Birddog Wins
That Ramos bomb was one of my favorite of the year. He absolutely slayed it down the line and doesn’t even move, just watches it. Probably to see if it was going to stay fair but one thing he knew for certain: that ball was outta here. Monster line drive shot.
A Place To Talk About Giants Baseball 
It is wonderful to see him put it together after watching him in AA around 3 years ago and boys getting his autograph and we got to chat with him a little bit. I was worried he was not going to live up to potential and now all seems to clicking. A Lee/Matos/Ramos trio I’m great with for the next 3-4 years. Soler starting to come out of his funk a bit and will have that DH slot unless some sucker comes along this year. An Alonso still makes a lot of sense, a pure slugger that can also DH and Wade gets some starts at first and OF against righties.
Cool autograph story GH. Alonso is rental, doubt he goes anywhere; Mets are over .500 and only 4 games back of Braves. Giants already have DH and Soler has 3 yr deal.
I’m going to assume Alonso is not going to be traded so more of a free agent target but expect Mets will bring him back. The best part of my Ramos story if you did not see my story originally was that I was noting how much we love Puerto Rico as one my boys was getting his autograph I pointed to him and told Heliot that he was conceived in Puerto Rico. Ramos started laughing.
kruk is so fos. His opening monologue on KNBR just now painted the Giants as one of the best teams they’ve had in years. Ludicrous homerism
Compared to what? The 1984 team?
4 weeks till TD and I have no idea if this team is buying, selling, neither or both…
I’m not sure the FO knows yet either.
Yep.
well if you had heard Kruk they can probably just stand pat and steam roll their way to the pennant
Yeah, from now on it’s mistake free baseball.
Come on. We’ve seen this forever from this front office. Since every team not named the Sherpas is in the hunt, we’ll do some low-level deal (Justin Turner!) for a has-been hitter and a pen guy with an ERA of 6.85.
They’ll of course trot out the “all our injured pitchers are coming back so it’s like I did something!” from Farhan.
We were 59-49 last year and on top of the WC race at the deadline and Farhan got AJ Pollack. He also crowed about getting all their injured pitchers back aftet saying he needs to be aggressive to get a RH power bat and pen help.
Fucking joke.
AJ Pollack lol. Pathetic. Don’t forget DeJong as well…
One thing I’m milking as many starts as possible with Birdsong while the league doesn’t know him, these are added wins totals needed to help make a W/C spot.
Shit, at this point, Birdman is the #2. And he’ll likely stay there with Dirty Harry’s return. I have no idea when Harrison is coming back. He really must have fucked up his ankle.
Supposed to be by this weekend. How many more starts and innings separate issue.
Cue Xoot Allures whining about my musical taste.
What few sellers there are in market give them chance to drive up the price for guys like Luis Robert or Tim Anderson or A’s closer. Seems like most teams want pitching depth, again making that lot harder decision on who best fits where and what to give up.
Noticed DBax closer Sewald got the L and blown save for them last night vs. Dogs.
Yes Kruk is way out of line. Doesn’t seem like time to give up a Bryan Reynolds or Zack Wheeler.
I don’t miss Kruk on the broadcasts everyday. He’s just such a silly homer. Who needs to hear positive nonsense all day every day?
I can only listen to the East Coast weekday games on radio. While Miller is the best radio broadcaster ever, Flemming has become an insufferable gooch over the last three years, since he visited the replay studio in NYC, the day before Cobb lost a four run lead and got injured.
Nearly every single time he calls a long foul ball, it’s either caught, goes foul, or is a HR, depending on whether a Giant or opponent hits it. If there’s a close play in the Giants favor it gets overturned, although that has at least turned around a bit. Maybe they have a new video crew.
Ritzo doesn’t have great chops, but I can at least discern right away right away what will happen, good or bad. Santangelo doesn’t add much, though he’s pretty upbeat and not at all mean-spirited. With the pitch clock there really isn’t much need for a color commentator.
Things I dislike about Krukow:
“Grab some pine, Meat”
Refusing to pitch to Tom Tolbert in a charity HR derby
Excoriating Hector Sanchez after an untimely passed ball
Bitterly taking sides with the opposing team against Dubon, after he’d stole a base with what he considered to be too big lead.
Depending on what he means by the best team in years (since 2017?, 2021?), Krukow might be right: With Chapman, Ahmed, Wade Jr, and Estrada it’s the best infield. Best hitting and fielding OF. Soler could end up being their best DH. When healthy, the rotation might very well be the best and deepest in MLB. Best closer. Best two set-up men. 2nd best catcher. Best utility player.
You don’t hate “in the SQUAAAAAAT”?
Miller has driven me nuts on the radio for the past 10 years.
He’s pretty terrible as it takes him 20 seconds to describe shit and the play has been over for 15 seconds and I still don’t know what the fuck happened. All them guys are long in the tooth.
Kuiper is still fine on the radio as you can’t see how badly he misses calls. “There’s pop-up. It’s carrying a bit. Matos catches it on the warning track.”
One thing Baggs highlighted in TA was Birdsong changeup for K in 5th on Kelenic with 2 on/1 out. At this point it’s all about development with the kid. If he can fight his way through 5 while gaining command there’s a chance he can add something. Just seems really raw.
Last year he worked 100 innings in 25 starts at 3 levels. For AA Richmond he only worked 23 innings in 8 starts and got lit up for ERA of 7. This year much better at Richmond 11 starts 48 innings 2.05 ERA and 2 starts 9 innings at Sac–5 runs 6 BBs 14 Ks. Still got lot to figure out.
I’m no fan of that whining Stanford brat Dave Fleming, who’s always trying to predict an AB or situation they never comes true.For instance Bailey getting hit on the collarbone on a foul tip.Instantly Flemm saying he’s not long for this game.Bailey finishes the inning, and leadoffs the next inning as a bewildered Flemm looks on, well I guess they want to give him one last AB before pulling him?.Uhh he doesn’t even get pulled dipshit they pan back to the dugout and Bailey’s gearing up again to finish the game out..
i can’t stand him. Every inning he starts making a single point about something and just keeps hammering away on it. STFU already.
and I give Ritzo credit from the standpoint of trying to change his delivery which I think he’s done. It sometimes sounds a little forced but he definitely captures an exciting moment as it’s happening.
Kuiper needs to lay off the wine between innings and up grade his coke bottle glasses 🤓 as well.How many times does he say :It’s hit far, hit deep , that doesn’t even make the warning track!
And that walkoff off the wall by Slater recently he was oblivious of what was happening, with the players already running onto the field celebrating and he never said anything forever, he was clueless it was a bad look for people watching that moment..
Birdsong has been good enough. Bivens should get another start as well. Honestly think Hicks needs to tweak an ankle too. No way he lasts the season as a starter having passed career high in IP. Read in TA also he has had terrible % on fastballs down the middle, something he was always good at. Should revert to the mean some point. Still an excellent eye. Go Giants!
Ops part about Chapman!
I don’t like seeing the Dodgers defeat Arizona but I suppose I’d have to admit it’s better for the Giants when the Dodgers are defeating the other Wild Card contenders.
Bryce Eldridge is SF lone rep for futures game. In high A. Anyone have details on him?
I saw the end of the game. Same thoughts. Still hard to see them win and fans going home happy. B 9 2 outs no one on. Double double single in like 5 pitches. Annoying but good to see Dbacks lose I guess. Watched Corbin Carrol for a few AB’s. he looks lost. So weird considering how good he was last year
If all the potential trading partners last season were asking for Birdsong and/or Ramos, then I’m glad the Giants didn’t make a big trade. As WillieD said, no more Wheeler and Reynolds trades.
We don’t know who teams were asking for, of course.
They were asking for Dirty Harry and Ramos.
Bryce Eldridge is on the fast track Mrsprtdude.Congrats for Eldridge making the futures team that says a lot about his talent to be included..
He tore it up at San Jose 10 HR’s 45RBI’s .806 OPS
Now promoted to high A Emerald he hit a HR 1st game.
Only 19 so a few years away but he will be there slugging 1st baseman for years to come hopefully!
Funny both him and Reggie Crawford ( another high pick who’s already at Sac)were drafted as 2way players but now Eldridge is only going to be a hitter and Crawford a pitcher who throws high 90’s.Both exciting prospects!
Ah, the broadcasters. I’m always game to jump in on that! I like these four, overall, with a few quibbles.
Kuiper: understandably, his energy level and eyesight aren’t what they used to be, but I love how he’s onboard with electronic ball and strike calls. He’s ripping the umps like never before.
Krukow: “I’m from Southern Califonia but I say hittin’, pitchin’, scorin’ position, battin’, workin’, and Abner Doubleday invented baseball, and I don’t want electronic balls and strikes because lousy umpiring has always been part of the game.” On the positive side, he and Kuiper do good shtick on people in the crowd. Kuiper is from the Midwest and he says hitting and pitching, etc. He must wonder why Krukow has taken on that affectation in his speech.
Flemming: “It’s a one-a runna game-a!”
Miller: “It’s a long drive!!!!……foul.” I hate that over-excited fake-out on foul calls.
…
Indy Fever gave the Vegas Aces a good game for three quarters, but the Aces have won back to back championships, and their roster is loaded. The game was moved to a bigger arena in Vegas because Indy was in town.
“The game attracted the largest regular-season crowd at a WNBA game since 1999, and it was the fifth largest crowd in league history.”
I watched second half. Indy was in it then got blown out. didn’t shoot well (Clark 1-7 on 3s) and eventually superior vets Plum (34 points 6 3s) and Aja Wilson dominated. Clark had 6 turnovers, and couple were off deflections–defenders recognized when she was going to pass and got piece of ball. She also made couple high risk passes to posts that weren’t really open. she looks very good in transition, passing ahead and finding open teammates given time and space. In order to do that her team has to get stops and rebound. she’s learning…and I do hope that fans she brings to the game see how talented so many other players in the league are.
That was always fun thing about going to watch Warriors–chance to see Connie Hawkins Iceman Pistol Pete Magic James Worthy Clyde Jabbar etc.
@AlletKat69. Thanks for the update!
Kuip is far and away the worst on judging fly balls (IMO)
Miller is awful on the radio. The next batter is up before Miller is done describing the shot down the line that is . . . . . fair? foul? caught? dropped? abducted by aliens? WHAT HAPPENED???
Kuiper I still like on the radio. His calls on TV on fly balls was almost getting better then it went south. “Pop up on the infield . . . caught on the warning track by Matos. Side retired.”
Kruk and Kuip shtick is wearing a bit thin and they are on the way out, but still I think they are a better team than a lot of the yahoos I’ve heard from various visiting broadcasts. I miss Hank Greenwald. Also, I have and still wear a Kruk jersey so I’m somewhat biased.
Simmons/Hodges, and Greenwald, were my favorites. Kruk/kuip did great jobs during the first 15 years.
The only thing I remember about Dave LaPoint is after Krukow finished pitching a great game said “who is dis guy Mi Krukow.” I kinda wish I could forget that.
Miller was pretty good also.
I mentioned Simmons, Michaels, and Greenwald a few weeks ago. Each of them had a cynical wit and smarts you don’t get with other announcers. Miller shares those traits, whatever his other failings.
He should go on a diet (Miller) or he’ll be doing his broadcasting 6 feet under. Saw him in a breezeway a couple of years ago, apparently heading to the broadcast booth and couldn’t believe how overweight he was. A walking coronary if I ever seen one . . .
As both Winder and you indicated, I loved Hank Greenwald – perfect announcer for that Giants era, i.e., how could you NOT be cynical about the Giants (particularly that 1985 season when the Gmen lost 100 games). Often times, Greenwald was the ONLY entertainment at Giants games.
I think he did slim down, maybe last year and he looked pretty gaunt. He’s got that jolly look back!
James, I am happy for him than. Seriously, that guy was “eating himself to the grave.” I really doubt these broadcasters get much exercise doing the games and traveling, which seems counterintuitive to me. Whenever I travel, all of the good hotels have exercise rooms, some of them with dry heat saunas and steam rooms. Unless, you’re partying and eating after the games, what’s there to do?
I looked at the standings a lot more often before they added all these extra playoff spots…
I can’t stand when anyone says “if the season ended today” etc…….
It ends when it fuckin ends.
Spot on Loo. With the additional playoff spots they added, an under .500 ball club could get in and will get in eventually (maybe not this year, but it will happen – I guarantee it).
Standings mean jack shit today.
Glad you agree, Blade. I just figure they’re way behind the Dodgers for first and somewhere in the mishmash for the playoffs and what the hell’s the difference right now?
When there were true pennant races back in prehistoric times, checking the standings was an urgent matter for me…
I look at the wild card standings first. Where SF is relative to St. Louis is more interesting than how many games they’re behind LA.
There are NFL teams that have won their divisions with below 500 records.
it is too fucking hot man. I just went out to water my tomatoes and I think I spent more time watering me
Saturday we will hit 102 degrees at 3500 feet. Maybe Sunday too.
Just checked Ho Chi Minh city, where Paul is nearby in Vung Tau. A cold 76 degrees (of course, it’s 5:40am there at the moment).
yeah. buddy of mine is going to Lake Don Pedro later this week so we met for lunch today. On way there I think CalTrans was doing roadwork and blocked the 85 freeway into stop and go. Was nice to sit inside somewhere, til you went back outside for drive home.
Realistically, 7 teams still have a shot in the NL playoffs, with the furthest one being 5.5 games back (Cubs). AL has 5 teams with a shot; and perhaps, 2 other teams with an outside shot (8 and 9 games back).
Kruk is too old school even for me. Pitching is so different these days, more so than his cliches about “hard in sets up soft away” or “how do you hit the sinker? look up”. guys are throwing sinkers at 95 with movement. Doval’s sliders are at 89, cutters at 100.
Lon Simmons was helluva football announcer too, especially during the (too often) times Niners weren’t doing so well. I can still hear him saying “…Marshall picks up the football…” His call of Touchdown 49ers was epic.
Leo Durocher had a good career as a manager, and before that he was a player on the Yankee teams of Babe Ruth. Durocher was a bad-hitting infielder that Ruth nicknamed the All American Out. That’s a pretty good nickname for Slater.
Harrison is supposed to be like Sale. You can see the similarity. Just wish our guy had the 96.
Hey Willie, UPS just delivered a package for Michele . . . Thank you so much for your thoughtful birthday gift (and it is wrapped so nicely too!). She is at the Boys and Girls Club, but will be very excited when she gets home and opens it. I will try to remember to take a photo and send it to you via email.
Again, thank you!
Oh you’re welcome bro. “wrapped nicely” lol, yes but not by me. Any presents I wrap look like they were done by Frankenstein.
Loo /Willie might be able to chime in on this guy since it’s RIP a new ass hole announcer day!
The guy who drove me nuts and fortunate it was only 3 years 79-81 then they canned him,It Was Lindsey Nelson who I believe was an east coast legend/ football/Mets? but man the game past him by trying to connect in SF, his drawl, dry humor was terrible, bet even players didn’t really want to engage him in interviews..His clown plaid LOUD suits were so laughable he wore and the irony was he thought everyone liked them.
If I recall correctly AK, that was when Hank quit and took the job with the Yankees. During his time as Yankees broadcaster, he came to hate and despise Steinbrenner. Consequently, he came back to the Giants after Nelson was shown the door.
Dave’s theme for the inning was “be aggressive.” Sale then proceeded to stay out of the strike zone for much of the rest of it, with Chapman and Villar having good patient ABs, and Matos and Ahmed whiffing by following Dave’s advice.
That ball should have been caught by someone.
Ramos took the exact same bad route as last night, but no opportunity for the dive this time.
mm Matos had issue coming in on ball last year. Seems he might have had shorter more direct route.
Could be, but he was out of the picture. I only saw the replay where it looked like Ramos first hesitated, then kinda circled towards the ball.
Somehow got out of that with only 1 run.
Hicks works his way out of it again with minimal damage.
Still fascinating to me watching pitcher vs. hitter matchup. tyler rogers was in some difficulty last night and then fanned Ozuna then got Olson to ground out to 2b.
Sale right now looks like he’s determined to make 1 run hold up.
For however much longer he lasts tonight anyway.
So, is the concern with Hicks’ innings total the increased risk of injury or just fatigue?
I think it’s more being an grade 1 diabetic that everyday could be a different way in how he feels.Pitching in parks like STL Louis&Atlanta certainly going to take more energy out of Hicks imo.He looks great tonight, this game could still be scoreless if not Matos not catching DArnaud’s ball..
Oooh right in the nuts the Braves manager took off of that foul ball!!
A 4-inning pitcher at best.
Why is he still in?
Wow, saved by replay.
Got him. Out at home.
i don’t know if he’s a starting pitcher. I know he’s a good reliever and with this inning total pile up it seems like the logical move would be to send him to BP for the rest of the season once our ailing SPs start to come back.
That move makes sense. I’m just not sure why, if they didn’t have that “luxury,” he couldn’t continue to give them 5 inning starts.
Come on Soler, get er going.
Double, don’t waste it Slater.
Chapman big 2 out knock for an RBI 3-1
Problem is if it’s Luke Jackson coming end their lead will easily grow..
Hey, the Jackal is sitting behind home.
Action-in-the-bullpen Jackson sure has a lot of rope to play with.
How the fuck is this guy still on the team?
Please tell me we don’t have anyone better than him.
Jackson stinks no matter where he throws.
lulz.
Duvall will be 36 in couple months. Pretty easy out there and Jackson dodges bullet.
Hey, a zero! (with a big assist from Casali).
Jackson has a good fastball and great slider. He’ll probably continue to suck for the Giants, force them to eat the contract, and then right himself elsewhere.
Sure. Go with that.
Dumb question, what are those white plastic barricade looking things in the right field bleachers?
I think those are for the sportswriters.
Beat em tomorrow, win the series.
Well, we’ve had worse July 3rds against the Braves. Felipe Alou in the lineup while baby Moises was being born…
https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SFN/SFN196607030.shtml
Ha, the Tony Cloninger game, thanks Loo. Ozzie Virgil (Sr.) played 3b, first guy from DR to play MLB. Some classic Giants in there, Cap Peterson, Jesus playing against Felipe. Both of them led off–has that ever happened before, 2 brothers batting leadoff for opposite teams?
Probably happened with Matty, too, but that ain’t what you meant…
Lee and Carlos May were both in AL late 70s. Lee May wouldn’t have been leadoff guy though.
“what are those white plastic barricade looking things in the right field bleachers?”
It’s called the Chop House section. People are sitting at table-like things, chowing down
Aha, thanks Zum, I couldn’t figure out why extra protection or extra press boxes were needed in RF.