Sandoval Back, Melky Still Out Against Rangers: Keys, Notes, Lineups

The Giants got shutout by Matt Harrison last night, but with Pablo Sandoval returning, expect them to score some runs against a struggling Scott Feldman




Ryan Vogelsong VS Scott Feldman, First Pitch 1:05, AT&T Park


1. Get to Scott Feldman Early


Feldman has struggled since taking over for Netali Feliz, and the Giants have been known to make struggling pitchers look like Cy Young candidates. And if Feldman isn't struggling than I don't what you would call his last performance against the A's where he gave up eight earned runs while not even completing two innings. 


Every pitcher in the major leagues has the ability to get in a groove, even Scott Feldman who was once the ace of the Rangers' rotation. The last thing the Giants need to do is have quick at-bats against him. Make him work, get some pitches out of him, and look for pitches to hit. Last night, Harrison just breezed though the Giants lineup, but that can't be the case today. 


2. Get Brandon Belt Going


Pablo Sandoval is back, he will bat third in front of Buster Posey, but the Giants will be without the National League's batting average in leader Melky Cabrera for the second consecutive game, which means someone has to step up. Brandon Crawford looks lost, and Nate Schierholtz doesn't look much better, so production from the bottom of the lineup lies in Brandon Belt's hands. 


Belt has a great matchup against Scott Feldman, and he must capitalize on the opportunity. Maybe Bruce Bochy is trying to send him a message by sending down Brett Pill, and Belt needs to step up. 


3. Avoid Josh Hamilton At All Costs


Hamilton hit a booming homerun off Barry Zito last night and when he hits homeruns they usually come in bunches which doesn't come as good news for Ryan Vogelsong. If the situation presents itself, Voggy needs to just walk Hamilton. Yes, the Rangers have a very potente lineup 1-9, but Josh Hamilton is the nuclease. The rest of the offense goes as far as he goes, so it would be smart to avoid him today, and tomorrow for that matter. 


Notes:


--- The Giants optioned Steve Edlefsen to AAA; Recalled George Kontos who they acquired in the Chris Stewart trade with the Yankees.


--- Melky Cabrera remains out of the lineup for the second consecutive day with a hamstring injury.


--- Since being activated from the disabled list after an elbow injury, Giants infielder Ryan Theriot has batted .380 (19-for-50).


---- The Giants optioned Brett Pill to AAA Fresno after Friday night's loss; recalled Pablo Sandoval. 


Lineups:


Giants

1. Gregor Blanco (L) LF

2. Ryan Theriot (R) 2B

3. Pablo Sandoval (S) 3B

4. Buster Posey (R) C

5. Angel Pagan (S) CF

6. Brandon Belt (L) 1B

7. Nate Schierholtz (L) RF

8. Brandon Crawford (L) SS

9. Ryan Vogelsong (R) P

Rangers: Not out yet