In Defense of Chappy
Nice to see Bailey show signs of a pulse. His meteoric plummet to the bottom of the barrel has been breath taking to watch.
Regarding Chapman, who has easily been our best most complete hitter this year, if you don’t like this signing just admit you don’t give a shit about defense and team chemistry and we can move on. He’s led the team in doubles, HR’s, runs scored, RBI’s, total bases, WAR (by a mile, and he’s 8th in ALL OF MLB) and 2nd in SB’s. And he’s not some fucking flash in the pan that Farhan finds and that so many here love to jack off to. He’s got a proven track record. If you want to complain about his batting average why don’t you try taking a time machine back to 1986 and find someone who gives a shit.
Just suck it up and embrace a complete player. We need them desperately. Fuck the back end of the contract. This is just the start. If Chapman is still our best player next year and the year after that (and he’s EASILY our best player this year) we are fucked and you can aim your venom at management. Leave our best player alone.
A Place To Talk About Giants Baseball 
Ah well said on all counts Flav. Missing about whatever shortcomings he might have is context of all he brings specifically to the Giants. This is team that has questions about every other single position except 3b. 3b is only position in NL where (per B/R wins above average) Giants are tops. Other than Fitz and Ramos he’s been lone bright spot in season of diminished returns offensively, in a year where offense is at premium all across baseball.
On Dodgers (who’d love to have him take over for oft injured D liability Muncy and scrubs they’ve plugged in there) he’s in bottom third of lineup. Padres have Machado for next 9 years and DBax 32 year old Suarez is FA (team option) in last year of deal he had with Reds.
Giants can go about addressing the myriad issues they have without having to worry about 3b, regardless of who is managing or running the FO.
Exactly. It’s a start in building a better team. Kim is a guy to get that should be doable. Soto may be a dream, but they need to try.
Do I have to be on the BA means shit bandwagon? We all know the game has changed.
Was 2012 really that long ago?
Buster: .336
Melky: .346
Scutaro: .362
All meaningless?
Flavor, if your man Will Clark was playing today do you think he’d be swinging for the fences, striking out 150 times, and hitting .240? And if the answer is yes, wouldn’t that be an awful waste of his talent?
BA is lot less valuable than OBP or wOBA as a stat. Chapman has almost as high an OB (.333) as Luis Arraez, who is hitting over .300 and Chapman with his power (.446 slugging) has lot higher OPS. Not making an out at plate and getting on via a hit or walk is pretty valuable when it comes to scoring runs; BA doesn’t tell whole story of how good a hitter anyone is.
I recall an interview with Bochy from 10+ years ago where he stated he paid much more attention to OPS than BA. But he never went so far as to say BA was a useless stat.
If I remember correctly, in that same interview, Boch said, quite emphatically, that Wins & Losses for a pitcher, “now that’s a mostly useless stat, and I don’t pay it any attention.” … Or, something to that effect.
Clark not only hit for high average but had career OB of .384 and .373 as a Giant in 8 years, outstanding in any era.
1988 Clark hit .282, lowest BA of entire Giants career, but he had 100 walks and OB of .386.
Join the club Loo. I am this far “” from watching Leave It To Beaver reruns versus all sports. I can’t reconcile how the game has changed either. Just as I posted the other day about most sports, e.g., football, basketball, etc.
Imagine this world . . . where all horse race tracks shortened the distances for all horse races to cut back on injuries; allowed certain performance enhancing drugs for horses; and, concurrently, cut back on drug testing. Records for Secretariat, Zenyatta, Man o’ War, American Pharoah, etc., would all be meaningless, right? Probably not going to happen because horse racing has maintained its traditions for the most part. However, money changes people (and rules), e.g., see multiple playoff spots, bigger bases, ghost runners, revenue sharing, etc. That’s what has happened to most sports.
Side note . . . Willie, who gives a fuck? I doubt Loo appreciates your condenscending remarks, i.e., he knows the difference between those stats. No one needs to be lectured to here. Batting average means a lot to traditionalists and older folks whom use to love the sport until asshole mathmaticians – who probably never played the game – began emphasizing this shit. My step dad, uncle, and a couple of cousins go to about 10-15 games a year at Oracle. I doubt any of them know wOBA, WAR, etc. However, they can rattle off other traditional stats of baseball players that played decades ago and more importantly, know a good player and bad player when they see one. Frankly, it’s amazing that any old timer follows the game anymore.
See ya guys next season. Apologize to you Willie. Love this blog, but need a break. Later.
Blade, I’m with you on most of what you wrote, but Willie is always super great to me here and I didn’t take it as a put down…
hope not, thanks. Your points about Chapman are well taken and accurate. I like the guy myself though he can certainly be frustrating, like lot of Giants.
All sports have changed they way they evaluate players and even football and basketball have gone analytics crazy, unfortunately.
I did read something (not from you) that did kinda bother me here, re fans hoping Giants cratered in order that regime might change. That’s rather ugly–no one enjoys losing.
I wrote the crater thing. I do not take it back. This organization has floundered for 6 seasons with one outlier, and is now no closer to relevancy to real playoff competitiveness than 6 years ago when they shitcanned Sabes. Real change is needed, again. Like an alcoholic, they need to hit bottom, hard, before they can realize what needs to be done and recover…
June Cleaver: What did you do today, Beaver?
Beaver: I watched a buncha guys dig a hole.
I liken the present day baseball where HRs are king and nobody supposedly gives a shit about contact and Batting Average and RBIs to tennis. If tennis were all 150 mph serves that the receiver whiffs, and no volleys, no running down of drop shots, no returns down the line into a corner, who would watch that crap? This Giants team strikes out a ton, yet its only the 10th highest striking out team in MLB. Mind boggling to me.
They can’t put an inning of multiple hits with RISP to score to save their soul. I’m for the Chapman deal, like Unca because we have to start rehabbing this sorry team somewhere, somehow with players other than transient dudes here today, gone after the game. But, that doesn’t mean I have to like his .240 average and striking out a ton …
well said. Just because the league is all about home runs doesn’t meant the Giants have to follow this path. They play where they play. Power is great but this team in this park needs contact line drive guys. Lee and McCray are good examples.
I’ll throw beer league in there because he seems to be the only guy who knows how to go the other way with any consistency.
and this needs to be taught every level of the farm. Our farm is a fucking disaster right now. How many call ups can run the bases or find and hit the cutoff man? Know when to take a pitch? Play anykind of situational ball?
With you on all of it, Chuck.
I don’t understand what is going on in the minors. Nobody coming up has any fundamentals, and they’ve been in the system for years. All season the opposition has stolen bases at will. Pitchers seem to be unable to do anything about it. What the hell, where is the coaching in the minors, or in SF, for that matter? Plus, it’s rare that any Giants pitcher can field the position worth a damn.
and yeah DJ, 2012 WAS that long ago.
We are back to 1998 and the beginning of the steroid era.
Well as Ward said to June, you were alittle rough on the Beaver last night, it’s is like watching the Giants play baseball this year even if I don’t have a Beaver..
Chapman anyway you slice it is a solid player overall and he shows up everyday in the LU which is a rarity these days and he’s every bit a defensive wizard with all his GG,platinum gloves on his resume.Machado&Arrenado both fine glove man but are they really better then Chapman? And as team players go their just all about their stats, doubt they are great in the clubhouse.
When your top 10 in all of baseball with a War of 6.0 ( with a list of Judge,Soto,Othani on it and a few others that’s great company to be witGood to see Bailey knocking in all 3 runs including the GW.It’s been a struggle as both his first 2 years he hits great in the 1st half. then hits like Johnny Lemaster in the 2nd Half.Yes it’s along grind for catchers the most demanding position of all,l but someone needs to work with him in offseason,( personal trainer? strength coach? can’t hit bombs no more) he’s still one of the best catchers imo in baseball but at his age he shouldn’t be worn down and fatigued in the 2nd half.Get a better backup Catcher would certainly help as well, cause it’s a joke to see Casali,Murphy who takes the rest of the year off with a knee sprain he’s a pós just cashing his check,Sabol,and “Tits on a Reetz” they all stink..
I’m just waiting for 1B Bryce Eldridge to continue his development, he’s the real deal with power and insane OPSJust promoted to AA to finish off the season, probably starts their next year before he goes to AAA Sac and he could see big league action next year even at 20.Yeah there go out first to find an upgrade ( good luck with that lol)at 1B but Eldridge is the future, Giants didn’t mind getting Bum,Lincecum,Cain up early in their ages,just hasn’t worked out for hitters, only Ramos, and Fitzgerald at 25?seem to make big league adjustments, it’s frustrating with now Luciano trying out at 2nd as the Giants have given up on him playing SS, so what are they going to do next with him, can’t play 3rd .He can hit, I see that,he needs to add HR power are smack line drives, but if they trade him u all know he will probably break out and he’s still only 22.Baseball is a hard game, constant adjustments, plate Discipline a major key for young hackers…
Just weigh in…OB% is good but hits are too. I’m a lifelong fan, and do miss the emphasis on getting hits. The game is more fun to watch. Using Wade as an example. Walks are good but has to part of the team mix. A fast guy hitting leadoff walks are huge. Hitting 5th and walking vs hitting sucks. Hits can move a guy from 1st to 3rd, a run with a single (not on the Giants but most teams haha), puts pressure on the defense.
The game emphasizing a walk and a rare homer is boring. Add in the cascade of K’s and it is more so.
Our park doesn’t allow for a lot of homers (Bonds excluded) and thus home run hitters don’t seam to want to play here. Our absolutely dismal lack of hitting with RISP is a function of the current style in MLB and without power it doesn’t work.
How I would love a Corbin Carrol or a De la Cruz! Fitz could be that type of player. Lets go get some more. Giants should morph in to the Cards of the 80’s
Hey All,
I’m conflicted ..
Undoubtedly, Corbin Carroll is a very talented baseball player. 2023 NL Rookie of the Year, and was integral to the Dirtbags postseason run to the WS last year.
Why do I find this guy to have a look about him that I just want to punch his lights out? I do not exaggerate! Every time I see him I just wanna smash his face to a pulp.
Maybe it’s the way his batting helmet seems to be 4 sizes too big for his seemingly already overly large head? Could it be the slightness of his stature?
He’s gotta have at least 3 or 4 inches in height over Jose Altuve but seems much smaller to me. Jose is tiny but looks built like a brick shit house. Carroll seems like a wisp in comparison.
Yet, I cannot deny my deep respect for CC. He’s a baller! But, am still deeply conflicted about his “look”. Ugh, just cannot shake it.
This season has been a challenge. Maybe I’m just looking for someone to take my own frustration out on and CC is as good a target as anyone.
Maybe because he plays for the snakes, and we are all jealous he is a dynamic fun player, of which we have none:)
Thanks Dude for your response. That makes a lot of sense.
I was thinking it was possibly some childhood schoolyard memory/trauma being triggered by CC’s visage. But, after some serious rummaging around upstairs (man, I could use a good defrag of my hard disc), I’ve not come up with any name or face from the past. So, yeah, jealousy & frustration, pure and simple.
ln the midst of the angst this season has caused all of us, let’s take it easy and be kind to one another. After all, no matter our differences in opinions, we are all here because of our deep love for the Giants, for better or worse.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1120432149931955&set=a.560953729213136&cft%5B0%5D=AZXQKVSSwGGJEUlMhxLw1bd1LjgevYEbBytejarbCLqWJw-tc7xC5iumx66AsjbrtzcMdMfqovDZcuFrQdOL4-qmSpliNOjT2roJ1KhAgiPfu7eft_ri0oW9XPx_X_rOHO3lCjJ3pf27Yr0VBvPXw9PnGd3EM-begIMT6PIcZcgwvUZvHU1cHd5XzqzXyyk7pfOUUYa6vuNYxJA-rZyMGjTr5M6DNVGZkhyZfFGPI0r_ucchU0NDPTLzS4SozUkKVPOus02KNGvH3kiXSOmy48LW&tn=EH-y-R
um agree Mr. BB. I still think giants should have beaned Justin Turner on general principle when they were playing M’s. Also noticed what fine season Joc is having for DBax this year arrggh
reading something on lineup construction and analytics figuring out who to hit when. In one example #5 hitter came up most often with RISP. Baseball is so unlike other sports, where 1-9 all get a turn at bat before anyone gets another shot.
Kyle Schwarber hits leadoff for powerful Phils. 3 HRs drove in 6 on Tuesday, 2 solo HRs. BA is under .250 and he isn’t gonna steal a bag, but OB is at top of team with Harper (.370) who hits 3rd after .300 hitting Trea Turner. Helluva top end of lineup, like Dogs with Ohtani Betts Freeman T Hernandez.
Teams have so much data to wade through in statcast/pitch fx era, for every pitch and ball in play. Just is what it is to see everyone checking cards in back pocket after every play.
FDTV Joaquin Jaime talking to Corey Nakatani at Del Mar btw races, very cool.
Harrison onto the IL with a shoulder, his pitching shoulder. They didn’t say so, but he’s clearly done for the season. Not a surprise whatever after that last outing…
Last 5 outings . . .
Bye bye Birdie will be next with something.
The Chron must be reading my posts.
hah!!
Skinkin it tonight
https://eedition.sfchronicle.com/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&pubid=c125557b-9f70-4756-bc51-268770939d87&id=5fdb9660-535d-4e83-851b-2af323eb3124
Yeah Pavs said Harrison was done, good thing.
tight race for 3 WC spots in NL, as Padres DBax ATL and Mets all within 3 games of each other. Only 3 of them will make it. Braves won, DBax down 4-0 to Stros after 5, Vientos homers and Mets walk it off in 10 over Reds.
weeeeeeee!
Such baseball acumen. No chance to get the back runner, but the error scores 2.
Wow, just wow. A throw away / give away of two runs.
Defense has been crap all season. Something Farhan promised would be better this year. When you play rookies, you’re going to get a lot of that.
Now, a Machado dinger to get it to 3-0 Pads. Game looks to be on the brink already…
These rookies are pretty much little leaguers. I’ve never seen such terrible defense in quite a while. Fitz, Luciano, Wisely, Matos, Ramos, Gonzalez from last year, these guys come up without a fucking clue.
What are these guys doing on the farm?
Wisely in the past has booted multiple bad, but blockable throws to him at second from the catcher and from short. He sticks his glove out, or waives it, should I say, and watches the ball go by. The attempt is not even there. Maddening…
Peacock for the footbll game, Apple TV for the Giants game.
What in the wide wide world of sports is goin on here?
Streameast to the rescue.
Wonder if Snell says “looking forward to getting back to San Diego”.
OMG. Apple TV stats.
“Bailey strikeout probability = 43%”
Black pitching well. The swiss cheese defense isn;t
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No runs, no hits through 5 for SF.
Sounds about right…
Another pathetic loss. Atrocious offense, sucky defense.
No need to go into details…