"The populace wants to see Brett Pill play first base this month. He would like that, too, but it will not happen much as long as the Giants mathematically stay in contention. With a smile and a soft-spoken tone, Pill said he understands.

"Obviously, these guys have been here forever," Pill said of the Giants' regulars. "They know what they're doing. They're the best guys to play. They were here last year. They know the pressure."

Pill's call-up surprised him even though he mashed 25 home runs and drove in 107 runs for Triple-A Fresno. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound first baseman had been removed from the 40-man roster and figured he had no spot. So he packed his gear and planned to go home to Orange County."