John Shea - San Francisco Chronicle
Eugenio Velez hit a home run, stole two bases and made a diving catch at second base to start a double play Friday.
Velez's favorite moment?
"All good," he said, smiling.
Manager Bruce Bochy would agree. After the Giants' 11-6 exhibition victory over the Diamondbacks, Bochy declared Velez has a real shot of making the 25-man roster. Not only as a bench player but as someone who "might force the issue, too," meaning get in the lineup on occasion.
"If we want a lineup with speed in there, he gives you another dimension," Bochy said. "This kid is fun to watch."
Velez has nine steals, tops in the majors. Friday, Brandon Webb thought he had Velez picked off first base, but Velez zipped to second so quickly that first baseman Conor Jackson made no throw.
Velez wasn't in the lineup but replaced second baseman Ray Durham, who exited after a half-inning with a migraine. Bochy said Velez, if he makes the team, could play second and third and maybe the outfield, though the 25-year-old could use work at all positions.
"I have to practice," admitted Velez, who's batting .326.
The Giants have two games today, one in Scottsdale (against the Mariners) and one in Phoenix (versus the A's), and Durham and Velez will be the second basemen.
The other second baseman, Kevin Frandsen, will play third in Phoenix. Frandsen didn't play Friday, one day after getting beaned. He's fine, by all accounts, and had enough energy to take in Thursday night's Warriors-Suns NBA game in Phoenix.
Finally, five innings: One day after Bochy pleaded for a starter to last five innings, Jonathan Sanchez was the first to do so. The lefty, who gave up two runs and three hits while striking out six - most by a Giant in spring training - is the favorite to replace injured Noah Lowry in the rotation.
"I felt I could go more than five today," said Sanchez, who's gaining confidence with a new windup that helps prevent him from throwing flat pitches. "I feel this is the time to do my thing and be a starter."
Roberts in left field: Dave Roberts plays Barry Bonds' old position and is repeatedly reminded of that fact around these parts. As in, every time the Giants play away from Scottsdale Stadium.
"That's all you hear. 'Where's Barry? Where's Barry?' " Roberts said. "It's good to know everyone's concerned about him."
Roberts isn't concerned, though his future isn't exactly set in stone. The Giants have Fred Lewis and Rajai Davis in the wings and, according to a Chicago Tribune report, discussed including Roberts in a trade for White Sox third baseman Joe Crede, who's struggling at the plate (.080 in 25 at-bats) and is coming off back surgery.
The White Sox don't appear interested, instead pursuing a top prospect and young reliever for their 2006 hitting star. Some Giants officials would rather not acquire a veteran hitter if it means sacrificing the future by losing young arms.
"If (a trade) ultimately does happen, I'd be surprised," Roberts said. "You hear your name, but I've been around long enough that I heard my name many times. I love it here, but it's not my decision."
Omar's timetable: Shortstop Omar Vizquel, who figures to return to the Giants the second week of the season, threw for the first time since surgery Feb. 27 on his left knee. He played catch for 10 minutes on a back field.
"Everything is on schedule. Everything's good. No pain," Vizquel said. "I think it's realistic to get back for the home opener. That's what I'm shooting for."
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