Notes: A bunt for Bumgarner? Gomez on Giants' radar?

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SAN FRANCISCO -- I have long joked that Madison Bumgarner bunts balls foul on purpose so he can take two-strike hacks, but during today's pregame media session manager Bruce Bochy insisted that Bumgarner is always all-in when he gets the bunt sign. He actually was supposed to get one last night. Before Bumgarner's first at-bat, Bochy told him to be on the lookout for a bunt sign with a runner on first. 

"I figured it would be a low-scoring game. Shows you how much I know," Bochy said. "I gave him a heads-up that we may bunt there and he hit the first ball that far and that hard."

Bumgarner pulled a Jacob deGrom pitch about 20 feet foul of a homer. The bunt sign was put in the back pocket, and Bumgarner lined out to center. In his next at-bat he homered.

--- The Giants were briefly connected to Carlos Gomez today, but it sounds like there's not much actual interest there. The Giants don't believe Gomez, who has really fallen off this year, can be much help. (Also, he once said of Bumgarner: "He can't be looking at me. He's not my dad." So this one was pretty easy from the start.)

The Giants understand, though, that an upgrade in the outfield could help. Gregor Blanco is hitting .125 in the second half. 

Mac Williamson will be back Sept. 1 and Jarrett Parker should be as well, although he's sidelined right now by a blister. Keep an eye on Gorkys Hernandez, too. The veteran had a nice spring and has done well in Triple-A. He could provide speed off the bench while Williamson and Parker bring some pop.

--- Bochy said there are a couple of relievers he would like to stay away from tonight. Sergio Romo, who has been lights-out of late, is one who is due for a bit of a breather. 

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--- In case you missed it, here's my podcast with Ryan Vogelsong and here it is on iTunes. 

Also, I used our latest power rankings to give updates on Phil Bickford, Adalberto Mejia, Matt Duffy and a whole bunch of other former Giants.

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