Frandsen excited to be part of Zito-Hudson duel

SAN DIEGO -- As Kevin Frandsen noted, he received a seat upgrade for Saturday's eagerly anticipated Tim Hudson-Barry Zito pitching matchup when the Giants play the A's in an Interleague clash.

Frandsen, a noted Bay Area sports enthusiast besides being an active participant, had purchased tickets for the game at Oakland featuring the clash between Zito, whom he befriended when they were Giants teammates, and Hudson, who he has faced more than any other Major League pitcher except for Alex Wood, Doug Davis and Eric Stults.

Frandsen's viewing plans changed when the Giants, needing personnel depth after Ehire Adrianza sustained a concussion Tuesday, purchased his contract from Triple-A Sacramento. He's still looking forward to the witnessing the Hudson-Zito confrontation, though.

"Those two mean a lot to the Bay Area, not just to the Giants and the A's," said Frandsen, who grew up in San Jose rooting for the Giants and attending A's games.

Frandsen wasn't fazed by starting Thursday at first base. Though he hasn't played since the Triple-A season ended on Labor Day, Frandsen said, "I'm never out of shape, really. It's kind of like being on the disabled list. This is my rehab game."

Frandsen, 33, insisted that he wasn't bitter about not being called up earlier in September. He observed that he was told he'd play three to four games a week with Sacramento when he signed his Minor League contract with the Giants on May 31; as it turned out, he played virtually every day. "Grateful" was how he described his feelings toward the organization.