Already a Fallen Hero
Had lunch with someone yesterday who went to high school with Joc. She said he is every bit the asshole he seems to be and that he hated the Giants back then. So, there’s that…..
-
Follow
Following
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
A Place To Talk About Giants Baseball 
Story is they both came to LA at same time and Z still loves his game. Hasn’t been same hitter since heyday 2018-19.
Warriors are losing again, and losing me. Green coming back was supposed to solve everything, just like Klay coming back yada yada. For whatever reason the message Kerr has had all along, play better D and take care of the ball, hasn’t been delivered well enough to take hold. He’s still searching for combos that work late March, and sometimes they do other times they don’t.
Green can talk all he wants but last night they were better with Otto Porter in there than with him as witness second half rally when Green was on bench.
they miss shots at rim, make silly fouls and poor decisions with ball, get beat off dribble, and lose games to chump teams. Problems are deeper than “get another big man.”
Green came back and Steph went down. Wait till they’re all healthy. And Wiggins needs to turn off the cloaking device
Trade Wiggins.
Not focused enough, including Big Three, on making winning plays. Too many other better teams out there.
style over substance. they aren’t as good as they think they are (fanbase and beat writers guilty here too), aging Big 3 included.
I still listen to the argument that they are all not together and healthy but there have been consistent holes this year especially in crunch time and caught Dray’s post game comments where he notes they have sucked in crunch time. This team is not going far in the playoffs making their inaction at the trade deadline Farhan-esque. A realist may think they have hit the end of their championship window…
No surprise. I may have to boo him in person…
Not to pile on Joc, but….a recent photo I saw of him showed him having possibly the worst hair on planet Earth. Shaved on the sides, and a thing on top that looked like something a seagull vomited. The person doing his hair surely asked him: “This is what you want? Uh, OK…..”
Finishing well in NBA games is crucial, of course. The Kings’ record is terrible, but they were in a number of those lost games until the final two minutes. Fox has been in the NBA for several years, and he’s still sketchy at the end of games, including missing crucial free throws.
Is it all just laundry, ultimately, really? If the Kings had drafted Doncic, I’d have to be a Doncic fan? He’s an All-Star, and I still don’t want him on the Kings. I don’t like his act on the court. I know he’s exactly what a team wants in today’s NBA- a big person at the point, driving a lot to the basket to generate the offense; but I just don’t like watching it. It’s really not much fun watching Doncic, LeBron, and Harden put their head and shoulder down and drive to the basket all the time. Will they get fouled? Will they kick it out for the three. ZZZZZZZZ…..
I watched a little bit of the college Madness. “He drives to the basket, will he get fouled, will he kick it out for the three?” ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ……….
The NBA network had a retro game from the ’93 playoffs going yesterday. I watched some of it. It’s just a better type of basketball back then, IMO. Lots of intricate passing. Actual plays being run. Actual fastbreaks without intentional fouls stopping the flow. The very occasional three-point shot. I miss that type of basketball.
when Spurs were here they were talking about when Kerr first wound up playing for Pop after being with Bulls. He didn’t like it, didn’t play well–plan was dump ball into Admiral and Duncan as opposed to Triangle motion he used to be involved in under Jackson. Problem for Kerr was, that was what worked for Spurs and he was stuck on bench a lot and even his shooting pct went down.
To his credit he hung in there and Pop adjusted offense so Kerr got more shots and minutes. I just enjoyed the ball and player movement, going all the way back to 60s, so much more than 4 or 5 out with everyone standing around except for one screen on top. Or the set with 2 bigs at elbow and other two standing around in corner. Not to mention fast breaks with lane running to 3 instead of for layups.
to be honest, I don’t like coaching 5 out either but it’s what everyone runs these days even at youth level. One thing missing is guys on perimeter don’t v cut or back door (no footwork being taught) to get open in first place–they just stand there and move farther out. What are you going to do 40 ft from hoop?
Freaks me out to see 7’3″ Porzingis routinely set up shop 28 feet from the rim he can touch without jumping…
And as you probably all know, Tyreek Hill has been traded to Miami for a bunch of picks.
I’m sick to my stomach…
Agree, Mahomes and Hill were probably the best QB/WR duo in the league. KC did get a boatload of picks for him though. KC drafts pretty good so it should work out for both clubs. Miami is really depending on Tua but if he shows good Miami is probably the new kid on the block. Whatever, I hope they regularly kick NE’s ass for years to come.
Yeah I can feel how your stomach is churning Loo.
Shocking the Chiefs would get rid of one of the games ultimate bigtime weapon.
Nice haul they got back 5 picks including 1st and 2nd this year but Hill is special even if he can occasionally still be a headcase..
Got to hand it to McDaniel, he’s making a splash picking up Armstead for LT,WR Cedrick Wilson to pair with Hill&Waddle RB’s Mostert &Edmonds, possibly 6 new starters he’s definitely changing the dynamics of the Dolphins fast, to a potential playoff team..
No DB in AFC West is gonna miss Hill, especially Raiders whom he used to torch.
Tyreek is more than a burner.
I think he’s pretty smart beneath the nuttiness and has well above average hands.
Him and Mahomes were tight. This sucks for KC at least in the short term…
well it does give them a chance to add draft talent and save $$ vs. cap compared to what Hill making with Fins. Happens all the time where team wins the Super Bowl and now everybody wants to get paid, and next thing you know team is broken up.
Wille & Loo, just saw this on Twitter:
The NIT semis and finals will not be held in Madison Square Garden in 2023 and 2024, ending a run there that began in 1938. The next two years are out for bid, with destinations ranging from historic venues like Hinkle FieldHouse to more resort destinations like Vegas.
Before their incredible run in this year’s NCAA Tournament, the biggest win for Saint Peter’s came in the 1968 NIT, a 100-71 victory over Duke in the quarterfinals at MSG. Saint Peter’s lost to Kansas 58-46 in the semis.
Back in early 50s NIT was more prestigious post season tourney, no? “Out for bid” good lord. Isn’t everything?
Props to MAAC team for making it this far. They knocked out Pitino and Iona, right?
So I’ve heard re NIT in the ’50s. Rider knocked out the Pitinos in the quarterfinals.
Kerr’s diddling with Steph’s minutes before and after the all star break was baffling to me as all he seemed to be doing was sitting Curry for far too long late in games and icing him.
I’ve been on Wiggins all season for being a hologram come the 4th quarter crunch time. Annoying as fuck. And the infuriating thing is we don’t draw fouls when we drive. Kuminga is getting schooled as he ends up out of position trying to drive and either gets blocked or he turns it over. But at least he’s trying to go inside. Wiggins simply hides in the corner.
If Wiggins and GP II could switch brains, Wiggins would be top 3 in the league in everything.
Bart bomb today vs. Snakes.
crushed to LF according to Slusser
But can Bart get his first HR ever at Oracle?
I’m confident that he can, this time around. He’ll also be able to gauge instantly how high and toward where a popup struck right in front of his nose is headed, an instinct he seemed to lack in the short covid season. But it’s Spring and I’m optimistic.
Kerr and Curry minutes thing was over Steph not liking coming in/out the game more than once per half. HIs thing was to play a quarter sit then come in and finish half, regardless of score, game situation or anything else. He is playing same amount of minutes per game (34.5) as usual, just doing it less efficiently. His shooting pct and 3 pt pct are worst of his entire career, and scoring is worst in about 5 years as well.
The fact that he said publicly he prefers old method vs. new is very selfish to me given Warriors injury situation this year. The fact that he is isn’t happy to make adjustments, after signing 4 yr deal last year for $215 mil, is disappointing to me.
Really? I don’t think Steph is intentionally tanking so he can prove his point. If his minutes are more effective his way, and he scores more, then what’s the downside? Klay is still rounding into form and isn’t back to himself by any means. Neither is Dray, but he’s in mid-season technical form. This isn’t an intractable problem. Just make some slight adjustments.
He’s just not playing as well is what I’m saying. Occasional explosions sure but down year overall. He’s missing 2s more often too. Nothing to do with rest pattern.
Well, you are calling Steph selfish. I’m thinking he isn’t comfortable with the rotation Kerr has him on. Couldn’t that affect his shooting?
If not for the NIT being held at MSG, it’s highly possible the Knicks would not have drafted Clyde Frazier who they had a close up look at in 1967 when he won it with Southern Illinois…
Article on MLB site projects Giants opening day lineup as such:
GIANTS
1. Tommy La Stella, L, 2B
2. Brandon Belt, L, 1B
3. Evan Longoria, R, 3B
4. Brandon Crawford, L, SS
5. Darin Ruf, R, DH
6. Joc Pederson, L, LF
7. LaMonte Wade Jr., L, RF
8. Mike Yastrzemski, L, CF
9. Joey Bart, R, C
Not sure about the actual batting order, but I guess this looks about right, at least against RH pitching. Guessing it would look different against lefties. If LaStella isn’t ready for opening day, take your pick for 2B (Wilmer, Estrada, Dubon).
So, against lefties, Ruf instead of Wade, Wilmer instead of LaStella or Estrada, Slater instead of…. someone… Someone instead of Belt? Ugh. Sure coulda used another RH power bat….
The power bat would take the place of Slater? The net positive offense over Slater’s pretty good productivity against lefties and his defense and ability to play center would have to be pretty big to make much of a difference. Estrada? Wilmer as the lone IF sub?
Great effort from D Lee GP2 Looney and Poole tonight. 6 boards 5 assists from Bjelica. See if they can hold off Heat after Kuminga fouled out
And Wiggins spin move around Butler for and one and follows it up with dagger 3. 18 in second half puts GS up 13 .
If the talk is to expand the rosters to 28 players to start the year for atleast thru April,which I think they will due to the short ST, I’m predicting the Giants will go with 14 pitchers and add Heliot Ramos to the opening day roster.He could easily get starts in LF against LH pitchers are at a minimum a platoon with Slater.But I like the prospect of Ruf&Ramos for added pop maybe even back to back and see how it works ..
Looks a little grim for the Grave Duggar.
Or will he rise again?
The clods are raining down on his pine box, but between Wade flopping and Yaz getting injured, he’s keeping hope alive!
If we can’t replace gravedug, we are not worthy.
Throw bunches of roses all over my coffin;
Roses to deaden the clods as they fall…
I really thought GD was going to finally break out after he returned last season that one time from a stint in Sacto. He tripled or something his first game back, all fired up, yelling at the dugout, etc. Not sustainable. That was his big chance. Don’t hear him mentioned much at the moment.
Kerr needs to play Steph the old way. Why mess with success? Should it matter? maybe not. Stars are fickle. Great baseball players hate to be moved in the order. If Steph comes back it will be fun. If not? Out in 1st round.
He is, or was until he got hurt. Nice W last night, vs. very good team on road no less, without Dray Klay Steph.
I’m with the dude. It isn’t a big strain to adjust the rotation around Steph’s comfort zone.
Granted, they’ll likely ease him back in anyway after this time off. But still and all, kerr has been fucking with Steph and it isn’t working well.
It’s Steph that isn’t working well–his shooting is down across the board, dumb turnovers still happen and rotation has zero to do with it. Now Kerr has to figure out playoff rotation for Poole and Klay, among other things.
Duggar and Slater really showed their versatility working as bat boys in yesterday’s game.
GD has legit shot but has to show he can have good ABs consistently at least vs. RHP. Joc is not a good OF and might wind up as DH option; what I read is Miller was already making fun of his inability to corral balls out there.
I still haven’t seen a credible explanation of Bob Saget’s death.
It’s well known that stand-up comics get paid quite a bit in cash.
This thing is far from over…
He fell, hit his head, went to sleep, and died. It happens. Natasha Richardson died a day after a head injury skiing.
He was by himself in a hotel room, which is the deciding factor. It can happen minutes, hours, or even days after the injury. Richardson had even gone to the hospital later that day, and still died in the hospital.
If it’s that simple, the lawsuit is inevitable…
Couldn’t find any updates on Mac the Oaf’s lawsuit from November 2020…
Funny, he came to mind in the clod references yesterday.
After moving back and forth for more than a year between state court and federal court, like a player in a rundown, a few months ago the lawsuit got tagged out and sent to mandatory arbitration — mlb arbitration. Giants lawyers played very good, very entertaining D.
Thanks, Xoot…
Send me dead flowers to my wedding
And I won’t forget to put roses on your grave
Gotta say this is one of my favorite Stones songs. Mick Taylor’s guitar work is phenomenal.
Classic Stones. The whole album is exceptional.
That 4 album run with Mick Taylor is among the best work they did. Let it Bleed, Sticky Fingers, Exile on Main St, and Goat’s Head Soup are all nearly perfect records. Although Brian’s swan song, Beggar’s Banquet, is also right there with those.
Up there with Aerosmith’s 4 album run from Aerosmith, Get Your Wings, Toys in the Attic, Rocks, and (to a lesser degree) Draw the Line. Pump was a nice comeback tho.
One thing in common on the 5 from Beggar’s Banquet to Goat’s Head: all produced by Jimmy Miller.
Whoever makes these, they are awesome . . .
Like the Nicky Hopkins ref at the end.
Mike Aldrete’s nephew Carter Aldrete got a base hit in is Giant debut today.
He’s a 24 y.o. second baseman.
Giants hit 5 homers today in 9-6 win over Chisox:
Estrada
Blandino
Gamboa
Bailey
Smith
I don’t know who all these guys are…
Not Estrada?
Yeah, him and Bailey.
The other 3???
Rodon went 2.2, two hits, one a solo HR. Not bad for a first ST start.
Gonzaga’s coach always looks like he’s expecting disaster…
they keep shooting like this and it will be.
they like fast tempo too and they are getting good shots.
Patrick Bailey was #1 pick 2020.
Giants sent him to High A ball last year and he hit .185. Sent him back down to Low A San Jose and he raked, then he played in Fall League and hit well too so they hope he’s figured something out. Someone to keep eye on 2022.
Blandino and Gamboa started the game I saw vs. Brewers. Blandino was on Reds, local IF who played high school ball at St. Francis Mt.View. He hit .225 in 70 ML ABs over couple years.
I don’t think what’s left of BC have played at all yet in ST.
Gamboa is light hitting IF from Phillies system. Played Triple A ball for them, didn’t hit much 2021.
I’ve always thought Mark Few should be running a funeral home..
If Arks is gonna slow ball down, you gotta get a better shot than Notae from 3 without anyone else touching the ball. Zags have double bonus at their end and can score without clock moving and they have big guy Williams in foul trouble so you know they are going inside. Arks has to score more points to hold them off.
Bet restaurants and bars are pumped up having the NCAA tournament move some games to SF.Business should be booming around Chase Center..
My pick to cut down the nets is Arizona Wildcats,even if they gave me heart populations against a very good TCU Hornfrogs team in OT.Arizona has the size and a deep bench other teams lack..Gonzaga is always good enough just to lose in the end..
Overrated Zags.
Someone named Jaylin has a big game in SF.
lulz.
Yep definitely overrated is Gonzaga and they prove it every year in the dance that they can’t win it all.
Musselman totally outcoached Few..who couldn’t handle the truth, that he needed “A Few Good Men”
Chron beat writer talked to Musselman who used to coach Warriors during Cohan ownership era. One of his assistants is Keith Smart, who also briefly coached them and Kings.
Good mojo to have Keith Smart who hit the game winning shot in the 87 championship game as Indiana defeated Syracuse..
That’s Armani Smith, local guy who played HS at DeLaSalle and college ball at UCSB. Hit well at both A levels last year RH 1b/OF.