EXTRA BAGGS: Pence, Aramis not likely for Giants

SAN FRANCISCOGiants GM Brian Sabean left no doubt whyMarco Scutaro was an important piece to add to the roster.

Its his versatility and experience, Sabean said Fridaynight. This is not to disparage players on our team, but you look at theDodgers bench and you look at our bench.

It wasnt a bench player who beat the Giants with a two-runhome run in the Dodgers 5-3, 10-inning victory Friday night. It was former NLbatting champ Hanley Ramirez, acquired from the Miami Marlins when the Dodgersagreed to take on the 30 million still owed to him.

But Sabean tempered expectations that the Giants would makea countermove.

Its not a real good year for us to match up on a biggerpiece, Sabean said. We found that out early, given the number of clubsinvolved, how our roster is situated, and how were constituted payroll-wise,too.

Yes, the payroll: It stands at roughly 130 million, andSabean said on KNBR earlier in the week that he is not getting feedback fromownership that hell get a line of credit to answer the Dodgers by absorbingsalary to take on a big-time hitter.

(The Rockies even kicked in a portion of the 2.2 millionowed to Scutaro in order to get a better player in Triple-A infielder CharlieCulberson.)

That means Aramis Ramirez and his backloaded contract-- 10 million next year, 16 million in 2014 -- probably wont leave Milwaukee for San Francisco. Ive also been told that anyconversations between the Giants and Phillies over outfielder Hunter Pence have not been initiated by Sabeans cabinet.

Yet the Giants will have new faces on the roster soon. Therecould be multiple moves on Saturday as Scutaro joins the roster. PabloSandoval, who wasnt available Friday night, still could go on the disabledlist with a strained left hamstring.

I wasnt going to use him tonight, Giants manager BruceBochy said. Hes making progress and well talk tomorrow. We may have anothermove tomorrow. We do have to make a call. We have to do whats right forPablo.

The Giants could activate Aubrey Huff as well to provide apower threat off the bench, perhaps creating room by demoting Justin Christianor Emmanuel Burriss, who would seem to be less mecessary on the roster now thatScutaro is able to back up at three infield positions.

The roster is in a state of flux, Sabean said.

Scutaro hasnt played third base since 2008 but Sabean saidhed be surprised if the 36-year-old couldnt handle the position.

This guy has been a starting player, Sabean said. This isnot going to threaten (Ryan) Theriot at all, but we do need depth. Hopefully thisis the first of a couple moves. Well see.

I asked Sabean if he sees the potential to acquire a powerthreat for the bench.

Right now Im not sure that exists, Sabean said. Maybesome will come available late. A lot is being bandied about that is not exactlyfactual.

This much is known: The Giants want more bullpen depth,especially from the right side. They might not want to part with the package ofprospects it would take to pry away controllable Cleveland Indians closer ChrisPerez, but perhaps this years version of Ramon Ramirez is lurking out there.

--
The Scutaro trade was the news to follow in the postgameclubhouse, but Matt Cain did not brush aside a question about Hanley Ramirezsbody language as he circled the bases after his home run in the 10th.

Ramirez posed and watched his shot, then made the lo vistegesturesomething he carried with him from Miamiin the direction of theDodgers dugout.

Yeah, Cain said. Thats something that definitely, guysnotice.

--
What about the 3-2 pitch to Andre Ethier that Sergio Romodidnt get? (It came two pitches before Ramirezs home run, in case you werentwatching)

Yeah, I think he thought the pitch was there, Bochy saidof Romo. Its one of those pitches you hope you get and we didnt get it. Youput it behind you. He just made a pitch against the next hitter.

There were a few calls there and pitchers were a littlefrustrated. He was calling the same on both sides, I think.

--
Nate Schierholtzs father, Vai, commented on Twitter thathed seen Dodgers starter Stephen Fife before. His younger son, Vai, got twohits against him while playing for Air Force against the University of Utah.

Its hard to imagine the younger Vai squared one up betterthan his big brother did in the fourth inning with two aboard. But Matt Kempmade the catch on the dead sprint at the wall. There arent many Matt Kemps inthe Mountain West Conference, Id imagine.