Same Problems Plague Giants, Wilson

Last night had all the makings of an inspiring Giants win - a rejuvenated offense with the callup of Jesus Guzman, seven strong innings from Tim Lincecum, a clutch game-tying home run from Aaron Rowand, and scratching out a run against a closer who hadn't allowed one all season. Unfortunately, the Giants leave with yet another loss, one that can be attributed to all the same problems that have plagued them over the past two weeks.

Closer Brian Wilson will take much of the heat for last night's loss - and some of that is warranted. He did enter with a 2-1 lead and, as Jon Miller put it on the radio broadcast, proceeded to hand them runners. Only the game-winning single was hard earned, as Wilson put himself in a precarious position by walking two batters and hitting another. Wilson has allowed winning runs in three of his last four appearances, calling for more than one fan to wonder why Jeremy Affeldt is not pitching the ninth innings.

Here at SO&B, we are Wilson fans but will acknowledge that he is currently in the worst patch of his young career. If the Giants were serious contenders this year, then Wilson's job may be on the line. But since this is yet another development/rebuilding year, I can't see the point in threatening Wilson's ninth inning role. Wilson clearly has issues with control that need to be worked on. It is important to remember that Wilson is only in his second full season, and he has been groomed as the closer of the future. If he is going to adopt such a role, he needs to develop his command and he needs to learn how to get out of a rut like the one he is in now.

But Wilson does not deserve all the blame. The offense continues to lack inspiration with runners in scoring position. Bruce Bochy sent Guzman up as a pinch hitter in the seventh with runners on the corner and one out - only to have Guzman hit into a double play. They managed one run in the ninth and could have added insurance but were hindered by Bengie Molina being unable to score from second on a Nate Schierholtz single. With the bases loaded and one out, Guzman struck out and Kevin Frandsen grounded out, leaving the score at 2-1.

On a positive note, Lincecum was electric as usual - 7 innings, 4 hits, 1 walk, 1 run, and 10 strikeouts. Additionally, Rowand was a cool 2-for-4 raising his average to .270; Randy Winn stayed hot with two hits including a clutch ninth inning single; and Affeldt pitched a perfect 2/3 of the eighth.

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.

So Much For Frandsen

Kevin Frandsen came to camp ready to win a starting spot at second base. Then he got moved to short ... and that was a disaster. Then, he struggled at the plate. Now, Frandsen is just going to have to wait. The San Francisco Chronicle reports, "Rounding second base in an attempt to go first to third in the first inning of a minor-league game Monday, Frandsen sustained what is believed to be a torn left Achilles tendon and is expected to miss the entire season. He's scheduled for an MRI exam today." Bruce Bochy added, "The kid worked so hard and was looking forward to competing for the starting job. I'm sure it's tough for the kid's psyche right now."

Durham Beats Out Frandsen

Oh, Kevin Frandsen came to camp with a suspicious "new" body and a boatload of confidence. Then they put him at short for a couple games and it all went to shit. After some much-hyped competition, it seems pretty clear Ray Durham will be wheeling out to second on opening day in Los Angeles. (Yay?).

Lest we remind you yet again that Durham is in a contract year and that does tend to have a certain magical effect on him when it comes to offense.

No worries about Frandsen, though - he'll get plenty of time around the infield ... just not at short.

So, what do you think? Has Durham proven himself enough, or should the Giants be ready to yank him from that lineup card at the slightest hint of inconsistency?

Spring Training Begins, Rowand Arrives Early

Aaron Rowand's work ethic (see above) is not something that really ever gets called into question. The center fielder showed off his commitment to his new team by showing up to camp a whopping six days early. "I've always liked to get to camp early," he says. The San Francisco Chronicle reports, "Rowand arrived Monday. On Tuesday, he was shagging flyballs with Nate Schierholtz. On Wednesday, he greeted the players who filtered into Scottsdale Stadium ahead of today's first workout." For a player of Rowand's magnitude this kind of attitude is a good sign for a team who seek to build a new atmosphere not centered around any one superstar.

"I just had some preliminary conversations with Randy Winn about keeping everyone on the same level," Tyler Walker said last week - possibly in reference the absence of Barry Bonds. "If stretching is at 4 o'clock, you're out there or it's a fine, so nobody feels like somebody's getting preferential treatment."

One dude not getting preferential treatment - despite his fat salary - is second baseman Ray Durham, who is going to have to compete with Kevin Frandsen for a starting job. Ever so confident, Frandsen seems poised for a little friendly competition: "As much as I love Ray - and everyone knows that - and everything that Ray's done for me, I want that job." Giants best writer Henry Schulman adds, "Kevin Frandsen is so pumped about his new, more muscular physique, he greeted a reporter Wednesday by yanking off his shirt to flaunt his concrete biceps."

He then echoes my thoughts by stating, "That might not be the shrewdest behavior as long as ex-Sen. George Mitchell still has his sniffer working." Agreed. We'll have to keep an eye on that kid.