Zito's Exhibition

Zito's line from last night:

IP	H	BB	ER	K
6	3	3	0	3

Wilson and Benitez also threw scoreless innings.

Young Arms... A Reason to be Excited

Sure, at this point, Brian Sabean's affinity for signing free agent position players who have their AARP cards has become a running joke -- Ray Durham, Edgardo Alfonzo, Omar Vizquel, Kenny Lofton, Rich Aurilia, Dave Roberts, Ryan Klesko, the list goes on.

The lineup this season is once again pretty old. It's also not all that good. Our best player is the most hated man in baseball. The Giants will struggle to contend in the division. These are the facts.

But there is reason to be optimistic. The men who step on the mound to start the games look like they could be special.

Zito, we know, is an established big league hurler.

Noah Lowry dazzled us in 2005. His return to form and consistency will be season long points of discussion.

Matt Cain has the stuff to be a certified #1. Many expect it to be his breakout year.

Tim Lincecum has Giants junkies buzzing. Expect extended pitching reports from Fresno every five days.

It looks like Jonathan Sanchez is starting the season in the long relief role. If and when a starter goes down, he'll likely be called upon to step in.

Matt Morris can be a dependable middle of the rotation guy.

Somehow, Russ Ortiz has put together a brilliant spring.

This is worth watching. This is a reason to be excited.