"There are plenty of baby-faced rookies attending the Giants' conditioning minicamp at Scottsdale Stadium. Then there is Brian Wilson.

The black-bearded closer arrived in Arizona last week to get a jump on his throwing program; he'll take an important step in a few days when he throws off a mound for the first time since the club shut him down because of recurring elbow soreness last season.

"He's always been a workaholic, always in great shape," Giants trainer Dave Groeschner said in a phone interview. "We're working on his range of motion in his lower body, his flexibility, and of course strengthening his elbow and shoulder. It's great he's here. It's easy for us to keep an eye on him.""