GIANTS NOTEBOOK
Bonds doubtful til Friday
Monday, July 29, 2002
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When Kenny Lofton jogs to center field for the Giants in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, he'll probably have Reggie Sanders alongside him in right, but no Barry Bonds in left. Manager Dusty Baker said Bonds does not expect to play until the Giants arrive in Pittsburgh on Friday, which means he will have missed 12 starts.
Bonds clearly has more of a say on when he will return than the other injured players, partly because he knows his body so well.
"He's Barry," Baker said. "Doesn't Michael (Jordan) sort of call his own shots? If Joe Montana said he wasn't ready, would you question it?"
Catcher Benito Santiago is expected back Tuesday or Wednesday after a minor eye procedure.
MORE DEALING IN STORE?: Now that he's acquired Lofton, GM Brian Sabean can concentrate on his search for relievers. The biggest need is a left-hander, but Sabean said none he wants is available, and the available ones are too expensive.
When asked if he was confident about making another deal, Sabean said, "I don't know, but we'll die trying."
Sabean said he was "frustrated" by his inability to acquire an outfielder sooner as his injury-plagued team floundered on the field. He had been working on the Lofton trade for a week.
Giants sources say sellers want pitching prospects Boof Bonser, Jerome Williams and Jesse Foppert, whom the Giants are reluctant to deal. The Giants still might search for more outfielders. Randy Winn would be a great long-term solution for center field, but the Giants are having a hard time gauging exactly what Tampa Bay wants in return.
Of the Lofton trade, Sabean said: "This helps because it breaks the logjam. It's a corresponding responsibility. When everybody in uniform is busting their butts the way they are, trying to do the best they can under the circumstances, we owe it to these guys to follow through.
"I would have had to swallow hard to have to announce we hadn't done anything. I think this is significant as compared to doing nothing. Hopefully, they'll appreciate it."
MISCELLANY: Outfielder Tony Torcato was optioned to Fresno to clear roster space for Lofton. Torcato went 3-for-7, including a double and single Sunday, in his two big-league games. . . . Jason Schmidt pitched his third 10- strikeout game of the season. . . . When Robb Nen records his next save, he will become the youngest ever to reach 300. The 32-year-old has converted 12 consecutive saves, last blowing one June 9 at Yankee Stadium. . . . The Giants play their next 25 games outside the NL West.
Bonds doubtful til Friday
Monday, July 29, 2002
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When Kenny Lofton jogs to center field for the Giants in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, he'll probably have Reggie Sanders alongside him in right, but no Barry Bonds in left. Manager Dusty Baker said Bonds does not expect to play until the Giants arrive in Pittsburgh on Friday, which means he will have missed 12 starts.
Bonds clearly has more of a say on when he will return than the other injured players, partly because he knows his body so well.
"He's Barry," Baker said. "Doesn't Michael (Jordan) sort of call his own shots? If Joe Montana said he wasn't ready, would you question it?"
Catcher Benito Santiago is expected back Tuesday or Wednesday after a minor eye procedure.
MORE DEALING IN STORE?: Now that he's acquired Lofton, GM Brian Sabean can concentrate on his search for relievers. The biggest need is a left-hander, but Sabean said none he wants is available, and the available ones are too expensive.
When asked if he was confident about making another deal, Sabean said, "I don't know, but we'll die trying."
Sabean said he was "frustrated" by his inability to acquire an outfielder sooner as his injury-plagued team floundered on the field. He had been working on the Lofton trade for a week.
Giants sources say sellers want pitching prospects Boof Bonser, Jerome Williams and Jesse Foppert, whom the Giants are reluctant to deal. The Giants still might search for more outfielders. Randy Winn would be a great long-term solution for center field, but the Giants are having a hard time gauging exactly what Tampa Bay wants in return.
Of the Lofton trade, Sabean said: "This helps because it breaks the logjam. It's a corresponding responsibility. When everybody in uniform is busting their butts the way they are, trying to do the best they can under the circumstances, we owe it to these guys to follow through.
"I would have had to swallow hard to have to announce we hadn't done anything. I think this is significant as compared to doing nothing. Hopefully, they'll appreciate it."
MISCELLANY: Outfielder Tony Torcato was optioned to Fresno to clear roster space for Lofton. Torcato went 3-for-7, including a double and single Sunday, in his two big-league games. . . . Jason Schmidt pitched his third 10- strikeout game of the season. . . . When Robb Nen records his next save, he will become the youngest ever to reach 300. The 32-year-old has converted 12 consecutive saves, last blowing one June 9 at Yankee Stadium. . . . The Giants play their next 25 games outside the NL West.
