Dunston to be Bochy's eyes on video replays

SAN FRANCISCO -- Though the Giants didn't request any videotaped reviews of close plays Thursday night, manager Bruce Bochy said that assistant coach Shawon Dunston, who's being groomed to alert the bench when a call should be questioned, has prepared for his role.

At AT&T Park, Dunston will watch games from a room in the clubhouse furnished with sophisticated video equipment to help him render a judgment.

Bochy said that Dunston, a former All-Star shortstop, relishes the chance to make an impact upon games again.

"We were practicing it. We just wanted to make sure he was on his toes," Bochy said. "He's really into it. ... It can be a game-changer."

Asked to cite Dunston's qualifications, Bochy said, "You have an ex-player who has seen a lot of close plays who wants to help. It makes sense, especially since he's traveling, to have him doing it during the game."

Bochy sounded as if he needed to familiarize himself with the procedure just as much as Dunston. Staring at the section of the dugout wall where five telephone receivers were arranged, Bochy said, "When that phone rings, I pick up the wrong one every time."

Bochy paused before joking, "One's for Obama."