The Giants were confident heading into the season. Injuries weren't a major factor this spring, especially with pitchers (except LHP Noah Lowry, who hasn't appeared in a game since 2007), and management was confident new corner infielders Travis Ishikawa and Pablo Sandoval will shine in their first full big-league seasons. The offense is iffy -- GM Brian Sabean's only new bat is SS Edgar Renteria -- but the pitching seems deeper with the additions of starter Randy Johnson and relievers Jeremy Affeldt and Bobby Howry.
PLAYER NEWS: --1B Travis Ishikawa, who made an opening-day roster for the first time, took advantage of a bases-loaded situation in his first at-bat of 2009, hitting a triple to right-center off RHP Jeff Suppan. It was his fourth career three-RBI game.
--RHP Joe Martinez made his big-league debut, giving up two runs and three hits in two innings and earning his first big-league win. Martinez is one of two rookies on the Giants, 1B Travis Ishikawa being the other. Last year, the Giants set a franchise record when 16 rookies made their big-league debuts.
--3B Pablo Sandoval showed he still needs work defensively. Sandoval wasn't charged with any errors, but he wasn't sure-handed and had trouble getting the ball from his glove to his throwing hand, especially on balls he charged. But he went 2-for-4 with an RBI and scored twice, and the Giants expect his offensive contributions will outweigh his defensive deficiencies.
--LHP Randy Johnson, signed in the offseason for $8 million, will make his first start for the Giants on Wednesday. His opponent is the Brewers, a team he has beaten 18 times -- tied with the Rockies for most wins for Johnson against an opponent.
MEDICAL WATCH:
LHP Noah Lowry (left forearm surgery in March 2008, left elbow surgery in September 2008) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He hadn't resumed throwing as of opening day.
RHP Sergio Romo (sprained right elbow) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He isn't expected to return in April.
OF Nate Schierholtz (lower back) will be monitored early in the season. He missed time in spring training and continues to need treatment.
ROTATION:
1. RHP Tim Lincecum
2. LHP Randy Johnson
3. RHP Matt Cain
4. LHP Barry Zito
5. LHP Jonathan Sanchez
BULLPEN:
RHP Brian Wilson (closer)
RHP Bobby Howry
LHP Jeremy Affeldt
LHP Alex Hinshaw
RHP Merkin Valdez
RHP Brandon Medders
RHP Joe Martinez
LINEUP:
1. RF Randy Winn
2. SS Edgar Renteria
3. LF Fred Lewis
4. C Bengie Molina
5. 3B Pablo Sandoval
6. CF Aaron Rowand
7. 1B Travis Ishikawa
8. 2B Emmanuel Burriss
RESERVES:
INF Juan Uribe
INF/OF Eugenio Velez
OF Andres Torres
OF Nate Schierholtz
INF Rich Aurilia
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