by
Surf Maui
Much of the Giants stuff that I have assembled over the years are things that many of you have, or at least had at one time. Perhaps I’ve just been better at keeping them, and now putting it all out on display in my Giants Man Cave. So in these posts I’ll try to focus on some of the things in my collection that are pretty unique–or, in the case of the first item, totally one of a kind.
It’s John “The Count” Montefusco Giants Team MVP Trophy. It was awarded to him as team MVP by the San Francisco Baseball writers in 1976. As many of you may recall, “The Count” burst on the scene in 1975 when he was the NL Rookie of ther Year and, until Jonathan Sanchez pitched his no-hittter, Montefusco was the last Giant to pitch one, doing so in 1976. Before a July 4, 1974 start against the Dodgers Montefusco “guaranteed” a win and then proceeded to pitch a 1-0 shutout. He is the only pitcher (and one of two players) in MLB history to hit a home run in his first at bat and win a Rookie of the Year. (Bonus points if you can guess the other one.)
Long after his career ended Montefusco was arrested charged with assaulting his former wife. He was held in jail for two years because could not raise the $1 million bail before eventually being acquitted.
I found this trophy on a dealer’s web site– when, believe it or not– I was researching the value of World Series rings for a technical legal book that I was writing. (I know that sounds crazy, but it’s a long story that really isn’t all that interesting) I’d hate to think that this trophy was available because he needed the money and was forced to sell it. The dealer told me that it had been donated to a charity auction, but I don’t know if that’s true. So if “The Count” wants the trophy which he earned back, I am happy and honored to give it to him. If anyone happens to see him, please pass on the offer.
The second fairly unique piece–though certainly not one of a kind– is my turnstile from Candlestick Park. A lot of us got seats when they tore down the Stick (guilty) but I had to have a turnstile. It now sits at the entrance to the Man Cave at my new house in Florida where it keeps track (the counter still works) of the very few women coming in and out.
The third unique piece are a pair of signed game used Aaron Rowand cleats. You’d think that for his $12 million salary, they might be in better shape. Though Rowand’s Giant career was not exactly stellar, he will always be remembered for his hit to completely break open Game 2 of the 2010 World Series.
That does it for this installment of SurfMaui’s collection. If you guys find these posts interesting I’ll write a few more, at least one of which I promise will include something truly unique. Right Greek Giant?
Breckeroni likes a good story.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8iSgxAZUtk
Keep the stories coming Surf Maui.
Anybody ready to guess the only other player in MLB history to hit a HR in his first AB and win ROY?
Dunno, but an outstanding trivia question. When they do this on the Cubs radio broadcast, the poser of the question has to eventually drop hints to the two stumped broadcasters about which league, then which era, …
Here’s a hint: The second player beat out a Hall of Famer for ROY
That puts it after 1940, and none of the guys colored in yellow:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_League_Baseball_Rookie_of_the_Year_Award
I’ll take a wild guess, with Tony Oliva.
Wrong– national leaguer
I’ll let the others have their turn (thanks, it was fun to play).
Jose Abreu
Well i’m wrong.
Ken Griffey Jr. Inside the park. First AB.
Wrong
Bob Horner. I’ve always thought it wasn’t his 1st at bat but his 1st game. I played against him in high school. And he beat out Ozzie Smith for ROY.
Incorrect
Please Boch. Let’s go Bum Cueto Moore Shark and BLACH please! Why throw away game 5 (or at least dig a hole 6-8 runs deep) when you got a power lefty whom the league has not seen. Doesn’t make sense, doesn’t add up, doesn’t hold water to not make Blach the #5. And if you consider game 5 a throw away, give it to the rook so he can get a season under his belt. If you go with the Lefty Righty Left Right Left that’s a 106 win season. Moral is a real thing. Think about it. I was at that game the Rockies put up 17 runs. Difficult to come back from large deficits laid on you early. Now the Patriots, that’s a different story. Lot more difficult to score runs.
Blach will have a chance to be the 5.
I heard they were going to give Cain the first month and then evaluate after that. WTF. This isn’t science class. I hope Blach steals it in ST and leaves no doubt. Like how Derek Carr did in his rookie pre season. No doubt about it.
I know this sounds a broken record, but what the brass says is not necessarily what they will do,
Our family stopped counting B-days but who can refuse and neglect 7 intoxicating nurses dolled up singing We are the world and Happy Birthday in various Tina Turner garb? Three nurses told me they really know where to stick it.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6c6f97ba8e2cabc87f48fb02ed85fdb8d63ce171a13898575a05e158c9c96409.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/dcbcfd23a7cbee3faaa9aaecd3104b4b1c1b2ab58b4ff38f91b637f6bcee35e5.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e884d3b3af9a95a99e3d03f1310a445d96f77f99c8c9ea7f3c6588d3b9581182.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d247539338cd0175c98bbcc80128b4cf9b18c1295d9b9f78d6257814c76fd22b.jpg
Game On.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ6WGN8WH3Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inS9gAgSENE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjF1bG5LUcs
Happy B-Day also to Manny Mota, Shawn Estes- Marc Hill, Travolta, Dr. Dre and “Ono Yoko”
*RIP one year ago today. Jimmy “Peanut” Davenport August 17, 1933 – February 18, 2016*
Happy Birthday, Dude! Enjoy!
Ditto. Happy Birthday, Clutch. Enjoy your special day, buddy!
These wouldn’t be the Naughty Night Shift Nurses, would they?
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/dcbcfd23a7cbee3faaa9aaecd3104b4b1c1b2ab58b4ff38f91b637f6bcee35e5.jpg
happy birthday clutch!! i hope your health is cooperating, so you’re able to enjoy the day…
Feliz cupcakes, Clutch!
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1edfa28feb9fa2a736d3dd23317ddbb62aabdf1b6a4a088d97d7f4bd8b45208c.jpg
– Lucita y Myrtle
Wow. I’ve never seen such a crowd. I’ve been told that , except for us, everybody in North America is there.
(Rerun)
Evans and Sabes gonna need a shower after all this rooting thru dumpsters:
http://www.mccoveychronicles.c…
Your link died.
Un orta vez:
http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2017/2/17/14653920/sf-giants-yankees-slade-heathcott
minor league deal
Nunez http://www.scout.com/mlb/giants/story/1755936-how-secure-is-nunez-at-third
Projections (by Steamer) for the Giants position players are pretty much low across the board. Only Panik and Span would be thought of to be close to what we might expect from them.
Here’s another clue. Player was a national Leaguer who won ROY with the Cardinals beating out an eventual legend from another NL City. However, this player was better known for his later shortlived career with the Dodgers in LA
Quit Mooning the blog. You’re too old for that.
yup!
… by the end of the spring training he replaced Enos Slaughter in the outfield (from this player’s wiki page).
OK I give up–I’ll tell all you low lifes. It’s Wally Moon who was rookie of the year over Ernie Banks.
Wally Moon played for the Dodgers in their first year in LA when they played at the Coliseum which had a very short left field fence–something like 270. He hit a bunch of home runs early in the season. Of course they were referred to “Moon Shots”
Good clue BTW –but I expect nothing less than that from my friend Mathew. Are you going to Wrigley this year?
I sure hope so. I’m headed in tomorrow and will check if it works…what dates this year?
May 22-25 (4 game set). My son’s seats were upgraded this year.
Also play the White Sox in Chicago Sept 8-10 (weekend)
BTW I’m having back surgery (again next week) but I should be ready to go for Opening Day
Damn! Good luck. I’ve got a consult in 2 weeks to see what’s next on mine.
I’ll figure out a way to do May for sure. Let’s hook up!
Absolutely–we got some payback to give
20 more clues and I might get it.
Never
Just me or everybody?
Wally Moon. Never doubt me again.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40MAxu-18C4
Reggie Smith
see below
If this has already been posted, my apologies…but just in case:
https://youtu.be/Qh0BwuxHRAg
I do not think the other guy was her date, because he did not seem to care that she kissed the other guy .
I’m guessing it was staged.
Looks like they are all actors and wanted their 15 minutes on Good Morning America or the Today Show.
Who cares who’s the better player. Which one has the better name? Slade Heathcott or Gorkys Hernandez?
His Korean cousin, Gorkys Park.
Otherwise known in the trade as ATT Park
OK- here’s how I knew the answer as to who hit a home run in his first at bat and win a Rookie of the Year. Well, actually I won’t tell you that but I will say that it took me 3 minutes of research to find the answer. Not that I’m smart or anything. I’m just good at finding stuff. It’s not always a good thing. Like when you find out where the skunk odor is coming from.
A team spokesman for the New England Patriots denies that Quarterback Tom Brady prefers the Earth to be on the flat side so he can grip it better. Coach Bill Belechick: “I really don’t know what to say or know anything about what we’re talking about here.” Brady said, “I didn’t alter the Earth in any way.”
I sign in and when I try to post a photo it tells me I can’t post a photo unless I sign in. Nothing makes sense anymore.
Give me props for getting the answer to Maui’s question and I might let you post it
Well it’s no fair if you look it up!!!
Really? You looked it up.
Actually I didn’t look it up, but I did read it when I was doing background research about “The Count” and it was mentioned. Besides I was the one asking the question
Happy now?
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/dac27975f7565d5676c3d9e2245578860eec2fac4930b1f5d779ded7d7494293.jpg
There’s a reason Baggs had to use this view. This is from the top of RF bleacher structure and non-players are not allowed down there.
Roster squeeze imminient with Heathcott signing
Maybe I’ll see you all in a couple weeks, this is bull bleepy.Gnight
I talked to my oncologist on Monday after she had seen the film. She said that she considered me cured. At first it was an awesome feeling- it has been 8 years since the “battle” had begun. But soon, it’s “what now?” There is a kind of adrenaline that you get when you are in the midst of that fight. And then you realize that for all of that, you are going to die anyway. Denial is a large part of what “saved”me.So now I think of all of those that I lost in those years. Cancer was the reality that would never go away. The new reality could take time to assimilate. Good night again. Sorry for being so shitty today. I’ll see ya, maybe when the real baseball begins, that 3 hours has always been my get away time.
That is AMAZING news. Just think of the extra energy you’ll have to keep all of us in line when the games start.
Sleep well, Chef.
Glad to hear that your ornery ass is sticking around for the long haul.
That film sounds like an Oscar-winner. Take it easy now.
We’re honored to have been a very small part of your stressful ride…looking forward to spirited debates on bullpen moves, my friend.
You’ve been helpful to us, Chef. Thanks.
When I’m not complaining about the Giants or trying new recipes or working, we love movies. It’s become a bit of a game for us to try to see all the Best Picture nominees before the Oscars show, and today we saw #9 (out of 9). It took some doing this year–two movies last weekend and two this weekend. We had to drive to Elk Grove (south of Sacramento) to see “Fences,” and we had to purchase “Hacksaw Ridge” streamed from Amazon (still cheaper than two matinee movie tickets).
“Hidden Figures” was #9 for us, and wow, what a great movie. Now I understand why people were so mad about Taraji P. Henson getting snubbed for a Best Actress nomination–she was great, and no disrespect to Emma Stone twirling and trying to sing or Meryl Streep (who’s actually an excellent singer) trying NOT to sing, but Taraji’s role was more substantive and important. And there’s some irony in an actress playing a “hidden figure” being “hidden” from Oscar recognition. Ah, well.
Anyway, not that you asked, but this is my ranked list–not what is favored to win, but my own opinion as to quality and substance and acting performances.
1. Manchester by the Sea
2. Hell or High Water
3. Hidden Figures
4. Hacksaw Ridge
5. Moonlight
6. Fences
7. LaLa Land
8. Lion
9. Arrival
I probably enjoyed #2-3 the most, and #1 is a movie you think about long after you watch it.
Raising the number of nominees from five to ten is a product of the participation trophy era, but I look forward to when I’ll be able to once again have time to go to the movies. I haven’t seen any of them. I’m still pulling for Whiplash to win Best Picture.
Not only have I not seen any of those movies I only recognize the names of about three of them. Somewhere along the line I completely lost interest in Hollywood. I have watched five or six episodes of Homeland today since Showtime is free this weekend.
You definitely have to know what you like (kind of like wine) and what you don’t (kind of like wine) and separate the wheat from the chaff.
I can’t stand superhero movies (seriously, how many Batman/Spider-Man/Captain America/Thor/Avengers/X-Men movies do we need?) and generally dislike either fantasy or sci-if (Star Trek is OK).
I like compelling plots with great acting. In recent years those have often been true stories brought to the screen (like “Argo” or the Stephen Hawking movie or this year’s “Hacksaw Ridge” or “Hidden Fences”) or tight interpersonal dramas like “The Descendants” or “Manchester by the Sea.” I also like psychological thrillers and action movies with car chases (like the Bourne movies and the latest round of James Bonds).
We’ve watched “Homeland” from the beginning and thought it was dead three years ago, but it’s really made a comeback, and I think this season is excellent so far.
I like movies but in recent years just have not had the time for them due to work and the miserable commute I have. Did get to go see Rogue One with my son but the theatre seats have gotten so comfortable that I tend to get drowsy and fall asleep, even with the loud noise of the movie going. TV series have also gotten so good in recent years, my wife follows about 10 shows (Sleepy Hollow, Magicians, Grimm, that genre that sounds like it might not be your cup of tea) so she has little desire to go to the theatre. I follow three shows; The Walking Dead, The SF Giants, and The GS Warriors.
We’ve kind of returned to our roots in our recent empty-nester years. When we were dating and newlyweds, we went to movies a lot–on-campus $1 affairs, cheap matinees. Once we had young kids and were building our careers, it was all about the VCR–we couldn’t afford to pay a babysitter AND go to a movie theater. But now a pleasant Saturday will include brunch/lunch and then a matinee. (I do fall asleep sometimes, too, especially if brunch has involved a margarita or a Bloody Mary.). But our movie-binging tends to be seasonal (Thanksgiving to about now, which is when most of the best movies are out so they can get Oscar buzz)–and when baseball’s on, we go to the movies a lot less.
The Walking Dead = The 49ers?
I’m guessing the move from 5 to 10 nominees was both political and financial.
Whiplash was a great movie, and though it didn’t win Best Picture, J.K. Simmons did win a much-deserved Supporting Actor Oscar. I was about to say that it has a similar theme to this year’s LaLa Land (how much will/should you give to achieve your art/dream), and then I realized that both films were written and directed by the same guy. Whiplash was much better, IMO.
Taraji Henson getting snubbed is nothing new Dr black actors and actresses get snubbed all of the time by hollywood its the reason why we have our own award shows and music shows.
Well, three of the nine Best Picture nominees are (mostly) black casts (or black stars), and some black actors did get nominated, so they’re doing a bit better this year –but Taraji’s omission is a real head-scratcher for me.
The Oscars are a joke, and I wonder why anyone puts anymore validity into it. I gave up once they nominated Titanic and it won the Best Picture category.
Woo … saw Manchester recently and you are right. Grief, guilt, family dynamics … it is all three.
That’s one that stays with you for awhile.
If you haven’t already, a movie buff like you should go see Oscar Nominated Shorts. My daughter and I like to go to the Animated Shorts, but we have also seen some Live Action and Documentary Shorts over the years.
http://shorts.tv/theoscarshorts/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B0tiLMhJjo
I stumbled across this via Twitter. A more in-depth piece on thr life of Yordano Ventura and just how much family drama he had endured. Makes for good Sunday morning reading.
In DR, @vgregorian & @maria_torres3 retraced Yordano Ventura’s last steps, found he faced family turmoil, more
https://t.co/9BLnITwlNH
I read that this morning myself.
Pretty wild stuff, huh?
Here’s another great piece. I love this one.
We’ll have baseball in our lives for over 250 straight days. | Sports on Earth
http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/216296990/mlb-spring-training-preview-baseball-for-days?partnerId=ed-11178315-969528403
your next project is going to be more of a challenge. for example..who wore #250 on the giants?
Hmm. Not sure of that. I do know that Sully wore 155 in honor of the number of passengers he saved.
Pablo wore #290.
Fangraph’s ‘Sunday Supplement’ on the Giants and their organizational approach to developing pitchers.
Dave Righetti
is as well-regarded as any pitching coach in the game. “Rags” has held
the job with the Giants since 2000, and he has three World Series rings
to show for his efforts. The plaudits he’s received are deserved.
He isn’t the only person responsible for the club’s mound success. Mark Gardner has served as San Francisco’s bullpen coach for much of Righetti’s tenure, and Bruce Bochy, a former catcher, is a pitching-savvy manager. Upstairs, senior vice president of player personnel Dick Tidrow has a stellar reputation of his own.
And then there is Bert Bradley. He’s not well-known outside of the organization, but according to Rags, Bradley is an integral piece of the pitching puzzle.
“Bert is our (minor league pitching) coordinator, and he gets
involved with everything,” Righetti told me last summer. “Whether it’s
dealing with the draft kids, hiring a new coach in the system… anything
to do with pitching, he has a say. Every night, our minor league coaches
need to write a report, and that includes something on the other team.
Bert looks at those. He’s got a lot on his plate.”
Righetti does as well, but organizational pitching philosophy isn’t part of his purview.
“In the minors, that’s Dick Tidrow, and then Bert Bradley on down,”
Righetti told me. “I don’t have a say in that. I never have. When I was
working in the minors (in 1999), my job was to rove, and to scout, and
the boss was Dick. He’s still the boss. The buck stops with him, But as
soon as a kid touches Giants soil, so to speak, Bert is involved with
him. He plays a big role here.”
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/sunday-notes-montgomery-giants-pitching-devers-more/
Interesting. Had never heard of Bert
I suspect there are a lot of misconceptions on how the Giants organization, as a whole, actually functions.
specially on this blog. One person says something they “assume” to be true and all the parrots jump on it w/o looking for facts on their own.
Don’t worry, Baggarly will set us straight.
When taunting and showing up your opponent goes wrong…no, actually this is when it goes right:
http://screengrabber.deadspin.com/lesson-learned-1792519333
From Baggs: Arroyo will be wearing #22. Hopefully #22 will stay on the kid for a long time rather than seeing itself rotating on mediocre or bad Giants players *cough cough* Rikkert Faneyte and Damon Minor.
Amen, brother, go Arroyo! Jake Peavy wore no. 22 last season. And Damon Minor was the hitting instructor for the Sacramento Rivercats last season, probably still is this season. As for Faneyte, I don’t know what he’s doing now.
22 needs to be retired. as does 25
If it makes you feel any better #25 is unofficially retired: no one has worn the number since the end of the 2007 season.
One thing I noticed is that many players are taller than one would expect from watching games. KT is 6’3″ Duffman was 6’2″. Rollins (5’8″) should be taller than expected if my observations are correct. He looks 5’8″, so don’t know if my opening premise is correct.
As I mentioned, Osich is built like a brick sh**house and looks shorter in person than he does in games. I think I mentioned he has a monster arm.
Actually, Matt Duffy is still 6’2″
And wiry.
What a Dirtbag that guy is !!
And proudly so.
Gambling and solicitation are strictly prohibited on the Blue Line.
However, gambling and solicitation are occurring on the Blue Line. Mostly solicitation.
Is anyone else nervous about all these VETS the Giants are bringing in? #2011 #bochylovesvets #noroomforKelby
No, can’t keep them all
No, Never, Nada (unless they sign Vida to throw from the left-side) :-/
Yes, Boch may keep most of them.
Alex says not so fast on writing off Kelby’s chances:
http://www.csnbayarea.com/giants/tomlinson-still-fit-giants-put-bench-together
The new emphasis on speed and base running may work in KT’s favor. They hired Vince Coleman, and KT’s one of the fastest guys in the system. Then there’s KT’s great numbers in the clutch and as a pinch-hitter (detailed in Alex’s article).
I read that as Bochy’s version of political correctness. I’d like to believe that Tomlinson will be given a fair shot, but my head knows that he’ll be in Sacramento when the season starts, no matter what he does.
Mine too. I wrote to Haak and changed my 25Man™ picks accordingly.
What are the odds Tomlinson gets a shot at LF?
Alex mentioned that he took more fly balls over the winter and that his versatility was in his favor. I still remember how he got an emergency start in LF and five minutes into the game threw a strike to the plate at 115 MPH to throw a guy out. You’d think with his SS arm and his speed and athleticism, he could play the OF just fine.
Wouldn’t that be a rip? As to OF, it’s all about routes and technique, but Alex Gordon started with the same uncertainty from 3B. Tomlinson has a great deal more speed than Gordon, but you have to learn the routes and not depend just on athleticism. In LF, he could be great. In the infield, he’s just good to adequate.
I know you remember everything, Lefty, so I’ll assume 115 is just making a point, right?
Lefty always carries a gun. Don’t you?
KT will be part of the 25 out of ST.
Where have you been?! Lefty threw a 75′ Imax screen in her pool in honor of you upon the 43rd vet signing.
I’m hoping that Michael Morse has a lot left in the tank
So is he.
An alternative Aaron Rowand memory.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTQ1bGQXeaw
Happy 34th Birthday Former Giant Chris Stewart
Happy 39th plus one day current TWG ClutchUp.
Thanks Ice_Matty. I think there should be a holding pattern on “Double Nickel”
When I was at Gallo, Carlo Rossi red table wine got a 55 from Wine Spectator…”a lighter fluid mouthfeel with a turpentine finish”.
We obviously dubbed the brand Double Nickel from that day forward.
You need to give me a rating on this
https://www.cognac-expert.com/extra-cognac/martell-chanteloup-perspective-extra-cognac
http://www.martell.com/en-ww/cognacs/chanteloup-perspective
For that price it better be a 110! Not sure how much the MCClutchUp goes for?
I wouldn’t trust the name, sounds shady to me.
So where did Gallo Red Mountain Burgundy fall?
IIRC, it scored in the 60’s…
Actually , it was called Hearty Burgundy when I was there. Lovely stuff
LOL. If you’re stoned. Hookah filler. I think timeshare sales is going to be a hobby for you after retirement.
Just flashed on “cheap wine that tasted good but made you sick”, from (way) back in the day: Spanada and Ripple Pagan Pink. Ugh.
Affeldt’s a Funny guy https://www.facebook.com/Giants/videos/10154262432286828/
Baseball overseas: Enjoy http://www.baseballjobsoverseas.com/2017/02/16/globetrotters-season-1-episode-8/
The top 10 offseason team changing moves in baseball. The Giants getting Melancon comes in #4.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2017/02/14/top-10-players-who-changed-teams-edwin-encarnacion-aroldis-chapman-chris-sale/97861360/
Giants-hating fangraphs had signing melancon as the 6th *worst* move of the offseason.
Great article on Ryan Zimmerman with the Nationals trying to find his swing in a world he describes as adapt or die.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/a-t-32-nats-veteran-ryan-zimmerman-knows-its-a-matter-of-adapt-or-die/2017/02/19/a47265fc-f571-11e6-b9c9-e83fce42fb61_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-cards_hp-card-sports%3Ahomepage%2Fcard
Poor guy. A few years ago he was one of the bigger stars in the game, and he’s been a shadow for awhile. Hope he figures it out.
I thik he gets it. The game has changed, he hasn’t.
”
“As much as I’ve [sometimes] said I despised them, analytics are a
good source of information,” Zimmerman said. “Ten years ago, we didn’t
know what ‘launch angle’ was. When you are presented with information
that makes sense, you have to be willing to give it a try. You can’t
just shut it out. Will it be easy?”
No.
That kinda talk gets to my buddy CC !
If there was any remaining doubt, this All-Star Game shows you what Russell “Look at me” Westbrook is all about. LOL
Still, currently the most entertaining player in the league and the MVP is all but his to lose, with perhaps Harden making it a close vote. Not all fans have to like his game, its called MVP for a reason, not “most liked player”
And therein lies the rub: Westbrook may well be the most entertaining player, but the Warriors, are -by far -the most entertaining team. That helps, since it’s actually a team sport.
I won’t diminish his incredible talent. His stats say he isn’t selfish. I get it. But – a bit like Harden – his talent doesn’t seem to allow the team to coalesce and he tends to go Stubbron Russ at the worst possible times.
I’ll take our guys.
I hear you, no argument Curry and the Dubs are the complete team and obviously more complimentary teammates. But as I’ve pointed out, look over the Rockets and Thunder rosters. Are they remotely close to the Dubs or Spurs in talent? Look at Houstons record? Great coaching job but a lot of that has to do with Harden carrying a huge burden. They have to play their style or their teams would be battling to even sniff the playoffs. Easy to calm them selfish but they do more with less than most players in the league. They are actually trying really hard and willing their teams to win. Tiuvwsnt a selfish player who doesn’t will his team to wins? Look at Carmelo Anthony.
Well, he certainly pads the stat sheet, but entertaining, really? Watching him against the Warriors, I see a guy who puts up a zillion shots, shoots a lot of free throws, and turns the ball over in double-digit fashion (10 and 11 the last two games vs the Dubs). I don’t especially enjoy watching that type of game, but to each his own. Harden is entertaining, though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWkMMXgQohc
All-Star albums from Back In The Day
So, the Kings traded Cousins, and are also banking on the team losing out so they can secure a lottery pick. You know, because supremely talented big men are easy to draft.
Hope they keep selling out Golden Shower Arena.
Boogie and the Brow.
Also, the Kings got the short end of the deal. What else is new?
IDK, they haven’t been winning with him and he seems like a bad candidate to give an enormous guaranteed contract to. Regardless of who they got it might turn out best for Sac to get out while it can.
They were cutting their losses in more ways than one. He is still young and at 200M+ would be stuck with him for a long time, with more drama.
It was not working. This year the draft is really deep, they cold come away with two decent picks in the 1st and 2nd rounds. Time to start over, at least they wont be stuck with a bad contract.
You can second guess their return but there is absolutely no friggin’ way I give Cousins $200 million.
Bapah:
Pre-Spring Training Games Spring Training? Your thoughts?
25-Man? Rollins getting bumped by Hill?
Stop your SoCal rains please … we are in Long Beach for the week and it looks rain today there too!
Scrimmages are OK for a couple of innings, but ST, especially early, is about reps. Even split squad games don’t give players enough reps. When these guys are rotating through multiple stations in a practice, they still aren’t getting enough reps to go through all situations they are going to face in 162. Actually, I think 2-a-days are a better idea, especially the young guys. The old guys need better looks to be able to evaluate them honestly. I don’t think they’re getting them the way things are now. The rest of it… I have no idea; it rained all weekend.
I’m not a fan of all the weight training a lot of these guys are getting. A lot of these guys should be working on endurance over strength.
Thanks … spoken like a true coach but good or bad, the Giants are using this approach. Following some theory from someone younger than Raggs or Bochy I think.
I agree on the 2-a-days but it is just a feeling from experience for me.
Excellent post! I think weight training is a major no-no for ballplayers and the reason we see so many injuries. Baseball players need flexibility, stamina and hand-eye coordination more than anything else. It’s amazing to me how MLB with the millions they spend on salaries, do not address this more with their younger players.
George, Look into something called Ultim-eyes. It is an eye-coordination app. UC Riverside, or maybe Redlands, I can’t remember, used it for their whole team a couple of years ago and had fantastic results with their hitting. I used it for a while and I could feel it working. These are things that more MLB teams should try. Who knows, maybe they are.
Its actually eye hand, but yeah
More reps less poundage.
Weight room work is important.
Absotively. Some of these guys look bulked up enough.
Which is why I was happy to read Morse saying he’s much more flexible and feels less bulky after his time off. It may not matter, I could see him struggling badly and receiving an early exit but I’m certainly rooting for him. To me, he’s the prototypical player that needs to concentrate on flexibility over muscle mass, taller hitters with longer swings. They get tied up easily enough, as it is. There haven’t been many “tall” hitters that have excelled but those that spring to mind, Winfield, Bad Vlad, were more sinewy than bulky.
Boom!
Ask #12 Tom Brady
Beede Blach Stratton Blackburn… Dan Slania? 2018? Trade bait?
“Slania, a 2013 fifth-round pick out of Notre Dame, got a call on his 24th birthday telling him to prepare to start because of an injury in Richmond’s rotation. He had not started a game since high school, but his four-pitch mix worked. He had a 5.32 ERA out of the bullpen but it dropped to 1.48 in 10 starts for the Flying Squirrels. In two Triple-A starts, he struck out 14 over 13 innings while allowing just eight hits and two runs. The Giants put him on their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. “
Yes but …
Not Blach; he has succeeded enough at the MLB level that they won’t trade him.
Not until June as they want to see if someone rises to take the LF spot. Maybe if Span is sputtering they might think of a CF/lead-off guy but only in June. They are not quick to make such moves.
Isn’t it odd that since adding Slania to the 40, there’s been 41 on the roster? It’s been that way since Saturday. Not sure I’ve seen the roster over 40 for this many days. Any rumblings on who might be removed?
You are right that there are 41 listed on the 40-man but I think one must be Inactive/Injured and not counted. I never have heard you can fudge in the 40-man. I am going with Ian Gardeck as injured but not marked as such. Someone here will know.
Ahh yes, an injury. TY
I was only thinking of Slania as TB.
Oh, I see. Thanks for clearing that up.
It would be another Terry Mulholland move.
Help me … IIRC Terry was from the Giants system and lasted pretty well but with the Phillies (?). Did they trade him for someone I am forgetting?
He came up, went 6-0 and they traded him (for Bedrosian?) – became a 20-game winner, and came back to the Gints when he was washed up.
Bedrosian was over-the-hill when they got him.
Rosen-Craig deal?
That would be another fun “Stat” to compile given Unlimited time: who has made the best deals?
They got Kevin Mitchell and Dave Dravecky … for Chris Brown?
Wasn’t Mark Grant and/or Mark Davis involved in that as well?
I suspect you are right. And he became a good closer for a while.
Yes, he did. But despite that, a clear steal by the Giants, even though Dravecky’s career was cut short. Just looked it up and saw we also received Craig Lefferts in the deal, who was a key lefty outta the pen for awhile.
In my foggy mind Lefferts = Affeldt … almost an anagram? Both LH relievers …
There are no good and available cfs out there.
By June there will be.
Hope your dry and roads passable
Thnx … roads closed all around but we squeezed through to the airport.
Typical Giants are throwing spaghetti on the wall. They see a guy with a good arm, BUT it’s a very long shot to take a 24 yr old that has not started for years and all of the sudden the guy is going to to a stud starter. On this roster with the top 4 spots pretty much sealed up, how much room is there? He’ll just end up a 26-27 year old AAA on this team. Agree trade bait, as most of them should be.
Add to that list Albert Suarez, Andrew Suarez, and Sam Coonrod. You could even add Joan Gregorio, who may be destined for the bullpen but has been a starter so far.
So that’s 8-9 starting pitchers who are already at AAA level or who finished last season in AA, and several have already debuted with the Giants (Blach, Albert, and Stratton). All of them except for Coonrod are already on the 40-man roster, meaning that their options clocks are ticking and they cost more (you get a bump in salary and benefits when added to a 40-man–that’s why it’s such a big deal to them).
Now, with the possible exception of Beede, those guys are nearly all back-of-the-rotation guys, but that is some prodigious depth, especially when 3 of the 5 guys already in the big league rotation are signed for at least the next three years, so there aren’t going to be many openings anytime soon. Depth is good, but this might be a bit too much of a good thing, especially for those young pitchers. They should make a trade or two.
It’s now clear why they felt they could trade Bickford and Mejia last July.
I’ll take all the legitimate arms I can get and deal with the surplus later.
Tomlinson with a healthy attitude. Maybe has a future as a diplomat.
“Rollins’ prime was right in my later high school years,” he said, smiling. “I’ve got a lot of guys to learn from and watch. It’s a little of both (a competition and learning experience). We’re all fighting for the same job, but we’re still on the same team and we’re all trying to learn from each other and help each other.”
No kidding. What malarkey.
JRoll rocks
Rocked
..in a chair with his grandchildren😜
Greek: I’d like to tackle a guest post subject that had been on my mind for some time.
The Giants are closing in one one of their most successful decades in the team’s history. Seems that over that time, as the Giants had specific positions filled with long term roster solutions, there was a change in drafting philosophy: draft college guys that were considered “safer” but with lower ceilings instead of gambling on high risk / high ceiling high school players.
The one issue that is becoming more apparent now that the team is more mature, stable, and a yearly contender is a slew of minor league talent that is long in the tooth with really not many options for them on the team, with pitching being the most obvious. Add to that the fact the Giants lack star quality A talent in the system, with Arroyo as the one guy with high level prospect status (and he would not be high on other teams prospect lists).
I’ve been calling a few years for a alteration in the drafting style. If you have set veterans entrenched on the roster, why not take a fly on a stud HS outfielder with power? Or a starter with #1 or #2 talent?
Other than Beede who was drafter young out of Vanderbilt, the team seems to have a bunch of starters projected as no better than #4, #5 types (maybe a couple of #3). And with Crawrford and Panik set, why draft so many college middle infielders when in 2-3 years they are already close to 24-25?
The team needs a change in philosophy moving forward to have another successful decade.
good post, brother E, and you didn’t curse anyone out!! i agree with you as far as rolling the dice, to try and find a stud outfielder, or pitcher. it’s time to gamble with some picks, and it’s also time to trade some of those starting pitchers. every year that passes everyone gets a year older, and a little less valuable..
appreciate it! Yes, I’d like to tackle the subject matter.
That’s the issue drafting college guys, once they are in the system a few years they may not have anywhere to go internally plus may not have high ceilings talent wise.
He said to EMAIL him….
will do, day off and sunny in NYC, will go on a run instead, take advantage of rays.
Harper went Las Vegas juco and swung wood. Most HS studs swing metal.
So Cousins is no longer a Sacramento King. https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/the-kings-got-fleeced-in-the-cousins-trade/
Seconds after game ended
Now, maybe, they’ll move to Seattle and Sacramento can get down to monster trucks and tractor pulls.
Selecting my 2/25 edition of 25-man MyGuys roster is more difficult than I thought it would be. Many options, that’s for sure.
At last count there were 1,005,834 possible combinations.
Fact checkers will get me on that but you get the idea.
Some “match-ups” stand out:
Rollins vs, Hill
Ruggiano vs. Gorkys
Blach vs. Suarez
Mac vs. Parker
Osich vs. Okert
Probably more …
Do baseball players get the holiday off in Spring Training?
Only retired ones
The only thing Fowler did wrong in this whole scenario is attempt to alleviate the situation by offering ST tickets.
To be unapologetic is to stand by your words to the end. Specially seeing his wife is Iranian.
http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/18725618/st-louis-cardinals-dexter-fowler-does-not-regret-comments-president-trump-travel-ban
Just watched some of Vlade Divac’s press conference on TV.
1. He made “this” deal because there was an even better one that went away a couple days ago, so he thought this was the best he could get.
2. The max contract + 6 years of Cousins *did* go into the decision making process.
3. He went into New Orleans knowing that he was probably trading Cousins.
4. The could be more moves…he’s not sure.
5. He has left a message and texted Cousins to call him. (good luck with that).
I’ve said numerous times that Cousins needed an environment where he didn’t need to be *the* team leader, so perhaps this will be an excellent move for him with Anthony Davis already being the guy.
Poor Tyreke Evans…he’s probably going all Michael Corleone right now.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b3273b453508b5640bd4e8253f8606f8927650905dbd520ee5586d6bf6dbf1bd.jpg
This deal makes sense for both teams. I said it below in a response to Mateo, that there’s no way I give Cousins $200 million if I’m Sac. There has just been too much bloodshed to make that situation work. I think it would’ve gotten real ugly if he had that kinda leverage and security. But NO seems like a great landing place for him. AD gives him a fellow superstar to share the weight, and a solid individual, as well. And Alvin Gentry seems like the kinda coach that Cousins needs to maximize his effort while reigning in the emotions. As far as Evans, he’s an unrestricted free agent after the season so he just needs to try and get some minutes and show he’s healthy after last year’s knee surgery. Zero chance he’s in Sac next season.
It may make sense for the Kings of o avoid the max contract, but Vlade and Vivek got fleeced…Cousins will be a great fir in New Orleans. Buddy Hield will be a midget version of Crazy Boogie. And, since Vlade is making these upcoming picks, yikes
They backed themselves into a corner, no doubt. And Divac saying they had a better deal previously is just mind-blowing on a number of levels. Pelicans have to be thrilled.
If Cueto being delayed back in the DR causes him to miss the WBC, I’d chalk that up as a Giants victory.
Absolutely, and I don’t even feel ghoulish saying that, because his father is reportedly ailing but not dying.
Yup. I’m sure Peter will say we’re being very slappy in wishing this but I’ll slap myself all day if it means Cueto can take his time preparing for Opening Day (or Game 2 :o) ).
I may be persona non grata at FG, I compared Dave Cameron to Kieth Law. It wasn’t a popular POV. But then they tried to make the case Melancon was among the 10 worst moves over the winter.
I’m very curious as to what their thought process was in saying that. His age?
No faith in a command and control pitcher with a good cutter. Age is the issue for a multi year contract, but were the Giants to win 1 WS with him and flush the rest of his contract, that’s a win to me. Writers elsewhere rank the move at one of the 10 best off season moves. Sometimes Cameron is simply FOS, IMHO.
I think the fact he’s a command and control pitcher with a good cutter is the exact reason why you’re comfortable giving him that deal, while a guy who relies on velocity and overpowering hitters in his 30’s is the one you’d be concerned about giving a contract like this to.
That’s my thinking as well. I recall Cameron, during his public personality period, being on ESPN with Bill James during a discussion about how inadequate FIP was in evaluating groundball pitchers, and their impact. IMO, Cameron embarrassed himself, but Bill James does that to a lot of folks.
My concern with this team is that the Giants are getting older (Buster and Man-Bun are approaching/already 30 and Pence is showing his age and getting injured more frequently doing webisodes with his wife). I understand Bobby E. is trying to address depth in a win-now mentality, but I hope that he hasn’t forgotten about guys like KT and looking out for young position players around the league to pick up. That would definitely soften the blow when the core guys are approaching their twilight years in the majors.
Can we please, for the love of all things holy, stop making references to Pence’s recent relationship/marriage and insinuating that’s it’s been a reason for his injuries? It’s driving me friggin’ crazy. If you wanna say it’s due to his age or the number of games he’s played over the last several years, fine. But asserting that it’s due to his no longer being single is just insulting.
Rob- I was being sarcastic and have the same thinking as you when people mention his wife. That is all.
Thank god. I’m sorry. Just a sore spot for me cuz many on here have made this claim and it’s clearly pushing me to the edge.
No prob. I think it’s safe to say that Pence is a consummate professional who can focus on baseball without distractions. Good luck to HP. We need a healthy one for a long season this year.
Deer Hunter. 3 bullets.
Yeah? You want me to go all Walken?
Nah…I’m there for you! Just like Lexi is for Damaged Goods! ( easy…I’m kidding)
I just want you to be there for Rachel.
My tough-love attempts have been unsuccessful… I fear she needs the soft touch of a deer
I’ll bring us all together one day. With The Sincere, as well.
Is is just about replacing old with young? You’re mentioning all stars being replaced by the likes of KT and “young players around the league to pick up.” Not exactly fair replacement value.
No one can replace all-stars like Buster so quickly but I would like this team to have more depth of younger players rather than aging players who haven’t really lighted up their stats in the past few seasons. Then again, you can’t really allow a young player to mature and develop if they’re going to rot on the bench either.
Can you please link to something that shows Pence was injured doing a webisode?
It was a joke.
thanks, missed that
injured by a piece of kale might work too!
Can I just say how much I LOVE that Ellis Burks is working for the Giants?
New Post!! http://fe0.84e.myftpupload.com/2017-giants-offseason-news/what-should-we-make-of-the-slade-heathcott-acquisition/