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With Bonds gone, Giants lose to Reds in extras

Sep 22, 2007 - 7:18 AM By Ryan Leong PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

SAN FRANCISCO (Ticker) -- After 15 seasons, the San Francisco Giants have ended their honeymoon with Barry Bonds.

Before their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, a 9-8 loss in 11 innings, Giants managing general partner Peter Magowan and general manager Brian Sabean held a press conference to confirm a statement made on Friday by Bonds, that he would not be re-signed to another contract.

"I was told by the Giants that they will not be bringing me back for the 2008 season," said Bonds on his web site. "During the conversation with Peter Magowan, I was told that my play this year far exceeded any expectations the Giants had, but that the organization decided this year would be my last season in San Francisco."

On August 7, Bonds broke Hank Aaron's home run record of 755 and now has 762 career blasts.

Bonds, who is batting .279 with 28 home runs and 66 RBI, has not played since September 15 when he injured his right big toe. At age 43, there has been speculation for months that the Giants would part ways with the aging slugger because the team wants to get younger and more competitive.

"It's always difficult to say goodbye," Magowan said. "We've been through a lot together these 15 years. A lot of good things have happened. Unfortunately, a lot of bad things have happened. But there comes a time when you have to go in a different direction."

The Giants have not been to the playoffs since 2003 and have assured themselves of a third straight losing season.

"It is certainly unprecedented for an organization - especially a general manager - to replace a player like this, which will be nearly impossible," Sabean said.

Giants pitcher Barry Zito, who occupies the locker next to Bonds', offered his thoughts.

"I guess it just seems to be consistent with Magowan and the rest of the team talking about rebuilding," Zito said. "I know the Giants are talking about rebuilding and we've got a lot of young guys in here. Maybe, it could just open up one more spot on the roster to stay consistent with everything I've heard, to stay consistent with bringing up young talent."

While the front office and Bonds were parting ways, the Giants were busy with the Reds.

The Reds rallied for five runs in the eighth inning, before winning the game in the 11th when Jorge Cantu gave his team a 9-8 lead by lifting a sacrifice fly to left field off reliever Scott Munter, scoring Brandon Phillips, who led off the inning with a single.

"I take a lot of pride when guys are in scoring position," Cantu said. "Phillips won it for us with that heads-up play. That's teamwork."

Phillips put himself in scoring position when he advanced from first to third on a sacrifice bunt from pitcher Aaron Harang.

"Baseball is crazy," Phillips said. "With the game on the line, you don't want to try and do too much. Leading off the inning, all I wanted to do was get on base. What's the use of giving up? We don't want to lose. We want to get as close to .500 as we can."

Munter (1-1) gave up one run and one hit in 1 2/3 innings but didn't hold the win for starter Pat Misch, who surrendered just one run and five hits over five innings. Misch struck out four and walked two, remaining winless on the season.

Marcus McBeth (3-2) allowed one hit over two innings of relief before giving way to closer David Weathers, who slammed the door on the Giants in the 11th, notching his 33rd save of the season.

"I come to the park prepared so there are no surprises," McBeth said. "My mindset is to take it one batter at a time and control the tempo of the game. (Extra innings) are no time to let up."

Trailing, 8-3, rookie Joey Votto began the eighth inning rally with an RBI single off Giants reliever Jack Taschner. Two batters later, Javier Valentin stroked an RBI double to center before Buck Coats lifted a sacrifice fly to left for the second out of the inning.

After Jeff Keppinger's single kept the inning alive, Phillips followed with an RBI single. The Giants lead evaporated when Edwin Encarnacion singled to center, scoring Keppinger. Phillips also tried to score on the base hit, but the relay throw from shortstop Omar Vizquel to catcher Bengie Molina was in time to record the out at home.

Kevin Frandsen set a career-high with five hits and four runs for the Giants, who have lost four straight.

"There's no pleasure in that (setting a new career high in a loss) ," Frandsen said. "I'll take the 5-for-5 any day of the week, but to win a game when we had it would mean a lot more. Any loss (stinks), it doesn't matter how it (happens). It's unfortunate. It's a loss."

Cincinnati starter Matt Belisle allowed five runs - four earned - and nine hits over 5 1/3 innings.