According to this mornings Chronicle (read in the paper, still looking for a link) Boche intends to keep the rotation in order skipping over the off day tomorrow. The rotation for the weekend series against the Dodgers would be: Sanchez, Penny, Timmy.  Seems to me that, with one more off day on the schedule, this would be a good time to skip Sanchez's start and go with a rotation of: Penny, Timmy, Zito. Seems to me this makes more sense for the following reasons:

1. If you use the off day on the 28th in the way Boche is using it now, then you end up with Lincecum not pitching in the final San Diego series. You do end up with Cain, Sanchez, Penny. Not a bad shot at taking the series.

2. Lincecum not pitching the last, or second to last, game of the year (as would be the case now and depending on how the last off day is handled) would mean he would have extra days of rest and be available should a playoff against the Rockies be neccessary.

3. Based on the Post-Season schedule, if we make it with and we make it with out a playoff, you give Timmy extra days of rest (8 I think) leading into the first game.

4.Given Sanchez' last start against the Dodgers (4.1IP, 5H, 5R) it would be wise to skip his start and get a stronger rotation when wins are needed most.

I am really not good at the understanding the best way to setup a rotation down the stretch, but it seems the decision made today isnt a good one. Your thoughts?

A few weeks ago there was a lot of heated debate on this site over second base. Fransden v Burris: The Clash at the Cove.  Not sure there ended up a clear winner in that fight. Anyhow, since then both Fransden and Burris have been sent down. Matt Downs has been, for 5 games, our starting second bagger.   I know its a small sample size, but I so far like what I see from Downs.  Mostly what I have noticed is that is taking good at bats. He appears very confident at the plate, has a good swing, and looks like he is going up with a plan.  Kuip actually compared him (I think his approach and demeanor at the plate, not his actual skills) to Jeff Kent!

I know he booted a grounder in game 3 against the Angels, but I am willing to chalk that up to "getting used to the speed of the game." He made an impressive defensive play in yesterdays game and a smart base running play in Fridays. I'd like to keep him as the starting line up to see how both his AVG (currently .250) and his D develop. 

Again, I know its only been 5 games, but I am curious to know what the rest of the group here think about Matt Downs so far.  Thoughts?

It seems like the Giants are looking to make a trade for a bat rather than go to the FA market for one. To be fair, other than Burrell or Dunn, there isnt much out there.  I posted earlier on the possibility of a trade for a 3rd baseman.  This is somewhat based on my feeling (and I admit its just a feeling) that Pablo should start at first -- not to mention the fact that the Giants seem, based on every rumor, to be looking for one.

But, I am willing to conceed to what appears to be a majority opinion that Pablito can and should start at 3rd. So if convincing Dunn or Burrel to play 1st may not happen, which 1st baseman could the Giants trade for and what would it take? 

An article on the giants site this morning  the Great Goateed One had this to say:

"I don't see us acquiring an outfielder"

Assuming this isn't off-season misdirection,  then a 3B bat seems to be the focus.

Given the relative glut of 3B talent on the FA market  a trade is the only possibility for the Giants to bring on a third baseman with some power.  Now, I know, some of you will say, "Play Pablito at 3rd and sign/trade for a 1B." For the sake of this Fanpost, lets assume that Sandoval is a better defensive choice as our starting 1st baseman. So the questions, and poll, is:

What 3B  player  would you trade for? What kind of relistic trade would you accept/propose? Why would this be the best for the team?

Long time reader, first time poster (so please take it easy on me). Reading Crasnicks post today on ESPN. He calls out Randy Johnson as a possible Free Agent bargain, notes that Johnson would like to play in California, and only wants a one year deal. Could a Big Unit for one year be a bad thing for the Giants? Injuries are a issue and certainly we would be getting him in what would have to be his last year, but even if he pitched at the same level as he did last year in ARZ (3.91 ERA,  173 SO, 1.24 WHIP) this would be an upgrade at whatever spot in the rotation Zitos at (move him down).  Certainly playing at ATT would be a bonus(in the last 3 seasons Johnson has posted a 1.66 ERA, 35K,1.28 WHIP at Mays Field).

Point is, could signing Johnson to a one year deal allow the team to focus on a longer contract for the bat they are looking for while strengthening the rotation with out much long term risk (other than having to look at him for a full season)?

Sorry: The numbers above were against the Giants, his 3 year stats at ATT are:

0.00 ERA, 9Ks, 1.25WHIP