By George Devine, Sr.

The Giants are looking at their second homestand — this one involving interleague play — and monitoring the physical condition of their players. At the same time they are wondering how to put together the elements in the recipe for success in 2014.

Missing from the roster at this time is Marco Scutaro, on the 15-day DL retroactive to March 21. His projected return is uncertain since the back inflammation which pestered him last season is a persistent issue. Also sidelined is LHP David Huff, on the 15-day DL retroactive to April 22 after he was injured on an infield single on April 21.

The batting order is strong on paper, but the games are not played on paper. An increase in timely hitting can bring the team back to first place. They are now 12-10, 2 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. San Francisco’s leading hitters at this time are Angel Pagan (.329, 12 rbi), Michael Morse (.279, 15 rbi, 5 hr) and Brandon Belt (.299, 13 rbi, 7 hr). Buster Posey is batting .229 and has 10 rbi with 4 hr.

The first series of the homestand is against the Cleveland Indians of the American League, who are slated to send Carlos Carrasco up against fellow RHP Tim Hudson in the first game on Friday, April 25; it will be the former Oakland Athletic’s first time against the Tribe. In the last series between the two teams at AT&T Park three seasons ago, the Giants swept, 3-0; they are 5-4 against Cleveland in general.

In a lighthearted promotion, the first 40,000 fans will receive a bobblehead commemorating the lone home run hit by former Indians’ infielder Duane Kuiper, later a Giant and now a renowned broadcaster for the two-time World Series champions. The souvenir is presented by Comcast SportsNet for whom “Kuip” calls the games. Had Kuiper hit one out of the park for San Francisco, he would have the distinction of one home run in each league, but it was not to be. Also, special event ticketholders will receive a limited edition Lou Seal plush golf head cover, featuring the Giants’ uniquely whimsical mascot.

On the following afternoon, the first 30,000 through the turnstiles will receive a 1954 replica World Series ring, honoring the sixtieth anniversary of the 1954 Giants, sponsored by AT&T. Sunday, April 27, is Little League Day at AT&T Park. Prior to the game, little leaguers who purchased special event tickets will be able to attend a Q&A session with current Giants players and coaches and participate in a parade around the warning track. The first 7,500 fans ages 14-and-under will receive a Pablo Sandoval Kids Bat, presented by Diamond of California. Following the game, all kids 14-years and younger are invited to come run the bases.

The Giants wrap up their homestand with a three-game series against the Padres (April 28-30). On Monday, April 28, the Giants will host Korean Heritage Night. Golfing legend, Se-Ri Pak, a 2007 inductee of the LPGA and World Golf Hall of Fame, will be in attendance to throw out the first pitch. Prior to the game, Korean cultural performances will take place on the field for fans to enjoy. Fans who purchase a special event ticket will receive a collector’s edition Se-Ri Pak Bobblehead.

Tuesday, April 29, is Chinese Heritage Night, presented by Graton Resort & Casino. Special event ticket holders will receive a Giants-themed “Year of the Horse”item. Partial proceeds from each special event ticket sold will benefit local Chinese base charities. All fans will be able to enjoy pre-game cultural entertainment, including drummers, dragon lion dancers and fan and ribbon dancers. On Tuesday, the Giants will also host a Sports Antique Show for special event ticket holders from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in Seals Plaza. Fans who purchase a special event ticket will receive a Chumlee Bobblehead and have an opportunity to showcase their items at the pre-game antique show, where Chumlee, a cast member on the History Channel’s show Pawn Stars, will be serving as the curator. It is also Say Hey Tuesday as CSN Bay Area will host Yahoo! Sports Talk Live from Willie Mays Plaza. Fans are invited to come out early and watch their favorite sports analysts.

Wednesday, April 30, is the Giants annual Until There’s A Cure Night, raising awareness of prevention education, care and services, in an effort to help find a cure for AIDS, presented by the Giants Community Fundand Gilead. A portion of every special event ticket sold will go directly to the Until There’s A Cure Foundation. The first 20,000 fans in attendance will receive an Until There’s A Cure postcard. Wednesday is also Irish Heritage Nightat AT&T Park. Special event ticket packages include admission to the Irish Heritage Night pre-game party in Seals Plaza from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and an Irish-themed Giants T-shirt. Partial proceeds from each special event ticket sold will benefit local Irish charities. All fans will be able to enjoy an on-field performance by Healy Irish dancers prior to the game. In addition on Wednesday, Sharon Robinson, Consultant, Community Affairs and Educational Programming for Major League Baseball and daughter of Jackie Robinson will honor Raymond Beasley V, a 5th grade student from R. Paul Krey Elementary School in Brentwood, in a pregame ceremony. Raymond is the winner of the Breaking Barriers Essay Contest which encourages children to write about barriers and obstacles they have faced or are still facing in their lives and how they used the values exemplified by Jackie Robinson to deal with those barriers or obstacles.