SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- This spring, Jim Brower has allowed
himself some leeway to try things on the mound to make him a better
pitcher down the road.
After signing a two-year contract this offseason, Brower figured
he finally had the luxury of experimenting with his pitches.
It hasn't always gone well, but Brower hopes his work will pay
off this season.
The 31-year-old right-hander had a rocky outing Saturday in San
Francisco's 11-6 win, allowing four runs on six hits and two walks
in two innings of relief. But the Giants scored nine runs in the
top of the ninth for the victory.
"I did not worry early on about performance," Brower said
Sunday. "It's been great for me because I signed a two-year
contract and I worked on things earlier."
Brower was acquired in a trade with Montreal before last season
that sent Livan Hernandez and Edwards Guzman to the Expos. Brower
went 8-5 with a 3.96 ERA last season in 51 appearances both as a
starter and a reliever. He made five starts and pitched 100
innings, the second-most in his career after working 129 1-3
innings for Cincinnati in 2001.
He is expected to work long relief this season.
Brower would like to add some pitches to his repertoire.
He has been working to throw more off-speed pitches in different
counts, rather than just relying on his fastball to get him out of
trouble.
------=
^A's WEIGH ROSTER OPTIONS:@ Members of Oakland's coaching staff
and front office met over the weekend to discuss a number of issues
-- perhaps most importantly how to handle the roster when they have
a hole at second base because of starter Mark Ellis' injury.
Ellis is out up to eight weeks after dislocating his right
shoulder in a collision with shortstop Bobby Crosby during a 2-1
loss to the Chicago Cubs on Thursday. Reserve infielder Frank
Menechino is also hurt and will start the season on the disabled
list.
Esteban German likely will start at second and Marco Scutaro
will back him up.
Manager Ken Macha said it's possible fifth starter Rich Harden
would start the year in the minors in order to work out the kinks
after a shaky spring.
"We're going to let it play out a little bit and see what
happens," Macha said. "When you've got guys out of options, it
often comes down to the last day. It's absolutely not cut and dry.
We're trying to figure it out."
------=
^CROSBY'S HEALTH:@ Rookie A's shortstop Bobby Crosby sat out his
third straight game Sunday during Oakland's 3-2 loss to the Cubs in
Mesa after injuring his right quad in a collision with second
baseman Mark Ellis on Thursday.
"They're hoping he'll be able to play tomorrow," manager Ken
Macha said.
------=
^EXTRA BASES:@ With Jason Schmidt hurt, lefty Kirk Rueter will
almost certainly be the Giants' starter on opening day, followed by
Brett Tomko. "It would be a great honor, but like I said before
I'd rather have Schmitty ready and healthy," Rueter said. "All I
care about is pitching every five days." ... Giants INF Brian
Dallimore was elected the 2004 Harry S. Jordan Award winner in a
vote by his teammates. Jordan was a longtime minor league trainer
for the club. The award is given for a player in his first camp
whose performance and dedication exemplifies team spirit.
Dallimore, last season's PCL batting champion, is hitting .279 with
10 RBIss and a home run this spring. "Any time you get recognized
by anyone in the clubhouse it's a good feeling," Dallimore said.
"I just do what I do -- I come out and play hard and people respect
that." ... Giants OF Jeffrey Hammonds hit on the field Saturday
for the first time since breaking his right hand earlier this month
when he was hit by a pitch. He can hold a bat, but can't yet play
in the field. "Throwing is what will hold him back more than
anything," trainer Stan Conte said. Hammonds is able to throw
short distances.