Notes from Scottsdale
? Here’s a sign that Tim Lincecum is not likely to change now that he has more money than he ever imagined. On his flight back to Phoenix after hammering out his new contract in St. Petersburg last week, Lincecum sat in coach – and in a middle seat.
? Rookie Dan Runzler attributes much of his success in the majors last season to fellow left-handed reliever Jeremy Affeldt. “I’d watch film with him. We’d go over the left-handed hitters. He’d show me guys he’s faced and say, ‘See? This is what this guy does with a 2-0 count. Here’s what he’s thinking.’ I followed Affledt around last season like a puppy dog.”
? Some might be surprised that Affeldt is helping a guy who might one day take his job as the set-up man. Affeldt shrugs. “I’m OK with that. There are 30 teams. I’ll find another job. It’s not my personality, man, to not help a kid like that. I had guys show me when I was a rookie. If they did that for me, why wouldn’t I do it for him? And he’s the kind of kid you really, really pull for.”
? Outfielder Fred Lewis spent the off-season in Mississippi working out under the direction of his now-retired father. After struggling last season, Lewis wanted to get back to basics, something he couldn’t do if he played winter ball. He bought a pitching machine like the one used by the Giants and hit a million balls. He used the pitching machine to shoot fly balls to him out on his old high school field, directing his father to change the angles and velocity to hone his skills. He ran sprints and ran the bases with the intention of stealing more this year. He arrived at camp early, too. Position players aren’t required to be in camp until Tuesday. “I’m in the best shape of my life,” Lewis said. “I couldn’t wait to get here.”
? There has been rain the past two days, though the players got some work in today. The forecast calls for more rain tomorrow.
mlblogssfgiants1
WOW, how cool would that be to sit next to Tim Lincecum on a flight?? I am always amazed at how much he doesn’t act like a superstar even when he’s more popular than ever. I love that Jeremy Affeldt is helping out Dan Runzler, and that really doesn’t surprise me at all. I’m so excited to see how Runzler will do with (hopefully) a whole season in the majors!
–Lauren