Spring Training Boondoggle

I know a few guys getting ready to board Southwest, during the first week in March, 'cause they got to get away to Scottsdale, Arizona and see the 2009 San Francisco Giants' roster take shape.

I printed out a copy of the 40-man roster as on the Giants website and also a copy of Non-roster invitees to Spring Training, where hope springs eternal.

Scott McClain,last year's heartfelt story of a man determined to make the big leagues despite several good minor league seasons and not being called up to the Bigs, has been invited. Josh Phelps, former Pirate is also an invite. Juan Uribe and Rich Aurilia will get their chances to prove they belong on the San Francisco roster. Jesus Guzman, Conor Gillaspie, Ryan Rohlinger, Nate Schierholtz and Travis Ishikawa figure to turn rather than scratch some heads.

Kevin Pucetas, Justin Miller, Ramon Ortiz, Luis Perdomo, Kelvin Pichardo, Jesse English and Brandon Medders hope they impress enough-when toeing the slab-to at least make the Fresno roster preparing for call-ups during the lengthy March to October season.

The guys will surely have a good time and have a chance to add to their fond memories in the Valley of the Sun.


(info received from Giants website..SanFranciscoGiants.com)

Kevin Marquez