Not much shape to today’s post, but remember, kids, blog is an anagram of glob.
* Ryan Klesko isn’t playing much these days because of injury. I like what he’s done when he’s played, but the Giants shouldn’t count on him to contribute heavily down the stretch. And don’t be fooled by Rich Aurilia’s 4–for-4 yesterday. He’s not the answer, either. If the Giants are going to upgrade the offense, first base is first priority. Wow, that sounds familiar.
* What idiot wrote this last year? “But squinting at Vinny Chulk's scouting report and seeing the next Linebrink emerge from the mists is no less starry-eyed than anointing Jeremy Accardo, he of the lifetime 4.71 major league ERA, as the next great Kid Closer.”
* This week’s under-the-radar minor leaguer: Justin Leone, Fresno Grizzly third baseman. He’s 30 years old, he’s accumulated 103 major league at-bats, he has washed out of two organizations, but he’s hitting the tarnation off the ball in triple-A. What makes him stealth is his speed: 10 stolen bases, one caught stealing, and a good enough glove to be the Grizzlies’ backup CF, according to the unsinkable Steve Shelby. Don’t expect him to bat behind Barry Bonds, but if Ortmeier or Lewis — or even Feliz — becomes part of a trade package, Leone could play third and back up in the outfield.
* Barry Bonds is second among NL OF’ers in All-Star balloting, the only Giant within sniffing distance of a starting nod at the Selig Bowl. I voted online for Bengie Molina because it’s either him or a Dodger; and Omar, because J.J. Hardy is a terrible drummer, Hanley Ramirez wears teal, and Jose Reyes was talking shit about my momma.
* With so much excellent early-season pitching across the league, it could be tough for a Giant pitcher to be an All-Star this year. Matt Morris may have the best shot with his sub-3.00 ERA (2.90, 9th in the NL) and 5 wins (I don’t pay much attention to wins, but others do). No Giant is top-20 in strikeouts. Cain with 49 is tied for 21st. If Lincecum continues to shine he might be a candidate, but my guess is starters will have to post a sub-3 ERA to make the team.
