The Reds welcome the 2010 Champions of the U.S. and Canada to Goodyear Ballpark today. I had thought the Giants had earned an exemption from playing in these qualifying games, but maybe this is just a friendly. We get the Ready for Primetime Players today, with Jay Bruce back in his "rightful spot " at #6. This lineup is only worth sweating inasmuch as it could be a preview of Dusty's standard lineup for the regular season. And, even so, obsessing over lineups is almost always misdirected energy. Still, there's no reason I can think of for batting Bruce lower than #5. Gomes and Rolen are both righties, so it's not a knifey-spoony thing. Just give Bruce as many at bats as possible and brace yourself for the breakout.
Edinson Volquez makes his long-awaited 2011 spring debut today, pitching three innings behind Bronson. He's finally secured a work visa, which allows him to pitch in front of paying crowds. And according to John Fay, he's passed four drug tests since mid-February. Now he knows what it's like to work for the Federal government.
We're probably no more than 4-5 days away from the first wave of cuts, though the hotly contested battles for 5th OF, 5th starter and lower tier of the bullpen are likely to go down to the wire.
And DON'T FORGET, it's Nickname Thursday. If you tune out before the 8th inning, you'll miss the Buena Wrist-a Crucial Sub emerging from his Chapmaniac Mansion to make them 'Frisco freaks beg for mercy from the high holy Cubandolero. Any Giant who doesn't act right will be Sappelted with Rold Golds. "Here come the pretzels," indeed!