Looking Ahead at Life Without Papi

The Giants hope they have found their fifth starter in Jonathan Sanchez, who starts tonight and is coming off a solid performance (1 run in 5 2/3) last week against the Reds. Brad Hennessey returns to the bullpen, which currently lacks right-handed options. In what could be interpreted as a subtle slight to Our-mando (and I'll take anything to get another rise out of the WC Papi if not for sheer entertainment value), Felipe Alou had this to say about current closer Mike Stanton:

I don't recall him blowing any games. If he did, it was not a dramatic event. He relaxes his teammates. Even if he does not throw a 1-2-3 inning, everybody believes he's going to get the guy out.

The upcoming series against the Rockies is followed by a trip through St. Louis, Colorado, and Milwaukee. You can find a comparison of remaining schedules among wild card contenders here. The beginning of the road trip is especially huge not only to get started on the right foot, but because the Padres open a four-game series in Los Angeles at the same time.

Yorvit Torrealba, who has hit well against his former team, will be sitting out this series due to a shoulder injury. The Rockies look to Chris Iannetta for bat flips and exaggerrated fist pumps in the meantime.