There's not one thing going on that I'm really excited or disappointed about, so I'm going to take a page out of Frankie's book and discuss a few things in the wide world of sports that have caught some of my easily distracted attention.
James Harrison
If you want to discuss a guy getting a raw deal, you need look no further that one Mr. James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He put a big hit on Colt McCoy in last Thursday night's game. Commissioner Roger Goodell, in his infinite wisdom, as suspended him for one game, Monday's matchup against the 49ers. This is the first time in 25 years that a player has been suspended for a hit delivered during a live play. Watch it again. It was absolutely a brutal knock, but, it was clean. Football is a physical game. During the play, McCoy tucked the ball and began to run. He threw it just before he crossed the line of scrimmage. Harrison never had a chance to stop. Now watch again. Harrison didn't really lead with the head. He didn't really launch himself into the tackle. He made a tough tackle. I wouldn't want anything less from my All-Pro linebacker.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011
BCS Championship Announced, Everyone Outside of SEC Upset
Yeah, we are. We already saw the game. It was awful. We really think that Alabama deserves another try?
Who did Alabama beat to get here? A 6-6 Florida team, a decent Penn State team, and an Arkansas team that beat everyone else in the SEC and three other bad programs. Those are their three wins against "ranked" teams. Only one finished the season that way. Just because a team beats up on their conference doesn't mean they're the second best team in the country. I won't deny that they are good, or even that the SEC is probably an above average conference. But, shouldn't a "NATIONAL" championship be decided from two teams around the country? Wouldn't it validate the Bayou Bengals more to beat a team they didn't play, rather than one they already did? Wouldn't the rest of the country respect the SEC as the dominant conference if they beat a team other than one from their own conference?
This seems like a very short-sighted decision. Oklahoma State deserves every opportunity to be in that game. It's not like their schedule was that much more difficult, but at least they beat the other marquee program in their conference. Even stanfurd, as much as I hate to admit it, should have been in the conversation.
In a column posted by an esteemed ESPN writer after the announcement, the points are made that clearly display the bias.
LINK HERE
But here it is:
Point 1:
Alabama started at No. 2 in that same poll, and that's where the Crimson Tide are now: No. 2 in the coaches' poll, the Harris poll, and, most important, the final BCS standings. They did it by having the least offensive loss of the one-loss teams, which isn't exactly the same thing as erasing all doubt.
Point 2:
No. 1 LSU was going to the Allstate BCS National Championship Game no matter what. It could have lost the SEC championship game (and for a while there, as the Tigers ended the first half against Georgia with zero first downs and trailing by three points, it seemed they might), but it wouldn't have changed the rankings math:
LSU = No. 1. Everybody else < LSU. Much less.
....So, because Alabama lost to the number one team and Okie St. laid the egg against Iowa St., the Tide should roll in a rematch. But then point two refutes that. If LSU lost to Georgia, they still would have been in the national championship?
Maybe we'll get an entertaining game. But when it's said and done, the BCS could have done a lot better to determine who was the national champion, and not just the champion of one conference, because now, that's all we'll know.
Who did Alabama beat to get here? A 6-6 Florida team, a decent Penn State team, and an Arkansas team that beat everyone else in the SEC and three other bad programs. Those are their three wins against "ranked" teams. Only one finished the season that way. Just because a team beats up on their conference doesn't mean they're the second best team in the country. I won't deny that they are good, or even that the SEC is probably an above average conference. But, shouldn't a "NATIONAL" championship be decided from two teams around the country? Wouldn't it validate the Bayou Bengals more to beat a team they didn't play, rather than one they already did? Wouldn't the rest of the country respect the SEC as the dominant conference if they beat a team other than one from their own conference?
This seems like a very short-sighted decision. Oklahoma State deserves every opportunity to be in that game. It's not like their schedule was that much more difficult, but at least they beat the other marquee program in their conference. Even stanfurd, as much as I hate to admit it, should have been in the conversation.
In a column posted by an esteemed ESPN writer after the announcement, the points are made that clearly display the bias.
LINK HERE
But here it is:
Point 1:
Alabama started at No. 2 in that same poll, and that's where the Crimson Tide are now: No. 2 in the coaches' poll, the Harris poll, and, most important, the final BCS standings. They did it by having the least offensive loss of the one-loss teams, which isn't exactly the same thing as erasing all doubt.
Point 2:
No. 1 LSU was going to the Allstate BCS National Championship Game no matter what. It could have lost the SEC championship game (and for a while there, as the Tigers ended the first half against Georgia with zero first downs and trailing by three points, it seemed they might), but it wouldn't have changed the rankings math:
LSU = No. 1. Everybody else < LSU. Much less.
....So, because Alabama lost to the number one team and Okie St. laid the egg against Iowa St., the Tide should roll in a rematch. But then point two refutes that. If LSU lost to Georgia, they still would have been in the national championship?
Maybe we'll get an entertaining game. But when it's said and done, the BCS could have done a lot better to determine who was the national champion, and not just the champion of one conference, because now, that's all we'll know.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Bud Selig Doing His Best To Ruin Baseball
I completely disagree with the decision to extend the playoffs to ten teams. That's pretty much the crux of it.
If you haven't yet heard, Selig is going to have the wildcard berth be decided by a one game playoff between the top two non-division record teams in each league. It cheapens everything.
Baseball has the greatest playoff system of North American professional sports. Only eight out of thirty teams make the playoffs. At 27%, it's the lowest percentage of playoff teams of any major sport, and it makes the long 162 game season mean something. In the NBA, does anyone pay attention to the regular season until there's about 30 games left? No. It doesn't matter. Do people always pay attention to all 162 games of the MLB? No, but every one of those games matter. Adding the two teams only cheapens it.
Flash back to the last day of the regular season this year. With Tampa Bay and St. Louis completing impossible comebacks in dramatic fashion to secure their wildcard births. That night doesn't happen. Both all of those teams rest their starters to wait for the playoff. Now, maybe the playoff provides drama of its own, but why fix what ain't broke?
Next argument: it means that more teams are competitive longer. Meaning September attendance numbers should be up at a few more stadiums. Maybe. But when I looked at the top three finishers in the Wildcard in each league over the last ten years, more often then not the disparity is wide enough that adding a fifth team doesn't add much in the way of competitiveness. Also, there are plenty of times where a team gets penalized for winning. Take the 2002 Angels, for example. If a fifth team was in the playoffs, their 99 regular season wins would have meant nothing if they lose one game against the 93 win Red Sox or Mariners, who would have had to play their own playoff. So yeah, it creates some drama of its own. But the next best team? The 81 win White Sox. Not too much more drama late in the season.
And it penalizes that wild card team. Remember, the wildcard was created after expansion had happened long before, and really occurred because the 103 win Giants lost the West division crown to the 104 win Braves (East Division champion Phillies only won 97 games). Why should the Wildcard team have to trot out its ace against a team that won 6 games less than them in the regular season. I suppose you could argue that the division winners should have some sort of advantage, however, this system almost guarantees that you won't see a 02 Angels, 01 Diamondbacks, 11 Cardinals, or 04 Red Sox. Imagine playing the best team in your league and not getting to use your ace twice while the other teams get an extra day to rest up. Ridiculous.
I know just the fact that the playoffs exist, no matter what the format, there will be drama, there will be fun. However, when you look at what has happened since the expansion to the 8 team format, there's not much argument for a second wild card team. And when you get down to it, and you ask why is baseball doing this, you come to the obvious answer. Money.
More butts in seats, more television contracts, more advertising, more sponsorships. More dough. Another set of tradition set aside for the sole purpose of generating more money. It's sickening. So, to Mr. Selig and the baseball owners, I hope you sleep better at night after deciding to cheapen America's pastime.
If you haven't yet heard, Selig is going to have the wildcard berth be decided by a one game playoff between the top two non-division record teams in each league. It cheapens everything.
Baseball has the greatest playoff system of North American professional sports. Only eight out of thirty teams make the playoffs. At 27%, it's the lowest percentage of playoff teams of any major sport, and it makes the long 162 game season mean something. In the NBA, does anyone pay attention to the regular season until there's about 30 games left? No. It doesn't matter. Do people always pay attention to all 162 games of the MLB? No, but every one of those games matter. Adding the two teams only cheapens it.
Flash back to the last day of the regular season this year. With Tampa Bay and St. Louis completing impossible comebacks in dramatic fashion to secure their wildcard births. That night doesn't happen. Both all of those teams rest their starters to wait for the playoff. Now, maybe the playoff provides drama of its own, but why fix what ain't broke?
Next argument: it means that more teams are competitive longer. Meaning September attendance numbers should be up at a few more stadiums. Maybe. But when I looked at the top three finishers in the Wildcard in each league over the last ten years, more often then not the disparity is wide enough that adding a fifth team doesn't add much in the way of competitiveness. Also, there are plenty of times where a team gets penalized for winning. Take the 2002 Angels, for example. If a fifth team was in the playoffs, their 99 regular season wins would have meant nothing if they lose one game against the 93 win Red Sox or Mariners, who would have had to play their own playoff. So yeah, it creates some drama of its own. But the next best team? The 81 win White Sox. Not too much more drama late in the season.
And it penalizes that wild card team. Remember, the wildcard was created after expansion had happened long before, and really occurred because the 103 win Giants lost the West division crown to the 104 win Braves (East Division champion Phillies only won 97 games). Why should the Wildcard team have to trot out its ace against a team that won 6 games less than them in the regular season. I suppose you could argue that the division winners should have some sort of advantage, however, this system almost guarantees that you won't see a 02 Angels, 01 Diamondbacks, 11 Cardinals, or 04 Red Sox. Imagine playing the best team in your league and not getting to use your ace twice while the other teams get an extra day to rest up. Ridiculous.
I know just the fact that the playoffs exist, no matter what the format, there will be drama, there will be fun. However, when you look at what has happened since the expansion to the 8 team format, there's not much argument for a second wild card team. And when you get down to it, and you ask why is baseball doing this, you come to the obvious answer. Money.
More butts in seats, more television contracts, more advertising, more sponsorships. More dough. Another set of tradition set aside for the sole purpose of generating more money. It's sickening. So, to Mr. Selig and the baseball owners, I hope you sleep better at night after deciding to cheapen America's pastime.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Cal Men's Basketball: It's happening
Judging by the amount of people at last nights game, I'm not sure you knew. Cal Basketball, however, is in full swing. People should be paying more attention than they currently are because this year, this team could bring home a Pac-12 title and get pretty deep in the tournament. That's right, you heard correctly. Cal basketball is good.
In the fourth year of his tenure, Mike Montgomery is playing with a team of his design, and it shows. Almost every player on the court is playing with energy and a defense first mindset. I can't look at a single one of them and put them down for being selfish or lazy. In the three games they've played so far, they've crushed their opposition and allowed their bench players to get on the floor for invaluable early season experience. This is maybe the deepest team I've seen since following Cal basketball These guys deserve your attention. They are currently ranked #22 in the nation. These guys are going to make some noise, I highly suggest joining them.
In the fourth year of his tenure, Mike Montgomery is playing with a team of his design, and it shows. Almost every player on the court is playing with energy and a defense first mindset. I can't look at a single one of them and put them down for being selfish or lazy. In the three games they've played so far, they've crushed their opposition and allowed their bench players to get on the floor for invaluable early season experience. This is maybe the deepest team I've seen since following Cal basketball These guys deserve your attention. They are currently ranked #22 in the nation. These guys are going to make some noise, I highly suggest joining them.
Monday, November 7, 2011
The Giants Make A Move
If you haven't heard about it yet, the San Francisco Giants have traded Jonathan Sanchez away to the Kansas City Royals for outfielder Melky Cabrera.
Frankie's initial reaction? Despondent.
OK well, not despondent, but he generally assumes the worst on any player movement.
My first thought: "Man, if they had done with last year it would have been Jose Reyes."
Well, maybe it would have been. But instead, the Giants have received an emerging 27 year old outfielder for a pitcher who had so much potential, yet can't always seem to find the strike zone.
Cabrera played 155 games for the Royals last year, and will probably take over the everyday centerfield duties for the Giants.
More after the jump.
Frankie's initial reaction? Despondent.
OK well, not despondent, but he generally assumes the worst on any player movement.
My first thought: "Man, if they had done with last year it would have been Jose Reyes."
Well, maybe it would have been. But instead, the Giants have received an emerging 27 year old outfielder for a pitcher who had so much potential, yet can't always seem to find the strike zone.
Cabrera played 155 games for the Royals last year, and will probably take over the everyday centerfield duties for the Giants.
More after the jump.
Monday, October 24, 2011
It's 3-2 After Five
Wait, of course it is. That's the only way it could be without it being over. Fantastic. I told Frankie I'd post something tonight. So here's something.
The Cardinals, after scoring 16 runs in game 3, have scored two in the last 18 innings. Albert Pujols, after hitting three home runs in his last three at bats in game three, has gone hitless over the last two games. The Cardinals one and two hitters in this World Series: 3 for 37. So how are the Rangers and their vaunted offense winning this World Series? PITCHING.
After the game three debacle, the Rangers have given up only 2 runs, highlighted by Holland's eight and one third innings of scoreless ball. Why did the Rangers lose last year? Pitching. Derek Holland, in game two last year, threw thirteen balls in a row. That's right. Thirteen. He has gone from the goat to the stud.
Seriously, this guy is winning World Series games
The Rangers are still hitting, but not a ton, scoring eight runs in the last two games.
I mentioned to Frankie today that this was an interesting World Series in that the two teams earned their spot based on their superior hitting over the course of the year. But that's not what's happening in this fall classic. Except for the anomaly that was game three, this series has been all about pitching.
Yeah, we haven't had the Lee vs. Lincecum matchup, or the Sabathia v. Halladay matchup, or even the Verlander vs. Kennedy matchup. However, it is the Derek Hollands of the world that are keeping the likes of Pujols and Holliday at bay. It's not like the Cardinals are pitching that poorly. They are pitching to their potential. The Rangers have just shown up with the extra pitching boost a team needs to take home the glory.
However, we now return to St. Louis. The Rangers no longer have the DH. On paper, though the Cardinals are now on the ropes, they'll still have every opportunity to win, thanks to CJ Wilson giving up a bomb to Prince Fielder back in July. Home field advantage means a lot. Especially because they'll have a working bullpen phone.
Can we pause and think about that for a moment. The bullpen coach of the Cardinals heard "Lynn" when LaRussa supposedly said "Motte", leading to a parade of pitchers in the eighth inning. I find this misunderstanding hard to believe. This is not a situation like in Houston where they have 4 guys named Rodriguez. These are two completely different names, with different language origins. The great LaRussa mismanaged and won't bite a bullet. Whoops.
Game 6, Wednesday night, is going to be a boatload of fun. Jamie Garcia will square off against Colby Lewis once more. I think this series goes seven. There's no reason not to. Let's enjoy the last bit of baseball while we can, because if the Saints, Ravens, and Raiders games this weekend were any indication of what the rest of the NFL season is going to be, we're in for a long winter.
The Cardinals, after scoring 16 runs in game 3, have scored two in the last 18 innings. Albert Pujols, after hitting three home runs in his last three at bats in game three, has gone hitless over the last two games. The Cardinals one and two hitters in this World Series: 3 for 37. So how are the Rangers and their vaunted offense winning this World Series? PITCHING.
After the game three debacle, the Rangers have given up only 2 runs, highlighted by Holland's eight and one third innings of scoreless ball. Why did the Rangers lose last year? Pitching. Derek Holland, in game two last year, threw thirteen balls in a row. That's right. Thirteen. He has gone from the goat to the stud.
Seriously, this guy is winning World Series games
The Rangers are still hitting, but not a ton, scoring eight runs in the last two games.
I mentioned to Frankie today that this was an interesting World Series in that the two teams earned their spot based on their superior hitting over the course of the year. But that's not what's happening in this fall classic. Except for the anomaly that was game three, this series has been all about pitching.
Yeah, we haven't had the Lee vs. Lincecum matchup, or the Sabathia v. Halladay matchup, or even the Verlander vs. Kennedy matchup. However, it is the Derek Hollands of the world that are keeping the likes of Pujols and Holliday at bay. It's not like the Cardinals are pitching that poorly. They are pitching to their potential. The Rangers have just shown up with the extra pitching boost a team needs to take home the glory.
However, we now return to St. Louis. The Rangers no longer have the DH. On paper, though the Cardinals are now on the ropes, they'll still have every opportunity to win, thanks to CJ Wilson giving up a bomb to Prince Fielder back in July. Home field advantage means a lot. Especially because they'll have a working bullpen phone.
Can we pause and think about that for a moment. The bullpen coach of the Cardinals heard "Lynn" when LaRussa supposedly said "Motte", leading to a parade of pitchers in the eighth inning. I find this misunderstanding hard to believe. This is not a situation like in Houston where they have 4 guys named Rodriguez. These are two completely different names, with different language origins. The great LaRussa mismanaged and won't bite a bullet. Whoops.
Game 6, Wednesday night, is going to be a boatload of fun. Jamie Garcia will square off against Colby Lewis once more. I think this series goes seven. There's no reason not to. Let's enjoy the last bit of baseball while we can, because if the Saints, Ravens, and Raiders games this weekend were any indication of what the rest of the NFL season is going to be, we're in for a long winter.
Screw it if I've already used this, it's a great song.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
5 Reasons Why the Rangers Will Win the World Series
We apologize for abandoning you all the last two weeks. Things have been busy and hectic in our lives, and as much as we wanted to bring you the news, puns, and inanity you crave, we just weren't able to get the job done. We're sorry. We hope you come back for our regular posts this fall. Where we speak mostly of football and college sports. Things that make both Frankie and I pull our hair out. Oh what fun.
A great amount has happened over the past two weeks. I will not pretend to even begin glossing over it here. For now, all that matters is that the Cardinals and Rangers will square off the World Series that very few Bay Area people wanted to see. Still, it's the Fall Classic. So it's time to grab some beers, a couch, a pizza, and your best friend, and watch the culmination of the long, wacky, and wonderful 2011 Major League Baseball Season.
So, much like we did for the Superbowl last winter, Frankie and I will take opposing sides of this year's World Series. It has been left to me why the Texas Rangers, in their second consecutive appearance, will prove victorious over the Cardinals. And I will do so in five fun and easy steps. Kind of like AA, except without any problems. Because look, though Frankie is going to make valid arguments, let's be real, Texas has this one. Please, enjoy.
A great amount has happened over the past two weeks. I will not pretend to even begin glossing over it here. For now, all that matters is that the Cardinals and Rangers will square off the World Series that very few Bay Area people wanted to see. Still, it's the Fall Classic. So it's time to grab some beers, a couch, a pizza, and your best friend, and watch the culmination of the long, wacky, and wonderful 2011 Major League Baseball Season.
So, much like we did for the Superbowl last winter, Frankie and I will take opposing sides of this year's World Series. It has been left to me why the Texas Rangers, in their second consecutive appearance, will prove victorious over the Cardinals. And I will do so in five fun and easy steps. Kind of like AA, except without any problems. Because look, though Frankie is going to make valid arguments, let's be real, Texas has this one. Please, enjoy.
Friday, September 30, 2011
AL Division Series Preview
It's time for postseason baseball. 162 games have been played by 30 teams, and all but eight have been eliminated. The final four in each league begin play Friday night in order to cut that number in half. The American league features the perennial contender New York Yankees, as well as the reigning AL Champion Texas Rangers. Joining them are the Detroit Tigers, and the "Team of Destiny" Tampa Bay Rays.
Four solid teams go in, two will square off for the pennant. Let's look at which teams should come out on top. It's gonna be one amazing October.
Four solid teams go in, two will square off for the pennant. Let's look at which teams should come out on top. It's gonna be one amazing October.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
And that does it for the 2011 Regular Season
Well, didn't that just take the cake.
In case you've been living in a dark smelly bomb shelter like Butters in the South Park episode where Cartman desperately wants to go the Casa Bonita. There were for games played tonight with playoff implications.
In summary:
Cardinals 8, Astros 0
Phillies 4, Braves 3 F/13
Rays 8, Yankees 7 F/12
Orioles 4, Red Sox 3
Two games went extras. One game was decided after there were two outs in the ninth.
In case you've been living in a dark smelly bomb shelter like Butters in the South Park episode where Cartman desperately wants to go the Casa Bonita. There were for games played tonight with playoff implications.
In summary:
Cardinals 8, Astros 0
Phillies 4, Braves 3 F/13
Rays 8, Yankees 7 F/12
Orioles 4, Red Sox 3
Two games went extras. One game was decided after there were two outs in the ninth.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Everbody Was Working for Last Weekend
And it wasn't too good to us, was it?
Actually, if you don't care about the Giants or Golden Bears, it wasn't half bad.
The Niners played an amazing defensive game to win in Cincinnati. The Raiders defense looked better than the Jets as they won at home. AND, most importantly, the A's took two of three from the Angels. One win even included a 4 run ninth inning rally off of Jordan Walden.
I'm sure Frankie will soon write a novel on how the Giants let this season slip away, so I won't touch upon their series down in the Desert. However, here's a snippet of what I believe was said in the dugout on Friday.
------------------------------------------
Bochy: OK, so we have to sweep this series to have any hope of postseason play.
Assistant Coach #1: Right, so let's make sure we put our best team out there on the field.
Bochy, as eyelids start to droop: Right, Rags, who's throwing for us?
Rags: Cain, so we got a good shot at winning this one.
Bochy: Good. YAWN. Muellins, let's get our best lineup on the field.
Muellins: Look, Cain will only get 1 run of support no matter who we put out there, so let's go ragtag, it will look more awesome when we write the script for Moneyball 2: Sabey Sabes Strikes Back.
Bochy: (Grumbles as he starts crawling back into his cave for hibernation) We'll make everyone remember how we are still better than the A's.... So who we got?
Muellins: I thought we'd play three rookies, bat the two September callups leadoff and cleanup, and start a guy at third who hasn't played a full season since 2009.
Bochy: Gwarrrf.
...After the game...
Cain and Lincecum: Man, screw this, let's sign with Texas.
------------------------------------------
Actually, if you don't care about the Giants or Golden Bears, it wasn't half bad.
The Niners played an amazing defensive game to win in Cincinnati. The Raiders defense looked better than the Jets as they won at home. AND, most importantly, the A's took two of three from the Angels. One win even included a 4 run ninth inning rally off of Jordan Walden.
I'm sure Frankie will soon write a novel on how the Giants let this season slip away, so I won't touch upon their series down in the Desert. However, here's a snippet of what I believe was said in the dugout on Friday.
------------------------------------------
Bochy: OK, so we have to sweep this series to have any hope of postseason play.
Assistant Coach #1: Right, so let's make sure we put our best team out there on the field.
Bochy, as eyelids start to droop: Right, Rags, who's throwing for us?
Rags: Cain, so we got a good shot at winning this one.
Bochy: Good. YAWN. Muellins, let's get our best lineup on the field.
Muellins: Look, Cain will only get 1 run of support no matter who we put out there, so let's go ragtag, it will look more awesome when we write the script for Moneyball 2: Sabey Sabes Strikes Back.
Bochy: (Grumbles as he starts crawling back into his cave for hibernation) We'll make everyone remember how we are still better than the A's.... So who we got?
Muellins: I thought we'd play three rookies, bat the two September callups leadoff and cleanup, and start a guy at third who hasn't played a full season since 2009.
Bochy: Gwarrrf.
...After the game...
Cain and Lincecum: Man, screw this, let's sign with Texas.
------------------------------------------
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Because I like weekends: But I'm No Nostradamus
You could say I did get 3 of those predictions right and 2 half right last weekend. So I actually feel pretty good about my performance. The Rays are still 2 games back of the Red Sox. Cam Newton, though passing for an obscene amount of yards, threw three interceptions and did not earn a win. The Steelers didn't have as much trouble as I thought, but did win. Florida State was destroyed. The 'Canes beat OSU, but by a lot more than I thought they would.
So, needless to say, I'm still the smartest man alive. Well, not really, but I did ok.
So, needless to say, I'm still the smartest man alive. Well, not really, but I did ok.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Why I'm Excited For This Weekend
Because you have to get excited for every weekend. It's the weekend. No cares or worries. Oh yeah, there's also plenty of time to watch sports. Namely football. But baseball too. September and October really are a magical time in the sports world. Baseball playoffs and the new car smell of the football season at the same time. In some ways, it's paradise.
Frankie and I have been talking a bit lately about the state of sports journalism, and how it has taken the turn for the sensationalist. So I'll try it out. Let's see if we're in this thing can generate that buzz we all want so very much.
So here you are, 5 reasons why I'm excited for this weekend.
Frankie and I have been talking a bit lately about the state of sports journalism, and how it has taken the turn for the sensationalist. So I'll try it out. Let's see if we're in this thing can generate that buzz we all want so very much.
So here you are, 5 reasons why I'm excited for this weekend.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Bears Beat Buffs, Barely
Ah, sweet alliteration. Who doesn't love it? Probably the Colorado Buffaloes, who did everything they could to beat the California Golden Bears on Saturday. Though the Bears eventually triumphed, 36-33 in overtime, things may have been exposed that we would have rather not seen.
The Bears committed to stopping Rodney Stewart and the Colorado running game. They also decided they would not let Tyler Hansen use his feet. What resulted? Only 78 yards on 24 carries for Stewart, and only 26 yards on 7 carries for Hansen. So, that was good. Unfortunately, Hansen was able to throw for 474 yards, 284 of them were caught by WR Paul Richardson. Both figures are school records.
Oh Yeah, Keenan Allen is still really, really good.
The Bears committed to stopping Rodney Stewart and the Colorado running game. They also decided they would not let Tyler Hansen use his feet. What resulted? Only 78 yards on 24 carries for Stewart, and only 26 yards on 7 carries for Hansen. So, that was good. Unfortunately, Hansen was able to throw for 474 yards, 284 of them were caught by WR Paul Richardson. Both figures are school records.
Oh Yeah, Keenan Allen is still really, really good.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
NFC Preview
Before we begin today, sports fans, let's first give huge props to the California Golden Bears, who opened the season with a 36-21 victory over Fresno State on Saturday. If you missed it, Keenan Allen and Marvin Jones became the first pair of California receivers to eclipse 100 yards since DeSean Jackson and Lavelle Hawkins did it in 2006. Que Sorpesa! I even saw Allen run what I used to endearingly term "The Hawk Slant" with amazing effectiveness on at least three plays. I saw Jones double tap Z - aka SPIN MOVE - another three times. Cal Football is exciting. They looked a little sloppy, but they also looked like a team that can win some games.
Also, the band looked pretty good, I highly suggest checking them out.
Let's also acknowledge the Oakland Athletics. The Boys of Summer are once again with but a few games to play before the long cold winter. I know this saddens many of you. But some of you will get to see your team play into October. A's fans, we most likely won't. So.... might as well get while the getting is good. The A's, like other teams who have thrown in the towel, get the awesome opportunity to take a look at some prospects this September, so I wouldn't be surprised to see Carter, Taylor, Cardenas, Donaldson, and maybe some others up with the big club.
But now, the leaves are beginning to turn, and it's time for our Sundays to once again be filled with recognizable theme songs and bean dip. That's right, it's time for the NFL. I'll be taking on the task of the NFC, and Frankie will let you know how the AFC will work out. And, in case you'd like to know how it's going to shake out, check below the jump!
Also, the band looked pretty good, I highly suggest checking them out.
Let's also acknowledge the Oakland Athletics. The Boys of Summer are once again with but a few games to play before the long cold winter. I know this saddens many of you. But some of you will get to see your team play into October. A's fans, we most likely won't. So.... might as well get while the getting is good. The A's, like other teams who have thrown in the towel, get the awesome opportunity to take a look at some prospects this September, so I wouldn't be surprised to see Carter, Taylor, Cardenas, Donaldson, and maybe some others up with the big club.
But now, the leaves are beginning to turn, and it's time for our Sundays to once again be filled with recognizable theme songs and bean dip. That's right, it's time for the NFL. I'll be taking on the task of the NFC, and Frankie will let you know how the AFC will work out. And, in case you'd like to know how it's going to shake out, check below the jump!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Scott Stapp attempts to ruin baseball
Well, we thought we had vanquished Creed and everything it stood for. But, it's back, with a vengeance. Eat your heart out Marlins PR team.
When I go to sleep at night I like to imagine that I'm Peter Bourjos
It's been a while since my last post here, so I apologize to the approximately 2 Angels fan who reads this blog: Hector and Todd. Shout out. I was going to whip something up around the All-Star break, a sort of mid-season recap/look ahead, but that didn't end up happening. Then again, I also planned on going to more than 2 Angels games this season, and so far that hasn't happened either. Just downright unacceptable.
For those of you who don't know (and you probably won't care), I spent a 6-week chunk of my summer by the bay, watching the tides of Giants success and struggles roll in and out. I also had to take a summer class, but that's beside the point. I did, by the way, pass and will receive my diploma from the finest public university sometime around December. They really are an efficient example of the bureaucratic process, aren't they? The point is, I did it.
Frank's in Korea at the moment, so I thought I'd take a minute to fill these pages with something other than Eric's moaning about the A's. We get it. Their inadequacy makes you unhappy. We are all Cal fans, don't forget. We know how this works. Oh but Giants fans, don't get your hopes up. I'm not writing about the Giants. I love the Giants; they're my #1 NL team and my #2 MLB team, and the Franchise really tickles my fancy, but I just can't fill the shoes of the might Frank-the-Tank.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Pac-12 Inaugural Season Standings Prediction
Yes, college football returns in a little over two weeks and hopefully will distract myself and some others of you from the debacle that is Bay Area baseball. How do we see the Pac-12 falling this year? Will it be favorable to the Bears? Read on to find out.
To begin, let's make sure we all understand how the Pac-12 will work. In the North, we have the Washingtons, Oregons, and NorCal squads. In the South, the Mountains, Arizonas, and SoCal teams. Each team will play the five other teams in its division, plus 4 of the teams in the other division. In the case of the Northern California schools, each year will see them miss one Mountain and one Arizona school. This year, the Golden Bears will play both Mountain schools, but the Colorado game will be a non-conference match.
Once the regular season ends, a game will be played between the winner of the North and South to determine who will be crowned the Pac-12 champion and in effect earn a trip to the Rose Bowl.
After the jump, an idea, from a California fan, of how it all shakes out.
To begin, let's make sure we all understand how the Pac-12 will work. In the North, we have the Washingtons, Oregons, and NorCal squads. In the South, the Mountains, Arizonas, and SoCal teams. Each team will play the five other teams in its division, plus 4 of the teams in the other division. In the case of the Northern California schools, each year will see them miss one Mountain and one Arizona school. This year, the Golden Bears will play both Mountain schools, but the Colorado game will be a non-conference match.
Once the regular season ends, a game will be played between the winner of the North and South to determine who will be crowned the Pac-12 champion and in effect earn a trip to the Rose Bowl.
After the jump, an idea, from a California fan, of how it all shakes out.
Monday, August 15, 2011
A's Find New Ways to Upset Me
So I was planning on writing a post Friday. It was going to praise the A's, who had just won back to back road series in what felt like forever. They had climbed back up to 53-64. Which, though not a great record, at least felt competitive. At Tampa Bay and Toronto, the A's had an offense, they had pitching, they had defense. It was like watching a whole different team.
Then, the Rangers came to town. And, the Rangers kind of made the A's look like an old washed up Jedi.
Then, the Rangers came to town. And, the Rangers kind of made the A's look like an old washed up Jedi.
Monday, August 8, 2011
A Funny Thing Happened Once in St. Pete
The A's won a road series. I know, the punch line wasn't so good, and I didn't leave you wondering for long, but that's really the case. It's just a funny thing. The A's took until August 7th to get their 20th road win. They hadn't won a road series since May 6-8 against the Royals. With three games to go on this particular road trip, they find themselves at 20-39 on the road. A mark only better than the Royals and the Orioles in the American League. By the math, this season isn't quite over yet. But, in reality... well, it is.
What I hope we get to see over the next month and a half is the resurgence of a competitive team. The team is now 24-27 under Bob Melvin. Yeah, it's not a great mark, but it's respectable. The team is still hitting the cover off the ball. Hideki Matsui and Josh Willingham have finally showed the power stroke we hoped they would show all year. Weeks still looks like the top of the lineup spark plug that every single team loves to have in their lineup.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
The Trade Deadline: Report Card
July 31st. For a baseball fan, it's like Christmas in July. Either your team buys a piece or two to make the push towards the playoffs, or your team calls it a season and adds money or prospects to make a run for next season. Either way, most teams and fans go home feeling like their team has done something in order to make it better either for the now or for the future.
Every deadline there are a few big splashes. This year: Ubaldo, Beltran, Pence, and K-Rod, and Bedard were some of the larger names to change hands. Now, reflecting on the deals a few days later, here's who we think some of the winners and losers were this trade season.
Every deadline there are a few big splashes. This year: Ubaldo, Beltran, Pence, and K-Rod, and Bedard were some of the larger names to change hands. Now, reflecting on the deals a few days later, here's who we think some of the winners and losers were this trade season.
A's fans might know a bit more about this face soon.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
A's Bats Look HOT
Before we begin. He was out. Jerry Meals blew it. Terrible. Horrific. But that's baseball.
I've watched it many many times. It was so close, I totally understand what Meals saw in the 19th inning. However, on that play, where Lugo is dead to rights, almost giving himself up, I think you have to give McKenry the benefit of the doubt. If you are going to have either team win that game, it better be because they earned it, not because you think a player missed a dead to rights tag. In the end, it's an unfortunate ending to a brilliantly played game. Kudos to both teams.
Oh, yes, the A's won too! And they won in style.
I've watched it many many times. It was so close, I totally understand what Meals saw in the 19th inning. However, on that play, where Lugo is dead to rights, almost giving himself up, I think you have to give McKenry the benefit of the doubt. If you are going to have either team win that game, it better be because they earned it, not because you think a player missed a dead to rights tag. In the end, it's an unfortunate ending to a brilliantly played game. Kudos to both teams.
Oh, yes, the A's won too! And they won in style.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Athletics Survive Road Trip
When you have an 18-35 record on the road, every single victory is sweet, so when a team returns home with a record of 2-3, you cling to it as a small victory, especially when one of those wins comes in Yankee stadium. They hadn't won in 11 tries there, so to finally get one felt pretty good.
Great play from the Yankees to get Sogard at the plate:
If you missed the MLB.com recap from yesterday:
The good news: "The A's are batting .308 as a team since the All-Star break."
The bad news: "But they went 2-3 on this road trip, with the losses resulting in a combined 22 earned runs in just 11 1/3 innings from their starters."
LINK to the recap
Great play from the Yankees to get Sogard at the plate:
If you missed the MLB.com recap from yesterday:
The good news: "The A's are batting .308 as a team since the All-Star break."
The bad news: "But they went 2-3 on this road trip, with the losses resulting in a combined 22 earned runs in just 11 1/3 innings from their starters."
LINK to the recap
Friday, July 22, 2011
Kickball.... Greatest Sport Ever?
Short answer: Yes. OK, well, if we're in the category of games you mastered as a third grader... then absolutely yes.
I thought I would regale you all with tales of The Schoolyard Bullies, the best pink wearing kickball team Oakland has ever seen.
Last night, down 3-2, the Bullies had their all-star, Sam, at the plate with runners on first and second. Sam kicked a ball down the first base line, and though she was out on the peg, the runner on first, Christo, never stopped running, and dove in head first for the go ahead run.
In the bottom of the fourth frame, the anonymous evil team from the other dugout led off with a triple. He was unable to score on a bunt single, but then crashed on contact on the next bunt attempt. On a brilliant catlike play by Shat, he was thrown out at the plate.
Now, with runners on first and second and only one out, there was a deep drive to right center. Fortunately, Cap'n Rob tracked it down, and had the awareness to double the runner off second, resulting in yet another win for the Bullies.
Now that I've bored you to tears, here are a couple links that I found pretty awesome.
Life in San Francisco
How cool was teal?
Oh yeah, and the A's are doing well...
I thought I would regale you all with tales of The Schoolyard Bullies, the best pink wearing kickball team Oakland has ever seen.
Last night, down 3-2, the Bullies had their all-star, Sam, at the plate with runners on first and second. Sam kicked a ball down the first base line, and though she was out on the peg, the runner on first, Christo, never stopped running, and dove in head first for the go ahead run.
In the bottom of the fourth frame, the anonymous evil team from the other dugout led off with a triple. He was unable to score on a bunt single, but then crashed on contact on the next bunt attempt. On a brilliant catlike play by Shat, he was thrown out at the plate.
Now, with runners on first and second and only one out, there was a deep drive to right center. Fortunately, Cap'n Rob tracked it down, and had the awareness to double the runner off second, resulting in yet another win for the Bullies.
Now that I've bored you to tears, here are a couple links that I found pretty awesome.
Life in San Francisco
How cool was teal?
Oh yeah, and the A's are doing well...
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Athletics beat Angels as We Celebrate the 80s
Sooooo, there was that All-Star break. Then the A's had some games against the Angels. Believe it or not, they won three of four of them. And, well.... that's just fine. Your Oakland Athletics now sit at 42-54, 13 games behind that first place Rangers, 7 games behind the Angels, and a game and a half behind the freefalling Mariners.
Brandon McCarthy beat Dan Haren Friday night, then they stumbled against Jered Weaver, but were able to eke out a win in game two of the double header. Then, the icing on the cake, 8 runs in the first Sunday afternoon to destroy Joel Pinero. Oh yeah, then Gio Gonzalez pitched a gem to further solidify himself has one of the best pitchers in the AL.
Brandon McCarthy beat Dan Haren Friday night, then they stumbled against Jered Weaver, but were able to eke out a win in game two of the double header. Then, the icing on the cake, 8 runs in the first Sunday afternoon to destroy Joel Pinero. Oh yeah, then Gio Gonzalez pitched a gem to further solidify himself has one of the best pitchers in the AL.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
All-Star Break Update: Prophet or Not?
We're more than half way through the 2011 MLB season. Hard to believe? Yes. Slightly depressing? Definitely. Starting to chafe? You have no idea.
Anywho, the All-Star break is good for a lot of things. It's a chance for players to rest mentally and physically, as well as catch up with their families and friends. For the outside spectator, it's a good opportunity to look back on the first half, see how far we've come, and look toward the future and all that lies ahead.
Before the season started Eric and I made some bold predictions as to how the season would pan out. In addition to major award winners, we picked our division winners and eventual World Series Champions. Some predictions are looking pretty good (Adrian Gonzalez for AL MVP), while others are losing steam (Oakland A's for World Series Champions).
We want to take this opportunity to look back on our picks, reward ourselves for our prophetic foresight, and if need be, modify those prophesies for the second half. For if Harold Camping taught us anything, it's that if your predictions don't come true, make a new prediction.
Anywho, the All-Star break is good for a lot of things. It's a chance for players to rest mentally and physically, as well as catch up with their families and friends. For the outside spectator, it's a good opportunity to look back on the first half, see how far we've come, and look toward the future and all that lies ahead.
Before the season started Eric and I made some bold predictions as to how the season would pan out. In addition to major award winners, we picked our division winners and eventual World Series Champions. Some predictions are looking pretty good (Adrian Gonzalez for AL MVP), while others are losing steam (Oakland A's for World Series Champions).
We want to take this opportunity to look back on our picks, reward ourselves for our prophetic foresight, and if need be, modify those prophesies for the second half. For if Harold Camping taught us anything, it's that if your predictions don't come true, make a new prediction.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
San Francisco Giants Mid-Season Update
Consider two headlines:
"Despite Struggling, Giants Winning"
"Despite Winning, Giants Struggling"
Which one is more accurate?
The Giants reach the All Star Break 12 games over .500 and 3 games ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks atop the NL West.
The Giants also reach the All Star Break with its best player out for the season with a devastating injury. Their $11 million first baseman has homered in only 5 of his first 90 games. According to John Shea, the 2011 Giants have provided the lowest amount of run support since the 1902 New York Giants. And that team finished 53.5 games out of first place. Up until last week, the Giants had gone the entire 2011 season without scoring more than 5 runs in a home game. Then they scored 6. According to Mike Krukow (who can count nano-seconds in his head), the 2011 Giants are the first team in franchise history to go an entire first half without scoring more than 6 runs in a home game.
And yet, they are 28-16 at home this season.
So which is it? Are you amazed that in spite of the injuries and horrendous offense, the Giant are still in first place? Or are you amazed that in spite of incredible pitching and clutch hitting, the Giants still look like a team that could go out and lose 15 of its first 20 after the break?
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As Giants announcer Duane Kuiper said after a walk-off win on April 9th, "I'm having a hard time explaining this one."
"Despite Struggling, Giants Winning"
"Despite Winning, Giants Struggling"
Which one is more accurate?
The Giants reach the All Star Break 12 games over .500 and 3 games ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks atop the NL West.
The Giants also reach the All Star Break with its best player out for the season with a devastating injury. Their $11 million first baseman has homered in only 5 of his first 90 games. According to John Shea, the 2011 Giants have provided the lowest amount of run support since the 1902 New York Giants. And that team finished 53.5 games out of first place. Up until last week, the Giants had gone the entire 2011 season without scoring more than 5 runs in a home game. Then they scored 6. According to Mike Krukow (who can count nano-seconds in his head), the 2011 Giants are the first team in franchise history to go an entire first half without scoring more than 6 runs in a home game.
And yet, they are 28-16 at home this season.
So which is it? Are you amazed that in spite of the injuries and horrendous offense, the Giant are still in first place? Or are you amazed that in spite of incredible pitching and clutch hitting, the Giants still look like a team that could go out and lose 15 of its first 20 after the break?
Monday, July 11, 2011
Oakland Athletics Midseason Report
It's been a rough go through 92 games for YOUR 2011 Oakland Athletics. Yes, I know I predicted them to win it all. I may have been wrong. I admit that now. I'm still attending games the rest of this season. I hope you all do too.
This team is still exciting. They're still in this thing in every game they play. They just can't always gets hits, which hurts, more often than not. However, when a kid like Guillermo Moscoso can pitch a two-hitter, you know you have a team on the verge of greatness. 2012 will be our year! Of course, there are still 70 games of 2011 yet, and it's not time to throw in the towel quite yet. Here's what we've seen so far.
This team is still exciting. They're still in this thing in every game they play. They just can't always gets hits, which hurts, more often than not. However, when a kid like Guillermo Moscoso can pitch a two-hitter, you know you have a team on the verge of greatness. 2012 will be our year! Of course, there are still 70 games of 2011 yet, and it's not time to throw in the towel quite yet. Here's what we've seen so far.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Lincecum and the All-Star Game
We here at We're In This Thing would like to apologize for the lack of content lately. The A's have been disappointing me, which has not led to a bevy of content. I don't know Frankie's excuse. Something about having a life and a job or something. Anyway.
A lot has been made about the selection of Tim Lincecum as an All-Star this season. Let's look at his stats against a couple of the snubs, and you try to guess which is which:
A) 6-2, 3.30, 111 K
B) 6-7, 3.14, 126 K
C) 10-2, 2.54, 103 K
A lot has been made about the selection of Tim Lincecum as an All-Star this season. Let's look at his stats against a couple of the snubs, and you try to guess which is which:
A) 6-2, 3.30, 111 K
B) 6-7, 3.14, 126 K
C) 10-2, 2.54, 103 K
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
All-Star Game: How to Ruin a Great Game
The MLB All-Star Game was the most beautiful thing in sports. The Mid-Summer Classic. Right in the heat of July, everyone takes a break and watches the stars come out to play a fun EXHIBITION game.
You may have noticed I capitalized exhibition. This is because it is what I believe to be the true spirit of the game. It is supposed to be a fun and fancy-free afternoon to go see the games greatest play ball. Unfortunately, 2002 happened.
In 2002, the NL and the AL ended the 12th inning locked in a 7-7 tie. So what? Keep playing until someone wins, right? Wrong. Bud Selig decided to call the game. Why? Both NL Manager Bob Brenly and AL Manager Joe Torre had managed the game like games of the past. They used one pitcher an inning, and by the 12th, they had none left.
You may have noticed I capitalized exhibition. This is because it is what I believe to be the true spirit of the game. It is supposed to be a fun and fancy-free afternoon to go see the games greatest play ball. Unfortunately, 2002 happened.
In 2002, the NL and the AL ended the 12th inning locked in a 7-7 tie. So what? Keep playing until someone wins, right? Wrong. Bud Selig decided to call the game. Why? Both NL Manager Bob Brenly and AL Manager Joe Torre had managed the game like games of the past. They used one pitcher an inning, and by the 12th, they had none left.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Giants Sweep Tribe, Dance in Street
I am a man of my word.
But when Eric and I had our daily conversation about horrendous music videos, and I told him, "If the Giants take two of three from the Twins, I'll post Mick Jagger and David Bowie's 'Dancing in the Streets' video," I honestly wasn't expecting to have to follow through.
The Giants surprised us again. And to the victors go the spoils:
After being swept by the A's, the Giants and their fans sounded the alarm and started preparing for the end of days. Chris Stewart went out and bought 90 flats of bottled water. Matt Cain ordered 4,000 packs of D batteries. Miguel Tejada bought 300 boxes of Ho-Hos. Then he heard about the coming Apocalypse and bought 400 more.
But when Eric and I had our daily conversation about horrendous music videos, and I told him, "If the Giants take two of three from the Twins, I'll post Mick Jagger and David Bowie's 'Dancing in the Streets' video," I honestly wasn't expecting to have to follow through.
The Giants surprised us again. And to the victors go the spoils:
After being swept by the A's, the Giants and their fans sounded the alarm and started preparing for the end of days. Chris Stewart went out and bought 90 flats of bottled water. Matt Cain ordered 4,000 packs of D batteries. Miguel Tejada bought 300 boxes of Ho-Hos. Then he heard about the coming Apocalypse and bought 400 more.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Cal Baseball: The Golden Team
It’s been said many times by many people: this is the ultimate story book season for the University of California baseball team. With the win over Texas A&M yesterday, the Bears stayed alive to be in the final six spots in the College World Series. The heroes? Not Pac-10 Player of the Year Tony Renda. Not junior standouts Chadd Krist or Marcus Semien. A couple of freshmen did the Aggies in. Kyle Porter pitched six outstanding innings in his fourth career start as a college pitcher, and held one of the most potent offenses in the nation to only three runs. Derek Campbell, only starting at second base because of a quad injury suffered by Renda, had clutch hits and clutch plays at second in the winning effort.
Every game a different player steps up. Every game a new hero rises. The Golden Bears are a team that finally believes in itself. Manager David Esquer has had great talent before, but it has never translated into a College World Series appearance until this year. This year, faced with adversity and uncertainty, California has everything to prove, and the desire to win is palpable. They wanted this last season to be the best they’ve ever had, and it shows on the field. Especially now, that the donors have shown their support and belief, this team plays like the champions they are. They don’t look like they’re just happy to be in Omaha. They’re playing with fire in their eyes and hearts, and the enthusiasm is proving to be contagious.
Will they win the whole thing? That’s still left to be seen. However, they’re still alive, and that’s more that can be said of all but five other programs. On Thursday afternoon in Omaha, the Bears get to have a rematch against number one seed Virginia, who defeated them in the first game of this double elimination round. I’m sure the game will be hard fought, as this Golden Bear baseball team embodies the spirit of the timeless quote, “The Bear will not quit. The Bear will not die.” If Disney doesn’t pick this up as a family film in the next five years, I’d be utterly stunned. But I encourage all of you to watch the game Thursday, as I’m pretty sure the real thing is going to be even better than a movie could possibly be.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Town Sweeps City -- Giants Embarrassed in Oakland
Well, you asked for a repeat.
And for the first time all weekend, the Giants delivered.
For the second consecutive year the San Francisco Giants were swept in Oakland by their cross-bay rivals. After being swept themselves in San Francisco, the Athletics evened the annual Bay Bridge Series to three games per side.
In a word -- embarrassing. Since the Giants swept the A's in late May, the Giants had lost only 2 of their last 8 series despite losing both Buster Posey and Freddy Sanchez to injury. The A's had only won 2 of their last 8 series, going 8-18 between their two meetings with the Giants.
First, let me disguise myself as a gracious loser. The A's outplayed the Giants in all three games, and thus, deserved the series sweep.
Now, to the whining. With the exception of the outcomes, this East Bay installment of the Bay Bridge series nearly mirrored that of last month's meeting. An inch (read: chair) here or there, and the Giants could have easily won two of the three games.
In May, the Giants' three victories were decided by at total of 5 runs. This month, the A's three wins were by a total of 6 runs.
Unfortunately, close losses are still losses and chairs are still in play. The Giants' offense leaves Oakland with as much confidence as Steve Urkel in the Syracuse Lacrosse team's locker room.
And for the first time all weekend, the Giants delivered.
For the second consecutive year the San Francisco Giants were swept in Oakland by their cross-bay rivals. After being swept themselves in San Francisco, the Athletics evened the annual Bay Bridge Series to three games per side.
In a word -- embarrassing. Since the Giants swept the A's in late May, the Giants had lost only 2 of their last 8 series despite losing both Buster Posey and Freddy Sanchez to injury. The A's had only won 2 of their last 8 series, going 8-18 between their two meetings with the Giants.
First, let me disguise myself as a gracious loser. The A's outplayed the Giants in all three games, and thus, deserved the series sweep.
Now, to the whining. With the exception of the outcomes, this East Bay installment of the Bay Bridge series nearly mirrored that of last month's meeting. An inch (read: chair) here or there, and the Giants could have easily won two of the three games.
In May, the Giants' three victories were decided by at total of 5 runs. This month, the A's three wins were by a total of 6 runs.
Unfortunately, close losses are still losses and chairs are still in play. The Giants' offense leaves Oakland with as much confidence as Steve Urkel in the Syracuse Lacrosse team's locker room.
The Green and Gold Revelry
2010 was an unbelievable season for Your San Francisco Giants. The Band of Misfits experienced an unreal turnaround at about midseason, and rode their momentum all the way into November, where they won their first World Series since 1954.
But you already knew that. You knew how good the Giants were last year. You knew about the rally thongs, the beards, the Buster Poseys, the Machines, and all the other characters who made up that magical season. How could you not? It's only been captured and memorialized at every possible happening since last November. From parades to television specials to a creation of a whole fun new band wagon of fans, we remember, respect, and dare I say, idolize the 2010 Giants. Fortunately, if you aren't a big fan of either Orange or Black, it's now 2011.
But you already knew that. You knew how good the Giants were last year. You knew about the rally thongs, the beards, the Buster Poseys, the Machines, and all the other characters who made up that magical season. How could you not? It's only been captured and memorialized at every possible happening since last November. From parades to television specials to a creation of a whole fun new band wagon of fans, we remember, respect, and dare I say, idolize the 2010 Giants. Fortunately, if you aren't a big fan of either Orange or Black, it's now 2011.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Debate: Do 2010 Giants Owe a Bit of Gratitude to 2001 A's?
We said from the beginning we'd like more content like this, and sadly it hasn't quite happened yet. But with the upcoming 3 game set between the Giants and A's in Oakland, and with the release of the Moneyball trailer, something inside us burst. It was time to talk frankly about the real impact of Beane's strategy in the early 2000s. It started as an off-handed comment, and launched into one of our best debates ever. See below for a reformatted and slightly edited transcript of the conversation. What do you think?
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Tuesday, June 14, 2011
CAL IN THE CWS! / A's v. ChiSox Thoughts
I'm sure you all know by now, but California, yes, that California Golden Bear baseball team has advanced through the regionals and earned a berth in the College World Series for the first time since 1992. That's right, the Bears haven't been to Omaha since George H.W. Bush's last year in office. The freshmen on this team were not alive when this program last was here. Think about that. Insane.
Talk about your ultimate Cinderella story. A program that was on the precipice of elimination has made it to the promised land. If Disney doesn't make a movie out of this in the next year or two starring Justin Bieber as Tony Renda, they will have seriously missed an opportunity, and instead I will make it.
Talk about your ultimate Cinderella story. A program that was on the precipice of elimination has made it to the promised land. If Disney doesn't make a movie out of this in the next year or two starring Justin Bieber as Tony Renda, they will have seriously missed an opportunity, and instead I will make it.
Monday, June 13, 2011
The San Francisco Giants as the Black Knight
Some brief thoughts on the Giants' series split with the Cincinnati Reds:
Giants Quote of the Weeek #1:
KB: They just won the World Series. It seems like they should just chill out the next year.
Me: That's basically what's happening.
Ryan: God is making that happen for them.
The Giants are hanging on by a thread.
They're dangling on the edge of an eroding cliff, overlooking a 300 foot drop into an acidic lake filled with genetically mutated sharks.
Giants Quote of the Weeek #1:
KB: They just won the World Series. It seems like they should just chill out the next year.
Me: That's basically what's happening.
Ryan: God is making that happen for them.
The Giants are hanging on by a thread.
They're dangling on the edge of an eroding cliff, overlooking a 300 foot drop into an acidic lake filled with genetically mutated sharks.
Final Thoughts
"The saddest thing in life is wasted talent, and the choices that you make will shape your life forever."
I'm trying to figure out whether or not it was a coincidence that A Bronx Tale was on TV immediately following Game 6 of the NBA Finals.
The NBA Finals ended with a resounding thud last night, as the Dallas Mavericks beat the Miami heat 105-95 in what may have been the most uninspired Finals clincher since...2008.
Let me start by saying that I am complete and utter hypocrite. The thing I hate the most about the Heat losing is the absolute onslaught of web-content dedicated to mocking, celebrating and dissecting the Heat's loss. I do realize that I am adding to the landfill. Nonetheless, here are my opinions on the game, and even more so, my reactions to peoples' reactions to the game:
I'm trying to figure out whether or not it was a coincidence that A Bronx Tale was on TV immediately following Game 6 of the NBA Finals.
The NBA Finals ended with a resounding thud last night, as the Dallas Mavericks beat the Miami heat 105-95 in what may have been the most uninspired Finals clincher since...2008.
Let me start by saying that I am complete and utter hypocrite. The thing I hate the most about the Heat losing is the absolute onslaught of web-content dedicated to mocking, celebrating and dissecting the Heat's loss. I do realize that I am adding to the landfill. Nonetheless, here are my opinions on the game, and even more so, my reactions to peoples' reactions to the game:
Friday, June 10, 2011
What's Eating Aubrey Huff?
Well folks, they did it. The San Francisco Giants are officially the best team in the league -- at not scoring runs.
As of Friday, June 10th, the Giants rank dead last in Major League Baseball in runs scored. Worse than the Padres, the Pirates and -- gulp -- the Oakland A's.
And it doesn't stop there.
The Giants rank 26th out of 30 in team batting average. They're 25th in both on base percentage and slugging percentage.
To put it much more PG than I wanted to at 10:00pm last night, they're pretty much just god-awful.
And yet, they're 7 game over .500. I'm willing to bet God himself is sitting up in Heaven in his shining white polar bear robe, stroking that long beard of his, trying to figure out how in the heck a team that ranks dead last in runs can have the fifth best record in baseball.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
A's skid reaches 9; Bob Geren era over
The AL East has collectively taken a dump on the chest of the Oakland Athletics, and it has finally lost Bob Geren his job. Billy Beane has finally done it. He's drawn the line in the sand and said enough is enough is enough. I applaud him for it. A change of some sort needed to be made.
I imagine the decision to fire him kind of went like this:
I personally do not like blaming the manager for the shortcomings of a ball club. But, at the end of the day, Bob Geren was the leader of a team that was failing miserably, and you have to blame somebody.
I imagine the decision to fire him kind of went like this:
I personally do not like blaming the manager for the shortcomings of a ball club. But, at the end of the day, Bob Geren was the leader of a team that was failing miserably, and you have to blame somebody.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Photos of Tim's 1,000th K and Freddy's TRI Value
Last night was my first visit to AT&T Park since the fateful night of Buster Posey's injury.
Like many, I took Buster's injury pretty hard. Witnessing something like that puts a pretty bad taste in your mouth. It got to the point where I almost didn't even want to watch the team play on TV. Buster's absence was a constant reminder of all that had happened.
But in an effort to practice what I preached, I returned to the ballpark Monday to see the Giants battle the Montreal Expos, and more specifically, in hopes of seeing Tim Lincecum's 1000th career strikeout.
The game was eerily similar to Buster's night, almost to the point that I feared some new cataclysmic tragedy was about to take place. The Giants went down early, erased a 4-run deficit late, and battled through extra innings. What's more is I was sitting in practically the same exacts seats. As an incredibly superstitious fan who refuses to take an additional sip of beer or put on an extra layer of clothing during a tie game, the similarities were making me more than a bit nervous. As I learned the night of Buster's injury, I'd take a loss as long as no one else got critically injured.
But luckily, the only injuries suffered were to the morale of the Washington Nationals -- and to those poor souls in Section 135 bombarded with poop from an armada of impatient seagulls. They always win.
Here are some of the photos I snapped of Tim's 1000th strikeout, as well as my slightly-stalkerish photos of his pre-game stretches. Click the photo for a larger version and scroll down the page really fast for cool flip-book effect!
Like many, I took Buster's injury pretty hard. Witnessing something like that puts a pretty bad taste in your mouth. It got to the point where I almost didn't even want to watch the team play on TV. Buster's absence was a constant reminder of all that had happened.
But in an effort to practice what I preached, I returned to the ballpark Monday to see the Giants battle the Montreal Expos, and more specifically, in hopes of seeing Tim Lincecum's 1000th career strikeout.
The game was eerily similar to Buster's night, almost to the point that I feared some new cataclysmic tragedy was about to take place. The Giants went down early, erased a 4-run deficit late, and battled through extra innings. What's more is I was sitting in practically the same exacts seats. As an incredibly superstitious fan who refuses to take an additional sip of beer or put on an extra layer of clothing during a tie game, the similarities were making me more than a bit nervous. As I learned the night of Buster's injury, I'd take a loss as long as no one else got critically injured.
But luckily, the only injuries suffered were to the morale of the Washington Nationals -- and to those poor souls in Section 135 bombarded with poop from an armada of impatient seagulls. They always win.
You have to love extra-inning baseball games, particularly when it reaches the 13th inning. That's the real deal. The stadium empties to nothing but the borderline-unhealthy fans who wouldn't freaking fathom leaving a game at 11:45pm on a Monday night against the Washington Nationals. They're the fans who cheered like the team had just won another World Series after learning the Giants' had struck out 13 hitters, thus earning them a coupon for a free pack of Johnsonville Bratwursts. Best of all, you get to see the Giants Media team dig to the deep cuts of between-inning "rally video montages." Animal House -- check. Cheers -- check. 'Lil Jon -- check. Billy Madison -- check. Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman -- check. Wait, what?
Monday, June 6, 2011
The times they are a-changing
So, some quick thoughts and musings to keep you awake and entertained on this Monday afternoon.
-The first and best news is that the sun is out! Yes, we can finally warm up a little, and this pleases me like this dog is pleased.
-USC has been stripped of its BCS National Title that it won in 2004. Once again, Cal fans get to scream that they were cheated, to no avail. Still, I take a little bit of pleasure in it. Just a little bit. A sweet half smile. Ah, cheaters don't prosper.
-I'm really pulling for the Mavs in game 4. This Finals already will go down in history as one of the best, but it could easily reach that vaulted plateau of top 3 or 5 ever. The matchup is insanely storybook. The team with its aging veterans takes on the young superstars. I'm pulling for the Mavs overall because I'd like Dirk, Kidd, and Terry to get rings. However, if the Heat win, it shuts up every single pundit who said they couldn't do it. This will also please me. Thus I am torn, and have decided I just want to see a great series. I haven't been let down so far. Comebacks, LeBron, Wade, and Bosh doing what they do, and Dirk playing dynamite ball.... it's been a ride.
-The A's just can't seem to get it right. I don't want to say much more because I'll get upset.... but here's the fallout from the 6 game skid:
1. Kouzmanoff is now a Rivercat. That's right, AAA. Damn.
2. Adam Rosales is now the starting 3B.
3. Brett Anderson may be done. He's getting his elbow examined today. If he goes out, I'm not sure I like the chances anymore.
It was a very rough 6 game stretch. And the A's failed. Miserably. They play in Baltimore for three next. Gio is on the hill to start. They will win tonight. I stake my life on it. They're hungry. New reserve infielder Scott Sizemore will be our savior.
Song of the post:
-The first and best news is that the sun is out! Yes, we can finally warm up a little, and this pleases me like this dog is pleased.
-USC has been stripped of its BCS National Title that it won in 2004. Once again, Cal fans get to scream that they were cheated, to no avail. Still, I take a little bit of pleasure in it. Just a little bit. A sweet half smile. Ah, cheaters don't prosper.
-I'm really pulling for the Mavs in game 4. This Finals already will go down in history as one of the best, but it could easily reach that vaulted plateau of top 3 or 5 ever. The matchup is insanely storybook. The team with its aging veterans takes on the young superstars. I'm pulling for the Mavs overall because I'd like Dirk, Kidd, and Terry to get rings. However, if the Heat win, it shuts up every single pundit who said they couldn't do it. This will also please me. Thus I am torn, and have decided I just want to see a great series. I haven't been let down so far. Comebacks, LeBron, Wade, and Bosh doing what they do, and Dirk playing dynamite ball.... it's been a ride.
-The A's just can't seem to get it right. I don't want to say much more because I'll get upset.... but here's the fallout from the 6 game skid:
1. Kouzmanoff is now a Rivercat. That's right, AAA. Damn.
2. Adam Rosales is now the starting 3B.
3. Brett Anderson may be done. He's getting his elbow examined today. If he goes out, I'm not sure I like the chances anymore.
It was a very rough 6 game stretch. And the A's failed. Miserably. They play in Baltimore for three next. Gio is on the hill to start. They will win tonight. I stake my life on it. They're hungry. New reserve infielder Scott Sizemore will be our savior.
Song of the post:
Friday, June 3, 2011
Giants Roadtrip Recap: The Shape of Things to Come
We have survived the first week of 2011 AB.
After Buster.
More importantly, they did it. The Giants won a game without Buster Posey. They won a series without Buster Posey. They survived a roadtrip without Buster Posey. They slept through the night without reaching out for Buster Posey. They made it through the Notebook without crying aloud to Buster Posey. And believe it or not, all of those seemed to be in question there for a while.
Not counting last Thursday's 1-0 loss to the Marlins (in which the Giants literally fielded 9 holograms while the actual players were curled up in the fetal position, weeping openly in their lockers), the Giants are a surprising 4-3 in 2011 AB.
After Buster.
It wasn't always pretty and it wasn't always fun, but we did it. Like a junkie trying to kick a bad habit, in some ways that first week is the most crucial. In it you prove to yourself that you can do this. This is who you are now. And through the good and bad, you're gonna be ok.
More importantly, they did it. The Giants won a game without Buster Posey. They won a series without Buster Posey. They survived a roadtrip without Buster Posey. They slept through the night without reaching out for Buster Posey. They made it through the Notebook without crying aloud to Buster Posey. And believe it or not, all of those seemed to be in question there for a while.
Not counting last Thursday's 1-0 loss to the Marlins (in which the Giants literally fielded 9 holograms while the actual players were curled up in the fetal position, weeping openly in their lockers), the Giants are a surprising 4-3 in 2011 AB.
Yes folks, it's going to be ok. We've got 4 months left with this team. And while it's hard to fight the urge to mope around and wonder why this happened to Buster, it's time to move on. It's time to turn the page on Buster's injury, stop burning bags of dog poo on Scott Cousins' doorstep, buckle it up and get after it.
And in Milwaukee and St. Louis, the Giants proved that they can and will do just that.
The Giants can be proud of who they are. Look at them mom, they made it. They're ok.
The Giants can be proud of who they are. Look at them mom, they made it. They're ok.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The End of the Road: DC and Baltimore, or, Eric Sweats! On Ice!
Did you all hear? The A's swept the Orioles at home and returned to .500 on the season. Though they lost to the Yankees and Bartolo Colón yesterday, one can again proudly say: "We're In This Thing!"
The A's are one bat away from making that surge. And even now at 27-28, they're only 2 games out of first place in the tight AL West. If you don't like their chances, then you aren't a fan.
Anyway, once more, the disclaimer, I was unable to watch these games, so be sure to check out the recaps offered by your favorite media outlet.
I did, however, make one last ballpark stop on my mid-Atlantic tour. These last four days of my trip could be described as: Eric attempts to seduce a nice young lady in Baltimore, or, Eric tries to distract Gordon from important studying, or, Eric tries to sweat through as many shirts in one day as possible, or, Eric mingles at a house party where he knows no one. It was some good times in the capital all right.
Nationals' Ballpark in our country's capital is once again, a gem to behold. I got to see a brilliant pitching matchup between the Nationals John Lannan and the Padres Clayton Richardson. Or maybe both lineups were so bad that the pitchers just came out looking like studs. Maybe, but who am I to judge? There were a combined 7 hits in the ballgame, and 3 went over the fence. Michael Morse was the hero as he took the first pitch he saw from Heath Bell in the bottom of the ninth over the left center field wall to win the game. This means that, of the three games I went to in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, all of them were decided in walk-off fashion. I have chosen wisely, apparently.
The Presidents Race in Washington is freaking awesome. The one I saw paid tribute to "Macho Man" Randy Savage, as Abe Lincoln donned his signature hat and sunglasses, and eventually won the race. After his hat fell down in front of his neck, preventing the poor soul inside from being able to see, I thought it was gonna be a win for Washington, but Honest Abe was able to recover to seal the victory.
Using guile and ingenuity, as well as the cover from a 45 minute thunderstorm delay, I was once again able to sneak down to the lower levels from my awesome $10 seat out in left field. An aside: this thunderstorm was nuts. It hit so suddenly I couldn't believe it, and in the words of Ollie Williams, in less than 20 seconds one might declare:
By the end of the game, I sat here:
Near me was an awful Red Sox fan, who decided he needed to vehemently root for the Padres. When Bartlett tied it up with his own home run off Storen in the ninth, he went ballistic, and the poor high school kid in front of me looked like he was going to cry. Fortunately he was able to run his mouth off at that obnoxious bum when Morse hit his no-doubter.
The Nationals made a beautiful park trying to revitalize the Navy Yard area southeast of the Capitol Building, but they made some odd decisions. One: You must tailgate in a controlled area where you must purchase the beer. There's not a lot you can park in, or bars around the area, you just have to go to this outdoor area outside the park. I'm not sure I liked it. The bigger deal, two: they totally screwed up the orientation of the park. I think they did this for shadow reasons. But, behind the big beautiful scoreboard walk and restaurant in centerfield, there was nothing but a few apartment buildings. Had they angled it 20 degrees more southward, it would have been a beautiful view of the Anacostia River. Had they gone 25 degrees northward, they would have had the Capitol and Washington Monument in their skyline behind the left field fence. But no, a visitor gets to gaze on a parking garage and some apartments. Nice.
I'm really glad I got to experience these other facilities on this trip. It makes me wish more for the facilities of the new ballparks for Oakland. It made me realize how electric baseball can really be when you have a winning team with a lot of tradition playing for you. Yeah, I get that latter thing in San Francisco, but it was interesting to see it on the other coast. I got to eat some delicious hot dogs, and I got to talk to some interesting people, like the retired soldier who kept me company during the rain delay in DC.
Before I sign off, huge shoutouts to Gordon and Tracey for hosting me in DC, as well as Liz and Ben who kept me company and invited me to that party I mentioned earlier. Finally a big thank you to Courtney, Julia, and the rest of the ladies who let me crash in their apartment after said party. On all these trips I take, I'm always taken aback by the hospitality of strangers, and it always tends to
help me renew my faith in humanity.
And oh yeah, the A's are playing the Yankees again tonight. Keep the faith. Beat the bombers, and look out Yay Area, I'm back.
Song of the Week:
The A's are one bat away from making that surge. And even now at 27-28, they're only 2 games out of first place in the tight AL West. If you don't like their chances, then you aren't a fan.
Anyway, once more, the disclaimer, I was unable to watch these games, so be sure to check out the recaps offered by your favorite media outlet.
I did, however, make one last ballpark stop on my mid-Atlantic tour. These last four days of my trip could be described as: Eric attempts to seduce a nice young lady in Baltimore, or, Eric tries to distract Gordon from important studying, or, Eric tries to sweat through as many shirts in one day as possible, or, Eric mingles at a house party where he knows no one. It was some good times in the capital all right.
Nationals' Ballpark in our country's capital is once again, a gem to behold. I got to see a brilliant pitching matchup between the Nationals John Lannan and the Padres Clayton Richardson. Or maybe both lineups were so bad that the pitchers just came out looking like studs. Maybe, but who am I to judge? There were a combined 7 hits in the ballgame, and 3 went over the fence. Michael Morse was the hero as he took the first pitch he saw from Heath Bell in the bottom of the ninth over the left center field wall to win the game. This means that, of the three games I went to in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, all of them were decided in walk-off fashion. I have chosen wisely, apparently.
The Presidents Race in Washington is freaking awesome. The one I saw paid tribute to "Macho Man" Randy Savage, as Abe Lincoln donned his signature hat and sunglasses, and eventually won the race. After his hat fell down in front of his neck, preventing the poor soul inside from being able to see, I thought it was gonna be a win for Washington, but Honest Abe was able to recover to seal the victory.
Using guile and ingenuity, as well as the cover from a 45 minute thunderstorm delay, I was once again able to sneak down to the lower levels from my awesome $10 seat out in left field. An aside: this thunderstorm was nuts. It hit so suddenly I couldn't believe it, and in the words of Ollie Williams, in less than 20 seconds one might declare:
By the end of the game, I sat here:
Near me was an awful Red Sox fan, who decided he needed to vehemently root for the Padres. When Bartlett tied it up with his own home run off Storen in the ninth, he went ballistic, and the poor high school kid in front of me looked like he was going to cry. Fortunately he was able to run his mouth off at that obnoxious bum when Morse hit his no-doubter.
The Nationals made a beautiful park trying to revitalize the Navy Yard area southeast of the Capitol Building, but they made some odd decisions. One: You must tailgate in a controlled area where you must purchase the beer. There's not a lot you can park in, or bars around the area, you just have to go to this outdoor area outside the park. I'm not sure I liked it. The bigger deal, two: they totally screwed up the orientation of the park. I think they did this for shadow reasons. But, behind the big beautiful scoreboard walk and restaurant in centerfield, there was nothing but a few apartment buildings. Had they angled it 20 degrees more southward, it would have been a beautiful view of the Anacostia River. Had they gone 25 degrees northward, they would have had the Capitol and Washington Monument in their skyline behind the left field fence. But no, a visitor gets to gaze on a parking garage and some apartments. Nice.
I'm really glad I got to experience these other facilities on this trip. It makes me wish more for the facilities of the new ballparks for Oakland. It made me realize how electric baseball can really be when you have a winning team with a lot of tradition playing for you. Yeah, I get that latter thing in San Francisco, but it was interesting to see it on the other coast. I got to eat some delicious hot dogs, and I got to talk to some interesting people, like the retired soldier who kept me company during the rain delay in DC.
Before I sign off, huge shoutouts to Gordon and Tracey for hosting me in DC, as well as Liz and Ben who kept me company and invited me to that party I mentioned earlier. Finally a big thank you to Courtney, Julia, and the rest of the ladies who let me crash in their apartment after said party. On all these trips I take, I'm always taken aback by the hospitality of strangers, and it always tends to
help me renew my faith in humanity.
And oh yeah, the A's are playing the Yankees again tonight. Keep the faith. Beat the bombers, and look out Yay Area, I'm back.
Song of the Week:
Friday, May 27, 2011
Reflections on Philadelphia
First of all, way to go Athletics! Splitting the 4 gamer in Anaheim was a big boost after the debacle that was the previous week. Again, I am on vacation this week and not watching the games, so to learn more, I advise you to check out your favorite periodical or the official website for your A's news. The A's have 3 against Baltimore at home this weekend. It feels like there are no gimme games in this league anymore. Every team and every series presents its own challenges, and the Orioles are no different. Let's root for the A's to continue on the right track and in the AL West race!
In case you were worried about me, I have just finished spending 48 hours in the wonderful city of Philadelphia, PA. I give it glowing reviews. It's charm from neighborhood to neighborhood was remarkable, and old city truly blew me away. Huge shout out and thank you to Becca, who hosted me for two nights. She went above and beyond to make my stay worthwhile.
In case you were worried about me, I have just finished spending 48 hours in the wonderful city of Philadelphia, PA. I give it glowing reviews. It's charm from neighborhood to neighborhood was remarkable, and old city truly blew me away. Huge shout out and thank you to Becca, who hosted me for two nights. She went above and beyond to make my stay worthwhile.
Trip Review, part 1.... written on Wednesday
Written on Wednesday.....
The A's won a game! Yes, the unbelieveable has occurred. After Cahill, Anderson, Gonzalez, and Outman all could not get the job done, Guellermo Moscoso was able to shut out the Angels for two innings and David DeJesus doubled his home run total to four as the A's finally snapped their 6 game losing streak.
I told you all not to panic. Remember? Apparently we were just hiding Moscoso until the time was right, because he looked like a grade A starter. But also remember, hubris is what brought us down before, and it will again unless we are careful. Hopefully we hit rock bottom, and it's upwards from here, but it can always get worse.
The A's won a game! Yes, the unbelieveable has occurred. After Cahill, Anderson, Gonzalez, and Outman all could not get the job done, Guellermo Moscoso was able to shut out the Angels for two innings and David DeJesus doubled his home run total to four as the A's finally snapped their 6 game losing streak.
I told you all not to panic. Remember? Apparently we were just hiding Moscoso until the time was right, because he looked like a grade A starter. But also remember, hubris is what brought us down before, and it will again unless we are careful. Hopefully we hit rock bottom, and it's upwards from here, but it can always get worse.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Giants Lose Buster Posey
I'm opening the blinds for just a few moments to share some thoughts on Buster Posey's injury:
For starters, there is no official report yet on how long he'll be out. Some reports have said it's season ending, which is certainly a possibility. We know there's a leg fracture. The biggest question will be in regards to ligament damage in his knee. But judging from the tone of Bochy's voice on KNBR this morning, Posey will be out for a long time.
----
Brian Murphy put it as well as anyone: "I'm 43, married, a father, have a job, a mortgage -- and I still can't fully process my emotions on Buster's injury."
I second that. Did anyone else find it about 10 times harder to get out of bed this morning? Did anyone else extinguish their allotted number of "sighs" for the day in about 30 minutes?
I can't stop thinking about Buster -- the shock, anger, frustration, unfairness of it all -- and yet, I'm having an incredibly hard time figuring out what to say. There almost isn't anything to say. Maybe what says it best is the absence of words -- the blank, empty gazes on the Muni this morning. People in Giants gear on the N-Judah, staring silently at the ground, going 20 seconds without blinking.
Silence may be the best way to describe it.
For starters, there is no official report yet on how long he'll be out. Some reports have said it's season ending, which is certainly a possibility. We know there's a leg fracture. The biggest question will be in regards to ligament damage in his knee. But judging from the tone of Bochy's voice on KNBR this morning, Posey will be out for a long time.
----
Brian Murphy put it as well as anyone: "I'm 43, married, a father, have a job, a mortgage -- and I still can't fully process my emotions on Buster's injury."
I second that. Did anyone else find it about 10 times harder to get out of bed this morning? Did anyone else extinguish their allotted number of "sighs" for the day in about 30 minutes?
I can't stop thinking about Buster -- the shock, anger, frustration, unfairness of it all -- and yet, I'm having an incredibly hard time figuring out what to say. There almost isn't anything to say. Maybe what says it best is the absence of words -- the blank, empty gazes on the Muni this morning. People in Giants gear on the N-Judah, staring silently at the ground, going 20 seconds without blinking.
Silence may be the best way to describe it.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Remember the Hitchhiker's Guide?
I hope you do A's fans, all 2 of you that read these posts anyway. What does it say on the front, pray tell?
I wish I had better advice. I wish I had been able to see the games this weekend. Instead, I partied it up in the Hamptons with the Kardashians. No joke. Well, half joke, it was not with them. But it was with some awesomely orange colored people and bros as far as the eye could see. See below for an effective descriptor of the experience.
I wish I had better advice. I wish I had been able to see the games this weekend. Instead, I partied it up in the Hamptons with the Kardashians. No joke. Well, half joke, it was not with them. But it was with some awesomely orange colored people and bros as far as the eye could see. See below for an effective descriptor of the experience.
Bay Bridge Series Recap: City Sweeps Town
Last December, the San Francisco Giants put a limited number of tickets on sale for marquee games in 2011. One of the series they offered was Oakland A's trip to San Francisco in May. Being both far-sighted and a benevolent friend, I quickly realized the perfect Christmas gift for Eric: Giants-A's tickets. We would take in the first of our teams annual battles together.
As it turned out, Eric instead planned a trip to the East Coast for that weekend, thus shunning this harmonious peace offering and leaving me to watch the games alone, a cold shriveled mess.
But did the Gods take notice?
You bet your raptured butt they did. To the tune of 2-1, 3-0 and 5-4. It wasn't exactly the Apocalypse, but it was pretty darn close.
I jest. Eric was bummed to miss the first installment of the Bay Bridge Series and we already have tickets to take in the East Bay edition in late June. But as it turned out, Eric is probably glad he missed the carnage the baseball gods inflicted on his Oakland Atheists. It was not pretty for the Green and Gold and theirthousand of fans elephant.
As it turned out, Eric instead planned a trip to the East Coast for that weekend, thus shunning this harmonious peace offering and leaving me to watch the games alone, a cold shriveled mess.
But did the Gods take notice?
You bet your raptured butt they did. To the tune of 2-1, 3-0 and 5-4. It wasn't exactly the Apocalypse, but it was pretty darn close.
I jest. Eric was bummed to miss the first installment of the Bay Bridge Series and we already have tickets to take in the East Bay edition in late June. But as it turned out, Eric is probably glad he missed the carnage the baseball gods inflicted on his Oakland Atheists. It was not pretty for the Green and Gold and their
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| Awesome poster from thecitygraphics.com |
Friday, May 20, 2011
Giants Road Trip Recap: Ain't Seen Nothing Yet
Road Trip Record: 3-3; Overall: 24-19; 1st Place (0.5)
Anyone who takes public transportation to work every day has a specific routine they like to follow. Catching the same train, boarding the same car, sitting in the same seat, buying a newspaper from the same newsstand (if anyone bought newspapers). Oftentimes you end up seeing the same people too.
The best part of my public transportation routine is walking by a man who sits at the Embarcadero Bart/Munio station with a tenor saxophone and a sign. Anyone who passes through that station in the mornings knows who I'm talking about.
He sits there with his sax, howls out a few notes, and displays a sign on a music stand with a new message every morning. This man has become my page-a-day calender. Every morning bears a news message that I just have to get a look at.
Most of the time they're awesome. They're pieces of advice about life, family, God, attitude. My all time favorite: "Rise and remember, there is none greater than the Elephant. And you are the elephant."
Now you may be saying, what does this have to do with the Giants?
Nothing really. But his message on this fine Friday morning reminded me a lot of baseball and the toll being a fan takes, particularly in these last four games. It read:
"Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm."
Anyone who takes public transportation to work every day has a specific routine they like to follow. Catching the same train, boarding the same car, sitting in the same seat, buying a newspaper from the same newsstand (if anyone bought newspapers). Oftentimes you end up seeing the same people too.
The best part of my public transportation routine is walking by a man who sits at the Embarcadero Bart/Munio station with a tenor saxophone and a sign. Anyone who passes through that station in the mornings knows who I'm talking about.
He sits there with his sax, howls out a few notes, and displays a sign on a music stand with a new message every morning. This man has become my page-a-day calender. Every morning bears a news message that I just have to get a look at.
Most of the time they're awesome. They're pieces of advice about life, family, God, attitude. My all time favorite: "Rise and remember, there is none greater than the Elephant. And you are the elephant."
Now you may be saying, what does this have to do with the Giants?
Nothing really. But his message on this fine Friday morning reminded me a lot of baseball and the toll being a fan takes, particularly in these last four games. It read:
"Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm."
A's v. Twins Recap
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. The A's were riding a high..... only to have their hopes dashed on the rocks below after the wave crashed onto the beach. Quick hits to follow.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
A's v. Angels Recap
It was only a two game series, but it still counts as a SWEEP! Horray!
I don't think this requires a full recap....
Let's look at what the A's accomplished with last night's game.
•It was their first sweep of a series since they swept the Mariners to close the season last October.
•They are now in first place for the first time since June 3rd of 2010.
•It was their first time scoring in double figures all season.
• It was their largest offensive output since they beat the Angels 15-1 on July 10th of last year.
•They entered the game 12th in the AL with 146 runs, scored in 41 games. They added 1/10 of that number in one night.
The A's won on Monday what might become their signature win of the season. Up 3-0, down 4-3 with 2 out and two strikes on Barton in the 9th, he singles home Crisp to tie, and then Ellis wins it with a ground ball in the 10th. All this in the rain after an hour and a half rain delay. It was one of those wins that you needed to have, because if you didn't get it, especially at home, it was going to sting for a long while.
I don't think this requires a full recap....
Let's look at what the A's accomplished with last night's game.
•It was their first sweep of a series since they swept the Mariners to close the season last October.
•They are now in first place for the first time since June 3rd of 2010.
•It was their first time scoring in double figures all season.
• It was their largest offensive output since they beat the Angels 15-1 on July 10th of last year.
•They entered the game 12th in the AL with 146 runs, scored in 41 games. They added 1/10 of that number in one night.
The A's won on Monday what might become their signature win of the season. Up 3-0, down 4-3 with 2 out and two strikes on Barton in the 9th, he singles home Crisp to tie, and then Ellis wins it with a ground ball in the 10th. All this in the rain after an hour and a half rain delay. It was one of those wins that you needed to have, because if you didn't get it, especially at home, it was going to sting for a long while.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Digesting the Giants' Offense
As Michael "Squints" Palledorous once said, "I can't take it anymore!"
We knew from the beginning that this team was and is built around its starting pitching. It is the straw that stirs this drink.
But what we've seen so far this season is a team that depends entirely on its starting pitching to be elite to have any chance at winning a game.
Luckily for the Giants, the starting pitching is fully capable of being just that. And as we saw in their recent 6 game winning streak, it's capable of being elite for an extended period of time. They won 6 straight at home without scoring more than 4 runs in any one game. That's never happened before in the history of Major League Baseball.
But as we saw last night, the Giants' starting pitchers are going to falter from time to time. As hard as it is to believe, Tim Lincecum is human and even he cannot pitch at an elite level every time he takes the mound.
The problem is when the starters do falter, no one has their back.
The Giants offense has shown no ability whatsoever to pick up a starter after he's struggled. Those games you see where a team goes down 5-0 early and then comes back to win 8-7? The Giants know not of these things.
The stats say it all.
We knew from the beginning that this team was and is built around its starting pitching. It is the straw that stirs this drink.
But what we've seen so far this season is a team that depends entirely on its starting pitching to be elite to have any chance at winning a game.
Luckily for the Giants, the starting pitching is fully capable of being just that. And as we saw in their recent 6 game winning streak, it's capable of being elite for an extended period of time. They won 6 straight at home without scoring more than 4 runs in any one game. That's never happened before in the history of Major League Baseball.
But as we saw last night, the Giants' starting pitchers are going to falter from time to time. As hard as it is to believe, Tim Lincecum is human and even he cannot pitch at an elite level every time he takes the mound.
The problem is when the starters do falter, no one has their back.
The Giants offense has shown no ability whatsoever to pick up a starter after he's struggled. Those games you see where a team goes down 5-0 early and then comes back to win 8-7? The Giants know not of these things.
The stats say it all.
Monday, May 16, 2011
A's v. White Sox Recap
We all knew Trevor Cahill was human. We didn't want to believe he was human. We wanted to believe that he was an amazing Pterodactyl Android. He lost, but he is still our ace. And you know what, soon even Giants fans will know his name. The A's still can't hit so well, and they can't play defense so well, and it keeps losing them ballgames. Through 40 baseball games, that's right kids, 1/4 of the season has already passed us by, the A's are 20-20. To be a realist, I don't have too much to complain about or tear my hair out over. To be a person who wants to incite the fervor of 1,000 suns, the 2011 A's are one of the most infuriating teams I have ever watched. It's beyond torture. That's right Giants fans, you can't call it torture when you're the reigning major league champions. It's torture when your team can't seem to get a guy to first base.
Friday, May 13, 2011
**UPDATED** Giants Sweep Homestand, also Kitten Plays Piano, also Sharks Advance to Conference Finals
**Update** A frustrating day for the San Francisco Giants. Having already scored one run in the first inning, Cody Ross struck out looking to end the inning with runners at second and third. Former Cub Mike Fontenot had a sure home-run blown back into play by large gusts of wind. And as we learned in Avatar, if mother nature is against you, it's going to be a long day.
Mad Bum cam unglued in the 3rd inning, walking the pitcher with two outs which led to two more runs. The Giants battled back to cut the deficit to 3-2 before Jeremy Affeldt wowed Wrigley with his best Dan Runzler. Affeldt gave up 4 runs, recorded only one out and actually lowered his ERA to 5.79 (no, not really).
Not to be outdone, Dan Runzler did his best Jeremy Affeldt impression and gave up another 5 hits and 3 runs in the 8th after the Giants scored to make it a somewhat more respectable score of 8-4.
Clearly the game had been surrendered at that point. Cubs fans sitting just above the Giants dugout reportedly heard the following conversation with a growling Bruce Bochy:
Unidentified Coach: "Wanna get someone loose?"
Bochy: "Hmm? I was thinking steak or some of that deep-dish pizza."
Coach: "No, the bullpen. Should we get Romo up?"
Bochy: "Huh? Ah, hell with it. Ford! Go get me a....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...."
A remarkable stat, however -- of the Giants 17 losses, only 4 have been by over 3 runs. Today was their first since April 20th. As much as today's game stunk, the Giants have kept their losses close. While it might not always work out, they've been in almost every game they've played.
Wait a minute. Ah yes, I knew I was forgetting something.
The San Jose Sharks came out on top of an epic Game 7 against the Detroit Red Wings, and avoided becoming only the 4th team in NHL history of blow a 3-0 series lead in the playoffs. Nonetheless Randy Hahn felt the need to scream "THEY DID IT!" as the final horn sounded and Danny Boyle thanked the fans for being "the only ones who believed in us."
Actually, I'm pretty sure everyone believed in you. You had a 3-0 lead. It was only after you nearly choked up a bull moose and sent Todd McLellan to an unemployment line that people started to even question you making it to the next round. I get that it was an intense game, but Hahn's celebration seemed inappropriate. The Sharks have been here before (last year) and were up 3-0. A "THEY DID IT!" would have been more appropriate had to team down 3-0 came back to win. I was expecting something more along the lines of "THEY DIDN'T BLOW IT!"
Comparison No. 125 between the Shark and Giants Playoff Runs:
The general public started getting excited about the Giants a week before the regular season ended. The general public will start getting excited about the Sharks half-way through the Conference Finals.
Comparison No. 201:
When the Giants advanced to the NLCS, it led on the front page of the Chronicle. The Sharks got a small photo of the team celebrating on the top bar that at least 51% of San Franciscans assumed was a photo of demonstrators in Tripoli.
As bitter as I sound, I'm actually starting to come around to the Sharks. No, I'm not jumping on a band-wagon. I'm simply realizing I'd rather see them win than anyone left in the field.
Tampa, Flordia deserves youth sports only. And maybe bowling and bocce. Boston is, well, Boston. It'd be fun to see a Canadian team win finally and I do love Orcas. But when it comes down to it, you have to support the Bay. I went to my fair share of Sharks games when I was a kid. I remember the usher who gave me a puck when I was a wee lad. So while I won't be weeping with emotion, if the Penguins can't do it, why not the Sharks.
Part of my problem with the Sharks is that I don't think I've met more than about 3 real Sharks fans in my life. People who watches every game of the regular season. People who know every player. People who are seriously invested in the Sharks the way I am the Giants or Eric is the A's. I've literally met maybe 3, tops. I meet fans, sure. People who like the team, go to some games, can name most of the players. But fans who hang on every shift? I just don't think there are many of them out there.
But they are out there. And for those few that I have met, I hope they win it for you. I'm thinking of Edd, a San Jose native, and one of the biggest Sharks fans I know. Or Maya, our loyal reader who hounds us for more hockey content. I remember her despondency after losing to the Stars in 2008. It those folks who would get genuinely emotional seeing Jumbo Joe hoist that Cup. We all deserve our cake at some point, and why not now? So I'm rooting for that.
But who am I kidding, having the Giants and Sharks as Champs would finally make ESPNBayArea.com happen. And that's all anyone wants. It's way overdue.
--
In other news, the San Francisco Giants completed a three game sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks to finish a perfect 6-0 on their recent home stand.
The Giants are suddenly 5 games over .500 and in 1st place in the NL West.
I'm not calling myself Nostradamus, but 10 days ago, I wrote this in a post called "Giants Hit Rock Bottom":
"I say this not to lament about how far the Giants have fallen, but rather to remind us how quickly things can change in baseball. Momentum is gained as quickly as it is lost. And 12 days from now, this current debacle could be as distant a memory as Opening Day is now. We're still in this thing."
What debacle? We were bad??
The significance of the Giants recent sweeps can't be overstated. Not only did we see improvement in nearly all phases of the team, but it gave both players and fans confidence that the slump they'd been in since being swept by Atlanta was over. A six game win streak is lengthy enough to officially end the slump they were in last week. Now, if they Giants go on the road and stink it up, at least it's a new slump beginning rather than a continuation of the last slump. Separation between slumps is key.
Clearly the offense is still not where it needs to be. The Giants are still leaving too many men in scoring position and particularly at 3rd base with less than two outs. They still seem to think the goal of baseball is to be retired on the fewest number of pitches. But for all their trials and tribulations at the plate, they are getting the clutch hits when they need them, much like they did toward the end of 2010.
The pitching was fantastic. Tim was his usual self, cut from marble. Sanchez showed refreshing focus, even after going down 3-0 early on. We took bets on how long he'd last and I'm happy to say I guessed the longest with 6.1. Matt Cain showed the determination of steaming locomotive, powering through 7.2 quick innings.
Brian Wilson deserves 5 gold stars for pitching in 5 consecutive games and earning 3 wins and 2 saves. In his save on Wednesday night he was clearly out of gas, so his rest on Thursday was a wise move by Bochy. By the looks of things, he may be needed just about every night.
The Good: Miguel Tejada
Say whaaa? Even Scrooge had a heart, and I will give props when props are due. Tejada played as big a role in the Giants Wednesday night victory as anyone. He went 3-4 with his first extra base hit since 2009 and his first RBI since 2002. It was a big night for Miggy. He's obviously not happy about the way he's playing. But if every now and again Miguel Tejada can come in and help us win a game and the rest of the time just avoid losing the game, I'll be satisfied. And who knows, maybe he'll go on a little run here.
The Better: Crowds
Say what you will about the Giants bandwagon and the Wave and Beach Balls. There's no doubt that these crowds have energized this team. Before this home stand they seemed to be doing just enough to lose. Now, they're doing just enough to win. I'm not saying that the crowds are responsible, but having 40,000 people chanting your name makes you try that much harder or want it that much more, sometimes that's all it takes.
The Hilarious: Ron Swanson
What more can you say?
Song of the Week:
Back on the Road
On Deck:
The Giants visit America's greatest ballpark for the first of two visits to Wrigley Field in 2011. The Cubs have lost 4 of their last 6 and are currently 4th in the NL Central at 16-20. The Giants will make the back turn in their rotation sending Bumgarner, Vogelsong and Lincecum against Ryan Dempster, Doug Davis and Carlos Zambrano, all of whom have an ERA over 4.00. Considering the cozy confines of Wrigley, the Giants will hopefully get the long ball working. If the Giants' starters can limit the long-ball and prevent free base-runners, the Giants have a good chance to continue their winning ways and roll into LA and Denver with a full head of steam.
Mad Bum cam unglued in the 3rd inning, walking the pitcher with two outs which led to two more runs. The Giants battled back to cut the deficit to 3-2 before Jeremy Affeldt wowed Wrigley with his best Dan Runzler. Affeldt gave up 4 runs, recorded only one out and actually lowered his ERA to 5.79 (no, not really).
Not to be outdone, Dan Runzler did his best Jeremy Affeldt impression and gave up another 5 hits and 3 runs in the 8th after the Giants scored to make it a somewhat more respectable score of 8-4.
Clearly the game had been surrendered at that point. Cubs fans sitting just above the Giants dugout reportedly heard the following conversation with a growling Bruce Bochy:
Unidentified Coach: "Wanna get someone loose?"
Bochy: "Hmm? I was thinking steak or some of that deep-dish pizza."
Coach: "No, the bullpen. Should we get Romo up?"
Bochy: "Huh? Ah, hell with it. Ford! Go get me a....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...."
A remarkable stat, however -- of the Giants 17 losses, only 4 have been by over 3 runs. Today was their first since April 20th. As much as today's game stunk, the Giants have kept their losses close. While it might not always work out, they've been in almost every game they've played.
Wait a minute. Ah yes, I knew I was forgetting something.
The San Jose Sharks came out on top of an epic Game 7 against the Detroit Red Wings, and avoided becoming only the 4th team in NHL history of blow a 3-0 series lead in the playoffs. Nonetheless Randy Hahn felt the need to scream "THEY DID IT!" as the final horn sounded and Danny Boyle thanked the fans for being "the only ones who believed in us."
Actually, I'm pretty sure everyone believed in you. You had a 3-0 lead. It was only after you nearly choked up a bull moose and sent Todd McLellan to an unemployment line that people started to even question you making it to the next round. I get that it was an intense game, but Hahn's celebration seemed inappropriate. The Sharks have been here before (last year) and were up 3-0. A "THEY DID IT!" would have been more appropriate had to team down 3-0 came back to win. I was expecting something more along the lines of "THEY DIDN'T BLOW IT!"
Comparison No. 125 between the Shark and Giants Playoff Runs:
The general public started getting excited about the Giants a week before the regular season ended. The general public will start getting excited about the Sharks half-way through the Conference Finals.
Comparison No. 201:
When the Giants advanced to the NLCS, it led on the front page of the Chronicle. The Sharks got a small photo of the team celebrating on the top bar that at least 51% of San Franciscans assumed was a photo of demonstrators in Tripoli.
As bitter as I sound, I'm actually starting to come around to the Sharks. No, I'm not jumping on a band-wagon. I'm simply realizing I'd rather see them win than anyone left in the field.
Tampa, Flordia deserves youth sports only. And maybe bowling and bocce. Boston is, well, Boston. It'd be fun to see a Canadian team win finally and I do love Orcas. But when it comes down to it, you have to support the Bay. I went to my fair share of Sharks games when I was a kid. I remember the usher who gave me a puck when I was a wee lad. So while I won't be weeping with emotion, if the Penguins can't do it, why not the Sharks.
Part of my problem with the Sharks is that I don't think I've met more than about 3 real Sharks fans in my life. People who watches every game of the regular season. People who know every player. People who are seriously invested in the Sharks the way I am the Giants or Eric is the A's. I've literally met maybe 3, tops. I meet fans, sure. People who like the team, go to some games, can name most of the players. But fans who hang on every shift? I just don't think there are many of them out there.
But they are out there. And for those few that I have met, I hope they win it for you. I'm thinking of Edd, a San Jose native, and one of the biggest Sharks fans I know. Or Maya, our loyal reader who hounds us for more hockey content. I remember her despondency after losing to the Stars in 2008. It those folks who would get genuinely emotional seeing Jumbo Joe hoist that Cup. We all deserve our cake at some point, and why not now? So I'm rooting for that.
But who am I kidding, having the Giants and Sharks as Champs would finally make ESPNBayArea.com happen. And that's all anyone wants. It's way overdue.
--
In other news, the San Francisco Giants completed a three game sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks to finish a perfect 6-0 on their recent home stand.
The Giants are suddenly 5 games over .500 and in 1st place in the NL West.
I'm not calling myself Nostradamus, but 10 days ago, I wrote this in a post called "Giants Hit Rock Bottom":
"I say this not to lament about how far the Giants have fallen, but rather to remind us how quickly things can change in baseball. Momentum is gained as quickly as it is lost. And 12 days from now, this current debacle could be as distant a memory as Opening Day is now. We're still in this thing."
What debacle? We were bad??
The significance of the Giants recent sweeps can't be overstated. Not only did we see improvement in nearly all phases of the team, but it gave both players and fans confidence that the slump they'd been in since being swept by Atlanta was over. A six game win streak is lengthy enough to officially end the slump they were in last week. Now, if they Giants go on the road and stink it up, at least it's a new slump beginning rather than a continuation of the last slump. Separation between slumps is key.
Clearly the offense is still not where it needs to be. The Giants are still leaving too many men in scoring position and particularly at 3rd base with less than two outs. They still seem to think the goal of baseball is to be retired on the fewest number of pitches. But for all their trials and tribulations at the plate, they are getting the clutch hits when they need them, much like they did toward the end of 2010.
The pitching was fantastic. Tim was his usual self, cut from marble. Sanchez showed refreshing focus, even after going down 3-0 early on. We took bets on how long he'd last and I'm happy to say I guessed the longest with 6.1. Matt Cain showed the determination of steaming locomotive, powering through 7.2 quick innings.
Brian Wilson deserves 5 gold stars for pitching in 5 consecutive games and earning 3 wins and 2 saves. In his save on Wednesday night he was clearly out of gas, so his rest on Thursday was a wise move by Bochy. By the looks of things, he may be needed just about every night.
The Good: Miguel Tejada
Say whaaa? Even Scrooge had a heart, and I will give props when props are due. Tejada played as big a role in the Giants Wednesday night victory as anyone. He went 3-4 with his first extra base hit since 2009 and his first RBI since 2002. It was a big night for Miggy. He's obviously not happy about the way he's playing. But if every now and again Miguel Tejada can come in and help us win a game and the rest of the time just avoid losing the game, I'll be satisfied. And who knows, maybe he'll go on a little run here.
The Better: Crowds
Say what you will about the Giants bandwagon and the Wave and Beach Balls. There's no doubt that these crowds have energized this team. Before this home stand they seemed to be doing just enough to lose. Now, they're doing just enough to win. I'm not saying that the crowds are responsible, but having 40,000 people chanting your name makes you try that much harder or want it that much more, sometimes that's all it takes.
The Hilarious: Ron Swanson
What more can you say?
Song of the Week:
Back on the Road
On Deck:
The Giants visit America's greatest ballpark for the first of two visits to Wrigley Field in 2011. The Cubs have lost 4 of their last 6 and are currently 4th in the NL Central at 16-20. The Giants will make the back turn in their rotation sending Bumgarner, Vogelsong and Lincecum against Ryan Dempster, Doug Davis and Carlos Zambrano, all of whom have an ERA over 4.00. Considering the cozy confines of Wrigley, the Giants will hopefully get the long ball working. If the Giants' starters can limit the long-ball and prevent free base-runners, the Giants have a good chance to continue their winning ways and roll into LA and Denver with a full head of steam.
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