This is a discussion on Spring Training News within the San Francisco Giants forum at Strike 3 Forums; So far, the Giants are making some news in ST. Zito changed his delivery, then ...

love_that_reefer · **Spring Training News -** 02-20-2007, 07:45 PM

So far, the Giants are making some news in ST.

Zito changed his delivery, then changed it back.

Damian Moss left camp for personal reasons and isn't expected back.

Tim Lincecum is impressing everyone in camp with his fastball.

Barry Bonds shows up for camp and didn't disappoint the media with his usually antics. He also came into camp in amazing shape.

Lowry, Benitez and MOrris returned healthy.

Vizquel wants a contract extension.

love_that_reefer · 02-20-2007, 10:51 PM

Maybe the best news I have heard so far is that J.T. Snow is in camp instructing Aurilia how to play first. Who better to teach than one of the best defensive firstbasemen of all-time.

Bonds homered off Matt Cain. He hit one out in five swings. Bonds knew the fastball was coming.

love_that_reefer · 02-21-2007, 11:04 PM

Benitez says he's 80-85 percent rigth now as his velocity is up higher than it was at season's end.

Bochy is pondering moving Bonds to the #3 hole in the lienup. I am always for it especially with guys like Roberts and Vizquel hitting in front. Only question is who to stick in the cleanup spot.

browntown653 · 02-21-2007, 11:08 PM

Bonds' interview with the media yesterday amused me quite a lot.

"I'm going to play until I'm 100," he said. "You guys better get used to me."

In response questions about the government looking into his testimony:
"Let them," Bonds said. "They've been doing it this long. I'm not concerned about it."

love_that_reefer · 02-22-2007, 12:23 AM

Same ole, same ole!

love_that_reefer · 02-25-2007, 10:14 PM

Catcher Eliezer Alfonzo expects to be sidelined three or four days with a strained left oblique (side) muscle.

love_that_reefer · 02-27-2007, 05:38 PM

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Rich Aurilia "is the front-runner to bat third ahead of [Barry] Bonds."
Given the presence of Ryan Klesko and Mark Sweeney, Aurilia shouldn't even play regularly, let alone bat in in front of Bonds consistently. However, if he does, it would provide a boost to his fantasy numbers.

I disagree with this person's opinion. Aurilia is a guy who hit .300 while playing in only 122 games last season which is probably the amount he will play this year. He's right handed which this lineup needs there in the #3 hole. He doesn't strikeout alot but then again he doesn't walk a lot either. When I read this the first time, I thought it said he was the front runner to PLAY third. I was almost happy for a second. Auriia excelled once before hittingin front of Barry so it's more than likely he can do it again considering his resurgence the past two seasons.

GiantsFanatic · 02-27-2007, 06:20 PM

Wait so Bonds will bat 4th? I thought Bochy wanted him to bat 3rd?

jrichordieflyin · 02-28-2007, 07:13 AM

Bochy might, but I think it's Bonds that wants to bat 4th. I'd much rather see him bat 3rd...get more at bats and bats for sure in the first inning. Aurilia seems to be the only one that can bat 3rd. Durham is 5th, and Winn, Feliz, and Molina aren't going to, so that only leaves Aurilia.

love_that_reefer · 03-01-2007, 06:46 PM

Zito's first outing as a Giants was a good one. Two innings, one strikeout and he gave up just one hit. Ortiz also did well going three innings of perfect baseball and had 3 K's. Wilson pitched the 9th and struck out two. Linden went 2-3.

browntown653 · 03-05-2007, 04:08 PM

Barry Bonds returned to Giants camp on Monday despite being diagnosed with bronchitis.
"I've never had that before," Bonds said. "It's hard to breathe. It's like you have a weight on your chest that won't come off. And then when I swallow or cough, it feels like there are a million little knives in my throat and chest." It looked like Bonds could return to the lineup Tuesday after missing a third game today, but that's not going to happen. He did feel well enough to take batting practice today.

Per Rotoworld

love_that_reefer · 03-05-2007, 10:05 PM

Zito had his second straight good outing of the spring. The left-hander gave up three hits, though one was of the infield variety, and the lone run Arizona scored off him came on a bases-loaded balk. Russ Ortiz did not allow a hit in 2 1/3 innings, but struggled with his control as he walked three, two of which came around to score.

Ortiz continues to impress as does Zito. I can't put much on these games but it looks like the mechanics are sound for being so early in the spring. It's also hard to gauge wince a lot of the Giants are sick and unable to play.

love_that_reefer · 03-06-2007, 01:30 PM

Eliezer Alfonzo took batting practice Tuesday for the first time since suffering a strained oblique last month.
Oblique injuries can be tricky, but he should be ready in time to begin the season as Bengie Molina's backup.

He needs to take his time with this as these type of injuries can be a long lasting problem. We need Alfonzo badly since Molina can only lay about 110 games a season.