SAN FRANCISCO -- Farhan Zaidi inadvertently caused a stir in December when he told reporters that the Giants could use "openers" as they search for any edge that might help them win more games.
The staff never seriously considered it, and Zaidi ended up amassing so much starting depth that the Giants should be in pretty good shape even with a pitching injury or two. But it still is a concept Giants fans may have to get used to at some point, and they should get a look at it this weekend.
The Rays were the first to use the opener last season, with former Giant Sergio Romo among the relievers who pitched the first inning on occasion to mess with matchups.