The *Boring* Bridge Series and and Big Belt Decision….

The Boring Bridge Series and and Big Belt Decision….

Posted in Uncategorized by Flavor on March 30, 2011

Well, at least it’s an early game today and then a quick trip down to LA. For me, the Bay Bridge Series has disintegrated into Dead Men Walking. Did you see Anderson’s at bat in the first game? I shouldn’t call it an at bat, he was standing there with a bat watching pitches go by. He must have been steamed to watch Dirrrrrty swing away freely in the next inning. Come on, if you’re so afraid of your pitcher getting hurt swinging a bat or running out a ball in play then you have some conditioning problems….

I’d rather see all the teams use the final day before the regular season as a get-away-day and just take care of the mental prep for the game versus LA. How many of today’s player’s are going to be doing anything other than going through the motions? Actually, that’s how you get hurt sometimes…….

Brandon Belt…..Come on!!!!!!!!!!!! ……er……down?

We find out later today. He didn’t do anything to leverage Sabean into keeping him on the opening day roster but the Ross injury has absolutely brought him into the mix. And if the Giants are really thinking of Huff in RF and DeRosa at 1B then I am doing an about face and saying give Belt the job. DeRosa is a fine little “fill in the blank” guy and he’ll help us out in that role this year. But he’s just a *guy*. His spring training of ’11 was pretty much exactly the same as his spring training in ’10 (when he was still injured).

2010: 6 runs, 14 hits, 19 total bases, 1hr, 6 rbi’s, 3bb’s, .639OPS

2011: 6runs, 14 hits, 18 total bases, 1hr, 6rbi’s, 3bb’s, .707 OPS

Blah, blah, blah….underwhelming.

While Belt didn’t go all “Randy Elliot” on us, he definitely had his moments and showed his star potential. Is he ready? Who knows, only one way to find out. If he’s overwhelmed by mlb pitching THEN you go the deRosa route. And while it would be a smart buisness decision to call him up on April 11th or later (to delay his service time by a year), the Giants are making so much money right now I would think they could eat that year. Remember, if Belt is the real-deal it isn’t that important to delay him a year since Sabean will likely buy out his years anyway the same way he’s done with his other studs……..

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Bozo said, on March 30, 2011 at 6:25 am

I don’t think the Giants are gambling that all 25 man rosters are set, so I doubt they would just put Ishi on Waivers. I would think the Giants are waiting until they can find a trade for Ishi (and someone else when Ross comes back) before Belt gets the call.
It’s a long season, do you bring the kid up and get nothing for a player? Or do you wait until you can get something? I think that’s going to be the call.
- Bozo said, on March 30, 2011 at 6:27 am
  
  Oh and, nice grip on the bat from today’s BB.
willied said, on March 30, 2011 at 7:27 am

So far, the A’s haven’t measured up. Zito out dueled Gio last night, SF defense was better, and so were the pen guys. Outside of Matsui the A’s went 4 for 28, all singles (Matsui too for that matter), off Zito, Ramirez, Runzler and Mota.

SF scored off Breslow and Wuertz late in the game with reserves in there, and the guy with the .675 OPS from last year that did not hit one HR all year in 110 ABs at ATT goes yard on them. Bochy got everyone in the game and used different pen guys. You would rather they got lit up and kicked the ball around and won 12-8?

The A’s commercial for the “closer” was OK, but if you are gonna run that, you might want to make sure the guy is actually playing and not on the DL like Bailey is.

As Twin has pointed out, the injury to Ross is meaningless to Belt. SF has plenty of guys to cover 1B LF and RF. I think he has shown he can do plenty enough to deserve to stick, and someone else is expendable.
TedSpe said, on March 30, 2011 at 7:43 am

This is just strange.
A new musical/drama just opened in Berkeley.
It’s called BEARDO.
It stars Ashkon Davaran.
And it’s *NOT* about Brian Wilson.
Rough Trade said, on March 30, 2011 at 7:53 am

Almost identical to the new Pablo

Belt
71 abs 5 doubles, 3 hrs, 13 rbi 6bb, 14k’s, .338obp/479slg/.282avg
PS
75, 5 dbls, 3 hrs, 13 rbi 3bbs 13k, .309/.493/.280

I’d keep him, but as Sabean says, it’s complicated because you lose 2 players (one when Ross returns). Easy to send him down and see how things develop on the trade front. But that seems like a futile effort. No one wants to give up anything for Rowand and Ishi.
willied said, on March 30, 2011 at 8:24 am

Quick b-day shout out to Astrud Gilberto, who turns 71 today. I love the infectious beat of samba, the guitar and percussion, and the beautiful melodies of Jobim such as “Aqua de Beber.” And as anyone who was around when Brazil played soccer during WC here at Stanford knows, their fans brought a lot of warmth and enthusiasm to the Bay Area…and babes for days.
twinfan said, on March 30, 2011 at 8:52 am

Get it over with: keep Belt, DFA Rowand. Aaron looks totally disinterested.
- snarkk said, on March 30, 2011 at 9:21 am
  
  With Rohand’s output, how can you tell?…
- PawlieKokonuts said, on March 30, 2011 at 6:45 pm
  
  make that: uninterested
  A judge is disinterested, as are you in your astute analyses of all things baseball, o Oracular one.
TedSpe said, on March 30, 2011 at 9:01 am

last…pre-season…bb… in 2011…ever
and a fine choice
stixwiz said, on March 30, 2011 at 9:14 am

Template going into the season was set in the waning days of the Championship run: Dominant Rotation: Gluepot bullpen. Decent defense: Sufficient hitting up and down the L.U. to keep it happening. Let’s look at particulars:

Rotation: Cain is up for it. Timmy will be himself. Drrty may up it another partial notch. He’s fully a vet now. Bumgarner went through a dry spot in the Desert and could be looking at a bit of a sophomore sag. But the maturity and poise he demonstrated against the Braves, Phillies and Rangers last October bodes well for the Undertaker. Like last Spring, Zito has pitched well. In fact during the first half of last season he was well and away a more than adequate #5 starter and better than most #4’s. Lack of run support throughout the year led to his dismal droop and his miserable W-L percentage. A .500 year from him and the Rotation sparkles.

Relief corps: Who knows what the decisions will be today or exactly when The Beard returns. Shouldn’t be long. Romo, Ramirez and loogies Affeldt and Lopez ought to be able to cover the 7th and 8th fairly efficiently. Mota is a question mark in my mind, but looks like he’s designated long. But not to worry about one or two relievers either getting injured or losing their touch. Runzler is most ready. Edlefsen is set with an under the radar fine spring. Vogelsong seems to have come back from the dead. So, even the Fresno pipeline has a sufficiency of options.

WordPress likes things short, so will continue next.
zumarust said, on March 30, 2011 at 9:30 am

Giants looked sharp again, overall. Burrell getting hot is very good, obviously. That’s the lineup last night, except with Belt at first instead of De Rosa.
Belt got a hit off the lefty last night. He plays great D. He’s got huge upside.
Rowand’s gotta go. And I guess Ishi goes too, eventually. Nate’s big HR helps his cause, plus as a late-inning D replacement in rightfield.
Tejada is fielding his position well. The team looks very good.
stixwiz said, on March 30, 2011 at 9:32 am

Defense for the Champs will be strong up the middle with Posey, Franchez and Torres all with Gold Glove contender skills. Belt sticks and First is back into J.T. Snow territory. Panda has regained range and general mobility, so Third improves. SS may have taken a bit of a hit. particularly regarding range, with Miggy and Fontenot holding the fort for now. If Ishi and a decent quality reliever go in a trade it would be for a young rangy gloveman at that spot. Ross returns and with Huff, will make for a bit better than adequate OF corners.

Difference from a year ago to tomorrow offensively is huge. Panda reverted to a blimped-out Pablo due to personal issues off the field, primarily. Molina cluttered up the place. Rowand was a certifiable 6-3 groundout and possibly a DP. Bowker couldn’t. RentMan had the injury bug. Losing a pair of one-hitters tossed by Giants starters spoke right loud.

Buster behind the plate sent the Giants on a tear. Huff the Magic Dragon contributed all year. Uribe had a passel of key hits. Torres was a dynamo. Franchez picked himself up after the injuries and proved he was still a quality player. Burrell and Ross added magic when they came on board. Well, except for RentMan and Uribe being replaced by Tejada, this whole bunch is back for a re-run. Belt will add many quality at-bats.

A reversion to ’08-09 Pandaform might be a bit much to expect, but a .285-20-90 contribution should be attainable. One of these next 3 seasons Posey will go MVP. Could be this year. Already he is drawing comments about challenging Mauer for the #1 seed among MLB catchers. If Belt can contribute at something approximating the season i expect from Sandoval, the heart of the L.U. could be formidable.

Bench is still a bit up in the air because of the glut in the outfield. It will get sorted out, somewhat so today. One way or another Rowand should go. I know it might get the Splash carpers jizzing their need to bleed all over Zito or somebody, but it shouldn’t be happening much here on the Flap. Giants come out of the long road tripping in a bit better than .500 and my hundred victory prediction should hold.

Play Ball!
- TedSpe said, on March 30, 2011 at 9:39 am
  
  REVRET!
  - Unca Chuck said, on March 30, 2011 at 9:52 am
    
    Is that some sort of BBF reference?
- TedSpe said, on March 30, 2011 at 10:00 am
  
  Beer Buddies Forever?
twinfan said, on March 30, 2011 at 9:49 am

Last night was the A’s turn to televise the game, so of course it was on CSNBAHDFMPLUS…
Unca Chuck said, on March 30, 2011 at 9:51 am

I know, I was in the hinterlands of Comcast when I finally found the game.
Kevin said, on March 30, 2011 at 9:54 am

I don’t know how much to believe of this but John Sheahey on twitter

Heard management wants to keep Brandon Belt, leaning toward making him their starting first baseman. Announcement Wednesday.
Kevin said, on March 30, 2011 at 9:56 am

Looks like she has soft hands.
- TedSpe said, on March 30, 2011 at 9:58 am
  
  But can she bunt? snarkk?
- snarkk said, on March 30, 2011 at 10:13 am
  
  The way she’s handling/caressing the bat, not strangling the grip, yeah, she can definitely bunt, among other things. Plus, she’s holding it like a lefty, and being the last “BB” before the season — BF must be giving us hints — Brandon Belt is going to make the club…
snarkk said, on March 30, 2011 at 10:38 am

Suppan got released. I guess the lack of comment here gives that about as much attention as it deserves. I’m interested in the Runzler story. He seems to have things on track. Wondering whether they can groom him to take over a lefty starting slot down the road when Zits hits the bricks, whenever that will be. Wheeler is still an unknown, so I can see Runzler getting a starter slot someday. Looks like he’s starting to solve his control issues…
twinfan said, on March 30, 2011 at 10:40 am

“— BF must be giving us hints — Brandon Belt is going to make the club…” Flavor is the last guy to be taking a bow if Belt makes it.
- Bozo said, on March 30, 2011 at 11:01 am
  
  Hey twin, by any chance do you have any ideas why I wouldn’t be able to post on The Splash? vk said my account is still active so I didn’t get banned. When I try to post I get a message like – Your comment can’t be posted at this time. I’ve cleared cookies, History and my cache. I’m thinking it’s probably due to a Windows setting or something but not sure what. I’ve tried posting using both Foxpro and IE and get the same message. Any thoughts on how I should trouble shoot this would be appreciated.
  - twinfan said, on March 30, 2011 at 11:03 am
    
    Check your clock.
  - Bozo said, on March 30, 2011 at 11:17 am
    
    That’s probably it. I get an error when I try to synchronize with an Internet time server (time.windows.com). Should I try to use a different time server?
  - twinfan said, on March 30, 2011 at 11:32 am
    
    Now you’re beyond what I know, try it.
  - Bozo said, on March 30, 2011 at 11:52 am
    
    I was able to synchronize using a different time server but still can’t post. I hadn’t even thought of the time change but it was around that time that I stopped being able to post. I’ll keep playing around with it. Thanks for your help.
Del Mar Dennis said, on March 30, 2011 at 11:07 am

B team today. I’d venture a guess if you’re NOT starting today, you’re starting tomorrow.

Fontenot SS Whiteside C DeRosa 3B Rowand CF Schierholtz RF Rohlinger 2B Ishikawa 1B Graham LF Bumgarner SP

Runzler has made the club, btw.
- Bozo said, on March 30, 2011 at 11:19 am
  
  We’ve got Moonlight Graham? Give the kid an at bat then put him on the medical staff
- snarkk said, on March 30, 2011 at 11:40 am
  
  Rohand is obviously being showcased.
  Yes, I’m joking…
  - Unca Chuck said, on March 30, 2011 at 12:12 pm
    
    Yup. His new jersey has ‘BB’ on the back . .
ewisco said, on March 30, 2011 at 12:32 pm

I thought johnnie had loaned him his “BOO” jersey.
- Unca Chuck said, on March 30, 2011 at 12:37 pm
  
  Well, he should combine them for BOOB.
zumarust said, on March 30, 2011 at 12:58 pm

Stix, from the games I’ve seen, Tejada’s range is not worse than what he had last season, and at times, Tejada makes some really cool plays. He’s lost range, but he does have good instincts, a good first step, a knack for leaning in the right direction. He’s not as bad as advertized, in my opinion. Plus, he probably won’t be on the DL half the season.
- zumarust said, on March 30, 2011 at 12:58 pm
  
  I meant- not worse than what WE had last season on the Giants.
eddacker415 said, on March 30, 2011 at 1:04 pm

I love spring training and games like this, whiteside batting 2nd, rowhan @ cleanup and MadBum gets to bat.
I wonder how many more demonstrations we will see with these players?
ford is gone, Wilson on DL
How can a team keep the belt decision under wraps with MLB rumors and all the tweeters sneeking around?
snarkk said, on March 30, 2011 at 1:05 pm

Is anybody surprised at all this stuff coming out about total corruption at the Fiesta Bowl? The BCS system is rotten to the core…
eddacker415 said, on March 30, 2011 at 1:08 pm

Not many teams playing tomorrow, my Giants are on HD ESPN @ 1am Friday.
and I will be there with KNBR on, just like the rest of you. I will get the chills as the pregame stuff happens, and I will be rooting as if I was there in person with the Flap Nation and our ‘Beat L.A.’ sign.
162 games to go.
Whoo Hoo!
Unca Chuck said, on March 30, 2011 at 1:36 pm

The early start really helps, doesn’t it?
blade3colorado said, on March 30, 2011 at 1:39 pm

Edd, is that a live broadcast or delayed? I understand the late hour (since I use to live in England), but nevertheless, not certain about a 1-2 hour delay.

I know that it has all changed since I was there in the 70s, but I recall only 3 channels being available over in England (I may be off on this by one or two). I recall distinctly how “good” we had it in the States with not only VHF, but UHF channels. Of course now everyone has cable or satellite with literally hundreds of channels available, thus discombobulating everyone, especially the wives who have ceded control of the remote control to their husbands . . . and channel surf endlessly, thinking that there must be something much better on another channel. Ha.
- Kevin said, on March 30, 2011 at 2:00 pm
  
  How to drive your wife batty, watch a sports program and then turn to another one when a comercial comes on.
Kevin said, on March 30, 2011 at 2:21 pm

I think on April 8 the woman who announces the batters should do something like
Now batting for your World Series Champion Giants….
- blade3colorado said, on March 30, 2011 at 2:32 pm
  
  Agree Kevin. Not certain, but didn’t they do that at Spring training (or was that only at the beginning of the game)?
blade3colorado said, on March 30, 2011 at 2:22 pm

Cracking up on this yahoo column @

http://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/blog/roto_arcade/post/Sleeper-Sleuth-Man-up-Ramirez-poised-for-major?urn=fantasy-wp317

That opens with this paragraph . . .

“In terms of on-field performance, it’s becoming increasingly apparent age is nothing but a number. Advancements in medical technology, nutrition and training regimens has helped many high-profiled hitters stave off the corrosive effects of Father Time, extending careers well-beyond the traditional mid-30s drop-off. Over the past couple decades, old fogies Cal Ripken, Fred McGriff, Edgar Martinez, Rafael Palmeiro, Frank Thomas, Barry Bonds and Jim Thome(notes) are a few prominent names who were able to compile productive numbers just shy of the big 4-0. Venerated slugger Manny Ramirez(notes) could also deliver a 38 special.”

Gee, I guess ‘roids had nothing to do with Palmeiro, Bonds, and Ramirez’s performance, huh?
- snarkk said, on March 30, 2011 at 2:31 pm
  
  That lede is just too funny. Some clown named Brad Evans wrote the article. The rest of it is similarly, jaw-droppingly clueless and vapid — a focus on ManRam — to the point of you have to wonder if it were intended as parody. Do they have any editors at YahooSports?…
  - blade3colorado said, on March 30, 2011 at 2:35 pm
    
    I doubt it . . . Almost seems like any journalism degree is a license to be the anchorman of Fox World News.
    
    Also, for whatever reason, my mind keeps harkening back to some tidbit I read about Sarah Palin having a degree in journalism . . . which took her almost a decade to complete.
  - Unca Chuck said, on March 30, 2011 at 2:53 pm
    
    No mention of ManGram’s recent suspension either . . .
Unca Chuck said, on March 30, 2011 at 3:05 pm

ishi with the 3 pitch K? Gamecast had 1 barely a strike.
Bozo said, on March 30, 2011 at 3:20 pm

NO Whitey
Bozo said, on March 30, 2011 at 3:21 pm

Tally Ho Flappers.
Let’s get it started, GO GIANTS
Unca Chuck said, on March 30, 2011 at 3:28 pm

Kroon gets the win!

Bring him up!
snarkk said, on March 30, 2011 at 3:28 pm

Nice sweep of the A’s. This game shows ST is a week too long. The pitchers and catchers can come in the same time as always, but the veteran position guys should come in 7-10 days later. It’s too long for them. For game simulations, etc., they can use nonroster and minor league dudes to roll around for the first 10 days. Onto LA, and now let’s see what the 25 man looks like..
Unca Chuck said, on March 30, 2011 at 3:30 pm

The A’s are purportedly building themselves like the Giants, e.g. pitching and defense. Their defense hasn’t looked very sharp these last 3 games.
twinfan said, on March 30, 2011 at 3:48 pm

Shea says Belt is running around the clubhouse screaming “Who da man??!! Who da man!!???””
Del Mar Dennis said, on March 30, 2011 at 3:49 pm

Belts makes the club. Tough luck for Ishi and Kroon. Belt said he cried when Bochy told ’em the good news. Hope he’s not crying tomorrow after he faces Mr. Kershaw.
Mega Flavor said, on March 30, 2011 at 3:54 pm

Circumstances worked out for him it was the right move
blade3colorado said, on March 30, 2011 at 4:05 pm

Mega – need an opinion quick in regard to Belt’s availability in another league I am in . . . See your email. Thanks in advance.
Tizzle said, on March 30, 2011 at 4:08 pm

Very happy to see Belt is making the club.

Attention all Flapper FB leaguers: Belt is officially ON THE BLOCK..send me your best offers!!
- blade3colorado said, on March 30, 2011 at 4:10 pm
  
  LMAO Tizzle . . . Umm, my lineup is set. Nevertheless, good one 🙂
  - Kevin said, on March 30, 2011 at 4:32 pm
    
    Tizz, like that’s going to happen. That would be like me saying Buster is up for a trade, send me your best offer
  - Tizzle said, on March 30, 2011 at 4:45 pm
    
    My lineup would be set too if someone gave me Texiera for a waiver wire pitcher!
snarkk said, on March 30, 2011 at 4:12 pm

Giants’ management showin’ some stones re: Belt. I like it. Hope it works out…
- Unca Chuck said, on March 30, 2011 at 4:34 pm
  
  It’s all about the now, not the arb year way down the road . . .
3bagger said, on March 30, 2011 at 4:20 pm

Welcome to the show Mr. Belt.
TedSpe said, on March 30, 2011 at 4:25 pm

And when Ross comes back? Who goes?
- Unca Chuck said, on March 30, 2011 at 4:33 pm
  
  Row row row yer rowand, gently out of McCovey cove . . .
- TedSpe said, on March 30, 2011 at 4:36 pm
  
  I don’t know. Costly and no other back-up center fielder
  - 3bagger said, on March 30, 2011 at 4:42 pm
    
    In case no one has noticed, Ross or Nate are better centerfielders than Rowand. It’s just that Rowand won’t play anywhere else, so he has been the backup by default.
  - twinfan said, on March 30, 2011 at 4:57 pm
    
    Nate has never played CF
- 3bagger said, on March 30, 2011 at 4:40 pm
  
  I just can’t imagine Rowand stays. Shierholtz is younger, has more speed, plays better defense and has been a better batter over the last year. I saw the first three innings today. There was a liner into the rightfield gap that was closer to Rowand, but would have gotten past him for a tripple if Nate hadn’t got there to cut it off for a double. Rowand has looked overmatched at the plate all spring (except 3 hits in a minor league game), while Shierholtz crushed the ball today. A lot could happen before Ross gets back, but, if all stays the same, Rowand has to go.
- TedSpe said, on March 30, 2011 at 4:49 pm
  
  In my case you’re right, I hadn’t noticed. In fact, I don’t think I’ve seen anyone play center *but* Torres and Rowand. Ross and Shierholtz have?
  - twinfan said, on March 30, 2011 at 4:55 pm
    
    Ross over 300 games, Nate:never…
macdog said, on March 30, 2011 at 4:40 pm

Great news about Belt! Yet another reason why the Giants should be even better this year. That, and there will be 42 games without Jose Guillen.
twinfan said, on March 30, 2011 at 4:53 pm

Ross can be the back up CFer, he’s played over 300 games there. You’d think that Nate should be a shoo-in but 24 million is a lotta bucks and Torres/Rowand/Ross is still a good late inning defenisve OF. My guess:Sabean makes the move: Rowand is out.
- TedSpe said, on March 30, 2011 at 4:57 pm
  
  Over 300 games eh? I’ll believe you. I hadn’t even heard of the guy until last year. And even on baseball-reference they’re not specific. Just “outfielder”
twinfan said, on March 30, 2011 at 5:04 pm

They are specific. They list games at each spot and total OF games. He’s played 358 in CF, 215 in RF, 89 in LF
- TedSpe said, on March 30, 2011 at 5:11 pm
  
  No, I just meant at the top under the name. Usually I’ve noticed it says, like “rightfielder-pitch hitter” or “leftfielder-first base” but Ross just says “outfielder”
  - twinfan said, on March 30, 2011 at 6:03 pm
    
    They are specific in his fielding stats.You can fucking believe me now.
Flavor said, on March 30, 2011 at 5:35 pm

If Rowand starts like shit and Ross comes back, I could see the organization finally willing to cut bait. But Rowand is usually a very fast starter. So that could end up fucking Nate. Of course, Rowand might not play much with Ross out. We shall see……
blade3colorado said, on March 30, 2011 at 6:12 pm

A friend of mine sent me this (I apologize in advance, since it isn’t about baseball, but it totally fucked up my brain thinking about it and I thought I would share) . . .

It is a slow day in the small Saskatchewan

town of Pumphandle and streets are deserted.

Times are tough, everybody is in debt, and

everybody is living on credit.

A tourist visiting the area drives through town,

stops at the motel, and lays a $100 bill on the

desk saying he wants to inspect the

rooms upstairs to pick one for the night.

As soon as he walks upstairs, the motel owner

grabs the bill and runs next door to pay his debt

to the butcher.

The butcher takes the $100 and runs down

the street to retire his debt to the pig farmer.

The pig farmer takes the $100 and heads

off to pay his bill to his supplier, the Co-op.

The guy at the Co-op takes the $100 and

runs to pay his debt to the local prostitute,

who has also been facing hard times and has had to

offer her “services” on credit.

The hooker rushes to the hotel and pays

off her room bill with the hotel owner.

The hotel proprietor then places the $100

back on the counter so the traveler will

not suspect anything.

At that moment the traveler comes down

the stairs, states that the rooms are not

satisfactory, picks up the $100 bill and leaves.

No one produced anything.

No one earned anything.

However, the whole town is now out of debt

and now looks to the future with a lot more

optimism.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how a

“stimulus package” works.
Bozo said, on March 30, 2011 at 6:24 pm

Hats off to twin for his call on Belt staying, pretty much from the get go.
Me? Flat out wrong, even as of today. I didn’t call one thing right this whole offseason. Since I was going to pick 97 wins this year, I’m now going with 65 and Rowand plays out his contract.
twinfan said, on March 30, 2011 at 6:40 pm

Well, I did waver a little…
Anyway, did my prediction on the Splash: 98-64.
Simple: they’re better than last year and the division is weaker.
Kevin said, on March 30, 2011 at 7:25 pm

That is a good guess there TF, I am going to go Polly and all in and say 100 wins this year. Even though I should know better, that Zito is going to have a Good/great first half and then totally tank after the AS break. But what the hell, it feels so good to bask in World Series Champions I just can’t help myself.
PawlieKokonuts said, on March 30, 2011 at 8:06 pm

Probably the best Brian Wilson article yet — well, one of the best (and a crossword-loving friend of mine just got an email from Will Shortz):

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/sports/baseball/31wilson.html
TedSpe said, on March 30, 2011 at 10:03 pm

They are specific in his fielding stats.You can fucking believe me now.
——————————————————————————————-
What part of my saying I believed you did you not understand? Lighten up, asshole
TedSpe said, on March 30, 2011 at 10:09 pm

They are specific in his fielding stats.You can fucking believe me now.
——————————————————————————————-
What part of my saying I believed you did you not understand? Lighten up, asshole.
( Oh, for clarification, that’s a response to a twinfan post at 6:03pm. I’m just catching up. I’ve been out all night)
- TedSpe said, on March 30, 2011 at 10:11 pm
  
  Why twice? Because I accidently hit “enter” plus it turned a page.
twinfan said, on March 30, 2011 at 10:18 pm

Channelling Chucklet? He’ll respond to a month old post like it was posted 5 minutes ago…
Anyway, goodnight.
- TedSpe said, on March 30, 2011 at 10:37 pm
  
  ha ha. No. It’s just you completely misunderstood me. And attacked like a pitbull on a porkchop when basically, I had no qualms or disagreements. But somehow, you thought or felt I did
TedSpe said, on March 30, 2011 at 10:31 pm

And on that note, I wish you all a sweet evening of good rest, good sleep, good dreams.
The season starts tomorrow.
The…ahem…WORLD CHAMPION SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS!!!! take on the Los Angeles Dodgers for their first game of the 2011 season. Do not discount the Dodgers, despite their tabloidish reputation and seemingly lack of cohesion. They are still a team to be reckoned with. I believe they and Colorado are our main nemisisesisieises (so to speak and so to…spell).
But, prevail our pitching staff will stay somewhat healthy, Sandoval reverts to 2009 form, Posey has no sophmore qualms and Belt…oh yes Belt…no matter how you feel or think, the WORLD CHAMPION SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS will last, fulfill dreams and AT THE VERY LEAST…make the post season.
God Bless the Flavor Nation and God bless the Giants.
And with no more adieu…PLAY BALL!!!!!
twinfan said, on March 30, 2011 at 10:43 pm

You weren’t attacked, in fact I’ve ordered reading glasses for you..Now:
Ishikawa was a key to last year’s success. One of the huge hits of the year was his grand slam against Ubaldo in Colorado. That was a crucial road trip, and he came through big time when called upon. ( 12 for 33 on the 10 game roadie, with 11 RBI). Add his great attitude, defense, and pinch hitting- he’ll be missed..hope he finds a good gig.
- TedSpe said, on March 30, 2011 at 10:56 pm
  
  Thanks, twin. Please road test the reading glasses before bestowing upon me…Now:
  Ishikawa WILL be missed. I’ve been an advocate for 2 years now. Not outstanding but decent hitter (excellent pitch hits as I remember)Folks say Belt’s better defensively. Really? I don’t know. Ishikawa, as far as I could tell was possible firstbase Gold Glove material. Am I wrong?
TedSpe said, on March 30, 2011 at 10:58 pm

Pitch hits? Time to go nighty night.
Just a sec…have to talk to the….pinch me
snarkk said, on March 30, 2011 at 11:38 pm

Zito in a car accident tonight in West LA off of Sunset. Went to the hospital, then released, looks like he’s OK…
paulinasia said, on March 31, 2011 at 3:41 am

Craig, sorry, I haven’t seen all postings lately, are you doing a predictions thing again? Last year at the start of the season, I figured very unscientifically that the Giants would need to be (on average) 4 games over .500 every month to get into the playoffs. 6 months in the season, that’s 24 games over .500, 93-69. They got in with one less win than that. This year, I’m upping it to 5 games over .500 per month (on average), which would be 30 games over, 96-66. Should be good enough to win the West.

I’m schizophrenically torn, though. Part of me thinks, whoa, 30 games over .500? I think I got way too used to that string of mediocre seasons, as that sounds like a lot. Other side of the coin: I think this team is capable of winning 100. Maybe should ask for 6 games over .500 per month, 99-63. Nah, I’ll stick with 96-66 and be really happy to see them blow that out of the water and hit the 100 mark….
PawlieKokonuts said, on March 31, 2011 at 6:19 am

bet you Ishi gets grabbed by Ned Coletti; bank it

he was a good and loyal warrior
Unca Chuck said, on March 31, 2011 at 4:41 pm

I resemble that remark, Twin . . .