liability with
the glove and appears to be completely
indifferent about it. Nice DH.

#28 - Timpner
Speedy CF who has value as a standout
gloveman. Deceptive power may explode one
year. .291/.334/.397 line left a bit to be desired in
the plate discipline corner from a top of the order
player(93K:34BB). Does things very easy in CF
right now and will only improve as he gets more
and more reps. Is probably ready to make jump
to AA next year. Flat out good baseball player
similar to Steve Finley minus power. Has value
as a 4th OF @ ML level who depending on
timing may play his way into spurts of everyday
play.

#30 - Frandsen
Great baseball player played well above his
pedestrian tools. Might be the best  player who
played in the Cal League in 2005 from an
immediate, not projecting perspective. Can really
hit. Centers every ball he makes contact with
spraying hard line drives all over the field. Good
swing. Had  a breakout season between three
levels hitting .335. Limited to 2B which hurts
value a bit, didn't show very well in limited
chances @ SS. Can make unbelievable plays but
is prone to kicking the routine ball. Gamer who
makes everyone around him better. Has a future
in some role @ ML level.

Taschner also up, Cooper down to Fresno.

Bravo Sabes.

Anyone else going to watch Cain pitch tomorrow night at Raley field?

Picked up off waivers today, will join the team on Friday.