Early that inning, he lost command of the fastball a little bit and started to fall behind a few hitters. He gave up one run, but looked like he was going to be able to retire the side without too much damage. Then, he hung a changeup behind in the count to Lance Berkman, who made him pay. He hit that pitch high and deep for a two-run bomb to the deepest part of the yard, tying the game at three runs a piece.

You could see the anguish on Zito’s face as he gave up the three-run inning. As I watched the game, I really did feel bad for the guy as he had pretty good stuff all night, but got behind a few batters that were costly. In the bottom half of that inning, I was hoping that the Giants could pick him up and regain the lead before they pulled him out of the game. That would have at least given him a chance for the win. I thought we had a chance too, with the heart of our lineup coming to bat. But we went 1-2-3 that inning and sent Vinnie Chulk out for the seventh. Definitely a tough outing for Zito again.

Although it was disappointing that he gave up the lead, there were a lot of things he can build on after the game tonight. It appeared he was keeping the ball down a little better than previous games. It also looked like his curveball was coming back to form and he was able to throw it for strikes. I’d love to see Chris over at Bay City Ball do a pitching analysis on his performance tonight. It looked like he had some of his movement back, and I’d be curious to see how he did versus previous starts. It was the first time Zito has gotten a no-decision, after seven consecutive losses in his first seven starts of the year.

Needless to say, it will be a game that Zito looks back on and wishes he made a few less mistakes in that sixth inning. But, it was definitely his best performance of the year. I can’t wait to hear his interview after the game to see what he has to say.

Conversation starter: What was up with the bonehead play by Yabu on that busted pickoff move? Come on!!!

For all you Giants fans out there, we’re going to do a poll today to see how many runs you think he’ll give up tonight:

Also, just for giggles, how many innings will he last?

Raise your voice and shout out an opinion on the game tonight! I can’t wait to hear what each of you have to say. My guess is he’ll last 4 2/3 innings and give up 5-6 runs. Be bold people! Put your money where your mouth is.

The line on Zito so far this season is pretty pathetic to say the least. He is 0-6 in his six starts this season, with a 7.53 ERA, 15 walks, 11 strikeouts and has given up 30 runs. Lefties have hit .348 off him and righties have hit .333. He’s averaging only 4 2/3 innings per start and taxing the bullpen every time he takes the mound.

So, it’s time to look at our options. I’ve compiled a list of the top 6:

1) Send him to the bullpen to see if he can figure out his location problems.

2) Skip his next start and give him some extra work with Rags on the side.

3) Pull off a miraculous trade and dump at least a portion of his salary. (Who am I kidding)

4) Option him back to the minors where he can regain his confidence.

5) Force him into an extended stay on the DL citing an arm problem.

6) Cut ties and eat the $111.5 Million we owe him.

Honestly, every scenario here makes my brain hurt. I can’t stand the fact that we are even talking about this subject to begin with. But, since we’re in the situation, we’ve got to put our GM hats on and figure out what we can do. Although I would like #3 to happen, I know that no team out there in their right minds will trade for him. So, if it were me, I would do #1. We can’t afford to run him out there every 5th day and blow the game. We’ve got to do what is best to help this ball club win, and keeping Zito in the starting rotation is not the answer. So, I ask you…what would you do?

The

Well, it looks like our starting pitching is living up to its hype! We’ve got a solid starting five who could all be legitimate #1’s over the next couple of years. With this kind of rotation we have a chance to win every night. I’ve been a Giants fan my whole life and I can’t remember a time when we’ve had a better starting five.

Fred Lewis had a great game last night for the Giants as well, with two runs scored and an electrifying triple! He’s turning out to be all that we could hope for and it looks like he’s going to be the regular from now on in left field. I’m excited that he’s getting his shot. Two nights ago he thrilled Giants fans with his defensive play as he caught a ball off his shoe laces and came up throwing for home. He gunned the guy out trying to tag up from third on a one-hop to Bengie Molina. He’s a five tool player!

Tonight we get back to the top of our rotation where Barry Zito takes the hill. I really hope he can get his stuff together. It would be nice to see him get his first win tonight.

With two outs in the bottom of the ninth Daniel Ortmeier delivered a HUGE hit to seal the victory for the Giants. He smashed a two-strike fastball to deep center field over the head of Jim Edmonds, who was racing back to save the day for the Padres. The ball landed just inches from the wall and Rajai Davis easily came around to score from second base.

The benches immediately cleared and a sea of Giants players met Ortmeier to celebrate the victory. It was a great confidence booster for the club and an even greater one for Ortmeier who has struggled at times this season. Tune in tonight as the Giants face the St. Louis Cardinals at home.

This was a badly needed win for the Giants who have high hopes for their club early in the season. It is vital that they begin their season with some momentum to keep morale high as all the experts have picked them to finish last in their division this year. More importantly, is that they establish themselves at the plate, where they have struggled all spring.

My best friend Todd was at the game in LA decked out in all his Giants gear for the rainy night. He sat pretty much anywhere he wanted as the stadium was quite empty due to a 1 hour and 14 minute rain delay in the top half of the 5th inning. But, he stuck it out, along with the other faithful, and got to see the Giants pull down their first victory of the season.

It was good to finally see some of the youngsters get a start last night! I hope we keep up the youth movement as I see it crucial to our success moving forward. Bill James claims that the best years of a baseball player’s career are from age 25-29. So, we’ll see if those guys get into the games for us.

Tomorrow the Giants travel to Milwakee to face the Brewers in a three game series. We’re expected to see Jonathan Sanchez vs. Carlos Villanueva on Friday at 11:05 PT.

The San Francisco Giants got totally obliterated by the Los Angeles Dodgers today. Opening the season for the Giants, Bruce Bochy put together the following lineup:

1. Dave Roberts - LF

2. Rich Aurilia - 1B

3. Randy Winn - RF

4. Bengie Molina - C

5. Ray Durham - 2B

6. Aaron Rowand - CF

7. Luis Castillo - 3B

8. Brian Bocock - SS

9. Barry Zito - P

According to Brian Sabean, we were planning on a HUGE youth movement this year. Yet only one opening day starter is under 30, and that was Brian Bocock, who is playing for an injured Omar Vizquel. So far, we’re not sticking to the plan I’d say. Bruce Bochy also said in the off season that he was planning on playing the best player at each position, regardless of salary. That also did not come to fruition, as the highest paid player at each position took the field for opening day.

Looks like the same old Giants took the field and we’re in for a long season. It’s going to be VERY long if I have to watch the cane-walking Giants take the field day in and day out. Let’s get the youngsters out there! Our triple A squad beat us last week for crying out loud! That should tell you something.

One more thing…why is Aaron Rowand batting 6th? He’s by far the only guy in the lineup who might be considered an offensive threat. Move him into the 3rd or 4th spot please! Now that I’ve ranted for a while…let’s get to today’s game.

Barry Zito started off the day giving up three Dodger’s runs in the first, including a homerun to Jeff Kent. The next inning he gave up another run on an RBI single by Rafael Furcal. That pretty much sealed the deal for the Giants. They came up with 5 hits in the entire game, two of which were collected by none other than our only offensive threat, Aaron Rowand.

Since there’s not much else to talk about, I’m going to look forward to tomorrow’s game. I’m hoping for a completely new lineup from Bochy as this one didn’t work. Hopefully we’ll see some youth. Tomorrow’s game features Matt Cain vs. Derek Lowe.

He was flown back to San Francisco and operated on today. Team doctors said the surgery went exactly as planned and he’ll be on schedule to return sometime the first week of the season barring any setbacks. However, the 41-year-old shortstop may not heal as quickly as we need him to. With age comes longer healing times and it could be the end of April before we truly see him take the field and playing at 100%.

What this means for the Giants, is that Kevin Frandsen will get the opening day starting job at short, ending his competition with Ray Durham for the job at second. This also means that we will see Rich Aurilia as the starting third baseman, unless the Joe Crede deal goes through before the end of spring training. I just hope that this doesn’t put more pressure on the front office to bring someone on that we don’t need. I’d hate to see us lose a great prospect just to put on a bandaid.

Spring Training games officially begin tomorrow with the Giants facing the Cubs at home in Scottsdale. Stay tuned!

Vinnie was definitely one of our better relievers last year and we desperately needed to sign him to get some bodies in the pen. I’m still not convinced however, that the guys we have from last year are the answer to our relief problems. As you all know, our bullpen was one of the worst in the majors last season. It was a glaring need, staring us in the face when the season closed. Yet we have done nothing to improve it.

It is clear that the Giants want to give their youngsters a chance to prove themselves. We will see how the season pans out, but my guess is that we will be changing our tune a bit in the off season next year. We need to bring some big names to this club or people will lose interest.

Feliz had reportedly been asking for a three-year deal worth close to $21 million as he hit the free agent market at the end of the season. Apparently, his price has come down considerably as the season approaches. Brian Sabean, GM of the San Francisco Giants has repeatedly stated that he would not offer the sure-handed third baseman a three year contract and that his price was too high. If he were willing to sign a one-year agreement, then the Giants would consider it, but not three years.

Feliz joins a solid lineup with the Phillies who have been assembled to score a lot of runs. He will more than likely bat in the sixth or seventh spot in the lineup, a place that should better suit him. He had previously batted behind Barry Bonds for a good portion of his stay with the Giants. I believe his productivity will go up as he hits with less pressure, and he’ll get more power from the HR happy Citizens Bank Park in Philly.

For the Giants, I am so glad we will never see him in the Orange and Black ever again! I’ve had too many years of watching him miss an off-speed pitch for strike three and walk himself back to the dugout. Good riddens Feliz! Bring on Kevin Frandsen!