Andrew Baggarly
Mercury News
Emmanuel Burriss and Kevin Frandsen brought out the best in each other while competing for the second-base job this spring. As it turns out, both will have the chance to play every day.
The twist is that Frandsen's at-bats will come in a Fresno Grizzlies uniform.
The Giants optioned Frandsen to their Triple-A club Tuesday morning, a move that ensures Burriss' place in the opening-day lineup at AT&T Park. After the Giants made other bench and bullpen decisions Tuesday, the 25-man roster is more or less set; the team still must pick a long reliever, with Joe Martinez apparently the leading in-house option.
Frandsen, who has been in the mix for a starting job each of the past three springs, emerged from a morning meeting with Manager Bruce Bochy, changed into his street clothes and left the clubhouse without speaking to reporters.
"I'm disappointed," Frandsen said later via text message. "I was caught off guard with the move, never saw it coming, but will just go down to Fresno and do what I've always done and give them (a) great reason to be called back up."
His spring average had dipped to .274, and the Giants had little need for a third right-handed-hitting reserve infielder after determining that non-roster players Juan Uribe and Rich Aurilia would make the club.
Burriss, a switch hitter, showed an improved left-handed stroke while hitting .360. He struck out four times in 75 at-bats.
"Well, Burriss won the job outright. I think we all know that," General Manager Brian Sabean said. "As a group, we all agonized to find a way (Frandsen) would be on the team. "... It all comes down to what's best for the player and the organization, and right now, it's difficult to see what kind of playing time he'd get to further develop him." Frandsen, a San Jose native, missed virtually all of last season because of a ruptured Achilles' tendon — a reason the Giants want him to get as many at-bats as possible. Sabean said he wants Frandsen to start at third, short and second for Fresno, although the G.M. was quick to point out that the organization isn't taking a limited view of him as a utility player. "I don't think he should be pigeonholed," Sabean said. "At least for the time being, given what he needs to do to get back here, I'm sure he'll have to move around." Frandsen's demotion made for an odd scene before the morning bus ride to Surprise, Ariz. Burriss accepted some low-key fist bumps with teammates, although management hadn't told him anything. Just before taking the field for the 1 p.m. game, Burriss said he hadn't spoken with Frandsen. "We brought out the best in each other," Burriss said. "I don't think (demotion signals) that he didn't play well. He had a great spring. He was healthy and I know he felt great." About winning the job, Burriss said, "It's a good feeling to know your hard work paid off. It makes you feel better about yourself." Last month, Bochy said he envisioned both Burriss and Frandsen making the team. But roster spots were at a premium with the club looking to keep utilityman Eugenio Velez and non-roster outfielder Andres Torres, as well as carry a 12th pitcher. It's a roster full of surprises — perhaps the biggest being who is missing. "Kevin was very good about it," Bochy said. "I'm sure it was difficult for him to hear the news. But he understands where we're coming from and it's the best thing for him." From: MLB.com
 San Francisco | San Francisco 10, Texas 3 |  Texas | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Standings | Recap: SF | TEX |
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