The other guy

Posted in Uncategorized by twinfan1 on October 16, 2012

Edd talked about Cain, his counterpart has had a very interesting and unlikely career. Kyle Lohse was thought he might become the equal of even better than then Twin’s ace, Brad Radke.Never came about. Then he fell of the map for 5 years, getting nobody out. Now in his 12th year he’s having his best year by far- what was expected of him 10 years ago. And making some nice bucks for it. He’s pitched in the postseason for 3 teams, and 6 years. He’s a strike thrower, 89-92 velocty, a sinker heavy guy who’s developed a decent slider as well. Despite heavy use of the sinker, he has a so-so 40% ground ball rate. We’ll need to do what Krukow preaches: look up. He’s very unlikely to walk guys, being aggressive is how a guy like Lohse is best attacked. With a total of 147 ABs, no current Giant has ever homered against him. Theriot is 12 for 22 with 2 doubles and 2 triples. Pence is .298 in 47 AB but with just 2 RBI. No else has any signiicant history. If everybody except Panda can lay off the sinkers that begin low in the zone, he pitches to contact and we should make plenty of it…

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Nipper said, on October 17, 2012 at 4:57 am

Pitchers sometimes knock around the leagues for a few years before success comes calling. Good intro.
eddacker said, on October 17, 2012 at 5:29 am

Nice summary my man.
Let us pray,
Lohse gets out in the first few innings.
Pagan, ?, pablo turning lose
My team.
Not looking ahead to Detroit, but cruising into the WS
chipower9 said, on October 17, 2012 at 6:22 am

Nice analysis, Michael.

Drafted by the Cubbies, born in Chico, CA. Has played with a fair amount of teams (time in the NL and AL). Hmmm…in making his many rounds throughout the baseball landscape, he seems to have similarities with that guy on the Giant’s staff…oh HELL, what’s his name??? Oh yeah, Ryan Voglesong. Let’s hope the similarities stop there, and the Giants make hay with this guy.

To clarify edd’s comment on my prediction that Cain would dominate (from yesterday’s thread). I said I think we will see the dominant Cain. And what I really was thinking (and more hoping) is that we would see the dominant Matt Cain. He has had a rough couple of outings, and I just feel he is due for a breakout game.

So, no prediction that Cain will dominate, but I do have a good feeling about this game. Similar to the feeling I had prior to games 3, 4 and 5 against Dusty’s Thugs.

I came into work early (a bit before six) and am bailing at 12 to get my ass home and in my favorite chair prior to the first pitch.

One Day, One Game at a Time. We score we win.

Orange October – Let’s GO GIANTS.
Let’s GET IT ON!
- twinfan1 said, on October 17, 2012 at 7:11 am
  
  Took me awhie to say a lot of what you just said, Chi. Yes, I’d like Kyle’s feel good story to a take a lttle detour today.
Flavor said, on October 17, 2012 at 6:42 am

Here’s a pretty good article on *take-out* sides.
http://mlb.sbnation.com/2012/10/16/3512524/revisiting-the-rules-on-takeout-slides

there’s an old vid of Hal McRae taking out an A’s infielder that’s hilarious….

I think it’s clear that Holiday didn’t make any attempt to touch 2nd base when he slide. He soared over 2nd base and never actually touched it, landing in the middle of Scoot’s lower torso. I don’t think there’s anything illegal about the slide but it certainly could be argued that, because MH didn’t make an obvious attempt to touch 2nd base the ball should have been declared dead and the runner at first called out–that’s how I read the rule, anyway……..
twinfan1 said, on October 17, 2012 at 7:04 am

Nip is right, some guys do kick around a bit before findiing success Not many come out of a career that can be politely termed “checkered” as the undisputed staff ace of a WS contender., however. There are some similarities to Vogelsong but Kyle managed to stick in the bigs save for some brief minor leaue stays, while Ryan went around the world not getting anyone out as he learned to pitch. They’ve both provided lessons that can be emulated by men and women in any field- that determination and hard work are even more than own reward- both of these men became among by the best in their line of work, not from being more talented, but more dedicated to achieving their goal.
- chipower9 said, on October 17, 2012 at 7:18 am
  
  Well said. I was mainly pointing out the similarity that both are “well traveled” in the baseball world.
  - twinfan1 said, on October 17, 2012 at 8:43 am
    
    And I’m not disagreeing with you at all, Chi. Sometimes we folks just have different angles expressed in different ways.And sometimes I do a lot of househald things while I’m crafting a post, I hadn’t even seen your 6:22 when I posted my 7:04 I. suppose I could refresh before I post but I really don’t base most of what I feel based on what someone else feels. I love your posts, BTW.
  - chipower9 said, on October 17, 2012 at 10:18 am
    
    Twin said “Sometimes we folks just have different angles expressed in different ways.” Exactly! And that is one of many reasons that this blog appeals to me SO much. That and just sharing the love of the game of baseball with knowledgeable SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS fans! The feelings are mutual. I too enjoy your posts. Going back to the Splash days, I have learned a lot about the game from you, Craig and some of the others. It is great to share the stories and experiences of the beauty of the world’s most wonderful game.
willedav said, on October 17, 2012 at 7:40 am

Hal McRae was known as a pretty tough customer. Started out with the Reds as I remember, good line drive hitter. Had a highlight reel post game rant in royals (?) clubhouse as a mgr I think too.
Like the idea of being aggressive vs. a guy like this. Hey, if he is going to throw strikes (key word here) and try and get ahead in the count then make him pay for it. But if you allow him to have advantage and be ahead all the time he can get you out with the borderline (or worse) stuff So far SF has raked both of their SPs, and we’ve got Wainwright up next, so imo this is the guy to go out and hammer.
willedav said, on October 17, 2012 at 9:03 am

Something I’ve wondered about as far as pitchers throwing strikes concerns how that stat is computed. You see on various game boxes a pitcher threw 80 pitches, x amount of strikes. But how is that determined? In other words, Lincecum throws his patented two strike change up in the dirt and the batter swings and misses, that is recorded as a thrown strike, no? What about balls put into play?
The pitch itself, where it landed, can be out of the zone when the batter swings and misses it, ala the back foot slider. But the pitcher is credited as having thrown a strike, right? A guy like Maddux, who benefited from a generous zone and was always known as a guy who was “around the strike zone” has the added advantage of throwing pitches that are just outside the zone, with movement, and are not very hittable. But because batters are aware he can get that call, esp with two strikes, they have to swing at that pitch. It isn’t a legit strike, and even if they do make contact they aren’t able to do much with it . Which I guess is part of the art of pitching for guys like Lohse who aren’t overpowering with the fastball.
- twinfan1 said, on October 17, 2012 at 9:36 am
  
  As I understand it, it is a recorded as a strike if it’s swung at. It’s also my understanding that the true art of pitching is *not* throwing strikes in the sense of being in the strike zone but throwing pitches that the hitters believe will be there. A huge part of MadBum’s problems when he’s off is throwing strikes- he was 50-22 in game one. Most of the 50 of the BP variety. Willie is right about the art of pitching, IMO.
  - chipower9 said, on October 17, 2012 at 10:20 am
    
    Good stuff from both of you. Interesting…
Macdog said, on October 17, 2012 at 9:35 am

No wonder’s there’s not much of a history against Lohse: The Giants didn’t face him at all this season. Last time the Giants saw Lohse was April 10 of last year, the 9th game of the season. Cards won 6-1, Lohse gave up 1 run, 5 H and no walks in 8 IP. The good news is Eli started that game.
- twinfan1 said, on October 17, 2012 at 9:56 am
  
  Well, most have little history- but Pence, Nady, Huff, Scutaro and Theriot have decent sample sizes. Most significant of the numbers against him is zero HR in 147 AB among all current Giants but a .306 BA. IMO.
  LU today:
  Angel Pagan CF, Marco Scutaro 2B, Pablo Sandoval 3B, Buster Posey C, Hunter Pence RF, Brandon Belt 1B, Gregor Blanco LF, Brandon Crawford SS, (Matt Cain P
  - chipower9 said, on October 17, 2012 at 10:22 am
    
    FUCK YEAH! I am SO happy to see Scoots back in his two slot and playing second sack! WHOOT!
    
    Let’s GET ‘EM GIANTS!
chipower9 said, on October 17, 2012 at 10:47 am

Some of you may think I am “off my rocker” with this (hell, most probably think so without this), but this morning I left to get to work really early (on the road at 5 or so), and I saw not one (and to see one is pretty damned rare), but two foxes. Their tails were very bushy and coats thick…they definitely have their Winter coats on. Awesome animals. Seeing them gave me a premonition that today is going to be a good day.

Now where the fuck is that squirrel (I think they refer to him as “Buschie squirrel) that runs around Busch stadium??? I’ve got a couple of friends who want to meet him and take him out to dinner!
snarkk said, on October 17, 2012 at 11:05 am

Scutaro’s starting, but we don’t really know if his mobility and strength and flexibility are diminished. I should think he can’t be as good as he was before the injury with only one day off, so Holliday’s dbaggery will still probably have some impact on the competition to the Cards advantage. I hope Scutaro goes 4 for 4 and Holliday makes another error…
- chipower9 said, on October 17, 2012 at 11:26 am
  
  I have heard/read a number of bits on him taking BP, and stretching, running sprints, so hopefully the impact on the hip/his performance is notta, or minimal. 4-4 sounds awesome!
Salty said, on October 17, 2012 at 11:06 am

Woke up especially fired up after seeing lying Cayman Mitt get skewered last night.

Now Cain needs to feed off of the stellar effort from Vogie and hopefully Tim will follow suit.

Vamos Gigantes!!
- chipower9 said, on October 17, 2012 at 11:28 am
  
  VAMOS GIGANTES!!!
  
  I like it…
  
  I am getting MORE FIRED UP by the MINUTE!!!
snarkk said, on October 17, 2012 at 11:33 am

Rain likely during the game today.
Here we are already at Oct 17, and only game 3 of the NLCS.
WSeries games in Detroit in late October may require skis…
snarkk said, on October 17, 2012 at 11:41 am

80% chance of rain. This is why this late year baseball is going to be so problematic, and wreck games.
Question what to do if game starts for an inning or two, then long rain delay. Can you really bring back Cain? Insert Mota? Ouch. Maybe START Mota or somebody else, let it rain. If the game is rained out and put over to tomorrow, you haven’t burned Cain. Or, if the game resumes and there’s a window to finish it, THEN, get Cain hot and put him in for the rest of the game…
- blade3colorado said, on October 17, 2012 at 11:56 am
  
  Good points to ponder snarkk . . . It’s very disruptive for a pitcher to be shelved for a couple of hours, after pitching 2-3 innings. 80% chance of rain means IT IS GOING TO RAIN. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Quite a dilemma for Bochy.
eddacker said, on October 17, 2012 at 11:44 am

go get ’em
SFGs all the way
birdies die
eddacker said, on October 17, 2012 at 11:59 am

Matt mother fucking Cain
eddacker is ready to see one freakin win
snarkk said, on October 17, 2012 at 12:07 pm

I would really hate to burn Cain today for a rain out after he starts, or a long rain delay, then the game can finish. He’s the top pitcher, is getting paid to be that, and he needs to perform…
Salty said, on October 17, 2012 at 12:18 pm

Well, both mgr’s are in the same boat as Henry points out in the splash… Says Bochy will start Cain but it sounds like Scutaro might not. Personally, I think they should give him another day. Theriot is plenty capable and has hit Lohse.

http://blog.sfgate.com/giants/2012/10/17/no-matter-the-forecast-matt-cain-and-not-merkin-valdez-to-start-game-3/
- snarkk said, on October 17, 2012 at 12:33 pm
  
  I just read the article, and I don’t get what that game has to do with this one, or the rain situation today. I’d not start Cain, and play it by ear. Once he’s burned, he’s burned, and can’t come back if there’s a long delay, or a rainout until tomorrow. You can argue that MLB will play these PO games now in anything short of a monsoon because the schedule’s are so tight and up against winter time, but they must have weather reports now that are pretty dang accurate to know what’s likely to happen. I just am leery of burning Cain with nothing to show for it…
eddacker said, on October 17, 2012 at 12:22 pm

If the weather delays the game that is the sissy ballclub just waiting for elimination.
Bush stadium? The Gmen are ready, come what may.
Could be a nightmare for StL fans everywhere.
eddacker said, on October 17, 2012 at 12:33 pm

Scooter in the line up!
I am getting MORE FIRED UP by the MINUTE!!!
eddacker said, on October 17, 2012 at 12:44 pm

have I noticed?
Either Trout or Harper are not playing .in the post season.
zumiee said, on October 17, 2012 at 12:45 pm

Rain??? That messes up my DVR recording. Instead of the game, I’m going to end up with Dr. Phil, and Jerry Springer.
- unca_chuck said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:14 pm
  
  Oh, come on. You had to cancel those to tape the game . . .
snarkk said, on October 17, 2012 at 12:49 pm

Rain and Thunderstorms predicted for St Louis from 3 through 8 pm local time. Rain/showers predicted off and on through Friday…
eddacker said, on October 17, 2012 at 12:58 pm

Looks dry
game on
eddacker said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:03 pm

WE SCORE WE WIN
unca_chuck said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:13 pm

MVPosey time.
unca_chuck said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:18 pm

Little fucker turned into that.
unca_chuck said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:19 pm

No, Tim. Not a message. Up around the chin? Sure.

Jesus, Matt. Settle.
Alleykat said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:21 pm

Show alittle patience with.Loshe,so he get’s the ball up.Dude still gave up 19 gopher balls.
Giants Baby!!!!
unca_chuck said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:24 pm

Come on. Hit this blob.
unca_chuck said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:27 pm

du-nu. du nuh du nuh. du du du du du du du du du du du du

du nuh-NA!
unca_chuck said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:29 pm

Good job by Belt. Oooh. Close.
eddacker said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:29 pm

FOX is gong on a SFGs love tour
nothing wrong with that
Crawdaddy is due
Irish Kevin said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:33 pm

Does anyone know what happened to the Cards RF? I am using ESPN box score and it shows M Carpenter to RField for the Cards. like he is a replacement
blade3colorado said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:35 pm

Which idiot said that Matt has “. . . a bat in his hand, not a ball?” Doesn’t matter – THEY’RE BOTH IDIOTS.
- Fugazi said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:45 pm
  
  Buck said it.
  - blade3colorado said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:50 pm
    
    Ahhh . . . My least favorite idiot of that tag team fiasco.
ChiPower said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:37 pm

Lohse – 38 BBs in the year and 2 in the 2nd. Good patience by the G-men. Too bad Matty couldn’t help himself out with a knock.

RE: rain. Heard Bochy on KNBR pre-game. He said possibly Kontos or Mijeres, depending on where they are in they are in the game/order, and said even Tim was available, if needed, but wants to stay away from that (saying they would have to rethink the rotation). In other words…Tim must be in the equation for a start. He also said they have discussed their plans for the entire series with the pitchers…just have not made that public knowledge.
chipower9 said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:39 pm

Quick ABs so far…keeping the count down and moving this game right along.

We score we win.

One day, one game at a time.

GO GIANTS!
Salty said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:41 pm

Kevin, Beltran is OUT today. Big break for Cain & G’s.
chipower9 said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:43 pm

Way to go Matty!
Fugazi said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:44 pm

Typical Beltran, get a owie and pulls himself out of the game
unca_chuck said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:46 pm

2nd time through. Let’s rake.
chipower9 said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:46 pm

Why is Beltran out? He hit in the 2nd…
unca_chuck said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:46 pm

Or dying quail . . .
eddacker said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:46 pm

hello
Giants on base
unca_chuck said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:46 pm

He tweaked his knee running to 1st on the groundout.
chipower9 said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:47 pm

Doesn’t matter. Fuck Beltran. Fuck the Cards. We got the lead-off on…tee off on this fucker. Put a Loose on Lohse!
unca_chuck said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:48 pm

Yup. This is the inning to hammer Lohse
unca_chuck said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:49 pm

Scoot scoot scutaro!!!
Fugazi said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:49 pm

Scutaro = Clutch again
blade3colorado said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:49 pm

Marco!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
chipower9 said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:49 pm

Fuck yeah!
eddacker said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:49 pm

our man scooter
let’s go Giants!
unca_chuck said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:50 pm

Shit, Scoots looks A OK.

Panda time.
chipower9 said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:50 pm

Marco for fucking President!!!
Fugazi said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:51 pm

Good job Pablo..
unca_chuck said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:51 pm

That works. Just get a hit here.
chipower9 said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:51 pm

Come on Panda! You are do, Homie!
eddacker said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:51 pm

pro
ductive out
chipower9 said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:51 pm

First Blood!!!
chipower9 said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:52 pm

Yep…productive…run and moved Scoot over.
unca_chuck said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:52 pm

First time for you to shut up, Tim.

Pence really has to start covering Buster.
Salty said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:52 pm

Yeah, Scutaro looks 100%. Who was the idiot who said sit him? 🙂
- blade3colorado said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:53 pm
  
  Some weinie named Pepper . . . 🙂
chipower9 said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:52 pm

Buster Ballgame! They want nothing to do with him. Pussies!
Salty said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:53 pm

C’mon Reverend!
chipower9 said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:53 pm

Come on Preacher!
unca_chuck said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:53 pm

Hey, he laid off that shit. Progress.
unca_chuck said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:53 pm

Fuck you, Pence.
chipower9 said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:53 pm

Great minds think alike, Salt!
- Salty said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:57 pm
  
  Yep!
Fugazi said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:53 pm

Goc Damnit Pence
chipower9 said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:54 pm

Fuck!
unca_chuck said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:54 pm

9th fucking game. 0 RBIs. Buster will never see another strike.
- unca_chuck said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:54 pm
  
  OK, 8th. But still . . . .
twinfan1 said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:55 pm

2-0, hitters count, you have to do better than that shit, Hunter.
Fugazi said, on October 17, 2012 at 1:59 pm

McCarver you fuckin idiot, Posey got down because he was never in the play at second. What a idiot.
eddacker said, on October 17, 2012 at 2:00 pm

Cain
can get it done
unca_chuck said, on October 17, 2012 at 2:00 pm

Hate that little fuck.
- unca_chuck said, on October 17, 2012 at 2:00 pm
  
  Jay that is.
unca_chuck said, on October 17, 2012 at 2:02 pm

Settle. No harm yet.