Revisiting an Old Blog Post
I wrote this on June 17th. Read the last sentence. That’s why I re-posted it today…..
“I liked Huff’s quote in the paper today:
“At this time of year, I’m used to being 20 games out,” Huff said. “I’ve never been a part of something like this.
“It’s an amazing experience. I used to be counting the days until vacation by now.”
I’m guessing Franchez is having a similar ride….
Huff’s re-birth has been one of the great sidebars of this season. He’s been like a left handed Ellis Burks lately. You know, when Barry, Kent, Alou, JT etc were on the team it was great because we were winning and who doesn’t like that? But it was never easy to like most of the players on those great teams just as *people*, you know?
This team is different. It’s EASY to like what we know about the fellas on this team. You can root for these players as “people”, not just players who play on your favorite team….
I’ll remember that when we go on a 6 game losing streak– it’ll make it a little easier to tolerate. 
”
A Place To Talk About Giants Baseball 
Here’s the Buster Olney piece I said that I would post when it came out. I like Olney but there’s not much here. He says he polled 12 GM’s but none of the votes or quotes are assigned to anyone.
EASIEST GMs TO MAKE A DEAL WITH
Jim Hendry, Cubs (5 votes) “Hendry is the type of person you’d feel comfortable going out and having a beer with. He’s a backslapping type of guy, and that really works for making trades.”
Ken Williams, White Sox (3) “It’s either a ‘yes’ or a ‘no,’ and it’s immediate. He knows what he’s willing to do.”
Larry Beinfest, Marlins (1) “Absolutely no BS. The conversations are short, a quick e-mail, and when he says he’ll get back to you on a proposal, it’s usually the same day.”
Theo Epstein, Red Sox (1) “He goes into each discussion knowing what he wants and how he values his own players. Very decisive.”
Doug Melvin, Brewers (1) “He’s very good at seeing how deals could line up. The conversations will move along.”
Billy Beane, Athletics (1) “He’s always looking to make a fair deal.”
TOUGHEST GMs TO MAKE A DEAL WITH
Brian Sabean, Giants (7) “I can’t get him to return a call. I’ve had two baseball conversations with him in the past five years.”
Ned Colletti, Dodgers (4) “When you’re talking to him, it feels like you’re dealing with five different people, and you don’t know whether it’s the owner, the scouting director or the manager who really holds the power.”
Neal Huntington, Pirates (1) “It feels formal talking with him, to the point of being uncomfortable.”
GMs WHO ARE THE BIGGEST CARD PLAYERS
Huntington (3) “I like him, but you don’t ever feel at ease. He’s a good person, but he’s just very polished, well-spoken, to the point where it’s tough to know what’s really going on.”
Colletti (3) “He’s not going to share information or make a move until he absolutely has to.”
Omar Minaya, Mets (1) “He’ll give you a ridiculous proposal that might just kill the conversation. He’ll offer you a $5 bill and ask for two 10s in return.”
Getty ImagesMets fans can’t complain that Omar Minaya doesn’t shoot for the stars.
Walt Jocketty, Reds (1) “I find talking with him to be the biggest waste of time, because he never commits to anything. He talks to you as if he’s interested, and then you never hear back from him.”
Ed Wade, Astros (1) “He will always talk with you, but it seems like he’s never willing to put himself in a position to risk anything.”
Mike Rizzo, Nationals (1) “He’ll give you the kind of proposals that just end conversations. They’re very one-sided.”
Andrew Friedman, Rays (1) “He’s very strategic in his dealings. I don’t think he ever opens up.”
Jon Daniels, Rangers (1) “He comes across as very, very careful.”
IF YOU NEEDED A GM, WHOM WOULD YOU HIRE?
Epstein (8) “Theo’s career has been helped by being in Boston, but I think that if you had put him in Kansas City five years ago, they’d be pretty good right now. If you were an owner, it would be hard to find someone better.”
Josh Byrnes, Diamondbacks (2) “I think he’s smart as hell, he’s well thought-out, and he’s a good person.”
Friedman (1) “I know he’s young, but look at what they’ve accomplished organizationally. He’s the best GM in the game.”
Beinfest (1) “He makes the most out of the talent he’s got.”
*Josh Byrnes, Diamondbacks (2) “I think he’s smart as hell, he’s well thought-out, and he’s a good person.”*
And he’s available!!!!!
I just think Olney is trying to stir up the trading deadline pot is all.
Great memory, by the way, on pulling up your old post.
“IF YOU NEEDED A GM, WHOM WOULD YOU HIRE?”
Josh Byrnes, Diamondbacks (2) “I think he’s smart as hell, he’s well thought-out, and he’s a good person.”
Doubt reading that will make Josh feel any better this morning. Wouldn’t put much stock into the Olney piece except for the fact that Colletti ranks second on the list behind Sabean. Could be purely coincidental, but I doubt it. It’s only natural to incorporate habits, good or bad, from those around you.
First words outta Kruk’s mouth this morning when asked about Bumgarner weren’t about Madison himself, but that his outing last night really affords the Giants to trade pitching for a bat. Maybe something “big” is in the works.
T-minus 9 hrs. and counting till our stopper takes the field. Who better to halt a six-game skid than Eli Whiteside. Wonders never cease.
Didn’t like reading the quirky stat that Bumgarner has appeared in six major league games. Giants are 0-6 in those games. The team already has a Bam Bam, now you can add Bad Luck Schleprock as well. We’re turning into the goddamn Flintstones.
Buddy of mine says the Giants will regret playing Posey at C so much in 5 years when his body begins to deteriorate from the every day grind of catching; he’s a good enough athlete he can play anywhere, including 1B or the OF. Whitey a day or two with Posey at 1B is not a bad deal. With Huff in the OF I would imagine that means Rowand sits on those days, so it’s really Whitey for Rowand.
The SPs are going through an adjustment minus Benjie, so Bochy is just trying to soften the transition. This isn’t fantasy ball, there are other factors involved in running a PS. Let them sort it out.
Yesterday game was 4-3 before Mota and Runzler made it a lot less interesting; Casilla lost the first Dodger game on the HR and he and Romo gave up another 3 late inthe Dodger finale. Combined with some poor starts by Sanchez and Lincecum where the team is behind early, PS is bigger issue to me than the “big bat”.
Krukow couple weeks ago told a story on radio postgame about his days with the Phils. They had a good high scoring offense that was struggling and the team was losing. A team meeting was called by mgr., and he and the PS thought the hitters were in for it. Not so: the mgr. called out the pitchers instead. His message: the hitters are scuffling right now, so you need to do more and pitch better to help them out until they get untracked. I’d second that one heartily to Giants SPs.
Watching Posey last night, my wife and I were thinking something along the same lines, willied. Maybe he’s excited about becoming the regular starter but Posey was on his toes the entire game and his movement behind the plate was really energetic – at times, he would almost bound into position to receive the pitch. He looks quite comfortable behind the plate but I would like to see signs over the course of this season that he is learning to conserve energy for the moments in the game when he really needs a burst. The difference between his energy behind the plate and Bengie’s was a stark contrast. Bengie had lost his explosiveness over the years but he definitely understood that he only needed to expend energy at certain times – at other times it’s just wasted. Don’t know if that makes sense but it got me thinking about the wear and tear on Posey several years down the road.
This team has me really conflicted right now. On the one hand, I want to break shit when they play stupid and allow Aaron Cook to get out of the first inning with only 10 pitches. On the other hand, I’m cool with taking our lumps as long as I finally get to see Bumgarner throwing to Posey. I wonder how long I’ll be okay with that if they continue losing?
“Whitey a day or two with Posey at 1B is not a bad deal.” “so it’s really Whitey for Rowand”
Willie, I consider you one the best and rational commentators here, but please tell me you’re joking. More Whitey is never a good thing, regardless of who he’s replacing. Even if it’s Rowand, as much as he’s loathed by most, that’s not an upgrade. Even worse would be considering it a lateral move. Because if in the Giants math, Rowand=Whiteside, say goodnight Gracie.
Misc. Notes:
1B Brandon Belt promoted to AA. Numbers at San Jose:
269 AB .383 BA 28 2B 4 3B 10 HR 62 RBI .492 OBP .628 Slugging 1.121 OPS 18/25 SB
As far as Posey catching, you’ll excuse me if I leave the worrying about how he’ll fare in 5 years to someone else. He belongs behind the plate. At first or third he’s no better than the guys playing those positions already. When he moves to 1B tonight, three positions will suffer..
International signing period starts today, Giants are considered favorites for the top guy:
“Eskarlin Vasquez, OF: As it sits right now, Vasquez appears to be the top all-around position player in the class. A right fielder with a strong arm, Vasquez has shown some good power at the dish and could get a bonus north of $2 million.”
Another two hours to get your ASG picks in.
I saw the promotion of Belt…good stuff. Let’s hope he continues to tear it up with the Squirrels.
How many ASG entries so far?
Chi: about 20, Flavor says. I’m going to still put up the prize. Gringo is the only regular poster not eligible other than those who have already won. .
I’m amazed by the daily scapegoats. Wellemeyer, Bum, Posey, Eli, middle relief, etc. Giants are not “scuffling.” Even with found money in Burrell and Torres, great value in Huff, “utility” Uribe leading the team in many ways … SF is 5-15 when behind by the 2nd inning, record declines from there. “Analysis paralysis,” Mr. Krukow.
Trading Bum as a salve would be a disaster. Guy is 20, the 10th overall pick. Yes, we’re 6 out. We’re also 9th in the NL, 15-21 road rec., on 11-game roadie, play LAD six more times in July. If Panda turns it around, maybe SF gets in the mix. Trading good assets in July would be insane. Someone get a restraining order for Sabean.
Bochy isn’t considered an All-Star because he’s one of the coaches, does he? If he does, you tricked me good.
Bochy does not count, Dennis…
As far as trades, who the fuck suggested trading Bumgarner? He’s RIGHT NOW one of the half dozen best LH starters in the NL. If any of you watched either of his games and doubt that, just fucking join the guy in the corner of “B”. I’ll be there with the Potassium chloride in a few…
They’re already “in the mix”, Jediot. 3 1/2 out of the playoffs with 84 games left? I swear some of you people eat stoopidios for breakfast.. see above.
Yeah, I’ve been trying to find any place where Bumgarner has been implicated as trade bait and can’t find shit. Jed, are you making up trade scenarios for no good reason? I fucking hate wild goose chases. Don’t fucking get worked up over nothing.
“stoopidos” made me laugh.
Last night only two of the hitters really looked good: Huff and Posey. Unfortunately, they were not close together in the lineup. My feeling is that a significant part of why Buster was hitting the ball with authority last night was because he is finally the main starting catcher for the team. He’s playing where he wants to and in a young guy like him the psychological effect appears obvious.
Though at least a couple of the pitchers may not yet have established a comfort zone with Posey, i do think it’s a mistake to keep jerking him around in the field. SPs have been taking their lumps lately so i can’t see how they could get much worse making the transition now rather than later when they and the batters have begun to pick it up again.
Twin, glad you shared the news about Belt. Sporting the highest batting average in the Minors and posting Panda-like numbers in OPS and almost every other category, i noted over a week ago on the blog that he was not long for S.J. My hope is that he doesn’t get snagged by the quality of pitching in the Eastern League, but keeps on posting good numbers at the plate. Perhaps with both Belt and Thomas Neal on the same team, the rest of the hitting prospects on the Squirrels will become energized and pick up their game as well. Promotions for AA (particularly Eastern League) standouts can come pretty quickly and go clear to the top.
One of the beat guys needs to get a scouting report from Eli on Chris Ray. They were briefly together in Baltimore in 2005, and Eli caught Ray for all of 6 batters. BTW, all 6 were outs, including a strikeout-caught stealing DP vs. Tampa with Huff getting the CS.
Thanx, Twin, for that reminder. I’m trying like hell to stay upbeat through this skid, and it ain’t easy.
Getting back to trades, obviously Dirty has become the centerpiece if they are looking for a middle of the order bat who is not a free agent to be. I’m not necessarily suggesting that they trade him, just that he’s become ( again), the guy who is both desired and expendable. Who can they get for him and who gets added to the deal-you DO NOT get an established 3,4,5 hitter for just Sanchez.
Ahhh, Jed just jumped to conclusions about Bumgarner being the trade-bait when it had been mentioned that he was now added to the mix of starting pitchers. Who is on the edge right now, because of Madison’s emergence is Sanchez. Though he’s been scuffling lately, Drrrrty is an intriguing possibility for many teams who could use a LH SP with a lot of talent. With 3 LHs in starting roles, Giants are a bit heavy in that category.
That said, though, a cautionary note should consider the fact that Brandon Belt and Thomas Neal could be arriving as soon as late this season if the team continues to scuffle and that their positions are 1B and OF, exactly where upgrading is needed. The third iffy position, mainly because of range and smoothness factors is SS. That one too might be covered by Brandon Crawford, who is having a decent but not spectacular season at the plate for Richmond.
IF the Giants continue to scuffle on this road-trip and fall something like ten games back by the AS break, Sabean COULD be tempted to go the blockbuster route where names like Renteria, Uribe, Rowand, Schierholtz and Ishikawa could be added to Drrrty. Watching Dexter Fowler last night confirmed in my mind that a speedy guy with a combination of punch and gap hitting skills would be every bit as valuable to this team as a certified clouter. Pair another speedy, rangy outfielder with Torres and the Giants become a much different team. Darren Ford has shown no signs of busting out at Richmond so maybe such a player would have to come via the trade route. The clouters may already in the system in Neal and Belt.
“My feeling is that a significant part of why Buster was hitting the ball with authority last night was because he is finally the main starting catcher for the team.”
Stix, I sure hope so. I thought abought about that watching him last night and about the effect Molina’s presence had on him, but he was hitting pretty well the first couple of weeks up. Might be just the adjustments to how opposing pitcher’s were going after him.
Can one still play the ASG contest for the fun of it?
“Can one still play the ASG contest for the fun of it?” Yep….
Have you sent you shipping address yet?
Twinfan, No, I haven’t. Send it to BigFlavor?
Ah, I love the smell of Tommy cookin’ meatballs in the morning
http://tinyurl.com/cf2erg
Thanks for the laugh, Twin. While he wore the hated blue for many many years, Tommy L is one funny motherfucker. LMAO…
Buster hit rockets all last night, so of course he won’t start again at C, it’s Whiteside to catch Timmy. That just takes a better bat than El Presidente’s outta the LU to accommodate Buster at 1b, assumiing he’ll be moved there tonite. Hello, Bonehead. Molina is now GONE. Posey is the future at catcher, and the future is now. Doofus, play him there 4 outta 5 days, even now and then with Dirrty too (after the deadline if he’s still here), and tell the pitchers to shut up and start liking it…
Max, yes.
Bochy said Ishi will start one of the next three in Colorado. Doubt it’s tomorrow vs Jimenez, that would be considered cruel and unusual punishment by any standards. Leaves either tonight or Sunday. If it’s tonight, that relegates Buster back to the bench. I can see the line forming for dropping Bochy in the dunk tank already. 3 for a $1. Loosen up your arms gents.
Ah, I think y’all were a little rough on Jed. He was actually pretty positive in his post. Well, ‘positive’ as Jed can probably be.
Fred Lewis with baserunning blunder against Yankees.
I wanted to confirm or rule out something so I gave a call to Vern and Vera Whiteside, Eli’s folks. They both said Eli sucks and shouldn’t start more than once a week…
Vern Whiteside? If it’s the Vern I’m thinking of, things are becoming more clear now.
http://tinyurl.com/c3a9rv
Man, these Yankee broadcasters are corn, wrapped in corn, all covered with corn sauce. Surely the Yankees could do better than these dorks.
Zum, if you think that’s bad, you should hear their radio announcers.
What was the deadline for the ASG contest? I have been at a loss of what to post lately…. Nice of Jed to pop up once a losing streak hits…..
Zoom, you’re right. I was a little tough on Jed. But I’m a little OCD and when someone starts getting all worked up over the thought of Bumgarner getting traded, I am compelled to go look it up. I was slightly annoyed by the false panic.
Decap: get your picks in, I’ll allow it….
Jediot is quite fond of creating a bogus view to oppose. It’s a common doomoron tactic.
You have to be impressed with the way that barryforever works SFGate. He even succeeded in getting my “barryfornever” troll banned from the Splash for some rather innocuous comments. Whatever, I needed to get the impetus to stay off there completely…
I think he works at SFGate.
Fuck You, barryforever.
I find it hard to believe that anybody who’s capable of such an odd obsession could hold down a job. I think he’s just finally figured out all the tricks of how to make SFGate work to his advantage. He’s one truly pathetic individual.
barryforever: I know you’re sneaking peeks at the Flap right now since you’re aware we are talking about you and twinfan just posted the link. So….suck my fucking dick you loser-ass piece of shit. I’ve never seen anybody quite so pathetic as you. Your lines have not once been clever and you repeat the same shit all the time like some goddamn Rainman fuckface. I’d be surprised to find out that you even have ONE friend in this world – your own mom probably hates you, ya fuck.
Sorry to the rest of the flappers for doing something that’s probably super self-indulgent.
Andres-CF
Frederick-2B
Aubrey-RF
Patrick-LF
Pablo-3B
Juan-SS
Gerald-1B
Dustin-C
Timothy-P
Players will be referred to on a first-name only basis for today. Gotta try something to end this shit.
I knew Whiteside would play tonight but that still doesn’t lessen the sting when you see it written down.
Magnus (I’ve not said “Magnus” in a while so maybe it’s a good omen),
You said in your old post it would make YOU feel better when they lost six in a row. I didn’t sign up for that, and I’m still grouchy and ledge-latched lemmmingward. BTW, anyone following the Russian spy stuff? Anna Chapman is hot! Can she play the outfield? Coach? Translate for Pablo?
She looks like a hot version of Pam from The Office
or a Russian gymnast-skater-novelist-pornstar–diplomat
Hell yes!
Tim K. at EPSN [for dyslexics] said AZ bullpen’s 6.98 ERA is highest in 50 years, whatever that means, and they’re also setting some type of SO record. Like I’m sad.
I’ve really not been a Bochy basher, and I’m still not, but if this freefall continues he’s in jeopardy, as all managers in like situations are — even recognizing that a change rarely matters all that much. I am concerned, though, that some of his LU shuffling smacks of desperation, coming from someone as conservative as he is.
Free chicken in Room B, hobos…
Ok, I’m lying, just like Ferguson and his robot. Actualy, though, I’m told that Vera Whiteside makes killer “Four Soup Chicken Thighs”… I’ll guess there’s some layering involved. Mushroom, cheddar, celery, and asparagus soups… together at last! Warning: disturbing photo to follow.
“Mo” Rivera’s ERA is 0.86. Where’d they implant that computer chip in him? Nice to see Joba Chamberlain imploding. Back to the Giants: whatever happened to my Eugenio? He gets scant [can “scantily” be a word not followed by “clad”?], and Lady Gaga doesn’t even say his name in that Alejandro song! It would work nicely, Gaga.
Magnus, referring to your post of June 17, that date is the anniversary of the 1972 break-in at the Watergate hotel, in Foggy Bottom. (I just retain stuff like that.) Coincidence? I think not!
The wife of the couple from NJ wasn’t too bad looking, either. Could be a new series: Russian Housewives-Spies of New Jersey.
Have you all seen Anna Kournakova lately? She’s really let herself go:
Match.com suggested the Emperor from Star Wars as a potential mate. Two peas in a pod if ya ask me.
http://tinyurl.com/3xc25n
Bonehead may well be a Russian spy, or on deep cover assignment for the Pads. Russians don’t play baseball at all, and he was born in France, not a hotbed of baseball activity. He encrypts his messages based on when and where he says “Well” in his response to softball questions from the beat writers and KNBR flunkies, and in code via the heretofore inexplicable daily LU changes….
That explains his use of “well,” but what does “uh” mean?
Zum, I read a whole book on “Um.”
The Giants need to win so Bochy can bust out with a “Giggity!”
I love the soccer purist dipstix. Uruguay player throws up an intentional, blatant handball in the goal mouth, but for which the ball goes in, to save the game from a certain Ghana win with virtually seconds left. The worst violation of the cardinal rule of the sport you could think of. Yet, the soccer crazies celebrate it as a brilliant play, and just “tough” that Ghana goes on to lose the game on PKs after blowing the handball penalty kick. For me, that situation calls for an automatic goal awarded to the victimized team. That bullshit, together with the incessant diving, whining, bad reffing, missed English goal and horrendous offside calls, makes me wonder what these people love so much. After the occassional beautiful dribble or header by Messi or Klose or Ronaldinyourass, the World Cup has been a freekin farce…
Huff Daddy going yard!!! 3 hard hit balls already good sign.
A…two run lead? I don’t know how to act. Am I dressed correctly for the occasion? Should I say something special? I don’t remember what I used to do in these situations back in the day…
Well that crazy play,just might mean it’s are night! Well let’s hope so.
It better be. My two year old has taken to yelling “goddammit” around the house. My wife is none to pleased.
too, not to
Shoot, swickman. In 2008, the Giants were so bad, my dog thought his name changed to “Fuckin’ Assholes!!”….
Can’t anyone get fuckin’ Barmes out?
Good stuff, snarkk.
This is not the Timmy I’m used to seeing. I don’t know what’s up with him but maybe it’s time for Rags to finally step in and provide some suggestions.
Pfffffft! So much for two run leads . . .
It’s much easier to retain your composure when a six game losing streak saps away your ability to care.
Burrell is starting to look like the guy that Tampa Bay wanted to get rid of.
I
I
I
have become
comfortably numb
Right-o. We’re all becoming Clockwork Orange’d.
I’m not diggin’ on those Rockies uniforms….
Z, I didn’t see his first AB, but that 3-1 to Burrell was a great pitch. The K was virtually assured with the below the knees change up that followed.
And the Giants caps, yuck…
Snarkk, I was thinking the same thing regarding the Giants hats . . . What happened to Orange SF on Black? Those hats they are wearing remind me of the hats they sold to women fans back in the 70s, 80s, etc. I still think my Mom has hers . . .
Bengie mighta beat that out, ferchrissakes.
Where’s the patriotic spirit?! What’s better than honoring your country with a goofy-looking hat?!
The Giants could just let Sandoval catch once in a while. Eli isn’t necessary.
Giants on a season-long mission to make DPs in all the permutations of participating infielders and outfielders mathematically possible…
timmy has been a joke, wtf ? we should have traded him after he won the cy young last year
Oh, God.
Posey at 1B will not work. He’s a fucking train wreck. Add in Vern and Vera’s boy, well: not good.
It’s really a mystery to me how you start Eli Fucking Whiteside a day after Posey supposedly gets the starting gig. What is Bochy’s obsession with this guy? It can’t be the “personal catcher” shit, Dirrrrrty’s been very ordinary for months. Why start him tonight? Timmy would call his own game anyway if Posey was catching. What is the horror in that?
Lawless, get a clue before submitting a comment like that . . . 8-3 win/loss record, 3.13 ERA, 117 Ks . . . Yeah, he has struggled lately, but for anyone else not named Tim Lincecum, they would trade places with him in a nanosecond.