Tough Loss
But at least they put men on base. I love the 10 walks. And they battled back. Gregor Blano now has an OBP of .408. The White Shark is becoming “Torres 2010”. And with Nate brain-locking his end of the game at bat last night, I can’t imagine how Blanco sits in favor of a Nate start, unless he needs a day off or something.
I’m not really understanding what Bochy is going to do with Aubry Huff. Assuming Melky and Pagan are in the OF (and you can all stop dreaming about Pagan sitting, he’s 9 for his last 17) I can’t see how or why Huff would ever play in place of Blanco who absolutely has to be starting every game right now. And he wouldn’t start in front of Belt, would he? Maybe a spot start but what would be the point? Right now, Huff is just clogging up a roster spot.
Buster Posey is either hurt, hurting or coming up ant-small in the absence of The Panda. He’s got 4 rbi’s this month and hasn’t had an extra base hit since LAST month (he doubled on April 29th). Just a question, but who would you rather see hitting clean up right now? Posey or Pill?
Tonight we face Jaime Garcia. I’ll never forget that shut out he threw against us in the Summer of 2010. It was the last game of a long road trip, super hot day—I’ve never seen a limper, lamer collection of bats go down so meekly. I think he only threw like 84 pitches or something. Anyway, I’m hoping that our new found patience at the plate translates into something against this dude. He is not having a very good year and is giving up a boatload of hits (51 in 44 innings pitched)………
A Place To Talk About Giants Baseball 
Weatherproof games: Red Sox-Rays, Yankees-Blue Jays and Brewers-Astros.
Pirates-Nationals is expected to be interrupted by thunderstorms in the middle innings, but they won’t last very long. Diamondbacks-Rockies also could experience storms in the final couple of innings, but they, too, will pass through the area fairly quickly. Weather perfect for Giants “bird plucking.”
Bum needs to be especially careful against the Cards “new” Pujols, Allen Craig. Craig has knocked in 18 runs in 12 starts, including two on Tuesday. He’s hitting fourth now on a team of veteran hitters, and 1B Lance Berkman said: “He deserves to. He’s shining brightly.” Per Rotowire, He is slugging .772 in 57 ABs against top-tier left-handers since last season.
By the by, Beltran may not play (since he was held out of his 2nd consecutive game last night).
bochy is kind of stuck with Huff…you can’t DFA him, and it isn’t going to help the guy to go on 60 day DL. Being around the guys, getting in a game once a week…I realize it’s a reach, but if you ever are going to get anything out of him, probably the best approach.
Yes it is a roster spot, but who would take it? we’ve already buried Nate, and the continuous shuffle of underwhelming IFs since sandoval got hurt hasn’t done the team any good either except for Arias.
crawford had a couple hits and a walk, but his D is hard to watch. The back hand effort from his knees on Posey throw cost an important base; he does that a lot on hard hit balls at him and rarely makes a clean play. The throws to first on routine grounders, from not deep in the hole, that don’t get to belt without a hop are not mlb level. toss in the errant throw night before on the gb from tulo right after his leg injury where Krukow said he didn’t take the time to properly set his feet. The pop up Burriss couldn’t handle could have been his too. These are costing the staff more pitches and letting guys on base that shouldn’t be—unacceptable.
I have no idea who they would replace Crawfish with in-house (other than Arias after Panda comes back), but I agree with you willieD, his defense is hard to watch. No idea what happens to Huff. He will have limited opportunities to show he belongs int the “mix.”
No one does what Pagan does (stop laughing) and he also plays as Flav points out. Anyone who says different is delusional. That being said, I have no problem putting him in left field where he’ll probably do less damage. Blanco is a revelation and I am happy for him . . . Again, kudos to the Clown for seeing what we didn’t see. 🙂
Agree Willied…Crawford’s nonchalant D combined with his “Rag Arm” laziness tosses to 1B are unexceptable.Belt has saved his sorry Ass and the Giants many runs already scooping up his way to short throws .
I have been out of the loop last few days, so you all may have already discussed. But what are the group’s thoughts on extending Melky now?
The free agent market for the next two years to me seems weak, so may be worth trying to nail down melky now. Couple of weeks ago I thought two years and $10 mill each was sensible, but I doubt that does it now…
What would you offer and what do you think he would accept now?
I fear anything in the Roand range, but 3 years and $39 mill? Probably precluides persuing Ethier, but I could live with a Melky-Brown-Blanco outfield next year. Bigger questions remain about the future of oure middle infield?
That meant to say “Rowand range.”
Steward of the Mercury also said that Melk is at “Rowand money” (60 million smackeroos).
I have already stated that we need to get Melky signed to an extension and Sabes needs to do it quick before his agent says, “I think we will wait until after the season.”
Patience, patience, patience. Try it sometime.
I know he hasn’t played there since 08 and I know his head became alphabet soup after sticking him at second but what about Huff at Third? Arias could go to SS right now to see what he brings to the table at the position. I don’t know what that would do for/to us defensively but hitting wise it would basically be a Huff for Crawford swap.
Huff may know where Third and King is located,not sure of he knows where Third on the diamond is.
Oh hell no. See my post below…cut his ass and bring up a young OFer…
Given what’s he’s been through and their reluctance to start him period, the hot corner seems *least* likely to happen. Releasing him outright would seem callous at this point, especially for an org that prides itself on increasing awareness for autism, breast cancer aids etc…Different but this is something many people in the community deal with. I think they want to do what’s best for Huff right now and if being with the team in a limited role is deemed the best approach by Dr’s, that’s what they will continue to do. I could be completely wrong of course.
1) The Giants aren’t going to DFA Huff unless he has a complete collapse or he becomes a distraction in the clubhouse. The guy is also seen as a team leader, so I imagine they would rather have him ride the pine then get rid of him.
2) He’s played almost 3,000 innings at Third and right now we don’t happen to have a 3B but everyone and their fucking brother are trying to get time at First base.
3) The OF stays the same.
4) Crawford sits (and that’s coming from someone that really wants that kid to do well).
If Huff’s mind isn’t strong enough for the switch, OK I get it. But if he wants playing time give him a shot.
Huff? I posed the same question yesterday around 11 A.M. I also made the comment to the effect that they ate Rowand’s remaining money (and it is more than Huff is owed…remainder of 10 mil this year, and 2 mil buyout for 2013).
Who to put in there? Well, I think between Belt, Pill, and Buster, 1st is covered. OF…he sucks compared to any current options. I would like to see them cut him loose and promote Kieschnick or Christian. Kieschnick is hitting .400 and has 9 HRs. WTF…can’t be any worse than what Huff would give us.
I am a huge fan of extending Melky. I say two (if he and his agent are in agreement, or maybe three).
How much do you pay him? good question.
His current stats:
.333, .380, .487, .867.
Lifetime:
.278, .333, .403, .735.
My concern is overpaying because he is having a career year.
Here is the list of current OF salaries.
http://content.usatoday.com/sportsdata/baseball/mlb/salaries/position/OF/2012
Check out some of the names in the 7-10 mil range.
Granted…some of these on the low end are young guys who will eventually get their money.
I am sure he and his agent will want more than that, but does he warrant it for 2-3 years?
Going $13 mill a year in the Beltran range seems fair. I just could not stomach longer than 3 years…
Chi – You want Christian over Huff? Tell me what you’re drinking so I can avoid it.
Look Clown – all I am saying is that in my opinion, Huff is an overpaid cheerleader at this point.
With our current options at 1B, I don’t see him being “one of htose options.”
3B – I cringe.
Christian is just one of the guys that is playing well in Fresno. Roger K is too. I would prefer to see Mr. K., first.
And yes…I would prefer a 25 man roster with Mr. K on it over one with Huff.
I do get it that the Giants are not going to cut him. So…WTF, go ahead and throw Huff a bone every couple of days, buy him some Orange and Black Pom Poms, and we’re all good.
I’m not sure what’s meant by “no one does what Pagan does”. I guess the answer is “Thank God”..I agree he’s going to play, because he’s hitting. But, as I said, a move to LF could just mean he turns singles into doubles instread of triples..
Yes, Buster is struggling some, and yes, I’ve been accused of hating him. But would I prefer Pill in the clean up spot? Maybe the clean up windows spot, or the clean up the dishes spot. Yesterday’s thread mentioned Pill’s
6 hopper into the Rowand hole that managed to escape the infield and drive in the insurance run- nothing about Buster’s shot up the middle that drove in the lead run. Pill-Mania is out of control…
Timmy was “OK” last nigt, a very decent effort if this was Joe Martinez. But he’s now at 5.77 and he hasn’t pitched better than his record shows…
Uh, trying to sign Melky now is not going to catch his agent sleeping. “Damn,I wanted to wait until after the season but that slick Sabean fooled us”…Unless we over pay early instead of waiting to over pay later, I don’t see why Melky would extend rather than testing the market.. I posted that it probably take 12 milion per, that seems to be what others think. He’s been great, but that’s a lot of money for a guy who has not really been a big run producer.
I haven’t looked at all the free agents who will be available, but that kind money should you a Brett Pill. you know- a clean up hitter 😉
ah, bringing everyone back to earth!! It was so much fun orbiting the moon though!!
Good points Michael. 12 mil a year would be hard to swallow, even if for only 2 years. Three? OUCH. 10 seems to be alot, and especially as you say for a guy who is not a run producer. Giants have done their share of overpaying…Rowand, Zito, Huff, etc.
Pill in the clean-up? You mean REGULARLY? Like Mike…I have some windows that need cleaned…with his height…he’d be a perfect fit…I supply the ladders. 😉
Yes, Timmy was okay…for a 4th or 5th starter. I posed the question last night…will we ever see “Big Time Timmy Jim” again? I hope so…but am not holding my breath at this point. Looking like a prudent move to not lock-and-load on a long-term contract, there.
There was some discussion on closing games at the end of last night’s thread. Someone mentioned Casilia and blown saves…last night was not a save opportunity. Game was tied when Scutaro hit his shot in the top of the 9th.
Romo? His only real out pitch is the frisbee slider. And even tho Santiago makes it way too interesting some times (I mentioned that Monday night I thought he was channeling B-Weeze), I still prefer him in the closer role.
I did mention his save record since Wilson went down- 14 for 14. I know last night was not a save opportunity, but his save success is completely relevant when trying to address the idiotic idea that he should be replaced in that closer role.
I saw the 14-14 comment last night. I agree…no arguments here. I think Romo is much more suited in his current role (late inning – come in and get 2-3 outs).
Okay…the Cards are playing some pretty good ball (sans their recent small tailspin), but both Garcia and Wainwright has struggled a lot lately. Preview on Garcia – 11 runs in last 11 2/3 innings, with mention that 6 of those have come in the first inning. Hit him often and hit him early.
Bum? Other than his two losses to the D-backs, he has given up 6 runs over 35 innings.
Would still love to see a 5-2 home stand.
I suppose it could be argued that Cabrera’s career year was last year OR this year. Being back in the bay area I have heard a lot more Giants FO types in the media and one thing they comment on pretty consistently is trends. Cain is trending positive, etc… Well, career years or not, between last year and this year Cabrera is trending positive. Signing him is anyone’s guess. Apparently he’s a bit of an enigma to both the US and Latin players. His “who give a shit” take on hitting at The Phone Book was good in my book. Go 3-5 years.
Melk did have a nice year last year…his best as a MLer. He hit 18 HRs. With 81 of his games coming at our yard…I don’t think he approaches that. Will he match or exceed his 87 RBIs from last year? I doubt it (he may approach it…).
I can see going 3 (depending on the coin), but anything over that…I start to cringe.
We do have some OFers in our system. I mentioned Kieschnick earlier (having a good year so far in Fresno). Brown is having an off year at Richmond (hitting .243 with a .323 OBP). But, there are some options. I just don’t want to see the team overspend, and especially for more than 3 year…Enough of that shit.
Playing 1/2 his games at AT&T I don’t think he’ll beat the HRs but if he stays in the 3 hole (think he should) when Sandoval returns I can see him approaching or exceeded 87 RBI.
True, I would rather see 3 than 5 years. 3+ options? I think he is younger than Rowand was when SF brought him on and he’s in his prime so the ROI could be good.
I think we’re on the same page…again…my MAIN POINT is that I don’t want the Giants to overpay him. The franchise has done enough of those shenanigans over the past five years. The perception will be that the Giants “must” keep him. I don’t buy that.
My gut feeling is G’s would jump all over a 2 yr- 24m (essentially replacing Huff’s salary next yr.) But I can’t see Melky going for anything less than 5 yrs unless he was going to a hitter’s park to further increase his value. Not much in the FA mkt (Swisher anyone?) In a bidding war (hello LA), I wouldn’t be shocked to see him get 5/75 or so, assuming he has another strong season this year.
If he can get 5/75…my comments to Melky and his agent…don’t let the door hit ya in the ass on the way out. If the market dictates more than a three year deal in the 10-12 mil range..fuggitaboutit.
I am in agreement..if he can get that, enjoy your money, but we are moving on….
Signing Melky is not just a matter between him and the Giants- there are 29 other teams that can impact it. It’s hardly “We’re going to give you 36 million for 3 years. Sign here.” I can, however, see a scenario where they overpay him big time. Presuming they pass on Pagan, the only MLB outfielders they have if Melky leaves are Blanco and Nate. And the only minor league one who *might* be ready is Kieschnick. That’s pretty Slim Pickens.
Yeah, I get that Michael. There are potentially a lot of teams that will drive his $$$ numbers up. The flip-side – Sabean has been good at finding guys that fit for a decent amount (Pagan and Melky this year).
Yeah, and I can’t put much stock in those Fresno numbers. Frankly, Kieschnick at 25 looks a lot like Nate Bowker
We’ll never know until he gets his shot.
Nate Bowker is a fine name, isn’t it ? Speaking of names, where’s the nickname king, Chuckie. I’m sick of spelling Kieschnick’s name. I have to think about it every time. How about a contest, Craig? “Name that Rook”..
Chuckie would like Kessy or Rogie. 😉
Here’s the potential free agent OFer crop for 2013. An old favorite of all is out there…
Michael Bourn
Marlon Byrd
Melky Cabrera
Matt Diaz
Andre Ethier
Curtis Granderson
Josh Hamilton
Torii Hunter
Carlos Lee
Angel Pagan
Carlos Quentin
Aaron Rowand
Luke Scott
Ryan Spilborghs
Ichiro Suzuki
B.J. Upton
Shane Victorino
Reggie Willits
Delmon Young
And I’m sure he’ll go for 12 million..
A couple o’ them free agents really oughta be free.
Aaron Rowand will go for 12 mi?? 😉
not much on that list..Hamilton will push the $25 mill year and I expect Ethier is going to be the one in the 5-year $75 mill range. Outside of Cabrera, not much else to like. Bust Upton is having another underwhelming year….Pagan for one year and $7 mill is fine by me if Mr. Brown is not ready and appears that he may not be…I dont think Victorino is worth a multi-year deal…
I threw this out in the pre-season about trying to get our hands on Ellsbury and willing to put a deal together around Brown. That is not going to do it now, but if Timnmy has a mediocre year, would the Red Sox or any of you bite on a Timmy and Brown for Ellsbury or a Timmy for Pedroia package? How much would the Red Sox have to implode for them to freak out and look at one of these deals? Ellsbury is arb eligible next year still and Pedroia has two reasonably priced years at $10.25 and a $11 mill club option in 2015.
Wow, would be nice landing both of those guys:) Yeah yeah yeah, I am currently high as a kite…
Pagan for one year and $7 mill is fine…”
Is that the sound of Mike hurling in the background I hear?
Michael Bourn – Value is entirely dependent on his ability to run. 30 years old . . . OH OH.
Marlon Byrd – Bad fielder (Valentine just benched him for a ball that went over his head). Born in 1977 – too old. He was acquired from Chicago after he was stuck in a 3-for-43 slump.
Melky Cabrera – No problemo.
Matt Diaz – Who? Diaz played a game last week hitting .250, and he raised his batting average to .300 with one solid game. That goes to show how little he has been used. He is a solid bench bat for the Braves against left-handed pitching,
Andre Ethier – Please . . . Pfffft. No power and THERE IS NO WAY THIS GUY GETS A 5 YEAR $75 MILLION CONTRACT. HAHAHAHAHAHA . . . Good one GH.
Curtis Granderson – With the Yankees bidding . . . uhh, no.
Josh Hamilton – With everyone bidding . . . uhh, no. Frankly, I doubt Hamilton would want to play at the Phone park.
Torii Hunter – Way Too old (37 or 38 I believe). Hunter has struggled during the month of May and is hitting just .167 with two extra-base hits — both homers. He also remains an inconsistent run producer and tallied three RBI this month as two of them have come off his home runs.
Carlos Lee – Still playing well (I should know because he is on my FL team. Seriously though, he is getting long in the tooth too. Albeit, he can play both the outfield and first base . . . However, the Phone park would probably eat him up.
Angel Pagan – Fielding is mediocre and the animus and obsession regarding his negatives means he should leave pronto, if only because other topics would come up at the Flap. 🙂
Carlos Quentin – Injury prone, e.g., shoulder and leg problems (currently on DL for his knee). Batting average stinks to high heaven. Lefty with power.
Aaron Rowand – Is this the same guy that use to play for us? Puhleeeeaaassseee . . .
Luke Scott – Currently batting .228 and is a shitty fielder . . . Main reason why he usually DHs. The only good news is that Scott is still displaying power (.482 slugging percentage) and driving in runs (26 RBI), so he’s producing when he gets some hits.
Ryan Spilborghs – Life time member of the Bench Players Association.
Ichiro Suzuki – I love Suzuki (Dirt, when ya going to trade him to me????). Seriously, he is getting long in the tooth too. Must be 38 or 39.
B.J. Upton – He is making $7 million now . . . Back up the Brinks truck on this 27 year old. However, the reality is that he has a low batting average because of an exceptionally high strikeout rate. Currently, batting .260, but has three straight years of a sub-.250 batting average. I doubt he gets any better.
Shane Victorino – All around good player, but 31 years old. Has always stolen bases, but that probably wont be true going forward. I still like him, but his age and current salary, $9.5 million is a lot.
Reggie Willits – LMAO . . . Recently DFA’d, was outrighted to Triple-A Salt Lake on Saturday after clearing waivers.
Delmon Young – Young is batting just .176 (9 for 51) in his last 14 games. He has no homers and 13 strikeouts in that span. Recently suspended too. Leyland wont let him play the field anymore, so he DHs. Next.
Pagan would not be much of a topic if he were a “mediocre” fielder, Blade. He’s awful, terrible, disgusting..even being a fine dancer cannot atone for his awfulability in the field. If he were mediocre *I’d* pay him. Worse is that between him and Crawford there have been about ten uncharged errors.
And you know how it hurts me to the deepest, bottomest depths of my soul to say this : but I told you so..
Sorry, I disagree Mike. Pagan has been a POSITIVE for the Giants overall. I even hold out hope that he is still getting adjusted to the Phone park and he will play better there. Regardless, his overall play has outweighed his negative attributes and Bochy playing him every day supports what I say.
Someone else can bring up “what ifs” regarding other players Sabes shoulda, coulda, woulda pursued, but in my mind, this team is WAY BETTER than the team they fielded last year. Besides, even the errors are so outrageous that they provide entertainment value. Last year’s team? I’ve seen maintenance crews paint buildings that were more exciting to watch than the “station to station” team we had last year. Yawn.
In short, a difference of opinion and I respect your opinion, but we disagree.
Playing him every day just proves how thin we are, it hardly supports anything more than that. And there are no special adjustments to play CF here, in fact nearly all visting outfielders have played the postion better than Pagan. Maybe the best description of his defense is “Bernardian”…
Yeah, too bad Torres isn’t here. Snort.
Pagan isn’t signing anywhere for 1 year. With his service time and history of at least some success, he’ll get 3 years at 8 million, easy. Love it when people say shit like that… “Pagan for one year and $7 mill is fine…” as if there is even the slightest possibiolty it could happen…hey, Ethier for one year and 8 million is cool with me..
Agree Twin . . . Especially in lieu of the upcoming Free Agent outfield class coming on the market. Yeah, 8 million for 3 is a no brainer and he will have multiple bidders. Book it.
Gee, now I’m almost sorry I just slammed him again. Almost. Oh, here’s a video of a nice diving catch. As Craig said in trashing Belt after my man Ishi hit a couple HRs.. “now, THAT’S how it’s done..”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUQypGrJCr4
I remember that catch. My favorite part…it was against the Bums…recorded by a Bum fan, and it crawled up their asses hard!
Damn…I like BOTH of those…Pagan 1 at 7 and Ethier 1 at 8. Fuck yeah…sign me up!
Twin hit it on the nail head…Pagan probably gets three somewhere. Blade made a good point in Ethier above in his list. When you break it all down…Melky looks pretty good. I still would prefer a 3+option. Who knows WTF he will end up getting in the way of offers.
I don’t get how people wouldn’t be encouraged by Timmy’s performance last night. Several of the innings he dominated, and the real bad inning had some bad defense behind him. Obviously he’s not where we need him to be yet, but it’s also obvious that he’s getting closer to that.
Except for the obvious, how did you enjoy the play, Mrs. Lincoln?
Zumie – I’m encouraged by his moving in the right direction over the past couple of starts. And I get that he had some shoddy D behind him. I just questioned earlier if we will ever see the old Timmy again (which, yes, is where we need him to be). Remember when he had a start and you could almost automatically count it a win, or at least know you had a damned good chance for a win? Well, we sure are a long way from that.
Speaking of things I don’t get….here’s one:
(But first a disclaimer- I’m an Obama supporter, so you get a sense of where I lean politically)
John Edwards. How about that guy. Here’s a guy who had a slush fund created to pay off the pregnant mistress, and had one of his aids claim to be the father of the baby, and after all that, Edwards thought- yeah, I’m good to go now for a run for president.
Zumie, we use to call that “delusional,” but now I think they call it “hubris.” Regardless, it resulted in the ruination of a man I thought was a devoted husband, family man, and stood up for the “little guy.” Turns out he was scum and just another politician.
You forgot the part of his wife being in the midst of her battle with cancer at the same time. Piece of work that Edwards eh? Apparently he is top notch in the courtroom though.
He’ll be in the Gary Hart Hall of Fame in no time . . .
I like your list/assessments Blade. The one name on the list that intrigues me is Quentin. He’s actually right-handed and a true power threat when healthy. The AT&T niche that hasn’t been exploited since the days of Kent/Aurilia and a couple years of Uribe/Burrell is the left-field porch that is a pretty sweet home run target for right-handed power-hitting pull hitters. Quentin’s drawback (health) might make him cheaper and he played at Stanford in the past. San Diego, which may get newer, richer owners soon may stop going all cheapskate soon, however, and I believe Quentin might be a San Diego native if I recall.
As for Cabrera, can we please wait until he cools off. I love Melky as a complementary player and I understand the market may dictate a high salary but I get the feeling he will post very similar numbers to Randy Winn (that’s not a criticism, by the way) and the regret (in terms of price/performance) will set in once his .330 becomes .290 with 10-15 HRs and 15 SBs for the next few years.
Good points Yash regarding Quentin – If he could duplicate his 2008 season that would be ideal (I agree this park would be friendly to him). It was the one year that he hit HRs (36) and also for average (.287). I have no idea if that is an outlier or who he really is, since the last 3 years he has hit .236, .243, and .254, plus has dealt with injuries.
You also make a good point about Melky that merits consideration. Hope you are well (also, props to the big move you made in the Flap standings yesterday).
Quentin is intriguing, but agree…the injury bug is a concern. He has ever played in more than 131 games but he does hit some bombs.
And agree…good points on Melky.
Burriss, Culbertson, Belt, Arias, Crawford. You can’t expect a team to go far above .500 when those 5 players with not much MLB pedigree (or a bad pedigree like Burriss) are playing major roles on your position player lineup. Mixing and matching lineup spots isn’t going to matter much. And, they weren’t driving in runs much when Panda WAS playing. Without this pitching staff, this team is at .450, or worse. Sabean has much work to do at or before the deadline. A mid-course correction is as usual, top priority. Problem is, what can be given in exchange? The SF minor leagues look like a desert of talent, else somebody would be up to help, somebody that can actually play. Sabean will leave in 2014 or 2015 and there will be nothing left in the cupboard for the following half decade…
Just read Schulman’s post quoting Cabrera as liking it here through his translator Pagan. With so many Latin players in MLB, I have never understood why more beat reporters don’t become fluent in Spanish. They’re on the road all the time with the clubs right? Hit up one of those Rosetta Stone kiosks in the airport already. Geeze.
Excellent point Dirt . . . I studied Spanish for 4 months prior to my South America trip and my brain would still lock on speaking Spanish.
The minors have slim pickings because the last few years have been spectacularly successful as a fair amount of the top talent lived up to expectations and made the majors quickly. The roster is largely home grown and will be for the next few years. Even then, I’d imagine Hembree and Bochy (Brett!) will be major league contributers soon and Panik is not a lost cause as he is warming up at San Jose. Brown has played slightly better lately in the AA pitcher-friendly league. But there doesn’t seem to be the depth in the minors that could net somebody in a trade.
If a mid-season shakeup is necessary and if Pagan allegedly has market value, I would prefer to trade him possibly to the Nats, who have been looking for a CF for the last couple of years. They have a prospect named Rendon who I believe will be converted to 2B and I wonder if Pagan could bring back Espinosa or Desmond (neither are world-beaters) to add some MI depth. Mark me in the camp that would want Blanco in CF and Pill/Huff/Kieschnick in LF.
I also wonder if Eduardo Nunez, a shortstop for the Yankees who was recently sent down and has a good on-base/speed record, would be available — maybe for Nate straight up?
Unequivocally not . . . The day they sent Nunez down, the Yankees (Girardi) said explicitly that Nunez is their shortstop of the future in front of God and Jeter (who I guess is God in their eyes).
“Spectacularly successful” minors? When? My post was about position talent. Since 2004, where’s that home grown, successful position talent? There’s Panda. There’s Buster. Then there’s, uh, there is Burriss. Nate. Ishi. Velez. Ford. Rohlinger. Gillaspie. Now Culberson gets a shot, but looks overmatched. I must have missed the spectacular ones. 2010 was achieved with almost all key position talent being imported from outside the organization. The fact is SF has done a horrendous job of developing position talent within the organization for over a decade, and it looks like this will not change in the foreseeable future. That is on Sabean, and is undeniable…
I am also a liberal dating back to McCarthy, McGovern, etc…. John Edwards’ conduct has little do with politics- fucking his slut friend while his wife was battling cancer AND using her battle as a campaign tactic stamps him as one of the despicable scumbags ever. Unless there’s a worse place to rot, may he rot in Hell for eternity.
Tail-gunner Joe?
Oh, the other guy . . .
Have you read Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail, Mike? Good read on the McGovern primaries and ultimate election debacle.
Haven’t. Probably won’t. Haven’t been able to read even Pawlie’s book.
I remember us both posting those sentiments here when she passed away, twin
I do recall that. But gee, I hope some others don’t think I was too hard on Johnny. “Hey, go easy on him, he’s a widower, you know”
How did bringing in Casilla in a NON-save situation pan out last night?
I’m pretty sure that’s what caused Nate to freeze on that 3-2 pitch. He still couldn’t believe we did it either.
Next time you’re going to use the spiel, do it at the time. I appreciate that it’s tough when you’re passed out, but you’ll need to stay at least semi-coherent until the game is over. Idiocy the day after is even more galling.
I’m sure I’m alone in my opinion, but I have to confess that the dread you’ve created over this is pretty funny.
Well, thinking about it, it’s probably the single biggest thing he’s acomplished in his life. And I truly don’t mean that in a derogatory sense.Plenty to be proud of. As the HR cleared the fence, I thought of Denny’s schtick before even thinking that we’d fallen behind. I totally know I’m not alone. Just imagine if Fleming or Miller adopted it.
“God no, Bochy. This is a non-save situation. We are completely screwed…” the previous was compliments of one Delmar Denny…”
the minute i head it on the radio i thought, “oh Dennis is going to flip”. I think it’s amusing. And I seem to think it’s a tactic Bochy has used to effect. I’m pretty sure I remember several timew when Wilson came in in the top of the ninth of a tie game to get the win when we scored in the bottom.
Virtually all big league managers use the the closer in a tie game, 9th inning, at home. It’s not a Bochy exclusive. But however well or poorly the closer does, there isn’t a relevant statistic because one would have to know how another pitcher would do. By what logic would the second or third or fourth best reliever be expected to do better than the closer? It seems that the Denmeister thinks Edlefsen should be the guy… if we pay attention to how nearly all managers handle a tie game in the 9th and beyond-it’s pretty much the regular usage in reverse. Best first, then those who haven’t pitched …2nd best, 3rd, etc. until it’s Huff in the 21st…
Snarkk, Sabean provided Lincecum, Cain, Bumgarner, J. Sanchez, Wilson, Sandoval, Posey from the farm system. It helped get us the ring. In the big picture, he’s an elite GM.
I agree Zumie – and it is not just Sabean…you have Dick Tidrow, Bobby Evans, and the scouts that all have a piece in guiding the draft.
For the first time in the history of the game, 4 WS pitching starters were home grown.
Got a weird question for ya, Flav. My blog all of a sudden is closing comments once my new threads are poste. The settings are fine, but I can’t get the comment thing to show up, and once I post a new thread, it says ‘Comments are closed.’
You seen anything like this? WrdPress is pissing me off these days. First the email bullshit, now this.
no, I haven’t. Email them, they get back to you pretty quickly.
Yeah, I sent them an email. Just wondering if this happened to you.
thx . . .
Scrap-Heap Sabean knows what he’s doing. Just don’t let him go shopping with too much spending money…
——–
So, what kind of reception should Beltran get?
a) Boos
b) Cheers
c) Polite applause
d) Indifferent
e) All of the above
If I were there………………(d)
d
e
d.
A few years from now only the hardcore fans will remember he played for the Giants.
No f.???? My choice would be f. Jack shit.
I was more concerned with how Mike Matheny will be received.
Matheny was class all the way…he should get nothing but a standing o.
d……But no matter what it would be better then if “Constipated Stance Rowan ever dragged his sorry Ass back in town.
He had as much to do with their failure down the stretch than anyone else, so I guess ‘a’
If I were to boo, it would be because I am still pissed that we gave up Wheeler and got…well, not a whole hell of a lot in return.
But overall…fuck it…it’s water under the bridge. I like to be forward-focused…what can we do to get back to the dance…
Boo Sabean, not Beltran….
All the Sabean haters are on The Spash…
When Beltran wasn’t hurt, he hit well. Sabes and the Giants chose not to spend the cash on him to re-sign, they didn’t go after him. It wasn’t as if Beltran turned down the Giants after the ol’ college try to get him. They didn’t go after him, and that’s per Sabean’s own admissions. So, booing Beltran is clearly booing in the wrong direction…
hmmm…. SFGiants have tweeted the LU as:
Blanco RF
Culberson 2B
Cabrera LF
Posey C
Pagan CF
Pill 1B
Crawford SS
Bumgarner LHP
Burriss 2B
…. a LaRussa “Pitcher in the 8th” homage?
… and no 3B. Well, even if it’s really Burriss 3B — we still don’t have 3B covered.
Get ready for a giant sucking sound.
… which they just corrected … the Burriss 3B part. Emasculated Burriss still batting 9th.
Bert, what do you think of that lineup?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw16FXp5ZJk&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active
yep, Boch def got the sense o’ humour going.
Bochy, the jokester! An Homage to LaRussa.
But, it makes sense. Bumgarner has far more pop than Burriss. After Burriss’ bunt/joke last night with two down, I’d say it’s one of the best Bochy moves of the year…
Schulman: No Beltran tonight. Also confirms the 8th batter.
No Beltran? We get cheated out of our indifference.
I know! I may have to get some food poisoning from chicken wings just for ol’ times sake.
“When Beltran wasn’t hurt, he hit well..’ not true.
He was 11-46 before the injury with 0 HR and 2 RBI, then 9-34 the rest of August after the injury with 1 HR and another 2 RBI.So the last few days of July and all of August he was 20-80 with 1 HR and 4 RBI.
He did hit well in September.But they lost 10 games in the standings between when he was acquired and August 31. Obviously not all his fault but he huirt them big time…
Well said.
He was the only guy hitting worth a damn as they “cratered” in August and September. He gets little of the blame for the team’s flame out. And, I didn’t even want the guy, so I’ve got no reason to tout him. He had no protection in that lineup, eithe, when he was healthy. The loss of Wheeler for Beltran and Beltran not re-upping with the Giants is all on Sabes and Giants ownership, not Beltran…
I doubt Burriss cares where hes batting as long as it’s in SF and not Fresno. If pressed, he’d probably admit Bum is a better hitter than him anyway…
Dude probably thanks the Lord each night for having a roster spot.
Nats have some catcher trouble — Ramos’ done ACL, his replacement went to DL after first night. We trade Whiteside for B. Harper, eh?
That’s some bold ass thinking BillSquared… I like it!!!!
You guys want to remind me once again how well Burriss was hitting the ball in ST?
I would have sent him packing after that 8th inning bunt. Hit the ball, Alice. Oh, that’s right. You can’t.
Between opening day and now, you’ve sent 22 guys packing. You realize you can’t use their frequent flyer miles, don’t you?
Despite the lack of pop, Manny hit pretty well in April, .260. Then Bochy quit playing him ( 5 starts in May) even though he hadn’t been playing poorly on defense either. He’s hit .111 since then.
Maybe frequent Bus vouchers to Fresno is all Denny should expect.
Hey, girls, Rich Thompson, the 1-AB career minor leaguer profiled in the Phil. Inquirer, just got traded to the Rays. Hope he plays.
Saw that. It would be a nice ending to an intriguing story
I understand he is on the 25-man roster for the Rays. Emailed Matt Gelb to say: Do it. Write a book on this guy. You’ve already got a good start.
Judging by the remarks, booing Burriss will be more fun anyway.
I wouldn’t boo the kid, he’s a nice kid. His talent is just not worth using on a roster spot on this team. Put him on a team loaded with hitters that needs some sort of utility infielder that can pinch run a little, and he’s OK as #25…
Speaking of booing, I didn’t see any of this about Lawrie. Two really bad calls from the ump on the same AB:
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120516&content_id=31435564&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb
Love the fan that threw the drink at the ump. LOL.
There should be dunk tanks at parks for umps that clearly botch a key call. But, I wouldn’t waste a $10 beer on an ump bath, Blade. The thrower was probably too drunk to assess that situation…
Grin . . . No doubt.
I’ll give it a shot zum.
Hey Blue get on your knees if you’re going to suck like that.
Or how about this one from the past.
Blue, Blue. If you had one more eye, just one more eye. You’d be a cyclops.
You can clearly read the umps lips…”You little fucking piece of shit.”
Wow. Shouldn’t that come in to play when you argue a suspension? The helmet deal is a bit much, but sheesh, those pitches aren’t even close. And you KNOW Miller rings him up because he was ‘shown up’ by Lawrie for jogging to 1st on the 3-1 pitch.
Miller and Balkin’ Bob should get together and make out. The “blind leading the blind”, as it were.
When you throw things, they might hit somebody.Most of us figured that out when Mommy got strained peas in her face. Lawrie has nowhere to go on his appeal. Doesn’t matter how bad the calls were.
Agreed. I showed that clip to Katie during a talk we had after swim practice today about “bad sportsmanship” — Lawrie acted like a spoiled brat pussy.
So did George Brett . . .
You have a point other than both were wrongo?
The calls are supporting evidence that Miller couldn’t possibly see well enough to identify who threw the helmet. Or that it was even thrown. It could just as easily have fallen out of the sky.
Well there ya go, Bill. Silly boy Lawrie goes out and admits to throwing it. Otherwise he wins the appeal on the”blind umpire” argument..
If he Fed Exed the helmet, the whole suspension would go away on appeal…
Curses — he coulda ‘Bart Simpsoned’ it!
But seriously, some umps have that “Overlord” schtick, ringing up someone out of spite, just because they can. That’s just as prickish as Lawrie tossing his gear, but nobody calls them on it.
So, if anybody’s at the game tomorrow and wants to grab a beverage, I’ll be in BL139 (the “Coke Bottle) section, Row 17. I won’t be wearing the usual blue clown suit, but will have some photog gear w/ me.
King Felix just got pulled after 4 innings in Cleveland, which is leading 8-4. Damn, he has been lights out this year up until this game . . . I have him in one of my leagues and no doubt, my WHIP and ERA is hurting right now.
I have him in the Flap league (I think I refused to trade him to you) – 14.73 ERA and 3.55 whip for the game.
You did. Thank you clown 🙂
Boch has some interesting words regarding last night’s 9th inning shuffle: “Bochy also revealed that Hector Sanchez would have played third base had Nate Schierholtz, batting for Burriss, tied Monday’s game in the ninth. Bochy already used Brett Pill as a pinch-hitter and said Tuesday he now regrets removing Pill from the game and leaving him for that situation.”
Where’s yer dog, blue?
Ahh, an old time fave . . .
I don’t get why umpires are treated like Murano glass, but umpires can touch players and THEY don’t get suspended. If you look at that video of Lawrie, after he got run, another umpire came in and put his hand on Lawrie’s back to keep him away from the home plate ump. Lawrie didn’t put his hands on either ump…
No, he just hit one with his fucking helmet- and it was no oopsy-he threw it right at him…
He threw it on the ground, not “right at him”…
Directly at him.
“Directly” at the ground. The ump wasn’t laying on the ground, he was standing, the helmet bounced up and into him. If the kid wanted to throw it “at” the ump, the ump would have got it in the teeth. It it bounces another way, the ump isn’t hit at all. No need for prevarication here. The kid was in the wrong, but he didn’t throw it at the ump…
Dodgers just earned their 2nd consecutive loss. We should make up some ground tonight, since it was for naught *yestereve*.
and
Schulman: “Bochy batted Lincecum 8th, Torres ninth v AZ on 5/20/10.”
The fan that threw the the drink should be banned for the year, BTW. I can’t believe some of you are condoning violence against umpires for missing calls. Hey, you’ll go for this, too: a selected lucky fan gets to throw an object of his/her choice at the “Goat of the Night”…
Yeah, where’s the Crazy Crab when you need him?
I agree with this too.
Get a grip Mike. It’s a blog. I have heard way worse from you Mr. Perfect.
Ditto…
Miller on the pregame KNBR just ripped Burriss for the bunt last night. Paraphrasing, “If Manny doesn’t believe he can get a hit and wants to leave it to the guy on deck to drive in the run, then why should Bochy believe Manny can get a hit”?…
Well, too bad the Goat of the Game promotion wasn’t in place last night..
Take it up with MiIler…
No, the promo is for your kind.
My “kind”?
Kind of what?…
If you’re referring to the dunk tank, it’s a joke, son.
They should really use cattle prods…
Throwing objects from the stands is violence, boy.
If we take it one step further, much more could be achieved:
“The brutal elimination of the victim would reduce the appetite for violence that possessed everyone a moment before, and leaves the group suddenly appeased and calm. The victim lies before the group, appearing simultaneously as the origin of the crisis and as the one responsible for this miracle of renewed peace. He becomes sacred, that is to say the bearer of the prodigious power of defusing the crisis and bringing peace back.”
And the victim was damn good eatin’
Is that what the Mayans said about their sacrificial victims? Sure must’ve made the victim’s self esteem spike right before being killed…
In other words, “KILL THE UMP!”
Melky’s a late scratch — toe injury. Insert Nate.
Blanco LF Culberson 2B Pagan CF Posey C Pill 1B Schierholtz RF Crawford SS Bumgarner LHP Burriss 3B
Are the Cards playing in Fresno tonight?…
You can get there by the 4th or 5th inning if you get your ass to SFO now. Oh darn, no game. Well, get your ass on a plane outta here anyway.
Thanks, but I’ll use my own travel agent…
Regarding Bumgarner in the 8 slot, as I’ve noted here 57 times: saw him hit GS in Binghamton. Prediction: 2 hits, 1 rbi.
Anybody on hand for his first snot rocket?
Not on hand, but the first one I saw was in the dugout, 10:13 Eastern.
Turf toe? The gout? Stubbed?
I don’t think Melky has to worry about being Shitzeled.
Nobody paying attention said he would worry about that…
Meh … w/ Cabrera’s toe to add to our woe, it’ll be tough to get out of this 1-run hole.
We can bloop ’em with the best.
Never seen this before…The Cardinals have a “peanut free section” at Busch stadium for fans with peanut allergies…Why hasn’t Southwest thought of that?
It’s located in the wheel wells Wilco.
One of the deadliest allergies, I’m sure we all know. A boy detected an infinitesimal amount on his tongue, spit it out and died. You’re welcome.
Nate;s due.
Then again, this entire current lineup is . . .
Bochy is so fucking stubborn when it comes to keeping Pagan in CF over a far superior Blanco its pathetic. And it will stay that way cause he doesn’t want to “BUTT HURT” his feelings and have him mope in the dugout.
Pagan is the newest invitee to Bochy’s Gay Vet Pajama Party Nite.With Whitey and Rowand gone, applications have been pouring in for a coveted spot in Bunk A and season long unwarranted playing time.
“Gay Vet”? What kind of perjorative bullshit insult is that?
You’ve got no leg to stand on criticizing other Flappers for criticizing players’ performances…
You don ‘t get much-that’s YOUR theory on why Bochy plays the veterans.
K&K and all the other talking heads need to stop calling Burriss batting 9th a “strategy” and call it what it really is — a motivational move and punishment by Bochy for Burriss’ play last night.
Bochy doesn’t work that way.
Bullshit. After that horseshit bunt this is the shipper’s way of trying to light a fire underneath him.
It’s the “punish’ bullshit you whiff on..
That makes two ABs for Culberson and still no shots of his wife.
He’s totally useless now.
I’m sure glad some idiot using my screen name called for Charlie’s promotion… can they send him down and keep Mom?
I support both of these moves — sending and keeping.
LQTM
Blanco Popular! Shark! But he looked safe. I’ll take it.
Garcia’s face: “I did my homework, but the cat peed on it. I’m sorry.”
Posey looking better at the plate today.
Jesus. Serioosly?
you don’t like extra-base hits?
Talking about Pill and his blind swingning
Pill needs anti-anemia pills. Was watching Rays game. Scary moment when Will Rhymes fainted after HBP.
5th ball in a row for a strike.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh fuck. This lead is too much to overcome.
Striking fear into the opposition w/ that Schierholtz-Crawford-P-Burriss bottom odor threat!
You meant “order” right? 🙂
Bummie trying to tie the score.
Great bunt Blanco.