Johnson is back, Pablo being Pablo, and some steroids

March 24, 11:53 AMSan Francisco Giants ExaminerTheo Fightmaster

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Buster Posey works on his blocking techniques with Bengie Molina.

Just got back from assignment in Scottsdale, with a touch of the flu I might add. But that won’t prevent us from covering some important topics.

First, Lincecum bounced back a bit Monday after two shakey outings.  He’s not the Super Tim that began the spring, but I would suggest that there has been, and is currently no reason to be concerned.

On the other hand Randy Johnson threw today.  He looked pretty good, going three innings and giving up two runs on three hits. Scouts registered his fastball between 89-91, but being that this was his first outing since March 8th the team's main goal was get Johnson some innings.  While his stuff still suggests he can compete, his cranky arm and back may prevent that stuff from getting the ball every fifth day.

As I’m writing this I just realized that Tim Lincecum came into a game in relief of Randy Johnson.  If only the USA team was so fortunate.

 

Kelvin Pichardo, a Giants minor league right handed pitcher, tested positive for a banned performance enhancing substance.  

The team issued a formal statement:

“As an organization, we will continue to work with our players, Major League Baseball and the Players Association to do everything we can to eliminate these performance enhancing substances from our game…We will continue to provide Pichardo with the necessary support and counsel during his suspension.”

In lighter news Pablo Sandoval continues to rake. He went three for four Monday including his third homer of the spring.  Kung-Fu Panda is now hitting a cool .442, and even recorded an infield single off of a pitch that actually hit the ground before he made contact with it.  Not sure if this is a great testament to his hand-eye coordination or an indication that he has no idea of the strike zone.  While he’s hot I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Infielders Brian Bocock and Ryan Rohlinger were optioned out of camp Yesterday.  This likely means the two will begin the year in Fresno.  The roster is now down to 36, and that includes on notable name still hanging around, Buster Posey.

I don’t think there is any shot Posey makes the team out of spring; it’s likely more a courtesy to their first round draft pick.  Also, I did notice him paying extra special attention to Bengie Molina last week during some pick off drills.  I can’t imagine he’d get that sort of instruction elsewhere so why not let the two backstops hang out for another couple of weeks.

Speaking of another couple of weeks, is that enough time to find Jesus Guzman a position? The man can absolutely hit, and given the rest of the offense I’m not sure how Guzman’s bat can be ignored. We’ll spend some more time discussing this in the near future.  For now enjoy this lovely slideshow of photos I took from Scottsdale Stadium last week.