Scott McClain had a solid season in AAA and for the 2nd season in a row the Giants called up the 36-year old righty swinging 1B when rosters expanded in September. McClain has 271 career homers in the minors but he never played too well in the majors until this season. Previous to this year, McClain had played in 30 games in which he was 6 for 45 (.133 avg, .376 OPS) with 4 runs scored and 1 RBI. But, something has clicked for him this September. McClain has played in 12 games for the Giants this season and he is 9 for 31 (.290 avg, .849 OPS) with 7 runs scored, 2 homers and 7 RBIs. Perseverance has paid off for McClain and it’s a good thing to see.

22-year old switch hitting C/1B Pablo Sandoval and 1B Travis Ishikawa have both swung strong bats this September and they might have earned roles on the 2009 Giants. Sandoval has been especially impressive with the bat in his hands as he has played in 37 games in which he is 46 for 138 (.333 avg, .833 OPS) with 23 runs scored, 3 homers and 22 RBIs. Sandoval has been a excellent contact hitter as he has only whiffed 13 times for the Giants which is amazing because he swings at everything having walked only 4 times. 25-year old lefty swinging Travis Ishikawa has also swung a good stick this month as he has played in 30 games for the Giants and he is 24 for 86 (.279 avg, .800 OPS) with 12 runs scored, 3 homers and 15 RBIs. Ishikawa has re-established himself as a prospect due to his strong month of September.

The Giants have lost outfielder Fred Lewis for the season as he recently has had a bunion removed from his right foot. This is a shame as Lewis had a breakout season for the Giants this year. Lewis played in 133 games for the Giants this season and he was 132 for 468 (.282 avg, .791 OPS) with 81 runs scored, 9 homers, 40 RBIs and 21 stolen bases. Lewis also had 11 watch me fly triples this year for the Giants. Lewis has earned a starting job in 2009 for the Giants based on his play this season.