Actor Jack Black given an invite to Spring Training

Actor Jack Black given an invite to Spring Training
By Barry Snipes
2/14/2011

SCOTTSDALE - The Giants head into camp with some big question marks and bigger belts.  Pablo Sandoval, one of the largest personalities on the Giants, has come into camp determined to make his weight a non issue.  The Giants decided the best way to do that was to sign the actor who inspired the fun loving nickname given to "The Kung-Fu Panda."

Jack Black will be in Scottsdale this Spring trying to make the Giants 25 man Opening Day Roster. 

"We looked at all the factors that went into Pablo's weight problems and determined the number one reason was his efforts to live up to the cartoon character."  a source said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.  "If Pablo can see that the Kung-Fu Panda character is not real and is really just a fat actor with no baseball talents, we think he can focus on staying in shape."

The Giants are hoping the complete lack of baseball talent Black has will motivate the 3rd baseman to play at the near All-Star level he achieved in 2009.  If the Giants pull this off, they can say a big "Sqaudoosh" to Pablo's waistline.

Will the Panda continue to enjoy his desserts or his baseball career?

Barry Zito's Change of Scenery could be key

Barry Zito's change of Scenery could be key
By Pedro Pierzynski
2/4/2011

New York - The Yankees didn't waste time upon hearing of the official announcement of Andy Pettitte's retirement, as they went out and traded for a former Cy Young winning left handed.  Barry Zito, who still has three years and $57 million left on a deal he originally signed with the Giants, is now wearing pinstripes.

The Giants didn't include Zito on the 2010 playoff roster with the emergence of Jonathan Sanchez and Madison Bumgarner.  The Giants signed major league starter Jeff Suppan to a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training this off-season, so he would be expected to be the favorite to replace Zito.  Dan Runzler, who has been a relief pitcher for the Giants the last two seasons, is trying to become a starter as well.  Runzler could be a long term answer to replace the former Cy Young winner with the Athletics.

"A change of scenery is the only reason for this trade."  Zito's agent said via conference call.  "When we signed this contract in San Francisco, we had hoped to avoid the big lights of New York.  Many pitchers have been gobbled up by the pressures of pitching in the Big Apple.  Hopefully Z won't be destroyed here.  We think by using the cliche 'change of scenery' we might get the Baseball Gods to go easy on him."

The Yankees get a pitcher who has never been on the DL and is capable of eating up innings when he is right.  His curve ball has been one of the best pitches in baseball at times.   However, Zito has consistently struggled when in pressure situations while at China Basin.  He struggled when they needed him most in September last year.  He struggled as the #1 starter for the Giants when he began his career in the National League.  A change of scenery and a return to the American League could be good things for the zen pitcher.

"Z called me this morning and said after his meditation and yoga sessions, he felt this change of scenery angle was just the ticket for success." Zito's agent said. "Time will tell if we can take this cliche for a spin." 

In return, the Giants get two prospects from the Yankees minor league system.  The Yankees sent RHP Michael O'Brien and switch hitting SS Cito Culver, who played for the Staten Island Yankees last year.  O'Brien, who is only 5'11", is hoping to learn from his short hero, Tim Lincecum.  Culver said he grew up admiring a former Giants switch hitting shortstop in Omar Vizquel, and he hopes to emulate his career someday.

How will New York treat the poster child of Zen?

Sweet Lou likes the view better from his couch

Sweet Lou likes the view better from his Couch
by Dusty Durocher
2/2/2011

Tampa Bay - Lou Piniella got his final splinter sitting on the manager's bench in 2010, and now his doctor has decided it would be best if he manages from a comfy couch.  Piniella was seen shopping for a lazy-boy at a Tampa Macy's yesterday. 

A spokesman for Macy's gave the following statement:  "We are privledged to have a man of Mr. Piniella's stature shopping at our fine establishment.  We have been able to provide Mr. Piniella with a wide variety of options and we believe we found some furniture that would best suit his needs."

Chicago management declined to comment on the true reasons for Piniella's retirement, but a inside souce, who spoke on the condition of anonimity, said Piniella was sent to the emergency room three separate times during the season for splinter related injuries.

Now back home in Tampa, Piniella will be able to watch games from his living room, and protect his backside properly.  As the newest consultant of the Giants, Piniella plans on purchasing the MLB package Extra Innings on DirecTV so he can watch more Giants games and do a better job consulting from his suade covered work station.

Was it the call or his rump that got Lou so angry?