Anxiety is a psychological problem that affects around 40 million Americans in any one year. The causes can be numerous, but in Huff’s case, it is probably accumulative. His father was murdered when he was only seven years old. His performance at the plate has been below par the past season and a half. And now, he is going through a divorce — a very stressful and life-destroying event for anyone, especially if you are the person not wanting to break up. Of course, we do not know the finer details and Huff has asked the media for a period of solitude and peace.

In a statement released by Huff on Friday, he thanked “the fans, media and Giants organization for the outpouring of support during this very difficult week. I’m especially grateful for the texts and calls from my teammates, who are like my brothers and have let me know they’re here for me. My goal is to get back on the field as soon as possible. To do that, I have to focus completely on getting well. I know I’m in a public job, and I’ve been one of the more open guys. But sometimes you have to pull back and work on things in private. This is one of those times.”

Aubrey Lewis Huff III was born in December, 1976, in Marion, Ohio, but grew up in Texas. He has played first base, third base and outfield his entire career for teams like the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles and the Detroit Tigers. He played college baseball for the University of Miami and in 2010, helped the Giants win a World Series title. Huff has a career batting average of .279, 242 home runs and 900 RBI. His accomplishments include a Silver Slugger award (2008), Edgar Martinez award (2008) and a rare inside the park home run in 2010.

Huff is now in Tampa recovering from his problem. Bochy has confirmed that Huff has already received and will continue to receive treatment. “He’s going to meet us in San Francisco when we get back,” the Giants manager said. (The Giants called up infielder Joaquin Arias to replace Huff on the active roster).

The outpouring of good will can only help Huff’s recovery. Dr. Simon Rego, Director of Psychology at Montefiore Medical Center, said that “if left untreated, anxiety disorders can have a severe, negative impact on a person’s social, work, and even home life. They can make people more vulnerable to abusing alcohol and drugs and experience depression.”

While Huff recovers, Bochy will continue to primarily use Brandon Belt as his first baseman, with Brett Pill mixed in when the team faces left-handers. Catcher Buster Posey will also get the occasional start at first.

—–

Jane Harrison is a freelance writer from NYC who writes on behalf of a number of good causes including how to find treatment for an alcoholic. Every sport has those who have fallen victim to the temptations of wealth, fame and, sadly, alcohol and drugs. Harrison spent some time in England helping young athletes overcome those problems. Her good work is supported by the Lane Furniture Company, manufacturers of high quality leather sofas.

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Alexis Busch greeted the home run king by bumping clinched fists.

A few days ago, hearts clenched again as the Giants paid tribute to a life lost way too early and in tragic circumstances off the Farralones Islands.

Alexis was more than just a bat girl for the San Francisco Giants. She was the daughter of Giants executive Corey Busch. While dad worked for George Moscone, daughter Alexis held the bats for the likes of Bonds, Jeff Kent and Rich Aurilia.

Larry Baer, president and CEO of the Giants said in his statement before a recent Phillies game, “Alexis grew up in the Giants organization and went on to become Major League Baseball’s first bat girl – a position she held with the Giants for several seasons at Candlestick and AT&T Parks.”

Alexis took up the bat girl position during the great rebuilding of the Giants between 1997 and the early 2000s. That was the period of time when general manager Brian Sabean took over after three losing seasons on the trot and in his first move traded Matt Williams for Jeff Kent, Jose Vizaino, Julian Tavarez and Joe Roa.

That was also the year they won the NL West, but lost out 3-0 to the Florida Marlins in the playoffs. A year later, the Giants lost a wild card playoff game to the Chicago Cubs.

Alexis’ greatest contribution to the Giants (and to baseball as a whole) was to change the vocabulary of the game. Until her arrival, batters were greeted by bat boys.

The job of the bat boy is to carry the baseball bats, lay out the equipment, and “mud” the baseballs being used in a game. Bat boys have been a part of the sport since the 1880s, the same decade the Giants were founded, incidentally.

Bat boys — and now bat girls — are usually drawn from the local area of the home team. They wear whatever uniforms are attributed to the team they are providing bats for and often have their first name or the letters ‘BB’ written on their backs.

Bat boys have not always been in the news for good reasons nor have they had such a good reputation, as Alexis had over the years. In 2000, Manny Alexander of the Boston Red Sox lent his car to bat boy Carlos Cowart. Police later found steroids and syringes in the glove compartment. In 2005, Dodgers pitcher Brad Penny dared a Florida Marlins bat boy to down a gallon of milk in one hour, leading to the bat boy’s suspension. Two former bat boys, Matthew McGough and Dominick Ardovino, have written books about their experiences for the New York Yankees and the New York Mets, respectively.

As for Alexis, she was “a true baseball fan, she was a passionate and dedicated member of our organization and she will be deeply missed by the Giants family,” according to Baer. The Giants CEO went on to say “along with each of the families who lost loved ones in this devastating accident, our thoughts and prayers are with Alexis’ loving family.”

Raised in Marin County, Busch grew up shunning softball for baseball. She played on boys’ teams and after being a bat girl for the Giants, went on to play catcher in the New South Wales Women’s Baseball League in Australia. Her thirst for adventure continued beyond playing baseball in Australia as she took up sailing. This led to her taking part in the treacherous Sydney to Hobart yacht race between mainland Australia and the island of Tasmania.

With this race in mind, Alexis joined the crew of the Low Speed Chase, an eight-person yacht taking part in the Full Crew Farallones Race. The regatta has been held west of San Francisco for over a hundred years and sports experienced sailors. While many are involved with rigging the sails and steering the boat, Alexis was charged with maintenance work below deck.

Strong and unpredictable winds began to buffet the boat, causing higher and higher waves as they passed the island. Then two large waves hit. The second wave dashed the ship on the rocks.

Only three crew members survived the accident. Nick Vos, Alexis’ long time boyfriend, the ship’s owner James Bradford and sailor Bryan Chong were saved.

Rescue crews later found the body of Marc Kasanin, but the other five members — Alexis, Alan Cahill, Elmer Morrissey and Jordan Fromm — were lost at sea.

Before their season opener, and almost exactly 11 years since that 500th home run from Bonds, the Giants observed a moment of silence before the Phillies game in tribute to Alexis.

The Giants went on to win the game 4-2.

—–

Jane Harrison is a freelance writer from NYC who writes on behalf of a number of good causes including how to find treatment for an alcoholic. Every sport has those who have fallen victim to the temptations of wealth, fame and, sadly, alcohol and drugs. Harrison spent some time in England helping young athletes overcome those problems.

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Opening Day is just a week away (April 6). Based on spring training battles, injuries, and straight-up performance, I have revised my original 25-man roster projections from last month.

I originally had Chris Stewart beating out Eli Whiteside and Hector Sanchez for the backup catcher spot. Now I’ve flip-flopped Stewy and Whitey, mainly because Eli has flat-out kicked Stewart’s ass this spring, both offensively and defensively (Whiteside has thrown out three would-be base stealers in the past two days alone!).

Manager Bruce Bochy loves him some veteran players, as you know, which also gives Whiteside the edge over Stewart. Sanchez has outperformed both vets, but I think the Giants want him playing everyday and he’ll wind up in Fresno, just a few short hours away in case he’s needed in a pinch. (For Buster Posey‘s sake, let’s hope the only pinching going on is some belated St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans.)

It’s hard to leave Gregor Blanco (pictured, above) off the 25-man roster, especially since the Giants don’t have a bona fide fourth outfielder behind Melky Cabrera, Angel Pagan and Nate Schierholtz.

That’s why I’m putting him on the 25-man roster, too. Oh, not to mention the reigning Venezuelan League (winter ball) MVP is tearing up the Cactus League with a .348 batting average, to go along with 11 stolen bases, tops in baseball.

With Bochy clearly instituting a new “small ball” strategy for the 2012 Giants, Blanco certainly has an edge over, say, first baseman Brett Pill (.254/.270/.525, 3 HR, 12 RBI), who will surely wind up in Fresno. Even though he’s one of the few right-handed bats in the lineup (the Giants are stocked with switch-hitters and lefties), I just don’t see Pill emerging through the logjam at first base.

What about Emmanuel Burriss? Might he be nearing the end of his days as a Giant?

Maybe, but San Francisco still needs Burriss’s versatility in the field and his speed off the bench, so I think he stays. And Burriss has definitely proved he belongs, batting .360/.429/.500 (.929 OPS) with five doubles and five stolen bases this spring.

And how about Brandon Belt? Where does he fit in? Let me put it this way: How can you open the regular season without the Baby Giraffe on the roster? Look at his numbers this spring: .407/.446/.678 (1.124 OPS), 3 HR, 7 doubles, 7 RBI.

Sure, an argument can be made that Belt needs everyday at bats, but I think he’ll get in a lot of games. He will spell starting first baseman Aubrey Huff from time-to-time (and more so as a late-inning defensive replacement). He can also play left field and even right field (where Bochy has stuck him several times this spring). The Giants are so high on this kid, you’d think they were riding shotgun up I-5 to Washington state with Tim Lincecum. I say he makes it.

Now, I hear what you’re saying. There’s simply not enough room on the 25-man roster for Belt, Blanco, and Burriss. Unless, of course, you force the matter by placing someone on the disabled list.

That’s where Freddy Sanchez‘s status comes in. It’s been painfully obvious that the 34-year-old second baseman is nowhere near ready to play defense. (He’s made a few appearances as a designated hitter, but reports still say he can’t make the necessary strong pivot throw from second to first base). The Giants would be better off letting Sanchez “heal” on a rehab assignment (DL) while the rest of the Opening Day roster begins to sort itself out over the first few weeks of the season.

With Sanchez on the DL, the Giants most certainly have to keep Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot on the roster (and Burriss, who can play any of the infield spots).

The Giants’ pitching staff is pretty well set with Lincecum, Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner and Barry Zito all ready to start the season. Right-hander Ryan Vogelsong will start the season on the disabled list, and it looks like the Giants will go with a four-man rotation to start the season.

I highly doubt Eric Surkamp comes into the picture, by the way. The Giants will send him to Fresno to work on being an eventual big league starter.

The bullpen looks fine. Clay Hensley will probably snag the spot voided when Dan Runzler re-aggravated his strained lat muscle a week ago and righty Steve Edlefsen will likely take Vogey’s DL-vacated spot.

So there you have it. My revised projected 25-man roster. Of course, all of this could change tomorrow with another injury (or trade). So stay tuned, friends. I may be updating my projections again sooner than later.

See also:

• Giants’ 40-man roster
• Non-roster invitees
• Giants’ depth chart

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RHP Tim Lincecum (2-0, 4.50) will make his fifth spring start. LHP Jamie Moyer (1-0, 1.80) is on the hill for the Rox.

Fifteen days ago, these same two teams—and same two pitchers—squared off at Scottsdale Stadium, with the grizzled vet showing his young, whipper-snapping counterpart a thing or two. In that game, Moyer tossed two scoreless innings while Lincecum got shelled in his two frames, allowing five runs on seven hits and a walk.

But that was so, well, 15 days ago.

Timmy looked like he was in mid-season form last Saturday against the A’s, when he tossed six solid innings. He gave up just a run on six hits and no walks, while striking out four.

The two-time Cy Young award winner has been steadily working his way into Opening Day form, relying mostly on his fastball this spring and sprinkling in the changeup and curve. Evidently, he’s been saving his slider for later. Maybe today?

Meanwhile, Moyer is pushing 50 and wasn’t even sure he would be able to pitch again after undergoing Tommy John surgery in Nov. 2010. But the Rockies have an opening in their starting rotation and handed the lefty a non-roster invitation. It’s amazing to think that Moyer threw his first major league pitch on June 16, 1986—one day after Timmy turned two years old.

On Monday, after missing a few days with a sore left leg, Moyer gave up four earned runs on six hits (two of them homers) in just 1.1 innings against a Diamondbacks Triple-A squad.  The Rockies hope to get about 50 pitches out of Moyer tonight.

Tonight’s game will be broadcast on KNBR 680 AM.

Starting lineups will appear here later today…

Position battles: Below are the number of innings that each player has logged at his position(s), through the Giants’ first 21 Cactus League games.

C — Stewart (52), Whiteside (44), H. Sanchez (40), Posey (21), J. Williams (15), Susac (9), Joseph (6)
1B — Pill (63), Belt (50), Huff (39), Dominguez (30), Oropesa (3), Anders (3)
2B — Fontenot (42), Burriss (41), Theriot (38), Noonan (31), Panik (18), Arias (17)
3B — Sandoval (80), Gillaspie (70), Dominguez (12), Arias (12), Burriss (8), Noonan (4), Theriot (1)
SS — Crawford (69), Arias (42), Theriot (30), Burriss (17), Adrianza (15), Fontenot (9), Panik (5)
LF — Cabrera (52), Christian (45), Perez (21), Belt (18), Pill (17), Burriss (14), Graham (8), Huff (5), Parker (5), Simmons (2)
CF — Pagan (59), Blanco (54), Brown (30), Graham (28), Cabrera (11), Lollis (3), Christian (1)
RF — Schierholtz (59), Kieschnick (29), Blanco (26), Perez (21), Christian (18), Belt (17), Graham (11), Burriss (3), Parker (3)

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Brett Pill

Pill’s home run came off Indians starter Kevin Slowey, after Buster Posey singled and Brandon Belt walked.

It was Pill’s second four-bagger of the spring.

Giants catcher Chris Stewart singled to left off Slowey in the third, scoring Brandon Crawford to give the Giants an early 1-0 lead.

Surkamp allowed two runs on four hits and two walks in five innings. He struck out three.

Outfielder Gregor Blanco went 1-for-4 and has hit safely in 12 of the 15 games in which he has played.

The Giants (12-6-3) will head over to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick to take on the Colorado Rockies (5-10) tomorrow. RHP Tim Lincecum (2-0, 4.50) will make his fifth spring start. LHP Jamie Moyer (1-0, 1.80) is on the hill for the Rox.

NOTES: Stewart wasn’t the only Giants’ catcher who did well at the plate today. Posey (who was the designated hitter) went 2-for-4 and raised his average to .294 and  Hector Sanchez (who came in to catch in the 6th inning) went 2-for-2 with a double. Sanchez is now batting .480 … Indians left fielder Shelley Duncan hit his league-leading 4th home run of the spring, a two-run shot off Surkamp in the fourth inning … Emmanuel Burriss left the game in the fourth inning with soreness in his right hamstring. Sounds like it was more of a precautionary measure than anything else.

More pics from today’s game (courtesy Associated Press):

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The two teams played to a 2-2 tie a week ago.

Surkamp, 24, has allowed 13 hits and issued three walks in 11.1 innings so far this spring and he has fanned 11 batters. In his last start, on Friday against the Cubs, he gave up a run in four innings. If No. 4 starter Ryan Vogelsong (back) is not quite ready to begin the regular season in two weeks, Surkamp could feasibly make a start in his place.

Slowey, 27, will make his fourth start of the spring today. The former Twin got roughed up for three runs on five hits and a walk his last time out, Friday against the Angels.

Today’s game can be heard via a live web stream through MLB.com’s Media Center. First pitch is at 1:05 p.m. (PT).

Starting lineups…

Giants (11-6-3):
1. Blanco (cf)
2. Fontenot (2b)
3. Sandoval (3b)
4. Posey (DH)
5. Belt (1b)
6. Pill (lf)
7. Burriss (rf)
8. Crawford (ss)
9. Stewart (c)
Starting pitcher: E. Surkamp (2-1, 4.76)

Indians (5-10):
1. Kipnis (2b)
2. Cabrera (ss)
3. Choo (rf)
4. Santana (DH)
5. Duncan (lf)
6. LaPorta (1b)
7. Cunningham (cf)
8. Chisenhall (3b)
9. Marson (c)
Starting pitcher: K. Slowey (0-2, 5.63)

Pre-game notes: According to John O’Connor of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Giants prospects Gary Brown and Joe Panik will likely begin the season at Double-A Richmond … Tim Lincecum and Dodgers’ ace Clayton Kershaw appear on the cover of the new ESPN The Magazine together. In the photo, the two-time Cy Young award winner has the reigning Cy Young winner in a headlock … San Francisco has stolen at least one base in 16 of their 20 contests and has attempted to steal in all but three games … OF Gregor Blanco is among the Cactus League leaders in stolen bases (1st with 9 SB), hits (1st with 17 H) and batting average (4th, .436). Blanco has hit safely in 11 of 14 games this spring … The Giants rank first in batting average (.290), slugging percentage (.466), ERA (3.11), wins (11), and saves (6) among all National League teams this spring … OF Nate Schierholtz is out of the lineup again today with a sore forearm … Also missing from today’s lineup is leadoff hitter Angel Pagan, who went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts yesterday … RHP Sergio Romo (“cranky” elbow) will pitch on Friday … Closer Brian Wilson reportedly has a sore arm. But nothing serious … RHP Heath Hembree was reassigned to the Giants’ minor league camp yesterday … Former Giant and all-around good guy Andres Torres strained his left calf in the Mets’ 2-0 win over Washington last night.

Position battles: Below are the number of innings that each player has logged at his position(s), through the Giants’ first 20 Cactus League games.

C — Stewart (47), Whiteside (44), H. Sanchez (36), Posey (21), J. Williams (15), Susac (9), Joseph (6)
1B — Pill (63), Belt (41), Huff (39), Dominguez (30), Oropesa (3), Anders (3)
2B — Burriss (41), Theriot (38), Fontenot (33), Noonan (31), Panik (18), Arias (17)
3B — Sandoval (74), Gillaspie (67), Dominguez (12), Arias (12), Burriss (8), Noonan (4), Theriot (1)
SS — Crawford (64), Arias (38), Theriot (30), Burriss (17), Adrianza (15), Fontenot (9), Panik (5)
LF — Cabrera (52), Christian (45), Perez (21), Belt (18), Burriss (14), Pill (10), Graham (8), Huff (5), Parker (5)
CF — Pagan (59), Blanco (49), Brown (30), Graham (28), Cabrera (11), Christian (1)
RF — Schierholtz (59), Kieschnick (29), Blanco (26), Perez (21), Belt (17), Christian (12), Graham (11), Parker (3)

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Let me count the ways…

As if we Giants fans needed any more reasons to loathe the team in blue caps from the city of brown skies, a report from FOX Sports Arizona this past weekend suggests a potential buyer of the discombobulated franchise may have his eager, evil eyes focused on none other than Tony LaRussa.

Steve Cohen—the hedge fund billionaire and front-runner to purchase the Doyers—supposedly wants LaRussa on his executive team should he become the heir to Frank McCourt’s porcelain throne.

Go ahead and puke now, Giants fans.

Those of you who have followed me for a while know how much I despise LaRussa.

It all started back in ’89. An untimely earthquake. A certain four-time 20-game winner being used in Games 1 and 3 of the World Series. And a four-game, momentum-built sweep by the other Bay Area baseball team.

Yes, I’m still bitter. Even though the Giants finally brought home the hardware themselves, in 2010.

As for the Dave Stewart thing, I realize LaRussa did what any manager would have done in his situation. But that doesn’t mean I have to like him for it.

On the contrary, I’ve never liked LaRussa. Not when he was leading the A’s to five straight winning seasons (which included three playoff berths and the aforementioned World Series beat-down of my Giants). Not when he got drunk and fell asleep at the wheel of his car and picked up a DUI. Or the gazillion times he’s complained about other teams stealing his signs. Or the umpteen pitching changes he likes to make in an inning.

Remember the malfunctioning bullpen phone in Game 5 of last year’s Fall Classic? That was me you heard laughing in the apartment upstairs.

Batting the pitcher 8th? Who do you think you are, Tony? Albert Einstein or something? (Why, yes. Yes he does think he’s Einstein.)

Now comes word the man who sued Twitter because someone created a Tony LaRussa parody account could soon be coming to L.A.

I can see it now. Tony and Tommy. Tommy and Tony. Chumming it up over a big bowl of spaghetti and meatballs. Only, Tony’s sauce will be meatless, of course.

Bring it.

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Not counting the 10-year-anniversary bobbles of the 2002 World Series team (June 30), or the Brian Wilson garden gnome (May 20), which really isn’t a bobblehead anyway, the Giants plan to give away no less than three new collectibles this year. And I still can’t decide which one I will be adding to my man cave (if not all three).

Will it be the Sergio Romo replica on cinco de Mayo?

How about the Madison Bumgarner bobble on July 15?

Truthfully, I think I like this one the best:

I love how Pablo Sandoval is blowing a bubble as he’s diving for a line drive down the line. Backhand no less. The diving Panda bobblehead will be given to the first 25,000 fans at the Aug. 26 game against the Atlanta Braves. Gotta get me a ticket.

Alright Giants fans, now, it’s your turn to vote. Which 2012 Giants bobblehead do you like the best?

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A.J. Pollock

It was the 24-year-old’s first homer in 26 Cactus League at bats.

In his fourth start of the spring, Giants starter Barry Zito went five innings, allowing three runs on seven hits and four walks. He tossed 83 pitches (51 for strikes) and struck out three.

Zito also drove in one of the Giants’ runs with a perfectly-executed suicide squeeze in the 4th inning.

Buster Posey and Brandon Crawford each had RBI singles.

Diamondbacks’ starter Trevor Bauer, a first-round draft selection (3rd overall) last June, gave up two runs on six hits, and struck out two in his three innings. He was hitting 96 mph on the radar in the second hitting.

The Giants (11-6-3) take on the Cleveland Indians (5-10) tomorrow at Goodyear Ballpark. LHP Eric Surkamp (2-1, 4.76) will make his third spring start (and fifth appearance overall). RHP Kevin Slowey (0-2, 5.63) is on the hill for the Tribe.

NOTES: OF Nate Schierholtz missed today’s game with a “forearm flexor extensor.” He’s expected to be back in the lineup tomorrow … OF Gregor Blanco, who I predicted will make the 25-man Opening Day roster in my post last Sunday, stole two more bases today. He now has a major league-leading nine steals … Leadoff hitter Angel Pagan went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. It’s not freak out time yet, folks … Posey made a “Yes, I’m ready” play behind the dish in the second inning when he fielded a Gerardo Parra bunt, turned and fired to first for the out … Despite the loss, the Giants have still won eight of their last 11 spring contests against the Diamondbacks (dating back to 2009) and have won 10 of their last 16 (.625) games overall … Manager Bruce Bochy says that 2B Freddy Sanchez (shoulder) will play catch tomorrow, take infield Thursday and then might finally play in a game on Friday … RHP Ryan Vogelsong will throw one inning in one of the Giants’ split squad games on Saturday. Pitching coach Dave Righetti wants to see Vogey at 70 pitches by the end of spring training … San Francisco will play for 15 consecutive days between now and April 5 … RHP Heath Hembree was reassigned to the Giants’ minor league camp after the game.

More pics from today’s game (courtesy Associated Press):

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Left-hander Barry Zito (2-0, 4.00) goes up against righty Trevor Bauer (1-0, 2.57).

Zito will make his fourth start of the spring season. He has allowed four earned runs and three walks in his first three starts (9.0 IP) to go along with 7 strikeouts. His command and big, breaking curve have both looked sharp so far, and his velocity has been better than usual this spring. In his last start, Zeets struck out four in four innings but also allowed four hits and two walks and surrendered two runs.

Bauer has appeared in three games this spring, two of them starts. In his most recent outing on Mar. 14, the 6-1, 175-pound flamethrower struck out three and allowed just one hit and one walk in a two-inning stint against the Padres. Bauer was the D-backs’ first-round pick in last year’s draft and—according to some baseball scouts—the 21-year-old has drawn comparisons to Tim Lincecum. Baseball America rated Bauer No. 9 on its top prospects list last year.

This is the third meeting of the Cactus League season between the Giants and Snakes. They split the other two decisions back on March 3 & 4.

The game can be heard via a live web stream on the MLB.com’s Media Center.

Today’s starting lineups…

Giants (11-5-3):
1. Pagan (cf)
2. Cabrera (lf)
3. Sandoval (3b)
4. Posey (c)
5. Huff (1b)
6. Schierholtz (rf)
7. Theriot (2b)
8. Crawford (ss)
9. Zito (p)
Starting pitcher: B. Zito (2-0, 4.00)

Diamondbacks (7-11):
1. Bloomquist (ss)
2. Parra (cf)
3. Upton (rf)
4. Kubel (lf)
5. Goldschmidt (1b)
6. Montero (c)
7. Roberts (2b)
8. Ransom (3b)
9. Bauer (p)
Starting pitcher: T. Bauer (1-0, 2.57)

Pre-game notes: Both teams are sending out their “A” lineups today. This will be a good preview of what the Opening Day match-ups might look like when these two teams meet on April 6 (with Timmy getting the start instead of Zito, of course). Today’s exhibition game is expected to be sold out … Due to the off day yesterday and to keep in line with his throwing schedule, Matt Cain faced the Oakland’s AAA team yesterday in a minor league game. Cain tossed five shutout innings, allowing just one hit with no walks and four strikeouts. Infielder Freddy Sanchez also played, going 1-for-5.

Position battles: Below are the number of innings that each player has logged at his position(s), through the Giants’ first 19 Cactus League games.

C — Stewart (47), Whiteside (41), H. Sanchez (36), Posey (15), J. Williams (15), Susac (9), Joseph (6)
1B — Pill (59), Belt (41), Huff (33), Dominguez (30), Oropesa (3), Anders (3)
2B — Burriss (41), Theriot (33), Noonan (31), Fontenot (29), Panik (18), Arias (17)
3B — Sandoval (68), Gillaspie (67), Dominguez (12), Arias (9), Burriss (8), Noonan (4), Theriot (1)
SS — Crawford (59), Arias (38), Theriot (30), Adrianza (15), Burriss (13), Fontenot (9), Panik (5)
LF — Cabrera (46), Christian (45), Perez (21), Belt (15), Burriss (14), Pill (10), Graham (8), Huff (5), Parker (5)
CF — Pagan (53), Blanco (46), Brown (30), Graham (28), Cabrera (11), Christian (1)
RF — Schierholtz (59), Kieschnick (29), Perez (21), Blanco (20), Belt (17), Graham (11), Christian (9), Parker (3)

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Giants starter Madison Bumgarner put up goose eggs in his five innings of work, scattering four hits and striking out two. But Ramon Ortiz and Clay Hensley
couldn’t hold the lead.

Emmanuel Burriss went 2-for-2 with a triple, walk and his fifth stolen base of the spring.

The Giants (11-5-3) and Padres (9-8) have split the last two Cactus League games and will play one more time on March 30 at Peoria.

San Francisco get its first day off tomorrow. They’ll head over to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on Tuesday afternoon to play the Arizona Diamondbacks. Barry Zito (2-0, 4.00) will make his fourth start of the spring.

NOTES: Brandon Belt stroked his fourth double of the spring in the third inning … The Giants were 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position today (and stranded nine men all together) … Burriss is tied for second among all major league ball players with five stolen bases. Gregor Blanco leads sport with seven steals … Outfielder Tyler Graham stole his third base of the spring, giving the Giants a major league-best 24 steals. They’ve only been caught 14 times, a success rate of 63.2 percent … The Giants have three players among the top five NL batting leaders: Blanco (.444, first), Burriss (.441, fourth) and Melky Cabrera (.400, fifth) … Chris Stewart picked off Jason Bartlett at third base in the fifth inning … 10,748 fans endured a heavy cloud burst in the third inning … The Giants are off , but Matt Cain will throw in a minor league game tomorrow to keep in step with his rotation. (That’ll teach you to not sign a hometown discount, Matt.)

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Left-hander Madison Bumgarner (0-1, 3.72) goes up against righty Edinson Volquez (0-0, 5.40).

Bumgarner will make his fourth start of the spring season. He has allowed four earned runs and has piled up 13 strikeouts over his first three starts (9.2 IP). MadBum took the loss in his most recent start against the Cubs on March 13 as he allowed three earned runs on seven hits in four innings.

Volquez was part of the trade in December that sent Mat Latos to Cincinnati.

The Giants and Padres meet today for the second of three Cactus League meetings between the two teams. Since 2003, San Francisco has won only one time against San Diego at Scottsdale Stadium (2009). The Giants have won 10 of their last 14 games overall.

The game can be heard on KNBR 680 AM..

Today’s starting lineups…

Giants (11-4-3):
1. Pagan (cf)
2. Burriss (2b)
3. Sandoval (3b)
4. Belt (1b)
5. Crawford (ss)
6. Christian (lf)
7. Perez (rf)
8. Stewart (c)
9. Bumgarner (p)
Starting pitcher: M. Bumgarner (0-1, 3.72)

Padres (8-8):
1. Maybin (cf)
2. Denorfia (rf)
3. Headley (3b)
4. Guzman (lf)
5. Alonso (1b)
6. Bartlett (ss)
7. Grandal (c)
8. Parrino (2b)
9. Volquez (p)
Starting pitcher: E. Volquez (0-0, 5.40)

Pre-game notes: First baseman Aubrey Huff, who sat out yesterday due to a stiff back, says he’s feeling better today. He will sit out today and then play Tuesday, after the Giants’ off-day on Monday … The Giants made nine more spring cuts this morning, reassigning Chris Dominguez, Nick Noonan, Juan Perez, Justin Fitzgerald, Jackson Williams, Mitch Lively, and Matt Yourkin, and sending Hector Correa and Tyler Graham to Triple-A Fresno (full story here). That leaves 43 players in camp. You can view the updated non-roster invitees list here. Evidently, Perez will leave after today’s game since he is penciled in as the starting right fielder … Also expected to pitch today for the Giants: Shane Loux, Ramon Ortiz, Clay Hensley and Jeremy Affeldt … Former Giant Alex Hinshaw is expected to make a relief appearance for the Padres today … The Giants enter today’s game leading all National League teams with a .298 team batting average, 101 runs, 186 hits, 22 home runs and a .485 slugging percentage … .Giants hurlers have collectively fashioned a 3.06 ERA, which ranks as the 2nd-lowest figure among NL teams, behind Miami (2.94 ERA) … San Francisco is running wild on the base paths this spring. As a team, the Giants have stolen a major league-leading 22 bases and have been caught just 14 times (61.1%). Outfielder Gregor Blanco leads the majors with 7 steals. San Francisco has stolen at least one base in 14 of their 18 contests and has attempted to steal a base in all but three games … The Giants are averaging 10,599 fans at Scottsdale Stadium this spring, the 2nd-highest average in the Cactus League behind Arizona (11,123). San Francisco’s overall attendance of 95,391 is the highest mark among all major league teams (with at least nine home dates already played).

Position battles: Below are the number of innings that each player has logged at his position(s), through the Giants’ first 18 Cactus League games.

C — Stewart (41), Whiteside (41), H. Sanchez (36), Posey (15), J. Williams (12), Susac (9), Joseph (6)
1B — Pill (59), Belt (36), Huff (33), Dominguez (26), Oropesa (3), Anders (3)
2B — Burriss (36), Theriot (33), Fontenot (29), Noonan (27), Panik (18), Arias (17)
3B — Gillaspie (63), Sandoval (63), Dominguez (12), Arias (9), Burriss (8), Noonan (4), Theriot (1)
SS — Crawford (54), Arias (34), Theriot (30), Adrianza (15), Burriss (13), Fontenot (9), Panik (5)
LF — Cabrera (46), Christian (36), Perez (21), Belt (15), Burriss (14), Pill (10), Graham (8), Huff (5), Parker (5)
CF — Pagan (49), Blanco (46), Brown (30), Graham (23), Cabrera (11), Christian (1)
RF — Schierholtz (59), Kieschnick (29), Blanco (20), Belt (17), Perez (12), Graham (11), Christian (9), Parker (3)

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