The only possible negative in his performance was the fact that it took him 99 pitches to get through 5.2 innings -- and to be honest, 99 pitches in 5.2 IP isn't even all that bad. Beyond that, though, he was superb. I have confidence that he'll do a fine job filling in for Barry Zito -- whose velocity was becoming a concern, anyway -- over the next month or so. But hey, we'll see what happens. Don't go expecting Vogelsong to strike out eight hitters a game (which, by the way, tied his career high). Let's remember -- it was against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the team that just so happens to be second in the majors in K%, striking out in a whopping 24.9% of their ABs.
- Aaron Rowand had a great game -- knocking in three runs on a couple of key hits. Let's not get too enamored by his April performance, but I am beyond pleased with what he's done thus far. That said, when Andres Torres comes back, I wish for Andres Torres to be the Giants' starting centerfielder.
- Pablo Sandoval's been playing great baseball. Today, he beat out a double play to keep the third inning alive. He then stole second base on a double steal (in which Rowand scored as the throw to second was botched). With inevitable declines from Torres/Huff this year -- I don't expect them to be six-win players once more -- Sandoval's resurgence is hugely significant.
- Nate Schierholtz got a couple of hits in two at-bats. My dream scenario has him somehow working his way into the starting lineup -- and actually playing to his potential. Or at least starting in games on a regular basis. We'll see how that works out.
On a side note, today I purchased the Baseball-Reference sponsorship for Ryan Vogelsong. It's not up at the moment (approval process), but it will say the following --"Vogelsong went 2,412 days between wins as a starter. Congratulations on a long, hard-fought journey."
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