*Another* Big Game
Gotta just wash last night off and move on….
It always feels like Gallardo dominates us so I went and looked it up and he’s not as much of a Giant Killer as I thought. 6-3 career record. 2.81 ERA. .223 batting average against. We can make something out of that especially if you think Gallardo isn’t as good as he once was. He’s been pretty good recently, though. I’m more worried about his bat than his arm.
I’m curious too see how Voggy does. Just like a pitcher coming off a no hitter, I don’t ever play old pitchers who are coming off their first career complete game.
But who knows? Maybe he fires another gem……
A Place To Talk About Giants Baseball 
This game will test the Loo-Mac Tipping Point of Season Theory.
I so respect your thoughts Pawlie, but will humbly disagree here. There are still almost 50 (49?) games left, so I think it a bit early to put that much emphasis on one game (IMO). Hope all is well my friend.
Chi, on the previous thread, regarding catchers, that was my response to Rooster. I didn’t see your post until after I posted. 🙂
Blade– here’s a good break down of your recent waiver wire pick up. Enjoy.
http://www.fantasyalarm.com/articles/flowers/18935/2014-fantasy-baseball-player-profile-javier-baez
I’ve been hitting the sack early the last few days and last night was no exception . . . Baez was 0 for 5 when I hit the sack last night . . . Fast forward to this morning, I checked all my FL teams and was pleasantly surprised he hit a bomb last night. So yeah, this is something I have read about (your scouting report link confirms this as well) – this dude is a free swinger and will strike out a lot, but his bat speed is God given and he’ll get his share of hits. By the by, Law had him as his #8 prospect this season. Thanks for the link!
I’m of the same thought regarding Vogelsong. I’m hoping he does well but won’t be surprised if he’s gassed early.
What the heck is up with the mascot going down the slide after a HR in Milwaukee? Can’t they launch some cheese curds out of a cannon or something?
Now that (launching cheese curds) is a capital idea. Beer-battered, deep fried cheese…bring it on!
Here’s another thing about Posey I’d like to add in disagreement with David’s post. His D while not stellar by any means, is way better than Hector. If Posey has given up 4 runs with poor positioning etc., how many runs has Hector’s D cost Giants, in far less PT?
Anyway, how do you judge this? If a P gives up a hit to let a guy on then gives up another where there is a play at the plate, how is none of this on him? I don’t see the point of talking about runs allowed and attributing it directly to one position player, and C least of all.
Overall, I agree Willie. I had made the point that on a few (limited, IMO) plays, that Buster could have possibly been positioned better. But I do not see it as a big enough of an issue that it warrants a lot of discussion. The fucking dude (Posey) is easily one of the best all-around catchers in the game. Most any team would love to have a catcher like Buster on their roster.
I agree, I certainly wasn’t suggesting Sanchez should be catching over Posey. In fact in the same discussion I was saying posey needs to play more, particularly now, in a pennant race and while swinging a hot bat. I don’t think I would trade him for any catcher in the league. Doesn’t mean he can’t improve though. Simply position himself 6 inches off the plate, not 2 feet, and make the play.
Sorry guys I have to disagree with you. Since his injury a majority of the plays at the plate he’s been out of position to make the play. Before the rule change it was worse than it is now but still, there have been plays where he should have just used a white flag on the swipe tag attempt. His foot work has never been all that good. Does he make plays Hector and many other catchers don’t make? Yes, he is good with the glove and has quick instincts. His arm isn’t the strongest but again he’s quick back there. By the most part he’s a steady catcher that can hit, and that’s how he wins games.
Is he a player worth $167 mil? I would say no, I’d say he’s an above average catcher when you consider his D and hitting but as a baseball player, my guess is he’s considered a two tool player, hits for average with some pop.
I know this will make some of you go all Linda Blair on me but that’s my opinion of him and yes, I still wish we could have traded him (yes, I’m aware of the no-trade and the salary for nine years).
Not sure if I totally agree but one thing I don’t see from the outside looking in is Posey taking on a leadership role. He strikes me more as a red ass who takes care of his business and isn’t hitting the steak house with the team.
Maybe so dirt, I haven’t read anything about him hanging with the guys, but I haven’t read anything where he doesn’t. It is a bonus having his bat at the catcher position and the $167 mil isn’t my money (I can’t even complain about the price of my season tickets anymore). So what the hell.
We can respectfully agree to disagree. I think Posey is a leader…just not a vocal leader (like say Pence), but leads by example. I think he is one of the better catchers in the game, even with being out of position on occasion. When you consider the entire package (hitting, D, etc.) there are few catchers I would rather have who play the game today.
Anyone check out Lincecum’s Arizona digs? About 50 photos (the listing) are linked to the article. Perfect place to celebrate Pat Burrell’s birthday. lqtm.
http://www.mercurynews.com/sports/ci_26276391/photos-inside-san-francisco-giants-tim-lincecums-arizona
Saw that too. Nice pad.
Yep. I saw that yesterday, too. I think I remember when he bought the place that he paid 13 mil, CASH for it. He also bought his town home in Seattle for CASH.
FAT fingers…meant to say “3” mil (in relation to Timmy’s pad in AZ)…
Not bad. He flipped it almost for a cool million.
While being somewhat annoyed that Freese made two errors last night giving the game to the Dodgers, it’s still on the Giants to take care of their own business. Anytime you leave it to other teams to help you out, it’s not very ideal, obviously.
especially after Wilson gave up the HR to tie the game!! I loved that
Pagan will rejoin the team in Milwuakee today and will be back in the lead-off spot in tomorrow’s line-up. WHOOT!
Welcome back Crazy Horse!
Speaking of Wisconsin, the Univ. of Wisconsin are the Badgers. Here’s a clip that isn’t about badgers, but about raccoons, which is close enough. 🙂
Hilarous…
Wisconsin mascot = Bucky Badger. Wisconsin (unofficial war cry): “Fuck ‘Em Bucky!”
I know this only becasue my ex was born and raised most of her life in Wisconsin.
A long one:
*It’s a little mystifying that Crawford can look so good for a few weeks and then so bad. It’s not just being streaky, everybody is- he starts missing pitches by two feet. As to his defense- the errors on the routine stuff can be maddening but he’s still a run saver, especially with Belt back. These guys all know that they can just let it fly when Belt is out there
* Barring a major downturn, Panda will be back. 4/75, something like that. And I think that Posey will still catch w/the occasional start at first. and Belt will stay put. As a group there is no way that can bettered- along with Pence, that’s the core group.
*The way I see it, as of Wednesday morning 8/6/2014: Ishi down for Pagan, Susac down for Hector, Duffy down for Adrianza
*MLBTR primer on August trades: http://tinyurl.com/mrrwhgt
* More PED busts on the way? http://tinyurl.com/pomos4b
* What does Pagan need to clear his head of? It’s OK, Angel. “Nightmare on Elm Street” was just a movie
*BP has a feature today on their 8 favorite baseball announcers, non-Scully. Kuiper, Fleming, Miller, and Kruk are 3,4,5,and 6. One of my favorites is number 2: Dewayne Staats
* Kuiper: “Outside of Scully, there’s no one I’d rather listen to while watching a game today.” (Daniel Rathman)
*Flemming: “Sometimes people ask me my favorite sports podcast, and I realized recently that it’s the three-hour podcast Flemming and Miller do every day while watching the Giants play. ” (Sam Miller)
*Krukow: “There are few announcers who will cause me to turn up the volume (I am more fond of the mute button, personally), but Krukow combines with play-by-play partner Duane Kuiper to be a must-listen whenever I tune into a Giants broadcast”
(Doug Thorburn)
*Miller: “No offense to Mr. Scully, but there’s outstanding announcers who make you love and appreciate the game even more than you thought you could, and then there’s the voice that makes you 10 years old again. Jon Miller. He’ll always be the one.”
(Matthew Kory)
*Full article here: http://tinyurl.com/p47n4oj
Nice links, Twin. To be fair to Pagan I think they’re showing Sharnado on the flight. That’s some scary shit man.
I think Panda will be more like 4/90 or 5 110, but we’ll see.
He seems to be doing better with the padding on.
I notices he seems to be stepping up to the plate so to speak as the season goes on. I don’t see how the club can let him go. 5/110. Sure. Why not? I’ll do my part and renew next year.
Did anybody ask Bochy why Frank Duffy wasn’t in yesterday’s lineup? Probably the difference between a W and an L.
Well, Panik went 2 for 5 and scored a run so there’s that.
Is it exhausting being so lame?
Fell out of my chair laughing . . . Good one. 🙂
Really liking the way Panik is picking it up lately. MLB pitching, even of the high-end variety, does not seem to overwhelm him. Looking more and more like he could be our future fixture at 2B. Seeing him as a .270 or so hitter with a few doubles, the odd triple, the very occasional dinger and BBs fairly close to his Ks. He should become a very good #2 hitter and could be around for years.
Unless Crawford, who still has a nice number of RBIs for someone batting so low in the order, picks it up a notch by the latter part of next season i could see Duffy pushing him in the tradebait direction. Judging from his AA stats, the kid can hit. If he’s a bit better than routine at SS, he could make the big jump.
stickman, I was thinking the same about Panik. See if he can keep it up but I am liking what I’ve seen so far. Especially as he seems to be getting more comfortable.
Somehow tonight’s lineup just feels a whole bunch better than what we saw Tuesday. With Buster batting third, Pablo at cleanup, Belt #5 and Morse 6th there is some cohesion up the middle. Should all our dreams come true in game three and Pagan returns to the leadoff spot, maybe inserting Pence in the three spot and each of the others dropping a notch, we could be looking at an array which could be effective vs Wily Coyote tomorrow.
Yeah, I made a comment about the pitching match-ups for this series, and alluded to Wily (is he related to Wile E. Coyote)?
Speaking of a line-up…here is today’s:
Pence RF
Panik 2B
Posey C
Sandoval 3B
Belt 1B
Morse LF
Blanco CF
Crawford SS
Vogelsong RHP
Also, there is a chance Pagan will be activated tonight and could be available off the bench.
Bochy said yesterday that Pagan would start tonight. uh, oops. Tomorrow night.
Actually, tomorrow is a day (get away) game. 11:10 start (PST).
Ooops again . . .
He’s late, won’t be here until a couple hours after game time tonight.
Regarding Crawford, it looks like he’s not real serious about changing his swing, so, although I like the dude, he’s kind of frustrating. He and Blanco, with their ill-advised dreams of being the bash brothers, with Krukow oohing and awing at their warning track flyouts. “He just missed that one.” Yeah, whatever….
Cole Hamels claimed by someone . . .
Hamels has a limited no-trade clause, so he could block a trade to any team other than the Angels, Braves, Dodgers, Cardinals, Nationals, Padres, Rangers, Red Sox and Yankees.
Byrd was also claimed.
really? by whom?
Nate DFA’ed by Cubs. Interested?
They brought back Ishi, so why not Nate?
Can Glass Sanchez or Mark De Rosa be far behind? How about Burrell and Renteria? Anyone remember Chris Ray? He’s listed on this 2010 WS shirt I have.
I have absolutely no memory of Chris Ray.
Panik’s first inning single just raised his average to .250. He likes being in The Show and i like his performance recently. Looking more and more like a keeper.
Chi, my comment above, the first in this thread, wasn’t so much putting undue importance on one game. I’m in agreement with you on that. It was instead a wry reference to Magnus’s lead on the previous thread, wherein he was looking for the MacLoo Summit as a favorable reading of the entrails, as a divination, a good omen. (I just discovered that reading entrails to discern divine intent is called anthropomancy or haruspicy. Yum.) And, I’m good. Thanks. Hanging with Yankee Stadium Mystery Woman. Hope all is good with you.
Got ya, Pawlie. Yeah, I made a similar comment about the Mac-a-pa-Loo-za on the previous thread, too. And I believe it was something exactly along those lines (an omen of good to come). Glad all is well. Yankee Stadium mystery woman…almost as intriguing as wanting to spy a picture of Loo…
Way to get it started.
And way to add some more.
And way to screw it up.
Not sure what our pitchers do worse: Throw to 2nd or run to 1st.
Vogs is gonna get fined on that one.
I would fine Vogelsong’s ass off for that brain fart, no excuse for him to not at least jog it out.
Groovy top-of-the-first!
Let’s see if Vogey can shut it down bottom of the inning.
That would be A big fat No Zumie.
Jesus Voggy… What a freakin Brainfart not running out that play, after Mudbug Hustled all the way to beat the force at 2nd!!! Stupid ass stopping twice!!!
He got all of that one.
Yeah typical, fucks up running, then grooves a cookie down the middle to Gomez for a bomb.
So it’s gonna be one of those games. At least it’s not three time zones away.
Agreed.
This umps strike zone is tighter then a virgin.
I would say score and keep scoring in this game.
That’s how you do it. Pay attention Vogy.
Through two: 45 pitches for Vogie and 46 for Gallardo. Looks like a battle of the bullpens by the 6th.
3rd inning and Pence is coming up for his third AB, I like that. Now if they’d just use Manny’s game plan…
That Segura AB lasted longer than Vogey’s complete game over the Mets.
Zumie, a few weeks ago I mentioned the distribution of Blanco’s batted balls. For his career, he hits a higher percentage of balls on the ground than the ML avg, and a significantly lower % of FBs . He’s at league avg. this year so far for GBs. More of the balls he’s hit in the air this year have been FBs instead of LDs, which explains his lower OPS. His swing has been the same over the years, as far as I can tell.
I think that for most ML players, the idea that they can adjust and improve their swings is pure fantasy. How many times have you heard that someone’s improved play is attributable to a change in their “mechanics” only to see them quietly lapse back over time? It’s just announcer chatter.
Overall, I agree with you James. But, I would point to Belt (last year?) and his adjustment (I believe in his grip). Seemed to make a difference at the time.
Time for Assfeldt to earn some of that 5m salary.
1.38 era, .0923 whip
Buster tags out a runner!
Why the fuck is Affeldt pitching to strictly righties???
Righties hitting just .155 against him
Not tonight.
Get em back Giants.
Giants could have put this game away several times. Somehow they lack that killer instinct. Guttierez may have been fresh and needed work but it would have been better to have let Affeldt start the inning. Brewers are a hard hitting team. Vogelsong did very well. Keep the lid on.
Exxcellent
Wtf pence?
They steal, we have to steal! Fucking stupid ass play.
Panik in Miller Park!
I almost wrote Panic in Milwaukee, but I like the Miller Park better. Good one, Mac.
Didn’t Pacino make some flick in the 60s named Panic in the Park? Something like that.
The Panic in Needle Park, early 70s.
I was thinking about the song Panic in Detroit., not sure about the Pacino movie.
Haha Bozo, I was saving that one for the Tigers series.
Kudos JP!
Could we be looking at our next Robby Thompson? Three for five tonight, drives in the key insurance run and bumps average up to .261. Been tellin ya guyz, this kid’s a keeper. Apparently Giants scouting and development people have been doing good these past few years in bring home some position players. We may be looking at an all homegrown infield!
Shit Kruk, your not the lone ranger . . . By the sound of the bat, I thought Buster had gone yard.
Yeaaaaaaaaah Pablo! Got ’em back, and then some.
Panda golf!
lqtm played that game
Panda Express.
Looks like the price of baseball for Pablo just went up.
Paaaablocito! May not be exactly correct Spanish but he sure put some English to that one. The contract drive is ON.
Contract stroke!
Yeah you right.
Remember how in early May everyone was talking about the big mistake Pablo and his agent made?
If you are new here how do you know so much about early in the year?
Just curious.
I was speaking in general. This isn’t the only place that talks about baseball.
Panda-monium! Ok, no more . . .
Love it though.
2 perfect sliders by Romo for Ks.
The one to Belt at 1b, not so much.
Make it 3.
wow, make it 3. Nice inning for Romo.
This time of year is back pack season where I work, so all day get groups of kids in the store.
I still don’t get the fashion statement of HS and younger girls in chuck taylor looking high tops like I used to play ball in back in the 60s.
The black are a way worse look than the white…reminds me too much of Mel Counts, HOF all ugly team.
As an impoverished college student in 1979, I bought a pair of low-priced Chuck Taylors that the store clerk couldn’t believe I was buying. Wearing those things, I felt like I was the only person on the planet wearing Chuck Taylors in 1979.
So, is it too early to say that we’re all grateful that Sabes didn’t pick up a 2nd baseman in a trade? lqtm.
Yeah, realistically Zobrist wasn’t coming here…glad Braves got stuck with boni.
I can live with Panik and Adrianza regardless of how they hit if they play good D, Crawford too. Giants IF D is pretty damn good, something I still think is very important. It was mark of great Yankee teams of 60s too.
Angels get their first hit off Haren. It’s the 6th inning.
Shut the door on this one.
OK, let em knock once, now shut the door.
Ballgame!
Good win. Take care all.
Nice win.
Man these games drag on forever in Milwaukee, then again what else do these fans do but milk cows and bundle up hay…
Listening to Flems on radio and Kruk on TV cast, both talk about Brewers *big guns*…Giants got plenty enough of their own. Look how many runs scored in NY vs. Mets, and now back to back 7 spots.
I’m not dissing Mil hitters, but if Giants played there and in other hitters yards in that division in warm weather (Cincy STL Wrigley), multiple guys would end up with some dang good offensive stats too.
Anyone surprised LaRussa sticking up for AZ for drilling McCutch? He’s just a HOF Dbag.
Not sure how much he has been discussed, as I haven’t been on regularly, but this is a good article on one of the Cuban FA OFers who would be a nice pick-up for Sabes and the Giants. A signing like this would spell the end of Morse. Get it done, Sabes.
http://tinyurl.com/njloyjv