When the Giants Come to Town, It's Bye-Bye Baby

03.25.2008
Stretch Break

Before all the bad news gets us too far down, bunkies, let’s take time out and remember that baseball still rules. Loyal reader BigO sent these photographs from his recent trip to the desert. (For more, see our collection at Spring Training ‘08.)

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Don’t know about you, but that brightens my day. Here’s a summary of BigO’s report after witnessing a few games. (Back to reality, my friends.)

I got to see the Giants twice, the M's 3 times, The Rangers, Angels and Brewers once. The Giants look like they have NO LIFE. Here are some pix and some observations:
 
Zito coughs one up* I cannot believe how long Zito warmed up. He threw and threw and threw long toss and then I followed him to the bullpen to watch him warm up. He almost gets a running start off the rubber to the bottom of the mound throwing as hard as he can. He really seemed to be hitting his spots in the bullpen (but geez, he would kick at the dirt in front of the rubber for the longest timeto get it "just right") and getting positive affirmation from Molina. This was the game against Bedard and the M's… I told my girl Jojima was going to crush one after Zito loaded the bases and went 2-0. Zito would be better off trying to get the curve over 2-0 than to throw a fastball that everybody in the park is knows is coming.
  
* Kevin Correia didn't miss many bats when I saw him, except [when] he realized he could throw the ball right down the middle to Richie Sexson, belt-high, and he'd strike out looking and then argue with the ump. I saw that happen at least 3 times. Thankfully we didn't get him.
 
* I liked what I saw from Merkin Valdez and I think he'll make the club.
 
Kliner signs graphs* Kline seemed to interject some life into the dugout. I think they'll keep him just for help with the youngsters. He seemed to be having fun and he took the pix of Willie and me. I showed both Mac and Kline my card from fantasy camp and told them why I wore number 44. Kline really teased me. This was a highlight of the week. 

* Ray Durham also was his usual fun self and he'd been hitting well. I asked him about the migraine and he said he felt fine and that was just something he gets once in awhile. Stretch commented he'd better be fine and get back in there because he'd been hitting so well. 
 
Arizona love* Rich Aurillia played stellar D in the game I saw. A nice backhand at third on a wicked screamer down the line and a nice catch on the rail while playing 1st. 

Thanks, BigO, you naughty man!  
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