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Giants camp report
SCOTTSDALE -- Five things to know about the San Francisco Giants:
1. In a perfect world, the Giants acquire a corner infielder infielder before opening day. They've been talking to the White Sox about third baseman Joe Crede forever, but the White Sox, according to sources, want left-hander Jonathan Sanchez and a couple of Class-A prospect in return -- a price San Francisco thinks is too steep. They've spoken with Detroit about Brandon Inge, but the Tigers won't absorb any of Inge's salary and the Giants' payroll is at budget, especially with the $20 million annual mortgage they pay on AT&T Park.
2. Rich Aurilia, Kevin Frandsen and Eugenio Velez are among those who have auditioned at third base this spring, and 10 or so days before the season begins, things remain so unsettled there the Giants are taking a look at Ryan Rohlinger, who spent last season at the Class A level. They're not overly enamored with Dan Ortmeier's spring at first base, either. "We have some movable parts," manager Bruce Bochy says in what sounds ominously like backhanded praise. "It's nice to have that flexibility."
3. Barry Zito this spring hasn't exactly made the Giants forget what a miserable first year he had for them. His spring ERA is 14.92, though the Giants say they're not worried (what else are they supposed to say?). Zito says he's been "tinkering" with things, mostly working on timing during his windup and delivery. The best timing would be if he turns in an opening day gem in Dodger Stadium on March 31. "I tried to do too much early on," Zito says of last year. "After three or four months, I really started to focus on the right things instead of external things. Things got better my last 10 starts."
4. Aside from Aaron Rowand, who cracked 27 homers for Philadelphia last season, no Giant had more than catcher Bengie Molina's 19. San Francisco is making no secret that it will not have much power this season, but the Giants are hoping a new, more aggressive style can help make up for the lack of brawn. Rowand, the center fielder signed as a free agent this season, is a key. "The way he plays, the way he shows up," Bochy says. "His enthusiasm in the way he plays the game, all-out every day, even in the spring. That's leading by example. Guys see that, and they follow it."
5. If you happened to see outfielder Rajai Davis last season and thought he was fleet, think again. He's quick, but infielder Eugenio Velez is the fastest Giant in camp.