Pitchers and Catchers Report

Spring Training 2009 has officially begun for the Giants as pitchers, catchers and various other position players reported to camp on Saturday. There wasn't much going on as today was just the reporting date and the first official workout isn't scheduled until Sunday, but there were a enough tidbits to come up with a small post on reporting day.

Apparently Noah Lowry isn't 100 percent healthy after all as he has reported some shoulder stiffness upon arriving in Scottsdale. The lefty was supposed to be on schedule to take part fully in pitchers workouts on Sunday, but his recent set-back will likely limit any throwing he may do. However, Lowry thinks he'll be fine in due time and also adressed the the questions regarding the starting rotation. He hinted that he would expect a move of some kind if everyone is healthy come April, even a possible trade. There have been whispers of Lowry possibly starting the year off in Fresno as he still has a minor league option left, but I wouldn't count on that happening. However, if Lowry is expecting to be in a starting rotation this season, whether it be the Giants' or another squads, he has to prove himself healthy. Shoulder stiffness shouldn't be taken too seriously with pitchers at the beginning of the spring, but with Lowry it always raises red flags. I will be interested to see exactly what his workload is as workouts get started over the coming days.

It also appears that the Joe Crede watch will be coming to an end. A Giants' front-office member told the Mercs' Andrew Baggerly that he expects Crede to sign with the Twins in the coming days before their players report to camp. It's still not officially dead, but the chances of Crede signing with the Giants are looking slim to none at this point. If Crede doesn't sign though, it doesn't mean the Giants will stop searching for a third basemen. They still don't appear to be fully confident with Pablo Sandoval getting the full-time share at third so some movement could still take place before Opening Day that doesn't involve Joe Crede.