by
Greek Giant
In case anyone missed it, Bud Selig, along with former executive John Schuerholz, was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame 5 days ago. He was elected by the 16-person Today’s Game Era committee, a group focusing on players and contributors from 1988 to today. His election is not without controversy among some purists. You can read Howard Bryant’s excellent piece on this selection at ESPN.com.
When I first heard the news I was not surprised, but I was disappointed. As a long-suffering Expos fan (my first and largely frustrating baseball marriage) Selig has always been a key figure in the saddest of all seasons in Montreal history: 1994. You may recall that the Expos had the best record in baseball and looked unbeatable in the process. They were a lock to get to the postseason and challenge the Braves, Phillies, and Marlins for National League supremacy. Many experts, like my dad and my Uncle John, felt the Montrealers would have been favorites to win their first World Series. But alas, we all know the strike killed the Fall Classic for the first time in Baseball history. This all took place under Selig’s watch.
For the Giants, Selig’s reign coincided with Barry Lamar’s assault on pretty much all power-hitting records in the game and the rescue of the team from oblivion by Peter Magowan and the House that Barry built.
The former Commissioner and former owner of the Brewers is also notorious for his (lack) of oversight of the game during the steroids era and his hapless declaration of the 2002 All Star Game as a tie when teams ran out of players. Each of these impacted the game in powerful ways and a strong argument can be made that Selig was not solely responsible for any of these unfortunate occurrences. However, he was the Commissioner and his election to the Hall of Fame smacks as a self-serving, back-slapping, gentleman’s country club mentality kind of vote.
Now I firmly believe that a person should never be reduced to their failures and Selig had many successes as Commissioner. They range from the mega cable TV contracts for baseball teams to the relatively strife-free labor negotiations between players and owners and the overall parity of Major League Baseball. Bud Selig accomplished many things during his tenure that we should all be grateful for.
The question remains: Does Bud Selig belong in the Hall of Fame?
no
You are as right as ninepence, my ofttimes friend.
The interesting assessment that led the Nationals to acquire Adam Eaton. Pure saber driven.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/new-stats-hard-facts-nats-play-the-numbers-game-in-deal-for-adam-eaton/2016/12/07/840406cc-bccd-11e6-94ac-3d324840106c_story.html
as what?
Isn’t this like asking if a Pope deserves to be canonized?
Dunno, it’s a tie.
Seriously, the man is stained. That’s being nice, it’s Xmas.
Stained – soiled – Ickky – poison – barfarooski
The answer is Yes but NO. Anti_Lasorda got some guys to build an extension wing to the HOF called the Hall of Shame and that is where Buddy belongs.
* Strike Season
* No WS
* Tied AS Game
* Complicit in the PED ERA
* Pumped up the McGwire vs. Sosa Renaissance
Is this MacWill on the upper LH corner of this site? Royalties baby….
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/12/free-agency-notes-giants-dodgers-chapman-wieters-alvarez.html
GG: the final sentence of your antepenultimate paragraph nails it. I would add to the list of blunders the every single day inter-league game concept he devised.
Not even if he pays the admission fee.
Good one Mooooose.
Bobby Evans smiling on his plane ride home (Paul RIP Davis)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THW-5OUTSt8
I forgot how much he looked like Jayson Werth
or vice versa
Pretty sure the only metric that matters for commissioners in today’s sports world is $$$$. Make your owners rich = ‘HOF’.
LA Blogs are ringing Andrew Friedman’s and Farhan Zaidi’s bell over Kenley.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URAqnM1PP5E
I would change bell to neck and add a W to ringing.
That’s some fine editing.
Anita might be dead but I will let her know.
I have nothing for Anita. It’s YOUR sentence I want to edit. 5-10 for bad jokes.
thus it shall stay unedited
Selig will get in while Pete Rose watches through a fence just cuz that’s the sad state of affairs.
Young wife and cranking out funny stuff https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rFc5csmUVo
But – what you said.
“Sad” doesn’t begin to capture the state of affairs. There’s plenty of folk that don’t belong to the seats they’ve been chosen. I just hope that some day, you and I can meet on the side of the I-5 before the final curtain is drawn.
I’m gonna bring a Louisville Slugger and a butterfly net.
I’ll bring Crisco and a bouquet of flowers for the Mrs.
Sounds good. Guess I’ll also supply the peyote.
As other mentioned earlier in the blog Mr. Glenn is gone on his earhly journey – but during his arrival UP here – he came in on of his special craft and thus he gathered quite the crowd of gawkers.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/john-glenn-american-hero-of-the-space-age-dies-at-95/ar-AAljYlq?li=BBnb7Kz&ocid=mailsignout
I called him Mr. earlier as well. But shouldn’t we call him Senator Glenn?
Yes.
The Senator from Ohio did what he could for The Republic and after the election likely said good luck and good night, people.
Senator for 25 years, 1974-1999. In 1998, he went back into space to study the effects of space on the aging. He was 77 years old at the time.
That’s right. Forgot he went back to space. What a guy. Maybe he wasn’t completely human.
Have you heard anything specific on the guy that spent a year on space station? Can’t imagine what kind of things were wrong with him on his return.
It was a twin study as well. His brother was stuck on the rock.
I know. I’m curious about how he fared.
I guess it will take years to answer that question.
How’s your twin faring these days?
One’s bat-shit crazy and the other is not looking too good.
Funhouse mirror?
You got one too?
and maybe the twin has been sick with envy ever since
Senator is fine – but the deceased usually get referred to as Mr. or Mrs.
NASA, 3hr ago:
We are saddened by the loss of Sen. John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth. A true American hero. Godspeed, John Glenn. Ad astra.
I guess Wally was talking about there, not here.
John Glenn’s wingman in Korea was Ted Williams.
Now there’s a film that needs to be made. I’m gonna get on it.
Not.
A: No.
Ditto what Matthew said. (I just now noticed.)
The Peaches and Herb of TWG
I’m going to try to make this simple: By my measure, Selig was the worst major sports commissioner in my time. He presided over a tremendous decline in popularity, and the revenue gains for which he were given credit were not actually equal to the gain in other sports. Selig came in with baseball arguably the No. 1 spectator sport, and he left with baseball behind football, including minor league (college) football; basketball, including minor league football; and maybe even soccer. Go into any sports bar these days. If there is any other sport in action, it’s probably on TV rather than baseball, including the playoffs. Selig was a disaster for the sport, RELATIVE to other sports.
I can recall Selig being hung in effigy in some parks and clubhouses.
Hanged, too. Don’t know about junk.
Definitely had a good laugh at that one. Well played, sir.
Would that work for RIP John Holmes?
Fewer trips to Bob Hite’s Rolfing couch would have helped that individual.
Nice Pepper cut though.
My favorite sax player which probably explains why the trivia about Glen stuck in my mind.
That’s an interesting take. The most intriguing part you bring up is “the revenue gains for which he were given credit were not actually equal to the gain in other sports.” I’d never thought about the revenue gains he presided over *relative to other sports.* I’d be very curious to see the percentage revenue gains he presided over versus those of the NBA and NFL. But I am too lazy to look up those numbers so maybe somebody smarter and more inclined will be able to track them down.
+ he was a punch and judy hitter and PJ would have never drafted him…
Well said. In answer to the question, should he, no. Will he, probably, though he couldn’t even use his blue ribbon committee to help tha A’s resolve their stadium issue.
Like every commissioner since Pete Rozelle and Larry O’ Brian, huge waste of money.
From the I can’t remember where I heard it file. This song by Art Pepper was a favorite of Glenn’s.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kwlcgkhuxv4
Dan Brown was at the Winter Meetings covering the Giants and the A’s. Q: Where’s Baggarly?
He fell back in it, and no one will lend him a hand getting out.
He’s not my favorite Giants beat reporter, but I do hope he’s okay.
Calls for another “Back on your knees, break’s over” comment.
Baggs said: I’m going dark” but “promise to return” …
That was back in mid-November. On Nov 11: “I’m going dark for a few weeks.”
time-line still checks out
Yes, so far. If you interpret few to mean several. There is no specific number for either however.
Personally, few is fourish and several is in the vicinity of seven. I’ve been called out on this before. Couple is two.
For me, few = three, and several = 4-to-6.
What’s a handful?
too many peanuts to count
1. a quantity that fills one hand without spilling over
2. any adolescent
I swore to her that I would not reveal ‘her’ name
what Trump grabbed
Passel, maybe?
passel = large?
Only to the extremely literate.
Passan = your guy
True, and not just on baseball. Did you read what Jeff said about the Confederate Flag at the school board meeting?
???
but I’m not surprise that it would fly in certain red states these days
Let’s hear it.
Jeff Passan slammed district officials for comparing the symbol of the safety pin with the Confederate flag, calling it a “logical farce.” He described the safety pin as a symbol of love, and the Confederate flag as one of hate.
http://shawneemissionpost.com/2016/11/29/shawnee-mission-school-district-policy-on-safety-pins-roundly-criticized-at-crowded-school-board-meeting-58171
Maybe I missed something, but what is the safety pin supposedly signify? I found nothing specific in the article. Maybe I missed it.
I don’t get it. What’s the connection between the two?
Those weeks turned into M O N T H S ….
Election trauma, or he’s going into the Trump administration??
Comcast_Chicago ?
Comcast_Oshkosh?
He went to Paris.
To visit/interview Ta Nehisi Coates, no doubt.
https://i.annihil.us/u/prod/marvel/i/mg/8/90/57c0d2a5a218a/background.jpg
your reading material is truly eclectic
That’s one word for it.
Come on, share. 😉
Mr Coates is a truly great writer. Everybody who is sentient should read his The Case for Reparations at The Atlantic, no matter how one feels about racial relations. It’s brilliant. He’s also a guy of substantial intellectual courage, IMO. He personally participated online in the ‘rambunctious’ commentary online that followed for days and took on all serious comers. Both parents were Panthers. Like him, or hate him, you have to respect him.
There are some things I have to do. That’s not on the list.
I don’t suppose I really care. Your loss though.
I’m familiar with what he has to say. Respect is not my reaction.
It’s a fascinating article, regardless of whether you agreed with him. I argued with him at length, and on many things, I suppose we agreed to disagree, but I respected his intellect, honesty, and skill as a writer. He makes you think about some uncomfortable things.
He’s a talented writer, and of course, racism should be exposed and opposed wherever it exists. But to see it everywhere, and to use it as an excuse to reject the concept of personal responsibility, isn’t something I can respect.
This is consistent with your remarks on sweeping generalizations.
Interesting comments. http://www.today.com/news/walter-scott-shooting-jury-foreman-explains-how-michael-slager-case-t105742
BTW, thank you for your response this morning.
of course not. you have to be you…. sadly
Paris, at last contact. Never mind, I see you did your due diligence.
Baggerly doesn’t work for you or anyone on this blog last I checked.
so why so nosey?
Let him be, he does enough in season
Larry Baer: “We send our sincerest, deepest sympathies to Andres and his family. Soannie and Andres have meant so much to the Giants over the years, sharing their spirit for life with everyone in the organization, both on and off the field. We are going to miss Soannie dearly, and she will forever remain in our hearts.”
She was 37 years old.
That is inhuman for Soannie to be taken from Andres and the children at such a young age…I am sure the Giants wives extended to – Nicole – will rally around the family as will his teammates. “Once a Giant – Always a Giant” – in his case A Forever Giant.
Words leave me for stuff like this.
So sad. I didn’t know the disease was so advanced.
Mostly quiet on departure day from Winter Meetings. It wasn’t that crazy of a week.
The Champs have inked another reliever with closing experience, 42 y.o. Koji Uehara.
Rockies are still making a push for Mark Trumbo.
Jansen remains in limbo.
Cutch still a Pirate which is kind of awkward given the intensity of trade talks that transpired.
Most of the Royals and Tigers stayed put.
David Robertson probably going to be moved in short order at a surprisingly hefty price.
Giants are done. Evans is bound to Hawaii.
The Disney sponsorship for the Left Field section of Coors Field is in final negotiations:
Project Trumbo Drop
Cornball, but still a little funny.
Actually, Trumbo would play first base where he used to play with the Angels.
Rockies would likely then trade Soggy Bottom centerfielder and put Desmond there, or possibly trade Cargo and his lofty one year salary.
One potential deal that would seem to work is Blackmon to St. Louis for rookie pitcher/top prospect Luke Weaver.
are you parroting Bow Tie?
Hey, we want Blackmon.
Sorry, Charlie.
He may hit 88 bombs. Mark Sadaharu Oh Trumbo
I’d put the Denver over/under at 52
I like the guy. Wish “we” had him for 6-7 innings in LF
There ya go double spacing again….
Quite a lot of signings and trades are done after the meetings.
Dodgers have a lot of work to do to keep up with the Orange and Black.
Has any team ever won the off season and gone on to win anything else?
Cubs?
It was a question. I may look into it. About winning the off season, that is.
sure but not always work out tat way. you know that
It was a question. Name a team or teams that you think fit the bill.
they had a far more talented 1-40 man roster last season, so how do you figure they are behind?
holes to fill – which I’m sure they won’t leave as voids because winning the west won’t be that easy for SF
Aloha.
Im bound for Maui myself next Friday
The Yankees lost a catcher and 3 pitchers in that rule 5 draft. Oakland lost a former 1st round pitcher.
Senator Glenn’s hot ride…
https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/gpn-2000-000686_0.jpg
Krukow truly felt humbled for the nomination but he knows and millions know that Holy Toledo was the right call.
https://audioboom.com/posts/5373627-12-8-mike-krukow-talks-bill-king-and-the-latest-news-with-the-giants
By the way A’s announcer Ken Korach was diligent and vehement almost daily in trumpeting Bill Kings accomplishments. Korach’s book on King is superb.
https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Toledo-Lessons-Bill-Renaissance/dp/0985419040
And a TERRIBLE Windsor knot to boot https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a0f11030aae2ee518a86e438826883cb90d364bb0bcb1d16ef3cef9846e1e4be.png
It’s a double Windsor, usually reserved for napkins.
“Mr” and Senator Glenn
John Glenn, American Hero of the Space Age, Dies at 95
Mr. Glenn was a symbol of the space age as the first American to orbit Earth, then became a national political figure representing Ohio in the Senate.
By JOHN NOBLE WILFORD NY Times
Colonel, too. Very important designation in those circles.
Only below the Mason-Dixon line.
Godspeed John Glenn
Good Night Allen – we hear you are cracking jokes now up there. 🙂 https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6cc53ccb33ce9e9a61c80816205db1628d9474631bf3bf223ea774bc350b1aa6.jpg
Hmmmmm.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7c1bca4e071f66a044df995c67adfab97c0a6082c9f3448f97b4fa0b71e14a89.jpg
And he would toast you too if he were still here.
Wow, I just checked the Giants’ 40-man roster (yes, Heston’s gone and Melancon’s on there), and guess who the oldest player on the Giants is, now that their free agents have cleared out?
OK, I’ll tell you: Hunter Pence, age 33 (he’ll be 34 in April), followed by Span (33 in February), and Samardzija (32 in January).
EDIT: Cain is already 32 as of Oct. 1, so he’s a couple months older than Shark.
This team has suddenly gotten a LOT younger.
Only 9 guys on the 40-man roster will be 30 by the time season starts. Gorkys and Gillaspie will turn 30 during the season.
Crawford, Posey will both be 30 , and Belt will be 29 during the season, Panik is the only Starter under 28, besides LF maybe, and Bum, and maybe Blach, not a young team .
Yeah, I was counting Crawford and Posey in the 9, as they’ll both be 30 before the season starts.
Rotation with Blach has three under 28 (Bum, Moore, Blach)
Bullpen guys under 30: Law, Strickland, Osich, Okert
Bench guys under 30: Tomlinson, Adrianza, Brown
Position starters under 30: Belt, Panik, Mac/Parker
Compare, though, to 2015, when they had Vogelsong, Hudson, Affeldt, Lopez, and Casilla, all over 35, and Peavy and Pagan at 34, plus guys like Blanco and Romo just behind them. With Pence the oldest at almost 34, that’s a big difference.
Counting Crawfords… sounds like a band.
Nunez is 29 turning 30, so right in there with that median
What’s the league average?
Wily veterans, huh.
Most of the team is between 34 and 28, so not old but not young either .
Semi-veterans, seeking wily.
So what Lefty said was correct
No, she said they were young .
Was she wrong, and didn’t you just hitch a ride on her comment?
NO NO NO
She WAS correct. She said the Giants are “younger” than they were last year or the year before. She did not say that they’re “young.” When you go from five guys over 35 (in 2015) to the oldest guy being 33, that IS, absolutely “younger.”
Peter get with the PROGRAM
Poised to win!
EDIT: Span is turning 47 in April
Boo
Don’t worry. I’m turning 103
Last year looked older than me at times which is way older than 57
bad bad bad signing
Rule V draft, minor league phase:
Giants neither gained gained nor lost minor league personnel.
A ha…
https://twitter.com/kodali_siva/status/807014030783213568
Looks like the Cardinals have shown Dexter Fowler the money.
LOL. Bear or bird, or the counter Heyward.
Dontcha love the front office rivalry between those two? Just like us and LA….just like Bos/NY….sometimes seems emotion over logic, but it’s entertaining.
Sounds like at least 5 years and 80 million dollars. Just think, if Evans could have gone there last year instead of the “penurious/risky” move with Span, Giants fans would feel a lot better about centerfield and the outfield in general.
The Cardinals will roll with…
Fowler CF
Carpenter 1B
Piscotty LF
Peralta 3B
Molina C
Grichuk RF
Diaz SS
Wong 2B
P
something like that anyway
Probably could have gotten Fowler for a lot less last year and maybe not so much more than they paid Span. 🙁
Less but not a lot less. I think Fowler was looking for at least 60 million last year – which is what priced him out of Evans range. He was hoping for probably around 75. When he didn’t get that, he figured he’d play for a championship and try the market this year. Worked out quite well for he and his agent.
yep Evans did F that one up
budget constraints and need at CF made decision for him.
you’re printing money on Willie Mays Plaza, F “budget restraints”
that’s a consensus among Giants fans that want to see something that looks more like a juggernaut than a good competitive team.
Fowler hardly makes anyone a juggernaut, it’s not like I’m asking for Trout. But I think it’s one of Evan’s misses that might have allowed the Giants to win it all last year.
Thank you
So over the budget restraints baloney.
If your 4 and 5 are Walter Matthau and Jack Lemon, you need to get younger
Paying for five years of Fowler seems risky to me. The Cardinals have three good, young OF (Piscotty, Grichuk and Pham), they also worked Wong into that mix a bit last year, and knowing the Cardinals as we do, there are likely more prospects not far away. I was surprised by this move.
Also thought the Nationals overpaid for Adam Eaton. Does that mean they’re giving up on Michael Taylor, the young, toolsy CF they were growing into the role? He might look good in Orange and Black…
I too like Taylor’s tools – if the swing and miss could be trimmed from his game, he’d be a real good one. Seems he’s now the 4th OF in DC, but he’d be nice to have platooning with Span and seeing if Bam Bam can retool his swing for more contact.
Right now, most of their best prospects are on the pitching side, but they do have a 3B prospect that will probably surface to be the next good young cards player: Paul DeJong, hit 22 HRs in AA last year.
The thing about Fowler is that he reliably gets on base at a high clip, like Brandon Belt.
Whenever I feel insecure about my decision making, I simply watch Andy Reid throw his challenge flag. Suddenly, my confidence soars.
I love that Peter Gammons loves Tedeschi Trucks band. I feel like I’ve said this before.
Here is a great review of their final concert of the year and hopefully a tasty selection:
http://www.glidemagazine.com/176559/tedeschi-trucks-band-closes-heroic-boston-run-show-reviewphotos/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wVWjl9Kq6U
He’a best when he channels Duane.
He’s pretty damn good when he channels himself and goes solo minus Tedeschi.
He lacks the constraint of DA. Much of what Duane played was what he didn’t play.
I think I meant restraint.
Disagreed again. He exhibits extreme restraint with his slide. He’s a master.
Here you go, bud.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bK_1tnfxudY
I disagree with that. Did you read the review? He’s a force with a unique voice on his instrument.
And she’s great too!
You can see them with Jake Peavy’s band in Ala Jan 13
Simple answer no!
Agreed. The late, great Bill King used to disdainfully refer to him as “Bud Light.”
Happy December Fool’s Day!
Warriors had just enough! Good job boys.
My thoughts and condolences go out to the Andres Torres family.
Well said, GG. I vote no too for all that you mentioned but also for the thing that’s often listed as one of Selig’s successes: Interleague play. I would be fine with a limited dose of it, say a home and away series amongst regional rivals during the week leading up to the All Star Break but it’s current operation is for the birds.
Interleague has been all about $. It has taken away the specialness of the WS that used to be two teams from “different worlds” clashing for the first time. If you live in SF and want to see the Red Sox, go all the way to Oakland. If you live in the East Bay and want to see your Cubbies, go all the way to Willie Mays Field. Let it be part of actually doing something to support them instead of bringing them to you.
Furthermore, it is nuts to have two different sets of rules for two leagues, under one corporate umbrella. If I was a Detroit Tigers fan I’d be going crazy about playing the last (very important) series of the season on the road vs. NL team, and not being able to use the DH in those games. All of the teams they were up against had their full lineup available to them. Say what you will about the DH itself, that is unfair to that team.
I have family who are Tiger fans and I will ask them right now about that one. I think you are right and it adds to the reason to severally limit this “side show” approach to reaching the casual fan.
Interleague play means that next season, the Giants will play the Cubs exactly 7 times (as with all out of division teams). Besides being impossible to divide evenly into home and away, it just isn’t enough meetings between decades’ old rivals. I am supposed to care about playing the Texas Rangers or the Tampa Bay Rays? Bring on the Pirates! And the Redbirds!
It was better when they had the right number of teams for it and could have a two week stretch of interleague and the be done with it. Now, it’s all disjointed with the series scattered all around with an odd number of teams in each league. I do like the Giants versus A’s games though, I’d hate to see those go away.
I was on board with the interleague concept when it started, but now, it’s well past it’s freshness date. If baseball decides to keep interleague, how about having it played in one month, say, July; since the All-Star Break is that month and just about all the teams play 20 interleague games anyway? I’m with you PS35 when you say it’s all disjointed. Keep it simple. 1 month and that’s it.
My point below about the Giants not being that young is, they may not have any players over 35 on the roster, but they also have no players under 25 on the roster either, so with most of the players being between 28 and 34, the average age is probably about 30, and that is probably older then most MLB rosters .
PJ, I think that is actually really good news…it’s considered the prime years in general for baseball players.
Ball players should be like porridge? Not too hot, and not too cold…
Nothing wrong with having a 22 year old Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa, or Corey Seager though.
Except that you (or someone) will have to pay them $$$$ by the time they’re 26 or 27…it’s a bit of downside for teams of players coming up so young; they’re hitting free agency in their prime years.
Recognize their obvious talents and sign those early extension (so long as Boras isn’t their agent). Raises their AAV early, but keeps it stable later.
It is a gamble you have to take but not always win.
Tried that with Cain and it didn’t work.
Tried that with Crawford and he wins GG #2.
Cain was not a good example, he signed his extension the year before he would become a FA, Bum is the example he signed his extension after 1 full MLB season, and that turned out to be a great team friendly contract .
There you go. I get fuzzy on details but Bum is another positive too.
Who then is the example of signing early and it did not work out?
My theory about Cain’s extension is that the Giants’ hand was forced to it because Lincecum had just turned them down for a five-year extension. The PR of possibly losing both Cain and Lincecum was too bad to consider, so they overpaid Cain to make sure that wouldn’t happen. At the time, it was the biggest contract in history for a RH pitcher, and while Cain was a very fine pitcher in his day, I would never have put him in that category.
However,
I have a hard time looking at the downside of having a young phenom breaking into the league at 21/22 and playing at All-Star/MVP caliber of play.
Remember Timmy’s first year up? It wasn’t long before we had “Happy Lincecum Day” to celebrate. PJ has another excellent example in Bumgarner, and Sandoval came on pretty quick too. But a lot of guys have to learn a bit more on the MLB roster, here I’d cite the two Brandons.
Rather have the talent and pay them for it than not at all (see the last 25 yrs of SFG farm system outfielders).
If your team is really young, it probably means your team is in the midst of a rebuild and not very good. I imagine the A’s are one of the youngest teams.
Not so much by 2017, but by 2018, the Giants could be getting contributions from Beede (currently 23), Arroyo (currently 21) and younger outfielders such as Duggar, Slater, Reynolds, Quinn, etc. You have to have a balance of younger (=cheaper) guys coming up, too.
The Giants have signed a new closer, but they haven’t technically “remade” their bullpen. The whole rest of the bullpen is returnees, but it’s interesting that, post-Core Four, the “senior” member of the bullpen in terms of Giants tenure is now…George Kontos, who debuted in 2012. Then Strickland, who debuted in late 2014. Everyone else was 2015 or later.
On Opening Day 2015, the bullpen consisted of the Core Four, Petit, Kontos and
Machi. Strickland opened that season in AAA. That’s a lot of turnover in just two years. In fact, only three members of the 2015 Opening Day pitching staff will be back to start 2017–Bumgarner, Cain, and Kontos. None of the four outfielders on the 2015 Opening Day roster will be back (remember Pence started that season on the DL).
The bullpen is also much more homegrown than it used to be. Melancon was a free agent, Will Smith came in a trade, and Gearrin signed before 2015 as a minor league free agent. The rest were developed in the Giants’ organization (OK, Strickland and Kontos weren’t drafted by the Giants, but they spent significant time in the organization before making the majors.)
I like the balance. Smith and Melacon are the veterans that anchor a developing pen like Affeldt and Lopez did. That worked for how many years? How many WS? I see that the Giants have made the transition towards the “New Core Four” already.
I like the balance, too. It seems like Melancon’s going to be exactly the kind of mentor and anchor the younger guys need. And hopefully Smith, who seems like a great guy, will get the kinds of respect and opportunity he deserves–not only does he have a strong track record in the majors, but they traded a lot to get him.
I wondered a few times about the dynamics in last year’s bullpen–were some of the younger guys “over it” with Casilla and Romo? Was Smith ever really accepted, or did Javi (and Osich) see him as a threat? Hopefully this year everything will be smoother, with roles and jobs pretty much set from the beginning.
Maybe:
Melancon is the new Casilla
Smith is the new Affeldt
Osich/Okert the new Javy
Law the new Romo
Leaving you Kontos, Strickland as moveable pieces?
Plus the great side benefit of only needing 12 pitchers. I think a five-man bench has be up on the list for Bochy.
Call me a hater, but I don’t want a “new Casilla.” I’d rather have a new Brian Wilson or Robb Nen or even Shooter Beck. I have PTCD (Post-Traumatic Casilla Disoder).
Does this include waking up in the middle of the night with a cold sweat and fear that you just gave up a game-losing HR? 🙂
Wait, that happens to you, too?! 🙂
It means leaving the game in the top of the 9th because you don’t want to witness a train wreck.
Aah, I see, that makes you younger than Matthew’s comment below that he’s about 103 (I am sure that is measured in Giants Torture Years).
We went to a Sunday game last year. Long ride in as there was a fatality on the road on the way in. Got there late but it was well play game for 8 innings. Giants up by 2 or 3 and Casilla gives up the HR in the 9th for the winning run. I always say the worse day at the ball park is still a good day. But that day did not feel like it.
Whoa. I don’t want a “new Brian Wilson.” Too much torture/anxiety. I’m all for Melancon’s normal of “non-adventurous ninth innings.”
I’m not sure what it says about us Giants fans, but it has to be torture in the 9th.
It really doesn’t have to be that way, Noce. That’s not what I wanted Melancon for. And I don’t think adventure will be what he provides. His reputation for quick, boring ninth innings is well deserved. They could be even quicker with our infield defense.
it was a joke. My apologies for my dry sense of humor.
I knew it was joke. My comment about what Melancon will bring still stands.
Smith isn’t good enough to lace Affeldt’s cleats.
He’s better.
LOL.
God knows Affeldt needed that kind of help too …
How many self-inlflicted DL trips?
Agreed. I think this pen has a chance to be excellent. If Law can continue his progression then I am very pleased with a combo of Smith/Law in the 7th/8th and of course our newly minted closer in the 9th. Statistically speaking, Melancon is one of the best closers the Giants have ever acquired. Let’s hope he continues his brilliant success as he breaks bats with his nasty cutter.
Stats get a little self serving at times and this may be one of those cases. But I saw some stat called bullpen holds and the Giants were actually rated high. But I looked a little deeper and there was some inconsistencies in how this stat was calculated. This may turn out to be the new core four if all the arms perform.
I find this comparison an interesting anecdote about baseball:
The bull moose Hunter Strickland probably averages 96+ on his fastball and struck out 8.4 batters per nine last year.
The 41 year old Koji Uehara averaged 86.7 on his fastball last year, but somehow managed to strike out 12.1 batters per nine. The somehow is his splitter, but still, that must be one heck of pitch when batters do not need to worry about the fastball getting by them.
Romo never threw that hard…10.2 per 9
Another case of the specialty pitch trumping the heater.
Big league hitters can square up high 90s heat, especially heat without a lot of movement. Whereas with a dominant changeup or split the pitcher can tell them it’s coming and it’s still incredibly difficult to square up.
Movement vs. speed. As they say cunning and sly beats youth and strength most of the time.
Dexter Fowler gets 5 years, $82.5 mil., full no-trade.
Remember a couple years ago when the Rox were dumping him to the Astros and he was kind of nowhere in his career? Look at him now, World Series ring and all.
I suspect the Cardinals overpaid and will find that contract burdensome over time, but from the individual side, I like that kind of happy ending.
If Evans was kicking tires on Fowler last year, overpayment was probably on his mind. So the result was a three year contract with everyone’s favorite center fielder.
Right now I’m regretting Matt Cain’s contract a lot more than Span’s. Cain’s $21 mil for 2017 is the difference between a proven hitter and crossing our fingers about Mac/Parker.
That’s very true, but I do not fault the Giants for Cain’s contract. He was 27 (I believe) at the time he signed the contract and was an absolute stud workhorse. He had never had a real injury and, after the year he had in 2012, would’ve gotten a heftier contract on the open market. The thought of losing him at that time would have been devastating. And again, it’s not like the Giants signed him to a contract starting at age 31, it began with his age 27 season (they tore up the final year of his contract at that time and added 5 more years). So, while it looks awful in hindsight it was fair market value at the time and it just happened to blow up. Cole Hammels, who signed right around the same time, has been excellent and he had minor elbow and shoulder concerns early in his career. The Span contract wasn’t egregious, in baseball terms it’s relatively modest for a starting CF. But I don’t know that Span is a legitimate starting CF on a contender. That contract, while much smaller, carried far more risk because he *was* signed to a contract to play CF beginning at age 31 or 32 coming off hip surgery. And, not so shockingly, it looks really bad.
I agree. It made sense at the time. What I meant is that right now, Cain is not only “spare parts,” he actually could hurt the team if they hand him a rotation spot instead of a more deserving younger pitcher, or cut a bullpen pitcher to make him the (unnecessary) long man, or carry an extra pitcher/short bench just to give him a roster spot. And that’s not even counting the opportunity cost of what his money could have done for the 2017 roster.
Believe me, I’m not thrilled about Span, either, but he at least has a legitimate role on the team for next year. Now, I would be fine if that role was platooning with Gorkys or Slater, but at least he can provide some value.
Ya, the sad part about Cain’s contract is it *could* result in hurting this team. I am on record now, well actually the entire offseason, that I will be seething if the Giants don’t give Blach a chance to flourish in the 5th spot. He EARNED the right to be the front runner. I’m not saying anoint him now and say there will be no competition. But unless Blach gets Chuck Knoblauch type syndrome and can’t find home plate, he BETTER be the 5th starter to begin the season. I cannot even begin to explain how upset I will be if Matt Cain is the 5th starter to open 2017. I love Cain and he’s one of the more important and decorated players in Giants lore, but his time as anything but a mop up guy has come to an end. As for Span, I imagine his leash will be shorter or else we will start seeing more Gorkys and/or hopefully Slater.
Let’s root for Matty for this one last yr, and then kiss him bye bye
More than 100 million less than the guy the Cubs took from them , and Fowler is a better player too.
Heyward is much younger, so there’s still time for that to turn around, but yeah, that’s looking like an awful deal for the Cubs. Not that it seems to be slowing them down any.
Cubs outfield could be a lot worse this year, Zobrist a year older, Heyward, and a unproven rookie in CF, plus a DH pretending to be an Outfielder .
Yesterday I was thinking that part of the reason Scout’s Zorilla went to Chi-town was they were offering him a chance to settle into the infield. But now he seems to be full time in the OF. I like the way you put that last phrase.
That’s true. He wanted to be a 2B.
Zo looks pretty good out there.
Heyward still a plus-plus defender. Almora Jr. should be a plus center fielder.
But what about a vet who keeps himself in top shape!
Most unproven Cubs rookies prove themselves.
Huh. I am stunned, absolutely SHOCKED, that Matt Barnes and Boogie Cousins are facing at best a civil lawsuit and at worst criminal charges for putting a couple guys in the hospital in New York earlier this week. #notstunnedorshockedatall
What a train wreck the Sacramento Kings are.
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/ailene-voisin/article119858548.html
Oh, and Barnes allegedly choked a woman (again). #notshocked
I pin this one on the great GM, Vlade Divac. He had no business signing Barnes to a team lacking professional/winning leadership for years now. Did he actually think Barnes would be a good influence on Cousins?
The poor people of Sacramento. Getting a new home…paying premium prices…and the Kings are being run by people that would struggle running a “Mom and Pop” store.
Read an article right before the season that stated that Cousins is the most likely candidate to be traded before this season’s trade deadline. He’s a FA after next season, so his value would be best now; with a year for his new team to sell an extension. It would be great for him, if he could go to somewhere like Boston (really good coach), but the Kings would just waste whatever they get in return…with their current front office. Can the NBA please force them to hire a consultant that knows what they’re doing?
Maybe McHale would have been a better head coach hire to get Cousins the role model he truly needs? Just a thought…
A couple weeks ago the talk was that Cousins would/should be traded ASAP for the good of the team’s future–maximizing his value–but that the great genius Vivek Ranadive flatly refuses to trade his best player when he’s trying to sell tickets in a new arena. What a mess.
We have tickets to see the Warriors play at the Golden 1 Center in February. I AM looking forward to getting a look at the place.
Fowler (Colo Hou Chi Stl)…all favorable
hitters parks.
Fwiw, career at phone park 146 pa hit .196 1 hr .572ops
He’s a smart guy.
As opposed to Busch Stadium 150 PA .282, 6hrs….858 OPS…
Rooting for the Marlins to “land” the big fish, Kenley Jansen (see what I did there?). While I’d prefer him in, say, the AL East, he’s not likely to be facing the Giants in the postseason (like the Nats) or in the NL West (the Dodgers). Plus I think it would be hilarious if Mattingly’s influence peeled Jansen away from the Dodgers. He almost got fired in 2013 because the front office insisted he use Brandon League as closer, and him finally inserting Jansen saved his job and the Dodgers’ season.
It’s looking like the Dodgers are essentially out of it. Reports are Friedman won’t go for a 5th year and Jansen’s going to get one. It appears it’s come down to Marlins and Nats. Considering that Harper is all but gone after next year I could see the Nats splurging for Jansen to try to maximize their remaining 2 year window with him. Plus, Jansen proved to the Nats as much as anyone how dominant he can be in the postseason.
They’ll probably roll the dice on Holland…although I think he’d be better suited to sign with a team that lets him get his stuff back without much pressure…(cough, cough) like the Giants. He won’t be closing effectively right away, if he was to go to the Dodgers and probably feel the wrath of the fans ticked off at their FO about whiffing on Jansen (and others).
Jansen seems to really want to go to Miami.
GG, no f***ing way he should be in HOF. Not only was there a lack of oversight on PED, one Brewer (Slugs team) who was caught got off on a technicality. Baseball has been on the rise in fan base and profit. For me I think the increases were gained by technology advances in streaming video. Baseball has done well but could maybe have done better with someone else at the helm. He is in the hall based on the efforts of others not his own merits.
As GG put it so exactly, “However, he was the Commissioner and his election to the Hall of Fame smacks as a self-serving, back-slapping, gentleman’s country club mentality kind of vote.”
If that damn Wally Pipp hadn’t wanted a fourth for bridge, Giamatti would have put a stop to all that nonsense, and that idiotic strike in ’94 would have been avoided..
…and the big marine might still be the only clean player to break maris’ single season HR record. he did admit to taking steroids from ’02-’05 to help him heel from injuries..
Well he did bring baseball back to Milwaukee and he did….I don’t know, he did something else I’m sure. I’ll think of it. Maybe.
Granted, but is that HOF worthy?
Nope…tongue firmly planted en mi mejilla.
LOL. That’s a bit like bringing the clap back to Subic Bay, of dubious utility.
Hey CC, see if you can spot this one…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXLELdezjuE
More to my taste, as opposed to a pinch hitter with Bonnie Raitt’s bat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSbcpLLadX0
Here’s something else for you, from Elizabeth Kolbert:
http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/why-scientists-are-scared-of-trump-a-pocket-guide
it’s a good one for 610nm as well
Skimmed it, ‘ta. I’ve been bothered for 20 years or so about politicians of all stripes choosing to let the problem of getting wawy from the use of fossil fuels for the next guy. Now I’m just plain worried about whether or not the next guy will actually come.
On a lighter note, we are probably still evolving. I’m alive because Benjamin Franklin invented glasses, so that I haven’t been eaten by the first lion to come along: extreme mypia is certainly not being rigorously selected against. Cultural evolution would be easier to document than the genetic type, but I think the gene for digesting lactose is considered to be only about 8,000 years old. A blink in time.
Give Spinoza the credit, besides being a philosopher for the ages, he ground the lenses Leeuwenhoek used to start the microscope and eyeglasses down the path. As a matter of fact, the silicosis he contracted doing that probably killed him.
Another TWG special, a schooling in optics!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glasses
says that ol’ Ben Franklin invented bifocals. As is the way with science, there is a long list of precursors from a book on optics written in 1021 and the first eyeglasses by an unknown Italian in 1286. I am very grateful to all these people.
That artice did at least prop up my BS about nearsightedness: “The number of Americans who are nearsighted has doubled since the 1970s and almost 3/4 of the US population wears glasses.” The doubling must be from improved eye care, not a rapid decline in humanity’s eyesight.
How does it feel to know Spinoza dies for your lenses. 😉
It’s not a new phenomenon, it’s very old.
http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/w/Know-Nothing_Party
They’re back! Or they never left.
Even the slogans are similar.
When did evolution come to a grinding halt? Somewhere around 30 AD?
That’s one succinct featured comment by Matthew!
Who is Wally Pipp? It’s got to be someone who hangs out here regularly.
The real one, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wally_Pipp with our version being the inimitable (and one and only) Scout from the foot hills.
Scout wouldn’t have been my guess.
I’m not your first choice. Not it a million years? What am I, a 4?
Wally Pipp had a Clutchup feel to it, so if he is truly you…many apologies. You would have been my second choice, since you (like me) have that smartass gene in you. 🙂
Clutch was probably my first choice as well. He’s the Melania of the blog.
ps – since the Giants are rolling with Mac/Park, or Park/Mac, and the Pirates are holding on to Cutch (their demands not being met), perhaps when Park/Mac are hitting .220 in July, Evans will be able to bring Cutch over and fill the void then.
That’s what I suspected. Which means he was talking to himself yesterday when I got into the middle of that conversation.
http://gifrific.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Lucy-Peanuts-Angry-in-the-Snow.gif
Whoa. Not true. Ask the resident linguist.
I’ve been wondering about the ID of Pipp myself, but maybe Pipp is just Pipp.
I love your GIF by the way!
Okay, Ryan. It’s good to know it’s not you, Mr. Multiple Personality.
The last time I made this “guess”, FHR (the nom de jeur at that time) said that Wally Pipp gave him the heebie-jeebies. Wally is a pretty interesting fellow to have around, but we could do with somewhat fewer visits from him.
OK, now you’re sounding like The Oracle.
I’m more Mr. Melancholic lately.
I vacillate between melancholy and despair.
stayed in with sore throat this morning but I’m going to see if running the chainsaw cheers me up
Just make sure you properly dispose of the bodies.
I apologize for my suspicion. I’m glad it’s not you. I don’t much care for the fake Wally Pipp, and I don’t think it’s right to use real people’s names as screen names. I’d like to see that outlawed.
Shoveling snow in 10° temps on a sunny day cheered me up. I shoveled our next door neighbors’ sidewalks too. They both work and don’t get home until 5:30 or 6 pm. These are things you can do when you retire.
There’s a Sybil among us?
look what you started!
http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/peanuts/images/e/ed/Charlie-brown-1-sad.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20110703102535
I’ve occasionally looked for a good example of ‘whimsical. This thread fills the bill.
Seriously! There is a little bit of everything here, including our occasional poster from “up there”.
Quite the bike race: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/08/sports/la-ruta-de-los-conquistadores-costa-rica-cycling.html
“[this year they] found something more challenging than scaling an active volcano on a bicycle.”
Very cool, great article and thanks. I read Joe DeSena’s book, (not recommending it) he says a lot of competitors who complete or attempt these kinds of races it changes their perspective on what is a hard day in life. Little things that use to be big issues become lower key issues. I may find out the truth of the statement this year. I have already entered (Paid committed) for two Spartan races this coming year.
Oh, wow! Please post a story about this experience. I want to do a long distance walk sometimes, to find some other perspectives. Stay safe during your race!
I will do so and hopefully not bore everyone.
Wow. This is great. Tinker Tico is my hero.
Bobby Valentine may finally have found work. http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/article119918403.html
The NFL has some interesting plans. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/dec/09/nfl-london-four-games-2017
Never cash your “check” we zero money to “back it up”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DepefuRqwQ
Upon Billy’s Exit interview and Roberto’s exit interview – both men were given a gift wrapped explanation of the straw that broke the camels back.
Roberto = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wU6qS0JfOM
Billy = http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/11493214/v1204117083/?query=Gillaspie%2Bpicked%2Boff
Bill King had a cat named Hank, owned only $250 dollar cars, ate gourmet and junk food, called 90% of baseball games in his boxers or speedo’s, was the lead announcer for three teams, delved in Russian history and art, disappeared on his boat after each season and once climbed up on a table court-side and called a referee a “MotherForYou” – then later became friends with that referee.
https://steemit.com/sports/@donkeypong/bill-king-was-a-broadcasting-legend-and-one-hell-of-a-weird-dude
Love this column about Selig. Hard to judge but I’m with the people voting no. His own team was always pretty poor and he was a miser and a poor ambassador for baseball when he was an owner. As commissioner, ballgames went from under three hours to interminable, and no one under 12 is watching anymore. I’m a true believer and hope to love the game for as long as I live, but Bud made it harder, not easier, and the future is not looking particularly great.
I do not like the wildcards or the one game playoff but I can’t argue that it has made the regular season very exciting.
I hear that a lot about people who don’t like the wild cards. I agree that a one game playoff is gimmicky and it should be at least 2 of 3. But those who opposed the creation of the initial wild card in 1995, what is your proposed alternative? Have TWO teams make the playoffs from each league while most everyone else’s season is done by July? That might’ve made a little more sense when games weren’t on TV and didn’t draw big revenues. But I cannot fathom having four total teams in all of baseball make the playoffs. That would create tremendous apathy among many fan bases.
I don’t have a better solution but I don’t like how it devalues the regular season and division champions. A lot of wildcards have now won the World Series (including the Giants!).
At least the two wildcards and 1 game playoff have messed up the rotations for those teams and let the division winner have some advantage.
My real point was that Selig deserves credit for this.
The better solution is one wild card.
Melancon presser on CSNBA and MLB Network now
How does Ray Ratto keep his job, on Tv throwing out stuff, saying the Giants need a 4th and 5th starter, and that they have nobody in the minors they can use as a Starter . I hate when people on Tv are to lazy to do the work , and just BS and get away with it !
He trolls for guys like you.
No he is just like you he fakes it !
Weak tea. He’s a fauxrage mechanic, and you’re his tool.
He’s far from faking it. For Fake material see Gary Radunich which is his real last name.
Ratto is just winking at fans. His overall sports knowledge is off the charts. His physical condition points to the fact that he may not reach his 63rd birthday.
About the time you were at Oak Grove HS – Ratto was a HS Hoops referee and graded out in the 90% class.
He actually knows the Giants have 4 starters set for 2017, but just wanted to look stupid on Tv, I do not buy that !
YOU don’t have to buy it or anything. What I wrote is the truth. Must be one of your pet “peas”.
You know for sure that Ratto knows everything , and does not make mistakes ever on tv, because you like him because he was a ref along time ago .
That is not wrong – I never said I LIKED him – I said he is good at his craft.
You should get that hair ball stuck in your throat removed.
He was talking BS on tv today, not good at all !
Ah, don’t distract him. After my challenge, Pete is busy watching “Refer Madness”, so that he will know what he’s talking about. One thing about PJ, not “too lazy to do the work”, in his own words.
Still, as smart as he is (just ask him), I can’t figure out how he never learned the difference between the words then and than.
“That’s right Lon, I should have known”. How is lady Diane?
CC and Clutch nailed it…he has a shtick. I’m with you….I think he’s a tool, but I don’t read ever, or listen unless he pops up. Don’t take him seriously.
Phil Bickford just got popped for drugs of abuse for the 2nd time, 50 days susp, how about that pro pot people !
Maybe the Giants traded him for less value then some thought he was worth, because they knew about the 1st failed test, and did not trust him to stop using the stuff .
Alex Pavlovic 18min ago:
Phil Bickford was suspended 50 games for “second positive test for a drug of abuse.” Giants traded him to Brewers for Will Smith.
The Giants were wise to trade him.
Bingo!
Wow.
That’s what I thought. Along with: Whew.
Dumb kid. First-round draft pick, top-50 prospect, bright future.
Sheet-for-brains.
If only Macaulay Culkin could have hit off of a tee… https://vine.co/v/5xzjtVxuvHW
Bickford was likely suspended for testing positive for marijuana. Why does baseball care about players using marijuana? It’s not performance-enhancing.
unless it’s a twinkie eating contest..
Because it is against the law in most states, and not safe to play baseball when your high, he could hit someone in the head and kill them !!!
More important things are “against the law” that players get a pass for doing. And, I highly doubt he would pitch while stoned…just a wild guess
He is pretty stupid you never know, you pro pot what a shock !
Go California!
I’ve used it as an adult for pain relief, as I find it better for me than “legal” things like Vicodin. My mom used it for nausea during chemo and radiation before she passed away. Sometimes, laws are stupid.
By the way, I was dumb and wasted a couple of years when I was young, so I don’t think you are totally wrong….but it does have its place.
Bickford with a pizza and a bong is NOT one of those places.
You know he took it for pain relief, I doubt it !
I don’t think Bickford broke a law, unless he went to court. He violated a regulation negotiated in his union contract. That’s not a subtle difference.
Let Timmy toke. He lost it after getting busted if you remember
Most states? Are you sure about that? I thought at least 28 states have legalized marijuana in some form: medical or recreational. Eventually the Feds will have to drop their pursuit of people on this matter.
Federal laws, it is not legal, you pro pot, people should drive cars stoned, that sound safe to you !
I’ve actually never tried marijuana personally. Professionally, I think medical marijuana can be helpful/useful for physical pain. I don’t think it’s useful in treatment of PTSD.
Problem most use it recreational more then medically .
What’s your research source on that?
School !
Kindergarten?
No, high school went to school with lots of stoners, they seem to love music TOO !
This is considered anecdotal evidence. It’s not research.
He is consistent though, that’s got to be worth something.
Yes it does have a tendancy to bring out creativity as well.
School he done learn grammar.
I view it as better than alcohol. In my 26 years of use 14 to 40, I have never met a person that blacked out and does not remember a thing or one that gets violent when smoking.
Again depends on the strain. This issue is just beginning to be taken seriously. This herb is very complex. It wouldn’t take much effort to gain some perspective here.
Here’s an example. For severe back pain, I used several different types of cannabis. Some of it helped a little. Most of it got me “high”, which was Not desired. My Dr recommended an oil based tincture, taken by the dropper. It states in plain talk on the label that it is for pain/anxiety/tension, and it says “will not get you high”. And it doesn’t.
As far as I can tell, it works by affecting the nerves that grab onto the irritation areas, blocking the spasm from starting up. It does work. Now, I used a different tincture previously which did get me high, and I simply kept looking until I found what worked for me. Might not work for all, could work for some.
Cannabadiol as I recall.
It is very good for those that have anxiety issues.
Actually it’s not.
My stepson and my wife who vouches for her son would beg to differ with that answer.
There in lies perception vs reality and multiple uses and effects of drugs. There are reports that the canboids give a relaxing and calming effect on people. There are also reports that show that it can increase paranoia.
Drugs are fickled. They impact various people various ways. Not every body becomes a violent drunk when drinking, not everyone becomes an alcoholic. Even Ritalin which is a stimulant used in depression to stimulate people is also prescribed for hyperactivity and ADHD as it in theory overloads the system and makes them calmer.
http://www.medicaldaily.com/how-marijuana-relieves-or-exacerbates-anxiety-270717
Come on, Peter. People driving drunk is a huge problem, and thousands die each year because of it, I’ve never been to an accident where someone died because a driver had been smoking weed. The distinction in the law between alcohol and marijuana doesn’t make any logical sense.
Driving stoned is safe, no way !
To rephrase…you driving stoned is safe, no way.
Not if Jeff Sessions has anything to do with it.
But…states rights!
Matthew may turn on Sessions if he takes away his medicine.
See Doc Ellis for additional info. You might be blissfully ignorant on this subject.
Lucky he did not kill any one, another shocker , you being pro pot !
What absolute nonsense.
Depends on the strain, depends on the person. Most folks don’t know as much about this subject as they think they do.
Was he in California? That could become a legal problem.
The hypocrisy of marijuana use having disciplinary consequences while alcohol is no problem won’t last much longer, but I guess the mystery of why the Giants soured on Bickford so quickly has been solved.
I would out law them both ! cought driving with either hard Time in Jail !!!
Yep. Also this is incredibly hypocritical: “Players on 40-man rosters are not at risk of suspension for marijuana use, but Bickford is not on Milwaukee’s big-league roster.” Makes total sense. If you’re on the big league roster making real money the Union has got your back. If you’re not you’re a drug abuser who needs to be suspended. So the moral is Bickford merely needed to wait to being added to the 40 man and then he can smoke all he wants without ramifications from MLB.
Lincecum was on a big league roster when he got busted by the cops. In fact, he’d just won his second Cy Young Award.
This tune has been playing quite a bit up here.
RIP Greg Lake
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXCEdrnaFlY
Hey Wally, tell deeg that we’re not one and the same. You’re the egg-man, I am the walrus.
I know who Wally is, and I can verify that it’s not you.
How come you get to know all the secrets?
OK, if it’s not ClutchUp, I think I have a reasonable guess.
Do you use linguistic clues or have other concrete info?
What is a larger trigger: Pot or Ratto?
PJ?
Pot, Ratto is just incompetent, pot could lead to death !
Maybe munchies filled out those sweaters!
Chetto Pies ala mode. It’s an acquired taste.
When I go to Stanford from Ottawa the kids at the Ronald McDonald House are given Medicinal marijuana in slight dosages to try to SAVE their LIVES PJ.
Grow up and educate yourself
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/31/cannabis-for-children_n_4697135.html
I think Ratto, but i’m pretty stoned right now, so who knows.
More on Bickford from Alex:
https://twitter.com/AlexPavlovic/status/807351845542707200
With the way Smith finished the season, and this suspension for Bickford, that move is starting to scream “overpay!” a lot less than many of us, including myself, initially thought.
How am I going to handle it if Albert Suarez and Andrew Suarez are on the same roster?
Mamma Mia!
Andrew is left-handed, if that helps!
I might be “handed-blind”
Not me. I notice the lefties on the first day of class and play favorites.
No No – you need to place the LH writers to the right of a RH writer….
Leftist!
Not that there’s anything wrong with that
Can we call Albert Amos?
Kuip might have to retire.
Don’t forget Sam Coonrod, Alex.
Well, I wouldn’t condemn the kid. Timmy liked a little pot.
Yeah and if timmy hadn’t spent so many years smoking and eating In N Out and playing video games, instead spent more time in the gym, he may have had a longer career
“Madden get your big butt out of here … he does” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Y1SeAjv5ao
That Bill King Holy Roller call ranks in the top 5 of any sport. Miller and Ruben Rivera. Scully and Montana. Jack Buck and Ozzie, Russ and Bobby Thompson.
Way to go Phil, way to spark up the hot stove talk.
Remember, nice strike out numbers, but diminished velocity may have been the real reason why the Giants soured a bit on him and why his trade value wasn’t all that high. Some outlets likely still have him overrated.
or “light up” the hot stove talk…
Another former Giant-turned Dodger is out-righted. Chollie Culberson
A great Giant solely due to the fact that he helped the Giants land the 2012 NLCS MVP.
He helped only slightly more than I did.
Wow. He’s a better Kelby, IMHO. Someone will sign him quickly.
Kelby’s a better Kelby. Check their stats. Kelby’s a better hitter (OPS+ 107; Culberson 58), a better baserunner, and all around more valuable. (1.8 career WAR for Kelby; 0.6 for Charlie, and Charlie has more plate appearances).
OK, I didn’t check the numbers, and I really like Kelby, too. I think Culbertson has more power, but they are similar: good young players who can play multiple positions. He’s a good get for someone.
Flan https://twitter.com/TimFlannery2/status/807090604387643392
The one thing I will always remember about Hesto Presto’s No hitter is the final pitch as he started heading to the dugout @ 1:10 http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/73497276/v154279183/?query=heston%2Bthrows%2Bno%2Bhitter
No hits and 11 K’s plus three HBP
Tejada – Duda and Recker were all plunked by H_Presto
Was at the game
Here is my scorebook
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/019dc9c1b8378d589b135fce499f173de52a2139b86fcd4621ec77157fe93af6.jpg
This system took a hit in the Adam Eaton trade. Pittsburgh wanted the new #1, Victor Robles, but Rizzo did not want to part with future centerfielder, so Cutch has stayed put.
http://www.minorleagueball.com/2016/12/9/13903682/washington-nationals-top-20-prospects-for-2017
With Melancon wearing Affeldt’s #41 – they’ve stepped right into the Legacy moment.
https://www.facebook.com/Giants/videos/10154062683326828/
Awwww, I love him! Thanks, Santa!
We really are lucky to have Larry.
Kinda shy, even nervous. Certainly wouldn’t guess he’s a great closer.
Maybe a tad over the top but I like Dusty’s take on Eaton:
” He’s not afraid to get dirty and grimy, greasy, nasty — do everything there is to beat you.”
I’d rather have Blackmon. I think they overpaid. Fowler in St. Louis seems a stretch to me (years) as well. A.J. Pollock in AZ is going to be the best CF in the NL, IMHO.
Would you believe Blackmon is 2 years older than Eaton? Blackmon had a great year last year, especially in the power department, but Eaton’s last three years have been better.
Greasy?
This is so cool. Ian Clark, a bench guard on the Warriors, had his jersey retired tonight at his high school in a Memphis suburb. The team is in Memphis for their game tomorrow night. Check out his teammates who came along to HIS HIGH SCHOOL to give their support. On an off-day on a grueling trip where they’re playing in four cities in five nights. This tells you everything you need to know about how special this team is.
https://twitter.com/ianclark/status/807414852377513984
Seriously cool.
I see Mr. Durant, Mr. Curry, Mr. Green, and Mr. Iguodala, among others. That’s two league MVPs, one Finals MVP, and four All-Stars. Taking time to support a young bench player. I LOVE it.
It sure looks like Durant is one happy camper. I think this was the team environment he was looking for and actions like this speak pretty loudly.
He looks really happy during the games. REALLY happy. I didn’t watch OKC except when they were playing the Dubs, but I don’t remember him looking so consistently happy with the Thunder. He always looked serious, like the weight of the world was upon him.
I agree. I remember him asking about where the team hangs out and such, during the recruiting meeting…(nose now up in the air)…in the Hamptons.
Can’t remember where I read that, but it sounded like one group went with Russ and the other went with KD.
BTW…I’m not buying all this “triple double” BS with Westbrook. It looks good on paper, but OKC isn’t a better team because…all of a sudden…he is able to do all these things without KD on the team. I also laugh when I read about Russ “staying” with the Thunder; showing a commitment that KD couldn’t. Like everyone knows…without a doubt…that Russ would’ve stayed if KD re-signed. It could easily have been KD left holding the bag next season…with Russ leaving and KD stuck in OKC.
John Glenn – Ted Williams trivia.
Ted Williams was Hispanic by some measure
Glenn probably saved Williams life in Korea.
Neat stuff. http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/12/10/when-john-glenn-saved-ted-williams-s-life.html
Super cool. Good tip. When your jet is in flames, fly higher.
here’s a good story from joe posnanski about those two..
http://joeposnanski.com/a-bleeping-american-hero/
It’s Friday night, so I’m catching up on my MLB.com reading. One article: “10 contenders who still have holes.” #1: the Dodgers need a RH bat. The Giants didn’t make the list. Does that mean they don’t have holes or they’re not contenders? (Consider: The Angels and the Rockies WERE on the list.)
Also: Lucas Giolito is “excited” to be part of the “prospect haul” in Chicago. I read similar comments from the two top prospects who went to the CWS for Sale from Boston, and I think they’re all liars. No one wants to be traded to the White Sox from Boston (whom the Yankees’ GM just called “The Golden State Warriors of MLB”) or the Nats (perennial contenders).
Is this the Steph Curry of MLB?
(drafted in the 5th round of the 2011 MLB draft)
https://nesncom.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/mookie-betts10.jpg
Steph was a first-rounder, #7 overall. It does kind of look like him, though
When and if he wins back to back MVP’s and obliterates some all time record….then you can ask.
But failed big time last year
Name one athlete, in any sport, ever, who hasn’t had their portion of what you consider “failure”. Steph is a superstar.
No one said that he isn’t a superstar and one of the top 2-3 faces in the nba, but he should have led the Dubs to a win last season and in one swoop placed LeBron behind him. His failure to do that was immense, it allowed LeBron to take the throne back again, even if temporary and only help validate in some people’s minds the doubts that guys like Charles have about the Dubs and Steph – that they are soft in many areas.
I pointed out last season coming out of preseason that the middle was going to be an issue – Bogut would no doubt get hurt, and he did, and Festus was not the answer fans imagined him to be. The team was soft in the middle. Look at the interior defensive stats and the overall team D lacked the fire of the previous year. Steph failed, along with Klay, to lead the team to victory in the end.
32 defensive runs saved. Incredible. 7.8 fWAR. If it wasn’t for Mike Trout (Lebron James), this guy is the AL MVP – although I would have voted Betts over Trout.
A chance for you to become acquainted:
http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=13611&position=OF
http://www.metro.us/sports/mookie-betts-proving-he-has-staying-power-with-red-sox/tmWniw—eaDMyoHvNhjmI/sptb_mookie_betts-614×367.jpg
I’m acquainted, but thanks for the extra info.
I’m just feeling like Lloyd Bentsen, Danny Boy….I know Steph Curry. I’ve watched him from day 1…
If you were a top prospect pitcher on the Giants and wanted to actually get on the field – and saw the top 4 – you would be excited to join another team to get the opportunity to play. With all the starters Boston is accumulating it’s going to be tough to crack the roster. players play to play, and many would die for the opportunity even if it means not being on the teams the fans think are “better” than others.
Good point.
That is why Heston and Duvall are happy campers … “just let me play.” And when a team trades for you then you probably are headed towards a real shot.
Melacon looks just like a guy who could of played in the 1920s era.
As long as he doesn’t throw like he’s 115 years old, I’m okay with it!
Lolol
66 days until pitchers and catchers report.
Have a great weekend all!
Former Giant catcher, Johnny Monell, is off to Korea. I thought he might be pretty good if given a chance. He only got 56 ABs in 88 innings with the Giants and Mets.
Will Jensen please sign with the Marlins already?
Jim Barnett isn’t a guy that just says things just to hear his own voice (unlike his partner).
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d562398a1f450b5803d9e6a2ed9515f82e63c59bf88921e0b938cca397457a27.jpg
Fitz has foes and friends. Right now he needs friends for the loss of Carol. He’ll need some support with his three kids …
I’m not being callous towards Fitz and his loss. I understand and sympathize. That said, he still likes to hear his own voice.
Yes he does and so did King and as always Papa
I’ve never been a Bud fan… he’s a spineless weenie IMHO
He gets a lot of credit for the league rolling in dough but let’s face it, you or I could have been commish and they’d still be raking in money.
man’s best friend, right till the end
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/hospital-dog-peace-owner-passes-article-1.2905053
New Post by the Boys who Haak and Swing Sweetly
http://fe0.84e.myftpupload.com/guest-posts/haak-away-22ssweetswing-guest-post-myguy-2016-results/