--CF Aaron Rowand was not in the lineup Wednesday night when the Giants played their Class AAA affiliate in Fresno, Calif. He was shelved with a contusion on his right shin after getting plunked by Cubs RHP Rich Hill in the third inning Tuesday. He's expected to participate when the Giants play four games in the Bay Area, beginning Thursday against the Mariners in San Francisco.

--2B Kevin Frandsen accompanied the team on the flight to Fresno. Frandsen is on crutches after rupturing his left Achilles tendon, which is expected to sideline him the entire season. He was hurt in a Class AAA game Monday rounding second base. Frandsen, who had Achilles tendon problems early in training camp, suggested he didn't try to come back too quickly. "We just went with the next step," said Frandsen, whose last Cactus League game was March 16.

--2B Eugenio Velez, who leads the majors in steals, has a chance for lots off playing time even though 2B Ray Durham is due $7.5 million this year. Likewise, OF Fred Lewis could get ample time, perhaps in place off LF Dave Roberts, who's in the second year of a three-year, $18 million contract. "The veterans are going to be responsible for holding down their jobs if they can," GM Brian Sabean said. "These other kids are ready. Who knows? It might be as soon as Opening Day. We haven't made any hard and fast decisions. The best players are going to play no matter what contract they have."

--2B Ray Durham returned to the lineup Wednesday (hitless in three at-bats) after missing six straight exhibitions, five because of a tight left hamstring and one because he had the flu. In his absence, management suggested he's a candidate for the disabled list. "I don't know what the big deal is. I'm going to be ready for the season," Durham said.

--RHP Merkin Valdez or LHP Erick Threets is assured a spot in the bullpen, GM Brian Sabean said. Both are out of options. The other one will be in competition for the final bullpen job, probably with RHP Keiichi Yabu. "There's a lot of outside interest (in Valdez and Threets), so we know they wouldn't get through waivers," GM Brian Sabean said.

BY THE NUMBERS
3 -- Consecutive losing seasons for the Giants, two under Felipe Alou and one under Bruce Bochy.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"We're open-minded. If a veteran wins out, so be it. If a veteran can't hold his own and it's better for the organization to move forward with the younger player who lacks experience, we're prepared to do that." -- GM Brian Sabean.

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