Aubry Huff, Randy Winn Reportedly Clear Waivers

Orioles first baseman Aubrey Huff and Giants outfielder Randy Winn have cleared waivers, making them available to any team desiring them, according to various, unconfirmed broadcast and new media reports.

Ironically both Huff and Winn have historically been strong second half performers. Where Winn might go is anyone's guess, but with the Rays needing a stopgap replacement for injured rookie third baseman Evan Longoria, would the team once again open the door for Huff's return to Tampa?

Giants Give Fred Lewis a Chance to Show His Stuff

Late bloomer Fred Lewis -- who surprisingly has played himself into a full-time outfield gig at the expense of veteran Dave Roberts -- is being given a shot at batting in the 3-hole for the Triple A San Francisco Giants.

With veterans Aaron Rowand and Bengie Molina hitting behind him, Lewis theoretically will see a more predictable variety of pitches, especially a lot of fastballs in the zone. The idea is that this will help Lewis cut down his strikeouts, and realize his five-tool potential with 20-30 homers, 40-50 bags and an average in the .300 range.

Brian McCann Passes Brain Functionality Exam

Braves catcher Brian McCann -- having sat out a week after sustaining a concussion in a home plate collision with Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino -- is about to be cleared to return to the field this week after a successful brain functionality comparison test.

In the test McCann was asked simple questions like: Who is president of the United States? What is the date or your birth? What is your address? What is your mother's maiden name?

McCann's ability to answer promptly and easily was then compared to an identical test he took at the beginning of the season. Because his responsiveness matched favorably, McCann will be cleared to return to the backstop after being limited to pinch hitting only.

Concussions otherwise known literally as brain bruises -- even relatively mild ones such as that experienced by McCann -- are not to be taken lightly, especially considering this season's experience with Mets outfielder Ryan Church. Church missed a number of games after suffering post-concussive dizziness, nausea, headaches and other manifestations, and had to return to the sidelines after several truncated attempts to return to action.

Fortunately for McCann, his symptoms were limited to little more than cranial discomfort, which has passed. But for others such as former Giants catcher Mike Matheny and Brewers outfielder Cory Koskie, post-concussive syndrome not only put an end to their careers, but continues to impact their lives.

Giants Appear Ready to Deal

Shipping Ray Durham to the Brewers may have only been the start to a drastic remake of the Giants roster.  The Yankees are rumored to be interested in both Randy Winn and Bengie Molina due to the injuries to Jorge Posada and Hideki Matsui.  Rich Aurilia and Tyler Walker have also been mentioned as possible trade bait as the July 31st trade deadline approaches.

It is anyone's guess as to why anyone in their right mind would be interested in acquiring Walker, but GM Brian Sabean could insist that he be included in any deal.  Patience with Walker is growing extremely thin, especially after blowing what would have been wunderkind Tim Lincecum's 12th win.  Lincecum struck out a career-high 13 without issuing a walk, exiting after the 7th inning with the Giants leading 3-2.

Giants GM Brian Sabean Not Clear on Concept

After years of watching Athletics General Manager Billy Beane turn overrated and unaffordable assets into stockpiles of blue chip prospects across the bay, Giants General Manager Brian Sabean decided to get in on the action.

Sabean dealt second baseman Ray Durham, the Giants best hitter, to the Brewers last week for two minor-leaguers. Unfortunately, the one part of the Beane's formula that Sabean failed to employ was the part where you acquire players with the potential to help your major league club at some point.

The two "prospects" involved in the deal are "long shots to have any major league value" according to ESPN insider Keith Law. Not exactly what Giants fans had in mind when the team vowed to "get younger". At least the deal relieves San Francisco of the remainder of Durham's $7.5 million salary, somewhat easing the pain of [over]paying Barry Zito to the tune of $14.5 million.

Zito Giving Giants a Glimmer of Hope

Barry Zito improved his record to 5-12 Tuesday, beating the Nationals and picking up his second win at home this year.  Zito won his second consecutive decision for the first time this season.  Striking out five and scattering seven hits over six innings, Zito is finally beginning to quiet the boo-birds that dogged him during his horrendous start this season.  With the Giants on the hook for another 5 years at $101.5 million, the team's fan base is desperately looking for reasons to cheer their $126 million man.  After starting the season 0-8, his 5-4 record and sub-5 ERA since are reasons to believe that, although he will likely never live up to his monster contract, he at least has the ability to provide San Francisco with a rotation-worthy starter for the foreseeable future.

Resurgent Zito May Be Turning the Corner

Barry Zito turned in one of his best starts of the season Saturday against the rival Dodgers, picking up his fourth win.

After giving up two runs in the first inning, Zito settled down and did not allow another run while pitching seven strong innings against the Dodgers.

Most encouraging for the Giants lefty was the fact that he struck out 10 batters for the first time since 2006. Despite his strong outing, Zito was actually in line to pick up his 13th loss after exiting in the middle of the seventh down 2-1. However, the Giants offense, which has struggled to provide Zito with run support all season, uncharacteristically exploded for four runs in the bottom half of the inning.

The Giants and Zito are cautiously optimistic that the former Cy Young winner is finally starting to turn the corner after his disastrous start this season. Zito has posted wins in two of his last three starts, pitching into the seventh and giving up no more than two earned runs in those outings.

Cops Say Umpire Escort 'Routine' in Giants Loss

Umpires were escorted off the field under armed guard after fans became enraged over a controversial balk call, but no one was arrested and hostilities were no worse than common catcalls and booing, San Francisco Police told MLB News Online after the Giants 3-2 loss to Colorado on Tuesday.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy had been ejected for arguing a disputed 7th inning balk called by plate umpire Gary Darling after Giants catcher Bengie Molina stood up and requested time. Darling granted time but then called the balk when Giants starter Tim Lincecum stopped his motion, but then threw to the plate.

The balk allowed the winning run to score from third base as fans loudly expressed their displeasure and Bochy ran onto the field to harangue Darling for more than three minutes until finally being ejected.

"Essentially, the umpire ordered the Giants manager off the field; that's all," San Francisco Police Spokesman Dewayne Tully explained. "It was just a lot of booing."

The police escort was "routine," Tully said, noting that some of the team's security is provided by off-duty uniformed San Francisco police. "There was no police action of any sort."

Giants Let Tim Lincecum Be Tim Lincecum

Word around spring camp at Scottsdale, Ariz., is that even now in his second year, potential superstar hurler Tim Lincecum is being handled gingerly, with manager Bruce Bochy forbidding him to throw extra batting practice or participate in other unnecessary activities that might put more strain than necessary on his smallish, 5-foot-11, 170-pound frame.

Lincecum's spring appearances have been held to 13 innings, less than half that of other starters. Bullpen coach Mark Gardner told MLB News Online that the team remains concerned about the violent motion with which Lincecum strikes out more than a batter per inning with 100-mph fastballs.

Yet even with Lincecum's spring ERA at greater than 6.00, staff and trainers have refused to tinker with his delivery, as Lincecum not only can throw the ball by hitters, but practically break their necks as they try to to slow down for his 80-mph curve.

The team has determined there is little choice but to "let Tim Lincecum be Tim Lincecum," confirmed Gardner, who pitched in the major leagues for 13 years.

By not using Lincecum any more than necessary, the team has adopted a strategy to build Lincecum's endurance slowly, as it is theorized that young pitchers who have been overworked early in their careers sometimes suffer avoidable injuries later. Lincecum was held to little more than 140 major league innings out of the No. 5 hole last year, though he likely will approach 200 innings out of the No. 3-hole this year.

Rockies reserve Ian Stewart, one of the most feared hitters in the minors, calls Lincecum "the toughest pitcher I ever faced." All the more remarkable when one sees him; Lincecum looks like he just stepped out of a high school gymnasium.

Says web critic Chad Bradford Wannabe: "I'm almost too giddy in praise of Tim Lincecum. The power he can generate out of a 5-foot 10, 155-pound body is just plain ridiculous. Of course, there's injury risk. He's young, he's aggressive, and his mechanics are uncommon...I can see why some may shy away from someone like this."

Giants Steve Kline Awaits Trade to Phillies

San Francisco left-handed reliever Steve Kline has confided to intimates his belief that the Giants will trade him before the year is out -- likely to Philadelphia, MLB News Online has learned.

Though it could not be learned whether Kline is privy to whatever talks may have taken place between the Giants and Phillies, Kline believes he will be dealt to a contender in need of bullpen help, and the Phillies foot the bill.

Kline, 35, who will be a free agent next year, is without a no-trade clause in his contract. But Kline likely would prefer to be traded to the Phillies as he is a Pennsylvania native and followed the Phillies when he was growing up. His father -- a former minor leaguer who played with Giants Hall-of-Famer Willie Mays -- resides in Williamsport, Pa., home of the annual International Little League championship series.

The 11--year veteran is valuable not so much for his career 3.50 ERA and 39 saves, but because he is left-handed and held left-handed hitters to a .287 average last year.

Kline and veteran Eddie Guardado of Texas are tied for 11th all-time among left-handers with 796 career appearances. They will join the top 10 this year when they pass Los Angeles coach Rick Honeycutt at 797.

Giants Skipper Puts Steal Sign on Again and Again

Perhaps Giants bench coach Ron Wotus gave manager Bruce Bochy one of those 'are-you-sure?' looks.

"We've got to get these guys ready to run," Bochy explained to Wotus as Bochy put on a steal sign for the fifth time in four innings, only to see Emmanuel Burris and Eugenio Velez cut down by Rockies catcher Chris Iannetta during Monday's 4-2 loss to the defending National League champions at Hi Corbett Field in Tucson, Ariz.

But Davis -- who stole 28 bases in 53 games at Triple A last year -- later stole second off Rockies starter Aaron Cook. And Velez -- who stole 49 bases in 96 Double A games last year -- swiped one off closer Manny Corpas, Valez's 16th bag in 19 attempts this spring, including split-squad and B games. For good measure, Brian Bocock stole third.

Valez told www.MLBnewsonline.com that his goal is to steal 50 or more once the season starts, even with limited opportunities.

With Barry Bonds' big bat missing from the lineup, Bochy has made it clear that the Giants have little choice but to run, run, run and then run some more. Asked whether the Giants will run as much during official games as they have during spring, Bochy nodded affirmatively.

Cash, Other Considerations Halt Trade of Joe Crede

The pending trade of White Sox third baseman Joe Crede to the Giants for prospects likely hinges on three things: More time for Giants scouts to observe whether Crede is 100 percent recovered from spinal difficulties, interest in Crede from other teams such as the Dodgers, and Chicago's willingness to pick up a portion of Crede's $7 million annual contract in this, his walk year.

Stage Set for Kevin Frandsen to Advance for Giants

Giants reserve Kevin Frandsen's long-overdue opportunity to advance to the status of full-time player at last has arrived with an injury to Gold Glove shortstop Omar Vizquel.

A former 12th round pick who batted only .269 with five homers in limited play last year, Frandsen doesn't look like much. But San Francisco fans seem to forget, this was the highly regarded prospect who just two years ago was thought to have nothing more to prove in the minors after hitting .387 in the Arizona Fall League.

As Frandsen comes into his prime at 26, look for the six-foot, 175-pound middle infielder to stake a claim to the second baseman's job while filling in for Vizquel in shortstop, likely outplaying veteran teammate Ray Durham who appears to be in decline at 36.

Though the team sees the 40-year-old Vizquel returning to play in as little as four weeks, expect him to miss at least six or more weeks before even considering the arduous challenge of reconditioning himself in minor league play. That will give Frandsen plenty of time to prove that if he cannot outplay Durham at second, he can surpass Rich Aurelia at third.

Though Frandsen has yet to find a power stroke, expect him to spray all fields with singles and occasional gap shots, somewhat comparable to former batting champ Freddy Sanchez of the Pirates. Though Franden's range is not exceptional, he makes up for it with excellent anticipation, intelligence, energy and hands.

Top 10 Reasons Bud Selig to Miss Homer Record

Top 10 reasons Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig will miss Barry Bonds breaking Hank Aaron's home run record:

10. TV Land broadcasting month-long marathon of "Diff'rent Strokes" reruns.

9. Pet cat Fluffy suffered separation anxiety during last trip out of town.

8. Staying up late every night to write foreward to final volume of Pete Rose's autobiographical trilogy entitled: "My Secret Life as Bart Giamatti's Bookie."

7. Can't break previous lube bay appointment at Oil Can Boyd's.

6. Once-and-for-all going to stay home and sort those mismatched socks.

5. Initiating drug enhancement regimen to hit "home run" with Mrs. Selig.

4. Dog ate my plane ticket.

3. Bingo night at the lodge.

2. Doing my bit to conserve precious natural resources.

1. Checking to see if true Astros playing a woman named Loretta in middle infield.

Armando Benitez Warns Trading Him a Mistake

Nominal Giants closer Armando Benitez won't be surprised if he is traded, but warns that the team will regret it.

"I understand the situation. I (won't) be (ticked) off," Benitez said in remarks quoted by Medianews in Saturday's edition of the Times Standard in Eureka, Calif. "I've been in this business for 13 years. It wouldn't be the first time I've been traded. But it'd be a mistake."

Though he has struggled over the past two seasons, at least partly due to injuries, Benitez said is healthy and predicted he will return to form this year. The Giants are considering moving reliever Brian Wilson to the closer's role if Benitez can be moved, though Wilson has had a poor spring, leaving the team with few other options.

Still, Benitez remains on the block, as evidenced by scouts from the Marlins and Mariners closely monitoring his performances.

Prospect Kevin Frandsen Clears First Cut by Giants

As long as Todd Linden and Jason Ellison continue to battle for spots in the Giants outfield, opportunities will be limited for prospect Kevin Frandsen to find extra playing time in left. Frandsen has been given a look there as nothing more than a potential deep backup, but appears to have a reserve infield spot locked up as he has cleared the first cuts.

The 24-year-old former 12th-round pick has a sterling minor league hitting record, including finishing among the leaders in the Arizona Fall League. That shows he likely could avoid being sent down to Fresno as he doesn't necessarily need to play every day. He has nothing more to prove at the plate, although it would be a plus if he could find a power stroke.

Expect Frandsen to go north with the team, as he can back up not only his prime position at second, but shortstop and even third. He will play on days when veteran starters Ray Durham and Omar Vizquel need to rest, which will be relatively often. Should Durham or Vizquel be injured, Frandsen could excel.

Giants Seemingly Ignore Tim Lincecum as Closer

With Giants closer Armando Benitez's spring debut in doubt after he took a hard liner off his troublesome knee Friday, pressure mounts to consider top prospect Tim Lincecum and his 98-mph fastball to finish games.

A 22-year-old non-roster invitee, Lincecum is a longshot to even make the team. But Benitez -- whose knee disorder abruptly ended his season last September -- likely won't be ready by opening day and his most probable substitute Brian Wilson has been shelled in the early days of camp.

Manager Bruce Bochy has been coy when asked whom he thinks will emerge as closer by opening day, seemingly ignoring Lincecum like the fabled pacaderm in the parlor. But the No. 10 overall 2006 draft pick is a conspicuously strong choice, even though the team has resisted rushing him and projects him strictly as a starter.

However, Lincecum is widely viewed as having classical closer's skill sets, characteristics and makeup, though he has a violent throwing motion and is smallish at 6-feet, 170 pounds. He is the only Giants prospect rated in Baseball America's Top 50, having been named Pac-10 Pitcher of the Year after dominating aluminum bats at Nebraska with a strikeout rate of 14.3 per nine innings.

In two innings so far in camp, Lincecum has struck out two but has given up three runs on four hits.

Fit, Jovial Barry Bonds Appears Without Giants Cap

Barry Bonds appeared with Baseball Hall-of-Famer Juan Marichal in the Dominican Republic Wednesday and predicted he would hit the 22 homers he needs to pass Hank Aaron's 755 all-time career mark -- though it was not altogether clear he would do it as a Giant.

Bonds -- looking relaxed, jovial and fit -- was greeted by the ex-pitcher with Giants logos noticeably absent from Bonds' blue athletic suit and plain white baseball cap. Bonds will play in the 69-year-old Marichal's annual charity golf tournament Friday to raise funds for research for a cure of diabetes, a disease that especially afflicts Dominicans.

Bonds on Dec. 7 agreed to a proposed $16 million annual contract to play for the Giants but has been unable to consumate the deal. Thus Bonds has been left off the team's roster.

Observers have pointed out suspicions that the team and Bonds are at loggerheads over unresolved issues commonly thought to be related to pending legal difficulties with the U.S. attorney in San Francisco. The justice and treasury departments are investigating steroid abuse and possible perjury and income tax issues.

Bonds did not specifically mention contract talks, though his agent has claimed other teams are willing to sign Bonds if the Giants back out of the negotiations, an assertion that has critics scoffing.

Bonds' look of vitality and good cheer Wednesday suggested that health issues related to his 2005 knee surgery are finally behind him. In remarks quoted by sports reporter Kennedy Vargas of the El Siglo Spanish-language newspaper, Bonds confidently suggested that his impending passing of Aaron should assure that he will eventually go into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Bonds said former players Pete Rose and Mark McGwire also have accomplished enough in the game that they too should be voted in.

U.S. Supreme Court Looms Over Barry Bonds Case

It's not difficult to foresee the U.S. Supreme Court weighing in on the Barry Bonds investigation before the end of the 2007 season.

With Eugene Orza, associate general counsel for the Major League Baseball Players Association, poised to seek injunctive relief from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals as soon as the end of the month if not sooner, the stage is being set for a Supreme Court appeal should the lower court refuse to rule in Orza's favor.

At stake are results of more than 100 supposedly confidential urine samples from players in 2003, which the San Francisco lower court's three-judge panel has ruled admissible in an ongoing grand jury investigation into suspected steroid use by Bonds and other players. Orza will argue before the full court that the samples should remain private and ultimately destroyed.


Once turned down by the lower court, Orza will assemble a team of attorneys to file a writ of certiorari before the Supreme Court, likely positioning the nine U.S. justices to intervene after determining that the matter is of national importance.