Notes: Giants mulling options for DH in Texas

SAN FRANCISCO -- The lack of a designated hitter in the first two games of the World Series already has wreaked havoc with the Texas Rangers' lineup, with cleanup hitter Vladimir Guerrero not starting Game 2 on Thursday night.

When the World Series moves to Texas this weekend, San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy will be the one with decisions to make.

Bochy said he will talk with his coaches about his designated hitter options on the flight to Texas. While left fielder Pat Burrell would appear to be a prime option because he is one of San Francisco's best hitters and often is removed for defense late in games, Bochy said he's not inclined to go that direction because of his struggles as a DH in Tampa Bay.

"If a guy is not comfortable doing something, you don't want him in that position," Bochy said. "That's part of our job putting a player in that position where he's comfortable and can succeed."

Burrell has a .209 career average in 160 games as a designated hitter, leading to his release by the Rays earlier this season. Burrell has said he's willing to do whatever he's asked but it's clear he is more comfortable in the outfield.

Other options include playing Travis Ishikawa at first base and moving Aubrey Huff to designated hitter or using Pablo Sandoval as his DH. Ishikawa also could just DH, based on his success as a pinch hitter. Bochy said he likely would use multiple options for the three games in Texas.

Huff has extensive DH experience from his time in the American League, having batted .278 with 69 homers and 240 RBI in 401 games.

"That's up to Boch," Huff said. "He's nailed the lineups all postseason. Every time he's put something together it's worked out. Obviously I'm comfortable DHing. I've done it for a long time. ... I don't care where I am. We have one goal as a team and that's to win the World Series."

Sloppy play

The Texas Rangers looked the part of first-time World Series participants by making four errors in the opener.

Vladimir Guerrero made two in a rare outfield appearance, while shortstop Elvis Andrus and third baseman Michael Young each made one. The four errors were a season high for the Rangers and the most in a World Series game since Boston made four in Game 2 in 2004.

No team has committed more errors in a nine-inning World Series game since the Dodgers had a record-tying six in a Game 2 loss to Baltimore in 1966, including three in one inning by center fielder Willie Davis.

"There probably was nerves going on out there," manager Ron Washington said. "I don't think any player would ever say that that happened, but there probably was. It wasn't the type of game that we can play. We're a very good team defensively, and we believe in playing defense. We just didn't do it last night. But I don't think the defense beat us last night. I think the San Francisco offense beat us."

Only one of the Giants' 11 runs in Game 1 was unearned.

A World Series win at last

Bruce Bochy's last trip to the World Series didn't go too well. A quick four-game exit by his San Diego Padres against the New York Yankees.

So when his San Francisco Giants took Game 1 against the Texas Rangers 11-7 on Wednesday night, Bochy finally could say he had his first World Series win.

"There's no question the last time you're in the Series and it didn't go well and you get swept, it's nice to get that off your back," Bochy said. "It's a seven-game series but it's always nice to get the first one."

Bochy hadn't had much postseason success before this improbable run. He had lost 10 of his previous 11 postseason games while managing the Padres -- including being eliminated in the minimum three games in the 2005 division series by St. Louis, then losing in four games to the Cardinals in the first round the very next year. That '98 team was Bochy's lone pennant in 12 seasons as Padres skipper.

Heading into Thursday, his Giants were three wins from the franchise's first title since moving West in 1958.

Rising recognition

Texas president and part owner Nolan Ryan is getting used to seeing more and more people where Rangers gear in Texas and around the country.

But hearing Jay Leno talk about his team on the Tonight Show really hit home.

"I'm thinking, 'Gosh, that sounds strange,"' Ryan said. "I think that it puts us on the map with a lot of people within the country and within baseball that we've made it to this level. I think we were more of a North Texas-type franchise in the past because of the lack of the success that we've had. I think it definitely has a very positive impact on your organization and just on recognition."

Lincecum's leg

Tim Lincecum's left leg was just fine Thursday, a day after the Giants ace was hit once in the shin and later in the hamstring in his victory over the Texas Rangers.

Manager Bruce Bochy received no reports from the training staff that Lincecum would have any ill effects from the injuries.

"He's fine. He's walking around," Bochy said before Game 2. "I didn't think he'd have any problems today."