Giants Missing Swagger in Spring Debut

I listened to a decent chunk of today's Cactus League opener against the Cubs, and it resembled, well, a Cactus League opener. The first four innings, when the Cubs scored 10 of their 12 runs, were painful. Noah Lowry didn't do much to ease worries about his control or to raise his trade value, walking three, hitting one, and allowing three runs (two earned) in just an inning and a third. Fifth starter candidate Kevin Correia didn't help himself either, getting hammered for seven hits and five runs (four earned) in an inning. Jonathan Sanchez, who starts a split squad game tomorrow against the Cubs, certainly has a chance to take an early lead in the competition for the five spot.

The rest of the game didn't go quite as badly. Jack Taschner made a case for a spot in the crowded bullpen with two perfect innings. Brad Hennessey gave up a couple runs in two innings, but Brian Wilson followed with a perfect ninth.

There were some bright spots on the offensive front as well. Randy Winn homered in the first inning off Ryan Dempster, and Aaron Rowand, batting cleanup, singled in both of his plate appearances. Youngsters Eugenio Velez and Fred Lewis each had RBI triples.

Overall, I don't think there is too much to gather from this game. Only time will tell if Lowry and Correia's problems can be attributed to rustiness or some other cause. I think the only thing I'll take away is that it was good to hear Jon Miller and Duane Kuiper again.

Tomorrow: Split squad games against the Cubs and Mariners. For Chicago, Carlos Zambrano will oppose Sanchez, while Erik Bedard will make his Mariners' debut against Tim Lincecum.