Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Renteria Slams San Diego

With one swing of the bat against Jake Peavy on Tuesday, Edgar Renteria put as many runs on the board as the Giants scored in the entire series against the Diamondbacks, and then did one better with an RBI single the following inning. After an unspectacular first two weeks, Renteria has gone 6-13 over his past five games. Travis Ishikawa also had a much needed good game, driving in two insurance runs and working a walk in front of Renteria's grand slam. Matt Cain pitched his third straight quality starts, allowing two runs in six innings. Cain allowed nine hits, but only one for extra bases, and he didn't walk a batter.

A minor roster move was made after the game. Alex Hinshaw, who recorded the final out, was sent down to Triple-A Fresno, and catcher Steve Holm was recalled. Holm gives the Giants a legitimate backup catcher, though I have a feeling Pablo Sandoval will still probably spell Molina most of the time. Holm was 0-18 with eight strikeouts to start the year in Fresno, but at the very least, he provides the team with some insurance in case of emergency. Hinshaw was clearly the weak link in the bullpen with five walks and just one strikeout in 5.1 innings. It will be interesting to see what happens when Sergio Romo comes off the DL. Emmanuel Burriss had another 0-4, including a double play with the bases loaded and nobody out. Burriss has barely gotten the ball out of the infield and has made numerous mental mistakes, and I think we may see Kevin Frandsen sooner rather than later. All in all, however, a very good day.

Labels: , , , , , , , , ,


It has been difficult to be a Giants fan these last several years - losing records, injuries, and bad contracts. We may be critical - but we stand by our team through good times and bad. The Giants remain one of the most storied franchises in the history of baseball and have a crop of new stars ready to add new pages to the Giants history books. Lincecum, Cain, Sanchez, Wilson and Sandoval are giving us reasons to be excited. Times may not always be stellar, but the Giants always give us something to talk about.