08/26/2004 8:00 AM ET
Ask the Giants: Winging it
By Chris Shuttlesworth / MLB.com
Got a question for Ask the Giants? Submit your queries of general interest for a Giants player, coach, staff or front-office member and see if your question gets answered in a future edition of Giants Jottings.
How much does jet lag affect the team when traveling? -- Gary P., Sacramento
Scott Eyre: I think a lot more than players let on. It's tough traveling, sometimes three time zones. Usually, though, Major League Baseball sets it up to where we don't have to go more than two time zones without an off-day.
What do you guys do on the plane rides to and from different cities to make the time go by? -- Annie E., Twin Cities
Kirk Rueter: Most guys watch movies on their DVD players, play cards, read books. Tomko, sometimes he does his art; he draws. Eat -- usually even if you eat at the field, when they come around and ask you if you want to eat, you probably still say yes. That's about it -- or talk. But most guys you either see them watching a movie or listening to music on their headphones, one or the other.
On the team plane, do you guys have any specific order or sections you sit in? -- Josh C., Shingle Spings
Matt Herges: Barry (Bonds) is in the 25th row on the left side. That's his row. Front office and the coaches sit in the front in first class. Then you have the broadcasters, sitting right behind them. And then you have the players. The back row, left, is J.T. (Snow), then Robb Nen and Jason Christiansen. Then me, then Hermie (Dustin Hermanson); we all basically sit in the same row every time.
When new guys come aboard -- that was my first question when I got traded over here: "Where should I sit?" You ask a guy who's been around, and they give you an idea. In September, when everybody comes up, they'll probably be a little closer to the front, and if there's not enough seats, then they'll probably have to double up with the rookies. But it's a pecking order. The guys who have been in the big leagues the longest usually get their choice.
At what height does a foul tip become a popup and can be caught for an out? -- Timothy M., San Francisco
Michael Duca, official scorer: According to the Official Rules of Major League Baseball, a foul tip is "a batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcher's hands." It is up to the umpire's discretion regarding whether the trajectory of the ball was changed enough by the batter making contact to make it a foul pop instead of a foul tip. Incidentally, a foul tip caught by the catcher when the batter has two strikes is strike three and the batter is out.
Kuip, what pitcher gave you the most trouble? -- Angel B., Nutley, N.J.
Duane Kuiper, broadcaster: Mario Soto.
This question is for any of the Giants: How do you like the Bay Area? -- Marsha P., Union City
Wayne Franklin: Growing up on the water (Delaware), you know, I like the water. So it kind of gives me a little taste of home without being home.
What music is played when J.T. Snow's name is announced for an at-bat? -- Tina H., Tulsa, Okla.
Bryan Srabian, director of marketing and entertainment: "Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who. J.T. is a fan of the "CSI" shows, so we use the song that's the theme of "CSI Miami."
What are the most popular card games played in the Giants clubhouse? -- Vlad B., Columbus, Ohio
Matt Herges: Hearts, without a doubt. I don't know of any other game being played.
What is the deal about pedometers/walking around the ballpark? -- Carol H., San Francisco
Stan Conte, head athletic trainer: This season, the Giants, in partnership with their official health care provider, Catholic Healthcare West, have launched "Make Time for Fitness" at SBC Park featuring the first-ever walking course for fans inside a Major League ballpark. I train the players on the steps and ramps inside the ballpark and we felt that the fans could benefit as well.
On "Make Time for Fitness Day" in May, the first 5,000 fans received a free pedometer and daily fitness log. If you come to a Giants home game this season, stop by Guest Services to pick up a free CHW daily fitness log and walk the mile-plus walking course at SBC Park.
What does the sign in right field that says "Hit the Water, Win $500" mean? -- James P., San Bruno
Mario Alioto, senior vice president, corporate marketing: The "Hit the Water, Win $500" sign is for the community program that is part of Old Navy's sponsorship program with the Giants. For every Giants Splash Hit (homer into McCovey Cove), $500 is donated to charity.
Questions may be edited for clarity and/or length. Chris Shuttlesworth is an editorial producer for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
