Moving Onward and Upward!
That was not a fun game to watch. And this thread is not going to be fun to write. But here goes:
I stole this from Carl Steward but it’s the most positive thing I can find this morning. The Giants are 5 games out. On this date in 2010 we were 6.5 games out.
We get to play Colorado again today and I truly believe we will get back on the beam with a win.
Oh, and Timmy is now in the bullpen so that has to make many Giants fans happy. Right?
A Place To Talk About Giants Baseball 
The guy who wrote the cbs site column on Tim seemed to think it was long overdue, and he could thrive there.
Like James said tho, Giants appear an SP short…barring waiver deal.
Panik blasted an at em off Hawkins, but he’s 1 for his last 12 (only 1 BB) with a couple GIDPs and 2 errors since his big night. Make the routine plays, pls, and just do what you can.
Craw is just awful these days, likely taking the struggles at the plate onto the field. Didn’t see the Morneau play, but Miller thought he had zero chance and never should have thrown it. Maybe just trying to do too much to make up for poor ABs. Brutal game sometimes. 2012 he finished strong, dunno where his game went.
Like to see Duffy get some time out there, somewhere, during this week of home games.
I apologize in advance for a longish post. Skim if you must. Craig, I really admire your fortitude as you try to be more *positive* (photos of sunrises, etc., ‘it’s morning in America’, etc., cue the Hal Riney voice-over) in response to Flappers telling you that you were being too *negative*. I’ve gone up and down on that rollercoaster myself this season but have been more positive of late. Well… at some point, reality takes over. The problem is, reality isn’t always cut and dry. Reality #1: the Giants, with more than a month to play, are within spitting distance of a wildcard slot, and within a bit larger snot rocket of the division. Still “in it”, as they say, and that is true indeed. Anything can happen in the next 5 weeks.
On the other hand, there’s the trending side of things. Reality #2: where they are now is almost the furthest out of 1st they’ve been, and by far the furthest out of the wild card. Meaning, they’re trending down, and have been for months now. How could anyone (besides a die-hard Giants fan who believes it ain’t over til it’s over, which most of us do believe, I know I do) think that this team, which has been on a downward trend since June 9th (that’s pushing 3 months), will suddenly turn it back on and make the playoffs? In 2010, 2 things happened: the 1st place Padres lost something like 10 in a row, and, the Giants started playing better. Could both these things (LA, or the wildcard leaders, instead of SD) happen now? Sure, could. We’ve all been grasping at signs of hope. This 4-game series at home against the fucking horrible Rockies is a big sign. This could well be where the season is won or lost. A lot of emotion yesterday, and that’s a good thing, even if it was negative. Maybe especially because it was negative. How they finish this series will likely determine which reality, #1 or #2, will become the ultimate reality at the end of things….. Personally, I’m as dichotomized as reality #1 vs. reality #2: I believe this team has the talent to make a run. Unfortunately, I also believe there’s something missing and it won’t come back in time, and we’ll see more stupid and careless games like yesterday’s and we’ll be looking at a very interesting off-season.
This is what the team itself needs to do: in the clubhouse before this next game, get together and commit to never again in this season play a game like yesterday’s (4 errors? against the Rockies? while fighting for a playoff spot?). Pedal to the metal at this point, boys. Otherwise….. start booking tee times for early October.
Awesome, kick-ass post, Paul. You mirror my thoughts on this team almost exactly. And I too am at a quandary in regards to Reality 1 and 2. I think you summarized nicely (and I agree) on what needs to happen next (“in the clubhouse before this next game, get together and commit to never again in this season play a game like yesterday’s (4 errors? against the Rockies? while fighting for a playoff spot?). Pedal to the metal at this point, boys”).
I also agree that this series could be a big indicator of how the season finishes. We have seven more against this pathetic piece of shit team (including the game to suspended game to finish). Giants really need to make a statement here (winning 3 of 4…so, the next three) before we play them again in their house of horrors. How can you expect to do some damage against the likes of the Brewers, Tigers, and bums if you can’t kick some Sherpa ass (rhetorical question). The six against the bums are also going to be huge games. Fuck, at this point, EVERY SINGLE FUCKING GAME IS IMPORTANT.
Cautiously optimistic in the Sierra Nevada foothills…
Just took a quick look at Crawford’s stats, and his defensive numbers this year are very similar to 2012 based on innings played. The second throw last night was a tough play that hit the edge of the grass. I don’t think there’s been any decline in his play in the field or at the plate. This is who he is.
To counter the 2010 example, in 2011 SF was 2.0 games out at this time with a 69-61 record. Better hitting, worse pitching in 2014, but the balance between the two feels just enough out of whack to disappoint. The WC should keep it interesting a little longer this year.
“This is who he is.” I don’t think you will get an argument out of anyone. You are preaching to the choir . . . What you fail to mention is that in 2012, he did enough to make you think he would improve in 2013 going forward. However, he didn’t and as you said, “this is who he is.
Similar to Timmie, I personally do not want to see his ass on the Giants next season (unless, it is a utility role). Dude is not starter material.
The baseball gods granted those two World Championships after San Francisco had been suffering from a forever drought. That was both magic and cosmic justice. The gods, let us call them the spirit of the game, are angry at the money-grubbing, tight-fisted, bottom-line only, materialistic owners for that deal with ATT. Objectively, the greatest player ever to don spikes should receive the honor of the official name for the stadium. #24 is still with us. l don’t give a sorry, shivering shit about the contract or the investor class. Baseball is not about money. It is about magic. It is about getting to be a worshipful little kid again with stars in your eyes.
Naming the stadium Willie Mays Field would make a statement to the entire baseball world. It would tell everyone that devotion and honor come before lesser considerations. My prediction is that this is what must be done before this team becomes a dynasty, perhaps even before we again win all the marbles. Our inner child would remain forever young. Willie brought that happy-go-lucky, effervescent spirit with him when the Giants came to San Francisco. He is ours. Make it happen.
Does the “P” in “Peavy” stand for “Pride” or “Poise” or something else entirely?
The Rox, btw, might actually be better off without Tulo and Cargo. That is not a bad team they had out there last night, pitching aside. Sure, their offensive numbers are inflated quite a bit by the home park, and particularly in the case of guy like Drew Stubbs. But nonetheless a good looking group of young guys that could develop into something, and Morneau doesn’t look done yet. dunno what to think about Weiss, but maybe this more a group he can relate to.
James didn’t Craw have an awful start in the field to 2012? There was a game early I remember vs. Phils when he had a couple errors and could have had about 4. Wasn’t Theriot around then to try and calm him down?
In those days he was just coming up…now he’s much more experienced vet.
If LaTroy Hawkins can still get guys out at his age (1 HR given up all season pitching in Sherpa land?), maybe Lincecum actually does have long career still ahead of him (insert yada yada smiley face).
So we lose another starter. This is not good. No Cain and no Lincecum. No this is not good. This team not ready to challenge anyone.
Well, if Tim continues to crater the way he has of late (something like last six starts), then the team is better off with him in the pen. Petit (insert name) can fill in until they find somthing more permanent. And maybe he finds his mojo after a spell in the pen. Regardless, this was a good move, IMO.
Was it 2008 where we couldn’t drive in runs to save our lives? What I call the Ray Ray years? This feels like that.
I mean, I was surprised when we took the lead after falling behind, but then (which I missed) the wheels fell off and the defense gagged.
Doing just enough to lose. The Steve DeBergs of baseball. Good to see you keeping your dauber up, Flav, but it’s getting harder and harder with each passing loss.
This year ain’t #torture. It’s #bipolar [no offense intended to anyone suffering from such illness]. A few days ago, chirpiness reigned supreme. Bright future. 2b, C, 1B, all solved. Shining rookies. Hopeful future. Then an embarrassment last night. An embarrASSmeant.
I love the Flap. To no end. I love Michael’s recent approach: instead of longish rants against fellow Flappers or the world, just bullet-point snippets of truth or fiction. And a plethora of great one-liners. “EVERY SINGLE FUCKING GAME IS IMPORTANT.” “The Steve DeBergs of Baseball.” “Willie Mays Field” (Stix, I also refusetomention ATT Park, usually just call it China Basin)… Pawlie talking about Jake Peeved-off… and of course Loo with his once-off bits and Ted as well when he appears … Despite the downward spiral of the team this year, it’s all still good…. and wouldn’t it be sweet if the team get its collective head out of its ass to make a run at it so we can all continue to enjoy our presence here even more so with wisdom and witticism never seen elsewhere…
Ace of MLB Stats @AceballStats 30m
#Dodgers Clayton Kershaw has a 1.77 ERA over his last 66 games.
#Dodgers Sandy Koufax had a 1.80 ERA over his best 66 game stretch.
I will always tip my cap to the enemy when warranted. Kershaw is not human…dude is a fucking animal. If I was building a team and had first pick, he’s my guy.
I will always tip my cap to the enemy when warranted. Kershaw is not human…dude is a fucking animal. If I was building a team and had first pick, he is my guy.
That’s nice and all, but not worth repeating!
in Dan Patrick’s profile of Kershaw in SI this week, Kershaw comes off looking even-headed, decent, balanced. I have to tip my fedora to that.
Not sure how the double entry happened, and I cannot edit from work. Fuck the Dodgers.
Another gem, Paul. Agian, my sentiments exactly.
Last night was tough. That was like finding out your girl was cheating with your best friend, having your dog die, and then getting kicked in the nuts. But today is a new day. Call me Polly-Fucking-Anna, but I still think this team has a run in it to at least make things interesting. GO GIANTS!
And that bitch that everyone calls the “Fat Lady”…she hasn’t fucking sung, yet!
Dig it, Paul! Unfortunately for me, I ride the roller coaster as hard as they do. JUST FUCKING PLAY SOUND BASEBALL!!! I’m not expecting 5 run comebacks, or shutouts every time out there. Just play defense and hit the ball occasionally.
2 errors in the 1st inning? That’s the little league way to score. Did Colo have 3 runs before they got a fucking hit?
The Giants had a giveaway item for the fans last night; who knew it would be the game itself that was the giveaway?
The only positive thing I saw coming out of the game was that Peavy became a real Giant last night, IMO. No longer just a rent-a-player. He battled through a lot of crap thrown his way last night, and he kept the Giants in that game and gave them a chance to win. He could be a difference-maker down the stretch, if the Giants can start and sustain any kind of winning momentum.
I just watched the highlights from the Giants-Rocks game last night on one of the best shows on TV – MLB Network’s Quick Pitch. Peavy had a damn good reason to be pissed off. That ump behind the plate definitely was squeezing the zone on Peavy – and then turned around and punched out Buster on the same pitch that was called a ball for The Peave.I agree with others here who have said the same – I think Peavy brings this shit on himself – not saying it’s right – but it’s the way it is. He’d be much better off just taking some deep breaths and going back to work instead of barking at the ump the first time he feels he got squeezed.
All pitchers get pissed when a strike is called a ball on them. I’ve seen Kershaw many times get frustrated when one of his rainbow curves is clearly a strike, but the ump misses it because it starts at the level of the batters head, ends up at the level of the batters ankles but crosses the plate right at his waist, and it mistakenly gets called a ball. He’ll walk toward home plate and catch the returned throw from the catcher barehanded, turn around and stomp back to the mound not saying a word – no barking to himself or anyone. It lets the ump know he missed one, but doesn’t piss him off to the point he’ll keep calling that pitch a ball. Next rainbow curve Kershaw gets over like that, it’s called a strike.
plus, and I said this last night, it’s pretty hard to focus up on the mound a second after you’ve blasted a shitload of adrenaline through your body with a tantrum.
Awesome point, Rooster. I agree. And I remember that post last night, Craig, and agreed then, too. I like Peavy, he just needs to calm the fuck down and control his emotions. Maybe it isn’t in his make-up, but he should try.
Well, it wasn’t like that was the first pitch he got squeezed on, Rooster. It was happening all night.
*Look, I know all that-Eddings is a human being, humans make mistakes, give the man a break. And as a fair man, I agree. But let’s string him up anyway..
*4 errors! 4 DPs! That has to be a record.. so I looked it up. On second thought, screw it. I’ve led a rich and rewarding life, why ruin it all now?
*Carl Steward is the bomb…Alex and Craig better put their writing shoes on
*Baseball Prospectus asked players who they’d rather face- King Felix or Goober Kershaw.You can take a look here:
http://www.baseballprospectus.com
Spoiler alert, the winning answer is- Tim Lincecum
*Breaking Bad wins the Emmy for Best Thing Ever-beating out Sliced Bread
* How bad was Crawford? Mike Morse is starting at SS tonight. That bad…
*You’d better get your bid in now- the Twins are auctioning off a chance to attend a
Glen Perkins Clubhouse Pizza Party
* From MLB.COM: “Adam Jones robs Evan Longoria of a homer and then doubles off a tagging Matt Joyce at second.” I told you we should have traded Nick Noonan for him
I engaged in some hyperbole about Crawford’s poor year.
It does need to be noted that Crawford has already exceeded his career highs in HR’s, RBIs, triples, and walks. Also his OBP, Slugging %, and OPS are higher than past years.
Well, not hr’s….yet.
But he’s only making $600k. He’s not going anywhere.
I did reverse the HR numbers for 2013 (9 ) and 2014 (8). But the point is still the same-he’s been more productive. And I never said that he was going anywhere
I know a lot of Flappers that I highly respect want his head on a pole, but I really don’t think there are any better options over the long haul. Sure, throw Duffy a bone here and there. Maybe someone pushes him in ST next year, but it will be Craw’s job to lose, IMO.
“Outfielder, First Baseman and Shortstop” . . . Always brings a smile.
These are fun to read, and power-packed with morsels of great info. Thanks.
Closer look at those Craw numbers: OB is up from .311 to .312, slugging from .363 to .370, OPS from .674 to .682. Yes, more walks, but his avg is off 20 pts from last year at .228 so OB is essentially the same.
After a great June, his July .173 and August .194 have him combined 26 for 142 with 1 HR. Post AS break he’s at .214, and over all .201 vs. RHP.
He’s also at career high already in Ks, and errors. Is this what you want from every day SS, or not?
B/R in 2012 had him as 2.4 WAR player. This year 1.4 after sliding to 2.1 last year.
Blip on the radar, or is signal loud and clear?
I definitely want better from my starting SS, but as I said earlier, I don’t think there are better options right now. Play Duffy a few games and see what the kid has got, but at the money the Giants owe Craw for next year, he is not going anywhere, and SS will not be on the shopping list.
I only addressed his offense. And while his numbers are only slightly up, they do refute the common misperception that he’s had a worse year than in the past, at the plate. Other than the BA he’s pretty much middle of pack among NL shortstops. I never said that we don’t need better either from him or a new SS.
Excellent writing by one and all. That is what is great about this site and all of you. Critize all you want you guys are all Die Hard Giants fans. Root for them till the last out is made. Carry on Gentleman!!
In keeping with Big Flavor’s theme of positive posts I’ve been trying to come up with something to report on from the game last night. They don’t have jameson near my seats and the balk allowing the run was painful to watch but Susac’s HR was a thing of beauty. Off the bat I didn’t think it was out but that ball just kept going.
I ran into my cousins so it was something of a family reunion. That’s always nice.
Dodn’t know if you guys saw this over on MLB.com : http://wapc.mlb.com/cutfour/2014/08/25/91425692/billy-crystal-leads-emmys-tribute-to-robin-williams-with-a-story-about-a-1989-mets-game
” Robin knew nothing about baseball. I asked him, “What’s your favorite team?” And he said, “The San Franciscos.””
The very end of the top video pretty damned sad, though.
I hadn’t seen this. Awesome tribute by Billy Crystal. Thank you for sharing . . .
The most galling thing about the last two losses is how in each game something so positive was nullified, Susac, Blanco, Ishi HRs, good SP. It’s like the silver lining got ripped out before our very eyes.
Just about all Flappers have said Lincecum would fail in a relief role (sans Willie and maybe 1-2 others). I think he can succeed, prefaced by the fact he has failed as a starter for almost 3 seasons – soon as this one ends, you can tally it officially as 3 . . . The reality is that he has succeeded before, albeit, a small sample size and he can do it again. The column Willie alluded to, says it better then me:
“In five relief appearances that postseason, Lincecum worked 13 innings, allowing only one run on three hits while striking out 17 and walking two. That’s a 0.69 ERA, 0.38 WHIP and 11.76 K/9. Small sample? Of course, but remember watching how dominant he was? He was nearly unhittable on every occasion. By the time he entered Game 3 of the World Series — his final outing of the year — I remember thinking he was automatic dominance for at least two innings. Not only that, but he could bridge the gap from the middle innings straight to the closer if need be. In Game 4 of the NLDS against Cincinnati, Lincecum went 4 1/3 innings. In Game 1 of the World Series, he struck out five of the seven batters he faced in 2 1/3 innings of stellar work. He never worked fewer than two innings.”
If you want to read more . . . http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/24679814/its-time-for-giants-to-embrace-tim-lincecum-as-reliever
I hope I never see Lincecum start another game again, unless it is an emergency situation. Every time he fails, it’s like a knife to the heart, i.e., remembering how good he once was . . . versus the “abyss” he pitches in now.
I guess he’s going to have to re-invent himself. Still he’s getting starter money and that is a tough one to swallow. Go luck Giants!
Put me in the I-don’t-want-to-see-him-in-a-relief-role camp. I don’t think the powers-that-be view that as a long-term solution. He either gets it, or he’ll get cut loose/traded halfway thru next season.
Well, my “camp” is very close to yours Chuck – absent him going to the bullpen, I don’t want to see him starting again. Been there, done that.
If Chuck is camping at Meek’s Bay, Blade is probably at DL Bliss. As for me, I’d be in the vicinity of Zephyr Cove. I’m good with Timmy taking a break from starting, not real optimistic about the bullpen being the answer, but still willing to bring him back into the rotation at some point.
…and it would still be reasonable for the 3 of us to meet for lunch at Izzy’s Burger Spa.
tahoe joint?
Ever since that post-season relief stint i’ve been on a bit of a bandwagon calling for Timmy to more or less officially become the super-reliever (any stage of the game ~ one batter or five innings or any stage in between) which we saw a couple years ago. Also in drumming up support for that concept i noted that this would be relatively new to baseball and might actually merit the kinda salary he receives. If #55 sets his mind to it and really bears down in that multifaceted role he could set a whole new precedent as a pitcher. That to me, anyway, would be a whole lot more appealing than the on-again/off-again mystery he has been over the past few.
I agree. I will be one of the few who thinks he can succeed in the pen (over the long haul). As you say Steve, small sample, but WTF could he not reproduce that over a long stretch? And Charlie – no way in hell I see him traded. If he was sucking like he has the past 2-plus years, no way a team picks up what is remaining on his 17 mil.
I’m down with that lunch in Tahoe. How about Saturday? We’re going up to catch the Eagles Friday night…I’ll be ready for a killer lunch before we head home. I have always seen Izzy’s and wondered how it is. There is a place (or was until a year or so ago…may still be there) close to the split called Burger Lounge. Killer burgers and fries.
One thing good about the team under-performing is that it generates interesting discussions. Crawford and Timmy are 2 such topics. Crawford: on the one hand, it’s easy to love the guy, he makes some amazing plays, he had a great start to the season offensively, he’s young, and he’s cheap, so yeah, he likely ain’t going anywhere. On the other hand, we expect to see growth and development as the years go on, and other than hitting lefties better, he doesn’t really seem to be cementing his role. I agree with Henry’s take that in *real* baseball, you can’t have the fantasy league mentality that if a player sucks for a short time, you just dump him and get a new one. Especially when, as stated here by some, there don’t seem to be any good replacements at shortstop. But I disagree with Henry’s take that the notion of needing a different shortstop is “ridiculous”. Not very many untouchable players on this team at this point going forward. Timmy: Besides any *sadness* over our beloved Freak’s apparent demise, it is what it is with him now. Bullpen? Loved him in that role in the playoffs, and he could be valuable there again if the team makes it that far this season, but I can’t see him being a reliever for the rest of his time in SF. He’ll likely have flashes of brilliance as a starter and then lumbering periods of mediocrity until he’s gone after next season. The team will need to have 4 very very very solid starters next year with Timmy as an up and down 5th, most likely… Anything else? Um, yeah: WTF, beat these f-ing Rockies already…
I’d say Paul is setting up Timmy Camp not far from me, maybe Nevada Beach.
Ok, enough nonsense. I’m off the Padre game. Happy Flapping, Flappers!
If I understand correctly, MLB.tv is offering its Premium service for $12 just for today, until 11:59ET, to celebrate its 12th anniversary. Evidently it gives live game feeds through the WS (a first). I think I have to bite at that.
yup $12 BUT the fine print is (I know this from previous encounters) you gotta cancel by Feb. 2015 or you automatically get billed the full price for the next year. And it ain’t easy to cancel, of course.
so, I did it; now I’ll never sleep
Awesome quality on my iPad; and no I will not watch every game. I reserve the right to avert my eyes as needed.
pawlie use the link I gave you…FREE
http://www.wiziwig.tv/competition.php?part=sports&discipline=baseball
Interesting article about Klay Thompson and the Warriors decision not to “bid higher” on the Love sweepstakes.
http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/70273/warriors-put-hopes-on-klay-thompson
That was an interesting read, Blade. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome!
The taking a break thingie has been tried before. With zito a few times as well. A short term solution at best it would appear.
The parallels are eerie. Difference is yrs. Tim now on yr 3 of suckitude, bz we endured for twice as long.
I don’t see much choice but to put him in the pen and see what happens over a stretch.
To get a little silly and use a horse racing analogy, we don’t know what happens if he’s shortened up. Maybe now he’s just a sprinter.
From stakes to claimers…wish he would get claimed on waivers
Eckersley had 300 starts before he went full-time pen. Tim has 246. Not saying Tim will be the second coming of Eck, but can he make the transition and be an effective set-up guy, or closer?
Those great catches sure look easy in slo-mo…
Here comes the Bumgarner at bat, one of my favorite things about a Giant game.
That was a good one.
Be still my heart. The offense is en fuego.
fucking idiotic to have Bum bunt there. He’s one of their best hitters…..
No shit.
We really need Pablo or one of these guys to run into one here.
Bummie’s fricking dealing. Please give him a run.
There you go!
nice. Now, continue…..
BUM-mer!
shit
Yeah, bummer for Bum, but I’m bettin’ he’ll get one someday…
Busted again.
Buster and Bummie a big-time battery tonight.
Significant since they both have struggled at ATT.
Sucks for Bumgarner. He has been close a couple of times now…and a perfecto to boot tonight. I think he’ll have a couple of no-nos before it is all said and done. Can Posey just keep this going through early October?
I picked a good night for my inaugural MLB tv.
Nice job, Bummie. Sweet!!!
Busty Poser had a night as well. . .
love the pitchers congratulating the pitcher…
About as dominant a pitching performance as you can get without being a no-hitter.
Awesome for the Bum…
64 wins by age 24. A 300 win candidate in another era.
Fuck Yeah. Ballgame! Complete game is sweet…but so close. What a show by the “Battery Boys” tonight.
In the interview w/ Amy G. after the game, Bumgarner comes across as a team leader: unflappable (ahem), fierce, steady, driven, composed, solid. Zen master farmer from North Carolina.
Definitely. Just rewind to him winning a game during the 2010 World Series, and he wasn’t even old enough to buy a beer. Kid is mature way past his years.
How fucking cool during the congratulations up and down the line with the players and coaches, and then to end with Bochy, and Bum getting the game ball.
He’s the number ONE guy now for the Giants. He’s got the ability and the perfect make-up.
In the dog days of summer, when two also-rans are playing on a weeknight, it’s good to have something for the fans to fantasize about.
But wait! There’s more: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/a-good-reason-to-watch-yusmeiro-petit-pitch-against-the-rockies/
Actually pretty interesting link and story. Thanks asswipe.
As for also rans, we’ll see if that is the fate that befalls your favorite SoCal chumps once again in the playoffs, as it did last year., and of course every year since Reagan era.
Meanwhile take good close look at those 2 rings top of the thread.
Tell me the name of your favorite dominatrix and I’ll send her a replica of Giants WS rings so she can grind it into your nutsack at next week’s Small Penis Humiliation session.
That was a helluva game from MadBum last night, and signs of life from Posey at home. I guess it was going to take a Herculean effort to finally win a home game against by far the worst road team in the majors.
Good call on Izzy’s, SanDawg. . .
Up there with Ikeda’s in Foresthill. The applewood bacon burger is the best.
As mentioned earlier, I have seen Izzy’s every time in Tahoe, but never checked it out. Give the Burger Lounge a try (about a mile up Emerald Bay Drive from the split). Damned good burgers and excellent fries.
I see where the MLB.tv deal has been extended for $12 for the rest of the year (was due to expire at midnight, last night). I know there are free feeds out there, but for 12 bucks, this seems a sweet deal.
Re: Chi’s early comparison of Timmeh vs. Eck. IMO the Eck’s strength was that he had pinpoint control coming out of the Pen, he could paint both sides of the plate when he wanted with a fastball, and mix that up with a really good slider. I think he did not originally have that control as a starter, that developed over time, and probably one of the reasons LaRussa put him in as closer. I don’t see Timmy having that control in future unless he somehow finds it, and with that motion he’s got, consistent control is the last thing he’s got now. I’ve said before I thought Tim’s future was in the Pen, but given the past two seasons, I’m wavering on that, even after the 2012 post season Pen heroics. He’s got to find a new way to pitch, and get his head on straight, IMO. Plus, Pen guys need to be good out of the stretch. That’s dicey with him, too. He needs a shrink, a Zenmaster and find a guy not his Dad to help him re-tool his motion. He’s like a golfer that’s overthinking too many swing keys during his swing instead of just swinging it — the result is too many slices and pulls…
Timmy needs to spend the offseason in his homestate of Washington, or maybe Colorado, so he can medicate his head back to a smooth and decent level. He will need to carefully regulate his choice of meds so he can get past that overthinking problem he has w.o. the meds. Then he needs to spend much of his time in a facility where the can reconceptualize his pitching style to where he can develop the command and control necessary for state two in his career. Otherwise next season is $17.5 M. down the drain for SF.
stage two rather than ‘state two’.
Well, if Tim is going to be of service to the team, then for now, he is best coming out of the pen (IMO). Next year? Who knows. The Giants will need at least one starter regardless of what shakes-out with Tim (Vogey and Peavy will be FAs). I mentioned the other night that I would give serious consideration to bringing back Vogelsong for a one-year deal. I know many question his age, and his inability to go deep in games, but he could very well be a serviceable 5 for cheap.
Willie, your 8:55am and especially 9:09am posts were hilarious . . . Reminded me of “playing the dozens” with my homies when I was in high school (you, maybe Loo and Manny would know what I am talking about).
Yes…the 9:09 especially had me sitting her at my desk trying not to LOL. Classic.
Especially surprising since Willie rarely is woofin’ on anyone. lqtm.
Here are some tidbits that show how special Bum’s game was last night (even sans a no hitter or perfect game):
24 first-pitch strikes to 28 batters.
15 0-2 counts.
He threw ball three just once all night.
After giving up the hit to Morneau, he threw 11 pitches, 11 strikes (six swinging) for 3 Ks.
Bum’s six games of 10-plus Ks and zero walks is the most in Giants history (yep, all 100-plus years).
At 15-9 with seven starts left, he could become the next 20 game winner for the Giants (who was the last)?
Billy Swift, and the other guy who’s name escapes me both did it the same year, didn’t they?
John (The Bowler) Burkett
I remembered Swift, but had forgot that Burkett also had 20 wins that year. Burkett 22-7, Swift 21-8.
Thx, DJ. John Burkett. Swiftie was always the guy who seemed like he’d hit the DL at any moment.
If there’s a Phlabbb Diss of the Day (PDOTD?), Williedav’s 8:55 / 9:09 win hands down . . .
Author author!!
Carl Steward, Giants Extra at the Merc has another first rate recap.
Raises an interesting question what will happen if Bum is scheduled to pitch on the last day and the Giants need a win to clinch a
WC.
Like that Bum said -Paraphrasing.. he didn’t need to refocus after losing the perfect game because winning was his first objective…
Off topic . . . Anyone else read about the shooting instructor that was shot in the head by a 9 year old girl he was teaching at a shooting range in Arizona? As one instructor said afterwards, “Teaching people machine gun 101, even with adults, even with people going through military training, the first few times they shoot machine guns you don’t have them shoot a full freaking clip,” I remember when Mapache tried that shit . . .
That clip is hilarious. Yeah, heard about the incident with the Uzi. Makes me wonder how the fuck the dude was even an instructor. He failed all the basics of Firing an Automatic Weapon 101.
Well, the place where they went was called “Burgers & Bullets”. I’m as American as anyone, but hold the bullets with the cheeseburger.
Giving a 9 year old girl a fully loaded UZI? What’s the worst thing that could happen?
Uh, right.
Oh, I don’t know. I think I would like a burger and a cold one at the range while firing an automatic weapon.
How about your granddaughter?
You should have seen the news this morning, guy at the range says yeah we get all ages here that shoot guns. I am all for educating a child on how to handle a weapon, just not to shoot it. Once again what is the worst that can happen?? But the Gun rights activist would have a hissy fit if there were age limits on who can shoot a gun. It is sad that the guy who was teaching her to shoot was killed.
I just watched that movie on TCM last Saturday. Classic.
Petit gets the nod tonight, in Tim’s spot. How interesting will it be if Tim gets the call to relieve Petit. That’ll be a first.
Hope we get a few shots of Mrs. Petit’s major rack…
Something to read if you’re bored:
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/giants-brandon-crawford-180749152.html
WeIl, I’m bored after reading it . . .
The premise of the article is that Crawford is the best we’ve got, there’s nobody better in the cupboard, so sit down and shut up. That’s probably pretty accurate…
Well, the gun accident was in Arizona, land of the nutjob. Everybody knows my position on gun control and gun nuts. If you want to shoot an Uzi, be my guest as long as you’re an adult on a range out in the desert and you’re not mentally deranged. But, giving it to a 9 year old girl? NINE. WTF? Let’s forget for a second the apparent idiocy of how the situation was handled from a safety standpoint. My initial question is why does a 9 year old even need to be introduced to an Uzi? Can’t wait until 12? What’s next — 50 cal. machine gun lessons at 11?…
Yup. I think responsible gun ownership is fine, but that being said, is 5 guns enough for someone? 20? 50? 1,000? Canada is the biggest bunch of hunters around, but there’s no problems up there with gun violence. People up there don’t see weapons as extensions of their bodies, they are tools for hunting.
Providing Uzis (with a full fucking clip) into kids hands is beyond irresponsible. There’s another story out there where a 10 year old boy lost control of the Uzi he was shooting and shot himself in the head. He died.
Tragic that someone died, but Jesus, the bigger problem is the parents that thought this was a good idea.
BTW, I’m late on this, and I usually don’t give a rat’s ass about entertainment awards, but for zumiee and any other Breaking Bad fans, what a way to finish that show’s run! (if you haven’t seen the ending, spoiler alert!). Emmy awards for best drama, best actor, best actress and best supporting actor. All richly deserved. The only thing I could carp about is that Aaron Paul arguably should have gotten a best actor award, as his character hardly was just “supporting”. I’m sure there are some other really good TV dramas out there, but I can’t imagine one anytime soon being so fantastic from start to finish, with nary a false move, IMO. The ending episode quality was justifiably a high concern for BB fans, but we shouldn’t have worried — it was IMO hugely satisfying and just and true to the characters. The use of Badfinger’s “Baby Blue” at the end was another stroke of genius in a show filled with it…
Loved that show. Thank you for directing me to the web site that carried ALL the seasons/shows. My life was on hold for a month while I hunkered down with popcorn and methamph . . . umm, wait a second – those guys sold/did the meth, while I lived vicariously through them. 🙂
The snarkk family gifted me the whole boxed set of all the seasons on DVD, including special inside “making of” stuff, bloopers and cut scenes from each episode. Really good stuff if you’re a BB nut like me. I can’t look at that again anytime soon, else I’ll get hooked and watch the whole dang thing again. Some of the good stuff is how writers decided to take the story arc in the directions they did, and to do it, had to figure out how to seamlessly get themselves out of the minor, but real plot boxes they had written themselves into in prior episodes — so that everything still made sense, moved the story and rang true to the characters and prior story line. The writers were incredible…
Some TV channel is showing the entire series right now, and whenever I roll across it, I can’t help but watch.
Cranston is on a roll in his roles. He recently won a Tony for playing LBJ in the play All the Way on Broadway. Haven’t seen it except clips, but I’ll have trouble for a while imagining him as someone other than Walter White…
When I started watching it, I couldn’t get past Malcolm in the Middle for a couple episodes.
I never saw that show, so I didn’t have that problem. Heading into the 4th season and Heisenberg’s descent into the abyss, I think I’d sooner cross Tuco Salamanca from the early seasons before crossing Walter White. You could outthink Tuco before he got you, if you had the time. The guy that played Tuco was awesome, BTW. And, I really miss Badger and Skinny Pete…
That’s the exact reason I couldn’t start watching it. I kept thinking of him as the dad in Malcom in the Middle, a show I despised. Funny how something as mundane as that can skew your perspective.