by
GreekGiant
I am not going to talk about what happened two nights ago. I prefer to use this unexpected free time we Giants fans have by guiding the conversation to happier moments. This is the first in a series of articles about the Giants Postseason history. I will add box scores, videos and photos intermittently so we can reminisce about the glory days and use these memories to improve our self-esteem as we prepare for 2017.
Tim Lincecum’s First Postseason Appearance Was Spectacular
Let’s recall the glory of 2010 by looking back at the first game of the Division Series on Thursday, October 7, 2010, in San Francisco against the Braves. In the very first postseason start of his career Tim Lincecum pitched one of the greatest games in MLB playoff history. Look at his line: 14 Ks against 1 BB, 0 runs, 2 hits and a complete game. Enough said.
Lincecum’s change-up and fastball were un-hittable. The Braves were terrorized by Timmy intimidation and Buster Posey’s excellence as a catcher. Timmy probably could have gone on to pith 18 innings that night so efficient was his delivery and so precise was his command.
I remember the game well, watching it on my couch soon after I moved back to the USA from Paris. I always tell my friends that what I miss most when I am traveling overseas is baseball. Anyway, the Giants were riding high after their thrilling divisional title over the Padres that was not clinched till the last game of the season.
Cody Ross began his legendary October by driving in Buster Posey who stole the first base of his career just before the only run of the game was produced! That was to be the harbinger of excellent baseball, a bit of good fortune (which every champion needs along the way) and the first World Series championship in San Francisco Giants history!
That Box Score is Ridiculous
Whoq, Giants end of season press conference just now: Roberto Kelly and Billy Hayes “to be replaced.”
It only starts with them. It’s quite a list.
I can’t get it here; can you recap?
Casilla, Lopes, probably Pagan, Romo on the bubble. Kelly and Hayes gone. Williams/Parker LF, Blanco TBD.
– build bench depth
– no overhaul for the BP, talent is there; having a closer will settle roles
– Mac/Parker sound like they’ll get a good look for LF
– 6 viable starters (assuming they mean Cain and Blach, not Suarez)
Kontos definitely in the mix–sounds like he’ll be offered arbitration
Read some of the Twitter feeds to the right (Schulman, Alex, Baggs), a recap of the major points.
Is the press conference streaming anywhere?
It finished a couple min ago
Thanks.
It was streaming live on the SF Giants website. I’m guessing they’ll have the replay video soon.
Well, Bochy did try to blame “the staff” for some of his boneheaded decisions. There has to be a scapegoat.
Bochy doesn’t do the hiring or firing but HEY, you’ve told everybody you know that although Pilot Sully Sullenberger saved 166 people – he was no hero….
And I’m sure he has no input whatsoever on the staff. Do you think if Bochy tells management I want to replace two coaches they’ll say no? Not saying Bochy *did* call for their termination, but I certainly think he has the pull to do so.
Time may tell ……. They have Decker – Dunston in the wings along with Jose Alguacil
Time will tell…what?
He, nor any of us have a clue about what’s going to happen.
Once you actually are age 40 you will understand that it is an expression…
(only) time will tell
phrase of time
1. the truth or correctness of something will (only) be established at some time in the future.
Ha…still with the Sullenberger? In the bizarro world, you’re exactly the same as you are here.
I missed this Sully tiff you and CU are having, but I did see the Tom Hanks movie. It basically suggested that they could have returned to an airport safely (not needing to land on the Hudson) but that given the small amount of processing time, there was no way for human brains to make that decision. In short (a) in a computer simulation, they could have turned back to LaGuardia or another airport but (b) since it was human beings, they did the best they could with the information they had. It was a really interesting movie, I thought.
What I said is that Sullenberger is a guy who performed very well under pressure, but he didn’t put himself at risk to save others which, I believe, is the nature of pure heroism. If anyone was going to die on that plane, he probably would’ve been the first.
Weak Sauce Malloy, your Sullenberger tirade leads you to comment about baseball situations “the same way”. You have zero “feel for the game”. You would make decisions “sitting in a chair”. The Sullenberger posting by you will live in infamy and never go away.
HaHa talk about Bizarro, “Good Pilot but uh,,,not a hero”
Something I’ve always wondered…what’s the deal with all the quotation marks?
I don’t think so Clutch. I am sure Bochy makes all the decisions about his coaching staff. The GM just has to approve them. No way he has no input on his coaches. No matter what anyone says.
Bochy may suggest something but with Sabes and Evans sitting up high and having a better view of the base running debacles – it had to be a GM and President decision but Bochy I am sure approved.
Beyond a recommendation, Bochy doesn’t hire or fire anyone.
This is an interesting comment from Evans, and IMO, a swipe right back at Bochy on overhauling the bullpen: :”We have a lot of talent there … we’ll find ways to improve, but we’ve got a good core.” Evans has taken a lot of $hit for not acquiring a closer and having an historically bad pen. I think this is him standing up and saying our manager made a ton of bad decisions with the pen and the talent was better than the production.
People that were speculating that Bochy and Sabean have the close relationship, and that Evans and Bochy may not get along so swimmingly, may be on to something…
I really hope that was Evans’ intent cause it was evident that Bochy mismanaged the bullpen. He even admitted he “overmanaged” them. Shouldn’t be overlooked. And apparently it’s well known now that the relievers had a beef with how they are used to.
IMO, that is way, way too simple a POV to describe the management dynamic used within the Giants clubhouse.
Pavs and Baggs both reported there were grumblings among the RPs about their usage so that’s pretty clear cut. Obviously we don’t know the behind the scenes between Bochy and Evans but they both had big parts in an historically bad bullpen that culminated in an historic postseason 9th inning loss. It was extremely embarrassing for both of them and it’s not like one or the other has stepped up and taken full responsibility. Evans made comments about feeling foolish for not getting a closer, but this embarrassing situation certainly appears to have created tension between Evans and Bochy. Those comments by Evans are a clear indicator that the pen is not as bad as the production, which would be a direct reflection on Bochy.
Maybe, but my point goes to the give and take of communication among the coaches and to the players via certain ‘recognized’ leaders. This post season CYA isn’t unusual or even surprising. I’m curious what happened at the AS break before all the strum and drang of the 2n half. Who cares about now, I’m interested in then. Who dropped the baton on the closer situation and ever let it get to Casilla being boo’d.
That’s obvious. Who was making the on-field decisions?
That’s a separate discussion, but those decisions are informed by what management finds acceptable. BTW, from I read from you and others, none of what I’m curious about is at all obvious. Put away your Bochy hate for a while, and stop looking for your favorite scapegoat. You might find something interesting about the team you purport to support.
Not to nitpick in any way, but it is Sturm und Drang. The other is for the banjo.
Maybe that’s also Evans saying you should have used the best RP, who I traded a lot to get, to close it out in Game 4. And if you did we wouldn’t be having this press conference right now.
I wouldn’t read beyond the script were I you. The big thing coming out of the last couple of days is the odd, and different intra team communications lines. This team manages itself, IMO, a lot different than the ‘experts’ here have assumed over the years.
That was my take as well. Evans strongly saying there’s no “bullpen overhaul” needed and that there’s a talented core suggests that he thinks the talent needs to be used better. I take that as they’ll go after an elite closer and the rest of the spots will be from within–not blowing it all up.
I agree with Evans.
I do, too: Smith, Okert, Strickland, even Osich, Kontos, Gearrin….
And Law!
Sorry…absolutely . Him, too!
Stud closer
Law, Strick, Kontos
Smith, Okert or Osich
Long man: Suarez, Cain, or Blach
Not bad
Blanton is a FA. As weird as it would be to acquire him I love the fact that he doesn’t walk anybody. My biggest issue with the pen this year were all the f@#$%^& walks. And Lopez’s walk of Rizzo was the key to that meltdown IMO.
He’ll morph into a fat, sweaty Johnathan Broxton with a 5.73 ERA and a 1.96 WHIP.
Right and if they get a closer the rest of the roles will be solidified and thus the bullpen will know for the most part – games are fluid – where their spot in the rotation will be. Going back to what Smoltz said, that comment in my mind was so spot on.
I think getting a go to 9th inning guy would do wonders for this team. I could see Law, Smith, Hunter, Romo all capable of being the 7th or 8th inning guy. Something about the 9th…. we just don’t have the guy with the stuff or mental makeup to relish and fulfill that role.
http://www.knbr.com/2016/10/13/giants-fire-two-assistant-coaches/
Billy Hayes and Roberto shown the door!
http://www.knbr.com/2016/10/13/giants-fire-two-assistant-coaches/
They deserved to be fired but so do others. I hope they are not being made the scapegoats.
Maybe Brett Butler – Robbie Thompson – Jose Alguacil – Damon Minor – Steve Decker – Shawon Dunston – Eli Whiteside will get a shot to shine.
Barry Lamar? He is unemployed…
Jus’ Sayin’
I like Augie. He did a good job with Richmond last year and Sacramento this year. Both years started poorly and ended very strong. Clearly he gets his guys to play for him and stay engaged. He also seems more creative with offensive strategy–less conservative. He might be a really good 3B coach.
I like Augie Garrido. A Titan of collegiate baseball. He was Brandon Belt’s coach at Texas. How about that?
No more T-sippers needed here!
Ha! Hook ’em Horns, huh? Brandon seems to be pretty low key – I don’t know, you’ll have to ask Lefty, I think she checks up on his blog and it is college football season. As for the Crawford, not sure he gets too much into Bruin activities, again, consult the Lefty.
Dusty took over from Roger in 1993 and Bobby Bonds was his first base coach / hitting coach.
Time for Lamar to “come home” and join the staff in some/any capacity.
In 1994 some guy named Dennis Sommers coached first base and Bobby was in the dugout as their hitting coach.
Barry definitely needs to come back but he may not want a full time gig.
In 2014 he gave great tips to Craw and Morse (miss him) and we know the results. But given the Miami thing I agree with you, not sure full time is where he is at. But some type of role, I would like to see.
Does Bonds have a kid? Will that kid be draft eligible anytime soon? Good baseball genes in that family.
I think he has two
If one’s a daughter, she could be the first…
I like how you think!
That’s just sheer BS. Bonds is the last thing they need. You guys just need to walk away from the narrative that Bonds has anything to offer this team. Chili Davis, that’s a different kettle of fish.
I know what you mean and agree in part. But I cannot help myself
May not be as much BS as you say. Why is he at Spring Training every year? Why has Crawford “gone on record” to say Bonds singlehandedly helped my swing”…
Because it’s standard Giants marketing schtick.
I don’t think so. Craw keeps to himself.
OK.
His game score was 96. Bumgarner’s recent Wild Card awesomeness was 88.
What formula? Some Nate Silver love child? I’m not familiar with that one
Here you go …
http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2014/5/22/5737916/game-score-pitcher-evaluation-bill-james-tom-tango
Gracias
De Nada, Louis Lopez.
Bowling?
it’s in every box score on MLB.com
Flannery the other day on the loss to the Cubs
http://tinyurl.com/hjo8bcw
In discussing the top 3 closers available, most people seem to want Melancon. Any reason? I admit I don’t really know these 3 well; I understand Chapman with his issues, but what about Jansen? Excellent numbers, more dominating stuff it seems, and more importantly 2.5 years younger than Melancon.
Mostly has to do with the Giants’ likelihood of signing them. Jansen would be good too, but how likely is that when he was a Dodger all these years?
If you are the Cubs, Dodgers, or Nats, why in the world would you allow any of your stud relievers to sign with the Giants?
I know…that’s what I don’t get about everyone talking about Melancon….
The FA class is thin, which is why I think the Giants went after JC and Moore. The best bets for the Giants to strengthen their club is through the trade market, using the extra money to pick up players on short-term but expensive contracts.
It’s the only name they know who might be available.
How about some of the Brave arms? Vizcaino?
Or Colome with Tampa? Ring a bell? The Moore trade could have laid ground work.
Your leagueage may vary.
You sure TB would want to trade for our damaged goods again?
Better than Padre damaged goods.
Only because of disclosure, or lack thereof.
Here is the deal….It was either I think – “Dinero” or “Vegas Giant Fan” – who told us that CLOSERS per-sey were over-rated regarding paying big money and yet we have longed for a closer all season ……….
that’s the SABR argument. Ideally, you develop most of your own bullpen from farm or swing a trade for big arm like Royals did when Davis came over with Shields.
So maybe a big, unforeseen trade brings that closer.
Anybody worth having is going to be a fought over asset – whether that is on the free agent market or the trade market. There’s nobody ripe to be plucked without competition. I do believe the Nats can be more easily outbid than the other two. But wheel sea. Should the Nats win the Series, the likelihood of holding on increases.
But thank you for you cynicism 😉
Sorry. I just don’t get it….the Nats traded for him, an he’s in the playoffs with them. So, what would his motivation be? Plus, how old is he? It seems like a weird Grass Is Greener internet exercise. If that’s “cynical”, so be it.
Listen Donnie Downer, I don’t know why you’re trying to burst my bubble and everyone else’s. Hope floats. Got that?
Other than that, his motivation would be getting the best contract – abetted by his agent.
He will be 32 in March.
WHIP last few years:
2016: 0.9
2015: 0.93
2014: 0.87
Doesn’t matter. When is goes with a closer, it goes fast. See Benitez, Papelbon, Casilla for example.
See Mariano? Looking for that cutter parallel. Command of cutter likely has more staying power that fastball slider.
Maybe, but there is inherent risk with a closer. That was my point.
If you want to gamble that Melancon is Rivera, great, do it with your money.
Here’s 72 cents. But white Rivera-Lite works just fine. Don’t need no saves record in SF – just reliability.
Or Instead, go bargain hunting for Brad Ziegler? And use him Law and Strickland in the 9th?
Melancon will be a free agent, his contract is up. He can choose where he wants to go. Why wouldn’t want to go pitch for a championship level team in a pitchers park for more money?
Matt does raise a valid point – the Nats may win the bid, may not even make the highest bid because he likes pitching coach, Dusty, Bryce, Max, and playing on the East Coast where he likely lives.
So thank you for taking a pin to the condom and ruining a good time!
Condoms are inherently no fun anyway
You wouldn’t eat candy with the wrapper on, would you? Sorry, locker room/Peachy talk.
me and locker room talk should not be used in the same sentence
Condom? What is that?
He went to Arizona and was born in Colorado, so…
boom? Welcome back to the Western U.S., where it’s always summer?
He didn’t choose the Nats, the Pirates did…so there should be no assumptions that he’s locked-in to stay there. He went to college at Arizona and was born in Colorado, so it seems he’s more of a West Coast guy.
Post of the day 🙂
They’re not indentured. Most money plus best opportunity could get ’em to come.
That’s what everyone was saying about Greinke last offseason. He didn’t end up staying with the Dodgers. Anything can happen in free agency, mostly money.
How did that contract work out for the D-bags????? Jus’ Sayin’…..
You’re right, it didn’t, at least for year 1. But that’s not the point. The point is that they can be signed away.
It’s a matter of the where the relievers want to pitch. I think Jansen stays with LA and Chapmen with Chicago, but I think Melancon is in play. Like I mentioned before (yesterday), the Giants should make him priority #1 and sign him right away, so LA and Chicago can’t have him as Plan B if their Plan A guys leave.
Sounds good in theory. Would not mind the effort as Jansen blew a lot of saves and Chapman’s arm worries me – risk of blowing it out v. return the obscene money it will take to land him.
Not wanting to match what the Giants are willing to pay. The Giants, IMO, will be willing to pay more for a closer than the Nats. But we’ll just have to see if that’s true in the offseason.
My take is that Melancon’s price tag should be a little lower – but also that I don’t think the Dodgers will let Jansen leave – as with the Cubs and Chapman.
I also have some cause for concern with Jansen’s medicals – not that I’ve seen them!
Melancon is so remarkably consistent. I think the way he attacks with his cutter and his ability to limit baserunners makes him a tremendous asset and that he can probably maintain this high level of performance for perhaps a couple more years and then maybe the regression won’t be so steep in years 3-4 of deal.
That’s what Hoona also alluded to…signability. Thanks.
It’s gonna be tight, no doubt. I wouldn’t hold breath, but Evans alluded to regret for not going harder for Melancon.
The difference now is that it’s only gonna take the most money, not the best package. The Giants have re-opened their window of opportunity. Don’t waste it. Get it done.
Get it done. BOOM!
From the press conference it sounds like their #1 priority, as it should be. Let’s see what happens. They got Cueto and Smarge last year when SP was the #1 priority.
If the Nats lose to the Dodgers, I would be rooting hard for them to win it all If I were Mr. Melancon. Giants would be extra incentivized. $$$$$$
and why don you think that Walgreens will let Melancon go?
$$$ is the only answer I can give you.
He didn’t pick the Nats, so there’s no reason to think he wants to stay there. Jansen has history with the Dodgers and Chapman’s domestic violence is being ignored by starved Cubs fans.
He has mastered the cutter. Pay him to feel comfortable at SF and let him teach that cutter to the younger guys in the pen.
On the right hand side of the page
Andrew Baggarly ✔ @extrabaggs
Both Bochy and Evans tried to laugh off the question about bringing back 3B coach Tim Flannery.
Neither said no.
But Flannery has said no way. “Way too much collateral damage”
More on the Upheld Pulled Foot Replay Where the Giants Got Hosed
http://www.closecallsports.com/2016/10/upheld-pulled-foot-replays-stir-pot-in.html
I still call BS. If they were able to have angles to decide Hosmer was out in the 2014 series, they had enough to clearly conclude that Rizzo pulled his foot. It’s absurd.
Exactly !!!
Evans may have had Oracle in mind with this comment. But this is also to dampen enthusiasm about new, impact left fielder.
https://twitter.com/extrabaggs/status/786634551325962240
Angel Pagan
A Giant since 2012, Pagan actually had an average season with the bat (.277/.331/.418) but was overshadowed by a dismal last month (.221/.282/.354), that saw him eventually dropped to sixth in the lineup. Pagan’s .750 OPS in 2016 is .12 points higher than his career average, but he struggled at times in the field and continues to have one of the weakest arms in all of baseball.If Pagan were 10 years younger, the Giants might consider resigning him, but he’s 34 and has durability issues that have plagued him throughout his career (he missed the final two games of the NLDS with back spasms). Couple that with his average numbers at the plate, and he’s probably a long shot to make the roster in 2017. Look for the Giants to replace him with a big name in free agency.
Prediction:
Gregor Blanco
Blanco is also coming off a down year behind the dish, finishing with the worst batting average of his career, and an unimpressive line of .224/.309/.311. Blanco has been a solid, cheap fourth outfielder for the Giants for five seasons, but lost his spot as a platoon option to the better and younger Gorkys Hernandez during the second half. Add the fact that the Giants have two other young outfielders in Mac Williamson and Jarrett Parker that seem more than ready to take the fourth outfield spot, and Blanco probably joins Pagan as the second outfielder on his way out of town.
Prediction:
Sergio Romo
Though he finished the season on a low note, the 33-year-old Romo actually had his best statistical season since 2013, and was extremely effective as an emergency closer until the last two games of the season. Romo remains a stellar situational reliever, with right-handed hitters mustering just a .234 batting average against him in 2016, and he still has one of the better sliders in the game when he’s rolling. He also didn’t miss a beat after suffering an early season injury to his right forearm that sent him to the 60-day DL, posting a 2.63 ERA after returning. Romo is a fan favorite who has been a part of all three World Series teams, and the Giants have a track record of bringing back beloved characters even if on paper it doesn’t totally make sense (see: Tim Lincecum). But Romo did enough with his performances this season to earn a spot in the 2017 bullpen, and remains a solid setup option against right-handed heavy lineups.
Prediction:
Javier Lopez
Lopez was also a member of all three Giants World Series teams, but had easily his worse season in San Francisco, posting a 4.05 ERA, after eclipsing 3.00 just once since joining the club in 2010. Lopez has made a career as a destroyer against left-handed hitters, but wasn’t nearly as effective this season, though his numbers were skewed by an abysmal first half. Lopez settled down after July 4th, posting a 2.70 ERA for the last three months. The Giants could go either way on Lopez. On one hand he’s been a lights-out specialist for the better part of five years and is known for being a positive presence in the clubhouse. On the other, he just turned 39 and may be showing signs of regression. The Giants also have two other talented young lefties in in Will Smith, 26, and Steven Okert, 24. As with Romo, however, Giants management is notorious for taking care of their guys, and Lopez still effective enough to have value in certain situations.
Prediction:
Santiago Casilla
The third member of the core four about to hit the open market, Casilla’s struggles in 2016 are well documented. He blew a league leading nine saves before losing his job to Sergio Romo late in the season, and had an awkward moment on May 12 when he showed up Bruce Bochy on the mound, apparently feeling he didn’t deserve to be pulled. Casilla’s days as a closer for the Giants are obviously done, but the question is can he still be a valuable member of the bullpen in a setup role moving forward. The answer to that will largely rest upon whether or not San Francisco would prefer to have Romo, as bringing back two aging right-handed setup men doesn’t make much sense. In that respect Romo has the edge, both from a production and age standpoint.
Prediction:
Gone, gone, gone, gone, gone.
Refresh their browser. All left us with amazing memories. All are well past any prime. All have younger versions already on the 40 man that slot into their roles
You don’t think Romo will be back? or Casilla?
I don’t….. I would let them all walk……
Romo’s post game quotes mentioning this is the first time they haven’t floated hints to him about a free agent deal tells me he knows it’s over here for him.
http://www.knbr.com/2016/10/12/giants-free-agency-outlook-whos-staying-whos-leaving/
Not likely, imo
Both of them should be gone. Romo’s smiling “act” really made it easy for me to root for him to go somewhere else to be inconsistent at his current age…”and that’s what’s up!”
I personally agree with you. The guy who authored the article had Romo and Javy re-signing and I wish against that.
http://www.knbr.com/2016/10/12/giants-free-agency-outlook-whos-staying-whos-leaving/
I’m surprised he thinks Lopez will be back. Everyone loves him, but he’s 39, and they have younger lefty relievers on the roster to fill his spot. And he had a bad year. I think it’s more likely that Romo will be back (but still not that likely).
Too many walks for a LH specialist that typically faces one batter. The current pitcher could just pitch around the usual Lopez batter (equaling the Javy walk) and save the Giants a ton of money with the same results!
Very interesting quote from Sabean regarding adding more power to the Giants lineup. He is against it: Brian Sabean: “The magic number to win in the National League is four (runs). It doesn’t matter how you score four.”
I can’t say I agree with him there. He is over-simplifying things.
Known to me , Sabean is anti power , Bonds was already on the Giants when he got hired, most interviews he is a contact guy, He traded Matt Williams another power guy, and Jeff Kent was a throw in the trade, Taverez and Vizciano were the main guys in that trade, Kent was coming off a bad year, the Giants got lucky on that one .
PJ, the problem they all have is that the park is not built to suit many power hitters ( don’t say “Bonds”… He is a different strain of the species). Couple that with the fact that power hitters don’t want to come here.
I don’t think he is anti-power. I think he knows the challenge he has in getting and retaining them. So, he resets his targets and plans with that in mind
The park isn’t a big problem for actual power hitters, especially those who bat right handed.
Name one that wants to come here.
It IS a problem day to day. If you deny that, then you’re just pissed at the press conference and want to argue your day away.
Trade for them are over pay for them, and they will come .
Exactly. It’s always about the money. Lester being a bit of an exception because of his ties to Epstein.
It’s not just Lester, unfortunately. There are hitters on record who have negative feelings about Willie Mays Field
Cespedes has gone on RECORD of saying he is done playing on the West Coast.
The only way he comes here is if the market doesn’t develop for him again (like last year) and he decides his best chance to win a ring (in that one year) is with the Giants. I give it the same odds as the Padres winning it all.
Duvall was already here.
I respect your amazing dedication to that guy. He’s gone.
This discussion is “who will come here now?”
So, your heart continues to pine for Duvall. Every home run he hit, you posted a sarcastic update. Every time there is talk of a power hitter, you mention him.
At some point, for your sanity….and absolutely for ours….it might serve you well to not bring him up as an option, and as a memory.
He had a fine season. I hope he has another one next year for his last place team where he can relax and concentrate on yanking every pitch.
I hate to break this to you again: he’s gone.
My point is that Sabean’s philosophy was probably a big reason Duvall was undervalued. I think you would agree that the Giants were hurt by a lack of power this year. Williamson and Parker are here and have power. Will they get the chance? With the way Sabean sees things, I doubt it.
They will if no FA power OF wants to sign here, and no trade is made…it will be the Posey Corrollary
Park is more then fair to Right handers, the Giants right handers just go the other way to the deepest part of the Park, the players the Giants have make the park look bigger then it is .
It’s not so much the power – it’s having a middle of the order hitter so they don’t have to rely on the catcher to carry the heart of the order, or for Belt to be that guy either. They could use a guy to take the pressure off – and to alleviate some of the contagious slumps that occur.
I think they hoped that would be Pence for years to come….
came and went? aye yi yi
….300 with 15 HRs works – could Panik be the three hitter
I love Joey Baseball but that is not the type of hitter he is. He is a 15 homer guy who can drive in 60-70 from the 2 spot, which is great.
Nice from another anti power guy, CC will be along to agree with you soon .
Maybe the term should be “run-producer”. The Giants lack a legitimate 100 RBI guy and you need someone who can at least hit 25-30 jacks. I’m sorry Sabean. I disagree with you and Willie Mays Field is no excuse.
He believes they would have hit more HR if HP & BP had been healthy all season. He has won the WS when the team finished 10, last and 17th in HRs, so of course he doesn’t appear to value HRs. Let’s look at his actions for evidence of what he believes, rarely does the team draft guys with power, (atleast in early rounds). Rarely (2009-2016) do the Giants sign free agents or trade for guys with power (Pat Burrell, Melky Cabrera). IF he does value power, why would he state that going into negotiations?
As we all know, Belt led the team with 17 HRs. Duvall hit 17 on the road.
Since we all know, what’s your point?
He missed out getting Sullenbergers autograph when Sully visited the department thus he’s bent out of shape.
TO, do yourself a favor, look at the park factors where Duvall hit those. You do the kid no favors by campaigning him beyond his skills.
He took 10 ABs at AT&T. He hit 2 home runs. How’s that?
CC is anti power, he is the king of go the other way approach to hitting .
I’m certainly not ‘anti power’, I am anti designing a team for a different park than we play in. HRs are accidents, now are you going to try and base a team on something, that by definition, can’t be anticipated. For once, think through an issue instead of falling back on assumptions that aren’t supported by reality.
That’s a small sample size, and as you know, worthless. You’re as usual, are trying to score a point instead of think through an issue.
Duvall hit 20 of his 33 HRs in the months of May/June.
13 in the other months which comes out to around 370 PAs, IIRC.
So maybe a strong 2017 would look like .240/.300/.500, 25 HRs, 90 RBIs
I’d still bet the under, given the nature of baseball.
I go by track record, and he has always hit HRs and driven in runs at every level, he told the reporters that after he went over 100 RBI this year .
Okay, so 25 HRs is good power number, but with low average and on-base, you are sacrificing other elements of offensive production.
Do you like Chris Carter on the Brewers? – he’s better than Duvall. And Mark Trumbo is even better hitter.
They produce runs , so yes, your Gwyn. Boggs guy, I like RBI guys .
I like Hall of Famers, yes I do. Rod Carew ain’t so bad. Neither is Ichiro 🙂
The best of the best, of that type is good, but you need guys that drive those guys in too .
How many 100 RBI seasons, by those 4 guys, combined, I bet I can find 10 to 20 , Power hitters with low averages that drove in 100 runs in more seasons, then all 4 combined .
The good news is you’re back to your old self after our collective disaster game Tuesday!
Takes my mind off of it .
Pagan had a 1.0 WAR to Duvall’s 3.2. Duvall plays a more-than-competent LF, adding to his value. So even granting Duvall’s offensive downside, they would have been better off having Duvall play LF this year than Pagan.
Someday, Giants fans have to let go of it. He’s GONE.
I’ll let go of it when other Giants fans let go of denying that the Giants made a mistake. I can live with mistakes. Every team makes them. I don’t know why y’all are turning yourselves into pretzels trying to argue that this wasn’t one. 🙂
Does anyone deny it ended up bad? I believe you, and I, and almost everyone thought -at the time -it was a reasonable risk….the we Leaked. It turned out as a disaster. Don’t we all agree on that?
I’ll just pat my back over here on this one because I have never liked Mike Leake. Although, I admit, I hated the trade because it landed Mike Leake, not so much who the Giants parted with…
I, we, see it differently, I guess. That’s the nature of pretzel logic, I suppose. 😉
You still won’t admit it was a bad trade?
I don’t, personally, think of it as either bad or good. From the beginning of this discussion I’ve said there was no way to tell at the time of the trade. Given his play his first year with the Reds, I’d say that was a fair way to assess the trade. Do I wish he was still in the Giants system, of course, but he’s not. So gnashing your teeth over it is just bad dentistry.
By continually bringing it up, what [point are you trying to make? That the Giants minor league system can’t predict major league performance. If so, you’re late to that party. I was raising that issue 4-5 years ago. But make that argument effectively, not some silly prayer to poor Duvall’s superstardom. That argument is best made in other ways, IMO.
Fangraphs has him at 2.8 WAR, but the troubling thing is he hit .212 in September.
Pagan hit .190 in September.
TO, what has that got to do with an analysis of Duvall. Could you just avoid petty for a while.
CC and Scout both hate That type of player, high strike out guys, they drink the Giants Kool aid, move the line, contact hitters, that ‘s why Belt is not a favorite for them .
I’ve always wondered about you, now among all your other talents is prevarication. Last time I looked, you had to contact the ball to hit it, ergo contact is the first major parameter in hitting.
When contact is made , I like Damage, loud contact, EXBH Power.
I would argue almost any competent LF would have been better out there than Pagan. A 1.0 WAR is borderline terrible IMO. Pagan bordered on replacement level most of the year. I’m really, really glad he will not be in the Giants OF next year.
You’ve already significantly reduced Duvall’s HR total for next season, and proceed as if that’s what’s actually going to happen. What if he improves? It’ll be fun next year seeing if you’re as smart as you think you are, although I think it’s probably impossible for anyone to be as smart as you think you are.
No one knows if Duvall will improve or not. Looking at his first half vs second half production, it is safe to conclude he’s at a turning point…he either adjusts to the changes in the way he’s being pitched or he struggles. The jury is out on that. What I do find encouraging is that is contact numbers look better, and he’s taking more walks.
To Lefty’s point, he is becoming a far better fielder than I thought was in the cards. With Gordon down this year, he has a fair chance to win a GG in LF according to some.
Gordon?
Mixing up his Leagues, Alex Gordon AL, facts are a problem with CC .
PJ, do you really want to go there, as I recall LF is everywhere, and with interleague pay, it makes sense to me to lump them together. I don’t really want to engage on your level today, but if you insist, go for it.
Sorry , Gold Gloves are awarded in each League, AL Gold Glove winner and NL Gold Glove winner .
Alex Gordon, Royals, is kind of my benchmark for play in LF. Duvall, in either league, has been that good in LF this year. That was a big, big surprise, I think, to everyone.
You will always be the #1 jackass.
SOME good news http://www.closecallsports.com/2016/10/john-hirschbeck-retires-after-34-year.html
That IS good news. I could make a nice little list of some other umpires I wish would join him on the golf course.
Guess you guys have covered this, but I haven’t read down. Probably be better for Flannery’s health if he stayed on TV.
Andrew Baggarly ✔ @extrabaggs
Both Bochy and Evans tried to laugh off the question about bringing back 3B coach Tim Flannery. Neither said no.
Alex Pavlovic Retweeted
CSNAuthentic ✔ @CSNAuthentic
#SFGiants fire base coaches Roberto Kelly, Bill Hayes
Flannery was on Murph and Mac show when Murphy started bashing the 9th inning decision. Flannery almost came through the phone at Murphy.
Said he left due to “collateral damage” and so I gather he is completely done.
https://audioboom.com/boos/5156657-10-12-tim-flannery-talks-about-the-giants-9th-inning-series-loss-to-the-cubs?t=0
I thought Krukow was going to choke Smurphy yesterday morning.
I just told Matthew that Murphy was a decent golf writer with the OLD SF Examiner and Chron and covered the 49ers decently. But this Murphy the impostor must have photos of Gary Radnich doing something inappropriate. There is zero reason he should be employed at what he does. Paul McCaffrey “must have” gotten run out of the east coast and when with Murphy is a blight, when he has to go SOLO he actually is better,
Mac is nothing more than a late night radio DJ stuck in the late 70s/early 80s. He is the worst “sports” talk show co-host I’ve ever heard. And he knows NOTHING about sports. Listening to him is embarrassing. Murphy, for all his flaws, at least knows his sports.
I call them the Preppy and the Stoner, that brags about being a Stoner .
Stoner Lives Matter
I need raid on KNBR, he is bragging about breaking the law !
Not for long….it’s gonna be legal after the vote, Peter.
Do you take aspirin, or Aleve, or Advil? Since my surgeries and back issues, those simply don’t work like THC. When my mom had terrible pain and nausea from chemo and radiation, it absolutely made the end better.
Sometimes laws aren’t good. We sell cigarettes that do nothing but kill. We sell alcohol that certainly can not only kill the drinkers, but innocents in their path.
I admire your adherence to current laws. But open your mind to the good side of pot.
Plus, where would D Oh Double G be without it?
I take nothing, all natural .
If you go through any major health trauma, that will change, Brother. I didn’t either. Quit pot at 20. Get headaches from wine. Then all hell broke loose.
My back is killing me, and my hands too, need a new Bed , but I am lazy and cheap, wake up in the middle of the night with sore back and hands, and can not go back to sleep. My back gets better after a few hours , so maybe a pinch nerve, Bed is 15 year old pillow top ,Queen size bed .
Pillow tops are brutal on backs. I finally went with a firm futon and a layer or two of memory foam. Queen shipped to my door was less than $500. Go Giants.
I think you must take simple pills.
Raid is soon to be illegal. Should use a “green” type chemical like apple cider vinegar.
(I can no longer chalk the outfield grass with chalk that has lime in it)
California is going to legalize it but the Medical Marijuana Farmers in Humboldt county want them to hold off so THEY can get their power-pack group together otherwise big businesses like Coca Cola will get into the Medical Marijuana field.
He is not smoking it for medical reasons .
I haven’t met him so I wouldn’t know.
Mac is bad but have you heard Lo Neal? Yelling is his standard delivery and the next time he puts a single sentence together properly there will be another parade on Market Street.
Bingo!
No kidding. Those guys kill entire segments with idle, inside banter, no content, and talk over each other to boot. It’s impossible that show has lasted this long. Only problem is that The Game only talks about football, Giants don’t get much run over there.
Agree, Papa is the only one worth anything on the Game, Lund was good with Papa, but since he went to KNBR, he has jinxed the Giants, and he and Tolbert mostly just talk about how much Alcohol they drink and Gambling, a waste for me since I do neither !
Worse Interview ever, Flannery did not want to talk about anything , he mostly said why are you asking me, it’s not my job anymore .
Good summation.
But actually the all time worst interviews were funny. That was Murphy interview Jim Harbaugh…
Agreed. I love Flannery, and he has great insight on CSN Bay Area, but it was a terrible interview. He sounded like a heart broken fan who had just woken up and had zero interest in discussing the situation. You’re right, he basically said “why are you asking me, I have nothing to say.”
Hayes brought nothing to the table anyway lol! Rob Kelly see ya around.
Maybe they can get jobs on Comcast marveling at Flannery performing as 3B coach 😉
Thank you for this memory Greek. One of my favorite games ever. I watched from left field, and we were standing on every 2 strike count in the 3rd inning. Absolute dominance. The only question (still) is if the Giants could score a run or two to back him up. He was still Timmy then, despite the 2nd half hiccup.
I’ll miss Roberto and Billy Hayes. Roberto still looks like he could play. But both coached too many baserunning gaffes for MLB. It feels like Bobby Evans is starting to take over. Sabean must cast a big shadow.
Today (so far) has been fun as we rehash and look forward….
http://www.videobash.com/video_show/jane-akroyd-656921
Evans also said the Giants will pursue all options to acquire a closer for 2017, including trades and free agency, “to make sure no ninth inning goes unstaffed.”
HUGE Thumbs up!!!
The Questions I would have asked Sabean if I were at the Press Conference:
1. Has Giants ownership discussed next year’s payroll?
2. Who do the Giants think are the teams to beat next year?
3. What were the front office’s biggest failings this year?
4. Will ticket prices go up in 2017?
5. Is there any truth to the rumors that Dr. Lefty is being considered for the team’s personal ballbuster position?
#3 Answer: “Our inability to get back to the WS is on everyone in the organization. We’ll be taking a look at everything to determine ways and areas to improve.”
They may even throw in some of the usual Presidential election answer BS, like “I’m glad you asked that question. Thank you” and/or “I’ve talked to many Americans about the difficulties the San Francisco Giants experienced this past season…”
Bravo, but at least Evans did not say “if “my daughter” weren’t my daughter, perhaps, I would be dating her.”
I’m not sure of the numbers, but I think the Giants had 2-3 times the number of blown saves this year than Casilla had by him self. So you’re right, this was more than one guys failing. These guys don’t need new talent as much as they need consistency.
1) They have three organizational meetings. The investors now tally 29 and getting 90% of them together at various posh locations is probably the number one task. http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/team/front_office.jsp?c_id=sf
2) Dodgers-Cubs-Nats
3) Not really replacing Flannery – Bullpen
4) Yes but there will be more Dynamic Deal Days also
5) You did not know? Lefty already has that slot but goes by a nom de plume.
1. We discussed it. I told them it was now time to fish or get off the pot. Pay the stupid luxury tax for a year or two.
2. Dodgers, Cubs, Nats, Padres. If we can’t beat up on the Padres we’re not a championship team.
3. We knew our bullpen sucked, and we didn’t improve it. We were too stingy to get a good bench.
4. Yes.
5. We prefer Lefty’s current role. We read TWG daily and bring it’s wisdom to our daily meetings.
To-Do List:
1. Sign a closer
2. Sign an outfielder
3. Sign a backup catcher
Done. Roster:
Rotation: Bum, Cueto, Moore, Samardzija, Blach/Cain
Bullpen: New closer, Law, Strickland, Kontos, Smith, O, long man (Cain or Suarez)
Lineup: Span, Belt, Posey, Pence, new LF, Crawford, Panik, Nunez
Bench: new backup C, Gillaspie, Tomlinson, Gorkys(?), Mac/Parker/Slater
Seems doable
You think they are going with 3 catchers on the 25 man roster next year?
No
I think they should.
Yes somebody like a Jason Kendall or Craig Bigio who could play another position
🙂
No
KNBR is killing them , for not saying they need a new LF with power, Cespedes in particular .
Cespedes and his agent: “We are not playing on the West Coast”
You should call up Fitz right now about that, he will not stop telling everyone the Giants need Cespedes , every 2 min .
I’m not disagreeing about Cespedes, I’d like to have him too, but for someone who acts like he’s always right Fitz doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
I will cut Fitz some slack. He just buried his wife last Friday and has a lot to catch up on.
OMG, how did she die? How old?
Carol was 52 years old. Went to San Mateo High School.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sfgate/obituary.aspx?pid=181591313
http://www.knbr.com/2016/09/22/bob-myers-offers-touching-condolences-to-bob-fitzgerald/
http://warriors.247sports.com/Bolt/Warriors-broadcaster-Bob-Fitzgeralds-wife-dies-of-cancer-47655470
Thanks Clutch, very sorry to hear about that.
bob@bobfitz.com
If the money is right mostly all players will play there. Not saying I want Cespedes or not, just making the ‘show me the money” point
So Lefty you won’t consider Mac for the LF job?
What has Brown done to you?
There is some serious over/under action today to see how many times Yasmani Grandal makes a trip to the mound.
I don’t sense a lot of joy over the Roberto Kelly firing around here? Are you all happy or sad? Was it the right move in everyone’s eyes? Your fans want to know.
I’m never happy when a guy who has given his life to the game is fired. He’s going home to his family to tell them he has no job.
He wasn’t a good 3rd base coach, and I expect his replacement will be better.
But I have no joy. His life is in turmoil.
Good answer. I was thinking the same thing. Hopefully the Giants can keep him for some other role.
Before too much print gets wasted on Kelly, I’m curious who entrusted him with the position and was either mistaken in their assessment of his skills, or knew he needed time to learn the league from that vantage point but pulled the rug under him before he learned it.
Bochy I am sure picked him to be his third base coach. I am not sure if he fired him or if that came from management.
Not sure if I’m reading you correctly or not, but I don’t think two years time to learn the job can quite be considered pulling the rug out from under him. More likely that he’s shown he’s not suited for the job. Or can’t get suited fast enough. Again, 2 years.
He was a decent First base coach. May end up there, somewhere.
You don’t think it was Bochy?
Sad fact is that they almost never just get their old job back … where they presumably excelled
Kelly made $19,420,000 as a player, plus whatever he’s made coaching. I think he’s doing fine.
Such a kind hearted human being.
Do you do this to be cool? To be an ass? To be tough?
A person lost their job. If you got fired for a crap attitude, I’d still feel for you.
I’m sure he’s not happy about it, but do you really believe his life is in turmoil because he’s not going to be the third base coach anymore? He’s done well in life. His situation can’t compare with those whose lives are in actual turmoil.
You know quite a bit about what he made…so, do you know if he is responsible for an extended family? Do you know if he has family in Panama he still helps? Do you know how life has been for him? Or, because you googled him so you know much money he made, you can say he and his family are just fine?
Of course , none of us have been on the beat to see the rough parts of society you have, so we must be wrong about everything you disagree with because of that. I find that tragically condescending.
I said ” his life is in turmoil”. He just got fired after enduring two years of stress and ridicule from people like us. He just went home and told his family that he’s fired. Nobody died. I get it. But, I’m sorry it doesn’t pass the TO Test of “I’ve Seen Things” turmoil scale.
I’m sure you’re a really nice guy and it sounds like you have a fine life. I have no idea whether you’ve seen very much of the other side of life. Maybe you have. For me, I’ve seen a lot of it, so I’m not going to spend any time feeling bad for a likely multi-millionaire who lost his coaching job. Far worse things happen every minute.
We have all seen every side of life. Even me. It doesn’t mean I don’t have compassion…for everyone. You have selective “compassion”, apparently. I don’t.
In your world, what a person has made in life ( a subject you seem to obsess about) means they deserve no sympathy?
You have no idea what I, or anyone on here, has seen or not seen. But, that is entirely irrelevant to whether or not Roberto Kelly or Billy Hayes don’t deserve understanding after being fired from a job in the careers and industry they have worked at their whole adult lives.
You might be a really nice guy , too. But I guarantee that we look at the human community -the entire rainbow – in dramatically different ways.
Too many baserunning mistakes. And way too many baserunning injuries.
Happy they’ll be a new guy there, but agree with Matthew…a man and his family has been impacted. I would be curious to see how much influence the players had.
Right move.
It was necessary, but still sad. Obviously I don’t know Kelly at all but he appeared to be quite dedicated and was a part of championship teams. He seemed to be a decent 1B coach but 3B appeared to be too much for him. I thought it was awesome after Conor’s triple against Chapman where he essentially helps him up and gives him a hug. I derive no joy in it and hope he lands a job elsewhere. But he either needed to be removed from 3B or gone all together.
I wonder how many of those base running mistakes around 2B were driven by a lack of faith in Kelly’s calls.
Maybe Kelly is a good coach, just not a good third base coach. I’m surprised they did not reassign him to whatever his strengths are.
Was most likely set up for failure. Was ONLY a decent first base coach and in over his head at 3rd.
I wonder if Davey Lopes wants a job at 1B here?
Has a solid thing going with Dusty. Left LA for the Nats and they wanted him to stay.
Too bad, he is really good.
Maybe it’s time for Chris Speier to come home!
I wonder if Rickey is ready to give out the trade secrets yet?
I think what killed Billy was the pick-off at 1st.
That and the G’s didn’t run this year. This team was built for stealing second base more often.
And it was a collegiate/HS type pick-off play. I still *blame* Conor. Why? Because there was a long delay, pitching change, Rizzo went into the dugout to get a fielders mitt and Rizzo was 15 from home plate and Baez with his own fielders mitt was playing first base.
Billy: “Hey Conor, you see this odd bunt coverage?”
Conor: “Got it”
Billy: “You see down near home, Rizzo is standing on top of Cuteo”?
Conor: “I’m all over it Billy”
…then promptly ignored all of it and started collecting zzzzz as he stood 15′ off 1st while 2B was on the bag.
Did you see Baggarly’s slap at “anyone can self-publish” Greek?
I looked over at his insightful (?) words yesterday revealing the fans to blame, and there were zero posts in the comment section at that moment.
Baggs is still a very good writer. His work is worth reading always. We don’t know whats up with Casilla. Maybe 42000 fans booing him could be a problem. If Bochy took that into consideration, good for him. Kudos to GreekGiant for all the good comments being at TWG. But judging a writer by number of posts is unfair.
The only trouble with Baggarly’s scenario is how many, many times the fans stuck with Casilla during his tribulations. I think fans bent over backwards cutting every break possible.
The 10 year reunion is only 3 seasons away. I want to see Mike Fontenot again. Casilla will be warmly received. I hope Eugenio Velez is busy that day.
Rumor has it that Geno maybe Lou Seal …
Any picture or video of the 2010 run has your boy Geno in it
HAHA like YOU said almost everyone!
And I think the booing was in combination to both Boch and Casilla anyway, not just Casilla. I could be wrong though, since I was personally booing at really everyone in that moment from my couch at home. (Eat my shorts, Baggarly)
Also, screw Baggarly for insinuating that. And screw Casilla for being so sensitive. He’d never survive as a player on say, the Phillies, if all it takes are some boos to rattle him. I think we’re a pretty generous fanbase in general – we’ll still cheer even if it’s begrudgingly. For the amount of support we give and the money we pay to the Giants org, I think boos are deserved.
The only time I ever saw a Giant booed at AT&T is when Lincecum was struggling in 2010. He would walk a guy, let him steal 2nd, and then steal 3rd without a fight. Sad to see Timmy booed, but he deserved it. Casilla was rattled all year. He may have things going on that we don’t know about.
I almost BARFED when Baggarly said that. Jealous much Baggs with 8 posts per day?
No please share
“The reaction in public discourse was just as swift and sudden. In the stands and from the couch, it always is – especially now that anyone can hit self-publish.
But reaction and perspective are seldom branches of the same tree.”
Baggs
I think I’m still numb and detached.
However, I think I’d still feel apathy about him regardless of how things ended up. He’s no Flan-man but I wish him the best.
Right move, overdue. Don’t take joy in someone losing their job. Surprised they didn’t try to find another spot for them.
What do the fans think of Bam Bam?
Oh ya, so I guess he got spared in the coach axing carousel? I would prefer BB come over and take his spot. Again, no ill will, but too many contagious slumps and inconsistencies from the offense.
Right. Take Pence who I love. But clearly injuries stifled him this year. We always hear “well he needs to just keep hitting and he will get out of the slump” at some point that does and did not work and I saw no adjustment
And not enough adjustments in general. Belt, and the entire team really, slumped for nearly the entire second half. At least some of that falls on Bam Bam. Plus, I know this is not a power hitting team but I think better approaches could lead to attacking the ball in certain counts more often. I just think it’s time to move on from Bam Bam. There’s more talent IMO than the offense is showing.
As counterintuitive as it sounds, when guys get in a slump, they quit listening, especially if a change seems called for. They almost all revert to what worked before.
I think there is definitely some truth to that.
This is a very important statement you made. I tell younger hitters ALL the time: “You and your four buddies are going down to the park…one throws BP to the other…feeling sorry for the lack of BP strikes he throws ‘you’ swing at 35 thrown balls out of 40”. They end up ‘perfecting bad hitting habits’ and when they are tweaked, fixed and run into HEAT and competition all hitters REVERT to form. What is form? Form is what they did, what they knew before their coaches ‘fixed’ them.
Great add CC
I think you’re not privy to almost anything that Bam tells his players about approach or technique. I realize that outcomes counts for something, but discussing approach without knowing what, precisely, that is, is rather presumptuous and a bit silly.
None of us are privy to any communications between players and coaches. Most of our discussions are speculation, that’s one of the points of commenting. If you think that’s silly then I don’t know what to tell you. What I do know is the Giants had just about the worst offense in baseball in the second half. And, while of course not all of it falls on the hitting coach, he certainly bears some blame. There were a lot of poor approaches during the second half. If Bam Bam tried to correct them, then the players didn’t listen. I’m not screaming at the moon to replace him but if many of the other coaches are getting axed I don’t know why he’s getting spared.
Hey Kram, just come join me in the silly boat. It is super fun here;)
I am super silly. I am happy that you noticed:)
No, I think we ALL did.
Even better. I love attention, clearly you do to;)
Adjustments of any nature are bi-products of knowing what an adjustment looks or feels like as well as a hitter needs to know WHY he has to make an adjustment…
If a hitting coach breaks it down for the so called hitter and the hitter looks back at him with a blank stare – we are in big trouble.
If hitting instructors had any significant impact on how well a team hits, they’d be sought after and highly paid. Whatever help they can offer is limited.
Does Bochy hold no responsibility? Being a players manager can backfire when there are no consequences for phoning it in for a week or month. Pagan slept at third, and it meant nothing. Players seem to not be in the game on offense for months.
What does “slept at third” mean?
He might be talking about that one time when Pagan got picked off third because he was daydreaming.
Or he got a poor read….on another….
I thought Pebbles was cute
Yeah, but did you please yourself while watching her?
First to the yard, last to leave. Players love him. In contact via tablets and small group working on situational hitting.
Me – a supporter.
Me – most likely time for a new voice. Same same gets stale and the biggest thing for Me?
Our hitters swings look NOTHING like ML hitters from other teams.
The opposition gets a location mistake pitch: Gone – Done Damage
Our guys get a mistake location: Fly ball Out
More likely foul it off.
This….is also true.
He’s valuable because of all his languages. How is he at Japanese or Korean?
Giants should hit for more power considering his name is bam, bam!
IMO, the only real upgrade out their might be Chili Davis. The stories leaking out now about what he did to fix the Red Sox’s bats this year reveal an extraordinary baseball mind, IMO.
Wonder if his relationship with Kelley Jansen (sp darn iPad) might be of help.
Richie Aurilia
https://audioboom.com/boos/5157893-10-12-rich-aurilia-says-bullpen-issues-did-in-giants-season-in-game-4?t=0
Brian Johnson
https://audioboom.com/boos/5156300-10-12-brian-johnson-explains-how-the-giants-will-move-on-from-tough-loss?t=0
Puig not starting…Toles in the lineup
Smart, they can use him later to PH. I think Scherzer would handle Puig with ease. Time for Scherzer to step up and earn his $217M. He stunk in Game 1. I also found it ironic he called this the “biggest game of my life.” I mean I know this game is winner take all, and his team was down 3-0, but he did pitch Game 4 of the WORLD SERIES.
Toles who was released by his former ML team due to off field issues – but landed in LA. During Spring training Dave Roberts walks over to Honeycutt and asks….who is THAT guy?
Duvall’s season in a picture. Is he a HR hitter, or is he a power bat over the long run. They are not the same thing.
https://i.imgur.com/SH0GJbC.png
Attababe. Thanks for putting in that HR/FB rate. That’s been my point. that’s quite an extraordinary peak.
Are you able to dig up anything on his defensive metrics? I just find it hard to believe he had such good ratings as a non-quick footed 3B without much of any OF experience. The eye test failed him a couple of times, he looked like what might be expected. I imagine the small outfield area in CIN and Billy Hamilton in CF affected the metrics.
But anyhow, thanks for your input on the Adam Duvall chronicles.
I wish we could put Mac Williamson or Jarrett Parker in Cinci for the sake of experiment. That would be fun. Cheers.
My issue with OF defense metrics are the stadiums they play in have huge effect. Blackmon was ranked at the bottom of all CF’s I believe…and my opinion us that is because of the massive acreage he has to cover that no other CF has to cover…
Am I on to something, Cuz?
BOOOOOM!!
Your percussion reverberates across the canyons, with your E-chord.
The Duvall/defense discussion is inside this article, filed under LF.
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-2016-national-league-gold-gloves-by-the-numbers/
cc – As I read through this, and saw where he ranked Span??? Bogus. There is something tremendously wrong with their metrics if that’s the case
They don’t rate arms obviously.
Hey, all- Joe Biagini coming up next on Intentional Talk (MLB Network)
uh oh – here we go again. First Duvall, now Biagini. What’s next? Susac?!?
AHHHHHH! This is scarier than clowns!
This kid is hilarious
He’s REALLY funny for a Canadian.
Hell, yes, Susac. Sure could use him next year.
Wait can someone give a brief summary on the presser? Is that when they announced Kelly is dunzo?
We’re winning it all in 2017!!!!!
That’s what I heard
Oh sweet! Okie dokie.
PR salvage work.
Real PR would have been sending Muelens packing with them.
“it was no great surprise when GM Bobby Evans announced that base coaches Roberto Kelly and Bill Hayes would not return in 2017.”
http://www.knbr.com/2016/10/13/giants-fire-two-assistant-coaches/
https://www.facebook.com/Giants/videos/10153904267546828/
We need to get Biagini back at all costs…this kid is the funniest guy this side of Affeldt
Matty Moore after the loss https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nwC4MgaKlc
Thanks nor nothing, do not want to be reminded , waiting for sons school bus to drop him home , to take him to the doctors , so will not be thinking about this much longer, but it still hurts .
Excuse the heck out of me PJ. You and Casilla are a tad sensitive.
Baseball was invented with a 70% offensive failure rate, and no it was not Mr Doubleday…
30% in baseball is .300. .300 hitters get to the HOF sometimes.
Imagine Montana or Brady completing 3 out of every 10 passes…
Baseball is a tough, the toughest game.
Do everything correct ——– and still fail
Do something wrong like hang a pitch ——- batters swings over it.
Hit the ball on the button —— outfielder parallel to the ground dives and catches it.
What game is there where one offensive player stands sideways (at home plate)
One opposing player squats behind you
And 7 other opposing players stand in front of you trying to help you fail.
Yep. Baseball is hard. We often forget that.
Or the difference between Posey hitting .288 and let’s say .318 is 3 hits out of 100 at bats. Think a little bit of luck is required? Maybe the baseball Gods being on your side? 3 out of 100.
Good to see you made it over here, you varmint.
Varmint is such a lovable moniker….
It’s your fault. You should not extended the invite.
this guy is a class act, and will be a very good giant.
I’m looking forward to my boy Kershaw doing it tonight!
He is not pitching !
Damn that’s a mistake!
LMAO
E: “Number #1 Button Pusher”
The Baggs swipe at GreekGiant, and us:
“The reaction in public discourse was just as swift and sudden. In the stands and from the couch, it always is – especially now that anyone can hit self-publish.
But reaction and perspective are seldom branches of the same tree.”
Baggs
Setting up a site as great as TogetherWereGiants is not something that anyone can self-publish. This is a lot of pro work. Baggs is scrambling for 21st century relevance like many of us. Same tree Baggs.
Word. Screw you, Baggs. You and your half-ass, lazy approach to the GE blog. We left you for many very good reasons, and we’re just fine without you.
This is not new for him. Back in 2010 he famously dismissed his readers and commenters as losers in their underwear posting from their mom’s basement. It was not well received.
Yeah, the way he just killed GE after all those years and its popularity proved that his only interest is in himself.
Even worse for me was the end of 2011 season. During that late July/early August struggle Baggs was candid about what was wrong–on and off the field. I thought that took stones, and it gave us a better look at why we were fading at the end of the year.
Then he just mailed it in, and left for the CSNBA gig. Blessing for us, because we got Alex Pavlovic full time and as you noted earlier, Giants Extra was a labor of love for Alex.
He’s Not Heavy
He’s My Brother
I think I might be the only one but – OK – I am adopting this tune for GG’s blog (maybe in honor of the latest Dylan award). Some of the pictures are classic as are the lyrics of the songs. As GG’s great body of work above said – we’ve been blessed and fortunate. And Anti Lasorda said there has never been 3 WS in a decade (in ages)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJOA_vLwevA
Is that John Jaso and just peachy?
Hey, I have better hair.
And he needs less of it.
never judge a man by the length of his…..hair
of course, nor the size of his fingers or feet……
Makes me think of O Brother Where Art Thou when the Boyz came upon the ‘Maidens’ in the River
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dl2L4v6ecM
LOL I think that IS Peachy for sure :—-)
How about a GIF with all 5 relievers coming in and going out ?
Forever.
I have a Brain GIF of it, thank you very much.
Try bleach!
Will get right on it.
Here we go https://www.facebook.com/Giants/videos/10153904267546828/
http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/40/files/2013/06/bochy.gif
What is Wotus looking for? cameras? players?
A shiftee.
Exactly spot on
It was interesting that Bochy commented that the 9th inning single that got by Crawford was into a shift.
Swatting away some bees
I think the Wotus and Felipe Alou gif when Ruben ran the bases backwards also rates right up there…
Pretty high pitch count for the 3rd inning.
https://www.tumblr.com/search/jon%20miller%20gifs
Can you please add Philly game 4 to your queue Greek? Back and forth. Jazz hands sac fly.
One of my Top Five in the pantheon of 2010-2012-2014 postseason games.
The numerology of our three WS championship runs is beautiful:
2010: 15 postseason games, no elimination games.
2012: 16 games, the famous six elimination games.
2014: 17 games, two elimination games…the first one, and the last one.
A couple years ago I posted on GE a challenge for each of us to select our ten favorite games (of the total 48). Even if you eliminate all the losses and select only from the 34 wins–it’s a tough task! Maybe something worthy of our time this offseason. We could mix in this year’s five games, but I’d rather not.
Here’s hoping the Nats channel the hidden powers of Ugeth Urbina tonight and move on….
Max Scherzer: “thus is the biggest game of my life. I’m not going to shy away from that.” I like that.
Do we know if Moore wanted to come back in?
Evans
https://audioboom.com/boos/5162408-10-13-bobby-evans-says-they-need-a-clear-closer-going-into-next-season?t=0
Baer
https://audioboom.com/boos/5162163-10-13-larry-baer-says-they-will-spend-money-next-season-to-improve-the-bullpen
Here is hoping that LA wins tonight.
You sure are an annoying twit.
Scherzer is a good interview, except for the sheepdog eye part.
At SweetSwing22 http://tinyurl.com/hcsrznu
Thanks GG. Happy times. In my sappy nostalgic way, I would love to see TLLsuccessful in relief in a Giants uniform.
There is a opening for a closer….
Oh wait, he was only at 89…… nevermind.
I think I’ve watched that game 10-12 times over the past few years. Timmy was unbeatable in that game. Unbeatable. In Baggerley’s first book (A Band of Misfits), his chapter on this game was outstanding. Will also never forget Robin Williams pumping up the Giants fans pre-game. “Vamos Gigantes!”
The NFL’s monochromatic uniform color edict for Thursday Night Football is dumb. Tonight’s choices are awful: a “new” neon blue for San Diego, and all orange for Denver. Ugh.
Sounds like Soda Wars…I’m watching baseball!
i’m still hurting. no baseball for a while. there must be a real housewives of somewhere on.
It’s beyond dumb, I have to believe it’s counterproductive. What is the stated reason, after all. They don’t sell that gear do they? But at least the teams wear their colors. All sorts of baseball teams wear black and other colors that aren’t really team colors.
Color splash Thursday night football uniforms disgustingly grotesque. Should be illegal.
Boy, are you ever right on that! I flipped over between innings, burned my retinas , and now my eyes look like Scherzer
It’s taken until now to have 2 minority managers facing each other in the playoffs? Baseball made the biggest earliest strides, then stalled out.
It’s a choice that resembles the presidential campaign with two sides that so resoundingly deserve to lose, but one thing ultimately is never hard to figure out: always root against the Dodgers.
…..always.
And forever
Johnathan Quick is still a douchebag…
At least we had the Sharks last night and they won. He is a dirty dirty player
And Rivers is a huge douchebag as well
1-0 Nats in th 2nd. Two on, 1 out.
Am I the only one wondering if they will quietly ask Cain to go to winterball?
Why? He is what he is, unless you think he can learn how to throw a knuckle ball in Winterball .
Alex was saying that some in the Giants organization wonder if he could reinvent himself like Joe Blanton has.
Becoming another Joe Blanton is certainly the gold standard in the twilight years of one’s career.
He better do some conditioning. Conditioning and diet are credited with giving Blanton better balance for consistency and better life on his fastball. Cain would seriously have to reinvent his fastball and find something nasty to throw as a secondary pitch. Cain’s bugaboo has been inability to put hitters away because of lacking that caliber of pitch.
Cain did look like he’d bloated up a bit this year, now that you mention it.
When Law gave up that base hit in the ninth, I wished when Boch went out there he would of said ‘look kid, it’s your ball. Take a deep breath and relax. throw some sink and if they contact we’ll get two out of it. It’s your game. Let’s go’.
Dave Roberts removed Rich Hill in the third inning for Joe Blanton and Rich Hill was pitching extremely well wow wow wow!
On a pace for 20 strikeouts!
On the Michigan fan site I read, someone offered for discussion the question of whether people’s emotional attachment to sports had changed as they got older. For me, it definitely has. I think it might have been PerSpeir who recently said something similar.
As a 10-12 year old, I loved the Raiders and got extremely nervous before every game. The Immaculate Reception devasted me. In my teenage years, I developed my hatred for the Dodgers, with Tommy Lasorda at the top of the list.
But as I got older and my life became fuller, watching sports, while still very enjoyable, became less emotional. I see it now, for the most part, as a pleasant diversion. I watched or listened nearly every game this season, but I wasn’t devastated by the Giants’ loss. I can’t hate the Dodgers just because they wear that uniform. I can hate Jed York, but only because of who I perceive him to be.
Obviously, many here still have a very emotional attachment to sports. I sometimes wonder whether I wish I still did. I think I’m good with being a little less invested. I’m also good with those who look at it differently.
You make a great point. It’s all about taking the lowest of lows with the highest of highs. Even though I was an absolute maniac for this Cubs series, I have detached a bit from the intense younger sports fan I was. I think it’s good and it’s bad. Good in that you can deal with the nadir of major gut-wrenching disappointment by maintaining a life full of responsibility and personal achievement.
It’s bad in that the end of the world passionate joy to the very center of your being after a huge win isn’t quite as momentous what it used to be.
But everything dulls as one gets older. Things that used to do it for me don’t do so as much anymore. It’s more even, neutral, and leaden-hued. Why? Been there done that.
This is a great post.
Often times, the way you respond to those who look at it differently certainly didn’t make it obvious that you’re “good” with different viewpoints
Plus he’s extremely way over the top emotional about certain things. Can’t remember what those things are though!
He loves Bochy, so it’s not that….hmmmm
Yup. We’ll have to think about it.
It’s not Lincecum….
I have no problem with the emotion. I just think it clouds perception, which is understandable. It can make a smart man believe that Lincecum can be a closer. Emotion has led me to some pretty dumb decisions in the past, just not about sports.
But, that’s where I have issue. We all have opinions. Some we are more passionate about than others. When you disagree, you claim the other side is being emotional and not logical. Unfortunately, you aren’t the great arbiter to decide what’s logical and what’s not. I’ve been wrong about things, as have you. Not because of logic as much as because of outcomes. Opinions that turn out correct aren’t necessarily logical because they turned out right.
I’ve only been wrong about a few things.
Me too. It’s like we’re twins
How did Eck do it?
Nothing personal, but I’ve developed a hatred for minor league sports conducted by academic institutions. They seem corrupt and fraudulent. They raise ever more millions, but tuition still outpaces inflation. Our public universities need to have that burden taken off of them. Having said that, any forced rooting interest always goes to the private university. They can divert their non-tax money anywhere they want.
What you’re talking about is really mostly football and men’s basketball. Sports in general at universities is a good thing. But at some universities football and basketball make millions in revenue and the players are prohibited from being paid, legally.
How do they know who Larry is supposed to send letters to? Nice touch though.
My parents live in St. George, UT. Some of you may have heard of the Huntsman Senior Games, they have them in St. George every year in the fall. My brother actually participates in a few track and field events (and won a few gold medals this year). Anyway, my Dad, who is a volunteer director for one of the events told me today that they have celebrity playing in the softball tournament this year; none other than Jose Canseco.
Thanks for the great post! Big Time Timmy Jim is my favorite all time Giant ever. Go Nationals!!
I wonder if the Nats have a promotion called the Mike Maddux Creepy Uncle Mound Visit?
He makes mound visits more than Finchy drops lyrical references.
Timmy will live forever in Giants lore. No Giants pitcher has ever done more. 3WS, 2 Cy, 2 no nos. He ushered in Giants winning baseball after the Bonds years. Dude’s number will be retired and he will get a statue. He is GIANTS ROYALTY.
The benevolent Oracle would like a word with you
I guess Oracle doesn’t like WS rings and absolute dominance. 2010 and 2012. No Timmy. No WS. If Bochy and the rest of dumb management ever got bats. We could have won it all in 2009 and 2011 too.
Look …. management has succeeded most when it was wrong. They didn’t want Huff, didn’t know what Sandoval was, didn’t want to bring up Posey, called up Panik out of desperation, wanted Guillen but had him taken away from them, etc etc etc.
You’re a royal idiot, the majority ANY team brings up top talent is out of desperation or absolute need when no one on the major league roster is not doing the job. The Giants actually did a great job easing Posey in while replacing a respected veteran.
Did it ever occur to you that ‘I see it differently’ works a little better than name calling?
well if he is a royal idiot then I’m just calling it as it is. Read what he wrote. Tell me different.
I did.
then if you agree your an idiot too. Simple as that.
Yes you are.
You spelled “your” wrong when you called him an idiot.
That’s gonna leave a mark.
He’s always got his tattoos to hide them. Just kidding.
Some teams bring up great young prospects when they think those players are ready, not because it’s an emergency. They did it with Lincecum, Bumgarner, and Posey. Not so much in recent years. Even Joe was a Panik move (see what I did there?).
He absolutely does not deserve a statue, the Giants have that honor for HOF caliber players, not guys that had a decent 6 year career.
The Oracle should read McCovey Cove Chron. The Giants didn’t lose due to Roberto Kelly. The FO decided to divert attention to him and Hayes.
The announcer for this Nats-Dodgers game (Kenny Albert?) is INFINITELY better than Matt Vag.
Edith Bunker would be better that MV
I actually would love that. Edith Bunker on play by play and Maude on color analysis.
AND THEN THERE’S MAUDE!!!
I’m thinking this is the inning the Dodgers break through!
What a limb. You waited for them to load the bases.
not really, posted before the inning started, just feel Scherzer is getting his pitch count up and his ball does not have the zip it did earlier.
Mmmmmright
But I agree… That Turner AB will pay dividends at some point
still pulling for the Dodgers to pull this through
Why?
That sounds like you want troll blogger attention
Not really, I just like the Dodgers in the series. Always thought, and check any past blog posts, they have more talent in the 40 man roster than anyone in the NL other than the Cubs.
I can respect their talent. I’m a Giants fan. I will never ever root for them in any series unless it specifically and directly benefits the Giants
Me personally ,I will not watch, but rooting against the Dodgers, then the Cubs, the Blue Jays , might be the team I will want to win the most .
Jays all the way, PJ. Def a fave of mine after the Orange and Black.
The more I think about it, the more I get depressed, because the Giants had a great chance to at least make the World Series, if Bochy had the right guy start and let him finish the 9th, rotation was peeking, and was by far the deepest in NL. I am also upset Bochy batted Connor and Joe, who were red hot 6th, and 7th, and batted Gregor 8th and the pitcher 9th, Gregor hardly played for 2 months, what a waste of 2 hot hitters .
Well, Gillaspie produced a ton of runs anyway. Losing Pagan hurt.
I hear ya, man. Depressing for me as well. Got used to redemption this decade after so many BITTER disappointments.
They really had the Cubs wondering and shoulda won that Game 4. The most frustrating thing is the fact that their rotation was set up for a 7-game series, and matched up against anyone. But no lineup shuffling or starter brilliance could make up for that bullpen and Bochy’s complete incompetence in managing it. They woulda hit a wall eventually.
Be mad over the team going to sleep for 2 months … blame what and whom you choose. That made the road harder than necessary.
Better believe it. That cavernous 2nd half can never be overlooked. Totally unnecessary and ridiculous.
I cannot watch any baseball. Thus I’m committed to watching color splash football rooting for San Diego because if Denver loses the Raiders own first place.
If that punk millineal in the Charles Schwab ad was my kid, I’d pop his smirky ass
UTLEY FAILS with the bags loaded.
Oh gee. 😉 He couldn’t lean in on a pitch?
Not a historic moment in Human – Ursa harmony.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2016/10/13/man-interrupts-bear-sex-pays-price/91987952/
Where’s Bob Davidson when you need him?
Or Dutch Rennert?
Bob, cuz that was a clear balk….
Balk calls seem random now. Some guys (hello Sergio) balk every pitch with a runner on
Had no idea what you were referring to. But yes, Urias is definitely abusing that rule.
Dont know … never needed or wanted him
Teams can’t cooperate on labor and budget issues, but they can market together and wear the same ugly-ass dugout gear all year, taken to extreme with extra ugly gray playoff gear
OMG…the Marlins Man is everywhere!
I liked the presser today. For the most part. Sorry to see Roberto go. Feel bad for a man when he loses a job and has a family. A guy with MLB experience would be great in A or AA ball as a coach. Met Billy Hayes a couple of times and talked with him at length once. He’s a crusty old hoot. Very funny guy. I really feel Evans and Brian will get down to good business but I hope they keep guys like Panik Connor and Blach. If Connor is given the chance to be an everyday guy, he could hit 300+. Once he got zoned in he was good.
And on another note, today’s Giants have not known defeat at the playoff stage. I really believe their collective hunger will be a good thing.
I think the team needed the game 4 loss to stop the Front Office sentimental signings of the past couple years. I want to see the players hungry and angry.
Wow another one !
Okay, I’m kind of hungry right now. Just rolling with a theme.
The point is, they always try and want to win, they can not control a bad bullpen and a paranoid Manager, that never trusted any of them .
Nothing to do with Hunger, you sound like a football guy .
Off season hunger during workouts and training certainly do matter.
Skill sport, so unless they all get on the juice, it will not help .
Not true Peter. It’s a skill, strength, fitness sport. Repetition and working longer and harder does matter.
I sometimes felt they were going through the motions this year. That focus will be ignited because of that ending
So the other 29 teams will not work as hard, the Giants want it more !
Relax. Read. Comprehend. I get your point. Now get mine.
My bad. Maybe the humiliation of the ugly loss will devastate them so bad it’ll have an adverse effect for years. Like the Raiders humiliating loss to the Bucs in 2002. Took them 14 years to recover.
Will see, but it was talent based, Raiders were an old team in 2002, so were going to go down hill .
You could argue that the Royals, as talented as they were, when losing to the Giants in game 7 felt so devastated and angry, created the hunger that they would work harder to improve at all phases of their game and nobody was going to deny them victory the following year. Shit like that happens. And that’s what I hope happens to the Giants. They don’t lose focus. I too felt that at long periods of time they were just rolling thru the motions.
Yeah when the bullpen gave away sure wins, that has a big affect , the Royals had the best bullpen in MLB, so never had to deal with that .
Collective hunger in August and most of September certainly would have gone a long way. Figure out why it was gone and you can fix it.
He made over $19,000,000 as a player. His family will be fine.
He got his $6.5 million option guaranteed last season because Bochy made sure he got enough closing opportunities at the end. The Giants treated him very well.
I”m sure he was unhappy about how things ended, but he was hardly alone in that. He made a big dramatic deal of it, had numerous stories written about it, and had two beat writers actually blaming the fans because poor Casilla was crying and the Giants lost.
Goodbye and good riddance. I liked Casilla until this year, but I”m not going to miss him now, and that’s about his character, not his blown saves tally.
TO is talking about Kelly.
Ooops, sorry. OK, I don’t know enough about Kelly for a rant. 🙂
TO said his center earnings mean we shouldn’t feel bad for him
I’m a little surprised if they don’t re-assign both of them. Weren’t they doing fine in their previous positions? I don’t remember ever worrying about Kelly when he was the 1B coach. Maybe there’s something more to this.
They likely will re-assign both of them. ‘THEY WERE FIRED’ was just for marketing purposes, to convince fans that the team is taking the season seriously and doing something about it.
Everybody has an Emily Litella event once and a while. 😉
Long day. And I have a pinched nerve in my neck/shoulder that is absolutely killing me. I”m in so much pain I can hardly see straight. I’m going to the orthopedist on Tuesday, and I’ll beg and plead for a cortisone shot.
So sorry, Dr.
Take it easy.
Just think how stressed you would be at this very moment if you were watching a Game 5!
Well, I can’t really complain after what you’ve been through the last year or so. But it’s been a rough week, and I definitely have to find some pain relief strategies.
Well, I know it’s not your style, but my vape pen has been a freaking lifesaver. And it’s legal!
Ouch I can relate. I get that too.
You already said that.
Now people are feeling bad because he has a family. He won’t be holding a sign in the middle of an intersection. There will still be presents under the tree.
Hey, those sign people do really well, I’ve heard! IPad Pros under the tree for everyone.
Your turn to breathe. Let it go. You don’t have to agree with everyone, but you also don’t have to make inconsiderate responses….or are they “logical” in your mind?
I think some competition would be a good thing for this team. I read at the end of the season where Joe Girardi, who I think is a very good manager, sat his team down and told them there were no guaranteed jobs. Everyone, even the highly paid veterans, had to keep earning their playing time.
When I read that, I thought that the Giants could use a dose of that, too. Cain having to earn a rotation spot vs Blach and maybe even Beede is a good start. Maybe Austin Slater gets a chance to make the team and beat out Span for some playing time. Maybe Gillaspie and Nunez, both at the late-20s, arbitration years stage, push each other.
I believe the Giants players have character and pride. But there were too many of them who are set financially for life and who had no accountability for poor performance. I still remember how “young, scrappy, and hungry” guys like Panik, Duffy, and Susac sparked the 2014 Giants down the stretch. The 2016 team kept the young guys in AAA until September and then glued them to the bench.
Absolutely agree. Fat contracts and hunger are a another long topic for debate. The thing I liked years ago when the Twins and the Braves were in the World Series, if I’m not mistaken, were the two lowest payroll teams in baseball.
I don’t think they said either was gone from the Giants family.
Conor has become something we haven’t had in awhile. A legit pinch hitter. He and Nunez can cover 3rd, and give value off the bench.
Roberto just sent in an application.
Is Werth concussed or something? Oh, that’s right 3b coach. Yikes.
Did Robeto Kelly already sign with Nationals? #toosoon
That potential run was huge
Damn Dodgers. Now Baker is gonna mess something up.
Dylan being good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RPkJeziNyI
This has Dustiny written all over it
It does…. I feel bad cause I want Baker to beat the Cubs. He’s a good gut and was a great Giants manager. I want him to succeed.
He is a good gut and a decent guy too.
Sabean already talking about how they don’t need any power in left field. Although his lead footed catcher is getting older and wearing out and Pence is not the Pence of old. Get someone who can hit 30 bombs. He’s talking Mac and parker. Great .. is Bochy going to play them? No! You had someone who hit 30 bombs and you traded him.
Evans said Mac and Parker both have more power potential than Duvall. From your lips, Bobby…
Wow!! I didn’t know that. It doesn’t matter cause Bochy won’t play them anyway.
You still believe that myth?
Think back to the first couple weeks of September. The Giants hit .099 the first five games. Pagan had a groin strain and neither he nor Span was hitting at all. They played four lefties on the road trip and Mac didn’t get a single start. Parker got one in there, I think. It made no sense why two young outfielders who’d been productive while Pence was out were getting no playing time while two old guys were hurt and scuffling, the offense was cratering, and the team was losing.
So yeah, I still believe it.
Mooose… did you watch any on the last couple months?
That was exclusively for TO’s benefit.
He also said Duvall only has warning track power.
He did the second half. He started to try and drive the ball. Look at the numbers on him. It’s pretty interesting.
Minor league stats says No to that, Duvall had more power.
Yeah, I thought that was a stretch, too.
I guess that means they’re both good for 40.
I can’t wait! Barry Who?
LOL. If you double his 2nd half production, he’s essential Belt by that measure only.
That’s the thing. If the Giants sign even a marginal veteran outfielder, he’s going to be playing over Williamson or Parker.
C’mon over, Jon Jay!
Ha…yeah…exactly.
I do not want Nunez in left. Or Gillaspe.
Nunez will be at 3B. Gillaspie had a nice week, but he’s still who he is. Renteria was WS MVP, but then he went right back to being old Edgar Rwnteria.
LOL. Yes Bwana.
What about Trumbo for left. He played right I think for the Orioles. He hit 47 bombs and should feast hitting homers to left at AT&T. I believe he is a free agent and is only 30.
Forgetting FA, there are many interesting players to trade for. You have the money. You can pay for a year or two vs. 5-6 for Cespedes or a closer. But I would try to trade for Votto (move Belt to left), Matt Kemp (value his bat more than his glove), Braun, McCutchen. Pitching: Robertson, Wade Davis, or Colome. Dangle Panik to get it done. Make room for Arroyo.
Dodgers are going to win this game. How awesome would it have been for Giants / Dodgers NLCS?
Nationals have to be THE most overrated team in MLB.
And they will lose Harper soon to the Yankees.
I’ll take him at A T & T in a heartbeat
Dusty having rally monkey nightmares…..
Dusty continues to back himself in a corner. Different playoff team, same playoff result.
You think it was right for him to take Scherzer out after Pederson hit the tying HR?
Well, know Scherzer may have been tiring, but this bullpen looks horrendous.
Turner’s at bat changed this game…not this one ( though it did) , the one where he fought off about 18 pitches
Scherzer was taken out too early..
Can we agree that Bochy is better at bullpen management than Dusty?
Too soon?
Bochy before this year, always had a good bullpen, so was it the talent not him in the past?, he had the ultimate test this year and he failed, so maybe his reputation as a great bullpen manager was not deserved after all .
It’s probably like a head coach and QB. Hard to tell who should get credit.
Yes.
Dusty got our closer that we needed. May not be using him tonight. SMH
If you leave out 2016, yes.
By the way, an outstanding post by you GG.
Dodgers vs Cubs. I hate both teams.
yep … that’s hell. Unwatchable
This will be 3 first-round exits in five years, right? I think I like our 3-in-5 record better.
Two of which were Game 5s at home.
That 2012 Game 5 was epic. IIRC, they had a 6-run lead early and took a couple-run lead into the ninth. Drew Storen, who also coughed up the Game 2 lead against the Giants in 2014. They went out and got Soriano and then Papelbon…anyone but Storen.
Indeed.
Dusty’s playoff managing is a disaster.
I don’t know why any team who chokes so much in the postseason would have hired someone with such a dismal playoff managing history. The logic is ridiculous
MLBSF, Get back on the Warriors Blog. They need your commentary! The Warriors, and DLee and the Spurs have been doing well. Bogut and the Mavs, not so much. smh.
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/warriors/2016/11/22/gratitude-warriors-120-pacers-83/#disqus_thread
Where the hec are you, MLBSF? Get yourself back on the Fast Break Blog!
Did you hear this? Kerr is forfeiting the game against DLee’s Spurs. smh. Where are you at, MLBSF?
Does anyone know what the Giants would have had to give up for Melancon at trade deadline???
Evans never mentioned the names but Pirates apparently wanted someone on our major league roster In addition to the players offered
I wonder who that was.
My guess is Panik (like the Yanks for Miller). No one else (except Posey) makes sense for their needs.
They probably wanted someone like Arroyo or Beede. You don’t trade your starting All-Star 2B for a rental closer. Miller is signed for two more years. Melancon was a straight rental.
Unless Kershaw turns into 2014 Bum, I think the Dodgers will lose to the Cubs in 5.
The mighty Max goes all of 6 in a final game. Baker managing his team out of another series?
Two years of that $200+ mil contract, and they’ve gotten two non-wins from Scherzer in the playoffs. Those big bucks for Price and Greinke are not looking so hot so far, either.
He might have won … got pulled
He pitched great tonight, though.
Not knocking him. Just saying you make such a huge investment and you miss the playoffs the first year and (maybe) lose both his starts in the first round the second year. Shows there are no sure bets no matter how much $$ you throw at free agents.
Like I mentioned earlier, Baker backed himself in a corner. Again.
There’s a school of thought that says if Oliver Perez is on your team, your team is not good enough
LOL! It’s amazing that guy is still in the league.
Well the Giants never hit him , so maybe that’s why !
The Giants as a team have hit .273/.381/.524 against Oliver Perez. So by “never hit him” you meant to say the entire team has been JD Martinez against him.
Can the Nats rally? There’s still 3 innings left
No
Bochy for all his faults is still one of the best managers in baseball. Should have gotten a closer at deadline but we needed too many things.
BS !
You don’t think Bochy is still a great manager?
He’s got quite a few more steps to get to #12, Pac. Stick with him. He’ll make it
I’m all in on Bochy. Everytime I scream that I want to fire him. I think of Jim Tracy or some other slug. Then I reconsider my stance.
Yup… Here we are two days out watching a 3rd base coach ruin the season, and a manager yank a starter and go to Gilligan and Barney Fife out of the pen….
We’re a blessed fan base
Plus if we fire him, we won’t be able to fire him the next time!
No, anybody with a great Closer is a great manager, if he was so great he should of figured out a way to make it work, he was awful !
I think he has been a great manager and he had an off year. Hopefully he does better next year.
He lost that last game along with the bullpen. But even the great Joe Maddon (who hasn;t won a WS) stunk in the previous game. Bochy was out managing him up until the 9th.
It’s the whole year’s body of work, not just the last game. He never settled on a plan for the bullpen and made the relievers jittery. He had months to figure it out. And he stuck with Casilla way, way too long–also stalling on finding a better plan for the ninth inning until it was too late. Sept 17 is pretty late to be auditioning closers.
His handling of Parker, Kelby and Mac were pretty horrible as well. But his bullpen disasters were way too many and I agree.
What he do that was so great in the playoffs, what move was so great ?
So were Rob Kelly and Hayes completely let go?
Yes!!
Lol At the exclamation marks.
They needed to be fired. They were awful at their job. It’s stinks but it’s baseball.
I agree
Slikk, not to burst your bubble, but I think they are removed from their current jobs, but might well stay in the organization…they are both good guys who did a bad job at their roles
Well, they were fired, so I guess that would be yes.
Dodgers are still the dodgers. This game is far from over
Here come the Expos!!
Come on Nationals!! Beat the Dodgers.
Roberts going with Jansen with no outs and a man on first in the 7TH??
That’s insane!! Go with Kershaw or something!!
Kershaw will not throw 1 pitch tonight, it was reported before the game, he throw over 100 pitches Tuesday .
I wonder if he has Jansen go the rest of the way, then?
Will see if Roberts is better then Bochy tonight , if he does not need a great closer to get the last 3 outs .
Kenley Jansen in for a 9-out save?! That’s insane
And Maddon smiles…
Sometimes, I wonder if managers make their move so they can be called “unconventional”, rather than thinking through game management.
I think he wants to get Bryce Harper.
This game is gonna take another hour and a half.
I think this 7th inning combined has taken that long. Dusty used 6 pitchers in T7.
Yup.. 7th inning was 1hr 6min
Bryce Harper in Orange and Black would be glorious.
I so agree…I want that kid
Give him all the Gold in SF.
He had a great April, after that he hit about .200 with 15 HRs, besides last year, he has been just average .
He has a hurt shoulder. It will come out after the season. But he has been playing hurt all year.
Look up his numbers, last year is the only year that lives up to his hype, all of his other years , average 50 points lower, and HRs 20 fewer, if not more, this year average 85 to 90 points lower then last year .
Peter… I’m not even going to argue with you. The kid is a stud and will be for a long time.
Peter, he just got his drivers license. He’s a kid
He just turned 24, how long is he a kid.
I know you look at numbers…they are like Flex Seal in your brain….Harper is a Ballplayer and an incredible athlete. And 24
Peter would rather have Aoki in left.
NO, I am a power guy, Harper has hit more then 25 HRs in just 1 season .
If you think Harper is “average” than I don’t know what to say. 2016 Chase Utley is average. Nick Markakis is average. There’s no possible way you actually think Harper is “average”.
It’ll be hilarious if Jansen can’t get out of the 7th!
These days, it seems the 2 inning or more save thing never, ever works. These closers absolutely hate to be busted out of their multi-million dollar comfort zones.
Sparky Lyle would laugh in their faces.
And Goose Gossage and Rollie Fingers. 2 and 3 inning saves were not rare for those true greats.
For any closer back then. Bruce Sutter…
I don’t think Jansen goes 3 innings for the save (if the Nats don’t take the lead). Kershaw in the 9th?
That would be unreal. But I think so. You may even see Kershaw before then.
Werth just screwed up everything for the Nats in this rally
No, Harper did by stealing second. Now they walk Daniel Murphy, their best hitter. Werth did a good job, if you think you’re going to hit into a double-play, strike out.
Actually, you’re right.
Well, sorta… I just realized, after Harper stole second Werth couldn’t have hit in to a DP. But the steal and Werth K did take the bat out of Murphy’s hands (who is batting .467 this series).
Maybe Harper should have stayed at 1st.
Yup…CU and I were just having that text convo
I think Werth is the one to be focusing on.
Nope…Harper took the bat outta Murph’s hands.
Werth didn’t do his job. Harper stayed out of a possible double play. Blaming Harper for Werth’s inability to get a runner home with less than two outs is ridiculous.
3-2 pitch with Jansen’s slow delivery, you absolutely have to send the runner. It’s not even a question.
Yep. Eliminates the DP. Werth is the only one to focus on.
And scores the go ahead run if Werth finds a gap.
Yeah the go ahead run is pretty important lol. Thinking about possibly taking the bat out of Murphy’s hands and not taking a base to put the winning run in scoring position is like using 5 relievers in an inning.
Nice hyperbole, ABBA boy!
Hyperbole is the name of the game!!
Knowing me, knowing you, that was an easy call. Thank you for the music.
Matthando is outta his mind.
There was something in the air tonight.
Abbababe!
I am glad you appreciated. I took a chance on Werth.
Yup
Not when it takes the bat out of Murphy’s hands. In most cases, yes. In that case, nope. It played out exactly as LA would hope.
Who do you want hitting, Murphy, or Rendon? Werth is fast enough to avoid the DP
So you don’t want the go ahead run in scoring position? Basically giving them the runner in scoring position?
Look, in the 7th inning, I want Murphy hitting. End of story….why did Mays not steal when McCovey was up?
That’s why
No it’s not end of story. Werth has a job to do and he didn’t do it. Putting Harper in the blame game ahead of a guy paid millions to hit HR and drive in runs who can’t get a runner home from 3rd with less than two outs just doesn’t make sense.
He was in second with a runner Marty Alou on third
Mateo, you can’t freeze a runner with great speed on a 3-2 pitch when that runner is the go ahead run cuz you’re afraid of a strikeout and them walking the next hitter. Especially when you have a very capable hitter in Rendon on deck. C’mon.
Werth also swung at ball four. He takes that and both objectives are accomplished.
You betcha. Harper may have affected the pitch. Werth blew it.
Let’s disagree, mkay? I saw a K coming, and when I saw Harper going I had a bad feeling about Rendon…
Our first fight. My nipples are so hard.
Yeah it was your first fight, but Matty brought a knife to a gun fight.
I just came.
I just wanted to be held.
Sorry, headed to the kitchen for some Lorna Doone’s and Rocky Road ice cream. It’s my post coital go to
You guys really need to stop. Mamma mia….
Mateo is such a dancing queen.
A real super trouper.
Rendon “capable”
Murphy “MVP level league leading hitter Mr. October Thunder Wood”
You’re assuming they’re gonna give Murphy pitches to hit just cuz there’s a runner on first? This your first rodeo, Matthando?
It’s more like his Waterloo.
That Rocky Road is causing his brain to freeze. He needs to focus on the Lorna Doone’s.
Or on money, money, money.
Gimme, gimme, gimme, Mateo after midnight…
Whoa, Chiquitita.
You’re kidding about my rodeo experience, right? It’s just my philosophy for that specific sitch…either or…one of us is either, one is or.
Knowing me, knowing you. One of us is me, one of us is you.
LOL killin it!!!
I was looking forward to my guy Murph swiging the bat
Wow!! Nats couldn’t get the runner home from 3rd.
Gee …. what play might have worked with little risk in such a critical situation?
Wtf Nats? This the postseason from hell
Werth homers off Jansen when it doesn’t matter and Ks when a flyball could’ve scored the tying run in Game 5 and a homer gives a 2 run lead.
Werth is overrated.
Jansens stuff was nasty that inning. A ton of life and cur
Cut
No doubt Jansen is really tough. but you gotta find a way to put it in play there.
That 7th inning took 66 minutes. Wow.
Baseball playoffs are the most nerve wrecking / vomit inducing things ever. It’s just unbearable sometimes the stress.
There will be some vomit inducing if Dodgers win.
This game, no stress at all, want the Dodgers to lose, but not going to stress me out, one way or another, Giants game Tuesday and Monday, probably cost me at least 10 years of my life, and I Blame Bochy, so not as forgiving as you .
So we’re going to get a first-look at Melancon pitching against the Dodgers
Does Scout root for a meltdown so Washington bails on him and we get him?
It’d be nice if he put up zeroes and Giants just outbid the Nats
That last commercial break took 17 minutes.
I never understand making the new pitcher do the ibb.
Let’s mess up his rhythm!
There’s nothing like a game 5 !
(7)
#1 FA target walking off the mound.
Yup!!!
BTW I agree with your assesement of Bochy down below. I cussed him out in the heat of the moment but I generally think he’s better than most. He had a down year & made a critical mistake the other night but I prefer him over most managers. He was given a terrible bullpen to work with & I hope he’s not put in that position next year.
You look around baseball and then you realize. I’m glad Bochy is here.
Yes , 1 less ring to worry about !
Jansen or Melancon?
Melancon. I’m leaning away from Jansen & I hope the front office is too.
Melancon. Jansen has a more powerful cutter but I love Melancon’s cutter and curve combo. It’s a power curve, nasty.
How bout both? … No joke
Love that idea. Imagine if they had both this year. But good luck telling one of them to sign to be a setup guy.
Great AB. How many pitches are they going to let Jansen throw?
Cue Clayton Kershaw…
Didn’t he throw over 100 pitches on Tuesday? And on 3 days rest? It’s not the World Series, no way he comes in this game.
They don’t get to the World Series if they don’t use their best. Kinda like the Giants in Game 4. Why worry about the World Series if you’re trying to advance in an elimination game? Cart in front of the horse. Kinda like letting a guy throw 133 pitches in quest of a no-hitter vs. taking him out with 120 pitches in an elimination game. Nah, that one’s stupider.
I’m not opining on whether they should, I just don’t think they will.
I getcha. I’m still a bit red assed over that Game 4.
After 1.2 IP of the 3 IP he’s supposed to go, he already has thrown 33 pitches. Most he’s thrown this season is 30, according to the radio announcers. Career high is 42 in 2010 they’ve just now said.
Espinosa is terrible…
If Theo Epstein wins a WS with the Cubs. He will have resurrected two of the biggest losers of all time and will probably go down as one of the greatest GM’s in all of baseball. Is the dude even 35 yet?
December 29, 1973 (age 42)
He’s younger then me 🙁
What you don’t know the time?
He borrowed Vin Scully’s game notes
Wouldn’t it be cool if Giants could somehow convince Sculley to call a few games?
TrueBlue would go Full Oracle
What is his favorite food?
And the ESPY for Worst Bunt Ever goes to….Danny Espinosa!!!!
He’s bunting so the minor leaguers he has ready to go behind him can him.in?
Dustiny
Is Drew not capable of stealing here?
Supposedly
They don’t wanna take the bat outta Taylor’s hands. Just ask Mateo.
Hahahahahaha.
Nice, Rob. Get Sincere all fired up. Thanks
I just let him outta my trunk. He’s bouncing off the walls.
Lol why worry about me? We’re just having fun with you. The winner takes it all.
Jansen mowing em down!!!
Free agent
He’s no match for minor leaguers that’s for sure
Not even the Expos want this team back.
I just realized the only redeeming fact if LA wins….DC gets kicked in the nuts. Couldn’t happen to a more deserving city
We def agree on that. Miserable place.
That fan base is a huge percentage of lifelong politicians that WE are paying for their tickets
Yep. BINGO. But they’re not “lifelong politicians,” they’re paid scumbags. Really rich, paid scumbags.
CVS > Walgreens.
Well, yeah.
Hey, Verducci: ever heard of Bumgarner?
Everybody downplays him always.
If Kershaw comes in and blows this there isn’t a psychiatric couch comfortable enough for him to retire to.
Kershaw going to come in — wow. Would love to see Bryce take him deep.
Murphy did it twice last year in post season, he owns Harper .
It only takes one mistake.
Kershaw isn’t a good idea.
Oh, but I love it.
Why? Don’t like his resume?
He started on short rest two days ago and threw 102 pitches.
He’s got this. He’s as well-conditioned as Bum. And it’s one inning.
The goal is to win the World Series. Yes, they have to win this series first, but they’re compromising Kershaw too early in the process. Bumgarner did his iron man thing in game 7.
The goal is to win this series, or there is no World Series. Let alone an NLCS. And it’s one inning against the bottom of the order. Game over.
Not to nitpick, but the top of the order.
Oops my bad. That was a long 8th inning. I still like Kershaw here. Love it, actually.
He hasn’t pitched well in this series — hopefully that continues.
I knew that was Roberts’ plan, and it was a brilliant one.
He learned a lot from boch
Apparently. This is even less stressful. Bum had to pitch multi-innings in relief in 2014 on 2 days rest. Kershaw has to pitch one inning. To the bottom of the lineup. Nats are done.
Harper and Murphy are due up
I know I know. My bad. I forgot how long last inning was. Still love Kershaw here.
Bumgarner finally mentioned.
Here comes Kershaw!!
Wow Keyshawn coming in
Thanks Bobby Evans — did the Nats give up a lot for Melancon
Melancon and the Giants are still playing baseball. We might have even won the West.
If I managed Tuesday the Giants would be still playing Baseball !!!
True — I still have no idea why his best reliever was his fourth option.
See the last 3 months of the season and you’ll have your answer.
Yes, or his 5th choice, or the Shark even , prefer Power pitchers in that situation .
because he liked the match-ups 🙂
He was wrong like always, go with the pitcher that was pitching the best lately .
Oh I agree, just answering the question for Boch.
I think Jansen stays in to face Turner to start the inning.
Yup. If Turner gets on Kershaw is gonna come in and cough this up.
Kershaw is to October as Pagan is to walls
I want Harper to hit a bomb off Kershaw. I would sleep like a baby.
Harper 4 for 10 off Jansen.
So…. Kershaw is up only in case Murphy gets to the plate?
Appears so
Odd.
Would be so sweet if Harper HRs here
Yeah I was expecting Kershaw here. Guess he’s going with the Boch flow of not removing the reliever if he’s getting outs.
Murphy is Kershaw’s Jake Lamb…interesting
Wow. That was a waste. An absolute waste.
Wow, Jansen looked over to say take me out. His agent has to be furious right now.
Again, Sparky Lyle laughs…
But Sparky didn’t sign a $50-70M contract
Of course. Because that’s what matters. Money over the game.
Money, money, money is the name of the game.
So… you can’t send Harper here even though he’s the tying run cuz if Werth gets out they’ll walk Murphy? Mateo?
He needs to freakin run
Just let Jansen walk you — looks done.
Werth has to do something here !!!!
48 pitches now, wow
Roberts made a major mistake not going to Kershaw to face Harper. Major mistake.
How anti-Bochy of him.
I don’t think Kershaw could warm up in time. Roberts probably should’ve started him sooner.
Huge mistake. Now he’s gotta come in a stressfest.
Great drama, though.
Has the base stolen and Werth swings at ball three. Jesus.
Ball 3. Idiot.
Wow Werth! Should be 3-1 with runner on second.
Werth is gonna strike out.
Unless the pitch isn’t close. One or the other.
Werth totally bailed him out again. Ball. And Harper was gonna be safe.
Harper had second easily.
Same exact situation.
Symmetry!
Easy walk.
I think Marlins Guy is secretly Surf Maui.
Rollie’s out of gas.
Just don’t make em like they used to.
Here we go!
Let’s go Nats
Pretty dramatic.
My heart is actually beating very fast right now.
Ha, was hoping it wasn’t just me
Baseball is easily the most stressful sport. By a country strong mile.
This is getting good!
If Kershaw wins it for the Dodgers, who starts game 1 vs Cubs for them? Kenta Maeda?
OK, so I remain gutted about the Giants…and I don’t really give a crap about these two teams, but this is compelling stuff. I love baseball
Rake one into the gap Murphy
Come on Nationals breakt the Dodgers hearts and make us Giants fans feel better
Come Nats….beat these bums!!
They put up the fact Kershaw has pitched 11and 2/3 innings and they won. They forgot to mention he gave up 8 runs in those two starts.
Gutsy move??? To get 2 outs? Bum had to go FIVE INNINGS in a game 7? Gimme a break.
Did they say it was better than Bumgarner in game 7?
They said it was gutsy. My point is Kershaw has to get 2 outs. Bum had to get 15 outs on 2 days rest. The gulf in between the two is a Grand Canyon.
It is a gutsy move. No one is saying it matches what Bumgarner did.
It’s the only move. It’s hardly gutsy. It’s an easy call.
gutsy or stupid…time will tell…
It all comes down to Wilmer Difo!!!
Game over. This PH is toast
Nope. He comes thru. Cuz the baseball gods are hilarious.
Poor Dusty
This kid looks like he is 19.
Good night all!
What is Marlins guy net worth?
This kid doesn’t have a hope in hell against Kershaw.
He got a foul tip.
I am still puzzled that they traded Kershaw’s favorite catcher while he was on the DL. What a way to tell your ace who the boss is.
Another disappointing finale😩
I’ll say. If the Nets one at least you’d have someone to root for. This is like Darth Vader versus Mephistopheles.
Truly disappointing postseason. Much as I hate the Cubs right now, I can’t bring myself to root for the Dodgers. Seriously hoping for odd year magic next year!!
I was waiting for that curve ball.
Told Beauty…” He’s gonna throw a 12/6 curve in the dirt…this kid will miss by a foot…”
And she said, Shut up and eat your Rocky Road?
Welcome to San Francisco, Mr. Mark Melancon.
It would have been so much fun to beat the Dodgers in the NCLS.
Go Cubs!
Go Blue Jays. I want to watch Joey Bats dance around after hitting bombs.
Jays all the way!!!!
Good thing they sent Worth early in the game. And we though Kelly was bad
I hate the Cubs and hate the Dodgers with a passion but the NLCS is going to be a hell of a series
Or the Cubs sweep.
Could be. Kershaw and Jansen are completely spent
Nope !
The Cubs versus the Dodgers … I say no one for President. 🙂
Yeah, I’ll remember this 20 years later as the Kershaw game.
What an idiot broadcaster
Atta boy Kershaw, shut up all those detractors.
Now get them Cubs!
Really? You’re rooting for LA?
TOTALLY. Anybody but the Cubs!!!
NO WAY, no Dodgers under any circumstances!
Sorry. Cubs are the most detestable team I have ever seen. And their fans are worse. Let em fry.
I want the Jays to win it all anyway.
I am ok with Jays winning but I don’t want the Dodgers in the World Series. Being in SF and having lots of relatives in LA area I have to hear about it for years to come.
Lol I hear ya, but you can always play the “Remember 1988!!!” card at any time.
How bout the nats
Too late now.
No, he’s rooting for a firestorm of responses. He likes attention
Not at all Matthew, usually I am, bit not this time.
I wrote many times out of ST that the Dodgers had a ton of talent up and down the roster, plus good young talent in the upper minors ready to help.
That’s exactly the reason they withstood all those injures, unlike the Giants.
OK, I almost believe you.
Check the posts, all the way back before the season even started.
How could you not see that?
Because you were trolling then.
I respect their talent. I think Kershaw is a stud and gets a bad rap….but, in the end, they are the Dodgers, and it is impossible for me to be happy that they won. Impossible. I hate the Dodgers. And I don’t care to change.
I understand, because I hate that the Giants are not in it as well.
But you can’t deny they have been accumulating some great young talent, hitting and pitching, WHILE STILL winning pennants.
That alone make me think what the Giants failure drafting is coming from? Here is a team in the same division consistently drafting just as low AND STILL coming up with talented players ready to help the big club.
Could just be they draft better? Have a smarter draft philosophy? Something to make you think, no?
And yet they’ve won nothing. And have spent MILLIONS more than us. So spare me the LA glorification.
you are right, have not won anything. But I’ll tell you one thing, they are sitting on a bevy of talent to build on.
I’m not saying the Giants still can’t overcome that, specially with our staff, but if we don’t get some more talent across the roster, they will always be looking up and dealing with WC games.
With our current rotation, I’ll take our squad next year. I just get tired of so many people talking up LA’s minor league products and division titles when it hasn’t produced a championship, which is all that matters at the end of the day.
the problem is that the main guys like Seager, Pederson, Urias, De Leon ae all within the past two years.
You could have made the same statement of the Giants in 2008-09, before the Posey, Crawford, Bum, Sandoval years.
You’re just being premature. The talent they have is materializing now so of course they would not have won before that time.
GO KERSHAW!!! GO PUIG! GO JOC!!! (local kid, have to like him)
Yep, this time around, rather they win than the freakin Cubs. Plus I like Kershaw, Seager, Pederson.
Joc Pederson’s mom doesn’t even like him.
Looool
whatever dude, you ain’t funny. Crawl back underground till ST
That’s right. SCREW the Cubs. And their fans even more.
Douche
Yeah what a stud. Gave up 8 runs in 12 innings. Dominant playoff performance.