SAN FRANCISCO Brian Wilson said he doesn't expect or need an apology from Casey Blake after the Dodgers third baseman apparently mocked the cross-armed gesture the Giants closer makes after he saves a game on Sunday, although Wilson added that he won't forget the insult.
Asked Monday if he had received a message from Blake, Wilson said, "No. I don't expect to. Really, it doesn't matter. We're grown men. He can do what he wants to. It's fine." Later, when asked if he would remember the incident when the teams play again in August, Wilson smiled and said, "I have a pretty good memory."
Wilson was alerted by a friend's cell phone photo to the apparent slam after Sunday's 13-inning win over the Dodgers . Blake hit a tying home run off of Wilson in the 12th inning.
Wilson was so upset after the game that he had to be calmed down by teammates and declined to talk to reporters. Wilson and his teammates were incensed because the gesture is symbolic of his Christian faith and also serves as a signal to his late father.
Asked Monday if he was surprised that Blake might not take into consideration that the gesture is so personal, Wilson said, "In this day and age, everybody's got some meaning behind whatever they do. When a guy crosses home plate and points to the sky he's not just pointing to clouds, right?
" ... I'm not going to speculate if it was uncalled for. That's just how the game works. Some people choose to do things like that, some people choose not to."
Romo getting closer
Injured reliever Sergio Romo (sprained elbow ligament) passed another significant hurdle on Monday, pitching 2 1/3 innings in an extended spring training game in Arizona. Romo was supposed to pitch just 1 1/3 innings, but he needed just 10 pitches to record those four outs and was allowed to pitch another inning, which required only another 12 pitches.
Manager Bruce Bochy said Romo probably will pitch Thursday for either Single-A San Jose or Triple-A Fresno.
Short hops
Outfielder Andres Torres (strained left hamstring) also could begin a rehab assignment Thursday at yet to be determined minor league affiliate. Torres ran the bases Monday at 60-70 percent and reported that he felt fine. He has been hitting for several days. ... Rookie Joe Martinez, who was hit in the head with a batted ball in the third game of the season, said he has been cleared for light conditioning after receiving positive results from an MRI and a visit to the neurologist last week.
Andrew Baggarly, MediaNews staff
