Some quick notes:
- I hate to say it, but Nate Schierholtz only seems to work his magic when he appears off the bench. He hasn't been playing terribly when he starts, but at the same time, he hasn't been doing quite enough to earn a permanent starting spot. In other outfielder-related news, both Aaron Rowand and Pat Burrell got to start today, and Rowand picked up two hits and an intentional walk. The way things are going, these two could be fighting for a spot in the coming weeks.
- Miguel Tejada is showing signs of life, stroking two doubles for the second straight night. He also drew two (?!?) walks, but one of them was intentional. Brandon Crawford, on the other hand, did not have a great night. He left quite a few runners on base after coming in for the injured Freddy Sanchez. Obviously, it was just one game, but if things continue like this, it could get dicey when Pablo Sandoval returns. Also, if you haven't seen it yet, watch this.
- Speaking of Pablo, Bruce Bochy said this today. My answer? No. Seriously, no. You just don't stick one of your best hitters behind the plate, especially when he's still recovering from serious injury. It's not like he's Buster Posey back there anyway. To further prove my point, Pablo had a UZR of 7.1 before he got hurt. It was a tiny sample size, but even with all the missed time, he trails only Evan Longoria in terms of defensive value at 3rd. Keep him there.
- Ryan Vogelsong contributed yet another superb outing and the bullpen was just as dazzling. Jeremy Affeldt looked dominant, striking out Joey Votto and Jay Bruce, and Sergio Romo was simply amazing. I know it's been said a lot, but the bullpen is responsible for a large part of the Giants' success in close games. Earlier in the year, we doubted Bochy for using struggling relievers in key situations, but now that nearly everyone's throwing well, he looks like a genius again.
