--LHP Randy Johnson missed a start with biceps soreness. It wasn't considered serious, and manager Bruce Bochy called Johnson's arm "cranky." An MRI showed nothing severely wrong. He's still expected to be the No. 2 starter behind RHP Tim Lincecum and in front of RHP Matt Cain.
--C Steve Holm, the backup for Bengie Molina, has become a desirable target for pitchers and is well-liked by Giants management. When GM Brian Sabean was asked if the team would seek another backup catcher after the A's released C Rob Bowen and the Red Sox released C Josh Bard, Sabean said he wasn't interested, that he'd consider a move only if it's an upgrade. --LHP Noah Lowry received good news from Dr. James Andrews, who said Lowry's shoulder appeared sound. Lowry hasn't pitched since August 2007, and there's no immediate timetable for him to start throwing again. He had hoped to be in the running for the final rotation spot but will open the season on the disabled list.
--RHP Tim Lincecum has had just one rough start this spring. He hadn't allowed any runs, including in a non-Cactus League game against Team Japan, until facing the Cubs and giving up four runs in 3 2/3 innings March 18. The first pitch he threw, Alfonso Soriano hit a home run. In his defense, he had limited work in the previous days because of lingering bronchitis.
--INF Jesus Guzman, signed by the Giants after a productive season in the A's farm system, hit one off the longest homers in Scottsdale Stadium history, smacking the ball over the batter's eye in dead center on March 17. It's 430 feet from the plate and 35 feet high. A former Giants prospect, Brewers RHP Carlos Villanueva, threw the pitch.
BY THE NUMBERS: 475 -- Estimated distance, in feet, of a March 17 homer INF Jesus Guzman hit.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "We still have quite a way before the opening bell. Some guys are swinging better than others. Some guys are working on things. Some guys are hitting the ball hard and making outs." -- RF Randy Winn, who opened spring training 6-for-40 (.150).
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