San Francisco Giants Wiretap

Sweeney's Future In San Francisco Doesn't Look Good

A club source said the Giants are so intent on keeping outfielder Jason Ellison and first baseman Lance Niekro, both of whom are out of options, that they are resigned to starting the season with just an 11-man pitching staff. Even with the extra position spot, there doesn't appear to be room for Mark Sweeney at the end of the bench.

Sweeney acknowledged disappointment at being left out of Monday's meeting. He can see the writing on the wall, but he isn't giving up on being a Giant when the club opens its season a week from today.

"The only time you give up on a team is when you're not in uniform," Sweeney said. "Something can happen any given day that can put you in a good light."

According to an industry source, the Giants placed Sweeney on revocable waivers and no team claimed him within the 48-hour window - which only indicates that other clubs didn't want him at his $950,000 salary. The Giants wouldn't attempt to outright Sweeney to Triple-A Fresno because he has the right to refuse the assignment.

"I'm sure there will be interest if Mark is let go," agent Barry Axelrod said.

Via Mercury News


Giants Install Rare Hi-Def Scoreboard

The Giants have installed a more than $3 million, high-definition scoreboard, one of only three in a professional sports stadium in the United States. It plans to officially unveil the screen, made by Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Vision, on Tuesday.

The new display, 31 1/2 feet high by 103 feet wide, is the latest addition to the high-tech ballpark. The team is also adding thirteen 17-inch LCD televisions on the stadium's Dugout Club level.

Via San Francisco Chronicle


Former All-Star Catcher Ed Bailey Dies At 75

Ed Bailey, an All-Star catcher with the Reds in the 1950s, died of cancer on Friday. He was 75.

Al Neil, Bailey's brother-in-law, told The Knoxville News Sentinel that Bailey died at Parkwest Medical Center after being diagnosed with throat cancer about six months ago.

He was chosen for the All-Star team in 1956, 1957 and 1960 with the Reds. He also made it in 1961 and 1963 when he was playing for the Giants.

Via Yahoo.com


Giants Mar 2007 Archive

  • Ortiz A Lock For Rotation Spot

    Look for the Giants to announce any day that RHP Russ Ortiz has won a rotation spot.

  • Giants Split On What To Do With Benitez

    The Giants remain split over whether to trade Armando Benitez or allow him to open the season as their closer.

  • Bochy Gives Bonds "Spring Break"

    Barry Bonds went home for a three-day spring break in the middle of spring training.

  • Bonds Homers Again, Benitez Throws Strikes

    With Barry Bonds hitting homers and a healthy Armando Benitez throwing strikes, the Giants are starting to get excited about the season.

  • Vizquel Extension Talks In The Air

    Omar Vizquel was hoping for a contract extension before the regular season began, but talks have been slow.

  • Bonds Already Talking About Playing In 2008

    Opening day is still three weeks away and Barry Bonds already is talking about 2008.

  • Bonds Hits First Home Run Of Spring Training

    Barry Bonds hit his first home run of spring training, connecting in the fourth inning against Esteban Loaiza on Friday in the Giants' 5-3 loss to the Athletics.

  • Zito: I've Got Bonds Back

    There appears to be more to the relationship between Barry Bonds and Barry Zito than meets the eye.

  • Klesko Out One-Week With Side Strain

    Giants first baseman Ryan Klesko will miss the next week of spring training with a strained muscle in his left side.

  • Bonds To Bat Third?

    Barry Bonds appears more eager to try hitting in the third spot with Dave Roberts atop the order.

  • Vizquel To Talk Extension With Giants

    Omar Vizquel said his agent, Adam Katz, will visit Scottsdale on Wednesday and meet with Giants officials.

  • Bonds Returns To Camp, Has Bronchitis

    Barry Bonds returned to the Giants on Monday after missing two days of workouts and at least one game because of what he now is being told is a bout with bronchitis.

  • Giants' Morris Fighting To Regain Form

    Matt Morris felt his body betraying him again Saturday, though not in the same ways that turned his first season with the Giants into such a disappointment.

  • Bonds Misses Workouts With Flu Bug

    Barry Bonds stayed home with the flu Saturday.

  • Not The Best Spring Debut For Bonds

    Barry Bonds lost a fly ball in the sun and struck out swinging at a high pitch well out of the zone.

  • Giants Lock Up Matt Cain

    RHP Matt Cain and the Giants agreed Thursday to a four-year contract that includes a vesting club option for 2011.