“FU” in Your Face for Game 3/4/5
With Game 1 closing in on us tomorrow, Flap Universe (FU) is closing in on San Francisco. After Ishikawa sent us to our third World Series in five years, Flappers around the world deliriously clicked through airline websites trying to match up their love for their team with their available funds. I know for certain that Pawlie Kokonuts is coming out from NY and WilcoJoe is saddled up and coming in from Texas. There may be others. I also know that there are several local Flappers who are coming to AT&T for both Friday and Saturday’s game.
Today is all about coordinating a mini Flapalooza or two, likely outside the park, but who knows?
So email me if you are planning on being up there Fri or Sat (or both), let me know if you have tickets and/or what time you’d be available to meet for beers and knowing dude head nods. Please don’t share details of your trip within this thread since Flapalooza’s are for Flappers who have already attending such gala events as well as for Flappers who have been verified as legit bloggers who frequent The Flap. Known shit disturbers or trolls are not invited.
My email is bigflavor77@gmail.com and I’ll send out a group email tonight once I hear from everyone….
A Place To Talk About Giants Baseball 
If the F-Head Orioles had won, I would have been at one of the first two, but oh well. I think we are going to win in 5 with two wins for the Bum…have fun Flappers and bring us good luck…
Woo hoo! The best way to kill speed is to keep it on the bench. I think our pitching wins out.
I had Giants in 5 vs StL, and I’m sticking with that vs KC and the Dogshit Band.
I’ve looked at the series from a number of different angles and I think the Giants win it comfortably (5 sounds right). I can explain away getting swept in KC last August easily. Might do that later today.
I spent a significant amount of time waiting around for tow trucks this past weekend which allowed for some Marty Lurie on the AM dial. I haven’t listened to his show very often. Apparently he doesn’t screen calls at all because some real nut jobs call in. One caller suggested starting Lincecum and Casilla (because he’s been looking good). To his credit, Lurie didn’t laugh the caller off the air and answered his question like it was the most serious thing he had ever heard. That guy has the patience of a saint.
Anyway, he had a guest on who said that the Giants have gone through tougher competition to get to the WS and he saw them as the favorites. I don’t follow the beer league so I don’t know if that is true but the guy made a good case for the Giants.
I’ve called into Lurie’s show twice and got put on the air with less than 2 minutes of wait time both times.
but who knew you loved Timmy and Casilla THAT much? harhar
BaHaHa…good one Kokonuts…
“Welcome back, Barry Bonds” from the New York Times: http://tinyurl.com/ofo47a6
Not a total rip on Bonds, but on baseball, too.
Finally, somebody calls out Torre and LaRussa (and the HOF, I suppose) for getting a golden ticket to the HOF with miraculously having no knowledge of steroid use in their clubhouses…
Haha, I knew you would appreciate that article.
I agree, Tom. Thanks for sharing, Mac. That was a good read.
I’ll go for a Giants win. How many games, I dunno, don’t care. They’ve got to get to the starters early, apparently the Royals pen is tough. But, WS pressure tends to bend minds a little bit, so they may not be that tough. Giants are experts at winning pressure games, is the factor I see that should make a difference. I’ll admit I don’t know squat about the Royals, other than they have won 8 straight PO games, so they must be pretty good, and they’re due for a loss or two. I consider the Giants losing their ass against the Royals earlier this season as a plus — for the Giants…
the only thing I’m not understanding is why Timmy is on the WS roster. Besides not pitching in nearly a month, the Royals ran wild on him in August. Stole 7 bases off him. So when do you put him in? When you’re down 6? Up 6? And when does that ever happen to a Giants playoff team, all the games are nail biters.
Timmy is wasting a roster spot, if you as me…….
I agree. If Timmy comes in at the start of the inning and someone gets on base, then he has to come out, otherwise it’s an automatic triple. Unless it’s Billy Butler, although even he got a stolen base vs. the Angels. Hell, the Royals might even steal home on Timmy. And the way Bochy manages in the playoffs, I don’t think he’d bring Timmy in with a 6-or-more-run lead. That leaves the getting-blown-out option as the only realistic scenario.
Unfortunately, I agree. Timmy didn’t get into the game in that 18 inning marathon, I don’t see how he’d come in anytime here in this WS. Maybe Bochy will surprise us. Recognition of past glories must have something to do with it, and maybe team vibe inside the cluhouse. Seems to me Kontos would be a better use of a Pen spot…
Well, WTF…I have to pile-on here. As is the case with most of us, Timmy will always hold a special place in my heart. He is up there on my all-time favorite Giants list. But I do agree…he represents a total waste of a roster spot. Not sure WTF Bochy was thinking there, other than it was a sentimental choice. But sorry, sentiment doesn’t flush when you are talking one of 25 spots on a World Series roster. I hope Bochy and Timmy proves us wrong…
When I look at Vogelsong, Peavy and Hudson I think there is a good chance that Petit gets a lot of use during the WS which makes Lincecum the back up long man. Burn Petit in game 2 or 3 and there is a reasonable chance you’re still going to need a long man in the following game.
Timmy is there because Bochy is showing respect, doesn’t want any chemical disturbance, wants to keep him available as a secret weapon, and wants him not destroyed of all confidence. More psychological than anything else. Is that ‘wasting’ a spot? Yes and no.
Absolutely agree. Since we give Bochy great credit for managing pitchers and the clubhouse, though I think this is a questionable move, I have to give him the benefit of the doubt on Lincecum. They won a WC game and two rounds of POs so far without him pitching, so why not one more…
I agree—especially with your first two reasons. Gonna be real interesting to see if he gets in and then what happens once he does.
Alex Pavlovic @AlexPavlovic 3m3 minutes ago
Sal Perez said he stayed at Sandoval’s house during spring training, Pablo’s been texting him words of encouragement throughout playoffs.
As I’ve said before, I don’t follow the AL at all, only saw highlights of the ALCS.
So, I’ll admit, I had no clue that “Sal Perez”was the Royals catcher. Had to google it…
Sal who? Fuck that. This is the World Serious…shit is way too serious to be playong patty-cake with the enemy.
enough already with the encouragement now, Pablo
I can’t imagine he’s being kept on the roster to shield his confidence. Please don’t let it be that. He’s a grown man with 2 CY’s under his belt. Zito got left off the roster in 2010 and came back to save us in 2012. That “confidence” angle always seems overblown to me when you’re talking about pro athletes. Now, little leaguers? I can see it affecting players like that
Fragile egos, despite all that. I have often thought of Dave Winfield being benched and trashed by Steinbrenner during a WS. Despite all the millions, these guys are thoroughbreds who wanna run. (Thanks so much for that text, Magnus.)
I don’t know about shielding his confidence as his confidence has to be damn near rock bottom as it is already, but I think respect, team chemistry, avoiding the media fallout that would result are all a big part of it.
Hell, it has been such a bizarre season it won’t shock me if Tim pulls 5 shutout innings out of his ass at some point when we least expect it.
I agree, Dawg…wasted roster spot, or not…
Shit, I’m at the point of just saying hey, Bochy’s done an incredibly good job so far. He wants Timmy there? Go for it. Thing is though, he’d be like the ONLY guy on the team not used at all in any situation during the postseason. Unless there’s consecutive 15 inning, or blowout games?
Really. Kontos has a better shot of doing something good in the WS. We are at the Barry-Zito-is-working-on-his-delivery-this-offseason stage of Timmy’s progression.
This four day layover for the WS is crap. You had two teams really engaged, ready to play on Saturday. But, no. Can’t compete against football in the TV wars. Heck, with 4 days layoff here, you could have played a 2 outta 3 WC series in both leagues to start, and still begin the WS tomorrow. One thing I think this layoff does to favor the Giants is that it gives Peavy, Hudson and Voggy critical extra rest time at this time of the season. That’s really helpful for aged arms…
It shouldn’t happen, and hopefully it won’t, but IF the Giants do get blown-out in a game, say something like 8-0 in the 5th inning, you do need someone to eat up some innings. Lincecum could be that guy. Or, in a very long extra-inning game if Petit was used a lot in the previous game. Or what if the two teams played a 15 inning game, followed by a 14 inning game? Well, not likely, but not impossible either, as both teams tend to play close games.
And I have to admit, I’m not much of a ‘Kontos guy.’ It’s probably the lasting memory of that game-winning HR he gave up to Kershaw. That ranks as one of the top 5 most puzzling things I’ve ever seen in baseball.
Maybe Timmy shocks us with a Moe Drabowsky type of relief performance:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/LAN/LAN196610050.shtml
I checked the other 4 games in that ’66 WS of O’s v. Doghairs.
O’s swept 4-0, allowing only 2 runs total — all in game 1. They shutout LA in each of the final 3 games.
In game 2, O’s won 6-0. Not a bad matchup — Palmer v. Koufax, with Sandy giving up one earnie in 6 IP…
I was at that game…Willie Davis CF made 3 errors…It was Koufax’ last game.
Nice, I was wondering if that was Koufax’ last one. Didn’t seem to remember he pitched in ’67. LA in those days was a low scoring club, but man, getting shutout in 3 of 4 games is ridiculous…
Funny you mention someone from that staff, as I have made Lincecum/Wally Bunker comparisons in my mind before. Though, I think Tim has accomplished a bit more than Bunker did before he blew out his arm. Not that I was aware when he was doing his thing. My friend’s dad would enthrall us with all kinds of baseball stories when we were kids, and he loved telling us about the shooting star that was Wally Bunker and how he was the forgotten member of the ’66 O’s pitching staff.
That was one hell of a relief appearance. This is the same Moe who went on to open “Moe’s Bar/Moe’s Tavern” on the Simpsons, correct?
Yeah, I’m of a mind that 3 days off is plenty. But I think the Bummie factor is huge with the Giants though.
I also like starting this on the road. I think this works to our advantage . . . One on the road and 3 at home.
Done-zo . . .
The only way I can see Bochy bringing in Lincecum is to start an inning against a particular hitter. For whatever reason, matchup wise. Mid game. If Tim gets the guy out, great, he can face another hitter. If the guy gets on, Tim’s out, and it’s onto the next reliever. I can’t see Timmy pitching to many batters, these guys ran on him like crazy in the earlier series. A single off him with no outs would effectively be a double, maybe a triple, as somebody else said…
I assume the Gmen coaching staff and video dudes have scouted the Royals’ running tendencies. On what counts, etc. Giants pitchers, even if they coach up now and practice a bit, aren’t suddenly going to become savants at keeping runners close at first and second. I’d like to see Bochy be smart with pitch out calls, maybe catch one of these Royals. Even if the pitchout doesn’t nab the stealer, it can put some doubt in the minds of the Royals. And, Posey should throw down to Belt every so often to keep these guys guessing. Press the issue rather than just react to runners going wild…
If I’m the Royals, I kinda wish I’d have lost one at some point along the way—might take a little of the edge off of feeling like you have to maintain perfection.
Yeah, I’m looking for one loss bursting the dam…
Sorry, Kontos, but this gets you dropped off of World Series roster consideration. Or, you must write a 3-page essay explaining how it happened, and then perhaps you get consideration:
Sorry Zume – I appreciate your knowledge and all, but I cannot get on this bandwagon. I have to look at the entire picture, and Kontos has pretty good numbers.
2014 – 32.1 IP. 2.78 ERA and 1.082 WHIP. 27 Ks. 11 BB. 1 HR.
Lifetime – 137.1 IP. 3.34 ERA. 1.209 WHIP. 124 Ks. 44 BB. 12 HRs.
IMO those are numbers that most would welcome on a post season or WS roster.
Stats below for Post-season 2014 to date.
10 games Giants; 8 games KC.
On stats alone, I don’t see why KC should be favored.
Who was the better pennant series opponent — the Cards or O’s? I’d say the Cards, but I’m a NL fan.
Team OPS
Giants: .638 KC: .721
Opponents OPS
Giants: .573 KC: .602
WHIP
Giants: 0.95; KC: 1.11
ERA
Giants: 2.18 KC: 2.93
Pitching staff Ks per 9 IP
Giants: 7.36; KC: 7.76
Stolen bags
Giants: 3 KC: 13
Wild Pitches
Giants: 0 KC: 4
They’re not the favs…Giants opened -110 royals even…now they are both -105
I saw an article yesterday where Vegas favored the Royals slightly. Must be changing. The speed factor seems the only possible real plus for KC. But, if they don’t get on base, there’s no advantage. Plus, their OF speed is better, but Blanco and Pence are fine out there. Ishi is the weak link, but Perez will come in if it’s close. I really don’t see the OF defensive speed as a big deal for KC over SF…
Maybe Bochy should turn the tables. Run at darn near every opportunity. Blanco, Pence, Craw. I don’t necessarily mean steal attempts. Some of that, but hit and run more. Make KC make some plays, get them out of position. Plus, Morse appears like he’s getting healthy. 3 games of him as DH is a big plus for the Giants, even as just a threat and to extend the LU…
Somebody yesterday mentioned Marty Lurie treating people well on his radio show, including ding dongs or neophytes to baseball. That’s part of why people listen to him. He doesn’t treat people like crap. He’s 60+, he doesn’t get off on berating people, he’s patient. Others can do that schtick. He’ll occasionally get a little testy with somebody for saying something mean or really stupid that he obviously suspect is a trollish comment, but he doesn’t give even them the bum’s rush, except in rare situations. Lots of women call in, they feel comfortable talking with him because he doesn’t pull the plug on them just because they don’t know Pagan’s OBP…
I’ve googled and can’t find one article or blurb on Pagan and how his surgery went, or whether he’s with the team, resting at home, whatever. Not one. Nada. Anybody seen or heard anything?…
He now lives inside an MRI machine.
Saves time and travel expenses.
I am sure the team and managment are in the know, but I see no real reason to put that info out there at this point. You go under the knife and you have a long rehab. Until you mentioned it, I hadn’t even given any thought to Pagan and his operation.
Pagan is in Puerto Rico…I read where Scutaro is in Florida…Cain is with the team…
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/giants/category/angel-pagan/
Good read, wins…thanks.
I read the other day that he’s at home (Puerto Rico, I think) rehabbing.
I don’t know if anyone mentioned this before, but I think this long break is really going to help Buster. He’s been behind the dish every inning of the postseason. He had a couple of singles that I think would have been doubles if his legs were fresher.
good point. And he’s probably catching all of these games so he needed to break.
Alex Pavlovic @AlexPavlovic 28m28 minutes ago
Yusmeiro Petit said his dad, Alberto, is flying from Venezuela to SF for Game 3. Alberto has never seen his son pitch in big leagues.
That is cool. Reminds me of Dirty’s dad seeing his son pitch for the first time and he throws a no-no.
Great, one more person in which I have to compete for a ticket…Joking, kind of.
Has he ever seen his daughter-in-law’s monstrous rack?
I noticed Morse will be the DH tomorrow night…I’m surprised that they didn’t let MadBum hit for himself!I think this was Boch’s first (and hopefully last) mistake.
If you’re being serious….
there is a problem with the idea, in that, by rule, Bum’s spot in the batting order would always be a pitcher’s spot, and never a DH spot during the game. So, the Giants would possibly have to burn pinch-hitters and pitchers later in the game, and it would be especially troublesome in an extra-inning game.
Plus, Morse hit one of the most dramatic HRs in Giants history the other night. There is that, too. 🙂
Actually zum, it would be a dh spot, but if you remove your dh, then you’ve lost it for the remainder of the game…
Once a Designated Hitter assumes a position on defense, such move shall terminate the Designated Hitter role for that club for the remainder of the game
Good point about the batting order position and its affect on late inning pitchers…I didn’t think it all the way through!
Just one more of many reasons to shitcan the DH…
The song remains the same as far as the roster goes.
Thanks for the info on Pagan…
The only thing I thought we might see was Perez starting in LF with Morse at DH and Ishikawa off the bench but Bochy was asked that question in today’s press conference and he said we would see Ishikawa in LF to start the series.
It’s a pretty remarkable thing. I wonder if it sets some kind of record for ‘starter in the outfield in the World Series with fewest previous starts in the outfield.’ It’s not quite in the ‘outfielder Mickey Stanley playing shortstop for the Tigers in the ’68 World Series’ category, though. The Tigers won that World Series….so, whatever works. 🙂
Whatever your preconceived notions are about this series will probably be completely wrong. And Morris can play his natural position DH not the phony NL use of this type of player as an abomination in LF or a statue at first.
So what are the folks at the True Blue L.A. blog saying about the World Series?:
the world series starts tomorrow
the idealist in me thinks it will be KC in 7 [which would almost justify the pain of existence]
the realist in me has no idea what will happen [both super-hot teams]
the cynic in me says SF in 5
by kinbote on Oct 20, 2014 | 11:01 AM ↩reply
I agree (painfully) with the last sentence I am hoping for the Royals to somehow pull this one out.
by Ivdown on Oct 20, 2014 | 11:03 AM up ↩reply
madbum can win twice
royals can run into some outs [or not get on base to begin with]
giants can make sure it doesn’t get back to KC
by kinbote on Oct 20, 2014 | 11:04 AM up ↩reply
If what I wanted would actually happen (it never does) Bumgarner would get crushed in his appearances and look awful. Posey would hit .150. The Royals would hit .330 with 9 home runs in the series.
by Ivdown on Oct 20, 2014 | 11:06 AM up ↩reply
I winced a little bit this morning reading a quote by Panda asking him if he was nervous in what could be his last go-round with the team. he said, Why should I be nervous? it’s my third one
dammit
by kinbote on Oct 20, 2014 | 11:20 AM up ↩reply
Love love love that stuff! Well, technically Panda’s 2nd . . .
If Sandoval rakes in this series (and I hope he does) then it’s adios gordito!
I don’t know about *adios*. After the Giants win World Serieseseses’ they usually overpay the fuck out of the guys who won them
I would think his price would go through the ceiling and SF wouldn’t match.
yeah, I got your drift. I was just saying that the Giants are the ones who overpay for their guys so I figure there isn’t a price that could be set in the market that they wouldn’t match (if they win another one and he’s MVP or something)
Don’t get me wrong I hope they keep him and really they could meet any price. I mean, shoot dude can make the argument that he’s one of if not the best 3b in the league. Who’s his comparable? Sure Cabrera has better but numbers but Sandoval is the better defender and 2 rings. I guess those things don’t come into arb hearings or negotiations or whatever but Cabrera made what $21M this year. If I was Sandoval’s agent that’s the opening salvo.
This all makes me think of this primary owner cat C Johnson. I mean was he even at the yard last week for the deciding game? Is he a fan and emotionally invested in the club? Never hear anything about the guy but he’s probably made over a million in the time it took me to write this post.
See Huff, Aubrey
I was just watching the channel 2 news and they were making a big deal about how little Royals gear they’ve seen out there. To me it seems like a simple answer. KC is a football town. Correct me if I’m wrong as I’ve never been there.
new thread