San Francisco Giants expect Renteria to have a good season

During his 11 seasons in the National League, Renteria played in the steamy environs of Florida, Atlanta and St. Louis. Two years ago, he hit .332 for the Atlanta Braves.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Giants continue to express confidence that new shortstop Edgar Renteria will have a bounce-back year, citing his successful track record in the National League.

But what if the league had nothing to do with Renteria's sharp decline last season? What if he struggled with the Detroit Tigers last year and the Boston Red Sox in 2005 not because they are in the American League, but because they tend to be cold-weather cities through Memorial Day?

Renteria said there might be some truth to that theory.

"Cold weather is for football, man," he said. "That makes a big difference. You always want a fast start, but I'm the kind of player who never starts good. When the weather gets hot, I get hot."

When that statement was relayed to Bruce Bochy, the Giants' manager gulped hard — perhaps thinking of chilly fog that billows over the scoreboard at AT&T Park.

But Bochy likes what he has seen from Renteria this spring, and he doesn't admit to any concerns.

"You're talking about April in Detroit and Boston, where it's in the 30s and 40s," Bochy said. "Nobody gets used to that. Sure, it gets chilly in San Francisco, but I actually think it helps veteran players stay fresher late in the season."

Bochy also pointed out that Renteria has fared well at AT&T Park, which the stats support. Renteria's .344 career average at AT&T Park is his second highest in any N.L. park, trailing only Coors.

"He absolutely wore out the right-center gap," said center fielder Aaron Rowand, who was with the N.L. East-rival Philadelphia Phillies in '07. "He tore it up every game against us. I didn't see him last year, but he looks like the same guy to me. I'm excited he's here."

Renteria knows it's vital the Giants get off to a fast start. He said he'll do everything in his power to get his bat going in the No. 2 spot. And he has a good feeling about Pablo Sandoval and Fred Lewis, two hitters who will follow him in the lineup.

"They have great talent, man," Renteria said. "You can see in batting practice. They hit the ball everywhere. They know what they're doing at the plate. I think those guys are going to be very exciting this year."

Giants special assistant Felipe Alou was paying close attention as left-hander Jonathan Sanchez threw another impressive batting-practice session Sunday. Sanchez is scheduled to pitch the third game for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic next month, facing the Dominican Republic team managed by Alou.

Barry Zito and Randy Johnson will pitch in a four-inning intrasquad game Tuesday, Bochy said. The Giants usually pitch non-roster players and prospects in intrasquad games, but both former Cy Young Award winners said they wanted to face hitters one more time before Cactus League games begin.

Left-hander Noah Lowry, who was home sick with the flu the two previous days, threw off flat ground.

The Giants will begin baserunning drills today. It's a final step in Lewis' rehab work after bunion surgery on his right foot. After some hesitation, Bochy said Lewis should be ready for Wednesday's Cactus League opener.

Former Giants Vinnie Chulk and Matt Herges are among the Cleveland pitchers scheduled to take the mound Wednesday. Indians left-hander Jeremy Sowers will start against Tim Lincecum.

By Andrew Baggarly

originally publishes at: http://www.mercurynews.com/athletics/ci_11762771

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