A Place To Talk About Giants Baseball

He’s back. Sorta. On a minor league deal. As Twin used to say, “Relax, it’s just a minor league deal.”

Having said that, it looks like the 3rd/4th/5th OF spot is going to be uninspiring at best. And that’s giving the benefit of the doubt to Pence as the “inspiring” #2.

Boch might be forced to play some of the younger guys this year in the OF. Of course he could just check back in on the blinder Upton bro and see if his wrist has healed up.

This morning I realized why I published all those Twinfan emails. It’s kinda been like having him back again. I know that’s a bit morbid with him being dead. But don’t Beatles fans get all jazzed up when previously unreleased songs get released? Does that happen with them? I don’t know.

Anyway, for a couple of days it felt like that crusty ol’ son of a gun was back. Hope you guys enjoyed it as much as I did….

Ok, that was a fun thread. Felt like I exorcised something. Or celebrated something. I dunno.

Now, back to baseball. Or more emails? I pulled like the *reverse Hillary* with those bad boys this weekend….

Anyway, there is nothing even remotely interesting about baseball going on right now.

But we needed a new thread.

And this is it…..

Some very nice sentiments left on the last thread about Twinfan. He left the blog, I want to say around 2014, but his *aura* has always been here. My relationship with him was…..complicated.

I have 1,016 emails from him. ONE THOUSAND AND SIXTEEN. You guys have no idea the number of complaints he fired at me over the years. They often came across like direct orders. Here’s a screen shot of just a few of them. If you can read the subj line you get a flavor of them:

In this next excerpt, you’ll notice the subj line “quick computer question” that has 45 exchanges in it with the preview being nothing computer question related. LOL.

I could go on and on but you guys get the gist. I will just say this: Twin was high maintenance. But not always in a bad way. I just think he demanded the greatest awareness and knowledge of the game from those with whom he interacted. If you didn’t give that, he’d let you know you have to be better. In the *twinnest* way possible.

His contests were great. I miss setting those up with him. He REALLY got into those behind the scenes. He was an unbelievably generous person. I always tried to remember that his bitterness came from having to participate in a war he didn’t start or want. And in the end, 45 years later, it’s what killed him.

I’ll find a way to properly honor him here at the Flap. Nothing’s hit me yet. He’s just biding his time. Somehow, some way, like a doink on my dundering head, he’ll let me know.

He wouldn’t have it any other way….

It’s great to see small market teams like the Brewers going for it like this. I wish more teams would try instead of kick back and let the rev sharing checks roll in. If it doesn’t work they can sell off their players at the deadline. There’s really no risk unless the new guys get hurt…..

The Giants are *going for it* in a different way. There’s definitely more risk. If they are floundering at the break it’s not like they can sell off their old parts. These guys are for keeps.

I happen to believe it’s not a huge risk because, barring a bunch of injuries and dirt bike accidents, I think we are looking at an 88 win team right now. They’re right there for a WC spot. I’ll take that…..

RIP Twinner

Not a Hall of Famer?

If I’m a voter for entry into this dumbass place I would send my next ballot back with the word “unsubscribe” scrawled across the front of it….

I’m gonna let Daniel write the thread today. And I’m going to answer these questions with my answers as well as all of yours. We’ll see how that goes over in ‘Shoptaw country. Anyway, if you have any thoughts about these questions please respond below. I have the responses from the guys who already responded in the previous thread.

Daniel Shoptaw	Jan 20 (4 days ago)

“At least they’re better than last year.”

That seems to be the prevailing sentiment from everyone about these off season moves. Being content with what you aren’t anymore is not exactly a clear path to a championship. But there’s also nothing wrong with being better either….

I was definitely not in the camp that wanted a tear down. It worked for the Astros after years of last place finishes. It sorta worked for the 76ers who at least have decent players now.  But it was never a realistic outcome so why dream about it? If waiting around for half a decade for something to happen is your gig than I’m not going to dull your buzz. It’s just not for me.

Put the best team out there possible. I don’t want to lose 98 games again….

Well, that was a fun day of sports. I now turn my resistant eyes toward Philadelphia. Ugh. Rooting for any team from Philly is like asking me to root for USC or Cal or Notre Dame. Not in my DNA.

But there’s nothing worse than Tom Brady’s squeaky clean fake-o act or Belichick’s tired stoic facade or….the fact that they win all the time. That’s really what it comes down to, right?

Look at the Warriors. Is there a more likable collection of players ever assembled? Aside from Draymond of course. But even with Green’s antics, all those guys play to win as a TEAM. No egos. Few tattoos. Almost no off the court problems. And they are led by one of the most thoughtful, introspective, coaches in history.

And yet people hate them for no reason.

Other than…..they have cornered the market on winning.

Please, somehow, may the ghosts of Joe Montana’s past rise up as one and channel themselves through Nick Freaking Foles.

One time.

Staying with the NFL and riding the high of my wave of winners from last weekend, let’s take a look at the two games this weekend.

These games are fascinating. Three bad quarterbacks and possibly a one handed one. The wrong handed one. You also have 4 good/great defenses. And literally only one stud rb– who might still be hurt.

Granted, looking at the games from a DFS perspective is different that predicting who’s going to win and lose. I’ve only been able to come up with one decent angle and that’s taking Philly on the $$$ line (+135). They are at home (huge) and they are facing a team coming off an epic emotional win. Those teams usually have a big let down the following week. So I’m taking Philly on the $$$ line.

And I’m also taking Jax and the points just because NE was the only game I lost last week and that pisses me off and I don’t like Brady and 7.5 looks pretty good to me.

Again, not betting the games, just playing DFS, but if I WERE laying my own cash that would be the way I’d go.

You?

Goddamn it’s cold this morning. It’s like 45 what the hell is this? lqtm. I think I just heard our east coast contingent curse my name….

We acquired Engelb Vielba from the Pirates. I’m not sure what that is.

P and C’s report on Feb 13th? Yikes this is happening quickly. Aren’t there a lot of guys still unsigned? The Giants are going to sign Jerrod Dyson to play center field, aren’t they.

I think we need to pump the breaks a little on this Gorkey’s/Duggar CF platoon idea. Where did that even come from? Duggar looks to be cut from the honkiest of ivory bone and I’ve never understood the Gork’s thing.

But if you told me a month ago that finding a center fielder would be our biggest problem going into spring training I’d say you crazy.

Re-loading this team was the right move. The only long term thing I’m worried about is if the Giants give Bumgarner 300 million dollars. That would just be a massive mistake. There’s a pretty wide chasm between Bum’s actual value and his perceived value. I think there’s a decent chance he bounces back from his motorbike mistake year but after that…..Somehow we need to let that dude walk when he’s free but I don’t think Baer will be able to let him go….

I’m 100% behind the moves this off season. Not because I love the pick ups of Longo and ‘Cutch. I don’t love them. What I do love is the idea of not having to watch another 98 loss season. And while I moderately support the idea of a re-build, I know the Giants brass don’t know how to do that. So why try?

I’m not an A’s fan. I don’t jizz at the possibility of tomorrow. Tomorrow is bullshit, it doesn’t exist. The baseball season is looooong. At this point in my life, with 3 beauties in the bank, I just want my team to be as competitive as they can for 6 long-ass months. If we have to sneak in the wild card window, so be it.

‘Cutch and Longo make our team better. There’s no point in spending the rest of the off season debating how much better, those opinions will be worthless after this all unfolds. And I recognize the risk of expecting so many bounce back seasons for some of last year’s under-performers. I’m skeptical of Pence and Cueto bouncing back. But I do think Crawford, Bum, Melancon and don’t forget that FLR….all those guys could all bounce back.

I think the biggest fear for SF will be injuries as this leaky boat is not built for a long journey.

I’m not ready to sit back and wistfully dream about a future that never comes. Screw that. Go Giants.

Yesterday is why I watch sports. You guys have probably all seen this sideline cam video, it’s epic. When I watched it the first time it reminded me of the video from the arcade perspective of Ishi hitting his bomb. The crowd gets silent for a moment as they catch their breath–it’s subtle—then they explode. That collective crowd silence phenomenon is something I didn’t know existed until I saw the Ishi video. And then you can hear it on this one too. Incredible.

And here’s the Ishi HR. Can you hear the moment of silence before the insanity?

This is my favorite weekend of NFL football bar none. Four home crowds going nuts. Everything on the line. Great story lines….

My main interest, as usual, will be in the individual players I have picked at draftkings. I’m not betting on the games. But it’s fun to throw out predictions and with Booby doing nothing but digging into the deepest depths of his navel it seems like a good time to talk football…

Atlanta -3 vs Philly. I like Philly here. Money line bet. +130. If this game was in Hotlanta I would take them but I see the Philly D holding Ryan and his overrated offense at bay and Foles doing enough to get this done….

Tenn +13.5 vs NE. I would probably take Tenn and the points but I wouldn’t bet this game with 3 better opportunities this weekend….

Jax +7 vs Pitt. I would not only take Jax I would take them on the money line at +280. That D is legit and Pitt is shrouded in hype. Not even the great Stix song *Renegade* will be able to help them. Although I can see why that gets the crowd and the players going, that is a great song to play in a stadium. I don’t care if AB plays, he’s hurt, and Bell should have trouble moving forward against the D. Big Ben sucks and if Fournette gets going they are going to win that game outright.

New Orleans +5 vs Minn. Again, if this game was in NO I might take those points. But Minn has a great D and I firmly believe that if Keenum was going to fall apart he would have done it already. At home with a roused crowd and Brees out of his dome I see the Vikings winning this one big…..

Who you guys like?

Can’t imagine we have enough fire power to pony up for McCutchen. Unless we want to give up Ramos. The Reds are insane if they want Ramos for BillyHam. This is the problem with having exactly one blue chip trade piece. He’s the only one anyone wants….

This is why we are probably going to have to bite the bullet and pay up the compensatory picks for Cain. I’m not happy about it either but it’s not like a couple of picks are going to magically fix our shithole system.

But something has to give. Not even Booby could look at this outfield of Pence and Gorks and….? and think we are good to go out there for 2018.

I’m dying to know what the Giants offered Jay Bruce. Bob Nightingale said they went “hard” after him. So either they offered more than 3/39 and he rebuffed them because he didn’t want to play for a 98 loss team or their offer was less than 3/39–hardly going “hard” after a player of his caliber.

Much like Longoria, I didn’t want  SF to get Bruce because I really liked him, I wanted them to get him because he makes our team a little better. And 13 mil a year is Spam $$$. That’s nearly pocket change.

The moment after the Giants picked up Longo the only course of action from here on out was pedal to the metal. Get ANYONE who will make the team better and hope for some bounce back seasons from the guys on the pitching staff.

There is no other direction than full steam ahead, mateys.

I have returned from Central America. There is a lot going on there. Unlike here. I am still a little sleep deprived but I can’t seem to find any SF Giant related info. To be somewhat fair, it doesn’t look like the free agent market is moving at all. Very weird. Thanks to Chuck for slapping a couple of new threads up to keep the blog moving.

Now all we need is something to happen. Booby you up. Let’s go.

. . . better early than late. Absolutely nothing to report on in the baseball world, other than the Sporting News throwing a little shade on the once-almighty Derek Jeter.

Enjoy . . .

http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/news/derek-jeter-marlins-owner-ceo-decisions-firings-giancarlo-stanton-trade-rebuild/11641xbac64t41qho8w60cpzne

Happy New Year and Go NINERS! ! ! I think the previous thread timed out so here’s a new one.