Jonathan Sanchez News

The obvious low point for the Padres offense occurred on July 10 in San Francisco when Giants pitcher Jonathan Sanchez tossed a no-hitter against San Diego, a fitful ending to a sour first half.

What was expected of the San Francisco Giants at the start of the 2009 Major League Baseball season? Good pitching and poor hitting.

Big Unit's farewell : Randy Johnson hopes to pitch an inning or two in today's season finale, to be started by Jonathan Sanchez.

Now this could have been considered just a tad bit awkward: Giants general manager Brian Sabean and manager Bruce Bochy publicly discussing the 2009 season and looking ahead to next year before they even have new contracts.

The season opened April 7 with most prognosticators figuring the team would finish well out of playoff contention.

For two men whose contracts expire Halloween night, general manager Brian Sabean and manager Bruce Bochy sure didn't talk like they're about to turn into pumpkins.

The Giants learned something about themselves every day in an encouraging season.

By any measure, Matt Cain has enjoyed an excellent season. But he's running out of chances to make it even more memorable.

Bengie Molina gave the San Francisco Giants something to think about as they contemplate whether to bring the veteran catcher back for another year.

Pablo Sandoval and Bengie Molina stroked four hits apiece Tuesday night to lead the Giants past the Arizona Diamondbacks, 8-4. Molina homered twice, hiking his season total to a career-high 20.

I'm stuck at home with paperwork, well that and it's going to be 100Ao + outside, so I'll be stuck here all afternoon.

I have dreamed a dream, but now that dream is gone from me. --Morpheus, Matrix Reloaded Technically, which means mathematically, the San Francisco Giants are still alive.

San Francisco's Juan Uribe, top, gets high-fives from teammates John Bowker and Pablo Sandoval afterA hitting a two-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday.

LOS ANGELES The Giants must blaze through this final stretch to catch the Colorado Rockies and reach the postseason.

Fantasy Fix: Waiver Wire Giants pitcher Jonathan Sanchez is one player to watch on the waiver wire.

Los Angeles Dodgers Rafael Furcal, right, hits a solo home as San Francisco Giants' Jonathan Sanchez, left, pitches and Bengie Molina catches during the fifth inning of their Major League Baseball game, Friday, Sept.

About the Dodgers: Joe Torre's team has a five-game lead over Colorado for the NL West lead, and will repeat as division champs barring an epic collapse.

The Big Unit is back, albeit as a reliever. The San Francisco Giants activated 303-game winner Randy Johnson from the 60-day disabled list after Tuesday night's 10-2 victory over Colorado and plan to use him out of the bullpen.

From the Giants' perspective, this would be an opportune time for Matt Cain to record his first career victory over the Dodgers -- the only National League West club he hasn't defeated during his career.

During his pregame session with reporters Saturday, Giants manager Bruce Bochy was asked if he considered throwing all his younger reserves - the "shock troops" - into the breach.