SAN FRANCISCO - Before Wednesday's game, Bruce Bochy met with management to go over the plan for the final two months. It didn't take long for moves to be made.
Conor Gillaspie, a postseason star less than a year ago, was designated for assignment. Jae-Gyun Hwang was optioned back to Triple-A. Ryder Jones, one of the organization's top prospects, was recalled, presumably to be the everyday third baseman. Jarrett Parker will come off the disabled list Thursday to fill the other roster spot.
The roster churn is likely just beginning. Pablo Sandoval is not yet ready, but it won't be long. He was in the city on Wednesday to get settled for a call that should come soon after a trip to Omaha with the Triple-A River Cats this weekend. Gillaspie is not the only veteran on the chopping block. For two days, the Giants have refused to commit to Matt Cain starting Saturday's game. Bochy said he'll have an announcement in that respect on Thursday.
The Giants cannot embrace a full youth movement. Injuries won't allow it. Austin Slater is just now starting to take swings and Christian Arroyo and Tyler Beede are rehabbing injuries in Arizona. Those three are not expected back this season.
Jones, 23, is one of the few healthy top prospects in the organization. He struggled at the plate in his first cameo, but he'll get another shot. Jones caught fire after being sent back to Triple-A and he seemed to take the Sandoval addition personally, posting a seven-game hitting streak as he left Triple-A. Over those seven games, Jones had 12 hits and three home runs. With Gillaspie and Hwang gone, he is expected to get a real shot at being the third baseman. Jones can also play first, left and right, and the Giants seem ready to let him audition for the final two months.
As for the actual action on the field Wednesday, the Giants played some of their worst tracks. The outfield defense was messy, with Denard Span misplaying a high fly ball in the two-run second. Matt Moore again battled his command and the lineup did nothing against Daniel Gossett, the latest Pitcher They Haven't Seen to come into AT&T Park and dominate.
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Bochy's postgame press conference was brief. A few minutes later, he was meeting with Gillaspie. The veteran will forever be known around these parts for his Wild Card Game heroics and his big NLDS against the Cubs. This season, Gillaspie is batting just .163 while battling a back injury.
