09/19/2004 4:51 PM ET
Notes: Williams, Foppert due back
Pair of pitchers should rejoin club for stretch run soon
By Rich Draper / MLB.com
SAN FRANCISCO -- It's nearly time -- and about time -- for Giants skipper Felipe Alou to finally say, "All hands on deck."
Remember Jerome Williams? He's fully recovered from triceps surgery and is slated to pitch in an Arizona Instructional League game on Monday, which would set him up perfectly to be the starter against Los Angeles on Saturday at SBC Park, a day the club needs a fifth starter.
Even hurler Jesse Foppert is in the wings, a year after Tommy John surgery, though he'll likely be only a one-inning reliever down the stretch.
It's good news for the Giants to have the right-hander Williams ready, for he had won nine games before being hurt and has already faced September competition. He's looking forward to facing live hitters instead of a mere simulated game against teammates.
"I'd rather go do something to make myself better," said the 22-year-old second-year player. "If that's gonna do it, I'll do it. It'll be fun, but I know for a fact they'll be swinging hard. I'll have to watch myself. For me, it's the competition, and when I face hitters here [in a simulated contest] I know them and they know what pitches are coming.
"You don't want that -- that's really not competitive," said Williams, who couldn't pitch in minor league games during rehab as those seasons were over. "It's totally different in a real game. I'll be facing young kids, but as a professional player going down there you're supposed to blow them away. I'm not thinking about that. I'll just be working on my pitches."
Trainer Stan Conte and director of player development Jack Hiatt will watch Williams oppose the Anaheim Angels club on Monday. Williams is slated to throw about 85 pitches over six innings, depending on how the game evolves.
The simulated game was originally set for Sunday prior to the Giants-Padres game at SBC Park, but the club figured that wouldn't be a true test. The tradeoff was revving Williams' game up with umpires and real foes. "They have some real tough guys down there," said Conte of the instructional league.
The contest will be at Indian School Park, the Giants' training facility near Scottsdale Stadium, and the staff is hoping it won't be raining as it was Sunday. "I heard the field was tarped up today," said Williams. "I hope it'll be clear tomorrow."
Bonds' day off: After hitting career homer No. 700 on Friday and No. 701 Saturday, Barry Bonds was given the day off on Sunday against San Diego after playing in 38 straight contests -- not all of them starting -- partly due to his drive to reach the 700 milestone, but also to boost the Giants' winning chances.
The slugger was originally in the starting lineup Sunday, but was replaced in left field by Ricky Ledee, who entered play with two hits in his last two at-bats.
Bonds has complained of being tired during the past week and played in Saturday's day game at SBC Park following his historic game Friday night.
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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