June 10, 2011
URBAN ARCHIVE
GIANTS PAGEGIANTS VIDEO
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Mychael Urban
CSNBayArea.com
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A few quick nuggets mined from Giants manager Bruce Bochy's session with the media Friday before the second game of a four-game series against the visiting Reds at AT&T Park:Pablo behind the plate: After noting that Pablo Sandoval (wrist), expected to come off the disabled list Tuesday for the start of a three-game set in Arizona, will see some time at first base to spell struggling Aubrey Huff, Bochy mentioned that there have been internal discussions about getting the Panda back up to speed as a catcher, the position at which he started his professional -- and big-league -- career.
Sandoval wouldn't be asked to get ready for mere emergency duty, either. He could be asked to play as frequently as a "couple times a week," said the skipper, who didn't think it would take much time at all for Pablo to get ready to again don the tools of ignorance."It's not something we've ruled out," said Bochy, who added that far more in-depth conversations would have to take place before the notion became a reality.Interesting development, to say the least, because the last time Sandoval was asked if he had any interest in catching again, he responded as if asked if he'd like to jump into a bathtub full of piranhas and a plugged-in microwave oven.Zito ready: Giants lefty Barry Zito will make his second rehab start for the Single-A Dan Jose Giants on Saturday in Modesto and told CSNBayArea.com that he expects to throw up to 95 pitches.Were Zito needed in the event of an emergency at the big-league level, it's clear he'd be ready in terms of stamina, but he noted that only such a development is likely to cut his rehab assignment any shorter. Well aware of how well the Giants rotation has performed in his absence, he sounds willing to accept any role he's asked to fill, but the Giants currently have no plans to get him any relief work out of the bullpen in preparation for taking on a long-relief role if need be upon his return. Bullet behind schedule: Outfielder Darren Ford (ankle) was eligible to come off the disabled list on June 7, but he's probably more than a week away from returning to the roster or heading out for a rehab stint. Bochy said Ford received a cortisone shot Wednesday or Thursday and will remain shut down for "a couple more days" before possibly being cleared for any sort of activity.Fontenot fine: Infielder Mike Fontenot (groin) is rehabbing with Sandoval at Triple-A Fresno and was lifted from the Grizzlies' game Thursday night after four innings, but Bochy assured the press there had been no setback. "That was the plan, four innings, all along." Fontenot could return for the start of the Arizona series, too.Stretching out: Lefty Dan Runzler, who has worked exclusively out of the bullpen for the Giants, is being "stretched out" in the minors, but no decision has been made as to whether he'll be converted into a starter. It's definitely an option being strongly considered, though, in large part because the team lacks organizational rotation depth in the high minors.