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: --C Bengie Molina had two doubles and four RBIs Thursday, continuing to show his value in clutch situations. For the most part, he'll have to continue playing nine-inning games. The only backup is 3B Pablo Sandoval, who appeared in just two spring training games behind the plate and is trying to learn about becoming an everyday third baseman in the majors.
--CF Aaron Rowand, who struggled mightily in spring training, hit .545 (6-for-11) with four RBIs in the first series. He went 2-for-4 in Thursday's finale against Milwaukee. It's the second year of his five-year, $60 million contract. He hit .271 with 13 homers and 70 RBIs last year after going .309-27-89 his previous year in Philadelphia.
--2B Emmanuel Burriss had his third straight oh-fer and is 0-for-10 with three strikeouts. In spring training, Burriss beat out INF Kevin Frandsen for the starting job, and Frandsen was optioned to Class AAA Fresno.
--LHP Barry Zito, in the third year of his seven-year, $126 million contract, will make his 2009 debut Friday in San Diego. Zito was 10-17 last year. He has a 3-2 record and 3.63 ERA in 10 games (nine starts) against the Padres. One reason he didn't pitch in any of the first three games: He's 1-3 with a 6.85 ERA in four starts against the Brewers.
MEDICAL WATCH:
RHP Joe Martinez (concussion) left the April 9 game after being struck in the head by a line drive. He hospitalized for tests.
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.
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
