by
GreekGiant
There are times when it seems destiny has plans of its for your favorite baseball team. In Wednesday night’s game, a 2-0 loss, the Giants could do nothing right. Every hard hit ball was caught. Every lead-off hitter was stranded, and every attempt to solve the Tyler Chatwood riddle was a failure. Last night, the Giants bounced back with a 7-2 victory set up largely on the sloppy defense of the Rockies’ infield and other forms of good fortune to win only their second home series of the second half. Yes that’s right, the Giants had only one home series win since the All Star Break!
A critical throwing error by Nolan Arenado on a Johnny Cueto bunt, a fielder’s choice decision by Gerardo Parra that failed to nab Brandon Crawford at third base and a some excellent situational hitting by Hunter Pence, Conor Gillaspie and Angel Pagan gave the Giants a 3- run sixth inning. The Giants added two insurance runs in the bottom of the 8th on a bases loaded walk and sacrifice fly by Buster Posey that scored pinch-hitter Jarret Parker.
Johnny Cueto: Guts and Glory
Johnny Cueto, while not sharp in the first inning where he allowed 3 hard hit balls and two runs, rebounded to take control of the game and silence the Rockies’ exceptional lineup of power hitters. Cueto appeared to be pitching on guile and guts more than stuff in the first three innings when he was shimmying around trouble. During the early innings our blog commenters were worried that his crab-bite groin pull was still affecting his ability to pitch effectively and command all his pitches. In the first inning, his first fastball was clocked at 90 mph. In the 5th he hit 94 mph with that same pitch. Johnny Cueto is one of those pitchers who finds his rhythm as the game progresses. If you don’t knock him out early, he usually pitches effectively. His stamina and his arm are worthy of paeans and platitudes. His heart and soul might just be worthy of the Willie Mac Award.
The good news: it appeared that Cueto was also free of the damage from his injury when he sprinted down the line after a perfect bunt in the fateful bottom of the 6th. The bottom line: Johnny Cueto was magnificent again, going 7 innings, allowing only 2 runs, on 9 hits and 11 strikeouts. That makes three starts in a row the Giants pitchers (Moore, Samardzija and Cueto) have thrown exactly 11 strikeouts! This is dominant stuff to be sure.
Small Ball and the Giants
Last night’s game hinged on two bunts, a sacrifice fly and poor infield defense. It is no secret the Giants are having a historically weak second half. While the bullpen has been an epic catastrophe, the offense has been worse. The Giants are last in runs scored, last in slugging and second to last in home runs since the All Star break. Bruce Bochy is a lover of the long ball, to be sure. He is averse to bunting and running. He is, as I have written before, an interesting amalgam of American League hitting philosopher and National League Bullpen Whisperer. He plays for big innings and lets his hitters hit, rarely putting runners in motion or forcing the issue to put pressure on opposing defenses and spritz a little of that Eau de Kansas City from time-to-time.
Last night was different. Whether by necessity or design, the Giants forced the issue in the 6th. A combination of aggressive base-running, excellent bunting and good situational hitting created runs and errors that lead to runs. There is a lesson to be learned here going forward. The Giants are not a power-hitting team. Nor are they a high-average team that can be counted on to string together 4 or 5 hits an inning to put up crooked numbers every game. For the Giants to succeed offensively they will need well-timed singles and doubles as well as flawless situational hitting. They will need to be aggressive and pressure opposing infielders and outfielders. They will also need their big bats to deliver key hits the way Buster Posey and Hunter Pence did last night.
The Wild Card Will Go Down to the Wire
Since the Cardinals won on a controversial call in the bottom of the 9th earlier in the evening, the Giants had to win to maintain their one game lead for the final Wild Card spot. The Mets were idle which means the Giants also gained a half game and trail the New Yorkers by one game for the top Wild Card. The Dodgers arrive for the final regular season series beginning tonight…This is going to be an interesting weekend.
Taking a cue from the 2014 post season, Bochy should and may have Cueto and Shark ready to pitch the next three nights.
Depends on what happens tonight with the Cards and in our game. I would not use all those bullets till we were tied or behind the Cards. Bum on the hill tonight. Huge Huge Huge game…
Let’s hope Puig doesn’t rattle his cage tonight. I want Bumgarner focused and not distracted by a high school macho contest…
Right on!
Bum was just as much to blame in that game.
As much, if not more so! It bugs me when he starts that stare-down crap, but everyone says, “That’s just the way Bum is! He plays with passion!”. Uh, sorry, I’m not buying it. Bum is a World Series legend, a Giants legend, AND he acts stupid sometimes. I completely expect Puig and the Dodgers to try and goad him into losing his cool tonight. Bumgarner needs to expect it as well and not fall into that trap.
Yeah Bum was definitely the only one to blame for that one. In the past, it’s been both of them. But this past time was Bumgarner staring down Puig, who was clearly surprised to see Bumgarner staring at him when he turned around.
POTD
I’m glad GG pointed this out. Fun as last night’s win was, it hardly suggested that the Giants’ offensive malaise is behind them. The scoring was mostly from Rockies’ ineptitude. Yes, the batters forced the issue, but there was some luck there, too.
it’s about time they got their ground attack going.
Those bunts by Pagan and Cueto were terrific. It takes some skill to actually beat Arenado twice–he made a great play on Angel’s bunt but still couldn’t get him, and then that two-run throwing error on Cueto’s bunt turned the game.
Huge plays both of them and great execution… That was typical old school National League baseball….
agree with both of you. I don’t care how they score runs just score them.
Funny you say that. In many spots in the lineup the Giants have some decent team speed…
Still, there were a few ABs that inspired some hope. Panik hit a ball pretty hard to LF with two outs and a guy on third. It was right at the LFer, but it was stroked pretty good. Then, he managed to get just enough (and a little good luck this time) to dump that hit into CF and drive in a run. Pence’s ball into the RF corner (right in front of where my son and I were sitting) was a nice bit of hitting. Crawford’s smash up the middle that rattled off their pitcher was nice, and all of us agreed after he was examined and stayed in that the next batter would be wise to bunt. Pagan was thinking right along with us, and his bunt was well-executed. Then, I was surprised Cueto was left in to bunt, but his bunt was absolutely beautiful. Arenado made a nice play coming in late to field it, and a good throw would have had Johnny. But finally, the Giants got some giveback from Arenado! And Cueto really had to run, which worried me, but he seemed looser and looser as the game went on.
That was superb hitting by Pence in the 6th. When he goes to all fields he is a very very good hitter.
she has no clue
Not everyone has your Amerian Legion experience.
This is true and ———-> glad you took the bait
He certainly has a hell of a lot more experience coaching baseball than you have, and I mean a hell of a lot. You’re a fan. Be careful with claiming more knowledge of how to play the game than even the occasional LL coach. Ask Moooooooooose how much more is learned while coaching than sitting, watching and criticizing.
Tell me about someone claiming to know more about civilian policing than you do, especially if they’ve never walked in a cop’s shoes. You’re a blusterer. Dial it down on occasion, for once.
He does have more experience, but he’s not the ultimate expert he holds himself out to be while dismissing others. And the comparison of the two of us is a bit inaccurate. He’s never made his living at baseball.
The game is auto 70 percent failure omg
I missed the bottom of the 8th. Why was everyone furious with Roberto Kelly?
Held up Gillaspie at third on Span’s single. Didn’t end up mattering because CG scored on Belt’s bases-loaded walk.
Got it. Thanks. Hmmm I wonder if Bochy will re-evaluate the third base coach in the offseason.
Let’s hope so.
I think it’s a must, along with new batting coach.
Name?
That’s Evan’s job not mine, everything else is speculation.
But the numbers tell you that it appears guys such as Panik, Belt and Posey could benefit from a change in hitting philosophy.
That’s just one POV
Let me play devils advocate. At one time the best hitting instructor in baseball was apparently Rudy Jaramillo – with Texas and then the Clubs considered him a savant.
He was fired and the hitters who did good – kept hitting and the ones who did not hit – continued to fail.
http://sportsblogs.star-telegram.com/mac-engel/2013/05/ian-kinsler-rudy-jaramillo-the-most-overrated-positions-in-baseball.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Jaramillo
Fast forward: Chili Davis’s hitters failed last year. 78–84 (.481) 5th place
This year Chili is the Cats Meow. Muelens is an employee of the Giants. Those who keep track of his comings and goings say he is the first to arrive and last to leave. He speaks 5 languages: English,Spanish, Dutch, Papiamento and Japanese. His players and fellow coaches say he is a tireless worker.
http://www.sbnation.com/longform/2013/10/8/4812516/hensley-meulens-bam-bam-profile-sf-giants
Caveat: I myself – think – at times that the Giants hitters swings look nothing like hitters from other teams…. I myself can accept a change in that position. Having said that – and having observed The Giants Way – I don’t see them doing that.
well one thing I agree is there is a Giants way.
however the argument about how hard Muelens works and the the language stuff is neat but means nothing if the progress with the hitters is not there.
I’m sure plenty of great guys have been fired, to bad being a great guy doesn’t always add to productivity.
I did not say anything about anything “being neat”. This is a business and he gets evaluated as do others
Carney Lansford was their hitting coach in 2008 and 2009 replacing hitting coach Joe Lefebvre. Gene Clines was the hitting coach in 2000 and when they went to the 2002 WS.
Some things are objective and others subjective. Muelens has a resume…
In that particular instance I didn’t think it was so obvious he should have sent CG, who’s super slow. I think we’re all a bit knee-jerk about Kelly. That said, I think he’s a pretty inept 3B coach who should be replaced next year.
Kelly’s WAR has gotta be around -3
lol inept compared to Flan
You forgot to say “it was the right call”
Because he’s got a huge target on him for past performance.
In this case, it seems pretty clear he made the right call.
He made the right call holding Conor. Was not even close.
Really clear – not even close – no way – niente nunca.
Hey! Where’s Alvise these days?
On the MLB Network just now, talking about Molina winning 9th straight Gold Glove, he has played 143 games at Catcher already , and is having his 3rd best hitting month of his career, so much for wearing down as a Catcher as an excuse, raising his average to .303 .
I’ve seen Molina make several disastrous plays in the field. Posey is clearly superior defensively. It’s called the “Gold Glove” . I wish it were awarded as such
Posey will win it this year.
Nope, Molina missed half the year last year, and still won it, his reputation in MLB is legendary as a Catcher , some think the best ever on defense, and this year he has played all year, and is hitting over.300, that helps too .
who do you want to win?
Posey, but it is not up to me, and I have seen players that have great careers win awards long after they deserve it, even Willie Mays .
agreed….we get to see the level of how much of a joke it is at NL catcher this season I guess
Think he won on reputation last yr. No mas..
The Def metrics say Posey, and it’s not even close.
I know, but it is voted on, and Molina has the reputation, I will be shocked if he does not win it, it is just like the NFL Pro Bowl, players are selected on reputation, and the media, and the players and Managers, all think Molina is the best defensive Catcher in MLB, by his reputation .
They aren’t watching baseball games if he wins.
Molina’s defensive metrics are way down this year. He’s only about the fourth-best defensive catcher in the league. Posey, Realmuto, and Ramos have all been better. If he wins a GG, it’s a joke.
If he wins a GreekGiant? What am I? A prize at some charity auction?
It has always been a Joke, players have won on reputation for years, 1 year a player won a Gold Glove and played 90% as a DH .
You didn’t already know that?
Posey with career high innings this year. Molina is a beast – much respect. Big HR yesterday.
wasn’t it a fake ground rule double?
He hit both a HR and the double
can’t be fake if it was counted. Perhaps missed call yes
play on words
But isn’t he exhausted from catching?
on Cue!
Molina demonstrates how ridiculous that excuse is.
Not really. If you watch Yadi most years, he is beat to sheet by this time of the year. That he is playing well down the stretch this year doesn’t really validate your point. He had an injury that kept him out a while this year too.
Bottom line though, being a catcher absolutely takes a toll on hitting. I find it hard to believe that its even arguable.
The point is that he’s much older than Posey and has caught more than twice as many big league games. Somehow, he’s still not as exhausted as people are always saying Posey is.
Buster is still having a better year with the bat than Bengie in 1 less game played in a tougher yard and has over 100 points greater OPS for his career.
When Buster isn’t hitting as well as people think he should, it probably IS because he is catching….but not necessarily because he is exhausted…more likely because sitting in a crouch and getting dinged up is going to lower your bat speed, power, and foot speed and strength and stamina. All of those are factors in swinging a bat optimally. Its why catchers don’t hit as well as other positions. Its tough to swing the bat like the guy playing LF who mainly chews seeds all game, when you are getting beat up and in a crouch. Not that complicated.
Buster was drafted as a hitting 1st catcher, nobody is saying Molina was a better hitter, but this year they are a wash at the plate, OPS almost the same, and Molina has had a way better 2nd half then Buster .
And that means what? What did it mean the years when Buster hit better than him in 2h? Yadi is one of the best catchers ever, smartest hitters in the game, toughest competitors in the game, a world champion and a guy that demands to be in almost every game. But him playing all those games have likely been to his detriment and he will likely wear down at a younger age than Buster. Last year he had a .660 OPS and year before .717 OPS… Buster getting more days off will probably help him as his career goes on. Yadi can’t even run without a limp. But even if not, Yadi is a unique player, not a good player to compare another catcher too as he is one of the best ever and a unique case.
Catching does not mesh well with hitting. It saps power and bat speed. Just look at Buster’s numbers when playing 1b.
Look at Busters numbers the last couple years at 1st base not that good, and bad this year, and he only plays 1st base vs Left handed pitching unless Belt is hurt, and he hits lefthanders better then Righthanders .
Everything being the same, do you think his numbers would be better if he played all his games in his career at 1b or all at catcher?
How’s that working for Joe Mauer .
Joe Mauer played the majority of his career at catcher. You didn’t answer.
For his career, Molina is a much better second half hitter (.274/.334/.386/.719 vs. .294/.344/.419/.763).
So is Buster, but if you have or do watch Yadi the last few years, he runs with a limp and slower than almost anybody in the game.
Nope, he has missed only 14 games this season and never back to back games, so no injury that took him out for more then 1 game at a time .
I looked and saw that after i posted, must have been a different year.
Last year injured his thumb, and it was still not 100% in Spring training, but was good enough for him to start the season opener .
you demonstrate how ridiculous you are in calling every explanation of any issue you disagree with an “excuse”. For the record, i have never, and will never, say Posey was “worn down” from catching. What we don’t know is what those specific players are dealing with physically. You seem to know all on those issues, though
Mad Bum’s start tonight is obviously the key. If the Giants win, status quo. If they don’t, the upcoming starters get shuffled.
Maybe somebody’s got a blister on his little finger…
Win 2 of 3, and most likely off to NY.
I hope so! I’ll be there!
or, someone gets a blister on their thumb, and the metsies play at the cove
Vogelsong pitches Sunday v. Waino. You know Vogey will have a say in this. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait that long.
Boy, no kidding. He’s come up small in 4 of his last 6. Time for historic Bum again.
7 inning, 1 hit ball in LA isn’t “small”
Of course not. Didn’t I say 4 out of 6? let me check
Bunting is for pitchers and other light hitting dudes in the right situations. Otherwise, the baseball math doesn’t add up (in the context of the regular season). That context does tend to change in the postseason and tight games.
Bochy’s aversion to the bunt is by The Book – is has to do with run expectancy for different states of the game.
Don’t get me wrong. I hate the bunt too in most situations. My philosophy of hitting is more like Bochy’s. But, as you said, in the postseason, close games require manufacturing runs sometimes because the pitching is much better than in most regular season games. Secondly, Scoring first is huge in a postseason game so manufacturing runs early is prudent when in the offseason it is not always the case… Very interesting to compare the two types of games…postseason vs regular season. Finally, our big boys have shown a knack for rising to the occasion of postseason ball against top pitchers: Panda, Pence, Posey in 2012, Belt in 2014, Morse, etc..
Bochy gave Huff the Sac Bunt sign in 2010
The 3 games against both the Rox and Bums is the Giants postseason to get to the postseason.
The post-season begins today. Just our luck.
True, but they needed those wins against the Rox.
…or the post-season would already be over.
It’s called The Choate Factor
Well said, but there’s a lot unsaid. “The right situations” is what the debate is all about. Tough pitchers make everyone a light hitter. Some situations make scoring 1 run much more important than potentially getting 3 (especially when your team goes a few months between 3 run homers — why are you playing for one?). It’s also appropriate when it is being given to you by the defense.
The Book has changed a lot over the years. Not that long ago, The Book included a lot more sacrifice bunts, and that strategy was time tested. My own personal opinion is that the pendulum has swung way over on the other end, now, with sacrifice bunts being seen as a wasted out. Having seen SO MANY double plays after a leadoff guy gets on, I would be fine with a few more sacrifices from time to time.
Good post. Too much emphasis on homers and way way way too many strikeouts. The art of two-strike hitting is just about totally gone. Talk about automatic outs!
Oh, one more thing: Conor Gillaspie is certifiably hot (in the hitting sense) and deservers a spot in the postseason roster. He has played well lately and I, for one, like his left-handed power bat and veteran presence off the bench. I know my opinion is in the minority here but once again, Bochy’s faith in vets has paid off this week.
I realize Kelby has been good off the bench and that has a lo of people angry he has not played more, however I remember one game early in the season his glove cost the Giants a game, may have happened one other time as well.
He looked tentative at third, which I would not trust in the PS.
Totally agree. He’s clearly a good bench option. No matter what Fan Eye Bias tells them, there’s no way he should start at 3rd base now or post season.
CG is a 100 percent lock. You don’t suit up for 99 percent of the season and then have to worry about whether or not….
CG could be this year’s Fontenot or Theriot; clutch at just the right time.
If there was any doubt about Conor having a spot on the postseason roster, he removed all doubt- as I said last night. He has been one of MY whipping boyz but sometimes one should give credit when it’s due. Conor, Pagan, Span- they’ve all come through as we make the push for the WC. So let’s all give them weak and insincere props for a job semi-decently done.
Well done Chef! We all have our whipping boys. Good on you for giving credit where it is due. I have been very critical of Bochy but he has made great decisions this week and his veterans are coming through!
“So let’s all give them weak and insincere props for a job semi-decently done.” That’s the spirit, I’m at least on board with that type of enthusiasm for those three. Similar to a Seinfeld episode when Peterman returns and Elaine was serving as interim CEO. He states at a board meeting “kudos to Elaine for a job…done.”
Not to be a silent minority!
Beckham starts at third the first two games. Kelby to start over Panik at second……maybe.
he looks like the Matthew Dellavadova of MLB
This GIF of Pence from last night’s game is hilarious:
http://m.mlb.com/cutfour/2016/09/30/204184318/cueto-knocks-in-two-runs-with-bunt-and-hunter-pence-goes-bonkers
He’s Berserko. Some other Giant came out behind him and also went nuts – looked like Matt Moore.
p.s. Brisbee thinks it’s Gorkys behind the Hunterpence. I say it’s Moore.
“Also, back to that GIF: Who’s the idiot who jumps down and starts waving in the runner before he disappears stage right? Is that Gorkys Hernandez? I hope it’s not too hyperbolic to suggest that he’s the real hero of the night. Because he is.”
http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2016/9/29/13119084/giants-win-game-series
Hats off to Paul in PV for correctly calling out that Cueto would be OK after that early bobble. Cueto, as we have seen, has an internal incinerator burning in his Competition Gut that can overcome physical pain. The way he ran out that bunt was incredibly inspiring to all. If that doesn’t ignite this team, nothing can.
I sense they are entering this series with a calm level of compete.
The Willie Mac Award type of inspiring? Hmmmmm…
Crawford keeps getting Ms. Congeniality. Oh, well
He’s too cool. Makes it look too easy.
p.s. Henry tweet leans toward Javy – that would be a legacy vote, but I have no problem with it. Maybe make Johnny stick around after next season so he can get it.
I would throw Hunter Pence in the mix. Annihilated his hamstring and came back ahead of schedule and gives it his all every single day physically and mentally.
Gracias, Mateo. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/10030b2d60ac2b400e747738e60f0a5bfab91997ad1e6e460918e60baab5ece0.jpg
p.s. That bunt broke them – he was at 1B when the ball flew into RF – J.C. IS an inspiring competitor – a Warrior.
and Hats off to Cueto and Co. for getting jittery fans like me off the edge of the Golden Gate bridge last night!
Yeah, it’s a little late to change your mind on the way down,
Yes Shout out the Snorkel-Myrna-Paul mighty crew as yours truly had the 55 degree weather giving JC fits with the “biting Crab tug”.
Also JC was able to slather mucho Ben Gay in affected area without it seeping into further nether regions.
Crawford easy choice for Willie Mac Award Winner
1) Crawford
2) Peavy
3) Buster
Since moving into Willie Mays Field at A.T.T. Park
2000 Ellis Burks
2001 Mark Gardner
2001 Benito Santiago
2002 David Bell
2003 Marquis Grissom
2004 J. T. Snow
2005 Mike Matheny
2006 Omar Vizquel
2007 Bengie Molina
2008 Bengie Molina
2009 Matt Cain
2010 Andres Torres
2011 Ryan Vogelsong
2012 Buster Posey
2013 Hunter Pence
2014 Madison Bumgarner
2015 Matt Duffy
I like Crawford to win it, as well. He’s their leader on the field at a crucial, up-the-middle position, and he’s their leader in runs batted in. He also seems to possess the ability to crack guys up, make fun of himself, make fun of Buster/MadBum/whoever and keep things light. He’s MyGuy for the Mac.
Wow, I did not know Marquis Grissom won it in 2003.
Los Angeles Dodgers (2001–2002)
San Francisco Giants (2003–2005)
On September 16, 2002, the Dodgers had a crucial game against the San Francisco Giants. In the top of the 9th inning, he robbed Rich Aurilia of a potential game-tying home run to protect the 7–6 victory. The Giants went on to make the playoffs and the Dodgers did not. As a free agent he subsequently attracted the attention of the San Francisco Giants, who had just been defeated in the World Series. San Francisco signed Grissom, and he enjoyed two more productive seasons as their starting center fielder. The Giants were successful as well, winning the NL West in 2003 and missing the wild card by one game in 2004. Marquis won the 2003 Willie Mac Award for his spirit and leadership. Grissom’s production dipped again in 2005, and in a season of struggles by the Giants, he was released.
Struggles, might had something to do with missing the reigning 4 time NL MVP, that hit 258 HRs the previous 5 seasons, for almost the entire 2005 season .
Good call PJ
Let us bow our heads and pray in the Chapel of Baseball’s Worst….
As Andres Galarraga reached first on an error and Ruben Rivera ran for him and Marquis hit the fateful ball. “Let Us Pray”
LITTLE heard Kuiper’s Call located within this link
http://sfist.com/2014/05/27/the_beanstalk_10.php
And now the Hall of Famer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spx9ZeSYVTU
Crawford is a good choice, but I would also respect the choice of Cueto or Buster.
But Peavy? In your mind only.
Has nothing to do with ability or they year they are having ..
The Willie Mac Award is presented annually since 1980 to the most inspirational player on the San Francisco Giants, as voted upon by Giants players, coaches, training staff, and Giants fans.
I’m very familiar with the award and the why, therefore again I ask how does Peavy get in the mix?
Crawford plays hard and leads one of the top infields in baseball and always seems to get the clutch hits, leads by example.
Cueto has brought some fun and energy to a very conservative team, always battling deep into games.
I don’t need to get into why Posey is so important.
But Peavy?
It’s amazing what you can find online! So, at the Marlins game Wednesday, Surf Maui and I won autographed baseballs. The problem is, one of them had a signature with no context as to what player it was. All I could decipher was the “C” at the beginning and the number 15. So I Google “Marlins players who wore number 15” and found this: http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/FLA/uniform-numbers.shtml
I thought this was a cool feature. Check out the one for the Giants: http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SFG/uniform-numbers.shtml
It turns out the ball was signed by Cliff Floyd, a former Expo and a player I liked quite a bit. So, Surf, since you left it in my car I will trade you my Paul LoDuca ball for your Cliff Floyd!
LOL at the then Dodger Steroid Champion – Lo Duca
http://articles.latimes.com/2007/dec/14/sports/sp-dodgers14
He’s the pride of TVG, right?
yes
Eleven players named as steroid cheats in the “Mitchell Report” played for the 2000 Los Angeles Dodgers. Gary Sheffield, F.P. Santangelo, Todd Hundley, Paul Lo Duca, Chris Donnels, Mike Judd, Jeff Williams Eric Gagne, Ismael Valdez, Matt Herges and Kevin Brown. The 2000 Dodgers finished 2nd in the NL West with an 86-76 record. –Fox Sports Radio
We started the “Beat LA” chant right after the applause and shouts from the third out last night. Gotta get over on those bums.
Joe Torre on MLB Network ,making excuses for the umpires, and saying the rule was followed correctly, in last night’s Cards vs Reds game, if that cost the Giants a playoff spot, I am going to be pissed, the Giants face the Dodgers 3 best pitchers, and the Cards face 3 very bad Pitchers vs Pirates, I love Vogey, but he has been awful the last month, and he Pitches Sunday vs the Cards .
As a Mgr. I’d call for a review at the end of every game regardless how it ends.
If the Giants miss the playoffs, it won’t be because of last night’s Cardinals game …
Thank You!
Your a fan like that, to me it is more painful, if they miss the playoffs because they blew so many games, and then miss out on the playoffs by one game, if they make the playoffs and win the Wild card game, all that is forgotten, so better for my heart .
If the Giants can take at least 1 from the Dodgers, and the Cards lose just 1 against the Pirates, then there will be at the very least a tie-breaker game 163 in our future. Pretty sure we can get that done.
I am not sure that will happen, I would prefer a 2 game cushion, and for the umpires and MLB to give the Cardinals a win, that they had not earned is a killer .
Vogey is pitching Sunday, and rumor has it, he still bleeds orange and black.
That’s why I want them to make it, so I do not have to think about all those games they blew, and I do not care about deserved .
That kind of thing shouldn’t even be possible in a major league stadium. If a fielder can play it, it’s in play. I know it’s not the rule, but it should be. And no stadium should be configured to even allow such confusion. But it sounds like it’s just a bad rule given the circumstances. You know what? The ground rule double rule is a bad rule, since it almost always penalizes the offense and can (obviously) decide a game unfairly.
Can we direct at least a little of our indignation to the stupid umpire who missed the call in the first place?
Torre is an empty suit politician who has no spine or man bits.
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/be/10/2a/be102aaac158241a8f9c98d44df65d9b.jpg
LOL, that says it all
Just so everyone doesn’t get too excited about last night’s come-back win as an indication of how things go from here on out, here’s how they scored.
RBI ground out
Bloop single
Sac fly
Bunt/E5 (2)
Bases-loaded BB
Sac fly
-From Baggs
Thanks for bursting my balloon Bapah!
Baggarly is a piece of work, SMH.
Because he reported how the runs were scored in the game? What’s he supposed to say that the Giants scored because Johnny Cueto willed Arenado to throw the ball down the RF line? It’s not like he says Giants got lucky and their offense still stinks despite the 7 runs.
The error on Arenado was a forced error. That’s not luck.
It was a tough play but there was absolutely luck involved that a throw from the best defensive 3B in the league went down the RF line allowing two runs to score. Should’ve been bases loaded one out (it was a hit all the way). And maybe the Giants score those runs anyway. But saying it’s not luck that an error allowed two runs to score is employing a new definition of the term luck. It’s not mutually exclusive that a good play can lead to some good luck.
Your quote from Baggs
“The Giants played small ball to perfection in a three-run six inning, and a round-faced pitcher with a busted groin turned a sacrifice bunt into a game-breaking play. The Colorado Rockies weren’t in position to field Cueto’s roller, and Gold Glove third baseman Nolan Arenado threw it away to allow a pair of runs to score.” You approved of this. Doesn’t sound like luck to me.
It’s not his fact set, it’s his narrative interpretation.
You’re like Bumgarner looking for perceived slights. “The Giants played small ball to perfection in a three-run six inning, and a round-faced pitcher with a busted groin turned a sacrifice bunt into a game-breaking play. The Colorado Rockies weren’t in position to field Cueto’s roller, and Gold Glove third baseman Nolan Arenado threw it away to allow a pair of runs to score.” I don’t know what “narrative interpretation” you’re talking about, that is complimentary of their small ball play and then stating what happened. You clearly don’t like Baggarly and you’re perfectly entitled to your opinion. But your perceived slight of his write-up is more of a narrative interpretation than his actual write-up.
I have an opinion and it wasn’t formed yesterday. Baggarly, is Baggarly, in my book. Predictable. You don’t share my opinion, OK.
That looks like playoff baseball to me. Just make the fewest mistakes. Cash in your sac fly opportunities, etc. Don’t let the other guy do the same.
Let’s see how that kind of baseball fares this weekend.
They’re not likely to have those baserunners, but if they do, it always works. Doesnt mean it’s easy, but some things cannot be defended easily.
The return of the RTI, just in time for the playoffs.
What is happening with you………?
A profound attack of realism.
I think it’s PTSD
I sent RR an email
the ground attack is back.
I’m totally excited in winning 2 of 3… One via bashing a guy who had good stats coming in, and one via 2014 RTI Postseason mojo!
Dr. Jekyll is back
He just can’t Hyde it, can he?
What turned you into a sour puss lately? I told you not to trust the pan fried chicken at “Mom’s Joint”-but did you listen ? Nooooooooooooooooo..
Pan fried chicken? Get it down into the trash can and cook a coq au vin. Bon appetit, monsieur-le-chef !
Too late, Alvise! Chef don’t care!! ;o)
And here I’d come to you like you so much. Cream of Velveeta Soup for you tonight.
Wifey prepared baked stuffed squids for me. Classic and traditional Venice food. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d425329ded2499ee90173af47d0c4683b3d2d603f93572b2e68fc082120debaa.jpg
Yes, lotta luck there. But at least it was sort of manufactured luck. They’ll take it.
Ahhhh, the return of good fortune! BTW, the ground out was a solid AB in that situation. The bloop single was a good piece of hitting and a little luck. The bunt was excellent execution. The bases loaded BB was a good AB. And I’ll take a sac fly as a good AB in most situations. So, yeah, it wasn’t a three-run HR and a grand slam, but hey, those ABs weren’t chopped liver either.
I saw Scout mentioned this further down in the comments, but I agree…2 of 3 and NY goes the Giants.
I actually think they’ll win 2 of 3…and don’t see the Cardinals sweeping the Pirates. Mets are 4-2 in Philly, so that doesn’t bode well for a home WC game.
Home WC game ain’t happening. Giants would have have to sweep and Mets lose 2 of 3 or Giants win 2 of 3 and Mets get swept. Given that the Mets are in Philly I don’t see that happening.
Yep…not happening. What really bother me is the Mets would have a good WC shot…then be super-thin to compete in any subsequent series against the Cubs. The Giants would give the Cubs a lot to think about; especially with starting pitching.
Well, if the Giants did not nosedive in the second half… woulda coulda shoulda… there’s no crying in baseball
I agree. My point is…regardless of the nosedive…is the Giants could lose the WC Game and still be the best team to compete against the Cubs in a playoff series. All stuff they could’ve avoided by playing better, but a Cubs/Mets series will be a waste of time.
Not even played better — just not have put Casilla in so many bad situations he could no longer handle.
Agree. That Mets have none chance against the Cubs. The Giants probably don’t, either, but it’s not quite such a mismatch.
The Giants would be underdogs but the Cubs want no part of the Giants. ALL of the pressure is on the Cubs whereas the Giants have really no pressure. They’ve already won 3 championships and will have made the postseason again. Arietta was awful in his final start of the regular season and the Giants starters have been great lately, which will put a lot of pressure on the Cubs. Not saying the Giants *will* win, but if they get to the Cubs they’ll have a helluva shot. If they get a split in Wrigley then the Cubs are staring down MadBum and Moore in Games 3 and 4 in SF. But…the Giants need to get there first.
You sound like somebody else we know …
I know, it would be crappy if the Giants get shut down by Thor in the WC game and then the Mets get thrashed by the Cubs because the rest of their rotation is decimated. But (1) the Giants are entirely responsible for putting themselves in this position and (2) to be perfectly honest if the Giants don’t advance I want the Cubs ready and primed to face the Dodgers because I don’t think anybody else in the NL can beat the Dodgers if the Giants fail to advance.
we’ll hit Thor.
Like they did at AT&T the last time? We’ll see, the Giants did get to him the one time they faced him in NY. Giants just need to get there first and then let’s hope the playoff magic takes over.
Like they did in NY the time before
i’m not so sure, matt. we weren’t able to hit, …. i can’t think of any of their names, because i never heard of any of them, but i hope you are correct. what’s our line-up for that game? span, belt, buster, pence, craw, nunez (hopefully, or CG hits 8th), pagan, panik would be my guess. it’s the same line-up that’s been pitiful the entire 2nd half, but who knows? it’s the playoffs, so….
Potd!
Send The Oracle.
NOT choosing sides AT All. PBS has produced a 2-hour profile of the candidates, which every voter (who cares that is) should see before the election. (It’s almost as long as a baseball game – but so worth it.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7uScWHcTzk
The Trials and Tribulations of one Hensley Filemon Acasio “Bam Bam” Meulens
Devil’s advocate.
At one time the best hitting instructor in baseball was apparently Rudy Jaramillo – with Texas and then the Clubs considered him a savant. He was fired and the hitters who did well – kept hitting and the ones who did not hit – continued to fail.
http://sportsblogs.star-telegram.com/mac-engel/2013/05/ian-kinsler-rudy-jaramillo-the-most-overrated-positions-in-baseball.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Jaramillo
Fast forward: Chili Davis’s hitters failed last year. 78–84 (.481) 5th place
This year Chili is the Cat’s Meow.
Muelens is an employee of the Giants. Those who keep track of his comings and goings say he is the first to arrive and last to leave. He speaks 5 languages: English, Spanish, Dutch, Papiamento and Japanese. His players and fellow coaches say he is a tireless worker.
http://www.sbnation.com/longform/2013/10/8/4812516/hensley-meulens-bam-bam-profile-sf-giants
Caveat: I myself – think – at times that the Giants hitter’s swings look nothing like hitters from other
Teams…. I myself can accept a change in that position. Having said that – and having observed “The Giants Way” – I don’t see them doing that.
I just think “no rock will go unturned”, if the Giants don’t go deep into the playoffs. Ownership OK’d the contracts of Cueto, Shark, and Span…to win it all…and the failures (which includes hitting) will be looked at. Let’s face it…no OF from the system is ready to hit consistently in the ML (I saw what you wrote about Mac)…Belt still strikes out too much…and time will tell if Panik is broken or it’s injury recuperation. I’d be curious to see how much, if any, credit Duvall would give Bam Bam.
Strikeout to much, so did Babe Ruth, get over it !
I love Babe. He had pre-printed business cards with his autograph pre-stamped on the back. And he made the Number 3 immortal.
Truth be told and I have heard this from Kevin Mitchell to Joel Youngblood to Gary Davenport. Hitters who get to the Major Leaguers all secretly covet the wisdom learned from their minor league hitting coaches. Most are reluctant to admit that within earshot of their Major League instructors – but I am aware of this phenomenon. The Milb guys know their hitters the best. In the case of Bryce Harper – most likely his dad and I know for sure that with Joc Pederson – it is his father Stu.
IMO the most important item in hitting is LEAST looked at: Eye Sight.
If a hitter cannot pick up the ball when or as it leaves the pitchers hand, the hitter is only going to see the baseball the last 15 feet. Have you heard the expression “See the ball hit the bat”? That is conclusively impossible to do. The relevant thing is: “Can a hitter keep his eyes in the hitting zone long enough”. Heck I have even heard coaches completely botch the expression by telling hitters to “watch the bat hit the ball”. Really? And not watch the flight of the ball?
Second to Eye Sight to me is Bat Speed. Can a hitter wait*wait*wait*wait long enough and then still uncork the torque to “put a good swing on the pitch”? Lastly can that hitter KEEP his bat in the hitting zone long enough to possibly make adjustments if his lower half leaks out too early.
How about the Kelby punch and Judy attack? Did they craft that swing?
Any kid playing pro ball with the slight of build of a Kelby Tomlinson has a gift and IMO his greatest gift is his foot speed and then comes his eye-hand coordination.
Are the swings more a product of the guys they draft? And coaches working with tools at their disposal – optimizing the swing for each unique hitter so he has best chance?
Apparently hitters who do not break perceived bad habits between the ages of 11 and 15 are given little hope to be retaught. Why? Because on the side, in the bullpens of America and in the hitting cages of America hitters can be tweaked, broken down and (gag) fixed but when they get solo in the box with 90 degree heat and an Ofer going – they revert to form, revert to the those bad habits that were OVER groomed with say one other buddy on the sandlots of their neighborhoods.
You can’t rule anything out in the last weekend of the regular season
I’m gonna rule out everybody being behind Denard Span.
It’s you and I, buddy.
I’m all in for whoever we put on the field.
i’m behind Span.
Wearing orange and black, playing the Dodgers, my team.
Whoa don’t leave me behind.
Gary Johnson trying to deliver the election to Hillary.
http://www.npr.org/2016/09/29/495896880/watch-unable-to-name-a-foreign-leader-gary-johnson-has-another-aleppo-moment
Aleppo is what Gary feeds his weimaraner.
you are hilarious:)
Sometimes he’s even funny on purpose 😉
Good speller too!
The same gremlin who stole Brandon Belt’s mojo in the 2nd half, pillaged Jake Lamb too.
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/pinpointing-the-moment-jake-lambs-season-changed/
There was a lot going on last night in the Cardinals/Reds game
http://www.closecallsports.com/2016/09/the-price-is-wrong-as-reds-fail-to.html
As a reward, the Cardinals get to close with the Cubs.
Pirates
My mistake.
If Duval makes a better throw to the the cutoff man Jose Peraza – Carpenter is either hosed at home or they NEVER send him as he was leaking oil rounding third base.
http://www.closecallsports.com/2016/09/the-price-is-wrong-as-reds-fail-to.html
http://m.mlb.com/video/v1195521683/?query=Molina
Has someone already posted Brisbee on the Willie Mac Award?
http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2016/9/30/13123568/sf-giants-2016-willie-mac-award
I like this:
“Hunter Pence
He won in 2013, and there’s an understandable sense that the wealth should be shared, but it’s quite possible that Hunter Pence will literally be the best teammate any of these players will ever have.”
Odds: 6/1
I’m for Matt Duffy winning it again. He was there most of the year and I know he affected the whole team. Why not?
Now that’s a contrarian vote!
Yeah, he was crummy, too.
The Giants would have clinched a playoff long ago if only that genius manager, Bruce Bochy, hadn’t kept the ghastly Roberto Kelly propped up as his ever-confused third base coach and if Ol’ Boch had not stubbornly and stupidly persisted with the disastrous Santiago Casilla as his closer. Sadly, Bochy has been almost as confused this season as his third base coach, no easy feat.
Couldn’t agree more. If we miss out on the playoffs. It’s because of Bochy. Pure and simple.
Bumgarner will get beaned tonight. So be ready for it.
No way in Hades.
… and if he does it won’t hurt.
Dodgers have nothing to lose. He’s gonna get beaned.
A suspended pitcher before the start of the playoffs? Ponte las pilas.
They’d better NOT do that. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/706d6dbf77aa3168c88f88c416dfe79b0a2f6e11b3bf344fc62399272146be4c.jpg
Porps from Hercules the Legendary Journeys and Xena Warior Princess.
Now THAT would be interesting.
NUMBER 1 REASON THE GIANTS COLLAPSED.
Bruce Bochy!
Have they collapsed?
Do not sell the bear’s skin. Giants are not dead yet.
Absolutely! In a season of dispensing one lousy decision after another, Ol’ Boch reached the darkest abyss a couple Saturday nights ago when, with 1 out and 1 on in the 9th inning against the Cardinals and his team holding a 2 run lead, he yanked Sergio Romo, who’s fearless, for Casilla, who’s fearful. Natch, Casilla failed miserably, and the Giants, who were on the verge of beating the Cardinals for the third time in three nights, would lose that game and, inevitably, the one the next day, too.
Ouch I misread this as thinking you were Jack Kevorkian. Well at least Lefty thumbed you upwards, not that there is anything wrong with that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oj3VphK9AMk
Glad to see you- back to pad your upvotes? You’ve come to the right place.
Red Martini’s or Hurricanes. YOU were exactly like this in 10-12 and 14
The last time you went full tilt, all caps like that we won a WS. Keep it coming!
PacMan’s pool:
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/68da7eb53f4031878ecf8f804d71cd0d2856d28066085a7f5ad6f0194738c9c4.jpg
Number 1 reason they have 3 titles?
Post of the last day of September !!!
Both statements are correct.
Bruce just can’t hit with runners in scoring position!
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/34d5ebd40b7a87c94daa1c4251317b961bc39f83c1f96f181fb2467f7363f1c2.png
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/faf8a06633b94e0ca2e6040eaf88921b3479ba70c967b6becf4b901d821fa35e.gif
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/dd8ec41b743b231ec1bb9ee43d36a981f5722d80a6b2963cc84c7e77c4b48120.gif
Shades of Pence beating on top of the head of Gary Brown
Aw that was good times.
Gorkys had the Don Cornelius Soul Train move going on behind Pence.
Yup – Gorkys.
This guy must be Bat Crazy Certifiable
http://www.salon.com/2016/09/29/bullshter-of-the-day-curt-schilling-for-his-zany-train-crash-speculation/
Two Warrior Big Men who were adversaries in the past – end up Bear-hugging. Zaza and D_West.
http://tinyurl.com/zopd632
MLB.TV is free these last three days for your pennant race viewing pleasure…
Good to know, thanks for the tip.
From Wylie Wong to Drew Baggarly to Pavs of the Alex to Mr. Jeorpardy Baggs (2) to George Magalios affectionately known as Greek Giant.
In March 2007, Wylie Wong launched the Giants Talk blog for the San Jose Mercury News, where he wrote analysis on breaking news two to four times a week during the 2007 and 2008 seasons. He built a readership, fostered community and discussion and wrote the occasional humor piece. (They were a losing team and were often in last place, after all.) Here’s an archive of posts. Wylie previously worked for two other tech publications — Computerworld and CRN.
http://www.wyliewong.com/2009/09/
Wylie is co-author of “Giants: Where Have You Gone,” a where-are-they-now book on former San Francisco Giants players that was published by Sports Publishing in 2005. A newly updated and revised edition of the book was published in May 2013.
Way before that, he was a reporter for several daily newspapers in the West Coast, including the Contra Costa Times newspaper chain, where he covered the city of Berkeley, UC-Berkeley and environmental and Asian American issues. He also previously co-founded and edited Blast: the Irreverent Webzine, an online magazine with a heavy bent on humor and Asian American issues.
Wylie Wong 2009
http://www.wyliewong.com/2009/09/05/my-tale-of-baseball-woe/
2008 – http://www.wyliewong.com/2008/01/26/is-it-spring-yet/
Thanks to all for Keeping It Real, NO, what am I thinking, for Clutching-Up, – darn-it that won’t cut it.
Thank you all for supporting the Gigantes in your own inimitable ways. And to Wylie and Baggs – Pavs and George for giving us 9 years of some place to visit from our daily routines.
I bet THE Clubhouse in THE City is care free and easy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0ekPu0JstY https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3b5a21b108b43f905fd778b0bf52889f065d87c2e24905119c93670f9d854bf0.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/66e40303a9d5482973780d949dd7f382655d09dc4df2b86888ca96942fa206db.png
Well, it’s pretty clear the TWG’s are on edge and the nerves are frayed beyond recognition….stay strong, folks. This isn’t down 2-0 to Cincinnati…it’s not down 3-1 to St. Louis with Zito on the bump. It’s “in control of destiny”…it’s 9 innings. It’s journeyman Rich Hill and his sensitive fingertip. It’s guys like Posey, Crawford, Belt, Pence, Mad Bum, Pagan and panik who have been there, been there, been there, done THAT. It’s Bochy who defied your logic but just keeps winning. It’s the Beckham/Scutaro Corrollary. It’s our yard. It’s our weekend.
Just stay positive, and don’t let a first inning bump go all “Fire everybody” crazy. We can do this.
This is the 2016 version of Torture.
I’m going back and forth as I type this… between excitement because of that magic inside three WS odd year orange and black pride and optimism, and literally grimacing in pain from anticipating those dark and frustrating torture places that inevitably lie just ahead.
Lefty has not thumbed up you yet….She must have wagered a loss in Reno 🙂
Chance of rain this weekend…
Just at your place or all over?
Ha! Definitely not at my place, I live in the east bay. Just right over AT&T Park
For all this season comes down to, if the G’s get lucky enough to get in, as they are at present:
The Giants have Bum and Marge on Full rest for Wednesday. And this group is 8 – 0 in playoff elimination games with 6 of those wins being on the road…… Think the odds are stacked against them? This is EXACTLY where they perform best.
I’ll take my chances. Bum goes 7, hands the ball to Jeff for the rest.
Screw the pen. We don’t need them. Casilla, Romo, Strickland? Enjoy the pine meat for a few days.
It will keep Bum and Marge on schedule to start Games 3 and 4 at Home on full rest.
AND, with all the pressure on the highly favored Cubs, all the curse breaking BS, the last thing those front runners in Chicago wants to see is Cueto, Moore, Bum, Marge…… They are all throwing in playoff shape, and this team has shown the saavy to pull off the October improbable.
JUST GET IN……
I’m still a little worried about that.
If they win this, it will be an act of collective will.
Bochy will go with his usual pen .
I think Marge goes Lincecum for the Wildcard game only. Bum has to get through 6. Hand the ball to Marge…… let him bring in on home….
We’ll see.
It makes sense. Give the normal bullpen a rest and Marge will need the work. If you don’t do my plan he goes from 9/28 until 10/10 with no appearances. I think you let him pitch with Bum in WC game and therefore get him games reps right in between……
YES YES YES
One other food for thought. On Sunday, guess who is the scheduled starter in St. Louis for the Pirates.
That’s right, eat your enchiladas or get down to Super Burger……
R Y A N _ V O G E L S O N G
Vogey won’t let us down in a playoff game.
No way.
RAKES
Not getting a lot of positive vibes from Clint Hurdle: “We’re going to play all the men that are capable of playing,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said.
It’s okay. The important guy has the ball. I just wish Cole was healthy and pitching one of the other 2….
Lineup:
Gorkys
Belt
Posey
Pence
Pagan
Craw
KT
Beckham
Bum
Wow.
Had enough Span finally?
LH SP. Worry not, he’ll be back in there leading off on Sunday.
We’ll see.This is about team, not me or you. In the end it does mean a rats ass what bystanders like you and I think.
He’s taking the night off because he feels like it.
Hm.
Where do you gals and guys get your lineups so early? I thought they were not officially posted till three hours before game time? Do you have a source? A direct line in Bochy’s office?
We hail from the GE. The Giants listen to us.
There’s a tweet over there from Alex ->
Gracias!
Often Baseball Press gets them even before the reporters.I used to post them here, but I didn’t want the early comers to get a head start on the later complainers.That’s just the way I like Buster I’m so considera
Spats approves of today’s lineup (tweet right): https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/10030b2d60ac2b400e747738e60f0a5bfab91997ad1e6e460918e60baab5ece0.jpg
Wearing vintage Eric Estrada glasses
DD’s
Dylan Davis from San Jose
http://www.todaysknuckleball.com/nl/san-francisco-giants/giants-scouting-report-san-jose-giants-dylan-davis/
PRE GAME DODGER NOTES
http://mlb.mlb.com/documents/0/5/4/204280054/9.30.16_at_SF_1ougmc3u.pdf
right now everyone is fretting about the lineups which to me is the least of the concerns about the Giants.
The season hangs on the arms of Bum tonight, Moore on Sunday and whomever pitches tomorrow.
That’s the season, not if Kelby or Gorkys are in.
Don’t Get Picked Off By Rich Hill
Timely hits
Productive Outs
Strikethrowers
Always Keep the Force on – Keep the back runner at first when possible
Get them On – Over and In
Three Outs per Inning
…
New Post: http://fe0.84e.myftpupload.com/pregame/game-160-preview-giants-take-on-dodgers-in-regular-seasons-final-series-with-postseason-birth-on-the-line/