CSN Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO Hunter Pence will bat fifth in the Giantslineup at least until Pablo Sandoval returns from the disabled list and couldcreate a platoon in centerfield with Angel Pagan and Gregor Blanco, managerBruce Bochy said before Tuesdays game.While Pence has yet to arrive at AT&T Park, Bochy is ready to pencil himinto the No. 5 hole moving forward.Im very excited, Bochy said. I know Hunters excited about coming here tohelp us out.
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Bochy and Pence arent the only excited parties.It shows they want to put pieces together, Buster Poseysaid of the front offices big splash. Pence is a high energy guy who can do alot for the team. He can hit the ball out of the ballpark at any time I knowhe improves our lineup 100 percent.Posey also provided his scouting report on Pence, who has hit .329 with fivehome runs and 10 RBIs in 20 games at AT&T Park.Even with two strikes, hes taking a hack, Posey said. Hes not a guy youlike to have up there with runners in scoring position because hes so strong.He can mishit a ball and still get it to the outfield or in a gap.While general manager Brian Sabean acknowledged that the LosAngeles Dodgers recent acquisitions factored into the Giants decision totrade for Pence, Posey denied that the team was in need of a sign from thefront office.You know, I dont know if we needed a message, Posey said. We all know howserious Sabes is with winning, and were definitely appreciative.
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Theriot was also appreciative, especially considering NedCollettis recent moves.Theres no doubt the Dodgers did some things to make their team better,Theriot said. Youd like to think were in first place for a reason, thatreason being weve got a good ballclub. Was it necessary? Its always necessaryto add guys at the deadline who can help.In this clubhouse it makes you feel were going for this. Itsa good feeling to know theyre backing us from an ownership standpoint.The ownership backed the team by acquiring Pence, now Penceis expected to back his new teammates with some much-needed lineup protection.From a confidence standpoint, I think this helpseverybody, Theriot said. Were all familiar with him and what hes done. Itsa great addition. Hes going to fit in just fine.Like Theriot, Bochy isnt concerned about Pences ability to fit in, either inthe clubhouse or anywhere in the batting order. Hes just a complete ballplayer, Bochy said. Great guy,fun to watch. Fans are going to love him. He loves the game and it shows.Bochy said he likes the idea of Pence providing protectionfor cleanup hitter Buster Posey, but that his batting order could change whenSandovals hamstring is healthy again. With Pence and Melky Cabrera holding down the corner outfield spots, thatleaves Pagan and Blanco to vie for playing time in center.Pagan made Bochys Tuesday decision easy when he hurt himself in Mondays losswith a frustrated swing of the bat away from home plate. He is still availableoff the bench but the lapse in judgment left Pagan with two bruised fingers onhis right hand and some explaining to do to his manager.These are tight ballgames and were playing short, Bochy said. Youve got tokeep your poise a little better.Even a poised Pagan is at risk of losing playing time to Blanco if he doesntsnap out of a lengthy slump, which includes a 5-for-26 homestand and just sevenhits in his last 42 at-bats (.167). But Blanco is forcing the issue, as he is going throughsimilar struggles. The non-roster invitee is 2-for-12 on the homestand andhitting just .179 (7-for-39) in his last 14 games.For Bochy, it will be a simple daily decision moving forward.How they play will dictate how much they play, he said.