Friday's Win Preceds Tough Losses

After a huge comeback win Friday night, a game in which the offense finally stepped up for their ace when he needed them too, the Giants offense went right back into hibernation on both Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

The hero of Friday night's game, Brandon Crawford, surprisingly, wasn't even in Saturday's lineup after going 1-3 with a walk and the game winning grand-slam. Not to mention the outstanding range and incredible arm we've all been told about, and finally got to witness in action. The starting pitcher, Timmy Lincecum, was probably his best friend after the game, as not only did Crawford's blast give Lincecum the W, his defense saved at least 3-4 extra hits for the Brewers, balls Tejada or Fontenot don't turn into outs. Lincecum himself didn't have his best stuff, as he gave up a few more hits than he's accustomed to and hung a ball to Rickie Weeks that Weeks absolutely crushed for a 2-run homer in the 3rd inning. That put the Giants behind the 8-ball early and now with the Posey-less, struggling offense, a 2-run deficit seems like a 5-run deficit. I myself thought the Giants would probably go quietly into the Wisconsin night, letting yet another quality Tim Lincecum start go to waste, but they showed some of that magic they've had at AT&T Park all year on the road for once and turned a late 3-1 Brewer lead into a 5-4 victory. Freddy Sanchez, Nate Schierholtz and Aubrey Huff each had 2-hit's in the win.

The Giants came up with another late-inning comeback tie Saturday, but went down in the bottom of the ninth. I have to give it to Brewers manager Ron Roenicke, for the suicide squeeze to win the game, that was a heckuva call. Once again, the Giants got a very good start from starter Jonathan Sanchez who walked a few guys, but allowed just 2 hits and K'd 8 through 7 strong innings of work. The Giants starting lineup, again which was without Friday night's hero Brandon Crawford, was held without a hit until the 5th inning. They collected just 5 hits and 1 extra-base hit all day long. They were making Randy Wolf look like Cliff Lee until finally getting him out in the 8th inning and getting to Kameron Lowe, thanks mostly to Casey McGee's error. Pat Burrell came up with a big, game-tying single after that, making it a brand new ballgame. If it weren't for that error by McGee, they likely don't even score a run Saturday, cause it would have changed everything. Cody Ross and Aubrey Huff are supposed to be the 4-5 hitters but are hitting a combined .229, and we're almost into June! I'm also already tired of Whiteside (that throw was horrible) behind the plate, and it's just been 2 or 3 games.

I have a thought in mind that came up when the Giants announced that Santiago Cassilla, which is huge shot in the arm for this bullpen, was activated. That, along with Brandon Crawford's big game last night, had me thinking about the minor leagues and the guys they have playing third base down there, and Connor Gillaspie came to mind. Gillaspie was in the draft, matter fact taken within 30 or so picks, as Buster Posey, but didn't tear through the minors like the catcher did. Still, Gillaspie's playing solid ball down in Fresno, hitting .277 with 3 homers and 28 RBI. The 28 RBI is good for 2nd on the club and that's run production, exactly what this team needs. Why not give Connor a look at third base? He can't be any worse than what Tejada's done in Sandoval's absence! Not saying Gillaspie would be a cure-all for the offense, but he reminds me a lot of Billy Mueller and the Giants could use a guy at 3rd who can drive the ball and hit with runners in scoring position.