* Reports last month said the Giants were freezing ‘09 prices, but that isn’t the case across the board. The team just sent me a note that the bleachers for season ticket holders will be cheaper than last year.

The price is dropping from $17 to $15 a ticket. That’s $168 less per seat. I don’t know if other sections will be cheaper — I’m checking — but it looks like the Giants are willing to take a hit on some ticket revenues to make sure season ticket holders don’t defect.

In light of all the rumors of possible free-agent spending, we’ll keep a close eye on this.

* Even if the Giants sign Sabathia and keep their other starters, they’ll need a 5^th starter. The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of taking a low-cost run at a veteran looking to rebound or rebuild a career. Mark Mulder, Mike Hampton, Carl Pavano, even Pedro Martinez might be available at the right price, i.e., one year with most money tied up in performance incentives.

Right now, assuming a rotation of Lincecum, Cain, Zito and Sanchez, the candidates for the final spot are Noah Lowry, Joe Martinez, Kevin Pucetas, Steve Hammond, Pat Misch…need I go on? I’d love to pencil in Lowry, but I would need a pencil full of sacred healing crystals. We have no idea if Noah will ever pitch again. What if the G’s could give Pedro a million guaranteed plus a boatload of incentives? Given his semi-royal status, that might be a fantasy, but you see what I mean. Mike Hampton wasn’t very good last year (except against the Giants), but at bargain-basement rates, he wouldn’t have to be very good next year, either.