by
Greek Giant
The Giants take on the Dodgers today for the first time in 2017. I’m still not over Gordon Beckham playing in left field. WTF Bochy? It’s not like Beckham is some offensive juggernaut with epic power whose bat needs to find some way into a Major League line up! Somebody please explain this to me. With all of the other potential outfielders in camp, Beckham in left should rank about 159th in terms of the depth chart. Hell, I would much rather see Greg Luzinski or Pat Burrell in there.
Ok, my rant is over.
Today is a new day and one presumes the Giants skipper was just messing with us.
The Line Up
Span CF
Nunez DH
Posey C
Pence RF
Belt 1B
Hill 3B
Parker LF
Beckham SS
Tomlinson 2B
Matt Cain is the starting pitcher.
Speedy recovery to Kevin Durant!
We have to wait until 5PM? WTF are we going to do until then?
At first, I thought you were suggesting Greg Louganis in left. On second thought, couldn’t hurt.
“Louganis….back on the ball…he leaps!!….and HITS HIS HEAD ON THE CARS!!!!….”
Who could be better diving for balls?
Tough to touch that line.
Johnny Mathis?
or Greg Maddux..
chant “Beat LA” all afternoon?
It’s still morning where I am.
I’m disappointed to see a new blog post when today’s game is hours away and there’s no lineup yet. We had several interesting threads of conversation going on, and worth pursuing, on the previous blog.
GG needs to be dragged behind the shed and horsewhipped. How dare he!!!
Of course that’s not what I meant, Rob. GG probably has many things to do today and needed to get this accomplished and out of the way. It’s not like this is his full-time job. I understand that. We used to complain on GE when the pre-game blog was very late in being posted, or not posted at all.
Damn. I was hoping for a horsewhipping.
Me too. Absent that, I may have to go shop for a new plunger.
Coffee is for cloggers
I should have known there’d be more lurkers. Any suggestions on plungers?
Whihc brings me to a product idea I had in college, which my professor actually was amused by:
A plunger company called “Anddie”
It was subtle, but he got it.
What was he a professor of? And what was the complete tag line? The name part I get, just not the entire marketing copy.
The class was Marketing and the assignment was Branding and Naming Conventions…being the smart ass I am, I went for bathroom humor.
If I recall, my advert line was “When your toilet needs help doing its job, just reach for the Anddie…watch it Eat Sh*t -Anddie”
I thought it had to be that Phrase; I just did’t see how you presented it. I’d have given you an A-.
Lefty would have gone C+
Perhaps, but I look at Marketing a lot like I do at PE. Everybody gets a A in PE.
Having ruminated on this, I suggest eliminating the last “Anddie” But that’s me; I tend to be more subtle than hardcore marketing guys.
…and, yes, I got the implement we were discussing.
I mistook this comment for one on the last thread. I have both open.
God, I need a life.
There’s always Gordon Beckham to flog like a government mule for 8 hours. God I hope Bochy wakes up about this – the other OFers must be steaming.
I’d like to know who is responsible for bringing in all these has-beens to clutter up camp. Schulman, Baggarly, and Pavlovic need to do some investigative reporting. I want names!
Evans.
Trump.
POTD!
ask and ye shall receive…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5NPN3NF0rM
Atta babe, stevie! :o)
Oh, bloody hell. I guess I’d better go to work, then.
Yeah, and I better get to the gym.
Let’s not get carried away here.
you’re lucky. i have to wait till 8..
I’m saved from boredom. My dog just threw up on the kitchen floor.
All the news that’s fit to print from SoCal.
Post pictures! Not of the barf, but of the dog looking cute somehow.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/cf89aca177c37e3b9bb7f4fdae03b79f58fbba72d2499cce3d2c1183d12e2451.jpg
Name?
it better be Sally
As in Fourth?
Or Forth.
The resemblance is superficial.
Field!
L-O-L-A LOLA Lo,lo,lo,lo LOLA
Since people seem to be bored, here is the link to the Giants 2016 Post-Season Jerseys being auctioned off. If you really want one, the possibility exists that a mere $200 might secure a jersey from a lesser known (or admired) player.
http://auctions.mlb.com/iSynApp/allAuction.action?sid=1101001&selectedCatId=13062&query=&sort=timeleft_asc&qMode=open&rc=25&layout=grid&pgmode1=teamsearch&pgmode2=&pgmode3=&pgcust1=giants&pgcust2=&pgcust3=caf_teamname_s&&fsList%5B0%5D.strValue2=giants&fsList%5B0%5D.strValue1=caf_teamname_s&qt%5B0%5D.type=fieldmatch&qt%5B0%5D.name=panname_teamname_s&qt%5B0%5D.value1=giants&rs=25
The NY Times weighs in on the how to speed the game up discussion. Warning, some of this is incredibly stupid! But “less nonbaseball” is a quite good comment.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/01/sports/baseball/baseballs-too-slow-heres-how-you-fix-it.html
Reporters and readers submitted proposals. I’m all for shortening commercials, but seven innings instead of nine? No.
When I played and coached there wasn’t a lot of time wasted between innings. THAT’s what slows the damned game.
Durant’s injury has an upside, in that he’s going to be better rested for the playoffs. I think the Warriors will be smart enough not to overtax Curry, Thompson and Green in response. Everything is fine, except that the injury resulted in noted jerk Matt Barnes becoming a Warrior.
I’m not a Barnes fan, but he can hit an open 3 and he is a defensive “pest”. I honestly think he’s a better add than Calderon. He does add a toughness that will help in the playoffs…and especially against the Cavs (if that happens).
Barnes is going to turn 37 next week. He’s shooting 38% for the season, and less than 33% on threes.
On a very bad team with no semblance of an offense. He’s not the type to jack up bad shots when he has been on better teams. When he was on the the We Believe squad he allowed the shooters to do their thing.
Speak on things you really understand.
If you followed that rule, you’d never speak again.
Efrain has a personality and is a character. He DOES know his sports however.
Actually I WAS preparing to watch Jose Calderon’s value show itself as a real true point guard even though he is older than Pope Franny – but now they must sign and waive the Spaniard Stallion.
ClutchUp, I want to apologize for not understanding yesterday how stuck you’re feeling in hockey country.
No worries. My brother and I throw pitches at each other using snow balls. I am Matt Cain and he is Mickey (his fav) Mantle. So far Mantle is hitting .198 off of “Matt Cain”
But to your supposed point, the “We Believe” season was ten years ago, when Barnes was still a young player. During his two Warriors seasons, Barnes actually shot more often, per minutes played, than he did this season with the Kings. So to blame his poor shooting numbers on having to shoulder more of the offensive load on a bad team is totally inaccurate. He’s simply well past his prime. Despite your being wrong yet again, however, I’d never tell you to stick to topics you really understand. Why should you have to remain forever silent? I’m not a cruel man.
He’s past his prime sure, but you know full well that he will do the little things that some of the players on the Dubs won’t, he’ll put a body on someone, he’ll rebound and he can stretch the floor a bit. Even at 37 he stays in good shape.
If this injury is only 4 weeks, then this is not that important, the season does not hang on this signing, the goal is now to get to 4 weeks from now.
Yes…the stats. I can say that when the Kings played the Warriors this year, I was very impressed with the 2 attributes I mentioned. He’s still going to be a better “add” than Jose Calderon…who will be 36 this year.
Barnes will atleast defend. Calderon can’t defend at all.
He’s from Spain…home of the Olé defense 🙂
True and true. Except Barnes was a Warrior in 2006–2008 – so maybe he will realize what kind of opportunity he has to play for Kerr and the gang.
See Efrain below.
Can someone direct me to the schedule for ST games we posted several days ago? Mine blowed up real good.
San Francisco Giants
Spring training
Today, 5:05 PM on CSBA, SNLA, SNLA, CSBA
Scottsdale Stadium
Los Angeles
Dodgers @ San Francisco
Giants
Scores & schedule
Today
vs
Dodgers
5:05 PM
Tomorrow
vs
White Sox
12:05 PM
Tomorrow
vs
Angels
12:10 PM
Fri, Mar 3
vs
Athletics
12:05 PM
Sat, Mar 4
vs
Royals
12:05 PM
Sun, Mar 5
vs
Royals
12:05 PM
Mon, Mar 6
vs
Indians
12:05 PM
Tue, Mar 7
vs
Dodgers
12:05 PM
Fri, Mar 10
vs
Indians
12:05 PM
Sat, Mar 11
vs
Reds
12:05 PM
Sat, Mar 11
vs
Diamondbacks
12:10 PM
Sun, Mar 12
vs
Diamondbacks
1:05 PM
All times are in Pacific Time
I appreciate you doing this but it will be pretty hard for me to consult on a daily basis.
I’m looking for that webpage we had and referenced, I need something a little more permanent.
http://www.springtrainingonline.com/teams/san-francisco-giants-3.htm
Thanks
http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/schedule/?c_id=sf#y=2017&m=3&calendar=DEFAULT
I found the one I was looking for.
This is the one
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C5eHf7RVMAA_QrS.jpg
As shocked as some may be, I do agree with Oracle below that the injury can have an upside, BUT (yes there is a but) for different reasons.
As much as Iove Curry the player, he is one of the softest MVPs in league history, some of you have to know that deep down inside. He surely deserved the MVP 2 years ago, last year I think it was questionable and mostly on the heels of the tremendous season.
But Curry can shrink unlike other MVPs, tot he point that Kerr had to sit him down around the ASG and tell him to be more aggressive. Imagine a coach having to tell guys like Jordan, Bird, Magic, LeBron, they HAVE to be more assertive? NEVER!
What Curry has to do right now, along with his splash brother who likes to take a few games off a week mentally, is to get some balls and take the team on his back. Show us you are that same 2 X MVP.
The Playoffs last season, the finals, the losses to the Grizz early in the season gave the NBA the blueprint to beat the Dubs and get Curry out of his game: Body him and get the Dubs out of their fast pace rhythm, what announcers mean when they refer to “playing downhill”. And please stop the crying about teams manhandling Curry and Co, that is what teams SHOULD do.
But a real championship team needs to get over that and play for the win, not cower as they did last post season. They allowed LeBron to impart his will on them.
That is is the positive spin on this injury, for Curry, Thompon to grow up.
Steph needs to grow into Dells upper body soon or asap. Right now he favors Sonya regarding his musculoskeletal system. No doubt it will happen but as he trys to take the ball to the cup he gets bumped prior to the “area” where they can not slide over for a charge and that makes it tough on 30. It is what it is currently.
I get that, and I realize it can’t all be on Curry’s shoulders. The Warriors play a certain way, but they need to show they can be comfortable playing the game other teams want to dictate.
Case in point, the showtime Lakers, who were never prettier and effective when they went to the races, but they always had a few players that could go toe to tow with teams that tried to slow them down.
It’s concerning to see the Dubs fall apart when things are not going their way.
Agreed and NOW I am almost sure that it is about heart NOT a certain exact height and weight NBA player. Larry Smith was never the largest but as he went to box out he peeked at the trajectory of his teammates shot and had an innate ability to Pogo-stick into the rafters. Offensive rebounding is not about talent – it is about “want to”. Defensive rebounds should always favor the player who is between the offensive player and the rim but as we know – not always. At 6’5″ Mario Elie could rebound because he “wanted to”. Bill Bridges “got up” because he craved the ball at the apex of the rebound. It helps if players also understand angles and rub-offs in order for their DNA to allow them to want the ball for instance as much as Rodman wanted the ball when he played.
One of the best pure shooters I ever saw was Jimmy Rale and he was as thin as one. Too much muscle and not enough basketball in the NBA. That’s the reason I don’t watch anymore.It isn’t the same game as when Cousy and the greats played.
Here is what i wrote this morning over on Fast Break:
Now: an open letter:
Dear Steph, Dear Klay – shake the recent mental fog bank funks and put this team back on your shoulders.
Dear Draymond – Be cool. Yes, refs are out to get you. Yes, opponent bait you. So what? Rise above. Oh, and that new teammate? Take his advice with caution
Dear Steve – Do what you do.
Last year Curry had one of the greatest seasons ever, and deserved the unanimous MVP, shot over 50%, and shot over 45% from the 3 point line, and over 90 % on Free throws, averaged over 30 points a game, and made over 400 three pointers . What I do not like about Curry fans , just like Posey fans, every time he has a bad game they say he is tired , are is hurt, his last 2 games he only made 2 out of 20 three pointers, was he tired are hurt, no he just missed shots, in the playoffs last year, he had good games, over 30 points , in games 5,6, and 7 of Western Finals, over 30 in game 4 of Finals, but fans say he was too injured to play good, but never had a off season surgery .
I agree with you that the Curry injury excuses were really annoying last year. I’m sure his knee was not 100% but he had a GREAT Game 7 of the WCF and as you said a great Game 4 of the Finals. But when they lost he was hurt or tired from going for 73. The Warriors choked, he choked, but it happens. It’s annoying when fans make excuses because it engenders enmity from other fan bases. Just suck it up and do what you need to do now that Durant is likely done for the rest of the regular season. This team should still be able to corral the #1 seed.
I would say that a main reason for “allowing LeBron to impart his will on them” last season was due to the suspension of Draymond Green. There’s no parade in Cleveland without that suspension, because Draymond *is* their toughness and they don’t lose 3 straight.
This said, I agree with you regarding Curry and Thompson. They both have their tough moments (when everything goes in), but they can be taken out of it. It’s almost like they should get into martial arts or something to get some badass in them. Kind of reminds me of Wayne Gretzky, when Mark Messier wasn’t around. Isiah Thomas wasn’t a tough guy either, but the Pistons had a roster full of them.
My only concern about the “team on their back” notion is losing focus of what is truly needed. That 3 point shot last night made me think Steph was trying too much and not focussing on what was needed (2 points).
Brisbee’s got some Posey here to pass the hours away:
http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2017/3/1/14780514/sf-giants-buster-posey-grand-slam-mat-latos
I finally saw where it came down, right off the top of the Latos sign. Supreme irony.
Durant updates
http://www.nba.com/warriors/news/durant-injury-update-20170301
Alex Pavlovic 14min ago:
Guys who will face the Dodgers: Span CF, Nunez DH, Posey C, Pence RF, Belt 1B, Hill 3B, Parker LF, Beckham SS, Tomlinson 2B. Cain SP.
Beckham SS? Alrighty then.
I think Bochy lost a bet.
Beckham has acquired the previously owned photos once in the possession of Emmanuel Burriss …
Rachel made out today’s lineup
I guess this is part of Beckham’s audition for the utility infielder role. If one of these NRIs keeps Kelby from making the team…
LMAO
So… we got Cain starting. What’s the over/under?
Since he’s going to make the team no matter what and there’s no real competition, I’m with Snorkel on this one.
As in, “Who is care?”
Exactly. I was looking forward to a real competition in Spring Training between Ty Blach and Matt Cain and perhaps even Tyler Beede. Which I wasn’t expecting Matt Cain to win.
Snorkel always like the young cats too.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/5f2002d4c502c1bc963a70eb0d20f6de32ff997afda6e61bb7a63efd8cad9f47.jpg
Such a beautiful cat…and smart.
Looks like a bit of a trollop to me.
How dare you. ;o)
She’s too cute to be a saint.
Snorkel was a DUDE, dude. Where you been, in prison?
I didn’t think THAT cat was Snorkel. No wonder.
The one and onliest.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/593adcad9bedb6bd9cd70357ebac4f7c78497755f79193a48e25a74665e71afb.jpg
In this one she is looking up at all those who preceded him.
(soaking in the rays)
That one I recognize. Doesn’t look like the same one to me. The other one looks like a baby picture.
El Snorkel was 16 when that other foto was taken. He was always mi Niño.
Luckily, you didn’t name him Bruce
Or Sue
I have a serious question for you, Deeg. If this was your last year on the job (never mind it’s already too late for that) and you were getting the highest pay of the top three on the payroll combined and doubled. Would you be allowed to hang out in the break room and not even show up on some days? And then do that all year? I don’t think you’d want to, in the first place, nor be allowed to in the second.
Of course he’s going to pitch this year. Personally, and I know I’m in a distinct minority here, I think Matt is finally healthy and will pitch with a near-perfect arm (which he’s NEVER had in his whole career) for his final year. He didn’t get his nickname from being a light-weight when it comes to work. He’s never had a healthy arm to throw with and if he’s learned how to with a new one, (this is the part I’m not completely convinced about) then he will be as steady an influence on the field as he has been in the clubhouse all these years.
I’m not privy to his medical reports or physicals, but I’d guess he hasn’t been sitting on his ass just collecting his pay all these years. I’m ready to see if he can truly pitch with his new arm and be effective. If not, I’ll give up the ghost like everyone else here. Right now? I think he might just pull it off. I’ve seen weirder s**t than this.
It is quite common for a High-Tech Exec (Senior VP level, etc.) to be removed from their duties, if the company finds someone better to best suit their longer term goals. In some cases they stick around and occasionally show up to meetings (playing a consultant role) until the company can no longer use their services…and they get to go play golf full-time.
2 things are equally true…
1) If Cain doesn’t pitch well, the Giants aren’t signing him for beyond this season. You’re forever a Giant, but…
2) Matt Cain pitches well and the Giants won’t re-sign him because they have cheaper options ready-to-go. Why more big bucks on pitching, when you have other options and other areas needing attention that may cost $$$.
I think this is why some (I’m not speaking for dgg) are having heartburn that these future options are being allowed to use valuable innings this season…to be that much better in the 2018 that doesn’t include Cain.
Most executive movement is political and not any execution scenario. They generally get moved out to a special assignment and lose their branch in the management tree and responsibilities. I have watched these same people stick around and eventually get promoted when Sr. Management changes due to their new re-org failed but the other guy is no longer the person being blamed. Hope Cain is healthy. He is still relatively young years wise but load wise he had 9 years of heavy load before the breakdown
I don’t know how to answer your question because my retirement was not the same situation at all. There wasn’t any question about whether I could still be effective. Besides, I never had time to hang out in the break room, other than to run in there and fill up my water bottle. The Giants are in a predicament with Cain. If Cain can truly pitch and be effective and not continue to be Mr. Five-and-dive, or Mr. Three-and-see, and wear out the bullpen in the process, okay. I’m not an expert but Cain’s new arm seems worse than his old arm with the floating bodies still in his elbow. I guess the argument is that Cain wasn’t full recovered last year, and this year he will be fully recovered and pitch effectively deep into games.
Like I said, I’m not totally convinced, but I’m thinking, if he’s got any pull left, this old horse might be the one to do it. There’s plenty of time to see. Blach and Beede aren’t going anywhere.
No, Bap, there’s not ‘plenty of time’ – the Gints can’t afford to give up on 20% of their games until June to give him another chance. It don’t work that way in the NL West.
I hope you’re right but you’re betting on the underdog outcome. The evidence since 2013 states quite otherwise. I’m not betting on a pitcher who has been injury prone and extremely ineffective since 2013 to suddenly rebound and be a solid rotation presence who can regularly be counted on for 6+ innings. And, given what Blach has shown so far, I’m not sure what more he can do to prove he’s ready, especially if he isn’t even given the opportunity. I just hope Cain has a *really* short least if he starts the season in the rotation or Blach gets the nod if Cain stinks up in ST.
I’m betting on medical science and a stubborn SOB.
POTD
If things don’t go well, how many bad starts will you have to see before concluding that it’s over?
Blach is the odd man out. He is a lefty in a predominately righty hitting league. You want balance being 3 righties for starters not 3 lefties.
preseason tuneups
So… we got Cain starting. What’s the over/under?
This is a great *headstone* phrase: “You Are The First, My Last, My Everything
The NY Giants Baseball team had some fiery zealots when there was three teams within fighting distance of neighboring boroughs. The Giants came to Seals, then the infamous Stick, Pacific Bell Park (2000–2003)
– SBC Park (2004–2005) and now Willie Mays Field. (all the same)
So we have the legacy of the Giant fans from the Polo grounds, the PCL fans from Seals Stadium, The Great Mish-Mash from Candlestick and of course the newest band-wagoners since 2000 from WMF.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUFQpr3zM4k
http://mentalfloss.com/article/55491/why-did-dodgers-and-giants-leave-new-york
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mMHPIC2glQ
Go for it Mr. White: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fcd3XuQwDQQ
That’s for the last one.
Thanks for these! I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m old….also, in the ’69 highlights, my HS baseball coach’s brother (Rod Gaspar) is in there making a play for the Mets. He ended up in SD and I used to listen a bit to KSD and report back to brother Lloyd the next day…fun memories
I used to see Gaspar play in S.D. in the early 70’s – the Murph was emptier than Candlestick. Cito Gaston was about the only good player on that team.
Your chosen phrase is also very Barry White.
Brisbee plays with 4 (5?) various lineups:
http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2017/3/1/14782326/sf-giants-lineup-2017
I don’t see Gordon Beckham’s name in any of them.
Bob Gibson. Imagine todays hitters? They’d wet their pants.
https://tinyurl.com/h8mhhpd
I noticed Pat the Bat above has a nice lip dip going. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ab75513ceddf97f073ceee92b3aafa9c056fe116c5a0e401cc647e1098a6349b.png
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b6e058c11c5ca36fc909920b4ab8ebbed22dc8d20f38903cd51545ffbfc84417.jpg
Which begs the question, why didn’t anyone think of calling the guy that left after 2014 “Fat the Bat”?
Good Nite Allen https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/785a9d296ecc2514b9d693524cf6d00e107a6e0a09fa13560758e375adc659a1.jpg
GIANTS BASEBALL ON MY TV!!!!!!
AND it’s the boys doing the call.
Just think how confusing it would be if Denard Span’s voice sounded exactly like Morgan Freeman’s
I’ve got to go somewhere. Who’s the starting catcher?
FedEx
That’s easier to spell. I’m still reeling from Samardjiza.
Marge
AND… you still got it wrong.
Federowicz, it seems.
The first thing I see in 2017 baseball : Chase Ugly.
Great
LA class.
terrible 0-2 pitch
Who is the young kid in Pence’s uni?
maybe haak can start a new contest..how long does pence stay clean shaven?
Good Curve on Piggy.
Party like it’s 2016. 😫
Krukow’s ragging on him: “That was tee ball at the belt.”
Turn on the game just in time to see Cain give up 3 runs, now will be turning off game.
And that was without Seager Turner and Gonzales
Turn it back on. I think Blach’s up next.
Nice lefty on lefty double….
He needed that. Good rope to the fence.
He needed that for credibility.
Are you kidding me, Honeycutt? It’s March 1st, 2nd inning….what wisdom are you about to impart?
He could have seen something. Either that our they’re afraid of KT.
“I always thought candlesticks made a nice gift”
Gotta get those steps in. Learned it from the master, Donnie Fitbit.
Attababe, KT. Grind out the AB, get the run in.
C’mon, Pornstache! Get Cainer off the hook!!
I F#~KING LOVE BASEBALL.
Sorry…I’m just kinda excited.
Gotta beer?
What else is there in life?
Yes
Not much
I was just about to say the same thing. I don’t care if the final score’s 17-14. I’m just so happy to be sitting on my couch watching baseball and listening to K & K.
Nice control, Nevermore
Is that considered “inner warning track power”?
the ball’s not carrying to right
Hey, Handsome!
you need to visit sis this summer
If you convince Palm Bay Imports to sign, I’m there….
give me the #. was in sales for 30 years. i can sell ice cubes to eskimos.
“Stacy, I’d like to introduce you to Handsome Steve….”
you work on Palm Bay Imports?
Just did a demo and submitted my proposal…I should know in a week or so…are you guys the agency? I’m just gonna do sales tech applications for POS and coupons
no i wish, IO really like the Chamucos tequila and the Los Amantes Mezcal.
Conserving power in the “inner outfield”
https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PL2634F4F5EF7933A5&v=-5wcT3dtii8
Sure glad Beckham’s getting all those reps.
That’s what we want from a SS
Bend it like Beckham
I don’t care if he’s Buster’s BFF, I’d prefer to see him in Pacoima.
#TeamBlach
Ty did more in 2 innings than Cain did. Twice. Inside track for the #5 slot.
Well, you’ve got a month to get your seat on the bandwagon.
What. The. Hell. Was. That Nunez?
I guess things could be worse. Check out the Cardinals’ dugout in this photo.
https://twitter.com/markasaxon/status/837000080725065747
Our Left Fielder
Orlando Bloom?
Johnny Depp
Orlando Depp or Johnny Bloom
I think so. You go, Jarrett. And leave him be, Giants. Let him play. No more LF reps for Beckham.
Agreed! I’ll tell you Dr., if Parker and Marrero keep hitting you may see a lot more of Mac in Sac, this year.
That’s OK. They need to let Mac play everyday in AAA and not keep jerking him back and forth. He never got settled in either place last year. I’d be happy if Marrero or Ruggiano is the backup.
I’m a bit worried about the lineup being so lefty-heavy if Parker’s the guy, though: Span, Panik, Belt, Crawford, Parker. That’s 5 out of 8. And would they have any lefty bats on the bench? That sounds like a problem to me.
Even if Parker is the ST winner of the LF starting spot, I think it’s only till mid season / Trading deadline.
As I’ve said before, the Giants LF for next year is not on the roster right now.
How could you forget Smiley.
Boom!
That’s our Georgie!
Yep
That was a great interview.
Belt seems very comfortable with himself.
I think he has for awhile. He sure is funny, though.
He could be a stand-up comedian when he retires.
He’s a funny guy. His blog can be laugh-out-loud funny.
I’ve read it. It is quite funny.
I’d like to hear his version of The Aristocrats.
You know, hearing him talk about messing with Crawford brought back a bunch of memories of the silliness we used to do on the field when I played. I guess it’s pretty universal in baseball.
I sometimes wonder about “rabbit ears” in the major leagues. There must be some.
Is there a Wookie catching for the Dodgers?
So, how’d Cain look today?
Not great.
That’s an understatement but it’s only ST. Blach looked good though
Cainish
Doesn’t that mean that he’s almost a shoe in for the 5th spot?
It was telling to hear Bruce talk about how Cain needed to get himself out of it…I don’t think he’s close to having that spot.
I don’t believe a word that Bochy or the front office says. Color me skeptic.
I thought you were colored brownie….
A white man like yourself cannot refer to me as colored. What would the PC police say?
Stay tuned…it’s a comin’
Also, I’ve got enough Portuguese in me to check “other”…my dad got detained at the border when we came back from Mexico…they asked where he was from. He said “Sonora”…. oops
LOL. Nah you guys are still whiteys. I have a lot of Portugese friends in Santa Clara and there are a crap ton of them there. I actually walked a festa parade last year in SC. Have you been to one yet?
Why, of course! A little sopish, Portuguese sweet bread, and bad pageantry.
You forgot the gallons of booze
Swarthy…
Hey TF62 … post me your 25-Man list; I missed it Sunday.
I agree. And did you hear how Krukow piled on? And then how they spent two innings gushing over Blach?
I don’t care what Baggs and Alex say. I don’t think this is a done deal.
I know nothing. Are Baggs and Alex glossing this issue over?
Baggs has said more than once that Cain can pitch lousy in ST and he’ll still be the fifth starter. Alex says Cain’s the frontrunner. It feels like that’s their opinion based on their observations of Giants loyalty, not necessarily from inside information. But we’ll see.
Then they’re just repeating org. b/shite.
Krukow referred to his location as “tee ball.” I s**t you not.
I’ve ALWAYS felt Krukow was an organizational mouthpiece… and that was pretty stunning to hear
Agree on that point. He’s a homer’s homer usually.
Yep–both the harsh assessment of Cain and the love for Blach.
Well, I’m ok with all his starts in ST. I’ll be ticked off if he’s still on the team if he’s pitching this poorly
I like the way Okert looks. Pretty free and easy for early.
Stetson Allie just batted for the Dodgers. Sounds like a country western singer.
I know it’s only one week into the season, but with the way Cain and Kontos are looking (Kontos btw is not on my 25) I’m worried it will be another typical Giants season where the top 4 starters have to allow 2 runs or less per outing for the team to be competitive nigh in night out.
I hope that’s not the case.
Not pretty, but nice rundown.
Actually, it was rather pretty. Especially the initial deek by Arroyo.
I love when they actually get in game chances on things like rundowns in ST
Game speed is always more fun.
Nice baserunning, Porky! Some things never change!
Apparently it’s Babe Search Inning for the cameramen…
I see that the thin Arizona air and hard infield weren’t fair to Cain again. I bet the ball felt great coming out of his hand and he really liked his stuff.
Bochy didn’t. He was miked up while Cain was getting roughed up, and he was not complimentary: “Missing his spots” “Just like last year” “had two outs and let it get away from him.” As Matthew said below, telling.
Bochy pushing back on Evans and Cain.
Sometimes you’re just over the top with the Bochy hate.
I don’t think that’s over the top at all. We’ve been reading that shite for 2 or 3 years, and now it’s just a joke.
That comment had nothing to do with Bochy, but I apologize if you took it that way. I realize that he’s the love of your life, so I don’t blame you for trying to protect him.
Sometimes?
If rosters got expanded to 75, we have the depth
Actually all the hitters that hit behind Arroyo , had higher batting averages, higher on base percentage, and higher slugging percentage, and all played at Richmond just like Arroyo, but somehow Arroyo gets all the hype and nobody has ever mentioned the other hitters .
baseball, if you’ve been around it a long time, is not always just about averages and percentages. Plenty of B level players out there that may have better numbers than an A or A+ type of player.
When evaluating them it’s more about the swing, the instincts, the higher ceiling in their development.
Just not as simplistic as you tend to view things.
How can people take off early in ST? I don’t get it. There’s no traffic to beat and REALLY nowhere to go.
Because Rikkert McFlurry is pitching to Sasquatch Brewster, and Zbigniew Bryzinski is playing shortstop?
There’s so much to watch, though. It isn’t all about the game on the field, but I’ve been to Scottsdale, what else do you want to do?
I’m with you, but others are a bit different
I think it’s as much, or more fun, to watch the kids play. You know they won’t be dogging it.
🌮🍔🥂🍻🍸
I know those other things, but I think people forget that it is the best place to see the kids play. I like the ones that will be in Richmond and Sacto this year. Even ones that will be gone in a few weeks. I have to admit that the people I met at breakfast while I was there were pretty interesting. One even got me a pass to restricted areas.
That Neil Ramirez guy looks pretty good, and he’s had some major league success. Kontos and Gearrin better watch out.
I don’t think George will ever win you over….
Two walks and a three-run homer will do that.
Even on March 1st? Dude has been arguably the most consistent bully arm over the last several years… stick with my Everyday!
Two words: ARoid.
Two rings: George Kontos
Sorry – so do the janitors from 2012/2014.
Take a look at the reality of what Kontos has done…I have no idea why some folks are so down on such a solid contributor….
Gopher ball
You’re correct – sorry to be a smart-aleck – I really go back-and-forth on Georgie. If the rest of the bullpen did their job last year he’d have another ring.
I don’t have Kontos on my 25, I doubt and hope he’s not on it. If he is, not a good sign.
Glad you mentioned your 25-Man … here is what you posted but I think you need to add one to the bullpen[6 there] and take one off the bench [6 there] right?
Here you go, I’ve made some changes:
Starters: Posey, Belt, Panik, Crawford, Nunez, Pence, Span, Mac
Bench: Hundley, Conor
Starting Pitchers: Bum, Cueto, Moore, Samardzija
Bullpen: Melancon, Smith, Law, Strickland
INF bench: Hwang, Tomlinson
OF bench: Gorkys, Marrero
Pen: Okert, Suarez, Cain
Thank you Haak for pointing that out:
Here are my edits:
Starters: Posey, Belt, Panik, Crawford, Nunez, Pence, Span, Parker
Bench: Hundley, Conor , Kelby, Hwang, Gorkys, Marerro
Starting Pitchers: Bum, Cueto, Moore, Samardzija, Blach
Bullpen: Melancon, Smith, Law, Strickland, Okert, Suarez
I think you still need to trade One Bench Guy for a Bull Pen Guy.
You need more coffee this AM?
I think Ramirez has options left; whereas Gearrin doesn’t.
Who won?
Dodgers, 7-6. Cain and Kontos gave up the damage. Blach pitched well. Parker had a big night with a 3-run homer and 4 RBIs.
Cain has some tough personal decisions to make with Bochy.
Sounds more like Bochy has some tough decisions to make about Cain.
Ty Blach looks like he is poised to become a star. The Kontos outing was obscene.
Interesting piece by Schulman. The Giants haven’t given up on Kyle Crick.
http://www.sfchronicle.com/giants/article/Giants-aren-t-giving-up-on-prospect-Kyle-Crick-10970300.php
Well, still has that live arm and still just 24, although he’s certainly trending downward. I know the move to the bullpen didn’t pan out a couple years ago but it seems that might still be the better option where he can maybe just focus on throwing out of the stretch and using 2-3 pitches to help with a consistent delivery and command.
If only he were as good in real life as he is in my PS4 game 🙂
I guess it’s REALLY hard for an organization to give up on a 1st-round draft pick.
Okay, I’ve read all the game comments and the three game write-ups. So Cain allowed three runs on 4 back-to-back hits. Then Blach followed Cain and pitched two no-score innings. If Cain continues to pitch like he did tonight and Blach continues to pitch like he did tonight, Cain making the team over Blach will be a travesty.
Get ready for a travesty.
From Schulman:
Then it fell apart. Three straight Dodgers singled, Henry Ramos tripled home two, and in the blink of an eye, Cain had allowed three runs. Worse, he admitted he lost focus.
“I know what I’m supposed to do,” he said. “That’s where it’s a little frustrating. You’ve got to give yourself a little bit of slack, obviously, because it is spring, fourth inning in, but those are the things you just don’t want to carry over any further.”
Especially when fighting for a rotation spot against a hungry rookie.
To accentuate the point, Ty Blach followed Cain with two hitless innings, the first scoreless outing by any of the six pitchers who have a realistic shot at starting the year in the rotation.
Cain could point to positives in his second start. He said he felt better mechanically and was moving in the “right direction.” That seemed true enough over his first five hitters.
“I just got a little sloppy with the focus and nailing down pitches, and guys are going to take advantage of that,” he said. “I’ve got to do a better job after getting two quick outs staying in it.”
It was interesting to me that Cain specifically admittted he “lost focus.” That’s how it’s seemed like to me for the last several years: He’ll be cooking along in a game or an inning or an AB–two outs, or two strikes–and then boom, hanger at the belt. I remember a year or two ago he had the worst batting average against in the league with two outs. That’s not good.
So how/why do you lose focus when you’re supposedly fighting for a job? I can see why Bumgarner could–he’s starting on Opening Day. But Cain?
That was way too familiar of a look…. most of us have admitted to understanding why he would get the shot, and it’s up to him to prove that he still has it. Last night showed that he isn’t close.
To me, though he saysd he lost focus, what I saw was that he has no “stuff”. I will allow for that being a 3/1 problem, maybe. But, I don’t see some magic transformation coming.
It looks like it’s over. I can’t see him proving otherwise
Cain has never really had overpowering stuff. He’s a location and “smart” pitcher, feeding on the weakness of the hitter and having precise location. Last night made me think two things. One, he’s out of shape; he has no endurance. He’s mentally not as sharp either; he’s always been a smart pitcher, not a lazy one. He’s not maintaining his focus.
He’s developed bad habits in the last 2-3 years. He’s too old to try to skate anymore. I’m still interested in watching him for the rest of March. Bochy knows him; maybe he’s just trying to light a fire under him. Maybe not. I’m interested in his 5th, 6th and 7th starts. Wheel Sea.
We said it during the game, but Bochy’s comments in the moment were startling. He could easily have gone with the “March 1; it’s early” line, but he didn’t. “Just like last year” was what really stuck out to me.
One other thing regarding stuff, his curve was the only thing that was working. That was new and points to his arm health. So he DID have stuff. He just didn’t have FB location and mental focus.
He hasn’t had those things since around 2013.
You’re right. I think his arm was affecting his brain.
Could be.
Could “I lost focus” be the euphemism for “I haven’t got the stuff” or I cannot sustain the stuff beyond an inning or two?
Out of pitching shape would explain it to me. As I said below, I’m interested in his later starts this Spring. He could very well have lost it. I’ll wait a little longer.
I know how much you like Cain and were hopeful for a comeback in 2017. This has to be sad for you to witness.
I’m not that emotionally invested in his success. I just remember his toughness several years ago. Those things are part of his character. I’d be discouraged too. I’m just willing to give him a little more rope. I think he’s earned it.
I’m more impatient than you are. Especially with all the pronouncements before Spring Training even started, before Cain had thrown one inning, that the 5th starter spot is Cain’s for the taking.
Not to pile on, but that’s concerning. The Giants made a big deal that this was his first “normal offseason” for a few years (no surgeries, not recovering from something), so we should see a well-prepared Cain. If he’s not in “pitching shape” now, it sounds like he might never be.
You’re right, he can be in throwing shape but not be in pitching shape. That takes competition. I’m not a blind supporter. I feel he’s earned one more chance to be a pitcher.
I didn’t think he looked especially sharp at any point. He threw a lot of pitches in the first inning. Contrast that with Blach, who just took the ball, threw it, and got outs (except when Beckham threw a ball away, but oh, well).
exactly…
That’s what I think. Hitters catching up with him second time around.
Well, this is the last year of Cain’s contract and perhaps the burden of trying to live up to $21 million this year in addition to holding off Blach has finally caught up to him. You know Cain won’t mention that, but it has to play a part.
It’s similar to the lame tired excuses we got from Timmy the last few years.
Even during the good times, Cain seemed to give up 2-strike hits and 2-out runs more often than any of the other starters. It drove me crazy!
Perfectly acceptable statement. Conditional statements like that make sense.
If Cain continues…
If Blach continues…
I was trying to write an acceptable statement. Ever the politician.
I’d be behind a Vote Deeg Ticket.
Oh no. I’m retired from the politics of the workplace.
You’re still eligible for The Draft.
Well, they haven’t filled my position yet and it’s been months. (The shortage of health care professionals in our country is real.) The calls for my return have gradually tapered off, but someone called again on Tuesday. I called back right away and said thank you, I don’t want to work on a part-time or temporary basis, I’ve definitely retired.
Is that a “non-denial, denial” or a “denial, non-denial”? You’re a born Northern politician.
Matt would be perfect to handle a non-campaign.
The sooner we get to having half our politicians be female, the better off we will all be. I’m down with “dgg for president”! Matt would be a pretty good VP. I only ask that they appoint me Secretary for Baseball.
I’m not so sure. There is, for example, Sarah Palin. Yikes.
This Seema Verma (CMS) ain’t no bowl of cherries either:
http://www.latimes.com/business/hiltzik/la-fi-hiltzik-verma-maternity-20170224-story.html
When I woke up this morning and read the news, I thought: The non-denial denials are back.
Oh boy. David Price is going to see Dr. Andrews. You never want to read that sentence about anyone. Unless, I guess, you’re related to Dr. Andrews.
Luckily for the BoSox, they still have Sale.
And the reigning AL Cy winner, Rick Porcello. I guess it’s like still having Curry and Thompson even though Durant’s out. But the Sox were expecting to be a juggernaut with that three-headed monster at the top of their rotation.
Did Price say anything about his elbow? I mean is it tight, sore, elbow twinge?
Sore. Very sore. Apparently it’s always sore this time in the spring, but it’s a lot worse. He’s already had one MRI and is going to Dr. Andrews for a second opinion. (Andrews is attending the NFL Combine, so Price is going to him there.)
Matt Cain also went to see Dr. Andrews for a second opinion.
Grant Brisbee July 2014:
“Shawn Estes told 95.7 the Game that Matt Cain was going to see Dr. James Andrews, and that when you go to Dr. Andrews, he’s ‘not going to look at bone chips.'”
Going to see Dr. Andrews seems to be the end of the road for pitchers’ careers.
And he’s making, what, $30 mil?
$20M – $27M if you add in the 2018 buy-out.
Sorry Paul. I was referring to David Price.
I think I remember a story about Cain having loose chips in his elbow while pitching in High School and it didn’t bother him. Then again, I don’t believe he mentioned it to Giants brass at the time either.
The Giants knew about the floating chips in his elbow for years, and he pitched very well for years with the floating chips. But it was a matter of time before they became a real problem.
Right. That’s what it was. Maybe the Giants should have had Cain get the floating chips removed back then. Now, we have a $126 million dollar hovering around .500 pitcher.
I wish I could get worked up about the money but I can’t. It was a reward contract. Misguided, but well intentioned. I don’t want the money to dictate what the Giants do about the 5th starter spot in 2017. That would be a bigger mistake.
I agree in that respect (don’t want the money to dictate). I really want to see Blach in that 5 slot.
Me too.
Would that he WAS a .500-pitcher.
if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans..
Terrible news. Who’s next? Sigh.
Kamala Harris isn’t one to namby-pamby around. She fired off four succinct tweets this morning about what’s in the best interest of the nation. She knows how to confront the weasels calling for recusal and trying to have it both ways. “Recusal,” she stated, “is no longer enough.”
If Harris wants to run for President, I’m all in.
They are grooming her for 2020. The only issue is whether she garners enough national attention in time to do so. And, she’s only a first term Senator. If the Dems want to win they need to look away from the Northeast. The last two Dem candidates from the Northeast got embarrassed on the electoral map.
She was California AG before the Senate, but who needs political experience these days, anyway?
Since I’m expecting Pence will be President when 2020 comes around (unless he goes down too), Harris will have her work cut out for her. But it’s smart to run for President without a lengthy time in the Senate to build up a record. See Obama, Barack.
Honestly, Ophra would stand a better chance.
I’m sorry, Hunter will still be playing ball
LOVE that quote.
Preparing to deal with Cain starts at least til the mid point of the season when Bochy will reluctantly scratch Cain from the staff. BB is something else with his vets
This is Evans’ doing, not Bochy’s.
I’m reminded from last year: Bochy really, really likes Ty Blach. I remember after Blach’s major league debut in Colorado, Alex said Bochy was “beaming like a proud dad,” and just in the highlight they showed last night, Bochy was hugging Blach after he finished his stellar outing against the Dodgers at the end of last season. I don’t recall seeing Bochy ever doing a lot of in-game hugging. Apparently Bochy’s been taken with Blach’s attitude and work ethic over several years in camp and has always been very impressed with him.
Bochy liked Matt Duffy a lot, too. Remember who won that battle? (Sayonara, Casey.)
As for Evans, he may be simply repeating the party line from the front office. I’m sure the owners don’t want to hear in February that a guy making $20 mil is being displaced by a rookie.
Cain won’t retire because then he would have to forego the money, and he shouldn’t retire. The Giants need to forget the money. The two sides need to work this agonizing situation out somehow so the Giants don’t have to DFA former hero Cain.
They’ll handle it like they handled Zito/Hudson/Lincecum/Peavy. He’ll be “injured.”
You can usually trade a player if you are willing to eat a large fraction of a salary. Note that Cain will get a few more starts, in spring when it doesn’t count, before any decision is made by the baseball brain trust.
Cain has a full no-trade clause.
Nobody wants him anyway, with his recent track record , no team would touch him with a ten foot pole .
Oh. You already said this, Peter. It’s such a harsh reality.
Honesty, 610mm is a big Cain fan, so thinks Cain is a little better then he is, Cain is not going to get a starting job from any other MLB team, with the Giants his salary and the loyalty of the team with his past with them, so the Giants will give him a chance to prove he can still start, no other team would .
I think I understand 610nm and Bapah when it comes to Cain. This is hard to watch. It was hard for me to watch Tim Lincecum decline amid bursts of effectiveness that fueled my hope for a resurgence and recovery.
Timmy was 19-13 his last 2 years with the Giants including a stretch in 2014 with allowing only 1 run in over 30 innings, and in 2015 he allowed 0 runs in 4 of his first 9 starts , Cain has not pitched close to that well in over 4 years .
Apples and oranges.
Remember how glorious it was to watch Lincecum and Cain running together during drills? Or sitting and laughing together with Cain’s young daughter on his lap? Those were the days when the two pitchers were on top of the world.
Time flies by even faster in the baseball world.
Time and retirement.
Good morning, dgg. You can trade a player if he agrees to be traded, and Matt might like the chance to pitch regularly instead of having an “injury” as it would help towards getting a future contract. But let’s see what happens in the next few starts.
What team would want him? I don’t see him uprooting his family either. I think Matt Cain will eventually accept reality.
yup.
I doubt Cain would agree to a trade. He saw what happened with TL’s embarrassing stint with the Angels. I think he’d prefer to end the year in some “injured” state and then retire.
I don’t think physically he has what it takes to make a comeback. And NO, he is not going to hang on as a reliever.
So much nonsense on this blog about making starters reliever when they break down. Sure it has happened, bu there are only certain special players out there like Smoltz (notice he is in the HOF).
Also, who would want him?
Yes, and Evans won’t be held to account for his pronouncements about Cain as 5th starter in 2017.
“Golfer elbow”, not to be confused with “Tennis elbow”.
Actually his golf game hasn’t seemed to suffer much. he might find success on The Circuit.
I know. I was just trying to add humor in regards to what Lefty said about how they handled Zito/Hudson /Lincecum/Peavy. He’ll be “injured”.
Timmeh’s last game he took a line drive, and was never seen again. :o(
The money is irrelevant- in Baseball contracts always pay for past performance, this money is just the money Cain should have earned in 2006-2011
Just like Bum has been a steal since he hit the bigs- he will make up some of that lost value on his next contract.
Either Cain can compete or he can’t, if he can’t say thank you, and bring up someone who can.
Duffy only got the job after McGehee made it very clear, in the regular season, that he was terrible.
I do not think so, it might be Sabean and management, over Evans pay grade, Evans in the end of the year Press Conference was all about giving the young kids a chance, seems like he got his arm twisted by upper management .
Well, there’s what Evans said at the end-of-the year press conference, and what he’s said in interviews before Spring Training, and then his actions of signing all these NRI veterans.
On another topic, Parker’s looking real good, yes?
nah….Bruce has our backs, Slikk! It’s gonna be Blach. Cain’s gonna make it easier for Bruce/Bobby and the gang
Ok im holding you to this Matty lol!
the thing which stood out to me, which i haven’t seen mentioned, was his velo on the fb. all i saw was 86, with an occasional 87. that’s not going to get it done, unless the location is perfect, which it wasn’t. the hook, i thought, was terrific.
Whoa.
Location…location …location…
He left a lot UP, belt high… and right down the middle..total meatballs..
Is that a focus/loss of attention or he can no longer put the ball where he wants it…??
87 ..ugh…and no location..
The evidence keeps piling up. If we see all this, the Giants must see it too.
I’m sure they do. What’s the date, again?
March 2, 2017
February 30th!
You must be Mooooooooose’s cousin! Where is Moooooooose anyway?
I’m no Matthew or Moooooooooose, those guys are really funny.
I had three different people apologize yesterday for not getting something done in February, as expected, so I told the last one think of their stuff as being compete on Feb 29th. And I’m good at maths, so it extends to the 30th too. Feb. is wierd.
(from below) We are getting a dusting of snow this morning, but have had oddly warm weather since mid-January. I even managed to spread out a dirt pile a week ago, because it had unfrozen itself. Big rain, at a temp of about 55 degrees, last week. Oddly, there are still people who think the planet isn’t getting warmer.
I’m sure you know it was 64° in Antartica this week. An all-time record. Very, very concerning. I wish it had been 30° in Antartica instead, which it was here in Montana this week, lower at night. Yesterday was weird however. We woke up to snow trucks barreling down side streets scooping up snow and spreading a new layer of small pebble gravel all over the icy streets. Then by 5 o’clock, all the snow and ice on the streets had melted. I put my ice cleats on to walk to the gym and didn’t need them. I realized later it was only a Chinook and not a weird phenomenon at all for temps to zoom up suddenly to 40° over a couple hours. We just haven’t had many, if any, Chinooks this winter, and I forgot they’re usually normal for us.
Do you see a “Chinook Arch” like we did in Calgary?
where are you again, ST? i forgot..
Iowa. February is supposed to be winter, with March variable but headed towards spring. I was honestly worried that my bulbs might decide to wake up the week before last, when it got into the upper ’60s every day.
i love when those tulips, daffodils, etc, start to show their pretty faces. best time of the year..
Lurking.
Smartass.
i concur. let’s give him 4 or 5 more starts before we get the tar and feathers..
I gave him the last couple of seasons — the Giants have multiple better options and need to learn eat a bad K once in a while. I really only remember them eating Rowand’s contract. Also the Dodgers struggle against lefties and will again this year — the Giants play them 18 times and I would much rather Blach or someone else makes 4 starts against them, then to just chalk a bunch of losses when Cain faces them. Not to mention how he kills the bullpen.
I’m gonna take timeout from the Cain Eulogy if that’s ok. The biggest eye opener to me last nite was Slater’s first AB. He got a fastball riding in on him, at first glance I figured he was gonna get sawed off with the ball possibly going foul down the right field line. It certainly did not look like a swing that would drive the ball over Puig’s head and one-hop the fence but that’s what happened. It was impressive.
That was a great oppo hit by Slater.
Parker did his own cause a lot of good yesterday too.
No question. My thoughts during his AB’s were that he looked a little more under control than past years. Almost like he finally realized that he has natural power so doesn’t need to overswing. If he’s actually made that realization and implemented it, I could be wrong in thinking he’d never consistently hit, for that was my fear. Seemed to have too many holes and swing and miss-itis. We shall see.
He still looks too twitchy in the box for me. He makes me nervous.
I thought even his foul ball swings last night seemed to be more under control. But now you’re making me nervous.
Yes and so I am hanging with Mac … Tortoise and Hare … JP is off like a rocket but Mac will overtake him and his D is already impressive.
We were so starved for baseball that we are putting too much stock in one week with a month to go.
Nicht Scheiß
You are going to get us banned on the Deutschland Disqus
Not likely. Scheiß is the 2nd or 3rd favorite word in German.
And the best damn car painting company around!
Dufus. It is NOT a B, it is a SS. That’s what ß is.
I’m a ‘Merican…sorry for my tribal ignorance
Williamson just dropped a line drive the other day , box score read E Williamson line drive .
That’s a Strawberry turn on baseballs.
Slater is good, for some reason the Prospect graders do not like him, one rated him only the Giants #18 prospect, I think they are full of it, he is way under rated, and Arroyo is way over rated, with his low OB% and SLG%, with no speed, and average glove .
It’s a wonder why you don’t write ALL the Prospect experts reviews and sites isn’t it????!!
They might as well quit since you are available.
Well see, they have known to be wrong a lot, lots of #1 prospects have been busts, I go by production, need to prove it to me, none of this potential BS .
Vegas Over/Under on PJ’s “Arroyo is overrated” this spring: 12. Place your bets.
I’m down for a K.
Arroyo can hit pure and simple, the team will find a spot for him. He may not be the best athlete, but you can see his swing alone makes him the Giants top hitting prospect.
PJ sees things with blinders and says its allow about ave and OBA, etc. That alone does not always assure a player will be able to hit in the bigs.
Look at Panik, he was a 1st rd pick but hardly talked about as a superior talent, but his swing, his tenacity, his ability to put the ball in play and D allowed him to be successful in the bigs.
I’ve seen enough Arroyo AB’s to know he’s a pure hitter. And his power will develop.
when you know the game, the eye test suffices..agree brother E?
Hey, speaking of Vegas. Damn, I miss that guy.
No power before last yr
He looked a little flustered in the field, though. That wasn’t something I thought would happen. Hope we get a more extended look at his wares.
Not if it impairs Beckham’s transition to the OF. It’s what Lefty wants. :o)
i could not believe he was able to get the barrel on that pitch. glad you brought that up. impressive indeed.
Good eye, “Scout”.
OMG, not another one.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonlight_Graham
I know who the real one was. I was talking about this DingBat.
This is my most favorite DingBat in the entire world, though.
He’s friggin adorable. You should see him on the I-5 in a halter top. It’s five-car pileup inducing.
So, Rachel is a hottie?
Her curves would make Bert Blyleven gush.
Oh boy… your parents didn’t take to Rachel?
After the latest medical procedure I awoke to find Dr. Molly Griswold (Rene Russo), reading my charts at the foot of the bed. After shutting and reopening (only) one time I come to find out that it was really some orderly that looked like Cheech Marin and he was “collecting” all the so called specimens.
Sigh https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/170961991a6788699b130533f046293de45fb099ff4724aaebda7c1c7110c403.jpg
Reality https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7e112585685149fd66e8d2fb0cee37a4ed1b76465917ccbf1a3a94a95f61e190.jpg
With a full time job and also having to take care of a ranch, where do you find the time to create this never ending series of identities?
Billy Milligan had over 20, Ry’s pushing that many and maybe more.
Split-squad #SFGiants lineup vs CWS:
Rollins 2B
Belt 1B
Ruggiano LF
Crawford SS
Morse DH
Gillaspie 3B
Hundley C
Calixte RF
Duggar CF
Moore P
And Melky batting third for the ChiSox today.
He did pretty crappy last year. Wonder if he’s off his meds?
14/86/296 is crappy in your book?
That’s better than most Giants OF have produced most years recently.
Hell, that’s arguably as good or better than Bob Belt.
DRS = -5
UZR = -7.1
let’s see how many Giants OF do as good or better this year than his line I posted.
If you’re comparing him to Trout, then sure he is not that great, lol
Well, even Span did last year.
Actually Trout fell of quite a bit last year.
Defense your nuts, very rarely have more then 2 fly balls a game that are not a can of corn, hitting matters every day .
Defensing your nuts is vital. That’s why I wear a cup at all times.
Belt was fourth best 1B
DRS = 9
UZR = 5.8
You can have the 8 best defensive players in MLB, and I will take the 8 best offensive players, and I bet my team wins almost every time, you go by DRS I will go by OPS .
But you could probably also take Bapah’s 8 and give him yours and beat him again due to sheer out-managing.
Wellll.
You’d just turn his power hitters into a bunch of slappies and lose 12-1.
I am talking about, he gets SS with best DRS , I get SS with best OPS, and then 2nd base, then 3rd base, and so on , not just 8 best Sluggers at any position .
I understand. I have faith in you.
You get the top 5 hitting pitchers and I get the top 5 pitching pitchers.
Bruce is putting JRoll in with the A-team (BCraw and Bob) to make sure he gets a good look, I guess.
Did the Giants add another OF prospect? Calixte? I need a database for this group!
Calixte is a SS, I believe, and on the 40-man. I like the thought process in trying him in the outfield: big log jam in the IF right now.
Andrew Baggarly@extrabaggs 4m4 minutes ago
Jason Heyward’s little brother, Jacob, is filling out the Giants’ home split squad today. Younger JHey had .488 OBP in rookie ball last year
MLB & the MLBPA today jointly announced a series of modifications that have been approved and will be in place in the 2017 regular season: https://t.co/IjVboUSCGd
SF split-squad lineup @ Angels: Nunez DH, Panik 2B, Hill 3B, Parker RF, Marrero 1B Williamson LF Brown C Tomlinson SS Hernandez CF (Beede P)
MLB-TV is showing the Angels on TV. It has the CWSox listed, but not any broadcast. The other schedule shows the Sox on MLB.com.
Per Baggs:
Bobby Evans says Johnny Cueto has a flight to Arizona tomorrow. There’s a chance he gets on standby today.
I’m afraid Cueto may have had to sacrifice his WBC for his POP.
Family first.
I’m not afraid at all.
I forgot he was on the team.
He then starts playing in the WBC, whitch starts in the DR in the 1st round for him .
witch?
Stop being MR, Grammar police, you know what I mean .
Wait MR as in M.R. or MR as in “Mental….”
Johnnie should forget about the WBC…take care of pops and work with Rags on getting ready for the season.
I didn’t realize the Padres had signed Carter Capps, who missed all of 2016 with Tommy John surgery. If you don’t remember him, he’s the former Marlin who hopped off the rubber during his delivery, which allowed him to throw his 100 mph fastball from three feet closer to the plate. It seemed blatantly illegal, but apparently wasn’t. He was dominant with it in 2015, allowing only 18 hits in 31 innings, while striking out 58 and compiling a 1.16 ERA. Well, among the new rule changes is an anti-Carter Capps rule. If the umpires choose to enforce it, he’ll have to pitch like everyone else, thereby lowering my annoyance level.
http://deadspin.com/mlb-to-carter-capps-cool-it-with-that-wacky-delivery-1792902068
POTD
Bottom line so far on Cain yesterday on March 1st was:
The “fall apart” moments of 3 straight Dodgers singling – Henry Ramos tripling home two with Cain allowing three runs is really no more relevant or important or devastating than when the good part happened getting Joc Pederson to hit into a double play to end the first inning and two quick outs in the second and topping it off by striking out Puig on a curveball.
Of course Ty Blach followed Cain with two hit-less innings, the first scoreless outing by any of the six pitchers who have a realistic shot at starting the year in the rotation.
So I think Rags and Gardy will tell Bochy what they clearly see when camp breaks. Guys like the grizzled Milb pitching coach Steve Kline are also in camp as is Huddy and Javy Lopez. The brain trust will figure it out.
I finally looked up why Duffy is not in the Rays games:
Rays’ Matt Duffy: Participates in fielding drills
by RotoWire Staff Feb 28, 2017 • 1 min read UPDATE Feb 28, 2017, 9:13pm
Duffy (heel) fielded ground balls Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
The tentative plan is for Duffy to start playing in games around the middle of March. As long as he continues progressing without any setbacks, it’s entirely possible that Duffy will be ready to take on the starting spot at shortstop by Opening Day.
Anybody watching Beed-a?
Me, on my phone during my office hour! 😉
He did a good job of pitching in traffic.
I thought he looked very good today.
S O M E – of Davey Lopes former teachings are starting to show through with Puig. #RawtalentSupreme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AMIrxx3gx8
Lucky he is not on this blog , he would be ridiculed for spelling Goal, goooooooool, instead of goal !
POTD
Really?
:-/
I have no idea what that means.
I’m going with Trevor’s eye on that strike over the HPU.
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