Play Ball……

Posted in Uncategorized by Flavor on March 31, 2011

I’m hardly one to ever bring the slightest bit of attention to myself (by the way, my new nickname is *Big Shady*— please make a note of it) but it’s “Prediction Day” and time for a “look at me” moment. In truth, this will be the lamest Prediction Day since we started doing them back in 2007. Back then, we actually could form some genuine disagreements on how good or bad the team was. I came in with 74 wins that year (took a lot of heat for that ‘doomer view, by the way) and I wasn’t too far off as they stumbled in with 71. The next year I thought they were in complete disarray and predicted they’d win 63. They were, in fact, pretty bad but not as bad as I thought and they won 72. 2009 was an easy call, I knew they’d win 88 and that’s what they did. Bingo–on the freakin’ nose, baby….but I digress……

By the beginning of last season, everyone was pretty much on board (I said 90 wins) and we were all pretty much clumped together in the late 80’s—early 90’s win total area. I think Ed and Stix both nailed it cold with 92 (correct me if I’m wrong or if I overlooked your 92 call) and then of course there was the “Perfection Prediction” from That Fucking Clown who told us we would be winning the world series in 2010. That man knows his predictions……

This year, frankly, will be a little underwhelming. If we were all clumped together LAST year I can only imagine what 2011 will look like as we prepare to defend our world series title as WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS OF THE WORD. But what the hell, it don’t cost nothin’, throw yours into the wind and see which way it blows…….

I’ve already said that I think we are going to start the season slowly. With 22 of our first 33 on the road and Brain Wilson and Cody Ross sidelined we are in for an uphill battle in April. We also have to deal with the obvious new issue of all teams gunning for us–when the WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS shows up in your yard, you are trying just a little harder to take that team down. And there’s a risk of us playing a little tight as we adjust to this new role of WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS OF THE MOTHERFUCKING WORLD (sorry, I’ve probably repeated that title to myself in my head about 5 million times since Cruz swung through that pitch). And with little information coming out about Zito’s car accident from last night, I will avoid giving you my opinion on his impact on the first 60 days of the season and just hope the best for him that he isn’t seriously injured…….

With all that said, I think we start out 15-18 over our first 33. Not a great start but nothing to panic over. The baseball season is a long haul and after our first 33 we have 129 to go with most of those at home. So while I think the Spring is going to drag a little I think we turn up the volume big time across the Summer months. We’ll have to go 77-52 after our slow start but I don’t see any reason what we can’t do that and end the year with another 92 wins. So that’s how I see it fellas. Toss your number into the ring……

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Giant Head said, on March 31, 2011 at 6:58 am

I went 89 last year, going back to it this year. I think we will have a lot of distractions first half of the season and we will end up fighting with the Braves for the Wild Card. I see the Rocklies at about 92 wins and the division…
xootsuit said, on March 31, 2011 at 7:18 am

They’ll be over .500 after the fearsome first 33. Posey, Bumgarner, Burrell, Belt and Pablo (this version of Pablo) weren’t on the team last April. Wilson’s injury tempers my Fearsome First 33 optimism just a bit. Just a bit. The first half improvement alone will account for most of the overall increase in wins:

96-66, West Champs.
- xootsuit said, on March 31, 2011 at 7:25 am
  
  btw: “A person who alerted The Chronicle to the accident said it was his understanding Zito was not seriously injured, though he was assisted out of his car by fire personnel. A source said he left the hospital and went home shortly after.” So Zito didn’t get hurt when some dodger fan t-boned his car? But we’ll see. If Zito is not ready for opening week . . . . ? ABZ suddenly seems more difficult to type. Hope he’s ok.
Nipper said, on March 31, 2011 at 8:01 am

Oh what the heck, be a wild-eyed Polly. 100 Wins. The Giants destroy the WEST. Attilla the Hun will be their example.
willied said, on March 31, 2011 at 8:04 am

I don’t think this division is going to be near as strong as last year, so SF might win more games despite a drop off in performances. LA has big holes to fill in LF, 3B and C, their pen is the same, and it remains to be seen if Matts can fire up this group to compete. I think by June Uribe will miss life in the Bay area.
The rox might be motivated by watching SF last year, but there are plenty ?? there too…another year of Helton and Iannetta and all those annoying 81 games on the road. I think Cargo gets more attention from opposing pitching staffs this year too and finds the game isn’t as easy as it seems. Tracy is a doofus.
Pads have the same good pitching but someone has to hit and drive in runs. AZ could be building something under Gibson…see what he knows about pitching and motivating the youngsters.

If SF pitching holds up, D should be solid…so any improvement in the LU should mean at least 95 Ws and an easier path to post season. And once they are in, look out.
Unca Chuck said, on March 31, 2011 at 8:12 am

95-67.
.
.
.
.
SI has the Giants losing to Boston in the WS, although the Phillie pitchers get the jinx since they are on the cover.
- Macdog said, on March 31, 2011 at 9:04 am
  
  SI also predicted the Packers and Steelers for the Super Bowl, but had the Steelers winning, so a good omen there?
Unca Chuck said, on March 31, 2011 at 8:19 am

BB is working the wood nicely this morning . . .
Bozo said, on March 31, 2011 at 8:25 am

Since the start of ST I thought this team would be at least five games better than last year (hell, just a better record with the Pads will help that), so I would have said 97.
But since everything I’ve said this year is ass backwards, I’m going with 65. Also, as I said yesterday, Rowand will fulfill his full contract with the Giants (you all can thank me later).
Fire it Up World Champs, It’s Happy New Year time.
Bozo said, on March 31, 2011 at 8:27 am

I don’t know if today’s BB can bunt but she sure looks like she could hit the long ball.
twinfan said, on March 31, 2011 at 8:36 am

98-64. Win the West, quite possibly by double digits. More relevant than the W-L is where they finish in relation to the other teams, Flavor didn’t make a call on whether they’d even make the playoffs.
LA improved slightly, AZ will be better, Colorado did nothing to improve, San Diego will hit even worse than last year. It’s already been detailed how much better this OD line up is over 2010.
Bochy should be able to start resting his regulars by mid-September…
- Unca Chuck said, on March 31, 2011 at 9:05 am
  
  I hope that isn’t the case, Mike. They thrived on the challenge last year. And I don’t think it is going to be a runaway. Colorado has a tough lineup, and their pitching (esp Ubaldo) could be good enough to at least make nother run similar to last year.
ewisco said, on March 31, 2011 at 8:56 am

94, west title but if they get atlanta again in the short series, i’m not so sanguine.
- Bozo said, on March 31, 2011 at 9:04 am
  
  I’ll have my sanguine over ice please.
TedSpe said, on March 31, 2011 at 9:03 am

95 wins.
And technically, though she’s got obvious charms, she’s no BB. She’s a B, alright. But she’s not sporting a B.
Oh b-have
snarkk said, on March 31, 2011 at 9:11 am

Last year I went with 93 and overshot by 1. This is the most balanced Giants team since the 2002 WS team. It can withstand an injury or three, which it just might have (Ross already), since injuries have not been a problem the last year or two, and the injury gods do have a tendency to even things out. I give them an extra three games this year to the increased off/def balance, they can’t possibly be as bad against the Pads this year, but I think the Rocks and LA are going to give them trouble. Rockies are dangerous with that offense, and a good staff. If they figure a way to win more on the road, look out, they could take the West. Phillies are overhyped, don’t make playoffs, Atlanta wins East. I don’t care about the AL divisions. I’ll go with Giants/ Red Sox in the WS, with whoever has home field taking it in 7…

West
Giants 96
Rocks 94 (WC)

Central
Reds

East
Atlanta
Phills
xootsuit said, on March 31, 2011 at 9:16 am

I know that mlb tried to crack down on live video feeds after last season. Anybody know of a pirate site streaming this evening’s game? I may be stuck on the computer for a few innings.
Del Mar Dennis said, on March 31, 2011 at 9:17 am

I predicted 88 wins last year and we won the World Series. If you think I’m not going with 88 again this year you’re nuttier than I am. In fact, you can put me down for 88 from here on out.

I, like Big Shady, (seriously?) think we get off to a slow start. I believe our last two years have resulted in 0-6 and 1-5 trips down south. So when we go 2-4 to start the year don’t you whacksockers call it an “improvement.” Donkey punch.

I still don’t think we have a shortstop on our roster. I’m not expecting much from Tenada. He’s 37 for Christ sakes. But pitching wins and that’s what we have in spades. I ‘ll just be praying for a boatload of strikeouts.
- TedSpe said, on March 31, 2011 at 9:22 am
  
  Flav’s new theme song:
  I’m Big Shady, yes I’m the real Shady/All you other Big Shadys are just imitating/So won’t the real Big Shady please stand up, please stand up, please stand up!!
Macdog said, on March 31, 2011 at 9:18 am

93-69, good enough for first back-to-back NL West titles. No other division foe hits 90. Thought about going for a couple more wins, but I’m not sure how many Giants series Phil Cuzzi will be working.
snarkk said, on March 31, 2011 at 9:21 am

I don’t know about this BB bunting, but when she’s done with that bat, I volunteer to be the Bat Boy…
- Macdog said, on March 31, 2011 at 9:30 am
  
  Today’s BB: Is this the Flap’s version of Opening Day bunting?
zumarust said, on March 31, 2011 at 9:21 am

96 wins, and the division title. They go deep into the playoffs.
Belt wins Rookie of the Year.
Big Shady said, on March 31, 2011 at 9:25 am

I didn’t throw out a playoff prediction because frankly, my heart’s not really into the prediction. i threw one out there just cause that’s what we do at this time of year and I have a general feeling for how the year is going to go –*start slow, finish strong*. I am still in full bask-mode and how they ultimately do this year isn’t gonna dull that shine one bit. But ok, I’ll throw out a playoff prediction: they win the West by a couple of games over Colorado. Arizona 3rd, LA 4th, San Diego last…..
- PawlieKokonuts said, on March 31, 2011 at 9:34 am
  
  maybe DullThatShine should be my new nickname; or DullShiney; or BigKokonuts; or BaskDawg.
  
  To me, all these March Madness upsets remind me:
  
  when it’s your time, it’s your time. You need to be cresting, have mental toughness, some luck. Well, we all know that. (I actually compiled a list at BaskTime.) So, I have no illusions how hard it is, but I can hope with confidence, knowing YES, WE CAN.
  
  HEY, WE HERE ARE BASK SEPARATISTS! hahahahahahahaha ole!
snarkk said, on March 31, 2011 at 9:25 am

So, BF now becomes BS ?…
- zumarust said, on March 31, 2011 at 9:27 am
  
  Badda boomp!
- Big Shady said, on March 31, 2011 at 9:30 am
  
  It’s an evolution of hugeness: big flavor—megaflavor—-bigshady……It’s not a sequential evolution, but an evolution nevertheless……
  - PawlieKokonuts said, on March 31, 2011 at 9:35 am
    
    that’s what she said [couldn’t resist the 8th-grade humor]
- TedSpe said, on March 31, 2011 at 9:33 am
  
  If this was still 2010, someone would throw a Panda joke in there
PawlieKokonuts said, on March 31, 2011 at 9:29 am

The NL West will be shockingly close for most of the season; the Rockies will give us a serious run for the money. I’ll say we win the NL West with 93 wins. I like an SF – Boston WS, but I can’t think that far ahead.

Happy Baskingly Delicious Opening Day, Flapper Nation. And welcome to any jump-on-the-bandwagoneers. When I reflect on it, I probably became a fan in spring 1955 because my older brother was riding the train of the 1954 WS win.

BTW, when I play Lotto, I regularly select these numbers:

5, 10, 21, 22, 33, 54 followed by a rapid-fire sampling of 2010 players’ numbers, e.g., 28, 38, 21, 55, 56, 17.
zumarust said, on March 31, 2011 at 9:29 am

BF, thanks for the Flap! It’ll be fun hanging out with y’all again during another groovy season. Win or lose, it’s baseball, and it’s always interesting.
zumarust said, on March 31, 2011 at 9:33 am

Is this place even called OneFlapDown anymore? I don’t think that’s the name anymore. (grin)
twinfan said, on March 31, 2011 at 9:35 am

Baseball Prospectus also picks the Giants to win the West. They have Belt a close second to Freeman for ROY, Timmy second to Halladay for the Cy ( Cain 9th), Buster 9th for MVP.They’re at 92-70, 6 games ahead of the Dodgers, 7 over the Rockies.
Individually, they look for a relatiely modest rebound for Pablo ( 299 17-80), .264 19-78 for Huff, .251 11-58 Torres, .290 16-65 Posey, .232 19-56 Burrell, .283 6-59 Sanchez, .259 12-45 for Ross ( just 350 AB), a big year for NOWhitey at .226 with 4 dingers, and .269 14-57 in 450 AB for Belt.
Pitchers: Cain 15-11 3.31
Lincecum 15-11 2.70
Sanchez 13-12 3.78
Bumgarner 12-11 3.81
Zits 11-12 4.28
- twinfan said, on March 31, 2011 at 9:43 am
  
  Oops, Tejada .269 9-57. I still think he’ll hit 20+ HR, but I’d take the BP call.
  - Del Mar Dennis said, on March 31, 2011 at 10:32 am
    
    65 RBI for our cleanup hitter? We’re in a world of trouble if Buster only nets 65. I’m expecting at least 90.
    
    4 dingers for NO Whitey? The Baseball Prospectus must be including the 4 he hit last year.
- xootsuit said, on March 31, 2011 at 10:22 am
  
  They’ve underestimated Buster. Second in MVP votes and that’ll be a big reason why the Giants will win 96. I think I predicted 92 last year. You know what? It’s not a very big deal.
PawlieKokonuts said, on March 31, 2011 at 9:42 am

Opening Day — as I noted last year — makes me schizoid. If we win, I take every positive and skew it like crazy for the year, and if we lose do the same with utter doomer despair. i have no balance on OD, more than usual.

And to repeat: Ned Coletti & Co. will snap Ishi.

And to repeat: unusual and fun article in the NY Times about Brian Wilson and crossword puzzles.
- Macdog said, on March 31, 2011 at 11:00 am
  
  Thanx for the heads-up Pawlie, just picked up today’s NYT.
snarkk said, on March 31, 2011 at 9:48 am

Ishi is bound to be picked up by somebody. Bochy hinted as much this morning on the KNBR chuck and yuk show. They’ll probably get an unknown low minors pitcher or PTBNL / similar back. Ishi should be able to help somebody that needs a top glove at 1st. And he proved last year he can PH. I doubt he’ll ever be an everyday player with anybody. He should stay in the NL, the AL would throw nothing to him but breaking balls down and in …
dirtnrocksnreno said, on March 31, 2011 at 10:21 am

93 wins, NL West champs, Repeat.

The Belt decision is nice He’ll hit 7th and have minimal pressure. If he is everything the club thinks he is he’ll forr his way up the order. A Sandoval, Belt, Posey trifecta for years to come looks good to me.

I am most interested in Posey as he enters year 2. ROY, World Series Champion right out of the gate. What can you say? The Baseball Gods just smile on some more than others. Outside of his own high expectations Posey has almost no pressure and has got to be one of the most relaxed players at the plate as the season kicks off. I think he’ll be top 5 in the MVP ballot and could walk away with it.

Go Giants!!!
TedSpe said, on March 31, 2011 at 10:25 am

On the front page of today’s Chronicle, they listed some VITAL STATISTICS for Opening Day 2011 for your WORLD CHAMPION SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS.
One of them was:
“The regular season ends in 182 days. In that time, the team has 20 days off.”

It boggles the mind
snarkk said, on March 31, 2011 at 10:32 am

Baggs reports Zito got hit by a red light runner, has a sore neck, but checked out with Xray and MRI being OK at the hospital. I’m guessing he’ll miss a start. This apparently was no fender bender, his car got slammed pretty good, lucky he’s not badly hurt. No confirmation yet on rumor that the offending driver was a Giants fan 🙂 …
- Del Mar Dennis said, on March 31, 2011 at 10:34 am
  
  Can you account for your whereabouts at the time of the accident?
twinfan said, on March 31, 2011 at 10:36 am

They found the vehicle:
- snarkk said, on March 31, 2011 at 10:51 am
  
  Good one, Oracle…
Del Mar Dennis said, on March 31, 2011 at 10:40 am

Flap Fantasy update: Bozo has the early, early, early, very lead with 27.5 pts.

So let me be the first: FUCK YOU, BOZO!
- blade3colorado said, on March 31, 2011 at 11:25 am
  
  LQTM
xootsuit said, on March 31, 2011 at 11:08 am

Anybody want a referral? I told the guy it’s a bullshit idea, but he’s sure his athletic team can sue an insurance company for coverage. He says one of his starting players got t-boned by a red-light runner, and now has whiplash that will put him (the starter) in a big neck brace and out of action for, hell, maybe all season. He want to recoup the starter’s salary for every game he misses. Apparently when the player’s salary is broken down per game, it’s a huge amount. Anyway, as I say, I see no third-party action here. Stupid case. But if any of you know a PI lawyer who thinks he or she is “creative,” put em in touch.
- snarkk said, on March 31, 2011 at 11:27 am
  
  The at fault party’s policy limits may not even cover one bi-weekly check of the anonymous player’s salary. I’d say hope that the at fault driver was Warren Buffett…
Rough Trade said, on March 31, 2011 at 11:45 am

Looks like no one has taken it so I’ll go 99. Atlanta takes em to 7 games in the NLCS but …

The series is a classic but I think Boston proves to be too much.
snarkk said, on March 31, 2011 at 11:55 am

Headin’ to ATT this afternoon/evening to watch the game over there at the Guardsmen Viewing Party. Should be pretty cool. Go Giants…
blade3colorado said, on March 31, 2011 at 12:17 pm

Envious of you Snarkk (and others going to opening day) . . . Nevertheless, HAVE A GREAT TIME . . . GO GIANTS!
Decap said, on March 31, 2011 at 12:17 pm

Finally opening day! I will go with 97-65 Giants win the west and have the best record in the NL.
Rockies get the WC
Central goes to the Brewers
East to the Braves
(phillies miss the post season)
Buster top 3 in MVP (Pujols wins in contract push year)
Timmy and Cain top 5 CY young
Rook of the year Belt
Kristen said, on March 31, 2011 at 12:18 pm

94 Wins…I’m excited to see how Panda and Belt do this year.
Rough Trade said, on March 31, 2011 at 12:28 pm

Here’s the link to that Guardsman Party. @$43.00 not including drinks or food, I think I’ll watch it at home.

http://www.thealist.org/index.php?option=com_jcalpro&Itemid=54&extmode=view&extid=3800
xootsuit said, on March 31, 2011 at 12:28 pm

Later tonight a bartender who worked the Club Level today will tell a friend: “Shoulda seen this guy, comes up to me and says, ‘I would like your best single malt.” I explain our circumstances. ‘Well, then,’ he says, ‘how about your best small batch bourbon?’ I’m just about to give him the bad news on that one when he adds that he really only wants a ‘finger.’ Well, finally he asked for something I could give him.”
stixwiz said, on March 31, 2011 at 12:40 pm

Sticking with my January prediction of a hundred win season. If the rotation remains healthy, the team should be in virtually every game. Not many negative blow-outs. The balanced L.U., with power all up and down the scale, means there will not be many of those 2-1 and 1-0 losses this go-round. As World Champions this bunch is confident, but hardly arrogant. They know they can do it and will keep having fun while quietly and efficiently racking up the wins.

The arrival of Brandon Belt and resurrection of Panda, along with Buster likely to be a prime MVP contender, gives the team a talented core. Though some may overlook them, we can expect quality performances from Huff the Magic Dragon, Torrid Torres and scrappy lil’ Franchez. Ross and Tejada will make their contributions. Once they bite the bullet on Rowand, a bench centering on Burrell, Nate, Curly Joe Fontenot and NoWhitey will be nothing less than adequate and somewhat versatile.

Bullpen depth is incredible. With guys like Runzler, Vogelsong, Edlefsen and possibly Kroon a short bus-ride away, injuries or fall-offs amongst the relief corps should not pose major problems ~ maybe opportunities, actually.

Rest of the Division: Rox; LaBumbos; Snakes and Pads in that order. But like Twin points out, the NLW race could be all over but the celebrating by mid-September. Yahoo’s power rankings list the Red Sox and Giants as One-Two. Boston may boast a scary L.U., but their pitching is not a match. Bifecta in six games.
- Rough Trade said, on March 31, 2011 at 1:45 pm
  
  Stix, you might be right about their pitching. I was going on the assumption Beckett and Matsusaka return to form and Papelbon is ok. Their spring numbers aren’t encouraging.
Big Shady said, on March 31, 2011 at 1:02 pm

totally against the idea of letting Zito make his start on Sun regardless of how he says he feels. What’s the point? Just move Bum up or go with the four man rotation. Nobody knows what the accident did to his body but it didn’t improve it and the guy is already throwing at a career low 82 miles an hour. Take a few days, take stock then. The last thing we need is for him to get shelled on Sun, then come out of the game going “oh, maybe it was the accident”. Don’t create an excuse for him, it’ll only delay the inevitable…..
blade3colorado said, on March 31, 2011 at 1:30 pm

Too bad Zito wasn’t bitten by a radioactive spider . . . I understand it did wonders for Peter Parker’s fastball.
Rough Trade said, on March 31, 2011 at 1:43 pm

They can skip him entirely with days off on the 4th and 7th. He could then go on the 9th and keep the rotation in order.

FOX is on board. G’s appear 8 times on the Sat game of the week.
Del Mar Dennis said, on March 31, 2011 at 1:54 pm

CF Torres, 2B Sanchez, RF Huff, C Posey, LF Burrell, SS Tejada, 1B Belt, 3B Sandoval, P Lincecum

It worked last year, so no sense in changing now. Our lineup stinks on ice. Jesus H. Christ. WTF is Bochy thinking batting Tenada 6th and Pablo last? Panda has a real good chance of going .300/30/100 and he’s batting behind a 37 yo who’ll be lucky to hit his weight. I’m already pissed off.

Oh, btw, GO CHAMPS! BEAT LA!
eddacker415 said, on March 31, 2011 at 2:15 pm

UK Giants fans – ready to feel a little discombobulation at work tomorrow:
IT’S FREAKIN’ OPENING DAY!!!!!!!!!! Y’ALL

I’m staying away from the Rockies hype and see the NL west weaker than last year with one exception. I don’t see the Rays putting up as valient an effort as last year and I would love to see Minnesota take the central. Phillies seem to be jinxed right now so I am a slight braves fan. Also I see a bigger bounce from Pablo, Belt? Not so sure, but I am a believer.
She may not be smiling, but she can handle wood.

NL East: Braves
NL Central: Brewers
NL West: Giants 96 wins an easy september
NL WC: Phillies

AL East: Red Sox
AL Central: White Sox
AL West: Athletics
AL WC: Yankees

ALCS: Red Sox over Yankees
NLCS: Giants over Braves
WS: Giants over Red Sox in 6 at China Basin
Does that mean AL wins AS game? you do the maths.

cheers, mates, game on
mrmrbill said, on March 31, 2011 at 2:31 pm

today’s BB looks like she’s gonna kick someone’s ass.
- Rough Trade said, on March 31, 2011 at 2:59 pm
  
  It’s those manly hands.
Del Mar Dennis said, on March 31, 2011 at 2:48 pm

OK, this punter will give it a whirl as well…

AL East: Yanks
AL Central: Twinkies
AL West: Angels
WC: Sox

NL East: Phils
NL Central: Reds
NL West: Take a fucking guess
WC: Braves

ALDS Yanks over Angles and Sox over Twinkies
ALCS Yanks over Sox
NLDS Same as last year
NLCS Same as last year

WS: Take another fucking guess

I’m ready to play some ball.

Oh, first HR of the yr: Torres, leading off the game — Saturday afternoon vs Lilly.
No homers tonight off Mr. Kershaw or Barbara tomorrow. That would kill my fantasy team. 🙂
zumarust said, on March 31, 2011 at 3:13 pm

BF, I was thinking that, too. Not trying to be harsh, but Zito now has his excuse built in, with the media. If he stinks, it’ll be from media: “Oh he was having such a great Spring before the car accident”, when in fact, his Spring wasn’t that great on closer inspection. In that last game, an opposing batter missed a titanic homerun by a few inches foul, and Posey gunned a couple of baserunners down with a couple of terrific throws.
- TedSpe said, on March 31, 2011 at 3:21 pm
  
  It’s almost like a variation of an insurance scam. He just bought himself some “Why I Suck” coverage
Unca Chuck said, on March 31, 2011 at 4:30 pm

OK, why not . . .

AL East: Red Sox
AL Central: Los Tigres
AL West: A’s?
WC: White Sox

NL East: Bravos
NL Central: Cubbies
NL West: Your 2010 World Champion San Francisco Giants
WC: Phillies

ALDS: Red Sox over White Sox; A’s over Detroit
ALCS: Red Sox over the A’s

NLDS: Giants over Phillies; Braves over Cubbies
NLCS: Giants over Braves

WS: Two-peat ! ! !

30 minutes!!!
Del Mar Dennis said, on March 31, 2011 at 4:34 pm

Here’s what $1,000 got Giant fan Henry Yu. Gotta love ’em.

http://yfrog.com/gyttfcoj
- Unca Chuck said, on March 31, 2011 at 4:37 pm
  
  Too cool. . . Way to be, Henry . . .
twinfan said, on March 31, 2011 at 4:48 pm

As first pitch nears, I’ll just wish all of you another summer of sweet torture…this will be my 57th, none more thrilling than 2010. But you know-they’re all special and the love we all have for this greatest game is not measured in wins and losses but in the special ambience that evokes a time that has passed. I am so grateful for this year and I’m sure you all echo my cry: “Play Ball!!”
stixwiz said, on March 31, 2011 at 4:51 pm

Anybody got a handle on alternative video feeds for tonight? Would sure like to watch.
blade3colorado said, on March 31, 2011 at 5:00 pm

Same here . . . Since I won the speed burner (again, thanks Twin for your generosity), I haven’t updated the browser “favorite” settings I had with the “Model T” pc I had. If anyone knows the 2-3 sites that show MLB games, give Stix and I a shout.
Del Mar Dennis said, on March 31, 2011 at 5:11 pm

Play ball!
blade3colorado said, on March 31, 2011 at 5:12 pm

I predict the Giants will win 94. Yes, they will repeat as WS Champions . . . ahh, basking 🙂
stixwiz said, on March 31, 2011 at 5:22 pm

Could be a shaver tonight. Striking out the side is showing much disrespect to the Champs on the part of Kershaw. He’s on. Timmy is not facing a terribly intimidating lineup, so if he too is grooved, this could be a quick, low-scoring affair.
- Del Mar Dennis said, on March 31, 2011 at 5:31 pm
  
  Stix, if ya can’t get the TV feed, the gameday over at MLB.com is the next best thing.
  
  http://tinyurl.com/4m6zxnj
Del Mar Dennis said, on March 31, 2011 at 5:25 pm

Kershaw might strikeout 20. Who’s fantasy team is he on again?
stixwiz said, on March 31, 2011 at 5:38 pm

BRANDON BELT. Singles in his first MLB a.b. I think we’ll be seeing a lot of this phenom. The fact that he showed intense plate discipline and ran up the count against the nasty Kershaw speaks volumes. YES!
Del Mar Dennis said, on March 31, 2011 at 6:00 pm

Jesus H. Christ. If it weren’t for Uribe not knowing how to slide our OF would have two E’s already.

Congrats to Brandon Belt on his first MLB hit. Hope it’s the first of many more to come.

Kershaw is making us looking foolish. I can’t recall who’s fantasy team he’s on.
Unca Chuck said, on March 31, 2011 at 6:10 pm

Kershaw was throwing a lot of pitches til that last inning. Get to their pen, and we should be fine.
paulinasia said, on March 31, 2011 at 6:21 pm

Good morning/evening, Flappers, and a very happy opening day to you all. Here’s to another baskful season. I posted my prediction yesterday but I guess it was at the end of that day’s string. Last season, I figured an average of 4 games above .500 each month of the season would do it, and it did. This year, I’m gunnin’ for 5. 96-66, same as a bunch of ya’ll, wins the West. And I’ll be very happy to watch that get blown out of the water as the boys go on to win 107….
Del Mar Dennis said, on March 31, 2011 at 6:23 pm

I hate to use the old cliché “good AB,” but that was a good AB by our young rook. Showed some great discipline vs a tough lefty. Patient and a great eye.

Pablo is too fucking much. I think he used a 60 degree sand wedge for that blooper.
- Rough Trade said, on March 31, 2011 at 6:39 pm
  
  Chron’s Jenkins wrote they should sit Belt against Kershaw and give DeRosa the start. He’d have to agree now that Belt has had the best ab’s of the game for the G’s.
  - Unca Chuck said, on March 31, 2011 at 6:45 pm
    
    Jenkins is dead wrong. You can’t call the guy up and tell him to sit.
    
    Side note, how many players out there have won the WS and ROY before their 1st opening day?
    
    I mean, besides Buster . . .
  - Rough Trade said, on March 31, 2011 at 6:58 pm
    
    Is it in the rule book?
ferrethead said, on March 31, 2011 at 6:31 pm

I’ll go with 97 wins for my beloved G-men!
Kevin said, on March 31, 2011 at 6:38 pm

I called 100, last night and I am sticking with that
- Del Mar Dennis said, on March 31, 2011 at 6:51 pm
  
  We’re not winning 100 w/o a goddamn shortstop.
  - stixwiz said, on March 31, 2011 at 7:11 pm
    
    Dennis: We’re pretty much on the same page here. Tejada may win the odd game with his bat, but if this one goes down the swirly, it’s on his D. And then Buster boo-boos. Well, at least Posey will not make that a habit. These tight pitched games almost always come down to the little stuff.
ferrethead said, on March 31, 2011 at 6:52 pm

GAH!!!! Teamwide brain crampage going on…c’mon guys, Duck the Fodgers!!!
Del Mar Dennis said, on March 31, 2011 at 6:55 pm

WTF was Buster thinking? Kemp was standing on the bag. Sloppy shit.
Big Shady said, on March 31, 2011 at 6:55 pm

Bad idea by sandoval, bad throw by posey. Great catch by Pablo but instead of blowing a bubble and taking 2 steps how bout heading immediately for the bag?????
- twinfan said, on March 31, 2011 at 7:01 pm
  
  Posey is not required to make the the throw
twinfan said, on March 31, 2011 at 6:56 pm

Posey makes a bad throw, Panda then makes a great stop: the announcers diss Pablo for both. Bullshit.
willied said, on March 31, 2011 at 7:07 pm

Hershisher and valentine wouldn’t be my top choice of guys to listen to…unless they were in an alligator pit.
- PawlieKokonuts said, on March 31, 2011 at 7:51 pm
  
  agree; not very insightful; not very excited
Big Shady said, on March 31, 2011 at 7:09 pm

I don’t know the protocal there, it seemed like sandoval was giving a very half hearted signal to throw it. is there an automatic signal? No one knows. It was a terrible idea either way, he was 12 inches off the bag and about to step on it
- twinfan said, on March 31, 2011 at 7:15 pm
  
  It is completely up to Posey to make the throw or not.
twinfan said, on March 31, 2011 at 7:13 pm

Spin it however you like, Posey threw to the wrong side of the bag.
Kevin said, on March 31, 2011 at 7:15 pm

O-3 Torres, he needs to get on here
Kevin said, on March 31, 2011 at 7:15 pm

O-3 Torres, he needs to get on here
Big Shady said, on March 31, 2011 at 7:16 pm

Posey absolutely fucked that up I wasn’t arguing against thst
willied said, on March 31, 2011 at 7:17 pm

Pretty solid effort by the Kid. Who’s in charge of the calculator for Mattingly now that the pen is in?
Kevin said, on March 31, 2011 at 7:23 pm

Is it Torres who does not know how to bunt or is it Bochy who doesn’t like to bunt
- willied said, on March 31, 2011 at 7:33 pm
  
  I wondered about that one, being on the road. Might have tried it at 2-1 count for one pitch. Torres battled him pretty hard tho, I give him a lot of credit.