It's only the middle of the first, but I'm already amped enough that I know I'm not going to sleep tonight until this one is over.
I haven't been this excited about a Giants' rookie since.... never.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Game Over
Last night I turned off the MLB.tv broadcast in the middle of the ninth. I knew we would lose. It didn't feel good, but I knew it.
This bullpen is incapable of keeping the other team off the scoreboard long enough for this (terrible) offense to put some runs up in a clutch situation.
This bullpen is incapable of keeping the other team off the scoreboard long enough for this (terrible) offense to put some runs up in a clutch situation.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
What a day for Fred
Fred Lewis hit for the cycle today. The triple and the homer were the first of his MLB career. Hitting for the cycle when you can still count your MLB at bats on your fingers and toes is a little like losing your virginity to Carmen Electra.
That was a strange outfield today.
That was a strange outfield today.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
WTF?
A hit and run with Vizquel/Aurilia that leaves Bonds to lead of the next inning... brilliant!
What was Bochy thinking on this one?
What was Bochy thinking on this one?
Homegrown Hitting Help
Nate Schierholtz is tearing things up in Fresno. From Baseball America:
The 23-year-old Schierholtz raised his average 74 points and doubled his doubles total lasts week, while hitting an unbelievable .545/.559/.879. He led the PCL in average, slugging, hits (18), doubles (six) and extra-base hits (eight).
Running the wrong way
Would Dave Roberts have caught the liner off Reyes' bat last night? It's a difficult play for sure, but Linden's lunge towards homeplate was foolish.
Zito looked good, he had his curveball working exceptionally well last night. Interesting to see how often he uses it. In the sixth, he came out and threw only fastballs with the rare changeup, until a run scored and he was in trouble. Then he went back to the curve. He humiliated Easley with it, but Molina couldn't handle the spin in the dirt.
Sorry for the lack of posts lately, just closed on a new home.
Zito looked good, he had his curveball working exceptionally well last night. Interesting to see how often he uses it. In the sixth, he came out and threw only fastballs with the rare changeup, until a run scored and he was in trouble. Then he went back to the curve. He humiliated Easley with it, but Molina couldn't handle the spin in the dirt.
Sorry for the lack of posts lately, just closed on a new home.
Friday, May 4, 2007
14-13
Coming down from the Lincecum euphoria...
Matt Cain finally paid for his early season control issues. He only got 9 outs, giving up four walks, eight hits, and seven earned runs. He did have one highlight reel moment, a buckling curve to Chase Utley in the first. But it was apparent from the get-go that Cain was in trouble, he started the first three hitters of the game 2-0.
Matt Cain finally paid for his early season control issues. He only got 9 outs, giving up four walks, eight hits, and seven earned runs. He did have one highlight reel moment, a buckling curve to Chase Utley in the first. But it was apparent from the get-go that Cain was in trouble, he started the first three hitters of the game 2-0.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
IT'S GO TIME
Russ Ortiz to the DL.
Tim Lincecum is about to make his major league debut!
On Sunday!
On the ESPN Sunday Night Game!
I'm going to have trouble breathing for the next couple of days.
Tim Lincecum is about to make his major league debut!
On Sunday!
On the ESPN Sunday Night Game!
I'm going to have trouble breathing for the next couple of days.
Another Good Outing
7 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
38.1 IP, 2-3, 3.52 ERA
There have been worse 126 million dollar investments.
Note: That's two straight starts of over 120 pitches. Bochy looks ready to push his durability.
38.1 IP, 2-3, 3.52 ERA
There have been worse 126 million dollar investments.
Note: That's two straight starts of over 120 pitches. Bochy looks ready to push his durability.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
You little Devil...
Tremendous, classic, tragic Devil Rays moment:
Men on first and second, no outs. Jason Tyner lays down a bunt towards the pitcher. BJ Upton is playing second, and he doesn't even make an attempt to cover first. Edwin Jackson, who fielded the ball, realizes this and then turns to third to check Torii Hunter, who has wandered too far off the bag.
But Jackson fires the ball about 25 feet over the head of Ty Wigginton, and the ball goes deep into left field.
The inning continues...
Update:
BJ Upton makes a fielding error, Joe Mauer punches one to left, and the bases are loaded now with still only one out. Now Joe Maddon is out to replace Jackson, and young Edwin is NOT HAPPY. Not that you can blame him, Upton has killed him this inning.
Is there a bigger defensive liability in the majors than BJ Upton?
Men on first and second, no outs. Jason Tyner lays down a bunt towards the pitcher. BJ Upton is playing second, and he doesn't even make an attempt to cover first. Edwin Jackson, who fielded the ball, realizes this and then turns to third to check Torii Hunter, who has wandered too far off the bag.
But Jackson fires the ball about 25 feet over the head of Ty Wigginton, and the ball goes deep into left field.
The inning continues...
Update:
BJ Upton makes a fielding error, Joe Mauer punches one to left, and the bases are loaded now with still only one out. Now Joe Maddon is out to replace Jackson, and young Edwin is NOT HAPPY. Not that you can blame him, Upton has killed him this inning.
Is there a bigger defensive liability in the majors than BJ Upton?
Tonight's Games
A couple of interesting pitching matchups in the AL tonight.
In Tampa Bay, Sidney Ponson continues his campaign of crapiness against fellow dud Edwin Jackson. It's only a matter of time before one of the young Twins prospects pushes him out of the way, and the sooner the better. Go Tampa.
In Arlington, Phil Hughes makes his second start for the Yankees against young Kameron Loe of the Rangers. Texas presents a formidable lineup in a ballpark that is a hitters paradise -- this is certainly a challenge for the young right hander.
In Tampa Bay, Sidney Ponson continues his campaign of crapiness against fellow dud Edwin Jackson. It's only a matter of time before one of the young Twins prospects pushes him out of the way, and the sooner the better. Go Tampa.
In Arlington, Phil Hughes makes his second start for the Yankees against young Kameron Loe of the Rangers. Texas presents a formidable lineup in a ballpark that is a hitters paradise -- this is certainly a challenge for the young right hander.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Doc Halladay
I'm making the trip to Toronto this summer to see Halladay in the Dome. The guy is the ultimate staff ace. He pitches with extreme confidence, working at a torrid pace. He throws hard and he challenges every hitter. He's dominating the Rangers at the moment.
It will be a shame if the Blue Jays go through his entire prime without see what this guy can do for them in the post-season.
Update:
It's now 9:10. The game took 2:03, Halladay pitched all 9.
It will be a shame if the Blue Jays go through his entire prime without see what this guy can do for them in the post-season.
Update:
It's now 9:10. The game took 2:03, Halladay pitched all 9.
Crappy Weekend
Count me among those not in alarm over the sweep. Yes, once again, the offense looks inept and Bochy's decisions warrant some second-guessing. And yeah, no one in this lineup inspires confidence when called upon for a clutch hit save Mr BBI.
But these games were all winnable, and the Giants just finished with their share of good fortune. They were due. This is not a team that's going to run away with anything.
I'm concerned with Vizquel's platework. He doesn't look confident up there. In a lineup that lacks pop, it's vital that the top of the order is consistent. And as much as I love Roberts too, he is batting .243 (.300 OBP) to Vizquel's .224 (.274 OBP). Walking Bonds is an easy decision when no one is one base.
It's still a stretch to suggest this team can contend without another bat, even if the starting pitching continues this incredible work. With Lincecum's dominance in Fresno, someone is expendable. Will Sabean make a move sooner rather than later?
But these games were all winnable, and the Giants just finished with their share of good fortune. They were due. This is not a team that's going to run away with anything.
I'm concerned with Vizquel's platework. He doesn't look confident up there. In a lineup that lacks pop, it's vital that the top of the order is consistent. And as much as I love Roberts too, he is batting .243 (.300 OBP) to Vizquel's .224 (.274 OBP). Walking Bonds is an easy decision when no one is one base.
It's still a stretch to suggest this team can contend without another bat, even if the starting pitching continues this incredible work. With Lincecum's dominance in Fresno, someone is expendable. Will Sabean make a move sooner rather than later?
Saturday, April 28, 2007
It had to happen again
No clutch hitting, bad defense. That will lose you almost any game. Doug Davis had his cutter working against our lefties, but he wasn't truly dominating. He threw more balls than strikes.
Omar Vizquel booted a tough play, but one he routinely makes. Ray Durham left a ton of guys on base. They played badly and they lost.
Oh, and Feliz struck out swinging at another pitch in the dirt.
Positives:
Randy Winn had a great game at the plate. Perhaps he's warming up.
Zito pitched a decent game. I don't understand the decision to avoid Connor Jackson like he's a legitimate slugger so you can pitch to Stephen Drew. He had handcuffed Jackson twice previously on inside fastballs. Don't put extra guys on base and make these young, unproven guys beat you.
Omar Vizquel booted a tough play, but one he routinely makes. Ray Durham left a ton of guys on base. They played badly and they lost.
Oh, and Feliz struck out swinging at another pitch in the dirt.
Positives:
Randy Winn had a great game at the plate. Perhaps he's warming up.
Zito pitched a decent game. I don't understand the decision to avoid Connor Jackson like he's a legitimate slugger so you can pitch to Stephen Drew. He had handcuffed Jackson twice previously on inside fastballs. Don't put extra guys on base and make these young, unproven guys beat you.
Random Thoughts...
A few thoughts while flipping between games last night:
- Frank Thomas is exhausted and appears to be in pain after every ninety feet. Bent over, hands on his knees. Getting old sucks.
- Jose Reyes hit a pop fly to deep second last night. Ronnie Belliard was too fat to get back and make an over the shoulder catch, but Austin Kearns (right-fielder) never even came into the picture to try and make a play. Meanwhile, Reyes went into second for an easy double. What was Kearns doing?
- The Rangers broadcast crew tells us that the starting pitcher gets to pick the clubhouse music for the day. Kevin Millwood generally chooses Toby Keith (boo!). Robinson Tejeda chooses Tego Calderon, a Puerto Rican rapper.
- Speaking of the Rangers, they are Phil Hughes' next opponent. Pitching in Texas is not an easy second start.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Finally Back
After a long week on the road I am finally back home. Without the bandwidth for MLB.tv on the road, I've been forced to follow the Giants through box scores. Perhaps running into Mrs Nancy Pelosi in Reagan airport on Friday was an indication the Giants were going to keep rolling. Omen or not, it's been a great week.
How many 1-0 and 2-1 games can the Giants win? Probably not a ton more. You can't put this much pressure on your starting pitching. And Zito can not be counted on to throw 120+ pitches every start. Likewise, don't expect 8 innings from Matt Cain every five days. I hope Bochy is on the same page.
I caught some of the Rangers/Mariners game last night. Brandon Morrow was on fire. That kid is going to be an excellent starting pitcher.
How many 1-0 and 2-1 games can the Giants win? Probably not a ton more. You can't put this much pressure on your starting pitching. And Zito can not be counted on to throw 120+ pitches every start. Likewise, don't expect 8 innings from Matt Cain every five days. I hope Bochy is on the same page.
I caught some of the Rangers/Mariners game last night. Brandon Morrow was on fire. That kid is going to be an excellent starting pitcher.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Rain-Out
Let me tell you why that weekend didn't suck:
I couldn't make it down to Pittsburgh this weekend for a variety of reasons. Because of the weather, I may be able to make the games, whenever they are rescheduled. This makes me very happy.
Zito on the hill tonight, as the Giants reset their rotation. Back to NL West opponents.
Lefty Jeff Francis is throwing for Colorado, which will mean Pedro is in the lineup instead of Klesko. Dammit.
I couldn't make it down to Pittsburgh this weekend for a variety of reasons. Because of the weather, I may be able to make the games, whenever they are rescheduled. This makes me very happy.
Zito on the hill tonight, as the Giants reset their rotation. Back to NL West opponents.
Lefty Jeff Francis is throwing for Colorado, which will mean Pedro is in the lineup instead of Klesko. Dammit.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Where We're At
I caught Jason Stark's article today on espn.com (you can find it here). He paints a pretty grim picture for the Giants (as well as the Phillies and Nationals). And while this season might not turn into the nightmare scenario he conjures, the long-term future of this team is not anything to jump up and down about.
Brian Sabean has left the club without a single young stud in the lineup, something nearly every team in majors has (7, if you're the Rays). And while the young pitching staff is promising, I don't think any of them can hit for power.
There isn't any top flight hitting prospect ready to make the leap to the majors, either.
If you think the offense looks bad now, where will it be without Bonds?
Who is available for the Giants to go after in free agency next summer? Is there a team ready to trade away hitting for Jonathan Sanchez?
Two thoughts -- Torii Hunter is on his way out of Minnesota. The usual suspects (Yankees, Red Sox) will likely not be in the picture. He'll be 32 when next season begins so acquiring him wouldn't exactly make the team any younger.
The Devil Rays have a fine collection of young position players. They have trouble finding spots for them all, and they desperately need pitching help. Take a look at their position players:
OF: Elijah Dukes
OF: Rocco Baldelli
OF: Carl Crawford
OF: Delmon Young
OF/DH: Jonny Gomes
OF/IF: BJ Upton
SS: Bill Zobrist
3B: Akinori Iwamura
1B: Ty Wigginton
Every one of those guys is an athlete and can hit. Wigginton is the oldest at 29. Someone should be raiding this lineup later this summer for pitching. That someone's initials are BS.
Brian Sabean has left the club without a single young stud in the lineup, something nearly every team in majors has (7, if you're the Rays). And while the young pitching staff is promising, I don't think any of them can hit for power.
There isn't any top flight hitting prospect ready to make the leap to the majors, either.
If you think the offense looks bad now, where will it be without Bonds?
Who is available for the Giants to go after in free agency next summer? Is there a team ready to trade away hitting for Jonathan Sanchez?
Two thoughts -- Torii Hunter is on his way out of Minnesota. The usual suspects (Yankees, Red Sox) will likely not be in the picture. He'll be 32 when next season begins so acquiring him wouldn't exactly make the team any younger.
The Devil Rays have a fine collection of young position players. They have trouble finding spots for them all, and they desperately need pitching help. Take a look at their position players:
OF: Elijah Dukes
OF: Rocco Baldelli
OF: Carl Crawford
OF: Delmon Young
OF/DH: Jonny Gomes
OF/IF: BJ Upton
SS: Bill Zobrist
3B: Akinori Iwamura
1B: Ty Wigginton
Every one of those guys is an athlete and can hit. Wigginton is the oldest at 29. Someone should be raiding this lineup later this summer for pitching. That someone's initials are BS.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Woohoo!!
We won. It's game 8 of the regular season and I already feel a weight off my shoulders. I wonder how the players felt.
Is it coincidence that the Giants are 2-0 with Klesko at first and Aurilia at third (instead of Feliz)? Hmm.
Perhaps that is oversimplifying the problems with the offense, but there isn't a lot of collective patience remaining in Giants' Nation for Mr Feliz.
Is it coincidence that the Giants are 2-0 with Klesko at first and Aurilia at third (instead of Feliz)? Hmm.
Perhaps that is oversimplifying the problems with the offense, but there isn't a lot of collective patience remaining in Giants' Nation for Mr Feliz.
Monday, April 9, 2007
Terrible...
As I sit here and watch the Yankees have batting practice on Fatso Ponson (challenging Bartolo Colon for biggest mess in majors), while Carl Pavano serves up meatballs to a Twins lineup that is just missing, I am baffled.
I am baffled by an otherwise smart organization that inexplicably signed a bum like Sidney Ponson. I don't get it.
Barring injuries, the dude won't last past May. Either Matt Garza or Scott Baker will be up from Rochester by then. They were both having decent springs, and would have been a better choice that Ponson. He gives you no chance to win, and is a complete waste of money and time. At least he looks like an obese Razor Ramon. I wish he pitched with a toothpick in mouth.
I am baffled by an otherwise smart organization that inexplicably signed a bum like Sidney Ponson. I don't get it.
Barring injuries, the dude won't last past May. Either Matt Garza or Scott Baker will be up from Rochester by then. They were both having decent springs, and would have been a better choice that Ponson. He gives you no chance to win, and is a complete waste of money and time. At least he looks like an obese Razor Ramon. I wish he pitched with a toothpick in mouth.
Lincecum Update
Lincecum threw 83 pitches over 5 shutout innings in a Fresno win. His final line:
5 IP, 2 H, 3 BB, 8 K, 0 ER, 0 R
5 IP, 2 H, 3 BB, 8 K, 0 ER, 0 R
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Buzz Kill
How terrible was opening day?
MLB.tv appears to be having severe server overload issues, and I could never connect to watch the game. I settled for the radio broadcast, but I still had to leave in the 2nd inning for soccer.
And on opening day at home, the Giants lineup puts up a goose egg.
Judging from the box score, Zito pitched OK. Peavy continues to own the Giants.
Not the opening day Jonathan Sanchez needed. 1 IP, 3 ER.
1 down. 161 to go. There's no reason to take too much from a single game. 5 more in division games lined up next. They won't all be like this.
MLB.tv appears to be having severe server overload issues, and I could never connect to watch the game. I settled for the radio broadcast, but I still had to leave in the 2nd inning for soccer.
And on opening day at home, the Giants lineup puts up a goose egg.
Judging from the box score, Zito pitched OK. Peavy continues to own the Giants.
Not the opening day Jonathan Sanchez needed. 1 IP, 3 ER.
1 down. 161 to go. There's no reason to take too much from a single game. 5 more in division games lined up next. They won't all be like this.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Ballpark Quest
This summer I begin my quest to see a game in every MLB ballpark. Before you get too excited, this is not a single-season plan. I plan on doing 2-3 new stadiums each summer. Here's where I'm at currently:
Been There:
Been There:
- Yankee Stadium
- Olympic Stadium (Montreal, I'm counting this.)
- Jacobs Field (Cleveland)
- SkyDome (Toronto)
- Fenway (Boston) *
- AT&T Park (San Francisco) *
Friday, March 30, 2007
Zito's Exhibition
Zito's line from last night:
Wilson and Benitez also threw scoreless innings.
| IP | H | BB | ER | K |
| 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
Wilson and Benitez also threw scoreless innings.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Young Arms... A Reason to be Excited
Sure, at this point, Brian Sabean's affinity for signing free agent position players who have their AARP cards has become a running joke -- Ray Durham, Edgardo Alfonzo, Omar Vizquel, Kenny Lofton, Rich Aurilia, Dave Roberts, Ryan Klesko, the list goes on.
The lineup this season is once again pretty old. It's also not all that good. Our best player is the most hated man in baseball. The Giants will struggle to contend in the division. These are the facts.
But there is reason to be optimistic. The men who step on the mound to start the games look like they could be special.
Zito, we know, is an established big league hurler.
Noah Lowry dazzled us in 2005. His return to form and consistency will be season long points of discussion.
Matt Cain has the stuff to be a certified #1. Many expect it to be his breakout year.
Tim Lincecum has Giants junkies buzzing. Expect extended pitching reports from Fresno every five days.
It looks like Jonathan Sanchez is starting the season in the long relief role. If and when a starter goes down, he'll likely be called upon to step in.
Matt Morris can be a dependable middle of the rotation guy.
Somehow, Russ Ortiz has put together a brilliant spring.
This is worth watching. This is a reason to be excited.
The lineup this season is once again pretty old. It's also not all that good. Our best player is the most hated man in baseball. The Giants will struggle to contend in the division. These are the facts.
But there is reason to be optimistic. The men who step on the mound to start the games look like they could be special.
Zito, we know, is an established big league hurler.
Noah Lowry dazzled us in 2005. His return to form and consistency will be season long points of discussion.
Matt Cain has the stuff to be a certified #1. Many expect it to be his breakout year.
Tim Lincecum has Giants junkies buzzing. Expect extended pitching reports from Fresno every five days.
It looks like Jonathan Sanchez is starting the season in the long relief role. If and when a starter goes down, he'll likely be called upon to step in.
Matt Morris can be a dependable middle of the rotation guy.
Somehow, Russ Ortiz has put together a brilliant spring.
This is worth watching. This is a reason to be excited.
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