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: --RHP Tim Lincecum received the NL Cy Young Award during a pregame ceremony Wednesday. Mike McCormick, the Giants' only other Cy Young Award winner, said a few words, as did Lincecum. Other former Cy Young Award winners on the field were LHP Randy Johnson, who was warming up in the bullpen preparing for his start, and LHP Barry Zito.
--RHP Merkin Valdez threw in relief of LHP Randy Johnson and was solid over two innings, yielding one hit with one strikeout. It was his first outing since May 12, 2008, at Houston.
--INF Rich Aurilia will get his first start of the season in Thursday's series finale. He'll start at first base in place of rookie Travis Ishikawa (against LHP Manny Parra) -- though manager Bruce Bochy still says it's not a strict platoon situation. So far, it only seems that way.
--LHP Randy Johnson, by debuting with the Giants, became the franchise's oldest and tallest pitcher in history, beating out Warren Spahn (44 years and 156 days when he threw his final pitch on Sept. 27, 1965) along with Johnny Gee (1944-46) and Terry Bross (1993), both an inch shorter than Johnson, who's 6-foot-10.
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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