 
03/12/2003 7:32 PM ET
Notes: Foppert sharp vs. Brewers
Bonds blasts fifth homer of the spring
| By Rich Draper / MLB.com |
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PHOENIX -- Say hello to the Giants' newest spring sensation, right-handed pitcher Jesse Foppert.
The 22-year-old phenom threw three perfect innings Wednesday in his first Cactus League start, helping San Francisco to a 6-2 win over Milwaukee and helping himself as well.
Labeled the Pacific Coast League's best prospect by Baseball America last season, the 6-foot-6 Foppert is making his presence felt on a staff loaded with veterans and up-and-comers.
"He's something very special," said manager Felipe Alou. "Does he have a shot at making the team? We'll have to see what we're going to do with him. No question about it, we're going to talk about this guy sooner or later -- seriously."
Foppert struck out four batters, retired all nine Brewers he faced, and looked comfortable doing it. "When you see an umpire enjoying a pitcher, look out," added Alou. "He was having fun with Foppert throwing strike, strike, strike."
The kid was cool, calm and right on target.
"I'll take it," said Foppert, who lowered his ERA to 1.12 after four games. "I feel like things are coming together and my mechanics are starting to be all in sync."
Does Foppert believe he'll make the team?
"It's hard not to have that mindset, but I'm not trying to make the team in the first couple of weeks," he said. "It depends on whatever happens at the end of spring."
A key Giants figure was watching Foppert this day -- GM Brian Sabean. "That was easy watching him out there today," he said. "It looked like he was playing catch."
Barry Bonds / LF
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The skipper speaks: "He makes this game look easy. The difference between him and human beings is sometimes big. They're still going to walk him no matter who hits behind him. There's a feeling teams don't want him to beat them." -- Felipe Alou on Barry Bonds, who hit his Cactus League-leading fifth homer Wednesday against Milwaukee and now is batting .400 with nine RBIs this spring.
Roster moves: The Giants made their first cuts of the spring following Wednesday's game. Right-hander Jerome Williams was optioned to Triple-A Fresno, while 12 players were reassigned to minor-league camp: infielders Angel Chavez, Jamie Athas and Carlos Mendoza, catchers Guillermo Rodriguez, John Pachot and Alberto Castillo, outfielders Todd Linden, Adam Shabala and Brian Simmons, and right-handed pitchers Boof Bonser, David Cash and Luis Estrella.
Physical fitness: Ray Durham took the day off Wednesday after suffering a swollen right middle finger against Anaheim in Tempe the day before when swinging the bat. He sported a bandage on the finger after treating it with ice. "It's like a sprain, and they think it rolled over on the bone," said Durham, who will return to action Thursday. "There's not much you can do for it, just one of those things in baseball." The second baseman said the finger is a little stiff and still swollen around the knuckle. ... Pitching coach Dave Righetti said he would take a stroll out of his apartment in Scottsdale on Wednesday and return to spring camp Friday. He underwent a double-hernia operation March 5 but did hobble to the camp Tuesday for a brief visit.
Tim Worrell
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Around the horn: Setup pitcher Tim Worrell, who had a cortisone shot in his right shoulder last week and hasn't pitched since March 4, threw for eight minutes in the bullpen Wednesday at Scottsdale Stadium. "He did fine and should be in a game by the weekend," commented head trainer Stan Conte. Jason Christiansen, still rehabbing from ligament replacement surgery, threw from the mound Wednesday with no problems.
Weather report: Gorgeous weather in Maryvale, temperature around 80. Should go up a few degrees Thursday.
Coming up: Ryan Jensen (0-0, 7.50) will start Thursday's game against Kansas City at Surprise, while Kirk Rueter (0-0, 4.05) hurls Friday at Scottsdale Stadium against Arizona.
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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