Ishikawa makes strong push for first-base job

Ishikawa makes strong push for first-base job
By Laurence Miedema


Mercury News

Posted: 03/14/2009 09:00:47 PM PDT


SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — On a day when rumors buzzed about the Giants possibly pursuing 14-time All-Star catcher Ivan Rodriguez to play first base, Travis Ishikawa quietly continued to stake his claim on the job.

Ishikawa had two more hits, raising his spring average to .324, including his team-leading third home run in the Giants' 8-4 split-squad loss to the San Diego Padres at Scottsdale Stadium on Saturday.

"He's taken the bull by the horns," Manager Bruce Bochy said. "He's done a good job defensively, he's swung the bat well, he's hit lefties. He's done all we've asked. That's what you want to see from a young guy that's getting the opportunity he's getting."

Bochy stopped short of naming Ishikawa, 25, the Giants' opening-day first baseman. But with three weeks left before the Giants break camp, it appears Ishikawa's continued progress has eased any internal concerns about his ability to handle the job.

A Giants official said Saturday that the club talked with Rodriguez's agent, Scott Boras, earlier this spring but that the Giants currently have no interest. Multiple sources disputed a report on SI.com that identified the Giants among active suitors for Rodriguez, primarily to play first and third base.

The free agent told reporters at the World Baseball Classic last week that he would change positions if necessary. Rodriguez, 37, has played seven games at first base in his career but none at third base.

Ishikawa said he hadn't heard the rumors before Saturday's game, although it probably wouldn't have mattered. Ishikawa has impressed teammates and the coaching staff all spring with his focus and consistency.

"He seems a lot more relaxed," right-hander Matt Cain said. "It seems like he's showing a ton of skills every game."

Left fielder Fred Lewis said, "He knows he has a job to win, he's trying to make some noise for himself — and he's made a lot."

Mostly, Ishikawa has picked up where he left off last season, when he bounced back from a miserable 2007 to hit over .300 with 24 homers in the minors and then cemented his move to the front of the first-base conversation with a solid September with the Giants.

Ishikawa hit two home runs in the Giants' first exhibition game and hasn't slowed down. Saturday was his fourth multiple-hit game in 12 exhibition contests. His three home runs are tied with Ryan Rohlinger for the team lead.

"I feel the same way, that it's my job to lose," Ishikawa said. "I do have to show them that I am ready for that job, but I'm not putting any added pressure on myself."


n"‚Buster Posey hit a long home run in the ninth — the catcher's first of camp.


In another split-squad game, the Giants lost 8-3 to the A's. Reliever Osiris Matos had his sixth scoreless appearance in seven outings.