The X-Man Cometh

I think Giants fans are paying retribution for my previous backhanded insult of Xavier Nady. His current hot streak also exposes a fundamental flaw in that post's reasoning. But enough about me.

Barry Zito went 5 innings and gave up 2 earned on a Nady homer. A better start than expected, but the guy certainly didn't look to be a significantly different pitcher than the one we saw in April. His fastball didn't top 84, his curve still looked a bit all over the place, and he was bailed out by good defense on a couple of occasions.

The Pirates did Zito plenty of favors by doing their best imitation of a drunk fat guy in beer league softball - you know, the guy who, if he ever connected, would hit the ball a mile but between the sun and the countless Dixie Cups of High Life, he finally swings and misses hard enough that he hurts himself, and even though it's not funny you can't really help but snicker. You could tell these guys were licking their chops pre-game, hoping that Zito would serve up extended batting practice a la Brad Hennessey last night. He did a notch better, and, as they say in politics, it's all about exceeding expectations.

All moot though, as the Giants made Phil Dumatrait look like Phil Niekro. Now the Giants have to win tomorrow to avoid a 1-5 trip.

- Speaking of Hennessey, the Giants mercifully sent him down today and called up the lefty Billy Sadler, who has been dominating in Fresno:

Sadler, 26, had excelled in 11 appearances with Fresno, posting a 1.13 ERA as opponents hit only .138 (8-for-58) off him. He also had 24 strikeouts in 16 innings, reflecting the command of his fastball, curveball and changeup that Bochy cited.

This is Sadler's second stint with the Giants. He relieved in five games at the end of the 2006 season, finishing with no record and a 6.75 ERA.

"I always [wondered] what the feeling would be like the next time I got called up, and it was the exact same feeling. Just phenomenal. Exciting," Sadler said. "Everything runs through your head about growing up as a kid and all the people who came along to help me get where I am."

Before you get too excited, bear in mind Sadler has issued 12 walks in those 16 innings.

CORRECTION: Billy Sadler is a righty - so much for writing without checking facts.