by
GreekGiant
Today’s Game: Giants (82-73) Vs Padres (65-90) at Tony Gwynn Park, 1:40 pm
Ty Blach (0-0, 0.00) vs Clayton Richard (3-3, 2.98)
The Starting Lineups
Giants
1. Nunez 3B
2. Tomlinson 2B
3. Posey C
4. Pence RF
5. Hernandez CF
6. Pagan LF
7. Crawford SS
8. Brown C
9. Blach P
Padres
1. Margot CF
2. Myers 1B
3. Solarte 3B
4. Dickerson LF
5. Rosales SS
6. Schimpf 2B
7. Hedges C
8. Richards P
9. Jankowski RF
Jose Fernandez and the Baseball World
The entire baseball world mourns the tragic loss of Jose Fernandez. Waking up to the news was horrible. I remember watching him when he first came up. He was a phenom whose mesmerizing arsenal of talent and pitches was matched only by his joy and big heart. I watched the game he pitched when his grandmother was in the stands at Marlin Park for the first time in his career. If you want to read an amazing life story, one that will surely go to the big screen one day, read this. By all accounts Fernandez was not just a great baseball player. He was a great person. He was generous, kind, and humble. I will miss him. He was the best reason to watch the Marlins.
Ty Blach’s First Major League Start
In the final road game of the regular season the Giants are forced to start rookie Ty Blach. Pitching for the Padres is fellow lefty Clayton Richard. Buster Posey is two hits away from reach 1000 for his career. The game features a couple of youngsters on the mound hoping to provide their teams with the beginnings of a successful final week of the season. As Dr. Lefty pointed out, Blach defeated the Padres’ AAA team earlier this year so he should have some familiarity with his opponents.
Read the official Giants Pre-Game notes for more information. They are pretty cool.
For the Giants, Blach is tasked with winning the series for the Giants who are trying to get a leg up in the Wild Card against the Mets. The race is going down to the wire and regardless of how the Giants have played, this is an exciting time to watch baseball.
Brandon Crawford is Back
Brandon Crawford is back in the lineup and Buster Posey is playing first base as Trevor Brown catches. Gorkys Hernandez starts in center field.
This looks like my first chance to do the Breckeroni thing but I respectfully decline, I am not worthy.
Humility is the secret to a successful Breckeroni. You’re good. 😉
as always, PS, pure class..
I still think Bochy hates KT.
You’re emoting, not thinking. LOL.
I’m thinking perfectly well that you probably don’t get it.
Frank (or is it Ralph), but illusional.
Delusional, maybe, illusional? Only in scarves and disappearing chickens.
You are an ‘I’ person, not a ‘De’ person in my humble estimation.
Wouldn’t that be “ill”, not “I”?
No sick jokes, please.
He thinks Tomlinson would be cuter if he got rid of the glasses and went to contacts, and he wont give him any PT until he makes the change.
You may be on to something.
Sure he does. even made him play 2nd base today.
thanks GG for the share of the game notes – I’ve never seen that before — that is a very cool document full on all kinds of info
Is Blanco still hurt?
I think he is, Slikk…
Mets 11 to 0 vs Phillies bottom of the 7th .
Time for a Philly comeback!
That means Giants win today.
Hopefully.
I’m wondering how they thought there had been a boating accident. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d305e4b42223667750711084f32f3250e6727dd5664b257790b23008bae335c2.jpg
That’s right out of a Crockett and Tubbs chase scene.
I’ve spent a lot of time on the water sailing and boating and I’ve never seen anything quite like that sight.
That’s totally not knowing there was a jetty….
Or being pitch dark and going way, way, way too fast.
Too soon and hate to go there, but sounds like Darwin Award material.
Yup…people feel invincible on boats way too often
Not much of a jetty, as jetties go. Just some rocks jutting up out of the water.
as many have said…nothin’ good happens after 2am — young men full of piss and vinegar and feeling invincible…so so sad. He was supposed to pitch today [and wouldn’t have been out @ 3am] but they moved him back to monday – would hate to be mattingly mulling over all the what ifs……
Have some friggin respect and stop the irresponsible speculating. The boat was found at 3 am. He went missing many hours before that time. Yes, it took that long to find the boat. And there was NO evidence of alcohol or drugs. And even if he wasn’t wearing a life vest, who cares. The boat landed on top of him, killing him instantly. He was a young a man. He may have made a mistake, who knows, but mistakes are not intended to kill anyone. If they were, we would all be dead.
Wow, been battling a migraine all morning and didn’t read anything until now. Wow how tragic about Fernandez. My heart goes out to his family, friends and team mates. I cannot even imagine what they are going through right now.
Then many thanks to Dr Lefty for your awesome post. Really really enjoyed your story.
It only took 43 seconds to remind the world:
Same ol’ Niners. Same ol’ Seahawks
Nothing getting past the backstops today. Brick wall.
Brown??
And Posey. Let’s play two!
That’s just kind of weird to post of all things….of the choices for the team to make something happen…..Brown. Just seems Footy-ish, Cuz!
Whatever Holmes.
I expected : “Crawford is back!!!”
One Brandon in, the other out.
Better you better you bet?
Look at the difference he makes on defense….huge.
Brown? Negative impact.
You agree?
Sure. Aren’t those obvious points?
Whoa. Snarky, much?
We could go on all day…your original post was about Brown’s defense…which is poor
Pay attention. About posey and brown both playing catcher.
OK…I missed that. My bad
Because Nunez is playing 3rd!
Two C’s above nothing more.
This doesn’t look promising
Woody Blach
92 though. Gun is hot!
Look who’s back! Settles everything down on the infield…..
Deep Deep Deep breath young TY
It’s hilarious. All the sportswriters are reporting that the LA players are saluting Vin Scully as they come to the plate. Nice story, if true. It just so happens their PED supplier is sitting just below the broadcast booth.
It’s true and it’s cool.
posey just took over
I didn’t see your post, but I said nearly the same thing in mine. Buster is going to be some kind of manager. Not that I think he really would do that after he retires.
Today the good players get so much money, there’s little need for them to extend their careers by coaching or managing. Hats off to Barry Bonds, in other words.
Thought Blach’s strength was his control? Looking a tad Surkickamish.
Despite the walks, the ump is doing a good job
Well done. After all that, it’s a big fat 0 on the scoreboard
there are easier ways to pitch a scoreless inning, for sure.
I’m sure it’s a combination of nerves and inexperienced catcher catching him. 2nd inning will be better hopefully
They know each other from minors.
I’ll bet anything when Buster came over to conference he told them both how to pitch Von Schimpf.
First inning stats:
WHIP : 4.00
ERA : 0.00
Mom and Dad in the stands are doing nothing for his nerves.
I like Gorkys’ energy
Faster heart rate?
Huh?
Craw does not look comfortable at the plate…understandably so coming back from injury I guess. Hope he doesn’t force an early comeback if he is still injured.
Comfortable, he looked completely snookered to me.
Yea, I was trying to be diplomatic. Have seen him look like that when he isn’t healthy.
Having had, and seen, a lot of hand injuries in baseball, I can tell you he isn’t confident in his swing.
21-3 seattle – ugh
It’s still patently clear that the talent level of Seattle -player by player- is dramatically superior to SF. How Trent Baalke still had a job is embarrassing to this organization
ah the yorks….owners who would rather own shopping centers than a sports team : (
ps baalke must not intimidate young york thus he still has a job
The Niners front office/ownership is like a, “Game of Thrones” noble family.
The Niners will be on the wrong end of the whipping stick in this rivalry for at least 3 more years.
49ers will probably be losers for the rest of my life. So I don’t watch. 49ers are losers.
Losing to the Niners 28-0 will be the Rams most humiliating memory of this season.
He’s already paid for his start at SS.
Blach isn’t yet ready for a start like this. Bad placement so far.
It’s like real estate, Young Blach.
Call a pitch out of the strike zone Brown!
Raggs, Make a visit.
Wow, was that ugly.
Law seems still hurt….so, let’s pitch him!!
I wouldn’t touch him again for a week. he needs to heal more and get stronger.
They shut him down last time …why would they pitch him now if he was hurt? Maybe it’s just mechanics out of sync
He has lost a ton off his FB, he is hanging curves…and they got HIM up first in the pen today? It seems like no one on the coaching staff is paying attention to anything
my guess is they know more than we do about his health. Weird.
If his health is fine, then it’s just his pitching that is hurting since his return. Either way, not good
The fake GM solution to every slump is to bench a guy until he starts playing better.
I wasn’t talking health, I was talking strength and control of his delivery.
How dare you.
I’m guessing. I’m watching a guy whose stuff fell of a cliff…
I would be surprised if we see DLaw today.
Why has he been up twice in the pen?
They’re playing with you.
Bochy hates me more than he hates KT
To paraphrase Rick in Casablanca, if he ever gave you any thought, he probably would!
His whole delivery last night looked out of whack. Maybe they made some adjustments and want to see if they work.
Boris called up Terry Collins for advice.
I think Blach’s outing is done
Unless Brown gets on
Battler with whatever stuff he has. Law is first up? Whoa.
54 pitches through 2 innings. No bueno.
What just happened lol
Nice job by Blach and Brown. Shouldn’t Blanco be in the mix?
I’m not sure about this call, glad it can’t be reviewed
Why?
It looked like Blach was out of the baseline twice
Were they trying to tag him?
I thought so when he backed up. Guess not
I wasn’t watching
He was pushed by the catcher out of the way blocking his path to 1st. If anything, the catcher could be called for B/R interference.
He was IN the box until the C played the ball. There was no obvious infraction in that.
The catcher kept it fair, thanks dude
If Kelby Tomlinson plays 150 games next year, he’ll have 100 RBI’s
He might have 300
If Bruce Bochy manages, he’ll play 30 games
Because he hates Kelby. Bapah says so.
Lefties just feel it. There is something special about the purported brain damage that’s said to make south paws.
So true. If people would just trust us and our intuitions, life would be so much easier for them.
Amen, Sister, Amen.
Poor Mr. Lefty….Double Self Proclaimed Intuition Prison Sentence…
No wonder he writes Sarah McGlaghlin Save The Dog songs from the heart..
If I’m the GM, I’m trading Panik
NO!
NO!
It’s too late, he gone to Pitt for McCutchen
Oh. Well…
Let’s see how I can combine moron and idiot and make it funny.
Moriot? Nah, I think not.
Midiot?
Too much like M+idiot. Idiron, maybe. Morid? Moriat still looks good from heeere.
Pediot.
Well, this is a winner. Not. Why don’t you try tweeting this to Alex?
Yogi Beane?
The guy I’d most like to see in that situation.
That’s more than Belt 😎
You’re feisty today!
Somebody say Fiesta?
Someone mentions something about any other player.
Scout: Must use that as a basis to diss Belt.
Dr. Pavlov would like to speak to you about some experiments he’s performing.
“Scout Eats Dogfood According To UC Professor”
And drools constantly
And sleeps with his tongue hanging out.
And loves kitty tootsie rolls.
I think one of those words is misspelled.
Stay off the whiskey
Dude is a grinder that makes things happen at the plate…look at his run production numbers…off the charts
Man, that guy is clutch.
That’s why we pay him the big bucks.
Clutch Slappy and his pals Spinner and Paddlefoot
When he goes oppo, it’s usually good as opposed to rolling it over once again to the 6-side.
Thanks for the Gregor answer from earlier.
Except when he isn’t. I think he leads the league in GIDP. How’s my TO impression. 😉
Terrible, cc, because you’re still you!
Damn, foiled again!
Boom goes The Posey!
boom
You have the lead now. Keep your cool
that flashback was thoroughly depressing. thanks for showing Duffy as well. today’s been a shitty day (the kind where I used up all my kleenex) and that didn’t help.
Breathe deep.
Wait, Greek Giant. Where are your questions before the game? I like your questions. They’re interesting and an original feature.
I will make them a regular feature.
Great! Thanks!
Is this the worst pair of No 5 hitters in any game this year? This decade?
Someone tweet Baggarly, and invited him over for the fun.
Now who doesn’t want a Bumgarner Stromtrooper bobblehead?
I have a Bumgarner Silver Slugger bobblehead, so I’m all good now.
No personality, inferior product. 😉
Shouldn’t it be a Bumgarner Darth Vader Bobblehead? Madison doesn’t seem like a storm trooper type.
That bobblehead looks like a logistics error.
The most amazing thing about Nunez’ catch yesterday is that he didn’t overrun it.
Almost did. But he displayed some great reverse reach.
THAT WAS FUN!
The things we notice: that lady in the fake online date Toyota ad had Harbaugh Pinky. It’s disturbing
Strike zone is tiny. Would be wise for the Giant’s hitters to take a lot of pitches.
Never gonna happen.
Bam bam says no.
Elbow to the head for Buster. Ouch
“Is going to manage extremely aggressively” says the guest announcer. Obviously he hasn’t watched this team at all. Aggressive is the last thing Bochy is.
Now, be fair. He did ask the pitcher to bunt earlier!
Semantics I guess. Sac blunts are defensive. Bunting for hits away from shifts is aggressive
And he didn’t want his rookie pitcher to give up the lead. The kid threw a ,lot of pitches,Every one knew that was to be a bullpen game.
Not by YOUR standards.
By any standard Bochy is among the most conservative of managers. Doesn’t make him wrong, just makes him not aggressive by any definition
You are misinterpreting what was meant. He’s VERY aggressive with the pen in the postseason – this week is almost the playoffs.
Not even almost.
YOUR
I’ve seen Boch flash his canines at Kelby at least 3 times this year.
Mac runs pretty well!
I’m all-in for him getting a real shot next year
If you can’t hit it out, run it out.
The dude that got the foul ball is wearing a Hensley Meulens jersey. One man wolf pack
Schulman did a multi-tweet defense of Meulens the other night. Thinks he’s an excellent hitting coach. A Tweep asked him “Now defend Kelly as 3B coach.” Schulman’s response: “Uh, no thanks.”
I’m in Hensley’s camp. However, I do see way too many defensive and passive swings by the boys this year.
Kelly is still intimidated at 3rd…probationary period over
They were one of the best offensive teams in the league last year and in the first half. He probably didn’t get stupid over the All-Star break. It’s kind of like how people want to blame Buster for pitchers throwing meatballs.
Schulman did say that if for some reason the hitters are tuning out the hitting coach, that could argue for a change.
He’s a pretty cerebral hitting coach. Believes in a “plan”
lol
Gotta give it up to Blach for not crapping the bed. Showed poise (excepting the balk) and showed some genuine pitchability. You could almost say he was establishing a rhythm and throwing his pitches. Too bad for the pitch count. Seems Blach has a real leg up for #5 starter next spring (unless Cain!).
Yup.
Though crapping the bad is refreshing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xwUuSM06xQ
Especially if he draws an ump with a regular zone where he can get edges.
Turn the clock back, Glavinesque!
They need someone with a BB gun in the dugout to shoot Kontos in the butt after the 3rd slider in a row.
Buster called them.I didn’t see Kontos shake him off.
Buster calling pitches from first base. He does everything now.
Sorry, Brown. maybe it should be Buster.
It should, Brown is the Roberto Kelly of pitch calling
From 1st base?
i already corrected myself. Thanks for looking out for me, though
Any time Pal.
Oooh! Me, me, me!
Niners just held Seattle to a FG on that last drive. 30-3, 2 mins. left in the 3rd qtr.
There is hope for the future. TB will be running the 49ers 2017 draft room.
We kinda knew no way we win up there, but I was hoping it would be close.
30-3 is not close.
Baalke should be fired midweek. Look at how the Bills did after firing the offensive genius Greg Roman in the middle of the week.
I keep hearing Baalke’s on a short leash. This week should show his roster construction is a disaster. Harbaugh may have been a pain, but York totally ruined this franchise with his decision.
Yup
Greg Roman should pay double for anything he purchases while in SF.
You knew Buffalo fired him, right?
Ew, I better pack heat when I go out tonight (SEA).
(J/K)
Its like a pack of hyenas ravaging a hippo carcass at this point.
Come on Kontos, you’re better than this
Actually, he’s not. ;-(
Took the words right out of my mouth.
I’m trying to figure out the community dislike of a very effective reliever
Unless there’s fast runners on.
Well, right there he frustrated me. Walk was bad, but letting him steal second cost us the tying run.
Every Giant has their moments that frustrate us…Kontos has been remarkably steady for years.
Just can’t hold runners and is slow to the plate.
Yeah, the rest of the staff is sooooo good at holding runners.
I think it’s fantastic that you will defend your guys so diligently. You’ll even deflect when you can’t argue fact.
George can’t hold runners and is slow to the plate.
Solution? Don’t allow any baserunners.
Kontos isn’t my guy, he’s our guy -and he’s a good pitcher. Hey, it seems that you had your identity stolen by the doom Squad .
Nope. George needs to pitch in conditions that favor his success. He’s not the same pitcher he used to be right now.
Play the right guys in the right situations.
He pitched the 5th inning-That’s the right situation.
Lefty – Aroid – uh… ;o)
He has had a good year.
He has had on meh to OK year.
He had a VERY good year in 2015.
IMO, what’s killing Kontos is his fastball. That good year, the opposition hit .168 against it. The year before .400, and this year over .300. He’s got no strike pitch but the slider, so his out/killer pitch he shows to often or hangs. Just my read of his numbers.
Considering how the rest of the pen has been ,he’s been fantastic
Boy that’s a low bar.
Wow — Kontos drives me crazy. 1-2 count and he picks and picks for a lead off walk. Then he basically lets Myers steal standing up.
NOW, we have a DP combo.
Crawnik?
They’re great. AD, not so much.
Lead off walk will hurt you every time.. Also why did Law pitch so early?
Because he didn’t look very convincing in his last outing
Just arrived. How did he look today?
Bienvenidos!
He had better command. Pretty effective but still doesn’t look as good as he did in the first half
Seen enough at the 49er game?
Nah – I don’t watch football…
p.s. I was at the Italian-American Festival! Bella Italia!!
Giants are the best team in baseball at allowing lead off walks to score.
He had been having some trouble in the late innings. just giving him some low pressure work. He will be back in the late inning mix soon enough.
What team will score more today? Niners or Giants…
Atta babe Gorkys.
Luckily for George, I don’t think you can technically get a blown save in the fifth inning.
Unless rain called it a game after 5. But knowing the weather in SD, probably not likely.
Pagan’s lucky that wasn’t called a double play.
I would not exactly say Angel was busting his gorgeous butt down the first base line there–he got lucky.
It was a controlled ‘bust’, as mature men are want to do.
Has Pagan ever hustled out a infield grounder?
Sure, when he smells a hit. He picks his spots. And to be fair, he’s had serious hamstring issues.
Put in Kaep — he will make sure he gets hurts and have five offseason surgeries to get another guarantee year of money.
To pitch? Why not?
I’m hoping Kaepernick gets the job soon so I can root against the 49ers in general and him specifically.
OK, so back in the day you defended Kaepernick to the death because he was Harbaugh’s guy. Now you don’t like him because of his political expression. Any conflict for you there? Maybe Harbaugh was wrong?
Those are two seperate issues. I don’t care how good or bad he is, or whether he was Harbaugh’s guy. I can’t stand him because of what he believes and I will take great joy if he fails.
Sorry. When he fails.
Well, he already has, right? He’s a clipboard holder on one of the worst teams in the NFL.
I’d like to see some fresh failure.
You might have anger issues.
I’m almost never angry. I am sometimes annoyed and/or disgusted.
Bueno.
😉
He has…yet, that us such a political cesspool that I firmly believe he was benched by Baalke, not Tomsula
And now?
He’s coming off surgeries. I expect he will be starter by game 5 or 6… And the team will still be the least talented in the league
What a mess
The only reason Kap is on this team:
* Baalke set a ridiculous, punitive price in trade negotiations ( to further hurt another ex-Harbaugh guy, meaning they were going to cut him
* Kelly insisted they keep him
That tells me that he will be playing soon.
I hope he starts and succeeds and annoys the shit out of you every weekend hence forth.
I like my chances.
I agree. If we lose Blaine now the seasons over
It’s over, anyway. Was over the minute they hired Kelly and didn’t draft a QB.
They also might have the collection of the worst WRs ever assembled.
Torrey Smith must be itching to GTF out of there…
He seems like a standup guy.
I think so, too, but I’d want to get away from the fiasco that is the 49ers as fast as possible. 2-14 this year.
I don’t use emoges, or lol. I can’t do the tongue in cheek thing either. But I was trying to be witty.
Too late. Next game from the start. Now, he would end up as a dessert treat to that defense
Jesus Christ, 49ers getting destroyed. First game was a fluke.
I’m still confused why Okert wasn’t used the other night instead of Reynolds.
Reynolds had pitched well here and in the minors. better than Okert. But Okert has much higher ceiling.
Reynolds hadn’t pitched in a week and Okert had been dominant a couple of nights before. Reynolds was clearly rusty.
And Okert gave up a killer HR to these very same Pads when they were here. Call it a coin toss.
I’d say Okert is leading the pack of lefties to be the #2 guy behind Smith next year, despite that brutal HR pitch last week. Otherwise, he’s been quite good.
He owned it too – practically cried in his post-game interview.
Those young bullpen guys are obviously feeling a lot of pressure. It’s really too bad Jeremy Affeldt isn’t around in some capacity.
Yeah, they need a vocal leader down there that can show them the way. Maybe Javy?
Too cerebral. They need a head-case like Jeremy.
Agree
Casilla’s not that guy, and I doubt Romo is, either. You’d think Javi, but I bet they miss Affeldt a lot. He’s a warm, gregarious guy. Javi seems like a quieter, more reserved guy.
Ouch! Stat just showed on 49er game!
It had only been 971 games.
Lol!
What stat?
Not sure if I remember it right, but they’ve allowed a 100 rusher and 2 100 yard receivers in each of their last 2 games. giantc has how many times that has happened before.
History!!!!
BTW: Tomlinson should be a starter someplace on this roster. LF?
That Bochy gnome is scary.
You betcha!
It just needs a sound chip that says, “hey you kids, get off my lawn.”
Am I the only one who sees Posey’s face and sees the face of a man who wants the offseason to start next week?
Oh my, hope it’s nothing serious for Nunez
Dang, now we lose Nunez to injury?
Who plays 3rd? KT??
Oh, gawd. You know who. Shudderrrr.
MR. HAAAAAAAPPPPYYYYYY!!!!
Can we just have Crawford play both positions?
What, and LF too? ;o)
It’s Adrianza. That’s better.
Oh – thought they already burned him.
His ABs are so memorable.
Gillaspie’s aren’t any better, and EA’s at least hypothetically competent on defense.
Move KT to 3B and Panik to 2B
Are his initials CG?
Blanco!
Todays game won’t do the 49ers power rankings any favors.
They’re moving up after that 2 pointer. If they can pull off the onside kick, they’e moving WAY up!
Encouraging news.
The final score looks a lot closer on paper.
Once when the Saints and the Falcons final score was 62-7, it was said by someone that it wasn’t as close as the score indicated.
A left-handed 1B would likely have had that tag.
Welp, this game’s over. Dodgers magic number is now, two.
Bunt!
You would think with Gorkys speed he would try and bunt his way on occasion.
When your manager bats you 5th you forget about your sad OPS
The Giants remind me of a tire with a slow leak. Perfectly fine at night on the drive home, but then completely flat the next morning when you need to go to work.
Decidedly non – aggressive manaGing with a potential huge run
You would try a steal down one?
This has to be an all-time most frustrating team to watch
Thoroughly dispiriting.
They can not hit, and that is frustrating .
And when you can’t hit, what do you do to make up for it? Bochy s answer is: nothing. Stand at first with the tying run.
Last chance, right NOW!!
#FIREBOCHY #FIREBOCHY #FIREBOCHY #FIREBOCHY #FIREBOCHY #FIREBOCHY #FIREBOCHY #FIREBOCHY #FIREBOCHY #FIREBOCHY #FIREBOCHY #FIREBOCHY #FIREBOCHY #FIREBOCHY #FIREBOCHY #FIREBOCHY #FIREBOCHY #FIREBOCHY #FIREBOCHY #FIREBOCHY
Because of Bochy.
What a zeke:
Andrew Baggarly ✔ @extrabaggs
For example: “If these Hostess treats were 2 feet farther away, I wouldn’t be able to reach them.”
We gotta face facts, kiddos. If our 3B is down with a hamstring strain and who knows about our co-ace AND we still don’t really have a bullpen…well, there is no magic pixie dust that’s going to fix all this.
Trevor Brown read your post.
Why was he hitting ?
It’s f***ing over.
Perfect place for a strategic bunt down 3BL
Another rock bottom in a second half of infamy.
For some odd reason, I’m glad LA won the division on the walk-off and not due to our team’s inability to score runs and protect leads today. Provides some kind of cold comfort. (Just trying to find something positive in this collapse.)
Agree–it’s kind of a pathetic consolation, but it relieved me not to imagine the players and fans going nuts at Dodger Stadium because the Giants lost.
I’m just trying not to think about that 8-game lead the Giants had in late June. Even if the Giants somehow get a wild card spot, there is shame this year in not winning the division given how beat up the Dodgers were. I didn’t feel that way in 2014 because the Giants had a lot of their own injuries and the Dodgers had Kershaw and Greinke.
For so long, LA all but handed us the division until we just bottomed out. Even last night, when they pulled ahead in the 10th, I didn’t see the same excitement in their dugout as in the past…or even first half. Something has flattened this team and as much as I’d love to see them back into the playoffs and prove us wrong, I’d hate to see them stomped on in the Wild Card or NLDS.
This is one of the most puzzling collapses I’ve ever seen because there really doesn’t appear to be a great explanation for it. Even “well, they suck” doesn’t cut it because up until July 15, they didn’t suck. They were one of the top teams in baseball.
You know, I was browsing the Fangraphs team statistic/metric data, and you’re absolutely right, nothing sticks out. Worth looking deeper though beyond the common stuff.
During the ASB, the players were replaced with RealDolls.
It really should not be that puzzling when you get the opportunity to step back and analyze it again. You yourself even mentioned out of ST that the roster had some weak points. It was an extremely weak bench and they went with a 13 man pitching staff from the jump, only exposing the weak bench even more.
Then what happened? The pitching carried the Giants the first half, I think the top three in the staff were top 6 in the NL in innings. Was that sustainable? At the time I thought no, but hey you never know right? And some of the hitters were playing above their normal production, it was clicking on all cylinders. It seemed anyone they plugged into 2B or 3B (Grant Green ring a bell?) would get hits.
Then the injuries began to mount and the pitching came back to earth, add in the downward spiral from Cain and Peavy and the dive from Casilla and we are were we are.
So see, not that puzzling is it?
Bum, Cueto and Samardzija are all in the top 5 in innings. Moore would be #14 in the NL with his innings (he doesn’t appear on the list because he was traded from the AL). Having four starters in the top 14 in innings is very good. Bum & Cueto are #5-6 in ERA, and Samardzija is #16. The rotation has been excellent, and God only knows where the team would be without them.
The bullpen problems are obvious, but the really ridiculous thing has been the epic collapse of the offense in the second half. This was a good hitting/scoring team last year and in the first half, and they just…stopped.
No insight to why, but the Giants went from the highest LD% in the NL in the first half, to nearly the lowest in the second half. For what it’s worth, their BABIP went from near top to near the bottom in that period as well. That’s in itself a proscription for disaster for a contact driven team. In part, that’s a function of forgetting how to work a count, and always hitting behind in the count it seemed.
The difference (one that I’m not sure you have alluded to or grasped) is that this Dodgers team is ore solidly build than the Giants, from ST to now. And it is absolutely much better built than the 2014 team that won on the back of the pitching. Just think of all the options they have in the OF and in the infield, guys that can hit all around. They fixed the catching issue and they held the pitching together with some really good farm talent (talent much better than what the Giants claim to have AND actually have).
It was that strength in numbers up and down the 40 man roster that allowed them to withstand all the injuries.
The Giants? They were never a complete roster, had to many holes out of ST and attempted the quick fixes too late. Then injuries just exposed them for who they are.
“The 2016 San Francisco Giants. It was the best of teams, it was the worst of teams…”
Mostly the worst.
A mostly worst team would have a losing record, yes?
It’s over. Better for the team to take some time, let the injured heal, get guys like Tomlinson ready to play new positions because there’s going to be a LOT of churn on this team, this offseason. People I expect to be gone from the starting lineup (mostly relief pitchers):
Pagan
Romo
Lopez
Casilla
Kontos
Peavy
Cain (they’ll eat the money)
Adrianza
Blanco
That’s a lot of people to replace.
I could see them bringing Romo back as a second signing for the bullpen after paying up for a premium closer. They might keep Kontos, though he sure seems to be buried at the bottom of the depth chart right now. And I don’t think they’ll eat Cain’s money. Might as well let him compete for a starting job in spring; if he doesn’t look any better, then you make the painful decision. But not before that.
Only if Romo REALLY proves himself in this coming week. This season is over, we might as well start thinking “Hot Stove.”
I want them to sign an A-list closer. Having done that, if they can get Romo back at a reasonable cost, he could be useful as a set-up guy and backup closer. He’s the youngest of the Core Four at 33.
They also should get an experienced backup catcher. There are a lot of decent ones who will be available.
They’ll never get another A-list closer. No will to change the roster. This team will be a loser for at least a decade.
We’ll see. Bobby Evans seems pretty proactive to me. I was absolutely stunned when he traded Duffy and Bickford and Fox. They spent a ton of money and assets rebuilding the rotation and actually did a fine job at it. They’ll have some money to spend this year, and I think they’ll spend it reconstructing the bullpen. That’s the easiest thing to fix, and it would help a lot.
They have to completely rebuild the ‘pen, other than Law. All others who are free agents should be gone. Losers, all. However, Evans generates no faith, much less Sabean. They stood pat for too long, and we see the results. Horrible draft class doesn’t help.
no matter how “procactive” Evans appeared, he completed F’D Up for not getting a top closer, he even admitted to it this week, although sheepishly. He should grow some cojones and just admit it outright and say he will correct it this off season.
This shows how big last night’s game was. KT and his supporting cast kept us afloat;
KT should be a starter next year, probably in left. Pagan should be a DH in the American League. Still can hit. Useless in the field.
Pagan has a 102 wRC+. That’s not nearly enough to provide value as a bat only player.
Agree we’ve most likely seen the last of those who you have mentioned. I hope Pagan, Casilla Adrianza and Peavy find new homes. Knowing that this organization very rarely “eats the money,” pretty sure we’ll see Matty through his last year. I’d be fine with Sergio and Gregor remaining (preferably at hometown discounts) and I hope Javie could come back in the capacity of assistant BP coach to keep the institutional memory intact going forward. Lastly, I hope we can keep Kontos.
Why keep Kontos? He’s been utter crap all season.
Not true.
Yes, true. Unreliable.
Very untrue. Kontos has been the best non-Law member of the bullpen this season. And no, that’s not a backhanded compliment. Super low home run rate and a 2.41 ERA. You must have a bizarre definition of “utter crap all season”.
well you hit on some and missed on others.
1) The old players you mentioned should all be ushered out. This team was too old going into the season and all the injuries should never have been a surprise to anyone.
2) Players are in it for the money, why would anyone give the Giants a hometown discount. What makes you assume this? Let that play out over the winter, I think it won’t matter much if they stay or go.
3) Lopez attended the University of Virginia AND earned a Psych degree while still leaving school early when drafted. He is not going to be an assistant bp coach trust me on that one.
4) Kontos is another pitcher that can be replaced easily.
I’ll concede to you the age and the earning incentive of the aforementioned vets, and no, I wouldn’t be upset to say so long to the lot. (okay, maybe White Shark) But if Lopez is indeed management material as you too have must heard bandied about from time to time, why not start up that ladder mentored by (until this year anyway) one of the elite pitching coaching staffs in the game.
I never said Lopez is management material. I don’t even think his future is in baseball.
Guess what? It isn’t for over 90%+ of the guys who leave the game.
I can see Lopez doing well in business ventures, just a hunch. He’s a smart guy, can do more than stick around and coach.
Sergio and Gregor ONLY if they take the veteran minimum. No hometown discount, simply the vet minimum. If they won’t take that, bye! They are not very good and neither is Kontos. The other guy they have yet to replace is Jeremy Affeldt and if they don’t, the closer won’t matter because they won’t have many close games to save, the Giants will be 50-112 next season.
Even if we backed into the playoffs by default, is this team really put together right now to win the three playoff series? Let alone the wild card? Bottom line: just absolute flat out horse shit. It is that simple.
They’ve been underdogs in just about every post season series they’ve played, and they’ve won every one.
Don’t know if we’re built Ford tough enough right now.
Not even.
Nice truck- see ya.
You don’t believe me about Ford toughness? Talk to Bum. He’ll set it right.
Bum drives aluminum.
Besides, Fords are made of aluminum, now. I’d never buy a NEW vehicle, but ***NEVER*** an aluminum-body vehicle.
Yeah. I heard that. That’s bull shit. Still driving my ’10 Super Duty. Definitely Ford tough.
They let you drive? I thought that those cards from Walgreen’s were discontinued in 1939.
I can’t believe yo mama let you LIVE, as stupid as you are. Back to mom’s basement. I heard her yell there was some mac and cheese for you.
Let’s go cane to cane and settle this.
Never have been, according to the experts.
2002.
Well that does it. The mudbug has spoken.
If Bochy, by hook, crook, or jobu’s luck, got them to the NLCS it would be quite an accomplishment.
In the three previous even year series, they looked energized and they battled down the stretch. This even year team has a different look to it as we near seasons end. Has a different feel. I so wish it were not so. But it is what it is as they say.
they haven’t looked energized since the ASB
IMHO absolutely NOT – a downward trendline of bad performances since July 15 is not something that can be overcome by waving the magic even year wand and poof you are playoff magic – it’s not their year and I’m ok with that. What I will not be ok with is if at the end of the season not one of the beat reporters is able to shed real light on what the hell happened to our team
Best doomer post contest is heating up, But you have none chance if you don’t ratchet up your “Bochy talk”. key words-stupid, idiot,brain dead,moronic- you get the drift.Most key words in one sentence gets a free pass to the finials.
i was responding to craw’s question — what the heck are you talking about ????
Just some tips if you want to hang with in crowd.You are being too reasonable
never wanted to be part of that group…..
I’m actually more interested in them barely sneaking into the playoffs, just because anything can happen in the playoffs, and barely squeezing in as the 2nd wild card would be the most hilarious way to troll the world.
Agreed 👍
It was such a weird realization a few years ago when I realized the nation’s baseball fans HATED the Giants. Like SF was suddenly the Yankees dynasty and people were just going “UGH Giants AGAIN!?” So the idea of “undeservingly” getting in and then going on a mini run is just too wonderful to me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GtSZZKHugk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_H-LY4Jb2M
Oh the irony:
A walk-off sendoff for Vin Scully — Dodgers clinch division title in dramatic fashion
Los Angeles Times | September 25, 2016 | 5:00 PM
Charlie Culberson hit a two-out solo home run in the bottom of the 10th inning this afternoon to propel the Dodgers to a 4-3 victory over the Rockies and clinch the National League West Division title in Vin Scully’s final broadcast from Chavez Ravine.
After what would be a league leading blown save by Jansen (if not for “you know who”).
Señor 31-for-40? That guy?? Oy.
the magic particles have moved to chavez ravine to end the 2016 season
Wally Pipp, we need you. Getting together one of the biggest welcoming parties of all time.
Oy again, Moooooosie…
On a brighter note – AP’s twit:
“Nunez said he doesn’t think strain is bad, hopes to play Tuesday. But obviously it’s all up to the MRI result.”
I’m really getting fond of this kid. That foul popup was a trip.
Arnold Palmer passed today.
shit
ps. I think of Arnie like I think of Gordie Howe – guys that would last forever.
He was not the greatest player ever but he was the most dynamic- Arnie was not a guy to lay up-had some epic charges and epic meltdowns,.Never took the safe way.One of a kind
I saw a tweet that said he wasn’t the greatest, but he was the most important.
Game over!
It’s really over? Darn, I always wanted to say that. I fell asleep, thought was the 3rd inning.
New post: http://fe0.84e.myftpupload.com/postgame/giants-fall-to-padres-4-3-as-dodgers-clinch-nl-west-postseason-hopes-evaporating/