by
Surf Maui
Well, my road trip started out with a satisfying win against the Mets–though it might have been nice had the fans not been standing in my way so that I could have seen the Connor Gillaspie home run.
Unfortunately, my seat in Chicago was perfectly positioned to see Hernandez get caught stealing and Gillaspie picked off first base. Although to be honest it did require peering around the ubiquitous beer and other vendors roaming the aisles and blocking the view of everyone–and most importantly me. We really don’t appreciate how fan (and view friendly) ATT Park is to watch a game–along with the newer parks.
Some people love Wrigley because of its historic significance–though the historic significance is really that the Cubs haven’t won the World Series in more than 100 years and haven’t even been to the world series in 70 years. Somehow I doubt that Wrigley would be considered such a historic “gem” if they had better teams over the years. In fact, the facilities are horrible and in my opinion, it is a terrible place to watch a game–though that feeling may be somewhat impacted by the fact that the Giants have lost 4 of the last five by one run here.
I’m beginning to really dislike Cubs fans. They have this series wrapped up already. Taking the train back to my hotel, I overheard more than one fan saying that, having beaten Cueto, they will be able to sweep the rest of the Series. For that I only have one word for them MadBum–or is that two words? So, although yesterday’s loss was disheartening, it is not the end of the world –for that see, Trump, Donald–or even the end of the Series. Sure we would have liked to be up 1-0 but win a win today makes all the difference–and remember we had to win 3 in a row with Cincinnati.
Speaking of unwanted groping, why is it that Cubs fans felt comfortable with putting their hands on me before and after the game to “rub in” the Giants loss. Not in a consoling way, but in a condescending “take that” way. At least 6 people did that to me on the way out of the ball park. At least Bill Cosby had the decency to drug his victims before touching them. In this case, however, I suspect that it was the touchers, who were less inhibited by the expensive beer.
BTW the Home Run Derby between MadBum and Samardzija was classic t in batting practice. If only Posey could have participated.
The Giants played 5 playoff games. 2 wins, 2 good games that they lost, and one total loss. (i’m not counting the 5-1 record to end the regular season which were also basically playoff games.)
However, in none of those games did the Giants give up a Grand Slam in the bottom of the eighth. That’s the Joe Blanton we know and love (Game #4, 2010 NLCS). Count your blessings.
Go Tribe!
There are two more guest posts about my adventure coming when GG gets to it–he does have a job, you know.
I like your posts, I’m just riffing on baseball in general.
Great job … more would be welcome; you are on the TWG Staff now.
Welcome to Wrigley, Surf. Why do you think all the real baseball fans sit in the Bleachers, it’s the only place you can see the game from. My experience was the crowd was a 50/50 mix of fans and drunk yuppies anywhere else than the Bleachers.
nice job surf. wish your trip could have lasted longer. here’s the incomparable texas connonball, mr. freddie king, for those of you still suffering with the blues. this guy was rated 15th in rolling stone’s list of top 100 guitarists…i don’t think so. watch this, and you tell me..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXXkD7Dvq_E
Football in the crosshairs.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/16/opinion/sunday/head-trauma-haunts-the-gridiron.html?ref=opinion
The main reason that after playing football in high school and college and loving the game for years, I haven’t watched a football game in over two years. I just have no room for the way it’s played anymore and the ways people’s lives have been ruined and sometimes ended by it.
I know what you mean. I was thinking that if the substitution rule in football was the same as that in baseball, it would make the game more interesting.
Well, I can say one thing and that is, I’ve never been as tired in a complete baseball game as I have been in one or two series playing football… or as sore.
Hue jackson and his Browns are really doing well.
ok, one more, since the last one went over like a lead balloon..i was mistaken. i thought there were a few people here that appreciate good music…here we have mr. muddy waters, with jerry portnoy blowing some sublime harp
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-LP0r_KKEw
49ers with Gabbert – 4 and 12
49ers with CK – 7 and 9
What was the record with Harbaugh?
I think it was 8-8 in his last season
Even with all the undermining, back stabbing and poor drafts, Harbaugh never had a losing season. The 49ers now have what they deserve. Tomsula was the perfect choice. Too bad he’s already gone.
Like rooting for Sully to have dumped the plane huh?
Classy Malloy!
Medication might really help.
Spoken like a true ….?
I’m un allied in you guys food fight, but that’s not how to win an argument CU, IMO.
Yes. Please help him. He has no clue. Next, he’s going to be including Brian Sabean’s supposed phone number again.
Come on TO, give it a rest. You two seem to have unresolvable points of view. Dialog with you is an acquired taste, few are born with it. LOL, at myself.
8 and 8 was close
A deft edit.
I didn’t edit anything.
You edited to a year, and not his full tenure as a coach. I can understand that.
His record in his last year is relevant to my comment .AGAIN I didn’t edit anything.
It was disingenuous. It was an editing of his complete record, you qualify as a ‘spin chef’ now.
Listen up arse hole- this is his first year under Kelly- and Kelly’/s first year i only commented on CK vs. Gabbert this year .
Harbaugh has shit to do with it.
tsk, tsk. I could care less on way of the other, but you ‘amended the depth’ of your comment.
How so?
”49ers with Gabbert – 4 and 12
49ers with CK – 7 and 9′
That only referred to how I think the record would be THIS .year under each QB.
Now I’m done with you for today.
They were very close to winning this one.
At last they showed the stirring of an offense today.
Kaepernick is a bit better than Gabbert.
Do you even pay attention or are you still in troll mode?
Close attention. Kaepernick is more of a big play threat than Gabbert, but he’s also too inaccurate.
I await the ‘morrow. Stay dry.
You edited 2011, 2012 & 2013.
My comment had nothing to do with with Harbaugh,
Shady McCoy with the deke injury
This rooting against the 49ers things is great. You’re almost never disappointed.
Stay safe PM
Nothing fits your personality quite like when you root against a team.
I root against the bad guys.
I haven’t seen you actually root for a local team. Michigan doesn’t count. I guess Bochy is a bad guy?
I root for the Giants. I root for the Warriors. I rooted for the 49ers for 30 years.
Really interesting article on how stats may be a window in an athlete’s psychology and resulting quality of play. Not surprisingly, given the mountain of performance statistics, baseball plays a central role in defining/identifying such affects.
http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2016/10/sports-psychology/503318/
Confidence matters. Legit or no, confidence makes a big difference.
The dumpster that is the 49ers is fully engulfed.
…AND the 49ers quit. Content to take a 20+ point loss, knowing that the entire organization is clueless regarding being competitive in today’s NFL.
Four years ago we were a Super Bowl team. Mea culpa, Mssrs. York and Baalke.
It’s a narrow path. Most teams don’t compete for an NFL championship. This team shows no indication of looking for that path.
One might say, they took a knee before the game, during the anthem. Just kidding.
they took a groin
lol.
Hey BB … So I have noticed clues that you too know Yuba City; a dark past I sometimes try to leave behind. I grew up there from 1955 to 1974 on Clark Avenue.
Go Honkers!
Do not be deceived. You will reap what you sow.
Borrowed from Another Oracle … and it is always true.
The last prophecy from Delphi.
Tell to the king that the cavern wall is fallen in decay;
Apollo has no chapel left, no prophesying bay,
No talking stream. The stream is dry that had so much to say.
Many false Oracles were to follow, but that was something else trickling down their leg, not Apollo’s stream. Ah, the tribulations of old age.
How about those Panthers!? Another loss today to start 1-5. The NFL: brutal.
Pitt losing to Miami: brutal
CK looked good today, Conservative in the pass game and seeming to be back as a punishing runner. The offense should get better now,but can they stop anybody?
Anyway, sorry if this is a tad optimistic, My bad.
NFL Red Zone is so awesome. They bring the entire day’s action to your TV. @scotthanson is outstanding.
Together we’re Niners
😉
#GORAIDERS
Raiders D is killing the team. They’re giving up way too many yards.
Team is still more fun to watch than the post Super Bowl loss years. Those were some painful seasons.
Long suffering for sure. That SB loss to Tampa Bay left its mark.
Goal line D is stepping it up though.
Fans stick it out
OldFartGrouchComment:
I just do not remember all this celebrating for every time something good happens. Joc Pederson danced around the bases on his HR in the seventh inning that made it 1-1?
And others that are way early in the game and have not settled anything.
Okay, maybe I should have added “Bitter” to my title too.
#playoffs
This will be my most controversial comment ever. All this celebrating in the opponent’s face, trash talking, etc. got traction because of Muhammed Ali. I celebrate Ali’s stances against the Vietnam War and social injustice but I’m afraid it’s very obvious that he was the origin of the “in your face” style of “sportsmanship”. I detested it back in his heyday and I don’t like it now. Now, if a guy tackles a QB for a two-yard loss he’s doing the Merry Widow Waltz in the opponent’s face. When I say I’m old school, I’m REALLY old school. Sportsmanship has gone the way of the dodo … it’s virtually extinct except in track and field where it’s still the rule rather than the exception.
Hi Folks. Unfortunately I’ve had a rain related house emergency that has/ will keep me from getting to MyGuys. As soon as that situation is resolved I’ll be able to get the numbers out.
Ugh, good luck.
KC beginning to sniff the barn
#dominating
#painful
Carr seemed lost when he was chased out of the pocket. It’s good that he looks to pass first but sometimes he should run. He’ll learn- he’s going to be an elite QB.
Gratuated from Utah in two years
Aced the Wonderlic. Is it TO?
No Alex Smith
Derek Carr just didn’t have after that first drive. Should of dialed up Crabtree to get him out of his funk.
Reid and Alex own the Raiders.
Joe Panik and Conor Gillaspie among the playoff leaders for batting average. Good omen for 2017?
MIguel Montero has always been an ambush hitter, even though it’s no surprise he is swinging for the downs on every swing. When he uppercuts through the fastball, the temptation is to go back up there to get the same result. Ambush.
Clayton is no Bumgarner, this much is true, but he’s still pretty good. How much will he have in the tank after the remarkable save the other night? He may keep a framed picture of Bumgarner in his locker for inspiration.
Dodgers are happy they won’t be facing a lefty. These are the games they have a chance. Lester awaits them in G5 I imagine and that is a Cubs win.
“Remarkable save”–7 pitches, 2 batters. Don’t get me wrong, good for him, but let’s keep some perspective.
I just heard a clip of Tom Verducci saying the other night: “20 years from now, we’ll be talking about this as the Clayton Kershaw Game.” Um…let’s wait and see if the Dodgers make it out of this round. If they don’t, I doubt anyone other than Kershaw’s mom is going to remember that he threw seven pitches in relief in the first round.
Again–good for him, but it’s not 2001 Randy Johnson or 2014 Madison Bumgarner.
One day rest after 110 pitches. Side session day, Roberts and Honeycutt said “no way” – but he got greased up in the pen, and came out hitting spots at 95. Color me impressed. If you’ve ever thrown, your mind might be blown how these athletes have this kind of resilience in their arms.
Oh, I was impressed. But (a) it doesn’t compare to those other guys saving Game 7 of the World Series and (b) pitchers used to do this all the time. It was typical for starters to throw an inning or to a couple batters between starts. In fact, when Ralph Branca threw that HR pitch to Bobby Thomson in 1951, it was after he’d thrown 8 innings in the previous game.
I’m impressed with Kershaw’s efforts because he missed much of the year with a back injury, and he’s showing some great stamina considering that. But again, let’s not get carried away about 7 pitches in the first round. Who knows–maybe he’ll have the chance to equal the Big Unit or MadBum if the Dodgers progress?
Did your head explode in 2014? If 7 pitches is “remarkable”, what is 5 innings, Cousin?
The ol’ “If you’ve ever thrown” gambit, eh?
said to a girl, no less
I’m with Lefty…if that save was remarkable, then Casilla had over 30 remarkable saves this year
It was a crucial save, we could have used one of those, don’t you think?
It was a 7 pitch crucial save. You got that right. Maybe I’m arguing semantics…but it just wasn’t remarkable to me….
Is a 13 pitch save better?
Anyway I didn’t say it was remarkable, I said it was a crucial save.Tough to argue with that.
So did I! See what I said?
Why the bit about 7 pitches ? Hint: 7 pitches- good thing.
Totally with you on Wrigley…that place is a disintegrating pile of rotted concrete and urine troughs. The vendors and fans are XXXL Field Blockers, and the huge percentage of fans have no clue.
Other than that, it’s great.
Thanks for giving it your all…
Wayne Messmer looks too much like Charlie Steiner for my taste
If they had it to do over again, I bet the Giants would’ve given up Panik to get Andrew Miller.
I’ve been thinking about that, too. Miller may be the single biggest difference maker in the playoffs so far–Cleveland hasn’t lost a game. If the Giants had Miller since July they may well have won their division and would have had a good chance to go deep in the playoffs.
I don’t really fault them. It was a tough decision. But I think hindsight reveals that it’s a trade they should’ve made.
Too soon to say. Panik looked great in the playoffs. If he comes roaring back next year like he was in 2014-15 and is an All-Star/Gold Glove caliber 2B for years to come, then they were right to keep him.
It’s worth remembering how many different 2Bs the Giants had over the previous decade before the emergence of Panik.
Every time Panik had a good stretch this season, people immediately thought previous Panik was back. Then he’d slip right back into a slump. He had a poor season. Hopefully, it was an aberration, but it should be concerning. With Miller, they might still be playing.
Baseball is a business and although I would miss Panik, I would’ve done the deal.
IF Joe does have good year, he’s far more valuable than any closer.
Exactly
There’s no way of ever knowing what would’ve happened, but a closer that allowed that you to win the World Series is more valuable than a good second baseman who never helps you win another series during his career.
That is some mighty selective projecting!
That’s why making trade decisions is a tough business.
Your comment is non-responsive Try harder..
If you look at Miller’s stats, he’s one weird duck. FIP = xFIP = ERA for years, always improving. I’d say, given his age, and the difficulty of sorting him out, they just passed. What did he do to improve, ditched his changeup, went with two pitches, slider and FB. He’s like Romo with his pitch repertoire. He throws maybe 50-60% sliders.
Not in the same year they gave up Duffy for Moore….and I would imagine it would be Panik plus 2 guys.
Duffy was certainly replaceable, which they proved. 2016 Panik would’ve been as well. Winning the World Series is the goal. With Miller, they would’ve had a better chance. Time will tell who the real Panik is.
I think I know your projection.
I agree that for 2016 alone, that would have been a great bullpen piece…but, again: they have given up Suarez, Bickford, Susac, Duffy, and others for their haul, and would then have given up Panik, Beede and maybe more. Not sure they felt a full gutting was in order.
I’m not sure they’ve proved Duffy was replaceable. Nunez this year didn’t come close to the year Duffy had in 2015. And Nunez is four years older and only under control for one more year. If Arroyo turns out to be the real deal by 2018 or so, then fine.
What can be said is that the Giants got something very valuable for Duffy, and you have to pay to play. But have they “replaced” a 25-year-old guy who was a five-win player in 2015? I’m from Missouri on that one.
Duffy didn’t come close to the year Duffy had in 2015.
No. But let’s have some perspective. Nunez is a journeyman utility guy who had a career year. Even with his 40 SBs and 16 HRs, he had a 2.3 WAR on BB Ref and 2.7 on Fangraphs. Next year will be his age 30 season. I like Nunez and am looking forward to watching him next year. But to me trading Duffy means three more years of Matt Moore, which is terrific, not that Nunez is or will be as good as Duffy was and might still be.
You’re right, if 2015 Duffy is the real Duffy.
Sabes says no. Ring him up.
No freakin’ way! Ridiculous assumption Giants know that Panik is a bonafide starter for 8-10 years. They had to make a decision: Panik or Duffy. Considering the need for a starter and the extra year of control, Moore vs. Miller was a no-brainer. Sabean was in Richmond for 2-3 days watching Arroyo to confirm that he could ascend to MLB by 2018.
After his disappointing 2016 season, you know that Panik is going to be the second baseman for the next 10 years? That was quite a drop off he had in 2016.
Duffy’s Achilles injury is a factor, too. If that turns out to be chronic or limiting (and I certainly hope not), they will have absolutely done the right thing in selling high on him to get a pitcher like Moore.
LOL–Bryce Harper accosting the kid in the laundromat about “why aren’t you streaming my game” is pretty funny now, considering.
A Sunday twitter search of “Jed York” is always enjoyable.
Alfonso Marquez and Angel Hernandez in the NLCS crew–two of the worst umpires in baseball. MLB is such a joke.
Of these two scenarios, which would you choose:
1. The Giants trade Panik and prospects for Miller, win the World Series, but then having a losing record for each of the next ten seasons;
Or
2. The Giants don’t make the trade and Panik goes on to have an excellent 10 year career with the Giants. During those 10 seasons, the Giants make the post season 2-3 times, but never reach the World Series.
Is one great season worth a decade of suffering?
Not for me. I don’t expect to win the World Series all the time. I know how hard the tournament can be. I want to watch a competitive team every year. Ten losing seasons would be awful.
Why the two narrow scenarios?
Because I’m interested in how people feel about the question. Personally, I’d rather watch a consistently competitive team, but I imagine there are some who would give up being competitive for winning it all. I also think I and others might feel differently if the Giants had never won it all. In that case, the suffering might be worth it.
Me, too.
The Niners are on their way to most of scenario 1 , without the SB win
They quit big time today. Those tall Oregon guys (Armstead, Buckner) do not impress me. Watching players on other teams in real time (thank you NFL Red Zone!), then watching our guys: major talent gap.
That’s the issue: talent gap. That is squarely on Baalke. I’m not one to wish anyone lose their job, but Baalke has ruined this team. Ruined
Their talent isn’t great, but no one thought they had great talent when Harbaugh took over.
The current team cannot be compared to that roster in any way whatsoever…that’s not a knock on Harbaugh. But this is the worst roster in the league by a very far margin
Did you think the 49ers had 13-3 talent when the 2011 season started?
I already said Harbaugh was a good coach…..I’m not sure what point you’re trying to make. If it’s that the 2011 team and the 2016 team have equal talent, big fat nope.
Smith, Gore, O line, Willis, Bowman, Cowboy, Goldson, etc….not remotely close…
Yeah, if this were 2009 and we had nothing but memories of near-misses, maybe that question feels different. Good point.
I’d much rather be consistenty competitive as well.
2, and winning the World Series was no sure thing, need to score runs to win, this blog sometimes forgets that, since it is all about Pitching and more pitching .
For the purpose of the question, winning was a sure thing.
Utley with his Blach Replay Backwards K
Had no idea Hendricks was only 26. Thought he was in mid-30’s for sure.
Why?
I don’t know. He just has that look of a seasoned veteran to me.
That just means he is good, he is an Ivy leaguer, would not of made MLB without smarts, does not have over powering stuff .
Seager and Russell will never come out due dto their D.
OK, if Kershaw throws a perfect game, I’ll declare his postseason thing to be behind him.
BOOM
Haha, you jinxed him!!
I’ll be here all week
But, will Kershaw?
Maybe. The plan appears to be to use him every other day.
Yes, the Cubs are very beatable, they almost lost last night, the Giants were that close to beating them in 4 games .
Is it time to put the hex on Kershaw and chant “He’s got a no-no going”?
It worked just as I typed it.
Baez…never second guess yourself.
I just really wish neither one of these teams could win!!
Same. I’m reluctantly rooting for the Cubs, but it’s absolutely gagging me.
I live in Cub territory, it’s all I hear about.
Ugh, I bet.
There’s the terrifying Jason Heyward, harmlessly popping up to end the only threat the Cubs have had.
Cracks me up how they call it the friendly confines of Wrigley field.
Did Hendricks pitch with the Cubs in the 80s on WGN?
His uncle, Elrod, caught for the Orioles in the 60’s and 70’s…
Bada BOOM
I loved that episode of catcher recall. Efrain was on it.
Brilliant play…
Gamer
BREAKING NATIONAL NEWS!!
Kershaw had no hitter for four innings!!
STOP THE PRESSES!!!
Javier Baez, What a player.
I really hate Baez.
Cmon, that was a great play. Kid has talent…
Good coaching too
Those plays are more instinct and knowing your stuff…..
Here’s my happy place scenario for this series. Kershaw gets completely overused in this series so that he’s ineffective all next season. Dodgers lose in seven but completely exhaust the Cubs. Indians win the World Series.
Sounds good. Now run for office and solve my November problems….
Edwards Jr. Would close for the Giants.
Dave Dravecky with one arm could close for the Giants and do a better job.
LOL. That would be pretty impressive considering Dave lost his pitching arm. And that he’s 60 or so.
6th or 7th is around the time Kershaw struggles in the PS.
Pinch hit Matt Adams
Matt Carpenter in 2014, too–Game 1
See Bruce Bochy, Lefties can hit vs Lefties .
Gillaspie did all right vs Chapman on Monday
The ball hit his bat.
The Kershaw love is going to be full on slobberfest if he finishes this game.
And for once, he would deserve it if he does.
The dude is a great pitcher. If he gets over this playoff hump. Look out!!
To his credit, he seems to pitch much better on shorter rest.
This is good stuff. Postseason baseball at its finest. Who will win? Who knows?
It’s OK, Cousin.
Since the Giants are out, I’m mildly entertained….
4-pitch walk to a guy with .045 BA. And so it begins..
7th inning…heeeerrrrre we go….
Nunez would have had it
Adrian, I know Eduardo Nunez. You, sir, are no Eduardo Nunez
Mrs. K is gonna make Clayton put a quarter in the swear jar.
Blach would’ve got a base hit or two off Kershaw.
I love that little scene in the Dodgers dugout when Honeycutt screamed and Dave Roberts stared at him blankly without a reaction.
I saw that too, made me chuckle.
Jansen’s stuff has been filthy the last couple games
Yeah it has.
That’s the only time we’ll see the Giants in the NLCS: Buster doing an ad for esurance.
As I watch the guy in pressure situations, I’m relieved ( get it?) we didn’t give up a huge dowry for Chapman….
Thankfully couldn’t meet the dowry.
I was thinking that same thing, I haven’t been impressed!
I can’t stand the dude but let’s face it, no one wants to bat against Chapman. A 95 mph fastball is scary enough but that dude tops out at 105 and hits 101-102 routinely. You’ve got to admit that if we had ONE guy in our pen of his caliber we might be playing the Dodgers. But, like you, I’m glad we didn’t bid on him.
Dodgers with Douchey Faces (ranked list):
1. Utley
2. AGon
3. Pederson
4. Kershaw
5. Turner
6. Grandal
It’s like they’re collecting them or something.
Utley looks like he’s from the planet Remulak. That is one weird looking dude.
I got to hand it to Dave Roberts. He’s pushing all the right buttons in this PS.
Except last night. That was just flat-out stupid.
Whoa.
That was lack of execution by Blanton. Two hangers won’t cut it with bases loaded.
Intentionally walking Heyward and Coughlan to load the bases is stupid. He might be looking at being 2-0 right now if he weren’t such an idiot.
Okay, we can disagree on that but otherwise, he’s been very solid.
Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?
He might be.
With Kershaw going today, that was a great opportunity. We may go back to that Game 1 as why the Cubs win this series.
Sometimes the right move is the wrong one. A force out at any base.
He had two outs and THIRD BASE open. He walked Heyward, one of the worst hitters in baseball this year and Coughlan. Ridiculous
Baggs links to a piece by Joel Sherman. Worth reading, anyway.
http://nypost.com/2016/10/16/mlbs-information-age-can-ignore-truth-good-moves-can-go-wrong/
Haha, Puig
How to bunt: Grandal
How not to bunt: Puig
102 is still really hard to hit. No reaction time says captain Obvious.
Gillaspie says what?
You start your swing and hope the pitch is within swing path. If hits barrel, boom, says capt. Obvious.
That skinny dude?
I think you start your hips and front elbow….hold your hands back, cuz….then BOOM GOES THE CONOR
My guy.
I finally hold my nose and decide to root for the disgusting Cubs and get this desultory BS. SMH. I have never hated an NLCS more than this series.
I’d rather a decent chap like Opie win than a woman-slapper like Chapman. My dislike for all things LA isn’t even in the same universe as yours. The Dodgers showed enormous character winning the Division without Kershaw. The Giants would have done well to have shown a tenth of that character. The final collapse against the Cubs was indicative of what a batch of chokers occupied our pen.
OK, compared to Chapman, Kershaw is a decent person.
Maybe I wasn’t clear. I hate BOTH the Dodgers and the Cubs. I’d like them to have a grueling seven-game series that decimates the loser and wipes out the winner for the World Series. That would be just perfect (I was going to say just peachy, but that would be plagiarism).
I’m relieved that you’re taking the playoffs so dispassionately.
Cooper with the hold
Jansen with the save
We got a series. This goes 6 or 7.
Wooooooo!!!
Whichever team wins, the announcers just can’t help but bring up the Giants.
Gold standard of playoff baseball.
Rizzo has been SO pathetic. I may never get over Bochy bringing in Lopez to walk him in that last game.
May? MAY?!?!?!
Will.
That was very, very, very bad
VERY BAD
VERY VERY VERY BAD.
Even worse that Impaler guy. First name was Vlad or something like that..Yeah, Vlad Evans
Bochy needs to go, you are to forgiving !
Me? Nope. If I had the power to get rid of him, I’d do it in a heartbeat.
Bochy’s biggest disaster all year. Unforgivable. Cubs were dead.
We had em. Totally had em.
You took the words right out of my mouth!
Not even worth the time imaging the Giants stealing Jansen from Dodgers. He’s their Mo.
Despite them trying for years to have anyone BUT him closing. Brandon League, Brian Wilson, and they almost traded for Chapman.
Once upon a time, Mo was behind Wetteland.
Does every damn post game reporter HAVE to ask ” What was your thought process in that at bat?”
“Uhhhh, hit it?”
“Walk me through that at-bat…”
That was a heck of a ballgame. Say what you will but Opie is one helluva pitcher. He would win the Cy this year but his injury limited his starts which will probably disqualify him. He’s had 3 Cy’s already and arguably might deserve it this year with an outlandish 1.69 ERA and a .750 W/L percentage. Opie also seems like a decent chap. His career is virtually mirroring the legendary Sandy Koufax.
Hes not a bad guy and he’s pretty good on the hill.
Absolutely!! I love Bum but, seriously, I haven’t seen a pitcher as good as Kershaw in MLB since Koufax who pitched when I was in my early/mid teens.
He’s the guy above all the other guys. Guys like Bumgarner and Scherzer have done a nice job of giving him some competition.
Bum and Max are great pitchers but those guys are high 2.X ERA pitchers. Opie is consistently high ONE ERA. It’s the difference between excellent and otherworldly.
Yah.
It’s quite the feat that he has been involved in all 4 Dodger postseason wins up to this point. That should tell you all about the rest of the Dodger rotation.
I predicted before this Series started that the only games the Dodgers would win are the ones with Kershaw starting. I think the Cubs will decimate the other Dodger pitchers.
So the Cubs should win Games 3 and 4, Kershaw pitches and beats Lester in Game 5, and Hendricks pitches Cubs to the pennant in Game 6?
Wouldn’t Kershaw start game 6? Game 5 would be on only 4 days rest. A lot depends on whether the Dodgers can find a way to win at least one of the games in LA. Remember, the format is 2-3-2 and not 2-2-1-1-1.
I get the format. Hill in Game 3, Maeda in Game 4, Kershaw in Game 5.
I doubt they’ll risk Kershaw’s back by pitching him AGAIN on short rest. It would only happen if both Hill and Maeda lost.
You would think by now his back is fine. 110 pitches in Game 4 of NLDS, 7 pitches in Game 5 and what, 83 pitches tonight? 200 pitches in 14, 15 innings?
Looks healthy as ever
Point taken but I think whether he starts game 5 will depend entirely on whether the Dodgers win one of the next two games. If they do, Kershaw is saved for game 6. If they don’t he’s definitely in game 5.
That would be safe to assume.
He will still deservedly garner some votes, hell Lincecum won a Cy with a similar record.
Seriously, I’d vote for Kershaw. Lincecum, great as he was, never approached Kershaw’s ERA’s. In the last 50+ years going back to Koufax, only Kershaw has had a run of years of 1.X ERA’s. In Koufax’ last four years his HIGHEST ERA was 2.04. If you check out the stats, Opie is in that very rarefied universe.
Overall, Kershaw’s career numbers are better than Lincecum’s best season.
Yes, and by a wide margin!!
No, not a wide margin.
I know you’ll vehemently disagree…but post seasons really matter. Legends tend to be made in them. Tim’s 2010 cemented that. Kershaw may….may do that this season
Check out Willie Mays’ post season record. OPS of about .650. He’s remembered pretty well.
not quite an apt comparison, but roll with it if you so choose
Not quite. He’s got a ways to go.
I’m so happy to see Kershaw doing Kershaw things. Great to have him shove it back into his detractors faces.
Who is a detractor?
John Deere?
And Caterpillar.
We had the best rotation in the playoffs and Bochy marched out the chinese fire drill for the loss. We easily could have swept the Cubs. I’m so disgusted by watching these two teams. Go INDIANS!!
you know you can just change the channel right? Go watch The Bachelor or something else your level, moron.
I love you Efrain 🙂 even while your wearing your Clayton Kershaw jersey.
thank you, I don’t have a Kershaw jersey but if I had one I would be happy to have it displayed. He may be the best pitcher I’ve seen in my lifetime since Martinez or Clemens, by a mile.
RJ too
yeah I thought about him after my post, he is right there with the other two.
Kershaw is one of the greatest pitchers of all time. But he’s a Dodgers and I hate the Dodgers.
Are you a human being or an alien?
Who CAN’T root for the Indians?? It would be like rooting against the Lions in football. Give Cleveland two championships for the year because you know another big famine is waiting.
People on this site with their Kershaw love need to go jump in the river. I hate that guy and hope his arm falls off. What the hell is wrong with some of you people????
Bumgarner is awesome too. Make him Giant for life. 200 mil. Boom.
Yup. Gotta pay him and lock him up for many years. He’s more than earned it.
6 year 200 mil
Make it 8/200 after ripping up his current deal.
I hate the Dodgers, Pacman…but I honestly respect that guys amazing talent. Sorry.
Me too. He’s undoubtedly one of the five best pitchers in MLB, and he’s a good man as well. Enough with the Kershaw bashing.
He sucks.
Who are the four who might be better? There are only 2-3 in the history of baseball that can match his success over the past few years.
I don’t love Kershaw, but I respect him. He pitched a great game — for once — in the playoffs and didn’t screw the pooch. So if we mocked him and his 4.82 postseason ERA before, we have to be fair and salute him tonight.
The good part about this NLCS is that we get to gloat regardless of which team loses any particular game, because I don’t think any of us really like either team.
I’m with Matthew on this issue. He’s a decent guy and no pitcher in MLB has had a four-year run like Kershaw since Koufax in the 1960’s. I’m a fan of excellence combined with good character and don’t give a fig which uniform the guy is wearing. Kershaw is a once or twice in a lifetime talent.
And Madbum likes him, that is good enough for me.
I wonder how much Bum likes him since Kershaw shot off his big mouth about Bum’s moment with Puig at Dodger Stadium. Pretty hilarious after Kershaw went to the front office and urged them to trade Puig. Kershaw has a lot to say, including ripping a reporter’s head off last night for a perfectly reasonable question. He’s a great pitcher but a jerk as a person. Of course, he IS a Dodger.
If one has a genuine hatred for a baseball team, they really need help from a mental health professional I don’t really think that you hate Opie and the Dodgers, I think that you have a below average affection for them..
Umm, you got any recommendations?
Dr,Scarlett Johansson?
I’ll look her up. You won’t mind if I don’t come back here for a while, do you?
PJ will.
I’m calling it a night folks. If I may say, and I’m just taking a swing at this, but I think the Giants FanFest will take place February 4, 2017, with pitchers and catchers reporting on Thursday, February 16th; which would be 123 days from now. Keep in mind the World Baseball Classic returns in March, so Spring Training might be missing some of our faves.
What did the Indians give up for Miller? Cause it was worth it? Would it have taken Panik from the Giants?
Panik and unknown prospects.
I don’t think I would do that. Losing Panik and Duffy at the same deadline would have been too much.
According to MLB Trade Rumors (7-31-16):
“outfield prospect Clint Frazier, minor league left-hander Justus Sheffield and minor league right-handers Ben Heller and J.P. Feyereisen.”
And: “However, the price that looks to have been paid is unequivocally steep, as Frazier is widely regarded as one of the top 25 or so best prospects in the game, and Sheffield has worked his way onto a number of top 100 rankings as well.”
Miller is signed for $9 mil./season for 2 seasons after this, that’s why his price was so high. Article:
Indians Acquire Andrew Miller
By Steve Adams | July 31, 2016 at 8:50am CDT
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/07/indians-to-acquire-andrew-miller.html
The potus election is a lot like the LA/Cubs series. I’ve got to root for the team I like the least. Shame there’s not a likable in the race. But if Cleveland can win it all, there will be a small victory in that. And Millers stock will go thru the roof.
That blast by Baez looked looked like it went 600 feet. Must have been why Roberts was laughing so hard.
Kershaw was great but Jansen is a beast,.
Nite all.
We were talking below about who, besides the obvious (Kershaw), are the best pitchers in the game right now. I know about the National League contenders, like Scherzer, Bum, Syndergaard, and the Cubs’ guys, but I looked up the AL stats, and–wow, did Verlander have a great year:
16 wins (on a mediocre team)
2nd in ERA (and a close second)
1st in Ks
1st in WHIP
2nd in BAA
2nd in innings
I’d say he’s up there as a Cy candidate, and he certainly should win Comeback Player of the Year. I remember when it was “Verlander and Kershaw” for the two best pitchers around 2011-12, and Verlander’s baaaaaaack.
It’s a nice story. I think we were afraid Kate Upton stole his mojo. Nice that he got it back.
Quite a toss up for CY in the AL – for both leagues really. Maybe Porcello, Kluber, Verlander 1-2-3.
I’ve always liked Verlander. He’s a gamer and a competitor. He seems to be confident but also have a sense of humor and not take himself too seriously. That “wow” he mouthed when Pablo took him oppo in the 2012 World Series always stuck with me–showing respect for an opponent. I like that.
I liked his comments in Fastball – I believe he knew the fastball doesn’t actually rise, but that an optical illusion is at play.
Agree with everything here, other than calling the Tigers a mediocre team. If a team with 86 wins isn’t even considered good, then are there only 5 or 6 “good” teams in MLB?
I was having trouble sleeping so I started counting relievers. Let’s say the following are givens:
RH: Law, Strickland, Kontos (Evans said they’d tender him)
LH: Smith, Okert (or Osich, but Okert may be in the lead)
Long man: Suarez or Cain
New stud closer: TBD
That’s seven. Will they have an eight-man bullpen? Should they? With four guys who were at/near 200 innings this year already in the rotation and the best innings-eater in AAA as the possible #5, do they need an eight-man bullpen?
So that leaves Cory Gearrin, another arbitration-eligible guy, possibly out in the cold. Will they want to cut him loose? He had some pretty good moments in the first half. Osich can go to the minors and maybe Suarez can, too, but if they get a free-agent closer, they’re running out of spots.
I thought the 8 man idea blew up on the Giants way too often.
We theoretically have 4 very solid starters and may have a 5th, depending on the ascension of Blach. Let’s assume they either get or anoint a closer. Then they can absolutely assign the set up role. That is 7 pitchers. they should rightly only need 4 others total.
I really dislike the 8 man bullpen
Agree–there may not be a better rotation of innings-eaters in the majors. Blach was over 160 IP in both AAA seasons and added another 20-25 with the Giants this year, so he was comfortably over 180 this season.
I’d much rather see a robust bench: Backup C (I hope they get a new one), Gillaspie, Kelby, and….?
Right there with you…
No. You need 8 relievers, and maybe more, because each guy can only face one hitter.
Nice to have guys with options – I imagine Gearrin still has one left. Suarez as well and so do Okert and Osich.
Creating space for that 8 man pen would require a short OF or short IF bench. Maybe Span, Pence, Parker and Williamson – and Super Kelby practices CF in ST. Or maybe Kelby is optioned to AAA and Nunez backs up SS and 2B, while Conor Covers 3B. Or maybe Nunez backs up CF if he has better reads than KT.
Gearrin doesn’t have options. He’s arb-eligible and has been in the majors for awhile, and I remember that’s why he made the team in 2016 (no options and they didn’t want to lose him). Okert and Osich definitely do, and I don’t know about Suarez–they sent him to the minors this season, so he had an option then.
Evans said in the presser last week that he sees Nunez as the everyday 3B. I’m guessing Gillaspie backs up 3B and 1B and pinch-hits. There’s Gorkys Hernandez for the “new Blanco” role, too.
when i have trouble sleeping, i count sheep. next time i’ll try counting relievers…i’m a big fan of gearrin, and i think he should have been given more of a shot when he got off the DL, than bochy gave him. just another example of the mgr having zero patience with kids, and all the patience in the world with vets.
Scout, if you’re still around: Also while not sleeping, I was thinking about 40-man adds for Rule 5 purposes. I believe the Giants are into their 2013 draft class as to adds, but they don’t have to worry about Arroyo or Arenado, neither of whom were 19 when they signed, until next year. However, Ryder Jones turned 19 two weeks before he signed (a coincidence? I think not). So I think they’ll need/want to protect the following:
Ryder Jones
Chase Johnson
Dan Slania
Tyler Rogers
Jake McCasland(?)
On the Bubble(?)
D.J. Snelton
Tyler Horan
Ty Ross
Thoughts?
http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/team/draft.jsp?c_id=sf
Any Joe Biagini’s on that list? Protect Jones. Johnson is probably safe because he barely pitched this year. Maybe Slania is worth protecting as the Biagini-esque guy. Rogers’ sidewinding approach is interesting. Wouldn’t worry about McCasland or the others. Comes down to those 40 man decisions – who could they leave unprotected that they’ve lost some hope in.
The Giants will have 9 40-man spots open through natural attrition:
Pagan, Blanco, Peavy, Casilla, Romo, Lopez, Nathan, Beckham, T. Sanchez
If they non-tender Adrianza and Gearrin, that’s two more.
That’s enough to sign several free agents and mostly protect the guys above. Then there are some guys possibly on the 40-man bubble like Heston and Crick.
Thanks Lefty … you answered my question on room available.
Looks like they can keep AE and Gearrin as experienced guys tucked away at AAA if anyone goes down with an injury because that is what the Giants do, right?
Suarez and Heston will be in AAA too on that same level of experienced MLB guys.
So the Giants have plenty of room for a few FA’s. The Closer Melancon is the only one I really want.
That’s the thing, though–Gearrin & Adrianza don’t have options, so if they don’t offer them arbitration and/or if they don’t make the team out of camp, they go through waivers.
Heston’s got to be out of options by now, too–he’s been around for awhile.
Adrian Gonzales is some kind of hitter. Big moment, big at-bats. He’ll be 35 next year and has two more years on his contract. One of these years, Brandon Belt is going to pass him in production. He almost had him this year. Gonzalez hit .285 with 18 HRs and 90 RBIs this year; Belt hit .275 with 17 HRs and 82 RBIs. Next year may be the year. When it is time for the Dodgers to move on from Gonzo, they have a top prospect that compares favorable with Brandon Belt. He’s an athletic 1B that can play OF that has patience at the plate and power. He advanced to AAA by years end, but the 21 y.o. had an .843 OPS with 23 HRs in AA. In time he’ll be trying to match Belt’s production at the big league level, although I don’t think he’ll have Belt on his mind when he takes his ABs.
First, since Gonzales is aging his numbers are good but pedestrian compared to his best years, tells you how good he was.
Second, you do realize Belt will be 29 in April right? He’s as good as he will ever be, not turning a corner or going to be the 25/100 guy many of you prayed for.
Belt and Crawford are most likely in the midst of their prime. Agreed. I would think Belt could sell out for more power and RBIs – get more aggressive with runners on . Crawford already is aggressive.
we saw it a the end of the season, where he did cut down the Ks but in a rally situation he will settle for a walk or perhaps get a single, you wish he would be able to drive in the runs more consistently and flash more power.
I think he is who he is and his current level of production, while still flashing good stats, just does not do enough for this team to score more runs. Belt as our 2nd or 3rd hitter keeps us at the run level the team is at, unless he was surrounded by more power, which he is not, leaving guys like Posy and Craw to have to drive in runs since no one else ws producing.
Add to this the situation with Pence who is in the latter part of his career and once can’t ask him to replicate 2011-2014 numbers ever again.
Knowing that, who does the team turn to?
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