The Giants sent Mark Sweeney to the Dodgers yesterday, the first trade between the clubs in twenty two years. This thing seems to happen when old friends are involved in the GM office. The rebuilding of the Giants continues:

Ten days ago, the Giants began this shift by shipping pitcher Matt Morris to the Pirates.

"I guess this has been something we all knew was going to happen," Randy Winn said. "It's something we knew was possible since right around the All-Star break. Obviously we haven't played as well as we've liked. When Matt got traded, that was the first sign it really was going to happen. It's the reality of the game."

A slow-developing youth movement might pick up steam. The Giants recalled Dan Ortmeier from Triple-A Fresno to replace Sweeney. The switch-hitting outfielder was batting .262 with 10 homers and 54 RBIs for the Grizzlies. He also has played some first base and could do so here.

The Giants might be forced to recall another outfielder from Fresno because Dave Roberts badly bruised his right knee in the first inning. During a failed attempt at a delayed steal of home, Roberts banged the knee into catcher Jesus Flores' shin guard. X-rays were negative, but the Giants were awaiting results of a late-afternoon MRI exam before deciding whether to place Roberts on the disabled list.

Meanwhile, Rajai Davis splayed his youthful exuberance all over the field in a defeat that resulted in a split of four games against the Nationals. Davis had his first career three-hit game with a bunt single, bloop double and solid single. He also stole two bases and scored the Giants' run.

This marks the end of the Giants trying to win a World Series for Barry Bonds. The attempt to secure a championship with older, once good players failed, and now Sabean will go back to the more traditional means of building a team, trading what value remain in these veterans for some youth. Too bad for him there aren't more patsies like the Pirates out there.