Hot topic: Angel Villalona, the heralded 16-year-old third baseman, has been playing with Class A Augusta in early Minor League exhibitions. A recent slice of action from one such game indicated that Villalona is adjusting nicely to professional ball.

Down 0-2 in the count, Villalona shortened up on his swing and dumped a single into left field in his first at-bat against a squad of Milwaukee Brewers farmhands. He was grazed on his helmet in his next at-bat but stayed in the game and came around to score.

The object of attention since signing for a $2.1 million bonus last August, Villalona remains extremely raw and will be brought along slowly. He's already as stocky as a 10-year Major League veteran and might be asked to watch his weight as he learns more about his craft.

On the move: After being reassigned to Minor League camp, right-hander Dan Giese continued making an impression by working three scoreless innings in a Major League exhibition last Wednesday against Seattle. Giese allowed only one hit and struck out three to lower his Cactus League ERA to 2.16. A 29-year-old veteran of eight Minor League seasons, Giese is with his fourth organization.

On the pine: Outfielder Thomas Neal remained sidelined after undergoing offseason surgery on a torn labrum. He expects to begin throwing in a couple of weeks.

Names in the game: Former first baseman J.T. Snow, a six-time Gold Glove winner, is expected to return to Scottsdale, Ariz., soon to work with Major and Minor Leaguers on the subtleties of his position.

They're No. 1: Right-hander Tim Lincecum, last year's 10th selection overall, remains in Major League camp, where he's still being groomed for a starting role. Lincecum is 1-0 with a 6.43 ERA and seven strikeouts in seven innings over three Cactus League appearances.

Class of '06: Shortstop Brian Bocock, the Giants' ninth-round choice out of Stetson University, has impressed observers with his strong, accurate throwing arm. Bocock spent most of last season at Class A Short Season Salem-Keizer and likely will ascend to at least Class A San Jose this year.

Stat machine: Outfielder Nate Schierholtz batted .500 (10-for-20) with a .750 slugging percentage before being optioned to Triple-A Fresno. Schierholtz probably will be the first outfielder summoned to the Majors if and when the Giants need reinforcements.

What they're saying: "I think he can incorporate a little smaller breaking ball, something he can control for a strike any time he wants, and then he can use that really good, hard curveball to put people away." -- Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti, discussing how right-hander Billy Sadler can enhance his repertoire.