Worst Loss of The Year
I had to get up at 4am today so I missed the end of last night’s game. Wow, glad I did. To me, it wasn’t the blown save that was bad, those happen, it was Strick’s reaction that has me worried. You can’t be a closer and melt down every time you blow a save. Here’s one take (and it’s spot on):
Of course, Bochy had this take (from Baggs):
“Bochy smirks when asked if the outing shortens Strickland’s leash any.
“There’s no leash on him,” Bochy said. “He probably would take a couple pitches back, but you got to stand behind these guys.
“He’s done a heck of a job in this role.”
The reality is, both of these takes are true.
What a shitty loss. Suarez pitched his ass off…..
A Place To Talk About Giants Baseball 
It’s mind boggling that the Giants have had 10 leads against the Marlins over the last 52 innings and blown 9 of them, including the 4-0 lead last night. Unfrickingbelievable.
Strick had zero command, no idea where ball was going. Reminded of bad old days when he hung sliders and left fastball up and out over plate so RH just whack it into RF. Marlins were all over him.
Kruk brought up Straily, who goes tonite, as guy who beaned Longo. this isn’t the 60s, get your revenge on the scoreboard.
Just had bad feeling when Giants couldn’t add to lead, the Cutch near bomb yada yada. Marlins are like Padres East.
Suarez pitched a hell of a game. Shame mullet-head had to fuck it up for him. Even when he got in trouble, he got out of it in the 5th where it easily could have gotten worse. Bochy was quick to pull Suarez, but negligent with Strick. He couldn’t find the strike zone with a pair of fucking binoculars and a map. And Boch left him out there to crater. AZ and the Dogs are getting away and leaving us in the dust..
As I sat watching that 9th inning I just knew in my gut he was going to blow the game. And I was relatively calm about it. I guess 3 in 5 gives you that. I’ve been impressed with Strick overall this year, but he still has those tendencies that were on full display last night. I mean fuck Maybin, but Strickland has to be able to let that shit go and focus on the task at hand.
As for Bochy constantly waiting too long to pull a guy, I suppose that’s just never going to change. That part is the most frustrating.
Other than Realmuto, a really good looking player, I’d never heard of any of rest of their hitters other than perennial cast off Cameron Maybin.
At least vs. Giants, Mattingly has them playing hard. The set up guy throwing 98 and 2 wild pitches plus the closer who mowed down Specs Hanson Gorks (best you got???) were a trip to watch.
Imagine Pence’s drive home last night. That had to have been some “deep dark night of the soul” stuff.
Bochy had no use for Pence as the pinch-hitter in the bottom of ninth, with the bottom of the order up, in a one-run game.
lulz. Pence lives about 6 blocks from the ballpark, in that tall, famously leaning and sinking condo tower. Couple million down the drain there, I bet. Anyway, his new more upright batting stance has been a joke and he knows it. Opposing pitchers have thrown him low breaking stuff and he’s swung at that junk like an old woman waving a broom at rats on the floor. Half the time he can’t even follow through on a swing, his back is so stiff. And if you look closely, I think it’s possible to see an actual hump developing in his spine. That’s what his congenital condition causes. Lexi will be dressing up as Esmeralda in her videos soon.
Pence is done and he knows it. If he contributes anything to the team this season I certainly will be astonished.
Yes, both Chuck and Willie are spot on. You have a guy (Anderson) who has played at AT&T Park for the first time and went 0 for 3 – making him 0 for 10 in his past three games. Fast forward, knucklehead walks him and than Realmuto gets the RBI double. The Marlins knew they had Strickland after that walk, e.g., . . .
“All the credit to Andy in the ninth inning, putting that at-bat against their closer,” Rojas said of Anderson. “That for sure rattled him right there. He wasn’t expecting that at-bat from the leadoff guy and I think everything started from that at-bat.”
Yep, that Anderson AB was the tell. Strick was at 3-2 and threw ball 4 but Anderson swung at it and fouled it off. Strick then threw another ball 4 that was so far off it was an easy take for Anderson. All this with their best hitter who’s destroyed the Giants waiting on deck.
I think it was in response to a comment by LJ yesterday, around blown saves by Strick, where I said I thought Strick was the best option for the closer role. Maybe not?
I too sat there last night just knowing Strick was going to cough it up. Wish I had done like Flav and hit the sack early.
Definitely the most painful loss of the season. Fuck, that one stung bad.
OK…wash that shit off and T it up today. I had predicted a series win against the fish, but all bets are off after that colossal loss. Suarez deserved better.
Yeah, closers tend to be quirky. But not dumbasses. He had nothing last night and compounded it by letting the oppo get into his thick head. Plus Bochy is reading Dustys play book of pulling guys after they give up the winning run…
And I stand behind my comment late last night, that IMO, Bochy owns that blown save/loss as much as Strick. After Young visited the mound (runner on 1st, 3-0 count), and Strickland proceeded to walk the dude, Bochy should have made the switch THEN.
Yeah, we dissected that (Pence) last night at the end of the thread . . . I wonder what he does when he gets home? Does he make a video with his wife? Drink a cafe latte? Maybe he finds solace by looking at his online bank account. Dunno . . .
I guess it’s too much to ask for the guy to just retire, given that he’d be voluntarily coughing up millions of guaranteed dollars, but with someone like Slater in AAA doing very well, the Giants need to do something, with him and the awful Jackson clogging up the roster. What are they waiting for?
It’s especially galling LJ when you consider (as Zumiee initially pointed out last night) that Bochy had no intention of using Pence or Jackson to pinch hit for Tomlinson or Gorkys last night. Two useless roster/utility spots. Quite telling.
At least, based on one of those posts by Zumiee, the Giants are aware/acknowledging it (Pence and Actionless being dead weight), and know they need to do something sooner rather than later. I say giddy the fuck up and do it, NOW!
“Opposing pitchers have thrown him low breaking stuff and he’s swung at that junk like an old woman waving a broom at rats on the floor.”
See Xoot’s 9:10 for the whole post. Poignant stuff.
We love Pence, but his baseball career is over. That was the end of his career last night, IMO. There is literally no use for him on the roster anymore.
It probably isn’t the money anymore. I guess they just don’t want to embarrass him with a straight out DFA or release. Maybe some AL contender would take him on at the minimum in exchange for ” future considerations” (A.K.A. nothing) and hope he can do something. He would love the coffee in Seattle or maybe full circle back to Houston. Any new team could dump him guilt-free if he’s as done as it appears…
Strickland is a chump but its not like the club can say or do much about it when Bumgarner rolls out every 5th day with basically the same douche-bag act.
I’ve always thought what Bochy says for publication (mostly spin and I understand how it bugs people) is one thing and what he really thinks and might let others know in no uncertain terms is quite different. Not improbable his feeling is, ” I left you in there on trust to clean up your own mess and chance to get back at Marlins/save a win for the kid and instead you only made it worse and it cost us the game. “
Yeah, Bochy has always used the “long game” approach on some guys. He is trying to build up Strickland for the long haul, beyond last night’s game.
But, man, it seems like Strickland has been a really long work in progress.
Slater 2 for 4 with another double last night & .976 OPS as he approaches 200 abs
Wow, same ole Chatwood. He’s already walked two Dodgers in the first inning. Cubs have a big problem with this dude who they’ve signed to a big contract. Same with Darvish.
Bummie’s problem is now giving up too many dingers. He’s losing velocity it seems to me, and he falls prey to too much strike zone with his fastball. He can scowl at the umps all he wants but that isn’t the issue. He needs to gain better command in locating his fastball. Timmy went through the same thing. As do most power pitchers.
Beyond that, the umps have sucked pretty bad this season besides. Now that everyone gets to see the strike zone on every pitch, you understand how fucking awful these guys really are.
It’s not an illusion, his velocity is down for all of his pitches. This article confirms it:
https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2018/6/18/17474142/madison-bumgarner-will-be-fine-probably-mcdeep-dive-debut
That being said, the article also says, he’ll be fine (or not) in 3 more starts, i.e., if it’s a conditioning/rehab situation, then we’ll know he’s not in a physical decline. Guess we’ll have to wait and see . . .
Yeah, it’s Smarglerbargle redux. Spring training in-mid season, or a harbinger of the new reality. Which is exactly why we don’t extend him.
I don’t think Bum’s been a real power pitcher since very early in his career, if ever. Even in his glorious 2014 PS, I bet he rarely topped 92-93. The guy learned how to pitch very early on. It does appear though that he no longer has a real high velocity heater in him that he can reach back for every now and then if he needs it…
And why do they keep using Melonoma in mop up shit?Cant pitch back to back games ? Won’t use him as a closer anymore WTF?
Fuck give Dyson are better yet Watson are Smith a crack in the 9th fuck fuck fuck I’m tired of this BS those 2 guys have plenty of experience and stuff to close a game fucking make it so Picard!!
Chatwood is at 69 pitches after 3 innings. 4 walks but only 1 run so far.
If Strick was a young player, he’d already have been yanked from the role as closer. But since he’s a vet, we can’t be too reactive. See: Pence, Ray Ray, Rowand, Span, etc etc etc . . .
lol
The good news which AK sort of alluded to is this – we have 4 other guys who all have closing experience. Shit, these guys can be realtors after their MLB careers are over . . . or, negotiate N. Korean denuclearization deals.
By the by, anyone else notice that Strychnine has 13 blown saves versus 18 saves for his career? Must be the worst percentage in MLB history.
And Chatwood hits Taylor with a pitch.
Pence is beloved down here in Houston. I wore my Hunter Pence Giants Jersey when they were in town last month and I can’t count all the comments I heard about how much they miss him.
Best thing to happen would be for the Giants to release him and the Astros pick him up on a one day contract. He could retire as an Astro and even get another World Series ring should they go all the way again. No way they waste a roster spot on him for more than a day or so.
I never got that sign and retire with your old team stuff. What’s the point?
Far greater players than Pence spent their final days in unlikely uniforms.
Just part of the business…
Fun (or fucked up) fact:
Gaylord Perry and Orlando Cepeda both retired as Kansas City Royals.
How many of you would’ve gone 2 for 2 on that without looking it up?
I had to look up Perry…
hah none
Two of my fav LHs of all time, Billy Williams and Willie Mac were both on A’s 1976. Williams retired soon after, Mac still had something left and made it back across the Bay to play few more years.
Chatwood, 5 innings, 101 pitches, 5 walks, a hit-batsman; but 6 strikeouts and only 1 run.
I’m tempted to feel somehow impressed by that.
Same old Chatwood. Did the same crap in Sherpaland (along with most of the rest of the pitching staff in Colorado). That being said, he’s always had filthy stuff.
Kemp and Roberts got ejected for arguing about the strikezone.
Dodger bullpen has an 18 inning scoreless streak going.
Let’s hope they don;t take the lead.
Closers will blow games. Remember Armando? He was through after the game that the opponents (Mets?) taunted him during the game. I watched last night and I saw a closer that was rattled, pissed and out of control- -pitch wise and emotionally. That doesn’t make for a closer. Bochey seems to be in love with this guys fast ball and the hell with all the other drawbacks. He’s got Watson, Smith and Melenoma to plug in instead. Any of those guys could have closed out the game last night. A blown game like last night can set an attitude for a month or the rest of the year. Changes need to be made.
Now Grandal gets tossed after a called strike 3.
Speaking of blown saves, Juston Wilson just blew one. Fucking Cubs.
Where’s Morrow the regular closer?
No idea. He pitched 3 days ago I think. Not like they’re overusing him.
Cubs blow the save. Morrow didn’t pitch for some reason.
OSF, the bigger problems are the fucking waste of 2 roster spots that Pence and MINAJ have become. Throw in Crawfish tending his flock and now we have about 1/2 of a complete roster.
0-2 pitch to Turner could have been called strike 3. Turner is always working the umps, chatting them up.
Dodger bullpen has 21 straight scoreless innings.
Morrow has some kind of injury.
Of course he’ll be healthy when the Giants play them.
This dude is hilarious. Check out some of his other stances in his feed:
His Ichiro is especially funny, I think:
The “Picture of Health” stays nailed to the bench…
1. Joe Panik (L) 2B
2. Buster Posey (R) C
3. Andrew McCutchen (R) RF
4. Brandon Belt (L) 1B
5. Pablo Sandoval (S) 3B
6. Mac Williamson (R) LF
7. Alen Hanson (S) SS
8. Gorkys Hernandez (R) CF
9. Dereck Rodriguez (R) P
dumbest player we’ve ever had? Landslide….
Betting that Watson or Dyson takes over closer responsibilities, not Melanoma.
I think that’s extremely likely. They haven’t put Melatonin in a stress situation yet and don’t seem likely to do so any time in the near future.
I just saw/read about Stricknine. What a fucking dumbass….
Who closes now? Closing by committee?
I’m almost glad this simple fuck is on the shelf. He’s too dumb to count on.
Me too. I just read his apology (bottom). Also, this is what Bochy said about Melanoma:
“The manager doesn’t consider Mark Melancon — signed to a $62 million, four-year deal before last season to work the ninth — ready for the role after a series of injuries.
“Your closer is somebody who has to be resilient, and I’m not sure that Mark’s at that stage right now,” Bochy said.”
Strickland statement – “Life has an interesting and sometimes disappointing way of opening up our eyes. Words cannot describe the amount of regret and sorrow I have for my actions. I have let down the ones that care and mean the most, as well as the ones that count on me day in and day out. To my family, my teammates, my coaches, this organization, and our fan base, I am truly sorry that one split second, stupid decision has caused so much harm and now set me back from being out there with my team to pursue our goal. As well as providing for my family. I own all responsibilities and consequences because these were no ones actions but myself. I will work hard to get back with the guys and help contribute to some more wins. This is our life, and we take pride in what we do, so when we fail it hurts. But that is by no means an excuse because every action has a reaction- which is what I’m seeing now. I’ve made a mistake and regret it, but I will not give up and will learn from this! I completely understand how this portrays my character, which I will humbly work on areas in my life that need refinement. I sincerely didn’t do this out of selfishness, but simply because I let down the ones that count on me most and my emotions got the best of me in that moment. So again, I’m sorry, and now I have to move forward.”
fuck him. The next time this simple fuck wants to throw a punch I hope he slugs himself in the face. Twice. I’m done with his dumb ass.
Agree. Good riddance.
Like he really wrote this…
Yeah, I guess that’s what his agent is for. I wonder if he has the same dude as Melky had??? lulz
I get that Stricknine can be a fucking headcase, and I am as frustrated with his shenanigans as the next Flapper, but IMO, it definitely hurts the team not having him. Like him or hate him, he was probably the best option the team has.
He’s so stupid, he’s letting Alen Hanson perform the surgery…
lulz
calling 2 bombs for Mac tonight….
calling 2 broken pinkies for Mac tonight…
Fucking Strickland in just a dumbass “that for sure is not the sharpest tool in the shed”
I truly believe he likes to emulate Bumgarner in all his behavior craziness at times! It’s one thing if he’s good enough to be a loose cannon like Bum 💥 but’s he’s not so he can’t pull it off like Bum does especially with his resume of success.. I won’t miss this dipshit at for awhile, he needs to “Fucking Man Up “ Really if some of these dudes have issues with their anger, maybe the team should install should install a punching bag in the clubhouse to take it out on then a freakin wall! With your fucking pitching hand no less, total dumbshit!!
excellent emogi use inside the post
Thanks BF,
You all know it will be Dyson’s job now as closer. Boch hates to change roles too much even though Watson&Smith could get it done,Boch will stay stubborn and keep them both in their 7-8th inning roles not to disturb their comfort zones.
i think it’s gonna be Dyson, too
LMAO…Love the punching bag idea, Kat! Great idea! I used to hit a heavy bag to get rid of unwanted angst, etc.
Hey Amy! Along with the “Smart Play” of the game, you should add a feature called, the “Dumb ass Play” of the game. Flappers have a nominee for last night’s game.
I’ve had it with her, too…
lol man good ol’ Twinner woulda really let you have it for that one, loo!
That looks like the hardest ball Buster has hit in a couple of years.
I’d be curious to know if Cutch bothered to run on that pop up…
Calling a Buster”Bust Out” HR!
Lol 😆 Man he needed that jack!
Just saw the Strickland news. Wow, how much more of a brain-dead immature fucking idiot can this guy be?
He could be me…
Lqtm Loo,
Could be me as well..
I just heard about Musclehead on the way home in the car.
You guys covered it.
A fine act of self-demoting dumbassery…
Oh boy, another lead against the Marlins.
Another thing that sucks is that Strickland would have had some trade value at the deadline…
Just the facts mam . . . K & K & Amy G wont comment on Strychnine’s self-demoting dumbassery (as snarrk described it) – they’ll only report it happened. Sad.
Good for Pudgette!
Wow! I’m surprised at the retaliation. lol
Probably more coming in this game. Payback for Longoria and the Musclehead hoo ha last night — agree, rare move from the Giants…
Gorkys has more than the occasional faux pas out there on defense, like that vapor lock play.
Luckily no blood as a result…
Dude’s baseball IQ is a negative number.
well that was interesting. DRod loads the bases by nailing Brinson and then pitches out of it.
Payback coming or does Mattingly file that one away for future reference?
Gorkster!
Gorkys makes up for the glove faux pas — with a four pass ! …
I hope he’s out sick the day the PEDs tester shows up…
“Over 400 feet . . . ” Something tells me that MLB is going to be doing pee tests next week in San Francisco.
Not surprised but still Posey is guy you pick?
Rest of game — we’re on “brawl watch”…
I never understood what they mean when they say the new pitcher gets as much time as he needs to warm up.
What if he decides to take 2 hours?
lol. That would be epic
I fall asleep during Dodgers & Giants games. Wide awake for games against the Miami Marlins. 🙂
Miller is great.
He said that called strike to Belt was way outside, but the ump called the strike like “it was too long since there was one”…
he was also good when he said “Aloha” to Dave and Dave said like “Mahalo” or something and Miller goes “sometimes me and Dave like to sit around and just talk Hawaiian to eachother” lol
Like Crash Davis said to Nuke LaLoosh, “Not with your pitching hand!” Shit we needed more there. A 6 run lead might make me feel safe.
At LEAST six…
Jesus.The lost art of bunting.
Mrs. Crawford might have another baby by the time this one’s over…
If fucking Cool Hand Strick had closed the deal, the Giants game yesterday would have clocked in at a tidy 2:20.
I was there, too, Section 214, making the same calculation.
Shit. Sec 222.
Fuck. FuckFuck FuCK
Frickin’ kevlar body armor.