SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Giants have never had any questions about Johnny Cueto's durability, but there were some slight concerns when he missed the early weeks of camp while tending to his ill father. Coaches were curious to see how Cueto would look in person. They're no longer curious.
"How'd you like that?!" one coach cracked to reporters after Cueto threw 65 pitches in a live BP session.
Yes, Cueto is the same as he ever was. The man who threw five complete games last season barely even took a breather while ramping up the pitch count. Cueto took one break, grabbing water from pitching coach Dave Righetti. Then he went back to quick-pitching prospects, finishing off the marathon session with a shimmy.
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Cueto said he feels great physically. Through interpreter Erwin Higueros, he said he hasn’t ruled out the WBC. He will make two starts down here before making any decision.
“I want to pitch (but) I want to see how I feel,” he said. “If I get to make two starts and I feel good, then maybe I’ll go to the WBC.”
Cueto said he’ll have to see how his father is doing, because he doesn’t want to leave him so soon after a hospital visit. It seems the only way he could play is if the Dominican Republic advances all the way, in which case he could fly to Los Angeles for the semifinals or final.
GAME RECAP: The Giants won 6-5 on Chris Marrero's second walk-off homer of the spring. Marrero has four homers, leading the team by a pair.
"I think he likes Arizona," manager Bruce Bochy said. "He's throwing out good at-bats and doing a good job. We're excited to have him. He's a threat, that's what you love about him. Even with two strikes, he still got a good swing off."
That last part is key. Today was the first really hot day down in Arizona and the ball is starting to fly, so guys are going to start piling up numbers. Bochy is looking at the quality of the at-bats, and Marrero has been on-point even when making outs. He hasn't played much in the outfield, but he showed off a strong arm during pre-game drills Wednesday. He's doing all he can do at the moment.
Hunter Pence had a triple and Michael Morse and Jarrett Parker drove in runs as the Giants edged a very talented Puerto Rico squad. If you pick just a handful of WBC games to watch, check out Puerto Rico. The Lindor-Baez-Correa infield is absurd, and Lindor and Baez teamed up early in Wednesday's game for a slick double play.
San Francisco Giants
CALLING HIS SHOT: Morse said he was going to hit a homer. And then he hit a homer. Here's an update on where he stands as the Giants hit their first off day of the spring.
ICYMI: An interview with Conor Gillaspie was the latest podcast. You can stream it here. There will be one more podcast this week, so subscribe here (and maybe leave a review?)
ANTHONY REYES' TRAINER'S ROOM: All is good. Eduardo Nuñez was cleared to play third base Wednesday and Conor Gillaspie is also fine after a bout of sore arm.
QUOTABLE: "I don't fumble. I don't jump on fumbles, either." -- Jeff Samardzija, during a conversation about pitcher defense.