by
Greek Giant
Among certain baseball-loving, Giants-obsessing circles it’s chic to hate the World Baseball Classic. Count me in as a dissenting voice. I like the tournament that aims to mimic the global competitions of soccer (World Cup), hockey (World Championship) and other sports. Baseball’s presence on the sports landscape is uniquely tied to American culture and to the geographical regions of North America, the Caribbean, Japan, and Korea.
While It’s presence within the consciousness of America as an entertainment option has been greatly diminished by the rise of the NFL and the NBA it’s place in the professional sports landscape is still strong. It’s no secret that while the game is a huge financial success, it has to evolve in order to continue to thrive.
I believe the future of baseball as a game and Major League Baseball as a productive, poetic and successful professional league will be decided by how well the game’s majesty and history are spread to new countries. The NFL is most certainly going to expand to Mexico, Canada, and England one day. NBA commissioner Adam Silver has publicly proclaimed his interest in foreign expansion as well.
I believe baseball has a unique position among team sports in North America for a variety of reasons. First, it is the oldest organized team game and has a history that dates back nearly 200 years. That reason alone is relevant here. That history is a powerful and seductive selling point and a big reason why the statistics and lore of the game remain so intricately woven into its discourse.
Second, the nature of the game allows for tension and drama unlike other sports because there is no clock to compete against. I believe fans in other countries will see this as a major part of the baseball’s unique identity. Third, with the onset of serious and long-term injuries among NFL players, baseball is uniquely primed to be an alternative for young athletes in ways that make it more appealing for families and parents concerned with the health of their children.
Finally, the financial health of Major League Baseball means that the time is now to explore the long-term growth possibilities in an organic way. The RBI program is a great start. Another potential option would be to offer more equitable payment for minor league players.
All of the above are good reasons to support the World Baseball Classic, yet none of them explain why I love the tournament. As someone who grew up with a more global mindset in a home where Greek, French and English were all spoken and where hockey ruled, soccer was beloved and baseball was limited to observing the often fruitless exploits of the Expos, I learned the value of an international perspective. Seeing oneself and one’s favorite sport as part of a larger whole not only helps you understand your role within the context of a global community, it also introduces you to new talent and great players from lands you never knew existed. Watching the Soviets battle team USA in Lake Placid in 1980 or the Canadiens defeat the Red Army in 1972 I was hooked. Seeing other athletes play your game well is a unique privilege and a testament that renews your love and faith in athletic competition.
Imagine if this were true for baseball.
The potential financial and cultural benefits of the success of the World Baseball Classic are many. Yes, I know, we worry about injury risks to Buster Posey just like we dreaded watching Ryan Vogelsong have a rough go of it in 2013 after he pitched for Team USA. I get it. But, I believe we must put our tribal Giants-fist instincts aside sometimes for the good of the game.
Dr. Lefty may have written: “I’m a Giants fan first and an American second” but I believe being a baseball fan transcends team-love and is a broader phenomenon with important cultural and historical ramifications that make the World Baseball Classic worth supporting.
I’m getting tickets for the games in Miami. Surf Maui is buying the hot dogs.
#Breckeroni not a fan – but is clear on the concept (Gary Larson)
July 1969 https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/409ddacd18d42ae5af7db9a3d34b4e168ee460e190be73c1afbe0134c11deddb.jpg
That’s some good stuff. Giants over Dodgers in 10 innings!
Wow. Great post, GG ⚾
Are you sopping up some style points :o)
https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/baseball/2014/06/11/headfirst_slide_pioneer_pete_rose_says_its_not_always_a_good_idea/ian_kinsler.jpg.size.custom.crop.1086×761.jpg
I’m a gonna move here to http://travelinfools.com/where-you-should-live-on-maui/
Makawao – Polish all of Oprah’s shoes
Buster knows THAT feeling
GG, I agree with your position on the importance of international baseball.
I’ve been following cricket, casually, for about a dozen years as an antidote for the black time I think of as ‘Baseball Winter’. It is clear that international play has helped spread that sport around: a Test Match between India and Pakistan stops both countries dead in their tracks. The WBC is a good way to try to do the same with an even better sport!
I see no way (practically speaking) for North America to play against East Asia, because of jet lag, except perhaps as part of spring training or after the post seasons in both places. And the various winter leagues in Latin America also seem difficult. But MLB could have franchises in Havana and in Mexico somewhere, and another in Canada too, to make “World Series” less of a hyperbole.
It also seems that the WBC can be managed as a spring-training type of event, in which as an example, the SP innings are limited to normal training levels. It is fortunate that baseball is a sport in which injuries are more like accidents, than built in like football.
that’s quite a mouthful in this post. Some good intention but perhaps you should know:
1) Toronto is IN Canada, so yes there is a already a franchise in Canada.
2) A franchise in Mexico City is certainly possible, but absolutely not in Cuba. Perhaps you should familiarize yourself with Cuba more, the politics, the economy most of all, the infrastructure. Nope, won’t happen.
How’s your reading comprehension?
“, and another in Canada too, “
If I’m not mistaken, I think one of the bad things about this tournament is the timing for MLB players. As we all know, it’s prior to the season; where I recall hearing that the leagues of other nations may be in full swing or just ended.
If rescheduling to better accommodate MLB players can’t happen, I say place it in the dumpster with the NFL Pro Bowl. Most of the best International players are in MLB anyway. I’ve got plenty of other options to see a Cinderella Story.
Dude, where were you yesterday and where’s my car?
That whole Holland in Denver deal was crying out for some KIR hoopla.
My daughter had a baby. KIR “went dark” 🙂
Congratulations, KIR!
Thank you 🙂
Whaaat??? Have you been grandpa before or is this your first?
Congrats to you and daughter and family. Hope everyone healthy and happy.
This is my first Grandchild. It still kind of freaks me out, but I’ll get over it.
Mom and Baby are doing great! Thank you 🙂
Congratulazioni !
Thank you 🙂
Bingo – Cigars for EVERYONE
Ah…no cigars, but Thank you 🙂
Awwwwww, congrats! Photo?
Thank you 🙂
The Jimmy Rollins Plan
http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/01/25/giants-gm-bobby-evans-explains-plan-for-jimmy-rollins/
Doesn’t sound like much of a plan… more like a hope and a prayer
The ghosts of Miguel Tejada and Orlando Cabrera are haunting us…
I am “behizzled” and befuddled that you would Utter a sentence with those two and adding Jimmy the Rollins…. :-/
Tejada is a former MVP. He and OCab were washed-up has-beens when the Giants obtained them, and Bochy insisted on playing them instead of (future Gold Glover and All-Star) Brandon Crawford.
I think the analogy works pretty well in this case.
OK we can agree to disagree. I don’t think the analogy is close because IMO Miggy may never have played clean, and lied about his age. OCAB was far done. Neither tried coming off the bench with success. I think the Encinal HS local kid will know if he can’t help the Team and will be honest with the Skipper.
And I doubt that Rollins will turn to a teammate or assistant coach and chirp about playing time the way Miggy did. And I don’t think Rollins will need a solo chat with third base coach Nevin – after blowing off a sac bunt sign and then when Miggy did get it down – he turned to his former dugout/teammates in Houston with his palms to the sky.
#GoJimmyOfftheBench
Regardless of how good of a guy JR is, there’s still this one thing that will likely get in the way of his presence being all positive. Old-time Vet Love and Bochy is the world’s worst practitioner of said affliction. Bruce can’t be trusted to play fair with the young kids when good ole boys are holed up near his office. I hope Jimmy has more integrity when it comes to favoritism and talent as you claim.
Agree. I think it’s just too much temptation for Bochy and it’s far more likely to hurt the team than to help it.
So a team should never keep a vet for off the bench?
As long as Bochy leaves them on the bench and only uses them sparingly, but that isn’t the way he works.
You of ALL peeps know that in order to hit, as long as all the other stuff is there, one needs a rhythm to their stroke. That means different things to different hitters. To me Rollins is a youthful “looking” Vet who did not come here last yr because he was adamant and had that pride thing going on. I don’t feel that now. He can’t get any hitting rhythm if Bochy does not move him around the infield when others may actually need the rest – based ON what the training staff reports to Bochy on a daily basis. I still think this particular coaching staff, the assistants – would do the same thing at third – SS and 2b if they had a “Rollins” available.
Personally I think Adrianza mastered all of the IF positions and it is possible that Rollins will fail at 3B and 2B.
I don’t want to take anything from JR, but if he were used honestly to spell others in the IF, then OK, but as I said, Bruce can’t be trusted to do that. He was a backup player that feels like he was never given enough playing time. I get it. However, it’s his Achilles heel.
I love it when you talk dirty to us.
Your welcome.
OK, let’s review. Rollins is 38 years old. He’s a career .264 hitter. The last time he even hit .260 was 2011. He hit .224 with the Dodgers in 2015 and was DFA’d last year by June (no one picked him up). You also figure at his age, he’s not as good with the glove as he used to be, either.
On what basis would anyone conclude that he’s anything other than washed-up? I’m not just being snarky here–I honestly don’t understand it.
Maybe he’ll discover the Fountain of Youth (or the Fountain of YoutHGH)
Rollins has more talent in his 38 yr old pinky than a guy like Adrianza will ever have his entire career. So yes, he is worth more off the bench and for a few games a year than some of the other options out there.
Now if you were to count on him in case a starter got hurt for long period of time then I don’t think he is capable of that. But the Giants still have Kelby in case Craw or Panik need a few games off and Connor in case Nunez needs a spell.
Reviewing stuff doesn’t allow in “going forward”. One can only use stats and the fact that the eye test says he slowed down but what about a prideful players rejuvenation quotient. Maybe we will know after one week that he is done and maybe we won’t but I think those in baseball land will know as soon as they see it.
When is a VET worth keeping?
Well, they’re NOT worth keeping for nostalgia. Bill Walsh knew it was better to cut a vet too early rather than hang on too late.
So what about the Hairston Brothers or Mark Ellis when they use to destroy the Giants “off the bench”. They were vets who no longer started?
“The challenge for Jimmy is he hasn’t necessarily had the bat he’s had in the past,” Evans said.
Sounds awesome.
LOL – what about the Rook throughout the history of baseball who slumps and it does not look good but low and behold the Rook goes to MiLB and eventually turns into Jeter who made 20+ errors in several MiLB clubs….
The reverse might happen. Just sounds like many of us are hating on the player…
You’re missing the point that Rollins has forgotten more about hitting than Morse ever knew his entire career. Not even close.
Your Walsh item is relevant to football in a better way than baseball. Guys like John Kruk and Matt Stairs hung around to swing the wood and drive in runs. So did Dave Hanson and Merv Rettumund.
I would prefer that Mike Morse have a huge ST so that he can be the RH power bat off the bench.
I have no problem with a vet that can still earn his keep. If Rollins or Morse have monster Springs, then welcome aboard.
I want you to think back to how hard our ex-3B had it until a vet was taken out of Boche’s grip and the position was given to the Duffman that truly deserved it.
Thinking back, I almost wish he HADN’T done so well there.
So ALL 4 IF spots are taken by real pro’s and you are predicting, without any personal knowledge that Rollins is guaranteed to rock the boat?
I’m just saying I think there’s a chance he’ll do it without wanting to. I don’t put this on Jim, I put it on Bruce.
Evans maybe
True enough
I agree. I see Rollins as more of a professional at his age than the other two mentioned. He signed for a reason, to perhaps be part of something special near his home. Rollins is actually one of the new additions who will seamlessly fit with the team. I think and hope he will surprise a few folks.
Jesus, I didn’t know this dude, so I got some info. He is 38! WTH are Boch & Evans planning? Are they trying to turn our team in a nursing home for silver foxes?
Just quoting Evans
In the past Rollins wore 29 -11 and 6 in Phillie. Shark has 29. Hubbell’s 11 is retired and Parker has 6. I can see Murph giving him #7 even though Blanco just left and was a fan favorite. #1 is also available due to Adrianza ‘leaving’.
In the past Hundley wore: 61 – 4 – 40 – 4. Mell Ott’s is retired (4), 40 is Bum and 61 is Osich. Catchers look good in certain numbers … no player has worn 26 since Jay Witasick then Gardy grabbed it – nobody’s worn 20 since John Bowker (2009-10) but now Monte Irvin gets it retired.
Murph will keep 14 for T-Brown’s up and down visits. Susac’s 34 is available. Murph “may not” give up Angel’s number that quickly…Peavy is gone, time for Murph to put 22 in moth-balls for good.
Boch-15, Bam Bam-31, Decker-33, Rags 19, Jose Alguacil ?, Phil Nevin ?, Gardy 26, Wotus 23, Taira Swiss Army Knife – 99, Chad Chop and Shawon Dunston.
Bonus pools for all 30 clubs…
BA has obtained MLB draft slot values and bonus pools for all 30 clubs; @hudsonbelinsky has details 👉https://t.co/g0pc7u1k8A https://t.co/nTxT7hLM4I
A donde va Sergio Romo?
Quizas…
https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/824722970027458560
I’ve been thinking today about Mexico and growing up in Las Cruces and El Paso on the border. That got me to thinking about one of my favorite movies Traffic which has one of my favorite complex characters: Mexican police officer Javier Rodriguez played by Benicio del Toro. The movie ends with one of the most inspiring scenes from any movie (especially given all that has gone before in the story): kids playing baseball on a field in Mexico at night under the safety of new lights.
We need to participate with other countries in the World Baseball Classic more this year than any year that has gone before. We need to show that we are all part of the same world on the same planet.
Hmmm… this has me thinking that maybe the wall Drumpf wants to build could have a silver lining. A strategically placed ballpark could have a natural Green Monster in the outfield.
They working to kill early voting and online registration. http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/politics/2017/01/25/senate-elections-reform/97043582/
You could’ve ended that sentence after the word kill.
My humor quotient is limited.
Sorry. I’ll try and do better.
It’s not your fault dear heart. It’s the medium and the times.
Have I missed anything? :o? (en Paree)
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a7c1803b3664c4e67f9c3e11e0a4bcf6a3d9ce22c33a5e16420995b7891eed2e.jpg
Or Drumpf could replace Evans and be the Orange monster and dictate to the manager who he should play.
The Brown Barrier? I’m open to suggestions.
Well, if I have to be serious, I find it absolutely ridiculous to try to mask the name of your POTUS on this blog. Frump, Drumpf, etc . Are you afraid to be banned by our friend GG? Or to be called clown by someone else here? As my youth hero John McEnroe was used to shout out: YOU CAN’T BE SERIOUS and so I hope you’re just kidding.
“Drumpf” is his family’s ancestral name
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkpJgVdm2Kk
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/142c0e8c82c1e15aa14d03129c1a9ab890925e32339c281d257c45ec76e0abb5.jpg
Didn’t see your reply before i responded to Alvise.
I don’t know, I sort of like “Putie’s Cutie”.
Me too.
Its actually taken from a John Oliver bit that said Trump’s true ancestral name was Drumpf. He had hats made and everything. I like you, Alvise, but pump the brakes before you start assuming things like that.
I was just kidding, my dear friend.
You might enjoy an earlier TV serial of that movie as a dealing with the heroin trafficking in Europe from Pakistan. It’s terrific. Traffik.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096716/
Thanks, cc. It’s on my Acorn watchlist.
Looks like the series is available on youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WW8qcbGRZ4U&list=PLx7nFNCVfZF_prEfXN5KxC6eJoN2SXHsi
My mom was born in El Paso! And my father in Tucson.
Agreed, very good movie. I like the scene where the Catherine Zeta Jones character brings lemonade to the guys in the van doing the stake-out of her house.
Agreed, isolationism in the 21st century is stupid.
Being an economist I believe I can say that it’s uneconomical. The powerful multinational corporations will rapidly compel that … to change his attitude. They are not willing to have their revenues in a steep downfall.
You ever see Lone Star. Murder, dishonesty, drugs, etc. on the Texas border. One of John Sayles best, IMO. http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/lone-star-1996
What a change of environs you’ve done with a move to snowy, big sky north country from the southern border. Did you have a parka as a child?
It gets cold in the Chihuahuan Desert at night.
I watched Traffic last night. My brother kept looking over at me. So I paused the movie and we watched CREED. The copy of Traffic that we had was of poor quality but it was fun to see Catherine Zeta Jones, Michael and Don Cheedle. Benicio del Toro played the Javier Rodriguez role excellent!.
Seinfeld and Lewis Black
http://comediansincarsgettingcoffee.com/lewis-black-at-what-point-am-i-out-from-under?utm_source=mailchimp&utm_campaign=season-9&utm_medium=email&utm_term=episode%204
If you think that your football is a violent sport, you have never seen a game of historic Florentine football. There is only one rule: “First, there are no rules”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9et-QUMBHXM
Good Night Allen https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f66916403ad10ee49bdf466c67d717751c6f0f2299657abe6ca6f6178477f127.jpg
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/991f1134ea9c6748ea341a3827d4149440674c6cc8979870183b432b605fdab5.jpg
Goodnight moon.
http://www.pa.msu.edu/people/frenchj/moon/moon-5day-1807.jpg
Brett Anderson signed a contract with the Cubs at 1/3,5 million today.
Nightall.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiWmVc85LOs
I dunno…I like this better:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOKPPSJg1mk
Interesting read on why the upcoming trade deadline may be frenetic:
http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/trade-deadline-insane-andrew-mccutchen-brian-dozier-royals-tigers-pirates-twins-012617
Help! I walled myself in. Gotta think these things through. Had to have somebody throw my pizza over the wall .Good thing I have a one year supply of cat food in the root cellar. Bad thing- it’s all kibble.
So you think that I care about the World Baseball Classic? Not so much.
Will be interesting to learn how balls hit over that wall will be scored.
http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/01/26/was-giants-hero-tim-lincecum-at-the-womens-march-in-san-francisco/
Timmy’s always been a good dude; no reason to think any differently now. Of course he’d go. He’s obviously still a San Francisco treat.
Venus Williams will face her sister Serena Williams in the Grand Slam final in Australia. Truly amazing how long these two have been great.
Maaaaaan. 🙁
:https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c636adc45727963ab8598126547f60686d077d7616d2aa05f17dbcc82fe12938.jpg
Just to be sure you heard … 25-Man predctions are due February 25 and the second guesses March 25 per your idea of Two Phases. Post in reply to any of my posts or email me.
FYI: no LL coaching for me yet; my 5 yo grandson is not interested in it (yet!)
You’re the BEST!!
“I’m a Giants fan first and an American second” – did the good Dr. really say that?
If so – me too!
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7df5f1028990918c588b9a6a56ed0be0f9cab0ad3d78e0d4fb454ce4336fc77c.jpg
Yomiuri Giants? Lotte Giants? Gigantes del Cilbao?
One of us has already taken the leap and become a foreigner, if Canada can be counted as foreign.
I heard something hilarious last night and that was…
Canada is like someone was trying to recreate the US from a distance (sort of like Russia did in the 50’s to train spies)(or from a distant planet) and it is almost right, but something’s just a little off. They look like ‘mericans and the place almost looks like the US , but just not quite.
Are you ready to march with scientists in March? I’m not an official “scientist” (I don’t have a PhD), but I work in science, do scientific stuff, and appreciate the heck out of logic, reason, and the scientific method. Whenever that March march is, I may head somewhere to attend the rally to protest the silencing of science and destructiveness of idiocracy.
I’m confused. Has something happened to be a cause for alarm for the future of science? I’m a little cloistered down here.
I still have a Canadian ID.
http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-cdc-conference-cancelled-20170126-story.html
I’ve also heard that the administration has released a missive that says if you see an elephant in a room do NOT address it.
Good morning Robert. What are you doing up so early?
About to head out for some birthday golf. Will the Gods allow me to shoot under 100 on my day?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
don’t read the news today, just enjoy your day. everything is right with the world and with your swing on this day.
You’re my Cheech Moran.
Happy Birthday, Rob! Golf in January?
One of the few benefits of living in LA.
Do you really live in Enemy Territory? Take care of your health, dear friend.
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/1277577
Good luck and happy birthday! How about a young 93?
Buon compleanno!
Make sure you don’t play the back nine.
Happy birthday, RD!
Happy Birthday Rob, and relax and don’t think about your score just the swing.
Haven’t you heard? The sky is falling.
More baseball is our only way through this.
Work on your 25-Man prediction today.
Someone here posted an excerpt from Scientific American the other day.
May I join in at distance? I got my Ph.D in 1975 but in economics . Aniway I was compelled only a year later by my father’s death to leave Academy and to take the helm of the family trading company. I love science.
You bet. But do you still love science when it tells you unfortunate, “inconvenient” information that requires action?
A maggior ragione. Only science can save mankind from his stupidity.
proper, well rounded, open education system would certainly help but somehow we are getting further away from that. Charter schools, overcrowded public schools, tuition hikes at public universities…
Unfortunately you are quite right. Our italian education system has become a disaster area.
and economics isn’t really the “study of money”, it’s the study of human behavior, right?
And because that can’t be called “science”.
In academia, economics is classified as a social science, as is my field (linguistics).
Science need no adjectives. If you have to specify, you don’t get the real stuff. It’s an old ambition by the economists to be called scientist. I disagree. The best economist is who found the best way to explain why he was wrong with his predictions. Old adage in my alma mater: Ca’Foscari University.
You are an applied scientist! You’re in!
“isn’t really”
I believe only in America could I have had my career. As many of you know, I was expelled from school at 16 having completed the 9th grade. But when companies saw I could do the work, I was hired as an engineer, with the title and pay of an engineer, and on most projects, I became the lead engineer. As I say, only in America.
It’s been quite a story as is yours. Welcome to 2017.
I resemble that …
Seinfeld shared Larry Miller’s joke on Canada at 1848 on this video with Norm McDonald
http://comediansincarsgettingcoffee.com/norm-macdonald-a-rusty-car-in-the-rain
I can imagine myself saying that. I can also imagine voting for #Calexit.
I read something of that kind recently. I wouldn’t exclude it at all.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecotopia
just heard about the petition , something like 585,000 signatures targeted.
Not so fast, please. The USA draws great strength from all its diverse places and peoples.
I’m glad you think so. I’ve actually contemplated lying, when I travel out of state, about where I’m from and what I do for a living, since the current zeitgeist among many is anti-Cali and anti-university. It’s wearying, and I don’t really want to get in arguments on airplanes with my seatmates.
There’s a part of me that wants to obtain a passport issued by Earth, as we are all Homo Sapiens at the end of the day. Political systems haven’t evolved to that point yet, but the USA is a reasonably good mixture of the planet. Now, to keep this on GG’s theme of international baseball, how can we get those Europeans, other than Alvise and Long John Silver and a few more, to make baseball the Earth’s Pasttime?
Where the hell is our Amigo L.J.???
Make it known. Many people do not even know if this game exists. It should be broadcast by television in clear and not by the pay TVs, as in Italy (Murdoch’s Sky Italia). Not many are willing to pay almost $ 80/month to watch TV. Luckily I never had money problems so I pay happily in order to watch my beloved Giants.
California, all by itself, more diverse than the rest of the USA. I’m all in.
We could lose the far north of California to Jefferson in this dystopic hypothetical.
and Portlandia may stand alone, an island.
I’d prefer to annex most of Oregon and all of Hawaii.
…and all that newly found source of legal revenue. It’s no longer “may as well be Oregon”.
Ew, that’s a good one too.
New penal code in Russia: the beating of relatives living in the family will not be considered a crime any more. OMG.
Was it just whippersnappers or are old farts included too?
Husband beating wife and sons. Barbaric.
Pitchers and catchers report in 18 days. I realized I made a mistake. Originally, Giants were to report February 13. Now it is February 14th. Valentine’s Day; just like you’ve always dreamed.
Ryan Howard is in the news today, looking for a new contract. He kinda got off my radar years ago. I just assumed here was another of those huge types who would hit their way into the Hall of Fame. He’s in the news so I looked him up in BB Reference. He’s not near a Hall of Fame type it turns out. In fact he’s ranked 138th among 1st basemen, lifetime. How does it look for a new contract? He’ll be 37 this coming season and he hit .196 .257 .453 .710 this past season.
How you say “Rots o ruck?”
Wait. I was right the first time. Pitchers and catchers report February 13. First workout is February 14. So in reality, 17 days until they report.
It’s not easy being an animated calendar!
They must be shortening ST by 3 days off the back end of the schedule.
So, here we go. Take 2. Pitchers and catchers report in 17 days. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f54a476ae6eec79a3d82ec0888b68f5fbbaa18b09e4cd405f5801a7ea9b46533.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f02b06f8d0b40553f47feb0f8c19807bf38022c87c685db3032608d497a0545b.jpg
I’d probably add Tim Hudson, also #17, to that montage. He was a huge part of the 2014 championship team and even an All-Star that year.
Here you go! https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/57176e29b1eaafc85fa53a1776e2bce635d4397c8288035761499756af1c4129.jpg
Now that’s a calendar countdown photo I can upvote!
Wow, great service!
This is true.
No love for Joe Mannix. 🙁
he was a big deal in my house growing up. there weren’t many famous armenians, our nationality, and here was one on TV every week. of course there was jim essian, anyone remember him? a career .244 back-up catcher, who, by the way george, is the manager of the greek nat’l baseball team..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el81hXPNG-c
WBC is worthy but I say let the college players and recently retired MLB guys fill the roster. I think the interest level would be great to have teams with a Javy Lopez, Papi, Hudson, A-Rod, Jeter, etc. Talk about ambassadors of the game.
I have to disagree. Young fans want to see the current stars. The more the better.
Agree 100%
Maybe; but don’t you think that the 20-something’s grew up with Papi A-Rod and Jeter. Go back in time yourself. As a kid my first love were guys that retired by the time I was 25.
Opening a pack of 25-year old baseball cards with Bruce Bochy:
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/news/opening-25-year-old-baseball-cards-with-giants-manager-bruce-bochy-204833272.html
This is a great video. Thanks Mr. S.
In Lux Bar, Rue Lepic, Paris. The barrista is triggering a gender crisis in my little brain.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/02ff39bb0315ecd5ec9b58528f0b9789a899856899dfe2ecef67ad15f8b8ce72.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ff728022a9a16c4900af80ac3fbfe5b4bfd591c478e4521aab8fb823bf076070.jpg
She indicated that perhaps she doesn’t care for boys. And then there’s mi Esposa to deal with…
I thought it was Timmy?
Ayup, Clutch.
Even as friends?
So… nobody else gets it?
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/858003aa68fd2aa66daf1a8c8e94aa822c41cff6243989c4eb82076bb75257c6.jpg
You have flies in your eyes. I couldn’t see it even after I was told to look for it.
Ah, yer not looking, Bap.
It was metaphorical.
I highly recommend this concert if you like jazz next weekend.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1777529585904673/
Until then his sounds like the way to enter the weekend.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPVuLS-HXJo
I’m thinking of becoming a cantaloupe farmer, on a desert island somewhere.
Works for me.
Baseball Prospectus released their top 10 Giants prospects. Pretty much the same soup. Who is Sandro Fabian and will he succeed above rookie ball?
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=31058
RHP Tyler Beede
SS Christian Arroyo
CF Bryan Reynolds
1B Chris Shaw
LHP Ty Blach
LHP Andrew Suarez
OF Steven Duggar
OF Sandro Fabian
RHP Joan Gregorio
OF Heath Quinn
Heath Quinn finally gets noticed. I think this is the first top 10 list he’s been on. I could be wrong. His line was .344 .434 .564 .998 mostly on low A but he had a few games at high A and did very well. He’s 21 out of Stanford.
Close. Samford. He’s got some pop and is interesting.
Really hoping Bryan Reynolds can become an everyday true CF for this team. Pleasantly surprised he’s already risen to top 3 prospect status in the organization.
It may be, but he’s not a CF by almost any metric.
He’s another Vandy guy.
Dodgers hit the Vandy well twice also. Beuhler and another pitcher:
8) Jordan Sheffield, RHP, Grade B: Age
21; compensation round pick in 2016 out of Vanderbilt; posted 3.75 ERA
in 12 innings between rookie ball and Low-A with 13/6 K/BB, kept on
short leash due to spring workload; fastball 93-96 with reported peaks
at 99; already has a plus change-up, slider can be erratic but also
flashes plus; main issue is command, which was intermittent in college
though stuff was good enough he succeeded anyway; some view him as
future closer rather than starter due to high-stress delivery. ETA 2019.
maybe you’ll see him at Cucamonga
Well that sucks. The scouting reports seem to indicate he “has the tools to stay in CF” but not sure how he’s been doing defensively in the minors. If he isn’t good enough to stay in CF then he shouldn’t be the third ranked prospect in the system unless his bat is *that* strong.
Keep in mind, system isn’t exactly loaded. Ty Blach moved from back of Top 20 to 5ish based on a solid 2nd season in AAA and MLB debut with a K rate that was only around 6 per 9 IP.
Doesn’t sound like he’s profiling as every MLB CF. His K rate will be monitored closely. Will he be another Jarrett Parker?
Duggar’s most likely the next CF if the bat will play at higher levels. Maybe Reynolds will be ready by the time Pence’s contract is up after 2018?
Another Dominican. Sando is rated fairly high by some. Not good speed, average arm, but hits pretty well. Not always good pitch selection, but can hit crap out of ball. “Gets good wood” on it. Don’t quite know why he’s rated so high by some.
Is that your take? Or quoting?
He was in AZ for Fall league. Played in just over 40 games hit .340, OBP .360+ Saw vid of two games. All the rest is from hearsay.
Eric Longenhagen:
Not all scouts are sold on Fabian’s power projection because he lacks
the broad-shouldered build of a prototypical corner bat. I think
there’s room for enough mass to produce average raw power at maturity
and am pretty confident in Fabian’s ability to tap into it in games
because his feel for the barrel is so remarkable. Because his natural
bat-to-ball ability is so good, Fabian’s approach can be gluttonous and
he’ll settle for inferior, early-count contact rather than waiting for
something he can really drive. This is fine for now, but I do think
he’ll need to be more selective as he starts seeing better stuff than he
saw in the AZL. I think he has the physical tools to be a plus hitter
with fringe-average game power, enough to profile in an outfield corner.
He’s short to the ball, has solid barrel control and a swing plane that
allows for some lift without prohibiting contact.
Defensively, Fabian profiles in an outfield corner. He doesn’t run
well enough for center field and his arm doesn’t command placement in
right field, though it could be passable there. The average big-league
outfielder hit .257/.326/.422 in 2016. I like Fabian’s chances of
attaining that line and becoming an average everyday player, but his
proximity to the majors and thirsty approach make him quite risky and
suppress his FV.
John Sickels:
19) Sandro Fabian, OF, Grade C+: Age
18, signed out of Dominican Republic in 2015; hit .340/.364/.522 with
seven walks, 28 strikeouts in 159 at-bats in Arizona Rookie League; drew
notice with gaudy rookie ball batting average and contact hitting
skills; weaknesses include very low walk rate, running speed average at
best, and questions about long-term power; long way off but certainly
enough upside to track. ETA 2021.
Still no Slater. SMH
WBC is a nice concept but should involve MLB players IMO. The LAST thing I want is MadBum, Posey or any other Giant participating in this event. The goal for this team is a World Championship, which would come at the end of October. I’d strongly prefer the Giants best players do not get involved in intense competition in March for meaningless games.
“… not…” got left out?
If so, I agree for your very good reasons.
Duly noted, edit applied. Thank you.
And this follows up on the thread below. The WBC fans will not see “:stars” involved in this for just the reasons youi give. So why not give them stars of the past?
Fine by me. Just no “stars” that teams are counting on during the regular and (hopefully) postseason.
No more miniature Grant Green heroics – as he’s signed a minor league deal with the Nats.
I am thankful that the Mariners claimed catcher Tuffy Gosewisch off waivers. I’m a believer that guys like the Touffster should always have a spot in ML Baseball.
He survived Ranger school.
This will get an “OMG!” out of you. Especially the picture on the right.
https://twitter.com/hunterpence/status/825030610653675521
Lexi looks quite normal. Hunter on the other hand – could have escaped from a UFO that had landed in Texas looking for BBQ.
Yeh…I have no idea how to explain Hunter. Your’s is better than anything I could come up with 🙂
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f8d441f16599895ec23ec0e8866b0a2e5fbc311ba78062714b2a08a9b92d18c9.jpg
I mean there are crazies out looking for Big Foot and the Lock Ness Monster while we have our own version right here. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7f11bb59f7a6e9b2565a8839916f3bf2cafbf5bd436024c86ba0a01cce01d32d.jpg
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/fa40b779315b666275338f1b2d3ebc37b4c5e369e05cb6e1014459b743e9ad40.jpg
This year’s trading deadline will be insane, so says “The Bowtie”
http://www.si.com/mlb/2017/01/26/trade-deadline-predictions?xid=socialflow_twitter_si
Insane in the membrane! Cutch goes to ????
The Giants. I have this on-going dream…
IMO this is the best song ever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWyPhQkZNLw
What herbs do you like to cook with?
Seabass (European) in the wood oven, filled with rosemary, thyme and sage, sprinkled with a blend of extra virgin olive oil and dry white wine, roasted potatoes all around.
seabass (chilean) however they cook it at Margaritaville in Vegas baby….. Melted in the mouth while watching guys and gals put on a show on stilts. Those guys catch anything over the top of the car….
AC — An anti-war canticle “long ago forgotten.”
I did not forget.
I’ve been reading you here AC. I knew you had not forgotten. Don’t know exactly how things are going in your neighborhood since Jan. 20, but it’s startling here in the French countryside. I’m not talking about the fear and smugness of elite Parisian intellectuals, but the stark reaction of French farmers and shopkeepers. They keep asking me “Comment?” I keep shrugging and saying “Je ne sais pas.” Then we go about our simple lives with a smile, and a shrug of the shoulders. “Ou est-ce que nous allons?”
That translates to ‘shithappens’ in a baroque sort of way.
My friends seem reluctant to talk about this topic, but I knew them very well and I know that they are all scared to death after realizing that a childish, ignorant, arrogant and stupid egomaniac has the finger on the trigger of that nuke arsenal.
GF – je suis en Paree, en vacance. J’aime France.
Try to keep your eyes off from those young mademoiselles. Beware of wifey…
Just fooling around, A.C. ‘Wifey’ was with me, and agreed that the mademoiselle looked like Timmy’s twin.
Bapah doesn’t think so. He’s a nice old grumpy fart.
Yes. That grumpy wasn’t there to see the resemblance. Even the mademoiselle agreed.
Bienvenue Paul. Don’t you dare pass a brasserie without considering dropping in for a pastis. You don’t have to imbibe, but it MUST be a consideration. Enjoy.
Damn, it’s’ beautiful here – even when the weather bites.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9208a88432c920f395af05dca20863e334461290bdb4efa9c86991dce2fe0d07.jpg
(Sorry I can’t fix this foto. It’s a rose window in Notre Dame.)
p.s. Serious people take this turn of events much more seriously.
Where do you live in France, GF? My declining health permitting, maybe in late spring I’ll do my annual pilgrimage to the wineyards of Bourgogne and Bordeaux.
AC — I live in Brittany. However, work permitting (and it usually is) I would never turn my back on a train ride to the vineyards of Bordeaux. Keep me posted on your possibilities. We could share a GIANT Saint Estephe.
I’ll do it, health permitting.
Britanny is one of the most beautiful places of this planet. I do really love it and I think you are really blessed to live there. Here some pics I took there a few years ago. One was taken on the Côte de Granit Rose, at Ploumanac’h between Trégastel and Perros-Guirec. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b382075b6d598cbd238942011bdc96ec9cd809dad3c7d2dd976319efc61c3bc5.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/84f38dfc9ce74deec3010b37bacf70574cdfb0ab6cda250bf87bead3da79354d.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3120f54155075f775bb2692104c32935997c65d5020cd369575a6f10f4b06f72.jpg
I live about 150 Ks south of the Cotes de Granit Rose, but I’m certain we’ve stood in each others’ footsteps. These scenes are very familiar. Plus, I’m pulling for you and a healthy spring (and many, many more).
Thx GF, the same, and more, for you.
I’m not ashamed to say my mom bought me an Andy Williams sweater and it got stolen in the 6th grade. Good years to remember.
Goddam, Alvise. That’s beautiful. paulo
I met a girl once from Cuba……
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmyQOq4MAdY
How about the girl from…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJkxFhFRFDA
Completing the trip down memory lane. All three my kind of music.
When I was the only white in an otherwise all-black barrack on Guam, I got called Getz a lot for some reason. Maybe they had trouble pronouncing Guest. Or maybe because I never bothered to correct them
You don’t know a Jeanne Guest, do you?
No.
No.
Last nights wiki page on invertebrates was edited. I like the editors creativity and sense of humor.
https://i.imgur.com/L4dZzH6.png
Wisconsin’s own Sheriff of Nottingham. He robs the poor to give the booty to the already rich.
I don’t get the joke
Look at the pic, goofy. That’s a list of invertebrates. Somebody spoofed Wikipedia with a species addition…. Oh, you got me.
Any wild predictions on the Warriors relationship with their current Oakland Fan base when they move into the NEW SF Arena? https://matthewsteinmetz.com/2017/01/03/sal-and-steiny-jed-york-vs-the-bay-area-media-the-dissolving-relationship-between-warriors-and-their-fans/
https://secure-hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/0/b/c/0bc8f792bfc72f9a/p86f.mp3?c_id=13758830&expiration=1485556160&hwt=6584c34e4553e01ac17daf625fbbafa6
I think it’s going to change dramatically, and as the article mentions, it has started changing already. The Warriors have had a a very strong following for decades, however you have to take into account that the Oakland of 5, 10 years ago is not the same. As with the other Oakland teams, the fan base has been historically made up of a lot of what Oaklland represented, a healthy dose of blue collar attitude mixed in with the wealthier suburban fans. But Oakland has really changed over the past decade, as with SF, with the influx of dotcom types, namely more white and more importantly, NOT from the Bay Area. These fans, like the new wave Giants fans, surely will go to games and get tix because they can afford and they have access to corporate seats, but they are not the fans that stuck it out through the lean years. The new age fans are just along for the ride, a place to hang out and party with co-workers, not really vested in the team like local fans.
Once the Dubs move to SF, I bet it will be like the new Giants “corporate” fan base and similar to the Santa Clara 49ers fans, a far cry from the old school Montana era Niner fanbase. A great deal of the seats will go to the Uber / Facebook / Twitter types who the majority will be Bay Area transplants spending corporate money. The days of a hard working family from a blue collar middle class background going to more than a few games in a year are pretty much over.
Same thing here in NY, specially with the Knicks. At least the Nets seem to get more a family driven fan base and you can see many kids with their parents. With the Knicks, it’s an extremely corporate crowd, which if the Dubs are not careful, will end up the same for them.
How the Curry’ish pull up jump shot is changing the nature of basketball as others seek to emulate his approach.
https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/basketballs-other-3-point-revolution/
No new post today?
I would like it if every post ran 2-4 days but that’s just me …
Zactly.
http://images.clipartof.com/thumbnails/1191403-Clipart-Of-A-Black-And-White-Hand-Holding-A-Thumb-Up-Royalty-Free-Vector-Illustration.jpg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P73Z6291Pt8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6gcz4hdLA8
As soon as I saw Walt’s I thought exactly the same thing
I detest Wagner’s music and its underlying “sturm und drang” ideology. The Nazis loved it.
It was perfect for Francis’s movie, though.
Perfect indeed, to underscore that commanding officer’s attitude, a real Nazi.
1st AC
They’re treacherous, but not Nazi’s. The First Air Cavalry are actually good folks to have on your side
More like Cowboys
I was referring to their commanding officer, that guy who loves the smell of the napalm in the morning.
Like all caricatures, there’s some truth to the image.
CC should be quite knowledgeable of these guys. They’re based in Texas, as I recall.
Outside Temple Texas, in Fort Hood I think. I used to dive with an ex member way long ago. He was a Spartan, Captain as I recall. Although younger, he reminded me of the character Bruce Dern played in Coming Home. He and I after too much beer and tequila, tried to climb the stone courthouse in New Braunsfel during Wurstfest.
Robert Duvall has played multiple roles that run contrary to his own beliefs. I think it’s called acting.
Apparently this Marine – aka Dancing Marine – has gone missing for wandering eyes.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4980859bd8d662569d9d6e8daa6efbeb74a5321c18595b15845ab86147809a6f.jpg
Notice the smile…. on her face.
Zito enjoying his newest venture http://www.sfchronicle.com/giants/article/Barry-Zito-enjoying-2nd-career-as-Nashville-10887471.php
Nightall.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWaj0_jYGlY
Last years first annual (or maybe not) might have set the bar too high, with Vogt and Curry. Curry’s Davidson Coach brought down the house I remember. This years Coaching Corps Game Changer Awards is on this Sunday night at 9 pm on CSN Bay Area – is going to leave MANY TWG’s feeling empty because they apparently cannot get it even on tape delay or CD.
http://www.csnbayarea.com/giants/kontos-honors-high-school-coach-setting-path-giants
Dodgers sign 1B Ike Davis to Minors deal
If I am Greg Holland I would have asked his agent how did Denver work out for then stud starting pitcher Darryl Kile (RIP) – when he tried to complement his then FB with secondary pitches. Holland may have a different agent by midseason.
The triclinium is waiting for me. Wifey is already snoring (I can hear her from a 20 yards distance and through 2 rooms). All is well and nothing in order. Good night all. I wish you to dream of Melania, not his husband.
Güten Nacht
Danke, Herr RM.
Bitte Schön
There’s a line at the end of The Hunt for Red October “A good revolution is healthy every now and then.”
Hoo Nose? In the words of Rosanna Rosannadana, “It could happen.”
I think so, and Republicans are going to have to join Democrats and independents to save us all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCqR0_a6_so
thanks for the literal quote. I should have known I’d be found out.
We spend months counting down to when the pitchers and catchers report and when they get there, nothing happens. About the only action was the wagering on when Pagan would show up. With that said- I can hardly wait. BTW- I’m in the best shape of my last 25 minutes.
The fine actor John Hurt gone at 77. RIP.
Way sad. He was the first victim in Alien.
On screens big and small, Hurt died what seemed a thousand deaths. “I think I’ve got the record,” he once said. “It got to a point where my children wouldn’t ask me if I died, but rather how do you die?”
Barbara Hale from Perry Mason passed as well. http://bigstory.ap.org/article/c6562e3c84b54a2594d18140aa514cf6
1984 as well, right?
The Midnight Express?
Ever been in a Turkish prison?
Closest I ever got was I smoked a Turkish cigarette once — and only once. No. Don’t tell me you have?????
I have smoked Turkish cigarettes in Spain. Hashish mixed with tobacco, right?
I’d much rather have straight cannabis, thank you very much.
What I meant was: Don’t tell me you’ve been in a Turkish prison. And yes, cannabis trumps* Turkish cigarettes. Can we use *trumps as a verb?
It’s certainly a pejorative verb now. And what of the trumpet? Shall I protest this instrument and give up on Miles Davis? I think not.
And If you put an “s” before that musical instrument?
Never met a trumpet (or strumpet) I didn’t like. And no, Footy, keep “steamin” with Miles.
I met one in a brasserie just the other day. She looked like a Freak. :o)
Good one. I did not know that. Seems there are as many words for “lady of the night” as the eskimos have for snow.
Yup. In Italian:
bagascia, meretrice, passeggiatrice, prostituta, donna di malaffare, donnaccia, svergognata, sgualdrina, troia, vacca, zoccola, lucciola, donna di facili costumi, donna di strada, peripatetica, cortigiana, etera, putta, baldracca, battona, ragazza squillo, call-girl,mignotta, cagna, paripatetica.
Italians’ fantasy, ya know.
since we are on the subject what is the story of “pasta putanesca” ?
would customers really get a meal in addition to sating other appetite?
Maybe, but I think because that dish was (and is) easy and quick to prepare, and very…satisfying.
A late night caper, with capers.
Good one indeed.
i think this is what our friend was referencing..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Oeb8nhNJOU
Do you like gladiator movies?
tell your old man to drag walton and lanier up and down the court for 48 minutes
love that line!
PS – Steve, since we are bordering the subject, I believe you have mentioned Armenian heritage. I want to say that I am impressed by the Armenians as a strong, hard working, and successful people that have strong roots here in the Fresno area and in the San Joaquin Valley; a lot of farmers and business people. In the 2nd and 3rd grade, schoolmates and I went to after school “babysitting” in an Armenian household. We played pickle in front of the Changizian household. Mr. Changizian and his brother would play backgammon and smoke cigarettes.
I know that as a people, they have suffered and endured so much. It amazes me what people go through. It’s import to never forget and to find that resolve in ourselves so that we are prepared to endure whatever life brings.
Anyway, I digress, but was curious if you’ve ever heard of the heavy rock, Armenian group System of a Down?
one of these days i’ll stop being surprised by the breadth of your knowledge, and your experiences. yes i’m familiar with ‘system of down’, but really heavy medal isn’t my thing.
i’ve been playing backgammon since my grandfather taught me when i was about 7. he was a colorful character. he escaped the 1915 genocide by staying with a kind turkish family, then made his way, eventually, to the bronx. he had some great tales he would tell us. i sure wish i had taped some of them.
funny thing about that armenian genocide. when hitler’s people found out his plan for the jews, and asked him how he could get away with such an atrocity, his response was “nobody remembers the armenians”. of course the turks, and others say that genocide never happened. i’m going to believe my grandfather.
thanks for the kind words about my people, and their ancestors. they came over here, and worked hard, and just wanted a better life for their children. i bet there are a lot of syrians that just want the same thing…
That is the essence of America. Your people, our people.
As Caligula in I Claudius. And brilliant in Elephant Man.
I think that 10 Rillington Place was his best work. Chilling.
Thanks, I’ve never seen that.
I’m sure that you’ve seen those executive order signings on TV. There is one constant. There is a statue of Pence behind Donald. What’s weird is that I saw the statue move today.
haha…he does seem inanimate.
I think Pence’s cale supply may be in serious jeopardy if a Mexican trade war happens.
https://i.imgur.com/p7hbv0t.png
The worst damages will be done to the American consumers’ wallet. They will pay the Mexican import tax, and it’s not necessary to be Paul Krugman (Nobel Prize winner) to understand it. One naturally wonders who the ….are the POTUS’ economic advisors to think that kind of crap.
Walked by the ballpark tonight on the way to see a movie. Gosh I miss that place. Soon!!
Anyway, Duffman petting his Skeeter, as Mac watched (😇):
https://instagram.com/p/BPy1jUclaYp/
That cat is fatter than Pablo…..
A reason to follow the Rays for a while.
Did you know Longoria is a Long Beach State Dirtbag too?
We will get Matt back as a FA in five years.
no need as Arroyo hopefully will be entrenched at 3B.
SS for Crawford?
Nope, by most accounts most scouts see him filling out and best suited for 3B. Plus Crawford has a few good years left before the Giants can start thinking about who is next.
Because I do like hearing and documenting what you all think …
My25ManGuys™ 2017
Pick who will be on the 25-Man roster at season’s open.
Here are the obvious “Core 18”:
Starters: Posey, Belt, Panik, Crawford, Nunez, Pence, Span
Bench: Hundley, Conor
Starting Pitchers: Bum, Cueto, Moore, Samardzija
Bullpen: Melancon, Kontos, Smith, Law, Strickland
Post the seven others you think will make it here in response to any HaakAway post.
To save time do not list all 25 unless you think one of these 18 will not make the 25-Man.
”25-25″Deadline™
By request here from some: You get two shots…
February 25 is the deadline for your first picks … Spring Training is wide open then.
March 25 is the deadline for your final picks … Spring Training is about to end then.
*Questions? Write me at: My SF Giant Guy at g Mel d Ott com
Starters: Posey, Belt, Panik, Crawford, Nunez, Pence, Span, Parker
Bench: Hundley, Conor, Tomlinson, Williamson, Hernandez
Starting Pitchers: Bum, Cueto, Moore, Samardzija, Blach
Bullpen: Melancon, Kontos, Smith, Law, Strickland, Cain, Osich
Thnx … You are in.
It’s funny how a couple of key playoff hits can elevate a guy to first name recognition; Kobe, Michael, Buster, LeBron, Conor….
I hope you reconsider writing on this blog.
People get rude but we need you for diversity as much as anyone.
That said, you have put up with a lot in life so if you would rather not get grief here then I understand.
I find myself unable to commit this early–and I think that’s a good thing. I remember last spring training, about the only question was maybe one bench spot and one bullpen spot. Everyone else was locked in. This year, there’s a bit more intrigue and more competition. Said it before, but I think that’s good for a team and precludes complacency.
The Giants could still sign a lefty reliever or a free-agent outfielder–or trade for someone. That would scramble things up a bit–so I’ll wait until closer to Feb. 25.
Fair enough.
I’m going with Ty Blach over Cain for the February 25 deadline. This is what I think will happen, and what I want to happen. That’s all for now.
That apple is all seeds.
“Granny Smith”? I am missing something I think.
A critic got my attention one time when he commented negatively about The Dukes of Hazzard. Critics hated that show along with The Beverly Hillbillies. I don’t think I watched a single episode of Dukes but I don’t think I ever missed an episode of the hillbillies until they went into color. I enjoyed that show.
Years ago, when I was in a play, a comedy that wasn’t very funny, I got into a dispute with the director in front of the cast when I opined that writers should study The Beverly Hillbillies to learn how to write a play.
That show had a lot going for it: Instantly recognizable characters. We knew them all from the popular cartoon, Li’l Abner. A ‘fish out of water’ theme. Always good. A poor, simple man comes into vast wealth. An audience favorite.
A great bonus was Max Bear’s portrayal of Jethroe Bodine. One of the best comic acting jobs of all time.
The director took the snobbish position that there was nothing good in the hillibies. He never forgave me for disagreeing with him (in front of the cast). As revenge, he took away one of my lines and gave it to a lesser character! What an evil, evil man.
I swear I had nothing to do with any accidents that may have befallen him in later life. I was elsewhere.
That’s pretty fkn’ funny, Walt.
I thought BH was hilarious. Gilligan’s Island with ‘seement’.
Haak, we dig thinking about this, here’s my first draft for My25ManGuys™ 2017
Starters: Posey, Belt, Panik, Crawford, Nunez, Pence, Span
Add Mac Williamson as an every day OF
Bench: Hundley, Conor
Hundley does prove better than Trevor Brown in camp,
Gillaspie is released but slips through waivers to the River Cats
but he’ll on the big league team off and on during the season,
Add Tomlinson, Hwang, Gorkys Hernandez, Ruggiano (Parker released),
Morse and Rollins retire, Federowicz snapped up by somebody’s waiver claim
Starting Pitchers: Bum, Cueto, Moore, Samardzija
Matt Cain, #18, my favorite Horse, to have a fantastic season, with a 2-hitter
I am a little afraid that Samardzija will falter bringing Blach up before season end.
Timmy and Vogey each pitch one final inning at Willie Mays Field this year.
Bullpen: Melancon, Kontos, Smith, Law, Strickland
Let’s add Okert for a second lefty,
but it means Gearrin could be released (gulp)
Finally, Pence plays only 130 games, and Crawford only 140 games,
to keep these guys fresh. It is great to have a 5-player bench!
I agree with this premonition and feel Gearrin will find a way to stick. Not sure about Ruggiano due to ignorance. I’m with you on the rest. Now, the hard part.
The interesting stuff is Hwang vs. Gillaspie, and Parker vs. Ruggiano. I picked the latter just because I can’t seem to believe in Parker.
Competition is good. The release of Adrianza seems to insure Tomlinson is the backup middle IF, no?
I agree that Gearrin needs to stay. Maybe there will be creative optioning and DL-ing stuff.
I’m happy someone else has faith in Cain. I thought he’d do it last year, but now I see he needed another year to truly come back. I’m OK with your Parker/Gillaspie forecast and the Okert addition to the pen. The Marge – Black move I don’t see quite. I’m on board with Black’s potential (I’ve picked him before), but would like to see just one season he isn’t hurt.
I can understand the team wanting desperately to get some value out of Cain for a few seasons but I believe we are talking four full seasons of a washed up looking pitcher. The odds of him suddenly finding the fountain of youth seem awfully remote, to the point of “why bother?” The team gave a mistake contract, the money is sunk, Cain is sadly no longer an MLB caliber pitcher. The team needs to do what is best for the team and running Cain out there for a dozen starts seems like a waste of time. Every game counts.
I contend that Cain has been hurt these last few years and is now healthy. He has compensated for so long that, even though I thought he’d come back last year, he’s had to learn to throw with a healthy arm, which he hasn’t had in years.
I hope you are right, we know he’s going to get the shot.
Besides, he’s the best Player’s Rep this team has had in a long, long time.
Well, that’s what we thought/hoped about Tim Lincecum last year, so…
It wasn’t my assessment of Timmy, I thought he should have been relieving. Still do.
Hope, hope, Bap.
Hey PS35. How goes it? How’s that injured arm treating you?
Are you coming to Fig Garden Fresno for business this spring?
If you do, we should meet up at a batting cage next to a park where guys are often practicing cricket. It’s on Sunnyside, just south of Herndon on the west side. That’s about 15 minutes across town drive from the congested Fig Garden area. Take care of that wing.
Hi Ryan, yep, I’m supposed to go down there to our store, mostly a social call just to see it, just not sure when that will be. I’ll let you know for sure when i make it down there. The store is doing well from what I understand. What kind of boots do you wear around the ranch? I can get you hooked up with some good ones when you are in the market for a new pair.
That biceps tendon tear is not an issue, been healed for months. Just looks funny and will never be strong again. More concerned about the tendinitis in my throwing elbow. It’s not from throwing, it’s all the ping pong I play with the guys after work. It’s killing my elbow but I can’t stop playing, just way too much fun. I decided to take this week off to let it subside, lasted two days before I was back at it. It’s freaking addicting, I had not really played since I was a teenager and forgot what a blast a good game of doubles is.
Just got work boots for Xmas. But looking for trail running shoes.
Can’t help with those. What’s your work boot choice?
IMHO, Hi-Tech make the best trail boots/shoes I’ve found. I’ve purty much tried them all.
Hit the trail with your carbine in hand. No one will question your shoe attire.
Whoa. But you know, have to entertain all possibilities in this world. Worry ain’t preparation.
Do you pronate or supinate?
We had a tournament at work a few years ago and still have a table, but no place to set it up except the lunch room.
I lost in the finals 19-21, 22-20, 16-21
Close, but no cigar, ‘eh? We had one too last year, I had just started playing again, not good, lost all my matches. I’m tough to beat now, playing really well, just need to force myself to take a break and let the pain subside.
It was a battle, great fun! None of us had played in years, either, but it doesn’t take too long to remember how to play at a reasonable level. We had one guy who who go back to his office and shut the door for the rest of the day when we beat him. He even skipped out of a company paid River Cats game to practice at some ping pong club once on a day when I beat him really bad. What a clown!
Very interested in Hwang’s arrival! Which I don’t imagine being right away. Lefty and the Sacramento contingent should have first dibs on scouting his game.
I thought Lefty is the Sacramento contingent.
Federowicz is on a minor-league deal and not on the 40, so I don’t think he’d have to go on waivers if he doesn’t make the team. They can just send him to the minors. He may, though, have an opt-out if he doesn’t make the big league roster by a certain date(s). I believe Ruggiano and Rollins do, too.
That would be great, two good C’s at AAA as well as in the MLB. I know Footy and Clutch like Rollins, but I just can’t see him on the roster.
I can’t either. The Rollins thing is wishful thinking.
Watch, Bruce will find a way of pissing off a lot of people with his vet-aid. Be ready for an old guy to screw up a position for a younger guy.
Yo, Bap. See above.
I’ve always luved Jimmy Rollins, but that was seasons ago. The thought of him supplanting Kelby on the 25-roster makes me throw up.
Brisbee too: http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2017/1/25/14390664/sf-giants-bench-nick-hundley-jae-gyun-hwang
“Who’s hosed in this? Kelby Tomlinson, of course, who is more than qualified for a bench job. That’s the curse of options, apparently.”
One thing to remember is that Kelby is on the 40-man roster and Rollins is not. They’d have to be pretty impressed with Rollins to let someone else go. I’ll believe it when I see it.
No one is saying that Rollins is going to supplant Kelby on the 25 man roster. That’s in you head.
There is need for both for various reasons.
I hope it goes one of two ways for Cain:
1. He dazzles in spring training, nails down the fifth rotation spot, and has a great year.
2. He’s abysmal in spring training and is DFA’d. (Or, I suppose, they could play the “he’s injured” card to keep him around in the minors for awhile.)
What I’m afraid of: He’s the same inconsistent and ineffective guy he’s been for the last four years and they keep him around because they don’t have the cojones to cut a guy who predates Bochy. That would (a) take a rotation spot from someone more deserving or (b) take a bullpen spot from someone more deserving and/or (c) lead to an unnecessary eight-man bullpen and a short bench so that Cain can have a spot he doesn’t deserve.
As for #2, that’s not as mean-spirited as it sounds. Cain has all the money he’ll ever need, three World Series rings, and the only perfect game in franchise history. He doesn’t need to be on the team to have great memories and a great life. Same deal as with Tim Lincecum, except that the Giants would have to actually cut Cain, which is obviously messier.
Yup. The Giants are no doubt tired of wishy-washy Cain, the roster spot, and aware there’s now only one year on the contract to eat. So I can see #2, but am hoping for “Peyton’s Last Superbowl” for Matt’s last year. Spring training optimism!
I wish I felt the same. I just think Ty Blach is a great kid and he’s earned the chance at a big league rotation spot after two full seasons in AAA. And I’m tired of wishin’ and hopin’ about Cain. I’m just ready to be done with it, just like with Sanchez and Peavy and the Core Four guys. Nostalgia can get stale.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=017RjEW_d3Q
Rully. Fk that sheet. (Sorry to be vulgar.)
I don’t believe #2 is going to happen. After all, they didn’t do it with Lincecum, Hudson or Peavy. Hard to envision them not affording Cain the same respect.
Yup – nope.
Damn I hate to see Timmy in a Halos uni.
Right now he’s not in any uni. 🙁
hasn’t earned the right to be.
Thanks for the extra comments/explanation … let the discussion keep going.
1) Gillaspie would NEVER EVER be released, specially after his play th9is past post season, becuase he would NEVER EVER slip through waivers, good bat / decent glove guys are always in demand.
2) MAC may start season as the everyday LF, but mark down that there ill be a new LF on the roster by the end of the season.
3) Lincecum will NEVER pitch another inning for the Giants.
4) The Giants starting staff goes 5 deep not 4, this is not the late 90’s.
5) The Giants will be lucky to get 130 innings out of Pence, who is already on the downward slide of his career.
I’m OK with No. 2, except I have high hopes for Mac. But if the new LF is Cutch, I’m in.
http://100pages.me/media/227/john-hurt-in-1984.jpg
Loved that dude.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPfFhfSuUZ4
That’s funny; that’s what I called my ex-gf.
Pitchers and catchers report in 16 days. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/289f6520627c828a353cd76ca97c76444970d810df62b466e10bddf7982d3063.jpg
Awwww…Angel Baby
I think with many Mama Bears it was the Gluteus Maximus effect
I thought it was the flowing locks. He sure had plenty of time to lather, rinse and repeat while on the DL.
Could’ve been worse. I could’ve inserted Beltran. Um, not!
But Beltran will be in the HOF …
Not as a Giant, that’s for sure.
5/7 of his past/current teams helped him get there
So what Clutch.
Screw Beltran.
No, he wore 15! Took Bochy’s number, and Bochy wore 16 for the couple of months they had Beltran.
That WAS crummy. At least Franny asked Rags politely for 19 as did Scoots because 33 was available. Now a days the only coaches who had no problem switching numbers were guys like Flan – Wotus and several times Joe Lefebvre. Now a days I don’t see Bochy-Bam-Rags giving theirs up again…
That’s right he did.
Hmm…I dunno if anyone’s started a list of despised former/current Giants based on their attitude and/or not playing worth their contract. Pagan, Beltre and Pierzynski are on the top of my list. =D
Jim Ray Hart
YEA! RIP.
Al is very much alive
His reference made to Jim Ray Hart
I was referring to JIMMIE
Dirty Al Gallagher
…and UCSB
Close U of Santa Clara
What i did not realize is that he attended ASU first.
It had to happen, that is the names of the MiLB teams he skippered:
Bend Bandits
Kansas City T-Bones
St. Joseph Blacksnakes
Really? Thought he was a Gaucho through and through
Confused him with Chris Speier
Dirty Al ! ! And best Giants nickname since Richard “Rowdy Dick” Bartel.
That’s Alan Mitchell Edward George Patrick Henry Gallagher to you, mister!
Please no Pagan.
Washington Post Guys are busy http://tinyurl.com/hd44fx2
From Jan 6th https://d1baseball.com/draft/mlb-draft-study-1996-2011/
So, although late by 33 years, 1984 is right and unfortunately here. Science is under attack. The dark forces of anti-intellectualism have taken power, and one by one, various federal research agencies are being silenced, banned from discussing their research online in any capacity. Although their Twitter accounts are still active, references to climate change and environmentalism have been purged. Science censored by an ignorant sob. Twitter accounts blocked, no press conferences any longer, reports checked by the central administration before release, cuts to funds for vital enviroment research projects, scientist ridiculed and mocked. Quosque tandem, Donald, abutere patientia sapientorum? America, America, you gave birth to the monster that will devour you. Sic transit gloria mundi.
Gino, Have some nice wine and check back when ST starts. The Struggle begins.
Bapah — It’s a wonderful truth in our TWG clan: Nice wine and ST is a salve to be savored.
Alvise — Is it possible to interpret that all Trump is possibly fleeting? J’espere, mais .sans aucun doute
Stick around if you can. You are valued here.
You better stick around, Alvise.
We need you. paulo
EPA science under scrutiny by Trump Political Staff. A politic scrutinizes a scientist? Are we back to the Galileo trial?
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/01/25/us/politics/ap-us-trump-agencies-crackdown.html?_r=0
I can remember the McCarthy hearings. Same-o same-o.
Bapah — Please reassure me McCarthy-ism has not returned. Calm me by saying the Giants have just traded for Cutch from the Pirates. Let me know that I can still travel on my American passport plus my Titre Secours from France. Tell me my grandfather (Jean Baptiste) has not rolled over in his socialist’s grave. Tell me we invited Big Time Timmy Jim to spring training. Tell me something in this most trying time (with the 1st Amendment flying out the window) that will make me smile. Thanks in advance.
Altoids?
??? I don’t understand. Altoids are a breath mint, right? Help me out please.
They’ll also calm your stomach for what is coming.
Thanks. I’ll order up a truck load.
I’ve decided to just observe for a little while and see how things develop. It’s too soon to have a course of action against only the fear of what MAY happen. I have always planned things. One thing I’ve learned is to always have sufficient information so plans are executable and with the likelihood of anticipated results.
It’s just too soon still.
I admire your resolve. I will do my best to sprinkle some of it on my scorn. However, keep in mind, too soon could also be too late. Much like getting a big time left fielder.
Sorry to break it to you, but McCarthyism never really left. It found a rock, crawled under and took a nap. Then the tea party shook it awake.
Nixon and Ronnie pushed those buttons too – only they called them (us) hippies.
Scopes Trial. And I don’t mean the halitosis studies.
The Trump Administration is busy trying not to fall off the edge of the Earth.
Excellent analogy.
SF Giants Spring Training 1967 Casa Grande
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9f6153e6fd5171c953209fb82db82f6135391555642ea035af0c208d852c777c.jpg
May 1975 Bobby Murcer cannot adjust to the Stick
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2e9ad7017ecda90a219c3c09b89e17834228af4845359ffb22645c96ab2a042d.jpg
Good thing the Willies didn’t look at it that way. They (apparently) were too busy thinking about their hitting.
One Willie did in 1975-76 I was there when Willie Montanez argued a strike three in the bottom of the first inning on a frigid evening. Montanez must have come out for Pregame and thought what H E L L – am I doing playing tonight. The pitch was right down the V-jay-Jay and yet he argued and went back into the locker room.
That guy was an artist at 1B.
I grew up maybe 300 yards from Candlestick. We didn’t notice the cold much as kids. Later I took a date to the park an a warm afternoon. She looked at me kind of odd when I got 2 blankets out of the car. She soon understood.
What a dump that was.
As stated by others here before
http://www.sportsmedia101.com/sanfranciscogiants/2017/01/27/report-san-francisco-giants-%E2%80%9Caggressively-pursuing%E2%80%9D-a-left-handed-relief-pitcher/
This is from an album I have enjoyed for many years. It is the magnificent opening number of the 1938 Benny Goodman Carnegie Hall Concert. At 6:00 Ziggy Elman starts triple tonguing his trumpet and later in the concert he performs Bei Mir Bistu Shein, based on traditional Yiddish music. That’s been a favorite of mine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NigiwMtWE0
i love this stuff..
OK, picking up on some earlier comments:
Starting Pitchers: Bum, Cueto, Moore, Samardzija, Blach
Starting LU- Posey, Belt, Panik, Crawford, Nunez, Pence, Span, Mac
Bench-Hundley, KT, CG, Gorkys
Pen- Suarez, Melancon, Kontos, Smith, Law, Strickland, Osich, Okert
In the mix- Stratton, Gearrin,Gregorio, Parker, Ruggiano, Morse, Blanks
Yep, 13 pitchers, no Cain, KT is super utility, most likely to challenge for a spot- Gearrin, Stratton, Parker
You are too thin in the OF, Mr. Scott.
KT is the 5th OFer. What would you do? With 13 pitchers it’s either just 1 reserve OFer or 1 reserve infielder.
ummm….carry only 12 pitchers? Brandon Belt might make a better reserve OF than KT, who should play behind Panik and Crawford a couple of times a week. It would be super if KT can turn out to play the OF decently. Spring training should be a lot more interesting this year than last.
I’m just thinking that Bochy will go with 13 pitchers. If he went with 12, I’d add Parker, and either Suarez or Okert would have to go.
I like Okert more than Osich.
In the Sacto game with Bleacher Bob, Lefty, Brownie and Allen and Appalled and Mr Dr Lefty, we saw Osich come in with the bases loaded and no outs and proceed to strike out 3 straight hitters. That’s gonna stick with me for awhile.
The Giants have a rotation full of innings-eaters and a proven closer. They do not need 8 guys in the bullpen. They DO need as much offense as they can muster. If they go with a four-man bench, the only reason is to preserve veteran egos, at the expense of putting the best team on the field.
Depends on how deep the rotation goes per game.
Good show, Pal.
Maybe it’s been noted already but what do those 7 countries that Trump has singled out have in common, other than geography?
There have been no fatal terrorist attacks( in the U.S.) by immigrants From The 7 banned Muslim countries since and including 9-11 .
You watch Rachel Maddow
It started with her but now it’s being widely reported by other sources.
Makes you wonder if Egypt and Saudi Arabia have ordered new luxury hotels. Good thing no terrorist come from there.
Just heard that a emergency stay has been granted for an Iraqi refugee trying to enter the U.S. Wonder how that judge will fare in the New Trumpistan…
People with courage and principles are important, and those who believe in the rule of law.
A Federal Judge stayed Trump’s order tonight, BTW.
The order might still be in place for the future, from what I heard. But for now nobody can be detained here or returned to their country.
https://twitter.com/acluohio/status/825526828383268864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Good reason to start giving the ACLU a boat load of $$$$. They will be needed.
Metallic Hydrogen. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/26/science/solid-metallic-hydrogen-harvard-physicists.html
An investigation of Baylor University football was sickening. http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheats/2017/01/28/lawsuit-52-rapes-in-4-years-at-baylor.html?via=desktop&source=copyurl
I’ll give it a go:
Starting Pitchers: Bum, Cueto, Moore, Samardzija, Cain
Lineup: Posey, Belt, Panik, Crawford, Nunez, Pence, Span, Mac
Bench: Hundley, KT, CG, Gorkys, Rollins
BP: Suarez, Melancon, Kontos, Smith, Law, Strickland, Osich
On the fence: Gearrin, Parker, Ruggiano, Morse, Okert, Blach
I think this being the Giants, they do everything they can to have Cain start the season. The question will be how soon, unlike last year, will they pull the plug if things go south. Blach slide right in in that case.
Thanks E … I have your choices in the mix now.
I think they have too many decent pitchers around to mess around with Cain any more. Black and Gearin both belong in the majors. I’m sure you are right though, he’Lloyd be in the rotation to start and I hope you are also right that it’ll be a seven man pen and five man bench. You are out of balance though with three back up infielders and only one back up outfielder. You think they’ll be running Kelby out in the outfield this season?
I think it will be Nunez. But only to start the season. I know it’s not ideal, and yes the bench sways INF and the pen righty, but I think they make those alterations as the season progresses.
If Parker has a nice Spring, I would put then place him on the 25 and have Rollins ready in Santo in case of injuries.
Well Greek Giant, did you mean that political comments were no longer allowed, or did you mean that only political comments that don’t go along with the prevailing view were no longer allowed?
Hello. It’s been a little while. How are you? What do you think? It is what it is.
I’d be delighted to be the first to be banned if our moderator would like to do so.
You just don’t do faux righteous well. Ready for the season.
Uh-Oh- some prankster told Donald that Obama was said to be, uh, rather well endowed… here we go again..
I’m fine with the political and alarmed as anyone at what is going on but Greek Giant did say he’ll shut this down. That would be a shame.
you’ll be ok I imagine, your’e a big boy
Feeling alarmed isn’t a political response, imo. I hope to God that there are people who voted for him or who did not vote are alarmed and on alert. Is this like a reactor heading towards meltdown? Will it cool down or escalate?
I’m pretty busy with political stuff outside of the blog.
What’s the feedback there?
Me too, I’m running for Tin Pot dictator of MLB.
Based on what causes the most arguments- baseball or politics, maybe we should stick to politics. Let’s try it:
I say that Span is the cat’s meow and Casilla was just betrayed by erratic wind currents and shoddy infield defense. Go ahead, pecker-heads, prove me wrong..
Let’s get to opening day. I’m not quite ready for life without baseball ⚾
There would be no shame on the commenters.
There’s no need to shut this blog down. Everyone is maintaining civility in a time of great stress.
I’ll take 43 points in three quarters over running up meaningless triple-doubles.
what a performance, huh?
It’s pretty crazy when the guy swishes it from half court and you’re not really that surprised. But it sure is fun – every single time, even when he misses the buzzer.
how cool is it that we’re seeing the best shooter ever? and that’s not hyperbole. man it’s fun when he goes off, like last night..
It’s incredible. I was more surprised that he didn’t make the shot at the end of the third than I was that he made the half-counter at the end of the half. Felt bad for the Clippers; talk about being over matched.
One problem, Steph is more likely to hit it from 40 feet than Pechulia is to make it around the basket. Can he not dunk?
zaza is like varejao. zero ability around the hoop. i’d like to see mcgee get the important minutes. at least he can finish..
I was not on #TeamZaza the first month or so of the season, but he’s gotten a lot better as he’s more comfortable with the offense. He’s no big rim protector like Bogut or Ezeli were, but he passes well and screens pretty well (also like Bogut). Durant has picked up a lot of the rim protector slack, and the overall effect is still a good one. Zaza can score a bit and at least can hit his free throws.
McGee is fun as an off-the-bench energizer, sort of like Speights used to be (different games, of course, but the jolt of energy JaVale brings is reminiscent).
No Elevation Sensation from ZAZA for sure.
No. Jumping for Zaza–not so much.
Are there any baseball players covered by the immigration ban? Does this mean that Iran is out of the WBC?
if this an attempt at humor, if so it’s pretty f’in lame.
Agreed
It’s reported that Iranian director Asghar Farhadi- an Oscar nominated director, won’t be allowed to enter the U.S. to attend the Feb. 26 ceremony ( if the ban is upheld) He’s nominated for best foreign language film.
There are a couple of NBA players from banned countries. I read it may be a problem when their teams play in Toronto.
I am so proud of the volunteer lawyers who showed up at the airports to represent these people. It’s an illustration of why when Shakespeare’s character Dick the Butcher in Henry V is trying to take over the county he recognized the primary forces to stop it were attorneys and that to succeed “the first ting we have to do is kill all the lawyers.” Now we see why. Shakespeare meant it as a compliment, not as commonly misued.
🙁
I wouldn’t be an American citizen if my parents hadn’t migrated here from Iran 25 years ago. It has been an extremely emotional day that cuts deep. It’s hard to joke about such things when it personally affects you and your relatives, wondering when you’ll be able to see them again.
I need the distraction of baseball now more than ever.
One of the first, and finest, civilizations on earth. No people are more hospitable than the Persians.
Yu Darvish’s father:
http://www.lonestarball.com/2017/1/28/14426300/yu-darvishs-father-banned-from-united-states
OK That does it. Now this crap is affecting BASEBALL!
The Yam has gone too far this time.
I’m a victim of over-blogitis, see you guys in a little while. Sleep well. If you plan to enter my house, bring dessert.
Here’s my political history, if anyone is interested:
I was raised as a wide eyed liberal in San Francisco. I registered as a Republican so I could vote twice (primary and main election) against the three ‘N’s, being Nixon, Knowland and Knight.
It was years later that my conversion began. I saw that, for liberals, being politically correct was more important than truth or logic or common sense. That began my turn to the right.
Then Rush Limbaugh ‘expelled’ me from the Republican party years ago for saying (chuckle) drug use shouldn’t be a felony. Shortly after this, his drug use was exposed (Ahh… Let me bathe in the irony. ..Ahh). The right wing, I discovered, despises moderates more than they despise liberals.
The Libertarian party is no place to go. They have been taken over by anarchists. Monte Python would call them ‘The Silly Party.’
Most third parties do more harm than good. They usually help to elect the wrong side.
I predict, the right will become more and more arrogant. They will try to foist their “morals” on us. The repressions have already begun. The public will tire of that and vote them out.
Before that can happen the left needs to find some adults to lead them. I see none on the horizon.
Last year when it became obvious that we were going to end up with two lousy candidates I was hopeful for more third party involvement, mainly so that policy could actually have a role in the discourse rather than the media focus on the drama (trump’s wall, Clinton’s emails, etc.). Of course the MSM would have none of that and it didn’t help that the Libertarian candidate was not strong and could never gain any traction. I think we do need a strong third party, how about the Reasonable Moderates Who Used to be Republicans or Democrats party? I guess that’s too long of a name but you get my drift.
I predict a long run of over-reaction. For example we’ve been too lax on immigration for quite a while, now we’ll go to the other extreme (turning around travelers who were already on planes, really?) and then back the other way in due time. Not gonna be pretty for sure.
Stay independent my friend
Both me and GG think this site is better as a baseball blog. Granted these are traumatic times, but we should save our disagreements on GG’s site for who’s the 5th starting pitcher. Besides, a wise man said “If you’re tired of arguing with strangers on the Internet, try talking with one of them in real life.”
I was quiet here yesterday, posted one baseball comment and stayed away. I cannot even begin to describe how upset I was all day yesterday until the courts intervened. What happened with Mexico this week hit our family hard. What happened yesterday hit our home hard. We have an international family and several of us are naturalized citizens who for years (because the vetting takes years) were permanent legal residents (with green cards) in the process of becoming a naturalized citizen. We traveled across borders and continents with student visas and as permanent legal residents. When we travel together, most people don’t realize we’re all in the same family we look so different. We speak different languages too, although we all speak English. My grandson is bilingual and is learning a third language in Kindergarten. It was horrifying watching what was happening yesterday to families and children and students and elderly travelers with health conditions and permanent legal residents and Iraqi and Afghan interpreters who risked their lives for years.
Stick around regardless. The real world can’t be left out of our discussions. This blog has never been about baseball exclusively.
We’ve been told not to bring the real world in to TWG. What’s happening affects all of us, ordinary people and even professional sports. The NBA has contacted the State Department and the White House for clarification on the immigration ban. Andrew Baggarly has been getting a lot of pushback on his Twitter account for not sticking to sports. I liked his response yesterday:
Andrew Baggarly 9hr ago:
“I’ll stick to sports when this administration sticks to the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and basic standards of decency.”
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
Who is Ezra Lazarus?
Emma
I’m Pound foolish in this instance.
Emma Lazarus (November 2, 1883)
Hank is having an equally difficult time sticking to sports.
Personally, I’m having a very hard time rosterbating or coming with fake trades.
Thank you for sharing what you are going through and what you feel. This is like unfiltered media. I’m glad you guys are here. I find inspiration, wisdom, and courage.
I’m having a hard time, period. It’s hard not to be afraid, not so much for me personally, but for everyone else and the planet.
It’s time to channel our fears into preparation and being constructive. What is most important? For some it’s keeping their head down and continuing their work in a professional manner. Others it is organizing. Others it is prepping for very hard times ahead.
http://www.newyorker.com/news/john-cassidy/a-welcome-setback-for-donald-trump?mbid=nl_013017%20Cassidy%20Post%20Newsletter%20(1)&CNDID=24483680&spMailingID=10330077&spUserID=MTMzMTgyNTI5OTI5S0&spJobID=1082485417&spReportId=MTA4MjQ4NTQxNwS2
And he shouldn’t just stick to sport. His very profession is built around the freedom of speech and ability to denounce what he sees as wrong.
Any fillers he has on twitter or his blog can simply slither away if they don’t like what he writes.
Same thing with TWG. If people here are so easily offended then don’t come back. As simple as listening to a radio station and they don’t like the music – turn it off.
Amen. If deeg leaves I’ll be heartbroken.
I know, it’s just awful. Hang in there, always standing up for what’s right.
What’s the answer though Deej? Trump is extreme of course but you can’t have an immigration policy that is basically whoever manages to get here or overstay a visa gets to stay. The answer lies somewhere in the middle but the idiot politicians can’t get anything right, they can’t compromise on anything to make things better. A good start would be Dems compromise on birthright citizenship and end the insane abuse of that and Repubs compromise on Dreamers and legalize those young folks who are Americans in every respect except for documentation. There, progress is made everybody gets and gives up something and some momentum is built do make the system right.
I’m hopeful that there will be a bipartisan bill to protect the Dreamers. Lindsey Graham has talked about this.
Senator Jeff Flake, R-AZ said in a sensible and reasonable statement: “The administration is right to be concerned about national security, but it’s unacceptable when even legal permanent residents are being detained or turned away at airports and ports of entry.”
He added: “Enhancing long term national security requires that we have a cleareyed view of radical Islamic terrorism without ascribing radical Islamic terrorist views to all Muslims.”
dgg, I’m sorry for the additional stress your family is experiencing. Other than my brother-in-law being a naturalized U.S. citizen (dual-citizenship in Sweden), we don’t have that kind of issue in my family, but I was plenty upset, too. Both of my young-adult daughters went to the protest at SFO yesterday. I’m proud of them, but as a mom I get worried sick until I get a text that they’re safe. One of them was tear-gassed by police in Oakland the night after the election (in a big crowd).
You must have an amazing family dgg.
I’m waiting for you in Venice, since I will never get on an airplane.
Touché, Amico.
You’re probably right but baseball is on hiatus, the blog is so boring and so much else is going on that is interesting and important. Bottom line is that it’s GG’s forum but it is nice to be able to communicate issues with a smaller group of people who have gotten to know one another a bit over the years.
Good morning PS. Off topic:
yesterday you asked about boots. My wife got some Ariat boots for me on line for xma. Model LR4 or something. Probably 80-100 $. Similar to the Wolverine boots I had before but without the steel toe to cramp my style.
Steel toes can be useful when dropping a 12-foot 2×12.
Shame on me yesterday. While the world was going to hell in a handbasket yesterday, I was buying some trail running shoes at Big 5 among other errands. I needed a pair of shoes that didn’t smell like shoes and make my socks smell the same. Hope this isn’t to offensive of a personal story. I did save about 50 bucks off the pair I was going to get online but were out of stock.
We all have to take care of ourselves, and shoes and boots are essential where I live.
I like to run around to the ranch to take stock of potential problems. Yesteday I noticed that our bull had been pushing against a fence in effort to investigate the new brahma steer neighbors.
no talking about politics, but we can read about your smelly feet?
It’s all right, as long as we just read and not smell.
I could talk about slippers. The goal is that your slippers never stink, or stay fresh for as long as possible. But this recent pair has been a battle.
One of our cats has a slipper fascination. For years he’s been carrying around my wife’s old slippers, moving them around the house, everyday though I’ve only seen him do it a few times. The wife got new ones, imagine that, she didn’t want to wear slippers that are in a cat’s mouth everyday.
That’s a funny cat. Grateful for pets and all their crazy quirks.
slippers?? does your wife also bring you your pipe, and the paper as you ease into your lazy boy, ward cleaver?
even better than a pipe – she rolls fat doobies 🙂
she’s a keeper bro, but you already nu that..
How do you like them? Hopefully a lot, that’s my company as you probably figured out from our new store in Fig Gardens. She must have gotten them off some bootleg site or something, we don’t sell WB’s for that low. I like our Workhog model, my pull on style that I wear out in the ditch is probably $199 retail and my lace ups that I wear around the office are a bit less than that. Mrs. SFB is a good shopper.
I actually have no idea what she spent. But she’s a very smart shopper for sure. I like them, the EE may be a touch too wide, but so far so good, I can always put on thicker socks.
I forgot to tell you; I became a free agent and signed with a new team. Hitting the big five five this year so I decided to move on up to the older division. Still good enough to compete well in the 45’s and I like my team but the 55’s play on Saturdays and the really works out better for me than playing on Sundays so I’m no longer an Athletic…I’m a Giant!
you always were, and always will be a giant in our eyes, PS
Thanks Steve, you’re too kind. The bummer – one hundred bucks for a new jersey, I guess I’m pitching in for Buster Posey’s pension with the MLB royalties on that purchase.
ouch – what kind of bat you using? How often do you spring for a new one?
When i get going outside today with mower and pruner and tiller and other fun stuff, I want to make sure to get some swings of the bat in. Get ready for the cages.
I’m pretty good with bats, only break about one per season. I had a great Brett Bros bat that lasted six seasons but they don’t make them anymore. I like the Maxx blem bats, maple, we get them for a good deal at a local store in the East Bay, they have a lot of pop in them though they tend to be a bit heavy. I’m fine with a regular old LS ash bat. My brother sent me a Vullo ash bat for Christmas so I’m going to try that one this season. Vullo is a garage outfit up on WA state, my brother (who also still plays) says they are good bats for the money. How about you, what are your favs?
Me??? I try to break bats 🙂 I bought a bat from the guy on the team that was repping Sandlot Sticks – a maple bat for about 55 bucks.
I’ll make a note of your comment.
So who is going to be the new whipping boy on the Giants team? The guy that gets the most attacks from members of this blog? Last year, Casilla became the brunt of most along with Cain and a little Span and Peavey.
My guess is if Cain is given the 5th starter roll and struggles, he becomes the focus of people to bash. Else it beccomes the Shark if he struggles.
Maybe Haak can start a new contest! MyWhippingBoy™. We could all predict who’s going to be the first one!
If he makes the team, Rollins will likely be a favorite target.
Back to baseball, since I for one can use the distraction. Here’s Nick Cafardo’s Sunday column:
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/redsox/2017/01/28/red-sox-runaway-east-not-fast/ImKMmhw271PH00Irq5PcOM/story.html
Question for the class: Cafardo mentions Allen Craig and Rusney Castillo being possibly buried in the minors no matter how well they play since their sizable salaries would affect the Red Sox luxury tax issues. I take it that’s because neither is currently on the 40-man roster. So if a team signs a guy to a big contract and he’s a bust so they DFA him off the roster and put him in the minors, that money doesn’t count towards the payroll tax? That seems like a bit of a loophole to me. (And if it is one, the Giants could use it with Cain, right?)
Didn’t the Dodgers move a pitcher from 25 to 40 man or the DL, without the usual time delay, before activating him in time for his next start? I guess a good front office reads the fine print in the rules and thinks about it. Scout may know how they count the AAV’s better than the rest of us.
“Nobody knows this better than Dave Dombrowski, who put together an elite staff in Detroit — Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Anibal Sanchez, Rick Porcello, and Doug Fister. While the Tigers had success and even reached the World Series, they didn’t win it all. So the Red Sox will face similar scrutiny.”
Woah, that’s a great (Detroit) rotation. NOBODY could beat that. Heh.
Dave forgot to build a bullpen when he was shopping with the Tigers’ checkbook. That’s why they kept losing in the postseason.
My dear fellows in the Orange & Black faith, I have only one thing to tell you: If America still has children like you, there is still hope for America and for the world. I am moved by your courage and determination to defend the most precious thing a human being can have: freedom.
This may be the wake up call that we and the planet has to go through. Complacency has taken root for too long. It’s going to be difficult and the world may never be the same. Hard to imagine a resolution where all sides amicably agree and we blissfully settle back into our roles.
Even with the political unpheavals, the planet is truly teetering:
https://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/comment.html?entrynum=3548
His candidacy should have been the wake up call
Everyone (including moi) thought it was a joke then. Not so funny now.
Your perspective is invaluable, Alvise. Keep it up.
Sir Mohamed Muktar Jama “Mo” Farah, CBE is a British distance runner] On the track, he mostly competes over 5000 metres and 10,000 metres, but has run competitively from 1500 metres to the marathon.
The most successful British track athlete in modern Olympic Games history, he is the 2012 and 2016 Olympic gold medallist in both the 5000 m and 10,000 m, and is the second athlete in modern Olympic Games history, after Lasse Virén, to successfully defend the 5000 m and 10,000 m titles.
THIS down below is his tweet https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ef127db828024f85ca1113c2382fbc9a673c9d528bb6e9408e8479c30513c17a.jpg
I reckon they’d ban Jim Thorpe if they could.
Pitchers and catchers report in 15 days!!!! https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/cf54228bfc049ca9d23ca2ca6bd33fb83d888043e1c49bb805f033085b427426.jpg
Where were you when Loma Prieta hit, where were you when Reagan got shot, where were you when Armstrong stepped foot on the moon, where were you when Mike Ivie hit that pinch hit grand slam off Don Sutton….
I thought you might enjoy a throwback!
I was at that game. It’s one of my earliest memories of being at the Stick. The funny thing is, though, that I HATED Mike Ivie as a kid cuz there were many times when KTVU would actually being televising a game and I would patiently wait for the starting lineup only to see Ivie in there instead of Willie Mac. Yes, Willie was old and a shell of himself but I wanted to see him play and hit just one more.
I’ll never forget it, was out in the field down at Burton Park (Brittain Park?) in San Carlos, the parents watching the summer league game went in to a commotion and one of the dads yells out “MIKE IVIE JUST HIT A GRAND SLAM!” Too bad they couldn’t hold on that year, 1978 if I remember correctly.
Great year, I loved Larry Herndon and Johnnie LeMaster!
I liked Herndon too but LeMaster was not my favorite. I know they traded my favorite player for Tim Foli but ultimately it was LeMaster who took over for Speier at SS and I never thought he was anywhere near as good. At least Chris lasted forever and came back to help the team a lot in the late 80’s.
“00” was the McGIDP of his day.
No pun intended, but Johnnie just represented those lean years. I guess I like him because he was an underdog.
Ken Henderson
Breaking news (La Repubblica- Italy, via CNN):
Control over contacts. Trump could go even further. As revealed by some sources to CNN, the director for the White House political affairs, Stephen Miller would be discussing with officials of the Department of Homeland Security to the possibility of requesting to foreign visitors what web sites and social media on which they are used to browse and share their contacts on the phone. If they refused, it could be denied to enter the United States. The same sources have indicated to CNN threads would still at an early stage.
I need a better translation.
The American way: do it yourself.
Controllo sui contatti. Trump potrebbe andare anche oltre. Secondo quanto rivelato da alcune fonti alla Cnn, il direttore per gli affari politici della Casa Bianca, Stephen Miller starebbe discutendo con i funzionari del dipartimento alla Sicurezza interna la possibilità di chiedere ai visitatori stranieri quali sono i siti web ed i social media sui quali sono soliti navigare e di condividere i loro contatti sul cellulare. In caso di un loro rifiuto, potrebbe essere negato loro di entrare negli Stati Uniti. Le stesse fonti hanno precisato alla Cnn le discussioni sarebbero ancora ad una fase iniziale.
I can’t do any better with the one’s I’ve looked at. We need to find the same story in English.
For sure. Cops already do that over here without a warrant. So what if it’s illegal.
Baseball is simply not a good tournament sport
“I mean seriously what the hell is going on? If you have time 2 march, protest and riot. Maybe it’s time for something called a job!”
Huff just lost my vote for the HOF. And a lot more.
https://twitter.com/jon_bois/status/825918069415563265
I heard that sheet in the 60’s. Before Aubrey was mistakenly conceived.
Brisbee’s at it again:
Picking the all-Giants team from the last 25 years
http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2017/1/30/14440674/sf-giants-all-time-team
“This was a harder exercise than I thought, but it was also a whole lot of fun. A bunch of MVPs and Cy Young finalists will do that. I could get behind a movement to make Johnny Cueto the obvious fifth starter, after all. I’ll let you get back to the decline and fall of western civilization, but hopefully this thought exercise will keep your brains from rusting while you’re in the gulag.”