Shortstop Omar Vizquel will be missing four to six weeks due to a torn medial meniscus in his left knee. This will jeopardize his presence for Opening Day and will be also effecting the remaining of Giants’ infield.

According to manager Bruce Bochy, Kevin Frandsen will be filling up the absence of Vizquel. This will interrupt the competition that exists amid Frandsen and Ray Durham for the second base job. However, both will be evaluated to decide who will be remaining in the lineup when Vizquel returns. Rich Aurilia will be concentrating on playing the third base.

Vizquel has tolerated speckled episodes of knee trouble during his 19-year Major League career. During 1990 and 1992, he sprained ligaments in his left knee and two right knee surgeries were done in 2003. Ever since his average has been 150 games per year.

Vizquel is coming off a season in which he maintained his defensive fineness but batted .246, a 49-point drop from 2006. However, the Giants needed him and they believed in him. This belief made the Giants sign him last November to a contract that pays him $5 million this year and carries a $5.2 million option for 2009 with a $300,000 buyout.