by
Greek Giant
Spring Training is way way way too long. Eduardo Nunez has an ouchie in his shoulder. Will Smith’s elbow is kepholoeey. Matt Cain appears to be getting the nod to be the fifth starter… When does Spring Training 2018 start?
Today the Giants host the Mariners at 6:05 Willie Mays Field time.
Team USA pummels Puerto Rico as Brandon Crawford is named MVP in the WBC, at least in my household.
Congrats Team USA and Jim Leyland!
Breckeroni wants the medical science experiment the Giants have become to end.
Neither Siri nor Alexa can grant this request
I think they had the so called experiment mapped out for them by others who own the majority of the team. Might have been a forgone conclusion.
The experiment ending will mean – pressures will lie soley on any and all younger players to produce pronto – out of the gate.
I have this feeling April will look like ST, sub 500 ball.
I will go way out on a limb and say 14-13
12-14, 8 games to go. Despite the late injuries, I look at it as a good spring, with what will be a very good River Cat’s team with several guys ready to play up here.
April- 15-12
Gotta admit that I was skeptical as to enjoying the WBC, but it was some GREAT baseball. I love the passion and pride for their country the players exhibited. Our guys played well. MLB nailed it this year–tip of the cap.
I agree. I’ve never watched the WBC before. Thank you to whatever gave me free access to MLBN.
I found it compelling. I loved the displays of national pride. At first I thought, things aren’t that great in many of these countries, and here is something positive for them. I started out rooting for the minor leaguers and the underdogs. Then I realized things have sucked in the US of late, so our team deserved to win, too.
In supporting Team USA, I started to appreciate all of the players. I discovered new heroes. I want Adam Jones to play centerfield at AT&T some day on a regular basis. I promise not to mock Eric Hosmer for the next 4 months.
It was a great series. And I’m glad our Giants are returning to Arizona, unscathed.
I don’t watch ST, I did watch a lot of the WBC. I get the fear with guys getting hurt playing in it, but absent the WBC, I don’t watch until April. It’s nice to have the WBC and see the passion with the various nations. The DR and Puerto Rico were loaded and should be good for years to come.
I thought USA was loaded as well – gunning for a repeat in 2021 !
As you may have read, I felt the same way. I turned around for a variety of reasons, but primary among them was a feeling that these guys were not playing for the money but for the fun of it and several admitted it was the most fun they’ve had in a long time, and for one, ever.
I liked it because it was very good baseball played by very good players.
The 5 spot is very much up for grabs.
If you were to put a 5 spot on the table, yeah, I’d probably grab it.
Aces and Eights .Keeping my back to the wall.
Someone here mentioned that the Giants only need a 5th starter 2 times in the first 20 games.
Despite his lack of success, Cain is the pitcher that has the extended innings indicating a starting role.
I really like Matt Cain as a player and a Giant but Cain remaining in starting rotation only increases the likelihood of losing games and delays the inevitable. My druthers is 60 day disabled list followed by AAA rehab and then perhaps mid season addition as a long man and swing starter depending on health and performance of pitching staff. Maybe then Cain can resurrect his career?
I would like to see Blach or Stratton start the season as 5th starter (and Blackburn and Beede could also be considered).
At this point I expect Cain will start the season as 5th starter.
He might, but now it’s said that Bochy will stretch Blach out. As I have posted many times before- I don’t think that Matt will be on the 25-man on opening day.
No slam on Matt Cain but I do not want him on the opening day roster either.
Hope you are correct.
Given his performance in ST and over the last 3+ years that’s what should happen. But I just don’t see the Giants having the fortitude to do that. I have no problem with Cain being the long RP/mop-up guy, but I have a big problem with him being in the rotation.
They need to buy him out.
I think the 5th starter is over rated. In general if you have a great 5th starter you might get 2 or 3 more wins. That would not of gotten the Giants the division title in any of the last 3 years and it would not have gotten them into the playoffs in 2015 either. So you can add an above average 5th starter and have little to no impact on how the season plays out. Here is a nice article discussing the 5th starter from a WAR perspective. They make special not to the Diamond in the Rough the Giants found in Vogelsong.
https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/even-a-teams-fifth-starting-pitcher-matters-when-trying-to-make-the-playoffs/
Thought it was going to Cain. What makes you think so?
Bochy said that he is going to stretch out Blach. That was after Cain’s last start. I take that as wavering from his earlier comments. So, we’ll see soon enough,
Good to see you back.
Thanks. Not in tune yet to reading the tea leaves.
Basketball still has a hold on me but I’ll be here for the regular season!
I would very much like the SF Giants to have a star quality player in CF and view Span as an interim player and perhaps a corner outfielder and back up CF if a star quality solution is found for CF.
Most ideal would be for the Giants to get Trout by trade or free agency (that will not occur at the earliest until 2021). Pretty much anyone on the Giants should be an untouchable if the Angels were willing to trade Trout. The idea of Trout an SF Giant is unlikely but one can dream.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/troutmi01.shtml
The SF Giants have two young, fast track, and relatively high draft picks in their minor league system. Several of us have mentioned Steven Duggar but Bryan Reynolds may be a better played and more so the future in the eyes of the front office. Both have been successful in their brief professional careers. I would like to see both aggressively pushed up the system.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=duggar000ste
http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=reynol000bry
http://aroundthefoghorn.com/2017/03/21/san-francisco-giants-players-san-jose-keep-eye-2017/5/
” Reynolds seems to be on the right path to becoming the Giants centerfielder of the future. He has raw power and can hit for average from both sides of the plate.”
For 2017, Span is acceptable for CF and lead off for now but the team would benefit from a CF with a stronger arm and a lead off hitter that was a greater threat for speed and stolen bases, Span could finish his contract and any extensions as back up CF and a back up or starter at corner OF.
Gorkys Hernandez is OK but has aged into an AAAA player. If Williamson did not have a recent injury to keep him off the opening day roster, I would rather go four deep (with Williamson instead of Gorkys) in the OF to start the season and have an extra infielder ( granted based upon some OF ability/experience among the utility IF). Parker would then start the season as back up CF where he has minor league and some mlb experience.
The other immediate option is a trade for an upgrade at CF with the assumption that the player would be the starter until Duggar or Reynolds or ? would arrive with success from the minors. I do not like one season rent a player as a rule.
What are some players that may be achievable as mid seasons trades for CF in 2017? I would like to see someone that hits, leads off, steals bases, and throws better than Span. Span would still get regular work as back up CF and starter at corner OF. With an aging and oft injured OFs (Span and Pence), four OFs are likely to receive substantial time as starters and essentially regulars.
Someone who can get after the ball in CF, but does not have a track record of hitting consistently is Jake Marisnick of Houston. I think he has a good chance of being available, and that’s key, being available.
The Marlins could sell assets. They have Marcel Ozuna.
Could Billy Hamilton become available?
Hey, valleyfloorprospectgenius: Do any of the kids recently drafted (Duggar? Reynolds?) have the future locked down in your eyes?
That’s a cool handle. Why didn’t I think of it?
Short answer: no – prospects, especially lower level ones, are volatile assets.
Duggar really put himself on the map with an outstanding 60 games at Richmond. He was solid at class High-A, but really had a swing going in AA. Scouts rate his tools above average, especially run/range and arm. I saw him three times at San Jose, he looked like a nice player, even hit a home run in a live ballpark, but he did not “pop” like some prospects do. He’s typically rated as B- prospect with a good chance of becoming 4th OF material. But has a ceiling as everyday CF with resepectable avg and obp, but limited slugging.
I’d like to see Reynolds at SJ this year. He has some pop has some D, but has to watch his strikeouts. Inability to make enough contact could make him go bust.
So be hopeful, but don’t take it to the bank.
So, if they are either a “yes”, they feel like 2019 or later?
So that I’m not just feeding you BS, here are rankings and blurbs from John Sickels and the evaluator at fangraphs, both of whom I respect their diligence and objectivity:
3) Bryan Reynolds, OF, Grade B-/B: Age
21, second round pick in 2016 out of Vanderbilt, hit .313/.363/.484
between Northwest League and Low-A, 14 walks, 61 strikeouts in 217
at-bats; only below-average tool is arm strength; features above-average
speed and at least average raw power; drew walks in college but was
more aggressive in pro ball; whiff rate is of concern but broad base of
tools and skills means the Giants will be as patient as possible while
he adapts; could be multi-category contributor. ETA: 2020.
11) Steven Duggar, OF, Grade B-: Age
23, sixth round pick in 2015 out of Clemson; hit .302/.388/.448 with 28
doubles, 10 homers, 15 steals, 72 walks, 117 strikeouts in 507 at-bats
between High-A and Double-A; lefty hitter with patient approach, 60
speed and 60 arm, solid-average raw power; has never quite lived up to
expectations generated by his tools but he gets on base and can shoot
stuff to the gaps; Giants have a habit of getting the best out of these
types of players. ETA 2019.
fg #3:
Reynolds seemed likely to go somewhere toward the end of the first
round in June but fell into the middle of round two reportedly due to
signability concerns that are somewhat inexplicable for a college
junior. Reynolds is a Boras client and did end up getting an overslot
bonus.
Scouts who saw Reynolds in pro ball think the Giants got a steal
despite his somewhat concerning whiff rates. While he lacks exceptional
bat control, he has good hitter’s timing and natural loft to his swing
and should one day hit for power befitting a corner outfielder — even if
it’s more of the doubles variety than for big homer totals. What scouts
did not see from Reynolds after signing (until instructional league,
anyway) was the patience he showed at Vanderbilt where he walked 49
times in 224 at-bats as a junior. In 214 pro at-bats, he walked just 14
times. I don’t think there’s anything to glean from this, but the
contrast is worth noting if only as a reminder to monitor Reynolds’
approach closely next year.
He can’t play center field, as he lacks both the pure straight-line
speed and instincts for the position, but he could be above average in a
corner where a future average hit tool and average game power
(consisting more of doubles than over-the-fence production) should play
just fine. If Reynolds can return to the pitch-grinding walk machine he
was at Vandy, then his floor is probably a Seth Smith
type of player — Reynolds had some serious platoon issues this summer —
but with enough defensive value to be worth playing everyday.
fg #14:
A well manicured approach at the plate and excellent bat-to-ball
skills have yielded excellent results at the plate for Duggar since his
freshman season at Clemson. He was a career .299 hitter for the Tigers
and has posted an identical mark as a pro while maintaining a high walk
rate despite little game power. Duggar has good breaking ball
recognition, strike-zone awareness and grinds out quality at-bats. He
has a mature, all-fields approach to hitting and projects as a plus
hitter at maturity. He’s a plus runner underway, but his speed doesn’t
play that well on the bases nor in the field where not all evaluators
are sold on him as a center fielder. Duggar only projects for 30 game
power, and if he can’t stay in center field then a lot of pressure is
going to be put on his hit tool and ability to reach base. Hitters
without power are often pitched more aggressively at upper levels and
it’s possible some of Duggar’s approach will be rendered moot as he
continues to ascend. He has a plus arm and split time evenly between
center and right field this year.
I think Duggar’s band of potential outcomes is relatively narrow,
something between a below-average regular and fourth outfielder. The
bat-to-ball skills and approach are going to be of major-league quality
while the arm and wheels should also be situational assets.
Nothing like having well manicured manscaping to help a prospect. Thanks
… and Duggar has a chance to surface this year, and more so next year.
I thought last season that the Giants should attempt to trade for Ozuna but I do see Ozuna as more suited for LF or RF. Ozuna might benefit and realize more potential on a veteran team like the Giants.
Billy Hamilton would be a very good CF and lead off hitter / base stealer for the Giants.
Marisnick does not appear to me to have the talent or potential for success to be a long term answer as starter in CF and lead off hitter for the Giants.
Marisnick seems decent enough platoon/stop-gap option. Wouldn’t bat him leadoff either.
Maybe the Reds will throw Duvall into the deal. We’ll give ’em Blackburn, young Suarez and a picture of Mike Leake in a Giants uniform.
Man, your GM hat sucks.
Gorkys has never been anything but a AAA player. As to Span, maybe give it a game or two before you make conclusions about he’ll fare this year.
Trout would be a nice addition but you would be looking at him being a 20-25HR guy and not a 30HR guy. You can pretty much zero out any of his center to right HR’s from last year at the ATT.
http://www.fangraphs.com/spraycharts.aspx?playerid=10155&position=OF&type=battedball
Trout is a hard contact and speed player ideal for the SF ball park even if his HR total declines; also Trout is young and likely still has peak years in his future.
That said, Trout is a difficult if not impossible player to pry from the Angels.
Trout’s stolen base totals have declined greatly since his rookie year .
Trout had 49 SB in 2012, his first full season, when he was 100% exclusively a lead off hitter.
Trout had 30 SB in 2016 when he was never a lead off hitter and where in over 90% of games Trout batted in 3rd position.
Part of the decline is from the batting order positon, also one probably does not want the team’s best player / hitter risking body as much on the bases.
Nobody in their right mind would pay the price in young and established players it would take to bring Mike Trout to the SFGiants.
“The pope didn’t have as good of a year,” said Joe Maddon. “After all, what we did last year was pretty special. Has the pope broken any 108-year-old curses lately?”
http://m.mlb.com/cutfour/2017/03/23/220534874/fortune-magazine-names-theo-epstein-worlds-greatest-leader
Hey-zoos krispees.
They are obviously looking to spike sales in Chicago…everything is about marketing and revenue. Everything
Is the WBC considered a business like the Giants or any MLB team is considered a business.
I think it can be considered a “marketing and merchandising campaign”…It’s an exhibition designed to spread awareness and interest, and , though not perfect, I have no real issue with it. The timing isn’t great. The injury risk is not an issue for me – any time you play ball, there is a risk.
It is a harmless (to me) to add significance to exhibition season while generating fan interest. I like it
I do too, now. I was asking about the “business” because it didn’t seem anyone in management nor Leyland wanted anything other than good baseball and to win games.
Maybe not, but I’d bet dollars to donuts that Donald Trump is mentioned by name in the third letter of Our Lady of Fatima
The pope responds
” Says you, lunk head.”
MLB Trade Rumors @mlbtraderumors 2m2 minutes ago
Giants To Release Gordon Beckham http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/03/giants-to-release-gordon-beckham.html …
We’re screwed.
Hold on there, that opens up a spot for Jimmy Rollins, Sr.
I love silver linings.
Maybe he’ll decline the offer.
More details on Sandoval’s rebirth. Dovetails with Mike’s comments a few days back.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2017/03/23/pablo-sandoval-red-sox-rebound/99534510/
“Sandoval declined to comment on that topic, but acknowledged his other brother, Luis, is no longer his chef.”
Good idea, Pablo.
Rumor is, he’s now a taco bowl chef in the White House.
It HAD to have been via C-section
Threaten blanket party, more likely.
It was all natural senor…..
More likely a gastric-bypass.
Although, his mouth was never all that far from his rectum, given his comments when departing from SFG.
Jim Leyland hangs it up after WBC.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2017/03/23/jim-leyland-retirement-team-usa-wbc/99528084/
Before the WBC, I though he did retire after his time with the Tigers.
Power hitters and Statcast… A love affair. Tom Tango’s romantic hotel getaway.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2017/03/23/hitters-embracing-statcast-exit-velocity-launch-angle-more-home-runs/99531144/
Greek – I agree, but they decided it was a “Game” MVP, not series MVP
‘Barrels’, the new statistic that has baseball power hitters all a-twitter.
http://www.hardballtimes.com/barrels-normative-analysis-and-the-beauties-of-statcast/
Barrels! This is pretty cool, CC. Which correlation surprised you the most?
None. What’s interesting to me is how it’s velocity and angle related, not outcome related. Notice the mention of Belt, I think, in one of them, unless I’m confusing articles. It’s been a read a lot day. You should take a peek at 538.
How about Barrels vs. BA ? ~ 0.0021
Yeah, those parameters selected because they are statcast related, not outcome related.
Missed the Belt, saw Moss, saw Panik…
Baseball has always been about the process… at least for the players and coaches. Maybe fans have other preferred metrics.
Am looking for your correlation here. Seems pretty low.
I was just thinking that if one is looking for a way to measure progress with one’s process, Statcast is a pretty good way to do it, since it is outcome independent.
Lineup for tonight’s game
3/23 #SFGSpring lineup vs Seattle
Hernández CF
Panik 2B
Belt 1B
Parker RF
Marrero LF
Gillaspie 3B
Hundley C
Rollins SS
Moore P
Thumbs up to Marrero in LF. And Parker in RF? Hmmmm… Bochy must be taking PJ’s comments to heart.
Peter would love you, Rob.
Well, there’s no accounting for taste.
Deer is a bit gamey.
Venison. You had it right the other day.
Sucks I’m gonna miss my after-life BBQ.
Oh… I don’t know… you’ll likely be there, but it will be like being drunk at your own birthday party, you won’t remember a thing… but we will.
I love when you take a sad song and make it worse.
YOU brought it up.
I had a wonderful dissertation here commending you in many ways, but Disqus ATE IT.
Your drumsticks may be on the menu.
Glad Crawford and Posey have the day off.
Angel Dumps Asdrubal
http://www.closecallsports.com/2017/03/spring-ejection-s-7-angel-hernandez.html
HP Umpire Angel Hernandez ejected Mets SS Asdrubal Cabrera (time-not-granted call) in the top of the 4th inning of the Mets-Nationals game. With one out and none on, Cabrera requested “Time” during a 3-1 pitch from Nationals pitcher Erick Fedde, resulting in a called second strike when Hernandez subsequently denied Cabrera’s request. Cabrera ultimately hit a single on a line drive to right fielder Bryce Harper and was ejected for arguing the “Time” issue while at first base. Replays indicate that Cabrera requested time out while pitcher Fedde was already into his delivery as in Rule 5.04(b)(2), the denial/call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Nationals were leading, 1-0
Missed a very small window to crank up my Dyna-Glo wood burning smoker. I have it ready for the BBQ season. Don’t clean it up too much, after the 2016 season, the smoke still permeates every nook and cranny.
Joe Ritzo reports that Kelby Tomlinson is playing LF in a minor league game today.
Well it’s about time!
Yeah! Effin’ A! CF tomorrow!
A news headline for out times.
Senate Republicans vote to let internet service companies collect your browsing habits
Everyone should switch to DuckDuckGo and stop using Google.
Done already, a long time ago.
I have too. It’s now a pretty powerful sales item.
Pretty good day. Pounded out a pretty solid draft of proposal for projects in pomegranates. Boss has to be happy. Managed some baseball blogging in between odds and ends just like the old days. Treating today like Friday. Picked up some oranges to squeeze up and make screwdrivers with. Wife’s Bday tomorrow, so I figured I’d take day off and we can have nice day and catch some early dinner out of town. Not even the Republicans in House or Senate, or even The D, can bring me down. Do you feel like I do?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7rFYbMhcG8
FWIW, Schulman and Baggs both think that Hill is the frontrunner for the utility INF job, in their stories about Beckham’s release (which he requested). For those of us who are taking the March 25 MyGuy™ picks down to the wire.
My thoughts today: Nunez had an MRI and two cortisone shots. Regardless of what he says, I think he starts the season on the DL. I’ve had cortisone shots in my shoulders, and all I have to do with them is type on a computer and cook dinner, not throw a baseball from third base to first. And while cortisone helps a lot, I wasn’t 100% normal after 10 days, no sir. I also read that the Giants view Nunez as their primary backup to Crawford, so they’re not going to want to push him in March and risk a setback.
With all that in mind, I think a 3B platoon of Gillaspie and either Hill or Hwang makes sense to start the season. Still other questions, though…
“…Nunez as their primary backup to Crawford”
I have wondered if this is the case. Now what? Tommy?
Does Hwang have to make it to be kept in the org?
Nunez is primary backup to Crawford? Wtf? Kick KT in the nuts why dontcha? No wonder they had so many infielders in here. Nothing screams we don’t have young ready talent like that. Nice work Evans, no infielders AND no outfielders ready when you need them. Sheesh.
Does ‘they mean well’ help any?
The season is over.
Bad news about Nuñez. I’ve had the shots (knees), and they only provide temporary relief. They don’t alter the root problem.
I vote Hwang. Hill is over-the-.
Damn I need to go alter my post….
I know CSN Bayarea is going to change to NBC Sports Bayarea soon, but the ratings must be 0.00 for these interviews they are rerunning at 5PM for the last 5 or 6 months, I used to love the Yahoo Sports show that use to air at 5pm daily .
No kidding! It’s like they just gave up on the time slot. I know they slashed the staff and programming…but I also think much of that is because the big company (NBC/Comcast) is losing money just like ABC/ESPN across the board….news, entertainment and sports.
I don’t think there is much of an audience at 5 PM. Everyone is listening to the traffic report.
Is the game delayed on MLB Network? It shows a 7:00 pm start.
MLB-TV shows a 6:05 pm start.
What’s CSNBA show?
In 3 minutes
6:15 start.
Bus trouble
Mas o Menos
They were playing as of 6:12
Bum wasn’t on their bus or it would have started on time
With the full understanding that many believe a tractor pull or monster truck rally is sport, I give our newest devotee. Verily I say unto you, he doth love his big truck.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2017/03/23/see-president-trump-do-his-best-trucker-impression/99551370/
New Republic
“How did Donald Trump—a thrice-married, biblically illiterate sexual predator—hijack the religious right?”
https://newrepublic.com/article/140961/amazing-disgrace-donald-trump-hijacked-religious-right?utm_source=pocket&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pockethits
By grabbing them, grabbing them right in the p….. awwww nevermind.
Whereas we have generally decided that Cain is well past his born on date and doesn’t have much left, that pales in comparison to the obvious visual downfall in the corpse that is Steve Moskowirz
Cain is going to pull a Zito 2012. You watch…..
Suck so bad he’s left at camp?
Get 9 wins before he deflates??
Take up yoga and wear regrettable turtle necks?
Don’t forget the guitar and flip flops
15 – 8 4.15 ERA didn’t lose a game after August 1st. I won’t even mention game 5 in St. Louis or beating Verlander in Game 1.
If he throws a shutout his first time out, who is care?
My first look at Jae-gyun Hwang. I think he’s the most interesting of the guys fighting it out. Think it was Brisbee who said ‘he provides mystery ceiling and I’m a sucker for mystery ceiling’.
Hwang made the club as soon as Morse pulled up lame.
Or if Nunez is out.
Nunez doesn’t have to be out even, just undependable.
Well, EN was going to be the starting 3b to begin the season, but yeah, if he slumped and Hwang was tearing it up, he could supplant him.
This is what Kruk calls ” a wild hair up his nose”
Which he said as I typed. We’re in regular season form
Thanks a lot for stating the obvious, Kruk.
You must have a wild hair up your nose
No, I actually just trimmed my nose hairs, 😉
Did you use tweezers or one of those devices you used to be able to buy from the Anthony Enterprises catalog? AE’s marketing slogan was, “What’s your pet peeve?”
LOL, no, battery operated nose tweezers from Brookstone at my local mall. Bought it 11 years ago and it works like a champ.
Do you ever get pimples on the inside of your nose?
Not once
He’s always been a dick.
Hundley is not Buster Posey’s shadow even.
I’m tired of saying that Korean guy. How does one say Hwang?
Wang?
Johnson
You dirty ol man!
Pecker?
Whong- H is silent
That inning wasn’t the most fun we’ve ever had.
You beat Moore by waiting on Moore to beat himself. You challenge him, and give him routine count leverage he steals your lunch and dinner.
Buster will bring him back in line
Moore didn’t want Cain to feel so bad.
Alright Haak… here’s my 25 in no particular order.
Span Panik Belt Posey Crawford Pence Parker Nunez Hundley Hwang Gorkys Gillespie Federwicz Bum Cueto Moore Marge Cain Okert Blach Gearrin Law Kontos Strickland Melancon
DL- Morse Smith
Sacto – Kelby, Mac, Beckham, D.Hernandez, Rameriez, Marrero
gone – Hill, Rollins
I would like Hill to accept assignment but he won’t. Az will sign him and he will promptly hit 4 home runs off the Gs in April.
Yes, I know, 3 catchers, but I just have a funny feeling, and it will be important to preserve inventory and Buster maybe getting more early rest than usual with the WBC. with soooo many regulars having sub-par springs (yes, this means you Denard, Hunter, Eduardo)
I have a funny feeling Hwang is going to Duffy Nunez, who will eventually be the back up SS. I do think the Gs will sign a veteran LH reliever to a MiLB deal when some of the veterans get cut before opening day. I do not think that LHer will start with the big club, but will give ABs to Morse for about 3 weeks before being called up. This will put Cory Gearrin and Josh Osich on notice.
I am concerned, seriously concerned about Panik. He looked real sharp early but hasn’t hit his unsubstancial weight in a while. This may make room for Hill to beat out someone, but I think the club feels confident stashing KT is Sacto if Joey Ballgame doesn’t come around.
With Smith out, the bullpen will go back to an adventure, hopefully Ty can Blach my concerns.
Here’s to a Cain pulling a 2012 Zito……..
~YMMV
Okay
At the game; best so far is Marrero looks competent and comfortable.
I’m really hoping David Hernandez makes the club now.
I’m curious if Bapah has the volume turned down
Who was it?
Bonds interview
I missed it.
I enjoyed that chat
Greinke handles the Cubs, good news and bad news. http://bigstory.ap.org/article/09de5f60fcd54ff3b4ae989eba68b964/zack-greinke-has-solid-start-against-cubs
I see the GIants looking as sharp as the Dodgers tonight, lolz
Whats with this lefty Roth, he thinks there is a BP spot open. 😉
Has not had much mlb success but has been OK in minors (mostly as a starter).
In 2016 in at Texas AAA was 11-5 with 2.97 ERA.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=roth–002mic
Note initially was very quick to mlb with Angels.
This game is something of a fraud.
Get all the ugly out in one game?
keep telling yourself that
Didn’t the Giants lose the last time they were televised?
WBC was better.
Oregon take down Michigan in NCAA tournament.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/tourney/2017/03/23/oregon-ducks-michigan-wolverines-march-madness-sweet-16-ncaa-tournament/99549966/
Do you think anyone here cares?
Who knows with this sorry ballgame on
I suspect there might be one person.
When Kuip was buttering him up for his 22-years in the bigs, and Barry was coyly smiling, Beauty went full Bapah with “Because he was jamming a needle in his ass!”
“Oh, c’mon…be nice” I offered.
She shot me The Look
I think I love Beauty. She seems to have the most sense in that family. And defnitely the best looking
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2b2e74f6e15f327506a7b21b34746d0ee3211029cdb9ee2d9ab78598a767bc8c.jpg
I’m with Beauty on this one!
Man, I looked forward to this game all day. Phooey.
The ol’ late bus ploy…
I’m wishing the bus had been so late it didn’t show…
I was hoping Huey would break into “I Want A New Drug” during that interview
I’ve been singing it, even if he hasn’t. Does that qualify me to coach 1st?
May I suggest, in a platonic/assumptive way: the optics would surely have been greatly improved if you had
Lol. Time has not been on his side, has it. I didn’t even recognize him at first.
Neither did I….yikes. My issue with that is the near-parallel age race I’m on with him
I think it all boils down to who had the most fun in the shortest length of time.
At least, that’s the story I use.
Glad I didn’t bother to record and/or avoid seeing the score…would’ve been a big letdown.
Gotta say…I’m more than a little worried about our Giants right now.
Lol Strickland sure looks at midseason form.
The Giants pen is in trouble and the season hasn’t even started. Geesh
There is no joy quite like Efrain during Giants failure innings
What a life. To wait in the wings preparing to pounce on random failure whenever it rears its ugly countenance. The last honorable pastime for a truly special intellect.
Perhaps I’m overstating a tad.
I truly don’t understand why you don’t “block this user” – hoser.
I was once told to behold the lame, they’re fun to watch.
W.C. Fields, I think
Hoser? What the hell are you? Canadian?
Good point, Bab.
I thought Bab was one of the Habs.
You’ll have to explain Habs. I wasn’t in class that day.
‘Spose I could have been nodding off.
WTF uses hoser? STFU
Did that long ago, and my angst factor was immediately reduced by 50%.
Yup. Wheat and chaff, tf – wheat and chaff. :o)
I don’t see how it’s randem. As I said above how long are you guys going to wait for Strickland to “find it”?
Dont reply to that clown Bapah he’s a joke in my book and i wish he’d block me again!!
If you’ll notice, I didn’t; my reply was to Matty in the hope that an eavesdropping moron would hear me.
24/7 you are here your poor little life must be so boring!
Huh? “eavesdropping moron” was a reference to 2holeshitting.
Nevermind. I see that you were responding to Efrain, not me.
Pretty asshole comment, if you ask me.
You’ll need to use correct punctuation so I’m not mistaken to your meaning.
Nah, you nailed it.
the only reason you are really upset matthew is because deep down you know I’m right. You can’t begin to tell me your’e please with Strickland’s performance so far, a guy they are “counting” on. You guys have been waiting for this guy to materialize for years…..ever think as to why?
The pen was a disaster last year year? Did you really think it would take one guy to fix it? The team has not done enough and the spring shows it.
Keep telling yourselfs ST does not count, very easy to say when things not looking up.
I’m not upset…just observing
They better not play like this for the last 3 games of ST.
Breaking news: Seattle-ites are debating to drop the lattes and dust off the bandwagon. Tough decisions.
More power to them. They should also sign Lincecum for depth.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/12679461c9cd5cea581bef657b28810752b000dfe8355d5ff389e73d5c4e9124.jpg
Interesting not seeing garbage all over the streets.
One block over. Tents ON the sidewalks
Seattle used to be pretty close to pristine. Now you could mistake it for a landfill site. Only time I go there these days is when we drive thru it on the way to sea-tac.
I thought the Huey Lewis interview was the highlight of the game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1SFWU5tXAE
That’s an absolutely horrible song. Given your normally pretty decent musical tastes, you can’t possibly like it.
I think you’re right. I think this song is way better:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLFfSDEA26o
Note; no catchy corny surfer pop songs for Oracle.
Footy isn’t quite himself tonight.
Which identity/personality are you referring to?
Just not that one.
Saw them in a private concert at House of Blues in Las Vegas. From what I remember (open bar and Patron was involved), they were really good. They’ll be at Thunder Valley this summer (10 minutes away), but I’m not motivated enough to go see them.
This may not be a nice song to sing to The Oracle, but it’s kind of cute to sing to the wife.
I wouldn’t be motivated to see Huey & the News either. Saw Jeff Beck last August. Just got tix to see the best Pink Floyd cover band on the earth, Brit Floyd. We don’t get out to shows much. Was thinking about getting tix for Bonnie Raitt recently, but not motivated enough. Oh, wife surprised me with John Mayall concert for my birthday in November. For the most part, older rockers and blues artists. Seen Joe Bonnamassa twice just to liven it up.
On the bright side, Matt Cain gave up no runs and no hits.
Tonight on the way home from work I stopped by Safeway in Orinda and when heading to the check out I realized I was walking straight toward Jim Barnett. I told him I enjoyed his broadcasts and he was very nice and chatted about Warriors players from the past before he headed off to have his taxes done. He looks very good in person for a 72 year old.
What gossip would you like to know? His closest friend is former Warrior Clyde Lee. Clyde lives in Nashville and sadly lost his wife recently. We talked about one of my favorite Warriors from the past, Cazzie Russell. I mentioned him because he used to bowl in the same bowling league as my parents down at 19th Avenue Bowl in San Mateo. He said ironically he and Cazzie were traded to the Warriors at the same time and both left after three seasons. Finally I had to ask him about my favorite player from when I first became a Warrior fan; Jeff Mullins. He said Jeff is doing well and they talk regularly. He splits his time between Charlotte and Florida. After he retired Jeff never wanted back in the NBA, he coached in college and turned down Nellie’s job offers to coach on his staff. He’s done well, owns (or owned) three Chevy dealerships and Jim says he’s quite frugal, still has his first nickel.
He said he had to run to get his taxes done but when I was leaving the store I saw that someone else had intercepted him for another chat and he seems to be very accommodating. I suspect Clutch will like this story in the morning.
I liked it right now, weighting for peanut butter cookies to come out of oven…
Funny anecdote about Mullins.
Barnett really does seem like a nice guy. I’m glad to hear that you can confirm it.
Mullins was one of my favorite players from those early Warriors teams. They didn’t advance far any of those mid-60s years, but that was a solid team. Nate, Clyde, Mullins, Fritz Williams, Joe Ellis–lots of great memories of listening to Bill King and Hank Greenwald on KNBR.
It was later than that, mostly early 70’s for that group. I remember they didn’t have many games on TV so I really looked forward to them, loved that shot of all the practice shots with the camera just showing the basket. King was great on the radio and Hank did the few KTVU games (Lakers, Sonics, Suns, Bucks, and a few others). Mullins was really good during that era.
Thanks for sharing. I have heard on the broadcasts that he stills plays basketball; usually against 50 year olds. I can imagine that he does quite well against them.
On my way to Tahoe for a bachelor party. Guess I didn’t miss much as far as baseball goes, huh?
I’ll be in a sportsbook tomorrow. Feel free to give me some winners.
Are you on your first Bloody Mary yet?
Drive slow on 50, Dude.
Gonna put on some Ozzy and get it up to 90.
Be safe on those Rhoads.
Well done, sir.
what is the theme? Bachelor – Cocoon Gang Shopping Cart Races?
Breaking news: both doctors who examined Will Smith today recommend TJ surgery for him. Smith said he’ll talk with his agent and make the decision. Ray Woodson said it in the closing minute of his show at 10:00 tonight. A big bad bummer for the Giant and us.
Yes — but better to get the surgery now then rehab with the likely result being surgery anyway. The Giants control Smith through 2019 and he should be ready to go next season now.
Exactly. TJ surgery anymore is like an arm tune-up. I know it’s not that, but seems like one in five MLB pitchers have had it. Osich and Okert: we need you both in the ‘pen. Blach is the #5 starter, Bochy. Make the right decision.
That trade has not been good to us so far.
Went out to dinner with friends here in Seattle and missed the whole Giants game. What’d I miss?
Just kidding. I saw the box score. On the bright side: Osich pitched well, and we’re likely gonna need him.
Gearrin continues with an awful spring and Neil Ramirez with an excellent one. Hmmmmm
I seriously think he might’ve already clinched a spot.
And Osich had a scoreless inning but allowed a hit, a walk and had two wild pitches. Sounds like he was a little erratic but I’m just going off the play by play. I’m sure there’s several people who can give us a better critique.
The wild pitches were iffy- at least one should have been a passed ball, the hit was a 6 hopper, and he survived an error. It was loogy audition night – Roth, Reynolds, Osich. 2 auditions to go.I still like Josh.
See below. I made it all up. I just checked the play-by-play. God, I’m good.
I’ve thought so. I never thought that Gearrin would make it this year.
Hwang, Marrero, Ruggie- If this were any more fluid it would be vapor. Don’t rule out Ruggie- with Hernandez busy playing his way out, Justin might be the back up to Span. In the utility infielder “race”, I had thought that Hill and KT would both make it, and they’d go with just 4 outfielders. Now it looks like only one will be here. God, I HATE this option stuff. KT could be out.
What else? Hundley sure looked like he was a bit out of it. His eyes were way wonky after he was bonked.
Not worried about Moore or Strickland.
Kruk was mid-season form. Yeah, Mike- 30 pitches in an inning is a good thing.
I’ll think about more stuff in the morning. Jimmy the Cat wants me to come back to bed.
That Matt Cain that pitched Thursday pitched terrible? The dang guy could not get out of the second inning. He has no put away pitch and was wild all over the place. Nothing beats giving up a good 2 out rally. That guy last night should not be allowed to pitch even as a 5th starter. He was terrible balking and walking guys around the bases and giving up the big hits.
oh wait, that was not Cain, that was Moore……
That guy also dominated the Cubs in the playoffs last year only to have the bullpen throw the game up.
Yeah like Strickalnd performed last night as well. That guy is like putting gasoline on fire. How the Giants keep running him out there and thinking he is something is beyond belief
Wash, rinse and repeat, troll breath.
hey to many on this blog he’s the next great thing lol!
…Said the trolling Cubs fan, who can’t resist banging on Giants players, on THE Giants blog. Get over yourself, butthole surfer. When you’ve won three rings you *might* have standing for this nonsense. Until then, put a lid on it.
speaking of buthole surfers, they were one of my friends favorite bands
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Un-ZrB0sFto
Good song, that was their crossover hit after they signed to a major label. I saw them a couple of times in the mid-80s and they were great live…. 2 drummers, fog machines, very psychedelic… I recall one time where they had 2 topless women dancing on stage the entire set. My favorite song from them, “Moving to Florida”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFbdYRVGzR4
One orgasm in 108 years, and you think you are such a performer now.
not good lol
So sorry but Evans has no uckin idea about what he’s doing he just randomly grabs players that nobody wants and throws them into the fold, guys like Ruggiano, Rollins, and a host of others! Not impressed with his skills as a GM and i really do not see the Gs going very far as long as this guy is at the helm.
I will agree that his periphery guys are pretty “meh”…but the team has such a solid core that it can go far…
I think you also have to look at other “fringe” guys he’s added like Hwang, Hill and Marrero, hell, even Gillaspie last year, and recognize they’re gonna help.
I’m all in on Gillaspie, but I’d like to see the others contribute a bit before I recognize they are gonna help.
I think you need to go see GHF: The Musical, again.
BP is very suspect
I agree with Matthew, but I also think Evans’ idea is to build depth with vets since the Giants have a solid core of young players in the IF. The OF is another story however.
Thumbs up
Fans can only use “solid core of young players in the IF” for so long don’t you agree?
Sure the went out and bought starters and a shiny new reliever, but the make up of the pen, bench and OF is troublesome, made by the fact they have a hard time producing anything but INF.
Does he tie them up before he grabs them? Sounds kinky.
Nothing wrong with kinky
And wrap’em with paper too.
#FedExBald has spoken
Hi Mo
Hey Clutch how you doing buddy I said hello several times but you never responded LOL in the past
He’s very rude, I’ll say hello for him. Hello.
Insincere. More feeling.
Lololololololololol
Yes I saw those and then I Effed Up when the Page Turns over. The fingers are not as nimble-quick these days so jumping over the candlestick is harder then in past years.
Looks like ready, fire, aim from here.
There’s a plan, and Evans is meeting job expectations.
Trust the process, bald one.
Speaking of “Uckin”
We tried Coach Madden’s Turducken up here in Canada last Thanksgiving – in Canada it is on the second Monday of October, nothing close to the good USA.
https://vimeo.com/65865126
Nice
God, I’m getting good at this Cappuccino thing.
Glad to see the resistance to 2holeshitting this early
Per Brisbee’s usual, there are some funny lines here on a sore subject:
http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2017/3/23/15041542/matt-cain-sf-giants-fifth-starter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGKPHFrHVVY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgcL9K5yN-s
What happened to Scout ?, Is he lost in the 60s protesting, and doing LSD, I miss the Baseball posts, on a baseball blog .
Relax – we are a wide berth blog
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9wyYJJ-XSQ
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/df0729141c0868509db121a59b96e9c202dfc731a9a79546b86cc504e60d3d01.jpg
looks pretty sticky, Hab. Careful with that stuff.
That’s the second reference to Hab that I don’t get.
Montreal Canadiens?
Actually it is not a wide berth blog, it is mostly a Left wing ,pro drug and hippy blog, when I went to High school , I would never hang with that click , I was the clean cut independent Jock , at my high school and even my Family, I had some older siblings who were lost in the 60s, I was the clean cut , MR goody two shoes of my Family, never got in trouble .
what kind of music do you like?
I like music , but never went crazy over it, it was in the background , never owned an album , are went to a concert , so they were right in the 50s, Rock and Roll is evil, and it ruins, peoples values , Ha, ha !
Stupidity ruins mankind.
Talking to yourself again .
Try it again Sam. You missed your target. A stupid never gets TWO Ph.D.
There are so many reasons to be amazed at life…our species emerged atop the pecking order because our minds, our curiosity, our creativity, and our ingenuity. (No, Scout, we aren’t perfect…)Yes, life requires foundational work, made better by community. But, I personally feel that this brain need to be respected by feeding it with things of beauty. Music is one of those…So, I went – and continue to – go crazy with it. And baseball. And matter of observation that stir emotions and awe. Grab some Bose headphones, put on some Mozart or Vivaldi…then go from there
Or some Beatles or the Stones.
I like the early Beatles, not the trippy Beatles later .
I have maybe 300 or so albums and don’t even have a turntable that’s hooked up. I’ve hung onto them for several moves. I’m not moving them again. I think they’re heading for the garbage or a craigslist giveaway.
LOL@ “lost in the 60’s”
#MarioSavio
Well, thanks for widening your horizons with us. If you pay close attention, you will see that we are VERY diverse. For example, I can’t be categorized as you said above. Yet I find it informative and broadening to read and consider the various points on here (until certain folks become intolerant).
Your inputs here are cool. We think we know you now. And, once in awhile, you surprise us with a new color from the Prism Of Peter.
This blog reminds me of KNBR, as a teenager I got lots of good sports information from KNBR, now the hosts do no homework, and prefer to talk about themselves, and drugs, Beer and gambling, I was glad Arizona lost last night, Tolbert took off to watch them last night, and tweeted and bitched about them not selling Beer .
I’m a hippy except for, you know, slapping the shit outta people. But I do it with a smile.
Internet tough guy.
LOL…. at you.
Oh no. My feelings are hurt.
Really?
What do you think?
Your feelings are hurt.
Jesus, I was kidding. I figured PJ would take me seriously, but c’mon.
His ritual illness is acting up. Hyde is out this AM.
Ok then. Internet regular guy.
Well, I probably wouldn’t go that far…
Dulcolax Venison
clique
Nice – I guess I only knew the Sublime version.
Working hard and smoking joints are not mutually exclusive.
I’m typically the “originalist version” of songs…though the Brit bands of the 60’s improved many twangy Belta Blues stuff
Pay attention.
Once every 5 posts, but in the past more of a Baseball poster .
Scout and CU are fans of Stroman
BTW – Giants camp is kind of uninspiring. Yeah Posey and Craw have been out, the bell cows, but still. I’m feeling a sluggish starts out of gates in April. You?
Giants are in trouble, need career years by lots of players , just to make the playoffs, if not .500 team .
They’re predicted to be a team only 4-6 games over .500 anyway, to make the playoffs. That’s, give or take, only a 20-30 point rise in team OPS above that of a .500 team. It’s not career years they need so much as an absence of serious injury.
Injuries to any of the core, Posey, Crawford, Belt, Panik, Bum, Cueto, Milancin, they could be fighting with Padres for last place .
PEDs.
http://riversofcarbon.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/1470383667838.jpg
Efrain brought up a good point yesterday when we were talking WBC….
(Intermission break…..waiting for the fainting goats to recover)
He mentioned Tito Fuentes. As a kid, he and Juan were MyGuys. I could have used him as an avatar just as easily as Dandy. I spent my youth baseball days between pitching (Juan) and infield (Tito)…though I never had the guts or approval to Pull A Tito in a game, such as the bat flip off the plate move – spellbinding for this kid – or his flamboyant dance move crow hops when throwing to Stretch.
So, as many of us talk about our preference to stoic, less emotional displays on the field, if some of us are really honest, we were drawn as children to the flashy guys.
Though I think Joey Batsh*ts is over the top, if I’m honest, it IS somewhat based on him not wearing my laundry.
John Lund another admitted heavy drinker on KNBR, was bitching about baseball, not allowing bat flips and other emotion , like the NFL, but in the NFL it gets flags , rules vs ,in MLB no rules, you can bat flip, not going to get fined are anything , it is the players that control the sport.
Interesting way of viewing teams and their player /team potential and competitive balance. We go to WAR again.
https://i.imgur.com/Ks4t6x8.png
https://i.imgur.com/qdW1kUb.png
Parent article. http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/examining-the-balance-of-top-talent-and-depth/
Are graphs on the Johnson Approval List?
Absolutely. There is no humor here at all.
this goes out to Peter Johnson – our track star.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSav51fVlKU
Great Movie . The back ground Music was great too .
For sure. Beautiful music. Vangelis is genius. Do you like the movie Bladerunner?
I like true stories, and history, I do not remember seeing it,
So Sci-Fi not your bag. That’s cool.
Is that the equivalent of forgiveness?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWxKsxaKQLo
Communication note: you only gave me four picks for the 25Man … you get eight total with Smith on the DL.
So you surely don’t like Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey.
Never watched any of them .
They are on the Oprah channel.
PJPOTD
I have been watching Proust’s “Remembrance of Things Past” for the last 4 days. Episode 1 is almost over.
Hahahahaha
Can’t believe it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z_y_2dpoJo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLF3CGbSG9U
I believe Honda’s upgraded Mini Van is slated for a 2019 release. It’s called the Iliad
Do you?
STUDIED the whole two works in 1st and 2nd year of junior high school.
That wasn’t the question.
I don’t like cops questioning. I don’t like you. Go climb a tree.
You’ll be the one asking the questions? What name did you used to use here?
Questioning again? Professional deformation. huh?
Are questions not allowed here? Didn’t you ask Peter a question which was meant to be condescending?
Go fly a kite, supposing that you are able to do it.
I have the utmost respect for people, like you, who like to dish it out but can’t take it.
I have no respect for morons like you, because you are here only in search for a fight. You need psychiatric help
I’ll let you get back to reading The Odyssey and The Iliad. I here they’re real page turners.
I “here” ? I think that your law school hit the bottom graduating you.
Thanks. I’ll fix it. Be sure to post some cat pics.
Cat pics? Are you out of your mind, you imbecile nincompoop?
So really, why the new name, whoever you are?
I am your Rhamnousia
You’re my nobody.
“What’s your name?” the blind giant shouted.
And Ulysses replied: “My name is Nobody”.
Who doesn’t love kitty pictures? Better yet- kitty GIFs
http://media0.giphy.com/media/g5jL4uw8MfpJK/giphy.gif
On what channel do you watch them ?
Oxygen
The Monotonous Boredom Channel (MBC).
The movie was ruined by the fact that none of the actors could actually run. No sports movie can be any good if the actors don’t look like athletes.
So Bull Durham sucks due to Robbins’ ridiculous windup?
That actually looked like Alex Wood, so you gave a bad example
I’m already drinking. Cut me some slack.
I don’t know about “sucks,” but Robbins inability to throw a baseball definitely lessened my enjoyment of that movie.
Well, that’s a shame.
Can’t get past it. Like PJ, I was a pretty good runner and was really excited for Chariots of Fire. Then I saw those guys goofily running down the beach. Game over.
Tony Perkins and Gary Cooper are the benchmarks .All others are judged by that standard. It has been said that Tony’s coach was Tuesday Weld.
It was pretty bad — so cartoonish. But I still enjoyed the movie.
I ran track in the mid 80s in the CCS, Oak Grove high School, won many 100s and 200s, but by far the fastest runner I have ever raced against, was a little white guy from James Lick named Henry Barba destroyed every body.
The best basketball player I ever faced up against was from French Lick. Small world.
Larry Bird .
Ding ding ding. You just won yourself a brand new cuisinart.
MyGuyUpdate™ please. Since Will Smith got DL’ed you need to pick a replacement for him. Or did I miss your March 25 update?
I remember that name. My CCS final in the 440 was won by Bill Green, who won the Olympic Trials the next year but then became one of the victims of Carter’s boycott. I coached during the ’85 season, so maybe I saw you run?
1984 was my senior year , and I had no sleep the day of the CCS final, one of my older brothers had a big time panic attack the night before the meet, I did decent won my mile relay heat , but not at my best in the sprints .
Now that she’s retired from the WMBA – Candice is available for movies.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/49f4ff54b836cbf67a183f547b58c2b1facc5f0220b5aa3820f212361d74a2d6.jpg
You may have started the thread of the season.
I have one more for Peter. And a shout out to dgg.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVU915pM3f4
They were great , before they started to get in the drug scene .
just mind boggling..smh
You liked to listen on LSD, I liked the early stuff when LSD was not needed to enjoy the music .
Try it on peyote, bro.
Anybody see this yet?
1. Denard Span (L) CF
2. Brandon Belt (L) 1B
3. Hunter Pence (R) RF
4. Buster Posey (R) C
5. Brandon Crawford (L) SS
6. Jarrett Parker (L) LF
7. Aaron Hill (R) 3B
8. Kelby Tomlinson (R) 2B
9. Jeff Samardzija (R) P
Yes , looks like opening day lineup, except Panik instead of Tomlinson, and Connor instead of Hill, if Nunez not ready , and Bum instead of the Shark .
I’ve never liked Belts ability to H&R or bunt hitting second – if he ever god for bid had to be slotted there again like in the past.
Whatever.
Thanks Pal!
The days are gone when the girly girls moved ’em over . Bochy has to know the times have changed or get out the way.
Really? Leyland had Arenado attempt to sacrifice bunt ~ ~ ~
There’s no need for him to bunt.
if he was a competent bunter, he could get himself 5-10 more hits a year, and make teams relax that shift a little. he could add 15-20 points onto his BA, as well as increase his already impressive OBP.
If I were him I’d practice that until it was automatic. No-brainer.
Did you tell Ted Williams the same thing ?
He could certainly pick up some hits if he became a good hunter, but my point was that it’s not a necessary skill for batting second.
This blog wanted Ruth and Williams, Bonds, to bunt more , and the Pitchers that faced them agree with the blog .
This ONCE was the Bible and some Skippers still hold to that theory
The second batter is usually a contact hitter with the ability to bunt or sacrifice a base runner over or get a hit. His main goal is to move the leadoff man into scoring position and to avoid grounding into double plays. Managers often like to have a left-handed hitter bat second because of the potential gap in the infield defense caused by the first baseman holding the lead off batter.
The frequent thought process in today’s game is that your #3/4 hitters should hit #2/3. They’re more likely to get that fifth AB in the typical game.
OK http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2015/1/27/7921111/brandon-belt-bunt-single-world-series
This is the SLAP Blog
good article about matt moore. it’s even got a few of those graphs that cc likes..
https://theringer.com/matt-moore-was-a-better-prospect-than-mike-trout-268b456b812c#.ajdfyvct9
They all look like I’m going downhill.
Favorite new band:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iB5fHGQfrz8
good stuff amigo. too bad they’re on drugs, so i can’t listen anymore 😉
ABBA is “all clear”.
i heard they abused aspirin. i’m done with them..
Well, it IS rumored that their excessive use of Aqua Net wasn’t as pure as first thought
Will Smith will have Tommy John next week. This per Alex Pavlovic.
Maybe Affeldt will feel rejuvenated to get back on the horse after one complete year off where he did not inflict bodily harm to himself….
@Doubtful
Mike Winters Dumps Avisail Garcia
http://www.closecallsports.com/2017/03/spring-ejection-s-8-mike-winters.html
HP Umpire Mike Winters ejected White Sox RF Avisail Garcia for (strike three call) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Reds-White Sox game. With one out and two on, Garcia took a 1-2 pitch from Reds pitcher Wendy Peralta for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located around the inner edge of home plate and thigh high (pitch f/x was unavailable), the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the White Sox were leading, 4-2. The White Sox ultimately won the contest, 4-2.
Irrecusable. What the farquard?
I think that means too much mustard on the dog.
Good chuckles on the thread today. You guys are cracking me up!
This is fascinating:
From MLB.com:
10. Will Christian Bethancourt become a one-man battery for the Padres?
Bethancourt has always had a cannon behind the plate, and Padres GM A.J. Preller and manager Andy Green have experimented with him on the mound in Spring Training. The results (6 1/3 innings, three hits, three walks and two strikeouts) have been intriguing, raising the possibility of his opening the season in a unique hybrid role — relief pitcher/backup catcher/extra outfielder (he started seven games in the corners last season).
With Bethancourt and Rule 5 Draft pick Luis Torrens in the mix, there’s a chance San Diego could have four catchers on its Opening Day roster. Hector Sanchez, a longtime Giants backup to Buster Posey who has had a great camp, is also pushing for a job behind 24-year-old regular Austin Hedges. This is the craziest situation to watch as teams march toward Opening Day. Thanks, Padres.
The Deal Maker in Chief ? Not so much.
Down in flames. Up in smoke. Kaput, Kaplansky.
My new 25 man roster, Bum, Cueto, Moore, the Shark, ,Cain boo, Blach, Strickland, Law, Okert, Kontos, Melancon, Ramirez, Posey, Hundley, Belt, Panik,, Crawford, Gillaspie, Pence, Span, Parker, G, Hernandez, Hill, Marrero,, Tomlinson . Nunez goes on DL, as soon as he comes off the DL, Tomlinson goes to Sacramento .
In case you missed it, David Hernandez has been released.
Writing was on the wall !
Wow just found out todays Giants game is on MLB Network .
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