The Re-Match VS The Phillies
I’m excited for this game tonight. Mostly, I want to see if that bat is still attached to Ryan Howard’s shoulder. I don’t watch Phillie games because I don’t have a single position player of theirs on any of my four fantasy teams. So, literally the last time I saw Howard live was when I was streaking out of my friend’s house, into the rain and down the end of the cul-de-sac with my daughter trailing behind….
This series is about one thing: pitching. The Giants and Phillies are 1/2 in ERA in all of baseball. Who’s going to blink first? I believe the Philly line up to be getting a little long in the tooth, in both age and production. Guys like Howard, Utley and Rollins, eh, they just don’t inspire the same fear they once did. And yet, the Phillies have the best record in the National League. You can’t take anything away from a 3 game series. Three games is nothing over the course of 162. I’m mostly interested in seeing how the Giants carry themselves during this trip. We are The World Champions, a fact that was magnified for every member of the organization during their trip to the White House yesterday. And now we walk into a hostile stadium to play arguably the best team in the league with the full glare of the collective east coast media. How will it turn out? Really, the anticipation is the great drama. That, and wondering if that goddamn bat is still stuck on Howard’s shoulder……..
A Place To Talk About Giants Baseball 
What the Giants have to do is keep the score low, if the Phillies bats get hot that will just fuel their confidence against the Giants when the Post season happens
Damn, Craig, since your one-day break from leading the Flap, you’ve had consecutive stellar opening posts. (Not to say your others weren’t…). I’m not necessarily super excited about game 1 as much as I am about the whole series. Phils could come out bombs-away in the first game, but the next two would show who’s in charge as well. Could also go the other way. You are absolutely right, the anticipation is the great drama as things start getting serious now. I’m not big on making predictions, I just would love to see some top-notch games this series, but if I had to predict anything, it would be that our bullpen makes a difference.
You’re also right on about recalling exactly where you were when Wilson struck out Howard. I was visiting the US, in San Fran for a few days but then back east in NJ seeing the folks for a couple of weeks before heading back to Saigon. Field of Dreams scenario, classic Americana, baseball with your Dad … sitting there in neighboring recliners with my 94-year-old father, die-hard Phillies fan for many of his decades, trying hard out of respect to contain my elation with that strike-out. I think all I managed to say was oh…… my…. god….. sorry, Pops.. and then skipped outside to have a smoke and just laugh out loud. My Mom, who emails me often, bless her heart, has already said my dad looks forward to some emailings these next few days, talkin’ baseball. I’m grateful to still have that chance.
I live in Philly and last year’s dethroning is still in the collective minds here, even if nobody admits it. Basically this whole town was still on a high after Halladay’s no-hitter in the NLDS and the Giants were just a stepping stone to the rematch with the Yankees and the planned championship parade route. I credit the bandwagoners mostly with the stupidity of not understanding probabilities in baseball when it comes to a short series. I have to add, though, that in my short time here I’ve noticed the hard-core faithful are also quite annoying and disproportionately arrogant for a city that is much less a championship city than Oakland, let alone New York or Boston.
Entering the series, the Philly’s vaunted rotation has for the most part lived up to its hype. Oswalt has been disappointment but Vorley/Kendrick have filled in pretty well. The lineup is not fearsome at all, not anything close to the ’08 championship team. Howard is having a down year but I will say that Rollins and Utley have picked it up lately and Utley’s play in particular will probably determine the team’s fortunes in my opinion (last year he stunk). I wouldn’t be surprised by any outcome this series, including sweeps by either team. But as BF says, I’m more interested in simply how the team carries itself through this series and likely a tough Cinci series next.
These should really be some fun games. I’m looking forward to our LOOGY going out there against that LH LU. OH Yeah.
Nice story paul, let the Emails begin.
The flip side of pitching is of course hitting. as in who gets the big hit(s). Sandavol, with his ability to hit pitches outside the strike zone, is something that the phillies haven’t really seen from SF. Maybe Burrell or the gamercan rediscover a little magic in the old stomping grounds. Can ross run into one or two again? Unfortunately the g’s struggle against little known pitchers.
Meanwhile, Pirates James McDonald outduels tim Hudson and the Pit whips Braves 3-1, in ATL. All 3 teams currently atop the Central are within 4 games of the Braves, so the two that don’t win it are still very much in the hunt for the WC. 60 games left, a lot can happen.
Great to see the pix of the Giants in the White House….nice touch of basking before entering Philly, where SF dethroned the NL champs and headed off to the Series, where they continued to defy everyone.
As NT says, the Phils aren’t the big bashing powerhouse team of old. They win the same way SF does, with superior SPs, and are likewise looking to add offense, something which might be at a premium next few days.
Or not. Last time SF faced a big offense on the road in STL, they came out blasting.
Here in NY, the most lamented “bat on the shoulder” belonged to none other than Carlos Beltran in Game 7 vs. St. Louis in the 2006 NLCS…
Yeah, this should be fun. I’m sure a lot of Phillie fans think the Giants beating them last year was a fluke. What I really dg about the team is something that Dusty Baker stressed. He said you ain’t gonna win all the games, just make sure you win the series. IIRC, in their 2002 run they didn’t lose a series all year.
Well, until . . .
Lot of fans everywhere think Sf was a fluke. I check out cbssports for scores/updates (football too), and if you go to their game tracker for SF games, it’s funny to follow all the comments that come in live. Mostly it’s SF fans vs. the world of non-believers.
Seems like everyone in the media (and even here) has forgotten Sabean’s 2002 deadline acquisition of Kenny Lofton. He had a fairly significant post season basehit…
solid player. Didn’t he play for the braves like 3 times? Helluva of a b-ball player too at U of AZ.
Good call. I was at that game . . . Didn’t get to any playoff games last year, but I did get to that clincher . . . IIRC, Lofton scored the tying run in the 8th as well . . .
Lofton made his Giants’ debut by hitting a leadoff HR vs. the Phils at the Vet.
Reggie Sanders another good pick up. Blasted 33 HRs year before for AZ, came back with 23 and 85 rbis for SF, then moved on to STL.
Makes me think of Ellis Burks too…last couple years in SF he just raked. Beautiful swing too, with that high finish. I wouldn’t put Beltran in same category of lofton, sanders or burks. But hey, look at what ross and renteria did when it really counted. some are guys are just winners everywhere they go.
Ellis Burks favorite song is “Break My Stride” by Matthew Wilder.
As is so often the case, it’s a myth that Philly is the superior hitting team in their own yard vs. our hitting on the road. They have scored 5 more runs at home than we have on the road. The teams are evenly matched in that regard. Philly pitching at home, however, is half a RPG better than our pitching on the road. This is a a bigger series for the Phils but the two pitchers with the most to prove won’t be going. It gets down to how Worley and Kendrick fare when matxhed up against our aces.As others have noted, 3 games now is not make or break for either squad- but a series win against a good ballclub is always a good thing. And frankly, I think Tim and Matt need it ,I look for 2 of 3…
Soph demands it!
Absolutely!
Timmay certainly does. He’s been lost lately trying to locate his fastball. It gets hinm in trouble when he can’t spot it, and he ends up throwing a lot of pitches early. Matt should be fine. I think they’ll use the pressure to their advantage. Bubbles vs Hamels?
Right. 2 of 3 . . . .
Crunch time in Philly. Rematch next week in SF. How the series goes largely depends on Timmy tonight. If he reverts to Cy form, the Giants take the series. Should he have another of those “what if” games and should Giants hitters not solve Worley, there could be a dispirited squad heading into Cincy and intensified pressure on Sabean to overpay for Beltran. I think Giants hitters get to Kendrick in game three UNLESS Lincecum and Zito are battered in the first two matches. As for Zito vs. Hamels, i tend to cringe a bit but am open to the possibility that with Ziti stuff anything is possible.
Meanwhile, on the trade front pressure mounts as nothing has really happened yet for any couple of teams. Seems the GMs are holding their cards close to their vests, not wanting to be the first to make a dumb move or to telegraph their ultimate intentions. Expect a flurry of moves on Saturday and Sunday. Countermoves too.
On Beltran, it seems that no one is giving up blue chippers for him and the Mets are still insisting that it’s about prospects and not money. He’s denied that he won’t go to the AL. Giants have supposedly refused to give them Brown or Wheeler. With SF said to be in the best shape to pick up salary, I think they’ll probably get him unless someone else blinks and gives up too much in players. Just pick up the whole contract and those greedy NYers will rethink it…I wish I knew more about what they thought of Surkamp, he would seem likely to go if a pitcher needs to be in the mix. Could they get away with something like Gillaspie and the Mudbug? That I’d do.
Well, the Mets will probably be looking for a new SS next season…
Sure hope it ain’t Surkamp. Of course the team knows best just what they have in him and am aware that he does not possess high-end heat. But i’m most impressed by his K-BB ratio and the fact that he is not particularly partial to surrendering longballs. His current Eastern League leading 2.00 ERA is also a factor to keep in mind. That’s a pitcher’s league and right now the lanky lefty is the best in that circuit.
Frankly, i’d rather part with Wheeler as he appears to be at least two years away from a cup of coffee, while Surkamp could dip his toes in The Show come September and could be projected to be Giants’ #5 starter by Break time next season. Perhaps the Mutts could be persuaded to take a combination of Ryan Verdugo, Surkamp’s teammate and a strikeout machine, along with either Pill or Neal with Gillaspie.
I’ve posted this before and of course anyone has a right to change their mind but Sabean said a week or so ago that if they were to go after Beltran it would be cash only. No prospects
Some reports that the Giants are looking more at B.J. Upton now. And I think I just saw that Flap fave Reid Brignac has been optioned. Didn’twe have some dunderheads giving up the farm for him?
I’m hoping Cuddyer comes back in the picture and maybe Geovany Soto….
Uh oh. My 14 year old kid bet me early last week that the Giants would go for BJ Upton.
Game 1 NLDS
CF Torres
2B Kepp
3B Panda
RF Beltran
1B Huff
LF Cody
SS Craw
.C Soto
.P Timmy
Bench: Whitey, Belt, Shitholtz, Font and Tejada.
When Charlie Manuel’s nephew finally disclosed his affiliation to the Phillies yesterday (after I’d spent four days battling with him), I said, “Wow. That”s amazing. I’ll bet you remember the final pitch to Ryan Howard as clearly as I do. What a perfect pitch, huh?” Nice way to end the day.
His brother Justin isn’t chicken salad either (Of course MLB would have to conduct an investigation why the D’backs would trade this stud to a division rival) . . .
I saw the recent D’backs/Rockies series and Upton was a ONE MAN WRECKING CREW. He went 4 for 4 with two doubles, a triple and drove in three runs in the Diamondbacks’ 7-0 rout of Colorado on Sunday. Upton, who reached base five times in the Sunday game, was 7 for 9 with nine RBI (his grand slam was a moon shot) in both the Saturday and Sunday games.
By the by, Heyman is reporting that the Giants are interested in Wily Mo Pena . . . Fucking insane if that is true. This dude is ONLY DH material, which means American League only. Besides striking out every other AB, he would be a disaster in the outfield.
Wily Mo could only be seen as a possible, slight upgrade on Burrell, should SF be looking for a late-inning power-threat PH. Agreed, he would make a water buffalo look athletic in the OF.
Excellent back story on the Upton brothers. the smaller one, Justin, getting into baseball only because of his big brother’s encouragement. BJ into the majors as a rising star with the younger Upton almost an after thought. Now BJs star is not shining so bright and little brother keeps on keepin’ on. Heart of a lion, the little engine that could.
Can’t imagine what the Rays would want for BJ. Wheeler Brown AND Hembree?
It’s also “rumored” they are scouting Rasmus.
Seems every year teams float some big names at the deadline hoping to fleece some contender. This yr no different with Pence, Upton, Rasmus and Jimenez being thrown in the ring. What would we demand for Cain?
Abel.
What is Burrell’s status? Thought he had a minor injury, but he couldn’t even make it to the big House yesterday.
fuck Wily Mo. I’d rather have a one legged Burrell, at least he can get on base with a walk if he doesn’t hit a home run……
Plus, from the perspective of his teammates, he can score pussy for them.
As much or more than what the Rockies want for Jimenez (which if you believe the reports – 3 good prospects).
I just saw a replay of the Gmen’s WH visit and ceremony yesterday. Very cool. Whoever wrote Obama’s speech did a good job weaving in Giants info that Giants fans identify with. Well done. Having just visited the East Room a few weeks ago, I can tell you that place looked packed to the gills. I read the Splash report and of course there are ultramaroon bloggers on there weaving in idiotic Obama barbs, as if he’s the only president ever to do this. Weak, With yesterday’s deal, the WS title basking is now officially over. Unofficially, it continues….
Wondering if the Phillies aren’t looking at the Giants as basking sharks.
RT, BJ doesn’t have that much value, not close. Christ, he’s hitting .229 with a .709 OPS- and it’s not a BAD year for him.
Unless someone has the keys to his 2007, fergeddit..
Who was supposed to be interested in DeRosa? He’s hitting pretty well at Fresno, albeit with litlle pop. He and Hall are both rehabbing. What do you think they’ll do with them? Forgetting Miggy for now- would you rather have Hall and DeRosa or Mudbug and Burriss? Would the Cubbies take Derosa and a good prospect for Soto?
Any team would be out of its mind to give up anything of value for DeRosa. If the Cubs took him and 1/2 his salary for a PTBNL, I’d be happy…
I don’t disagree, I never suggested a trade that got anything of value for DeRosa straight up. Quite obviously, whether he has any value at all would depend on how he’s striking the ball.Maybe you’ll check that out for us, make yourself useful.
Really nice event yesterday, the visit with the President.
Obama obviously appreciated a chance to have a moment of fun in the midst of his stressful schedule. He was having a good time with it, as was everyone else.
And then the players got on a train, like the old days of baseball. Just sounds like a great day for them, a chance to be honored again for the Championship, and to reflect on that as they head to a series with the Phils, a team that was absolutely stunned to lose that playoff series to the Giants last season.
Wouldn’t it be SO cool for the Giants to win this game tonight. That would be such a kick.
Torres CF, Keppinger 2B, Sandoval 3B, Huff 1B, Schierholtz RF, Ross LF, Fontenot SS, Whiteside C, Lincecum P
This is the best lineup, with Belt rotating in occasionally.
Timmy is a late scratch (Flu). Zito going instead. Phils sweep.
Just to expound a bit on my Philly sweep prediction. Like y’all been saying, these three games mean nada. If we get swept and the offense gets handcuffed that could really force Sabean’s hand to get Beltran if he was still on the fence. And if it’s between Beltran and Upton for our playoff rental, I’ll take Beltran all the way.
In other words,the Doomer isn’t predicting a sweep, he’s hoping for one.
Actually, it’s both.
Holy Staphylococcus! 😦
“Timmy is a late scratch (Flu). Zito going instead.”
Another of those 24 hour bugs for Tim?
Uh, Doomin’ Denny: Zits has shit to do with whether the offense gets shut down. And decisions aren’t being made based on one series. That only happens in Blog Potatoville.
Where did I say that Zits has anything to do with our offense? Don’t put words in my mouth. And don’t tell me that if we get swept it wouldn’t sway Sabean a bit. Decisions aren’t based on one series. But it sure in the hell could produce a nudge one way or the other.
I somehow doubt Lincecum’s illness is the result of scarfing down too man out of state burgers and fries. Maybe some exotic milk shakes got him. A rest will probably do him good.
too many out of state
Never thought it was his shit diet, the kid needs a chaperone for big events.
I was agreeing with you. Hell, even at my age I don’t get hangovers or “stomach flu” from too many burgers. Martinis or shots of bourbon or vodka? Whole different story. Lincecum seems to have an irresponsible side. (Of course, no other ballplayers do.)
Boy did I pick the wrong day to sell orange juice futures. Get those brokers in here! Turn those machines back on!!
yes sir mr. duke!
Who gets the flu in July? Nobody I know.
Loo, I agree that’s a lame excuse . . . However a good one, which I have used goes like this:
Phone Call To Boss: Hi Boss . . . I have an eye infection.
Boss Response: An eye infection?
My Response: Yeah, I can’t see coming into work today.
By the by, this ALWAYS worked, as long as your boss was cool. Just sayin’
Now, now, Loo. An ex-Cy Young winner is allowed to let his team down for a big series.
This is like the 3rd or 4th “stomach flu” Timmy has gotten over the last couple of years where he has missed a start. How many *stomach flu’s* does he have on days he doesn’t pitch?. And it’s not like the dude had to be at work bright and early. While none of us know what he did last night, I am assuming you have to get awfully fucked up the night before to miss work that doesn’t start till that following evening……
There is NO evidence Lincecum doesn’t have a stomach bug. Postulate all you want, but to accuse him of not starting due to a hangover is total bullshit without credible evidence of it by reputable sources. “Letting the team down” is better directed at most of the hitters on this squad for their sorry season long performance to date…
there absolutely is evidence that might not prove anything in court of law but it is certainly suspicious. Timmy has missed at least 3 or 4 starts over the last couple of seasons due to this excuse and no other player ever seems to get this *virus*. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if he couldn’t go today because of last night……
When I was in the DC area I got a horrendous cold that lasted about 5 days. It was 95 degrees outside. Colds and flu germs are everywhere. I think it is total BS to allege some guy is letting down his team by going Mickey Mantle on ’em. I would expect this kind of trash from Philly trolls, not Giants fans….
People get the flu in the summer. It happens.
and really, this is just adding to the drama. Zito in Philly? Wow, this could be spectacular viewing one way or the other………
Snarkk is right-on on this point.
There are two goobers in Arkansas and an ambulance chaser in California who believe Tim has the flu…
There would never be “evidence” because the team would never allow it out and no teammate is going to rat him out. Snarkk knows that.
AKA, I can libel Timmy at any time I want, but leave my precious .236 BA, .326 OBP Torres alone….
Giants hitters are going to like this stadium.
OK, I figured out that the two goobers are Bill and Hilary . . . Who’s the ambulance chaser????
We learned that Keppinger is not a fast runner.
The most avid SF fans aren’t buying it, Snarkklefuck. No one is. He ain’t getting your 5 day shit- it’s always that miracle 12 hour bug.
Feel the dread…
Sorry Snarkk, but there’s not much you can say to make me feel bad that I think Tim can’t go tonight due to a hangover. Hell, I don’t even know if he drinks, for all I know he just smokes a lot of weed. All I was saying is that it’s not that big of a stretch to consider it—especially when this isn’t the first time it’s happened. Zito found out 90 mins before the game that he was going to pitch? If Timmy had come in early with the *stomach flu*, Zito would have been warned WAY earlier than 90 mins before game time that he might be pitching tonight.
Get tanked after going to the White House? WTF??
it didn’t stop Riggins!
Whatever may be the case with Timmy the offense started out with a bit of fireworks. Could Torres be reverting to 2010 form? Second time recently he has led off with a two-bagger and scored. Evidently both Pablo and Huff hit the ball pretty hard against Worley. This could end up being a fairly high-scoring affair, decided primarily by the relief corps.
If there were photos of Timmy falling down drunk, Snarkk would blame it on the stress from lack of run support.
So snarkky!
that pitch to Howard was classic Zito. Kruk noted that he pitched inside and put it right where he wanted to put it and that Howard just beat him. Well, the pitch was 85 mph–quite “beatable” no matter where you throw it, especially inside…….
Believe it or not, I’m gonna give Timmy the benefit of the doubt on this one. Perhaps the nerves of meeting the Prez and the White House visit upset his stomach. We don’t know. And even if it was caused by what most of us think it was, I really don’t have a big problem with that. If this was Game 1 of the NLDS, different story. I’d rather he miss 10 games because of a “night on the town” than one game for getting hauled in for domestic violence.
I actually agree with you. I’m not mad at him or anything. It happens, especially with ballplayers. But if this was self inflicted he needs to grow up and not do this the night (or early morning) before a start. Missing 3 or 4 starts, even over 3 years isn’t the end of the world or anything but it’s not cool and he needs to knock it off.
I’m getting tanked now . . .
Ouch! Zito not up it.
Zito reverts to form! He sucks almost as much as A*** S****. Almost.
Fuck. Where’s Drrrty? Or Ubaldo?
BLEEP IT!
This game just flu away…
Right over the zito’s nest
Kruk didn’t waste much time before he bailed Zito did he? See, Zito just has to always pitch out of the stretch. Problem solved…..I hope Mota doesn’t have the stomach flu tonight……
Zito’s pretty bad. That was a slow wiffleball pitch to Ibanez.
I’m in my happy place. I’m in my happy place. I’m in my happy place.
Well, if the result is that this becomes Zito’s last start, maybe we can say Timmy had a few for the team…
Again, if Timmy’s flu was self inflicted he must have been fucking HAMMERED last night. It’s not like he had to get up at 7am or anything. Maybe that’s what time he got home. Mantle used to talk about drinking all night and into the late morning and he still didn’t have a problem making the game…….
actually my wife had a flu last week. she works in the city. say, you don’t think . . .
This is why Zito was left off the playoff roster. When he gets hit, it comes in bunches, and fast.
Why there are some idjits out there that still believe in this guy’s skills is beyond me….
And here’s another thing to think about: don’t bring Mota into this game too early. Leave his fucking pussy 85 mph *heater* out there to eat up some innings. If he goes 4 innings and gives up 12 runs would it have mattered if Mota cam into the 2nd and limited the damage to 7 runs? The game’s over anyway, I let him go 100 pitches no matter what the outcome and he can suck it the rest of the season working with Raggs on the DL with a hang nail or whatever………
Well said!
Zitofucktivity. Ibanez could hardly have done that against any other Giants pitcher. Yes, the silver lining could be a quick shutdown for any idea of Zits starting any more games this season. If some teammate doesn’t spike him, or if he doesn’t come down with a longblasting flu-bug, maybe he could be kept around for strictly mop-up duties in losing games. Otherwise, the DFA. If Sanchez is not up to it, maybe Surkamp would get the call. If Timmy’s okay tomorrow it might screw up the rotation schedule a bit, but he should be verrrrrry motivated.
The Giants owe Zito about $40 million more over the next 2+ seasons. That’s an eatable amount. It’s time to release the guy. Cut the ties to Zito-drag.
If Timmy’s okay tomorrrow, case closed.
What is the plan with Dirrrty? Last I heard the schedule is for one more ML start and then make a move. No way in hell is Johnny getting traded. Best guess is that Zito gets the 15 day flu. The stars must have been aligned for those three starts off his comeback. That was a Halley’s Comet performance. We won’t see Zito pitch like that again for another 76 years.
actually, I went to great lengths to explain why he did well in those 3 starts…..
This ain’t over yet, but they need to get something more across in the next couple to get back into it.
Gimme a fucking break . . .
Double-fuck . . . This may not be our night.
You guys are rough. Zito’s only thrown 28 pitches in two innings, and 2/3 of them have been strikes. Especially what that 82-82 mph two seam FB. What more do you want?
**************************
“Postulate all you want, but to accuse him of not starting due to a hangover is total bullshit without credible evidence of it by reputable sources.” What was that character’s name in M*A*S*H, Maj. Frank Burns? He had some hilarious lines, didn’t he?
So did Klinger, you from Toledo?…
“With all the know it all accusers here, . . .” Holy shit. You really are Frank Burns.
At least he got to screw Hot Lips. You got to wear her dresses, Klinger…
If Timmy really was out getting hammered, you’d think someone would have cell phone pics.
why do you think he would be out all night in a regular bar. Ever heard of VIP? These guys aren’t at Applebee’s taking shots with the riff raff. Plus, if he took some chick back to his room who knows wtf went down in there (besides all of the hard fucking–Jack Black reference, don’t expect any of you to get it)……
With all the know it all accusers here, there must be some somewhere.
And, he probably went all IMF, too, and abused the cleaning lady while he was at it…