 
03/11/2003 7:18 PM ET
Ainsworth has impressive start
Second baseman Durham has swollen finger
| By Rich Draper / MLB.com |
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TEMPE, Ariz. -- Pitcher Kurt Ainsworth is ready to cross that sometimes impenetrable barrier from the minor leagues to the Majors for keeps, because the border guards -- the Giants brass -- have already checked his pedigree papers and documented his status.
All is in order. The kid, at 24, is ready for the big time, with Triple-A Fresno -- his hangout for two seasons -- hopefully a fading memory.
"You never know what can happen," said Ainsworth, who gave up only one run on three hits over four innings against the Anaheim Angels on Tuesday here and admittedly felt sharp.
"To pitch well against them feels really good," said the right-hander, battling Ryan Jensen for the fifth rotation spot. "I had great defense behind me -- that helps -- but I had good movement on all my pitches and made good pitches when it counted."
The right-hander opened and closed the 2002 season with San Francisco, went 1-2 with a 2.10 ERA over four starts overall, and with fellow rookie Jensen became first Giants fledglings to begin the campaign in the starting rotation since Osvaldo Fernandez in 1996.
Would Ainsworth take a chance at long relief? In a heartbeat.
"I've just got to pitch well and be ready," added Ainsworth. "I know I can pitch here and I think they do, too, but it's going to be a matter if there's any room or not. You never know. If you're pitching better than the other guys they can only put you down for so long, and eventually you're going to get a shot."
Ainsworth proved his worth with the Fresno Grizzlies last season, fashioning an 8-6 record and 3.41 ERA over 20 games, striking out 119 batters over 116 innings. His ERA was fourth lowest in the Pacific Coast League. Having success with the Giants, however, was the biggest confidence booster.
Make or break season? Could be. If there's limited opportunities, the Giants could trade him, but he'd certainly prefer to be in orange and black livery.
"As a young player, maybe you'd rather be with a team where you could get a shot more often. But when you think about it, what kind of team do you want to play on? This team competes every year for the playoffs."
Kurt Ainsworth
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The skipper speaks: "Ainsworth was good -- he looked like a young [Orel] Hershiser on the mound. He had very good presentation, mound presence. He had command of his pitches. He's a name I heard a lot when I was with Detroit, a very desirable young pitcher. And I see why now. Any time you have inventory like that, you're richer, deeper." -- Felipe Alou on Tuesday's starter, Kurt Ainsworth.
Roster moves: The Giants will begin cutting minor league and non-roster players -- and maybe some others -- from the squad soon, possibly late Wednesday or on Thursday. "There's going to be a lot of people sent out, and then we're going to look seriously at which way we're going to go," said Alou regarding the 25-man lineup.
Barry to play: Barry Bonds hasn't played in two straight games, but did extra work in Scottsdale instead, doing leg exercises and some throwing. Bonds is expected to be back in the lineup Wednesday at Maryvale versus Milwaukee. "Barry is ready for the season to start tonight," said Alou. Bonds will probably go home next Monday, an off-day, to be with his father, Bobby, who has lung cancer. He could miss several days of action.
Ray Durham
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Physical fitness: Second baseman Ray Durham took an awkward swing on his last at-bat against Anaheim on Tuesday, not connecting but somehow hurting his right middle finger, which was slightly swollen afterwards, according to trainer Stan Conte. X-rays were negative. "I don't expect him to miss much time ... but we'll take a look tomorrow and see how stiff and sore it is," said Conte. Durham has hit safely in six of eight games for a .428 average in Cactus League action.
Pitching coach Dave Righetti, who underwent a double-hernia operation last week, showed up at Scottsdale Stadium on Tuesday. "I don't know how he made it," said Alou. ... Guillermo Rodriguez, the non-roster catcher who suffered a chip fracture of the hamate bone in his right hand on a foul tip March 2 against the Oakland A's in Phoenix, still cannot do any baseball work. He runs up stadium stairs, rides stationary bicyles to nowhere, runs in the outfield and does leg lifts. "That's the way it is," said the cast-wearing Rodriguez, who could be out two more weeks or more.
Weather report: No, you can't fry eggs on home plate yet -- but it's getting warmer. Highs Tuesday were in the low 80s and similar conditions are expected Wednesday.
Coming up: Hot prospect Jesse Foppert (0-0, 1.80) will make his first start of the spring against Milwaukee in Maryvale on Wednesday in a split-squad game. In Peoria, the other Giants will take on Seattle, with Damian Moss (0-1, 18.00) slated to start. On Thursday, Ryan Jensen 0-0, 7.50) faces Kansas City at Surprise.
Rich Draper is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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