The Fourth
I missed the entirety of the Mount Rushmore nonsense choosing to watch Hamilton instead. It started off a little slow but got very good and I can honestly say I’ve never seen anything like that before…..
July 4th is here. I’m going to stay positive and re-read Dirt’s POTD a few times.
Better days ahead….
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ok, inspired by Loo, Dirt and others, this is what my afternoon looks like. You’ll notice a new addition to the group!!!!
A Place To Talk About Giants Baseball 
Here’s a hugely optimistic song:
I get NYT update briefing on email, and one of the things they put on there today was entire text of Declaration of Independence. From my radical college days, as I remember it the Black Panther Party news editions of “What We Want What We Believe” had 10 point program and the 10th was DOI…”it is your right it is your duty…”
Giants signed supplemental 2nd round pick reliever Nick Swiney out of NC St. MLBTR said Keith Law really liked this guy and rated him very highly. Blogger said in response, “MLBTR rely (sic) on Keith Law too much. No one takes that guy seriously…:”
For those who follow his takes, how do you rate Law? I think he has a new book out too.
he’s very bright and his takes are too be taken seriously. Over the years tho he’s turned into too much of a “Look at me” guy. So I can see why he grates on some people.
Haven’t seen updates on what draftees they signed have been added into 60 man pool so far except for Bailey. Did see IF Wilson was added and that Giants signed IF Plewecke they drafted out of Dallas Baptist U. I think original pool they first put up was 51 players, so still more room.
Z did manage to dump off Panik and acquire Dubon and Flores, but fixing IF and adding some power and athleticism is a major chore.
Like you’ve been saying, the pitching staff scares the hell out of me.
It’s top to bottom awful…
That staff is gonna need to be one helluva juggling job. Could be Kapler will be flexible enough to engineer it. Time will tell, of course.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports the NFLPA Board of Player Representatives unanimously voted to recommend skipping the 2020 preseason.
It’s a big domino to fall at 8 p.m. eastern, just hours before July 4th. At this point, it seems like the 2020 preseason will be totally cancelled as teams look to limit exposure with coronavirus cases climbing in many states. The NFL is already planning on inviting fewer than normal players to training camps, partially because they know the preseason is on the ropes. It won’t be a surprise if teams ultimately hold private training camps and roll into Week 1 without scrimmaging other teams. For fantasy purposes, it means rookies will have an even harder time earning an early-season role.
Bob Howry pitched in 63 games for the 2009 Giants.
Zero recollection…
Uncle Chuck running in the 6th at Los Al today if you’re feelin’ a name play
watching the tvg channel right now. Dangerfield in7th at monmouth trained by J. Hollendorfer. Is that the guy GGF and Santa Anita wouldn’t let his horses run here?
Yes. He got railroaded, he’s a HOF trainer
the never ending, bottomless hour…..Also, now at 600%. I’m starting to see how this dude bankrupt all his businesses and our country…..
Fuck,
You’ve always been such a loyal supporter, which is why I’ve decided to activate an exclusive Independence Day 600%-MATCH just for YOU.
This offer is only available for the NEXT HOUR, Fuck. After that, your personalized 600%-MATCH link will no longer be valid.
Used to love drinking those Foster’s oil cans in Hanover Square next to the statue of Abraham DePeyster.
So you are drinking the White Claw, Flav?
I only tried the lime so far.
Gonna stick with the crappy beer that I love so much…
I’m mixing a WC raspberry in there just to take The 4th over the top. Or ruin completely, will update later.
I was going to say how it sucks not having a Giants game on the 4th of July, but then the Giants didn’t play on the 4th last year either.
I wonder how many couplings are following the old adage: “Go forth and multiply.” Product of that close encounter of the first kind would likely be born in the sign of Aries. Wherever they’re located these days and should there be an NFL season, there would be some who would chant: “Go Rams!”
Its Grain Belt Nordeast for me this afternoon after finishing a couple and a half hours digging in the mud and laying stones (crushed-rock mostly) for a little walkway down by the pond. Street runoff still trickling down, reminding me of that (would it be conspiracy?) theory of trickle-down economics the Murrikkkan public some number of years back. Even a bit of running water is nice, though, as I’m confined to quarters for the next 128 days (daze?) and am not at one of 15,000 Minnesota lakes plus maybe 150 miles of shoreline on THE big one, which for some understandable reason most folks call Superior. While its an even 90 degrees here in Lakeville, Grand Marais up at there point of the Arrowhead of the state may even have reached 70.
Nordeast, and its predecessor/companion, Grain Belt Premium ,are my default brews. Seasonally, I’m quite fond of a chocolate stout coming outta Fort Collins, Colorado. Had my first test of Guiness in March of ’69 at Caesar’s Pub, right out there on Cedar Avenue in the hippiecated West Bank neighborhood near the main campus of the U. of Minn. Stout is definitely a seasonal preference to my estimation.
Got acquainted with Fosters maybe three years earlier, purchased from Bennie & Fritzi’s emporium located between the Dayton’s department store mothership (predecessor to the Targets) and the Radisson hotel mothership. At that time I was more of a wine drinker and that old Jewish couple had well and away the best selection in the Upper Midwest. Was buying stuff like Chateau Neuf du Pape for around $2.50/bottle. But nowadays its beer for me unless I’m doing dinner at the home of a friend who lived 3 years in Paris and a couple score in Manhattan. Place a brewski in front of his mug and he’d likely blanch. But as they say in Paree: “Chacun a son gout”. Everybody has his own taste.
So great to have you back here, Stix.
Happy 4th!
Pablo today. Jesus how many years are we going to keep doing this?
our designated hog
Good old Pa-bloat!
Gives new meaning to “rounding into shape.”
lmao
Glad to see Panda is competing with me in the Spare Tire contest. I think he’s winning…
This is just wrong. Quit drinking years ago but when i was drinking i loved Kirin on tap. It was made in Japan at the time now probably not.
Happy 4th all.
https://money.com/fake-import-beer-kirin/
Mexican kids are shootin fireworks below.
Hey, baby! It’s the Fourth of July!
–Dave Alvin
Nice.
Always a fav of mine, good call Xoot.
Happy 4th !
NPR twitter yesterday displayed the entire Declaration of Independence yesterday, line by line.
Tons of Drumpfistas attacked it…
D.$. doesn’t like it either.
David Price opts out…
fucking awesome.
Uncle Chuck prohibitive favorite, much the better wins by 3 lengths.
this was a couple weeks ago but he did win today, too…..
i haven’t really been following what Betts is planning on doing but you have to think he and Price have at least discussed this. Betts value is established. There is no reason for him to play in a 60 game speed ball tourney. He can only lose (by injuring himself or dying from Covid). Let’s go, Price opted out, I want a full 100% FUCK YOU to LA right now, let’s see Betts bail too.
It’s always a pleasure watching LA take it up the shorts.
if they play this weirdo season I’m looking for storylines to keep me interested. Betts bailing would be a great start. And a 60 game season is the best thing the Giants could have hoped for. It’s nonsense, it’s a quarter horse race. Don’t break bad, you might hang on at the wire…..
mm does save both clubs some money–Price passed up about $12 mil and I think BoSox cover half of it. Overall though shouldn’t make that big difference to LA.
And as for Betts, with owners losing all this revenue this season (according to them) who other than LA is gonna be in market for Betts next deal?
Hollendorfer just took down the 1/2 favorite at 7-1 at Los Al. I fucking love Jerry Hollendorfer. My entire life since I was a kid that guy fucking shows up as a great trainer day in and day out. Fuck yeah.
beat writers are tweeting that Buster is still considering an opt out
bout to try a White Claw. Xoot? Really? I’ll be back later with a WC review and reaction to what you just posted.
FS1 showing Rags from July 4 1983 no hitting Red Sox at Yankee Stadium 4-0. Walked 4 K’d 9
They’re probably hoping he will…
i mean, of course. I’d beat off if he opted out.
I don’t know. I think a well platooned, well protected and well rested Buster would be an asset in a wild ass 60 game sprint to beat the man and his machines well before sundown. Let Buster ride to and from the park in his own Royal ambulance. why not?
doubt that, Loo, especially from Kapler’s pov. He has zero experience with pitching staff and his pitching coaches are all brand new. Posey was gonna be the guy he could rely on. And if it came to that, the guy to help mentor Bart.
The Giants having let Vogt walk, have couple chump replacements and Bart who was not expected to get lot of run at ML level and also to work some at 1b. Hard to believe he is either ready to hit or handle ML pitching.
Good point, Willie.
I always assume they only care about money…
well Loo, you’re right Giants would save $6 mil +.
XOOT I’d like Buster to play this season,they way I read that he was considering opting out of the last year of his deal. He’s obviously not going to do that. White Claw fucking with my attention to detail tonight.
the youngsters like to pound a case of white claw in the evening and then call an uber and head to the bars. frugal mofos.
So, as everyone has already said, White Claw pretty much sucks. I could see it being refreshing on a hot afternoon but so is beer. And it’s hot today but not hot enough for me to enjoy a White Claw. I’ll revisit the rest of them if I run out of beer tonight…….
Hot? it’s in the 90s here with the humidity in the thousands. Feels like you are on James’ coach, wrapped in plastic wrap and the Panda just hit his 4th HR. It’s that hot.
no rain to blur trump’s teleprompters this evening, so no Minutemen taking over the 18th century airports, like last fourth; but, apparently, he still managed to confuse the war in Viet Nam with Desert Storm. Bonespurs.
“I want to see how things progress over the next couple weeks” is what Posey said, quoted by Baggs, and Pavs.
He IS in camp and caught Webb today, and was really impressed with him. also there is a pic in Pavs tweet thread of him with a covid mask on and full gear.
“Buster Posey admitted that he too has considered whether he should sit out the 60-game season. Posey spoke to manager Gabe Kapler in the morning, and later in the day Kapler said Posey has the organization’s backing no matter what he decides.” Pavlovic.
Freddie Freeman tested positive for the virus.
Will Smith, too.
“Minnesota Twins third baseman Miguel Sano, New York Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu and Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez” also tested positive.
Tiny little story about Rags’ no hitter on the 4th of July 1983… I was living in Boston, it was f-ing hot as hell that holiday, and I was sick as a dog, summer flu, fever, etc. Housemates all went out of town, no one was around. Before they left town, they went to Target and bought me a children’s plastic wading pool, put it in the backyard under the shade of a big-ass black cherry tree, and filled it from the hose. Mixed up a big batch of iced vodka tonics. I took a little portable b/w TV out back and watched the game while soaking in the cold water and downing the iced drinks. Of course had been a Yanks fan as a child, now a Sox fan living in Bosstown, didn’t matter to me who won that game, it was great to see a no-hitter, 4th of July, Sox/Yankees, purely good baseball. I think I remember Wade Boggs striking out to end it, probably on purpose. Actually broke the fever that evening as the sun went down. Good times.
One of my cellies in Elkton was down for seven days and he had virtually every symptom except fever. Recently I read that loss of senses of smell and taste are the most indicative of all of the symptoms. He had both of those. By ten days from the onset he was doing fine and going about his business. However, I did learn that when the entire unit got tested he still came in P. The testing is indicative of whether someone has had the virus, not necessarily that he is still infectious.
We were so crowded and jammed in that little cube that by most metrics I should have not only gotten it, but should have needed hospitalization or even worse. Even though my second cellie came down with a very light case, I did not even have a single recognizable symptom. So what does that tell you about young, healthy athletes? The testing regimen is not all that accurate or definitive. Under Fauci and Trump this country has been fucked up and fucked over royally, as with less than 5% of the world’s population we have between 20 and 25% of the deaths. Something’s fishy about this whole thing. Though closely neighboring to China, South Korea has had only an infinitesimal decimal of its population testing positive, hospitalized or deceased
What is the U$ doing wrong here?
we reopened too early and when we did too many people in the country didn’t take social distancing seriously. Plus, I know there were early indications that the protests didn’t add to the + count but I think we know it did. It would be stupid to think it didn’t
my son and his girlfriend wore masks to the huge Oakland BLM demo march they joined some weeks back. thousands of people participated with good distance. medical pros came out onto the sidewalk next to the big Kaiser hospital to cheer them on. They the meds were masked and covered, of course. The marchers applauded and cheered them. Only much later downtown, when a few people decided to storm the OPD, for the hell of it, was there any breach of good sense. And that involved very few people. Everyone else was back home happily toasting a good day’s work. The son and girlfriend are fine.
Stix, Vietnam borders on China, was one of the 1st countries to have an infected person come in from China (during the mass migration of lunar new year, of all times), and then one of the first to shut down the borders. Also completely shut down whole towns where an infection sprang up. In contrast, the US gov’t wasn’t decisive or communicative or honest, as they were here. And the people listened and followed the rules and never complained about shit. Reopening was slow and measured only where it made sense. 80 days now, no new cases in country, and no deaths at all since the whole thing started. That, in a nutshell, is what the US did *wrong* and continues to do. But honestly, it’s really difficult to imagine “keep your hands off my freedom” Americans following orders even if the gov’t was more firm about it.
no deaths. That is pretty clear, isn’t, it? I know people in Viet Nam, Ireland and Italy. They’re all “opening.” Even Italy, the early hotspot, has won. And none of those countries will allow people from the USA in right now. htf can anyone ignore that proof?
Xoot, we are fully open here, the virus is gone from in country… and people are still wearing masks. No one wants this to roar back and have to go thru lockdown again. I’m actually supposed to be visiting the US right now. Have a feeling I won’t be back for another year…. The ‘no deaths’ thing is pretty incredible, although I’d like to know how they define that, exactly, death from the virus. There was one man in Hanoi who was sick with it, and spread it to hundreds before he knew he had it, which prompted the big lockdown, and he was treated and finally declared clear of the virus, but within a month he died from pre-existing lung conditions elsewhere. If the virus exacerbated his lung problems to the tipping point, even though he didn’t actually die from the virus, could that be counted a Covid related death? Not sure how that works. Gov’t here doesn’t count it.
isn’t that the kind of thing trump’s people jump on? The commies are liars! They had one death and they covered it up!
Yes, I’ve seen comments like that from the US. Fortunately I know that they have no idea what they’re talking about.
Thanks,Paul. Couple hours ago I read an account of how the working-class grunts–post Tet–essentially went on strike and pretty much shut down the war on the ground. Then I accessed ‘Planet of the Humans” by Jeff Gibbs, with Michael Moore as Executive Producer, about the sell-out of the Sierra Club and other alleged environmentalist organizations to the biomass billionaires—all the while this 4th tier Twin Cities suburb is banging away like this is the middle of a battle-zone. In a sense, it is. Folks are pretty comfortable around here and have en masse developed the Alfred E. Neuman philosophy. What goes forth comes Fourth.
The virus seems to attack people with Diabetes real hard. It also attacks Black people real hard. i think a lot of it shows just how good/bad our medical care is in certain areas. There are still a bunch of people who won’t wear masks.
As many of you know, I’m a huge Trombone Shorty fan. A 2019 set on Austin City limits is playing tonight, If y’all are Shorty fans, ya might wanna get ya some.
I just hit record on that Trombone Shorty segment. Right now, I have to go outside to investigate the very loud and very dazzling fireworks show some local antifa reps are settiing off in the country club golf course next door.
I met some of the antifa fireworks people fleeing to their bmw. “You like the fireworks?” “They were fine.” “What? You like them, huh?” “Calm down. I really don’t care.” All four of them paused at the car, trying to decide what to do next. I glanced at the very beautiful late dusk sky and walked away. They drove off burning rubber.
Not meaning to be *political* here, but just wondering if this is real, copied from a post on FB:
“If you hate wearing face masks, and you hate our local governments for defunding the police, this PSA is for you. Police Departments throughout Southern California are running a gift certificate program, where you can take a picture with our officers WITHOUT face masks for $300, or $500 for the second picture. With only $300 a picture, you can help our boys in blues for years to come!!!!!! Go out there and SUPPORT THE POLICE!! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!”
I guess it’s sort of two-fer-one thing, anti-mask and pro-police. Ah, Southern Cali….
Sounds very fake.
Nearly half this nation has turned into idiots.
The rest of the world is wearing masks, and the Corona is way down in those places because of that.
Half of this country thinks wearing a mask is some kind of imposition on freedom, not a public health effort to keep themselves and everyone else safe.
I heard a doctor the other day say it best: “Wearing a mask is better than wearing a ventilator”.
It is sheer lunacy…
Yes Zum, I thought so too, but honestly, I wouldn’t be at all surprised.
11,500 new cases of Covid19 today in Florida.
That is mind boggling. Lots of it around Orlando.
Still, their idiot governor will not issue a mandatory mask wearing proclamation.
I don’t see how this NBA bubble thing has a chance in hell of working.
The Disney workers are apparently not stuck in the bubble, they have in/out privileges.
If I’m an NBA player, no way I’m doing that…
One of the NBA players said the NBA safety protocols will be like Swiss cheese. He was alarmed by the document the players were given by the NBA.
If this “season” actually got going, and Posey decided to opt out, I’d have no problem with that.
I might even prefer it. Bart and others then get a shot at playing, which I would rather see…
fwiw, F/G Sunday notes column has link to something written by Jim Callis at MLB.com rating best farm systems for OFs. giants come in 6th best and there is vid highlight of Ramos blasting HR from earlier in year.
Hard to see much value for Giants if Posey sits out 2020 other than saving $8mil. Kapler is going to need all help he can get with his pitching staff. Outside of Posey is Bart, barely removed from A Ball at San Jose, and nothing. Can’t see how this benefits Giants Kapler or Bart in any way shape or form.
Allowing Vogt to slip away was something that left me aghast when first learning about it. Doubtful whether Posey is even able to do the daily duty over even a 60 game season.
I think he’s over the physical part due to being able to fully heal this off season and ready to go; maybe even some of the power comes back. I just don’t see how it benefits Bart to get thrown into mix without at least couple more months seasoning at AAA; this shortened year he could have been part timer behind Posey or off with other group playing some exhibitions and working with variety of pitchers. Bart at ML level was not part of the Z plan.
This is who Bart will be learning from if Posey bails:
https://www.mlb.com/giants/roster/coaches
They might as well hire a few of us here…
Except for willedav and me this looks to be another hungover Sunday.
NYC enters Phase 3 (minus indoor dining) of the re-opening tomorrow. The mixed messages are as bad as ever (see below)…
In addition, the city Parks Department is reopening the following facilities as part of Phase 3: Basketball, handball, tennis, bocce and volleyball court. Dog runs will also be open.
Those utilizing the facilities are urged to wear a face covering, follow social-distancing protocols and avoid high-contact games — such as pick-up basketball.
Welcome aboard dj. Of course it’s almost two p.m. in NYC right now. My opinion in the lockdown is that it should only apply to those vulnerable by age or medical condition…also to those who can expect to be in close, direct contact with them. Won’t happen on accounta the agenda, but it’s still possible to exercise some 1st Amendment rights in this lockdown nation.
I think most people here would agree with you, Stix.
Especially the small (going-out-of) business owners who’ve been royally screwed…
Can you trump this one? Giants added Chad Tromp (a former Cincinnati farmhand) to their stable of young catchers. Will Wilson and two others also added to 60-man—meaning 4 slots open yet to fill.
Still room for everyone’s favorite outfielder who is now supposedly drawing interest from Boston & San Diego…
For a mini-season? Sure, I’m in.
I think Kapler would have to talk some people into it.
Giants
Or
Another
Team?
Uh-oh: Baggs went a long Twitter rant over the reaction to his picture of Pablo.
After viewing the reaction to the photo of Pablo Sandoval that I shared yesterday, I’d like to express a few things. Start with this: denigrating or dehumanizing anyone for their weight or appearance is totally unacceptable.
No actual “journalist” would write a story with a headline of “So-and-so is a fat f*cking POS.” There is no call for mean-spiritedness, especially now. We don’t know what people are dealing with. We can’t judge how they may or may not be dealing with the anxieties in their lives
So let’s all strive to be kinder to each other and have an ounce of understanding.
Now, as to the photo … yes, I was a bit stunned when I saw Pablo Sandoval on the field yesterday. From my 100-yard view, it looked like he had put on a significant amount of weight during the past four months.
Because I did not have any facts beyond that 100-yard view, I did not feel it was appropriate to write that based solely on my own observations.
But Sandoval’s weight has been an ongoing news story for more than a decade on the Giants beat. He is expected to serve an important role as a lefty hitting 3B, switch-hitting presence off the bench and potential DH. So his condition continues to be a newsworthy storyline.
He also is coming off Tommy John surgery, which is why the original tweet noted that his arm appeared to be ready to play third base.
So why attach the photo? Because I’m one of, like, a dozen media members who get to watch these workouts, and it’s my job to report on how the players are looking. Rather than comment on Sandoval’s condition, I attached the photo so readers could decide for themselves.
I wish I could have included a few more shots of Pablo making throws, etc. To be honest, it took five minutes of trying to hold up my iPhone to my binoculars just to be able to snap one clear shot that turned out, and that’s the one I posted.
It truly wasn’t my intention to choose the most unflattering picture that I could.
Do I regret sending the tweet? As a reporter, no. It’s news. It’s my job. But on a personal level? Heck yeah, I regret it. This is no time to add anxiety to someone’s life, and I know Pablo had to be hurt by the reaction that followed. That sucks and I’m sorry for it.
Mostly, I’m disgusted by the ugliness and fat shaming from the “media entities” that co-opted the tweet into mean-spirited content for clicks. I’d encourage those folks to do some soul searching and personal growth. And until that happens, stop calling themselves journalists.
The Honeymooners would never be made today…
Ralph: Just remember, you can’t put you arms around a memory.
Alice: I can’t even put my arms around you.
I like Baggs but he’s on an unstable high horse here. HE’S the one who posted the photo. And then he’s surprised by how nasty people on twitter were about it? Come on, wake up, if he didn’t know that is the reaction the photo would get then he’s clueless.
I agree. What the hell did he expect would be the reaction after posting a picture of a clearly out-of-shape Pablo?
I wonder if Flavor has a Cornhole set-up in his backyard…
I’m gonna guess not yet, but he’s thinking about it…
not a big corn hole guy. I’ll play it if it’s there. But I’m not going out of my way to add one to the back yard.
And I don’t think Panda needed a pic to hit twitter of him to know where the fans will stand on this issue. He’s a fat tub of shit and whether he did to himself this time of there are other factors out of his control he HAD to know this will be the ultimate reaction from everyone.
Baggs admits he was stunned how big Sando was; Giants had to be disappointed. How long has it been since they last saw him–ST? He had nice year hitting last season, but if he can only DH hard to see how he would fit profile of flexible multi position types Kapler and Z are into.
Not to mention Giants getting younger and more athletic on IF from Belt Craw Longo-itis.
And as far as how much trouble he had to go to snapping pic from his phone from how far away he has to be—would Sando have looked any better up close?
Sando is not losing the weight in 19 days before season starts even if he is working out at the O. It’s not like Giants don’t have options for back ups at 3b and 1b.
Solano has played there handful of times in his career including couple times in 2019 and Zach Green is on the 60. Ruf could play 1b as RHB and DH to replace Belt and so can Wilmer Flores. Ruf had great ST in AZ where he hit with lot of power.
Pablo “had put on a significant amount of weight during the past four months.” Geez, insert any different name of anyone I know. Maybe you guys are all fitness freaks with loads of discipline to keep in shape during a lockdown, but man, I got a handful of extra kilos on my frame after 4 months of lots of pasta and red wine as the only real comforts that got me thru the dark days….. The after-effects of lockdown (if it was particularly dark for you personally, as it was for me) are not just physical but also mental and emotional for many people. Pablo is heavy. No news flash there.
What’s a corn hole? …… asking for a friend.
I never knew whatinhell the “cornhole” game was before just recently.
Isn’t this some kind of midwestern thing?
It sounds vaguely pornographic to me…
It’s like all these hard seltzers. All of a sudden it’s everywhere.
As best I can tell, it’s a combination of pool, shuffleboard, and slow pitch softball…
Horseshoes, too.
White Claw, Tsoomgis, Corn Hole…. man, I’ve been away too long….
Next thing, you’ll be telling me something crazy like Donald Trump is actually president…. “Ronald Reagan is president?? Who’s vice president, Jerry Lewis??”
“I suppose Jane Wyman is the First Lady!”
lulz….
Baggs is FOS on this one.
If he doesn’t want Panda to get criticized, given his obvious history with weight issues, then don’t publish the phriggin’ photo.
Being in shape is part of the damn job description of a professional athlete.
So, criticism of that athlete for being out of shape is accordingly totally acceptable, as long as not vulgar…
Paul, if I was getting paid $2 mill to play a game, I’d keep my ass in some kind of shape. Not Michelin man tryout shape. Pablo ate his way out of here once already.
What if it was a pay cut from $19 million prorated to about $750k?