by Michael Duca

SAN FRANCISCO–Giants second baseman Joe Panik was playing rehab ball in right field in the Giants Sacramento triple A affiliate where the Rivercats were playing a wish bone defense and a ground ball in the hole Panik went over towards the first base line going for the ball it deflected off first baseman and former Giant Kevin Frandsen’s glove back to him to his right he managed to skid to a stop on the grass using his spikes got it barehanded was able to reach out and catch the ball and then throw the runner out to first base with the pitcher covering.

It was one of those amazing reaction plays you look at that and you think “well don’t think the back is bothering him anymore.” Panik is an instinctive defender. There is really no way you could be prepared for a ricochet like that, you just react to it. Kelby Tomlinson has really done a nice job in Panik’s absence covering at least the batting order spot and driving in runs and getting on base going his speed. He’s not as able a defender as Panik is. He doesn’t have the timing and rhythm down as Brandon Crawford. Panik also played without Crawford and played with Ehire Adrianza.

It has also been a less than ideal situation for backup second baseman Kelby Tomlinson having said that just getting back your starter is always a lift for the team. Getting guys back having the real front line squad there to the point that’s it possible. The Giants losing skid got to seven that where it got to the point where it started to effect the team physiologically.

After that seventh consecutive loss they held a players only team meeting and came to the conclusion that of the season may well be lost the last 25 games don’t have to be and they could play those games to their highest level of capability and let the chips where they do and they’ll be able to feel alright about it in the off season.

The biggest thing right now for San Francisco is there ten games back in the loss column from the Dodgers their seven or eight back. That’s a lot to make up. You can four of them head to head but you need some help. Is there help coming? Possibly the Giants don’t play another .500 ball club all year except for the Dodgers and they don’t have to leave the Pacific Time Zone for most of the year.

The Dodgers face the Angels who are scuffling for a playoff spot next week and after that they face the Pirates. So there is some possibility still there.

Michael Duca does the San Francisco Giants podcast for http://www.sportsradioservice.com each week