Uribe Deserves New Giants Deal, Jonny Sanchez’s High Heat, Bullpen Catcher Buster Posey, and Looking Ahead to Rockies Series

September 8th, 2009

With all of the talk surrounding Bengie Molina’s contract situation, Juan Uribe is more deserving of a new Giants deal than Molina and Freddy Sanchez, and it’s not just because of Uribe’s recent hot-hitting.  Of course, the Giants could re-sign both Sanchez and Uribe, and commit second base to Sanchez and third base to Uribe in 2010.  But, if it comes down to one or the other, Uribe seems the more logical commitment. 

For starters, Uribe is younger and more healthy.  Uribe turned 30 in March, while Sanchez turns 32 in December.  In his six weeks as a Giant, Sanchez has had knee and shoulder issues, while Uribe has mostly been pain-free.  Health should be the number one concern when it comes to signing players to multi-year deals… even two-year contracts.

Uribe is also more versatile.  While Sanchez hasn’t played anywhere other than second since 2006, the Giants can play Uribe at second, short, and third.  Versatility is becoming one of those many aspects of baseball that has been undervalued.  (In the way that on-base percentage and defense have been undervalued the last several years.)  Uribe’s versatility also gives the team some leeway to develop their younger infielders.  Uribe can play third to make room for a second baseman, and he play second so someone can play third or first (whichever position Sandoval isn’t playing).  He also, of course, is capable of playing shortstop if Edgar Renteria continues to tail off next year. 

Uribe does all of this while playing very good defense no matter where he’s playing.  He’s only slightly below average at shortstop, but so is Renteria.  Sanchez is a good defender at second, but Uribe is just as good in the field.

As for the offense, it may just be that Uribe will be a better hitter over the next couple of seasons.  This season, Uribe’s OPS is .816, nearly 100 points better than his career mark (.726).  His wOBA is .345 this season compared to a .309 career number.  Maybe Uribe is in a salary drive (although I doubt it) but, perhaps more likely, Uribe is becoming a better hitter and one of the many players more successful in the National League.  I’m not expecting a .816 OPS in the future, but a .780 OPS in 2010 and 2011 isn’t that unrealistic and still above average.     

By comparison, Sanchez is a career .756 OPS hitter, and has a .768 mark this year.  He did have an .851 OPS in his best season in 2006 when he hit .332, but that was when Sanchez was still in his 20’s.  I’m guessing Sanchez’s 2009 offensive numbers are more reflective of his next few seasons.  And, with Sanchez being 32 and 33 the next couple of seasons, the numbers could go down.

In the end, there may not be a huge difference between Uribe and Sanchez offensively in the next few seasons.  However, Uribe’s versatility, defense, health, and clubhouse presence (which continues to get talked up) make him the better option to sign for the next few seasons.  If you factor in that Uribe may be cheaper because so many people in baseball (Sabean?) are still in love with batting average, then he is a MUCH better option.

More notes:

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Categories: San Francisco Giants | Tags: Bengie Molina, Brad Penny, Bruce Bochy, Buster Posey, Edgar Renteria, Eli Whiteside, Eugenio Velez, Freddy Sanchez, Giants, Jason Hammel, John Bowker, Jonathan Sanchez, Jorge De La Rosa, Jose Contreras, Juan Uribe, Matt Cain, Rockies, Tim Lincecum, Ubaldo Jimenez, Willie Mays | No Comments

Under Giants Regime, Youth is Not Being Served in 2009

September 2nd, 2009

One of the biggest reasons why I wouldn’t mind seeing a new regime replace Sabean-Bochy is the overreliance on veterans.  Of course, I’m saying this after veterans Edgar Renteria and Bengie Molina deliver two of the biggest hits of the season in the last week.   The veterans should still play a little, but it’s a fallacy when managers and GM’s think that veterans need to play more down the stretch because they’re “gamers” or because “they’ve been here before”.  There’s an all-too-common belief within baseball that playing younger players means you’re giving your team less of a chance to win. 

In many cases, younger players can be better options than the veteran “gamers”, especially when those veterans are already below average players.  Of course, “below average” is a kind phrase to use for most of the Giants hitters.  There are many examples of younger players helping teams in stretch runs, but in the NL West, we don’t have to look much further than the 2007 Rockies.  They were essentially “giving up” on their season when they called up Ubaldo Jimenez and Franklin Morales in August.  Of course, those pitchers were instrumental in their amazing September run.  Prospects can make your team better.  They shouldn’t be players who are only given time when your team is out of the race.

Those prospects can only become good major leaguers with experience.  If they’ve dominated Triple-A pitching, they aren’t going to become better major leaguers by continuing to hit off of those same Triple-A pitchers.  John Bowker may be better hitter in the future, but I can concede he is probably a below-average major league hitter right now.  Still, I’d rather have him taking away some at bats from Randy Winn (especially against lefties such as last night), who is also a below-average hitter.  At least, Bowker can get better with the experience. 

I’m not saying the vets shouldn’t play, but this was supposed to be a season where we were going to find out a lot about the Giants positional prospects.  The organization wasn’t really strong in upper-level positional players, but there are still quite a few unknowns within this franchise.  I feel like the Giants have wasted part of this season by not giving enough at bats to guys like Bowker, Kevin Frandsen, Jesus Guzman, Nate Schierholtz (remember when he had 18 at bats through May 1st), and, yes, even Fred Lewis (Bay City Ball’s reasoning for Lewis to play more.).  Odds are, most of these guys won’t ever be everyday major-leaguers, but good organizations find a way to get these type of players enough at bats to find out.  Unfortunately, with the Giants, they’re still unknowns.    

As pointed out at Inside Baggs, the Giants average just 3.58 pitches per plate appearance, which is the lowest in the majors by far.  Of the 16 NL teams, they’re 15th in runs/game, 15th in HR’s, 16th in walks and 16th in on-base percentage.  If the Giants found a way to give guys such as Frandsen, Bowker, and Lewis more at bats, would these numbers be much worse?  I don’t think so.  There’s even a decent chance they may be better. 

Even more frustrating, the Giants didn’t even call up Frandsen when teams were allowed to expand their rosters yesterday.  And, while Sabean and the rest of the brass think its unfathomable, calling up Buster Posey and Madison Bumgarner may be the difference between a playing baseball or playing golf in October.  When you’ve got a chance for a championship, you go for it.  I don’t care about affecting one’s service time or hurting veterans feelings.  If calling up Posey and Bumgarner means that the team has to wait until June, instead of May, before calling them up to the major league roster again so the Giants can steal an extra year of service time, then so be it. 

Think of this scenario:  The Giants wait until May before they call up Posey and Bumgarner, the team misses the playoffs, and when the team calls up these players in 2010, both immediately take off and adjust smoothly to major-league competition.  Giants fans will be ticked off that these guys weren’t allowed to make an impact in the previous year’s pennant chase.  And, even worse, the Sabean-Bochy tandem may be awarded contract extensions this offseason.  The same guys who continually rewarded veteran players with at bats despite mediocre offense from those veteran players.                    

Renteria, Winn, Molina, and Aaron Rowand all deserve their share of at bats, but this year, they’ve been given too many at bats.  While it’s a positive that these guys have mostly played solid defense, they should have been given more days off earlier in the season in favor of younger players.  If they were, maybe they would be even more rested for this stretch drive. 

This has been touched on at McCovey Chronicles, but even more frustrating for Giants fans, is the Giants organization lack of patience for younger players.  Eugenio Velez got off to a hot start upon his recall, and that earned him plenty of extra at bats.  Bowker didn’t and he was back in Triple-A before he knew it.  You may not want to hear another Rockies example, but Carlos Gonzalez was scuffling with a .188 average on July 6th.  Now, after over 500 career plate appearances, he looks like a future star.  The Rockies didn’t demote him to the Pacific Coast League, where he has already dominated.  They kept him on their major league roster, and now it’s paying major dividends. 

Can you imagine if Pablo Sandoval got off to a 4-for-45 start last season?  He might have struggled to get consistent at bats on last year’s and this year’s team.  The only reason the Giants committed to him everyday was because he started raking right away.  Sandoval is a rare case, because most hitters take time before they learn major league pitching. 

It’s actually pretty simple.  The more major league at bats a team’s young hitting prospects receive, they will either become better players or at least a team will find out about their long-term chances.  In baseball economics, because of service time, younger players that perform well are extremely valuable.  The Giants organization’s lack of patience and commitment with younger players may cost them this season but, more importantly, has also hurt their chances in 2010 and 2011.            

Categories: San Francisco Giants | Tags: Aaron Rowand, Bengie Molina, Brian Sabean, Bruce Bochy, Buster Posey, Carlos Gonzalez, Edgar Renteria, Eugenio Velez, Franklin Morales, Fred Lewis, Giants, Jesus Guzman, John Bowker, Kevin Frandsen, Madison Bumgarner, Pablo Sandoval, Randy Winn, Rockies, Ubaldo Jimenez | No Comments

What’s in it for Me?

August 25th, 2009

I was there.            

Standing silently, as the marathon and torture continued, I kept asking, “Why am I setting myself up for disappointment again?” 

A big part of me wanted to leave, but I couldn’t because of that stupid “hope” that every sports fan has, even those of us that are the most cursed.  That “hope” that tells me, if the Giants win, this will be one of the most memorable and biggest wins I’ve ever witnessed.   

I went to all nine Giants games in Colorado this year, and many others throughout the last decade… and it rarely ever ends well.   

I hate Coors Field.  I don’t care how “nice” of a park it is, it’s a house of horrors for any die-hard Giants fan that frequents games there.  Not only do the Giants usually lose, but they find a way to stomach-punch me almost every game in Colorado.

That’s why, through the 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th innings, I was pacing the concourse.  In the past, I always stayed in my seat until the bitter end.  This time, however, I wanted to do something different because, after the agonizing last two days, I wasn’t in the mood to watch Rockies fans celebrate around me again.  I wanted a quick getaway when things turned sour.  Sure enough, I was almost out the main gate before Ryan Spilborghs’ ball even landed.        

As I was on my way to my car (walking at about a 45mph clip), I kept thinking about Ray Kinsella’s character in Field of Dreams… when he asks, “What’s in it for me?” to Shoeless Joe. 

Ray built a baseball field in the middle of his Iowa cornfield, traveled around the country, tracking down Moonlight Graham and Terrence Mann, all while his family is about to go bankrupt… and Mann is the one who is rewarded with a trip through the cornfields with all of the legends?

I didn’t blame Ray.  He made sacrifices and deserved something for his time and effort.     

So, I ask, after last night’s loss, which was one of the most devastating losses I’ve ever seen the Giants suffer, “What’s in it for us?!?!”

We’ve made sacrifices.  We’ve supported this team through thick and, mostly thin.  I challenge anyone to find another group of fans who have suffered as much as Giants fans in the last 20 plus seasons.  

Whether it was Candy Maldonado losing a ball in the lights, or not winning a division despite winning 103 games, or Edgar’s base hit in ‘97, or Pudge tagging out J.T., or Scott Spiezio’s three-run homer, or Steve Finley’s grand slam, nobody has suffered more heartbreak. 

The Giants are like the ex-girlfriend that you took forever to get over.  The one who plays with your emotions because she can.  The difference, however, is that we eventually get over that ex-girlfriend.  When it comes to our favorite sports teams, though, we can’t get over it.  I think I may get over this stuff the day the Giants win a world championship.  Yet, I continue to wonder if that day will ever happen. 

Let’s face it, if you’re a Giants fan, the thought of quitting has at least partially crossed your mind.  True fans will never let this happen, of course.  We’ve had enough agony to last a lifetime but we’re not abandoning our team because we think there has to be some reward for our troubles.  And, right now, you may hate this team (or, at least Bruce Bochy, Justin Miller, and/or Merkin Valdez).  You may be thinking that you can’t even watch tonight’s game against the Diamondbacks.   

That talk may be tough but, in the end, we’ll be back, and the Giants will be back in this race.  They’ll make things interesting.  You know why?  Because they aren’t done torturing and teasing us.  They will be back in this thing, just in time so that we can believe again, so they can play with our emotions.  (Remember when everyone thought they were done when they were swept by the Braves, ironically from August 23-25, 1993.  They fell 4 1/2 back, and then came back in time to let us down on the season’s final day.)  When that time comes, there will be another Spilborghs in the batters box.  Maybe it will be Kyle Blanks… or Ryan Roberts… or Jeff Baker.  And it will happen again.  They aren’t done with us yet.  It’s the Giants way. 

In the meantime, I’ll be back watching them tonight, perhaps setting myself up for another disappointment.  Whether it’s coming tonight, tomorrow, or another month from now.  I don’t know any other way.  I’m stuck with this team as much as they’re stuck with me.     

Just once, though, I want to walk through that cornfield… or, at least, play catch with Ray Kinsella’s dad… because this feeling really fucking blows.       

Time to vent below:

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Categories: San Francisco Giants | No Comments

Tulo Needs to Stay Sick

August 21st, 2009

The Giants did everything they could to keep the Rockies in the game, blowing excellent scoring opportunities in the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings, while also walking six (plus a HBP).  Yet, it was a “W” and the sweetest of the season… that is, until their next one.  Sometimes, it pays to be pessimistic.  In fact, having said that, there’s no way they beat Giants killer Jorge De La Rosa tonight. 

Other Thoughts:

• It does help that one of the best hitters in baseball since early June, Troy Tulowitzki, doesn’t play because of the flu bug.  Tulo is the second best shortstop in the league.  He’s also a gamer.  I doubt that he’s out tonight, too.
• While the walks are still frustrating, it was so nice to see Jonathan Sanchez use his great fastball with two strikes.  So often, we’ve seen Sanchez jimmy-jack around with breaking stuff and trying to paint corners (while missing badly).  Last night, the high fastball was fantastic.  We need to see more of it. 
• I wish Bochy didn’t pinch-hit for Sanchez in the sixth.  At 91 pitches, Sanchez could have easily went at least one and maybe two more innings.  It also would have helped his confidence that much more.  
• Aaron Rowand’s home run was HUGE.  It seems like that was the Giants first three-run homer of the year.  Whatever it was, it made things easier on Sanchez, who responded with a dominant bottom of the fourth inning.
• Eugenio Velez is still a nightmare in left.  He’s like Timmy Lupus out there.

     

• Velez is also in a major funk at the plate.  Sit him down, please. 
• Don’t look now, but Edgar Renteria is 13 for his last 31.  Okay, I’m not feeling any better about him, either.  He does have only one RBI during that stretch.  Baby steps.
• The Rockies are usually sound so the three errors were surprising.  We can’t count on that the rest of the series.
• Jeremy Affeldt has been unbelievable in double play situations.  That’s 16 this year after getting Helton to 1-2-3.  Remarkable.  Came at a great time when the scoreboard was instructing Rockies fans to “Make Some Noise!”  Could there be anything more obnoxious and annoying than a scoreboard instructing fans to make noise?  What kind of Mickey Mouse operation are they running at Coors?  

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Categories: San Francisco Giants | Tags: 49ers, A's, Aaron Rowand, Alex Smith, Bruce Bochy, Cal, Edgar Renteria, Eugenio Velez, Freddy Sanchez, Giants, Gio Gonzalez, Jeff Kent, Jeremy Affeldt, Jonathan Sanchez, Jorge De La Rosa, Raiders, Randy Hanson, Troy Tulowitzki | No Comments

Analyzing Giants/Rockies Series – Coors Futility Likely Continues

August 21st, 2009

If you factor in how talented this year’s Rockies team is, the odds of the Giants doing anything better than a four-game split is very unlikely.  Predicting any single series is difficult in baseball (see Reds at AT&T), but the Giants, a bad offensive team, don’t match up well when they have to engage in slugfests with the opposition, and Coors Field is a park made for offense.  Even with the humidor, it’s still the best hitters park in baseball.  For the Giants to do well in this series, they are going to need some unexpected offensive performances.

The pitching matchups in this series are particularly unkind to the Giants.  I’ve made mention before that Bruce Bochy should have taken advantage of last week’s off-day by making sure Matt Cain will pitch in this series.  Despite a 2-0 record (the only two wins by the Giants in Colorado this year) and an 0.69 ERA at Coors Field this year, Cain won’t go in this four-game set.  That hurts.

Let’s preview each game: (more…)

Categories: Saint Mary's Gaels, San Francisco Giants, Uncategorized | No Comments

Giants Finally Getting SOME Return on Barry Zito Investment

August 20th, 2009

Sorry, for the lack of posts in recent days.  I felt the West Coast Bias readers needed to catch up on the infrequent Brett Favre and Michael Vick updates.

A bad contract will always be a bad contract, and there weren’t many Giants fans who were happy with the Barry Zito contract.  Actually, there weren’t many fans who weren’t (yes, two negatives, I can do that) disgusted with the Zito contract in the winter of 2006.  Even though that contract will always be an awful one until Zito gets bought out after 2013, it won’t be a crippling contract if the Giants can receive at least 60% return on their investment.

In my opinion, a crippling contract is when a team gets zero, or close to zero, production from a high-priced player (think Carl Pavano or Darren Dreifort).  In baseball, teams with higher payrolls like the Yankees, Red Sox, and Dodgers can afford more crippling contracts than others.  In Zito’s case, because of his durability, the Giants have received some production.  It may be hard to believe, but according to FanGraphs, the Giants have received $7.1 million and $6.6 million value from Zito over the 2007 and 2008 seasons.  Their value charts are based on the amount of wins a player provides over a replacement player (WAR).

This season, Zito is on pace to provide about $11.6-11.7 million value to the Giants.  No, I wouldn’t even pay $10 million/season to Zito, even with that value.  The key is to find as many Matt Cain’s and Tim Lincecum’s as possible.  Players who provide a lot more value than their contracts are worth.  The Giants can get away with Zito, in large part, because Lincecum was worth almost $34 million last year, and will likely be worth more this season.  Zito, at his current pace, may only provide 60-65% value on his $18.5 million salary.

That’s a bad contract, but it does allow them to still build a contending team.  As much as people want to blame Zito for the last two seasons, he was simply a poor pitcher on a bad team.  They weren’t going to be good even if Zito returned to Cy Young form.  Zito’s contract just means the Giants have to be much smarter with their money, and future contracts.  It also means that the Giants need to get reasonable return, such as 60-70%, on his contract.  That would allow them to forgo future free-agent pitchers (not that they should ever pay a free-agent pitcher the contract they gave Zito) and also give them a better opportunity to contend.

For a comparison, all we have to do is look at the Rockies.  There are many reasons for their contention in the playoff chase, such as a surprisingly very effective pitching staff and the second best shortstop in baseball, but they also are getting much better return on their bad Todd Helton investment.  Last year, they received about 40% return on his contract.  This year, they’re on pace to get about 75% return on Helton’s deal.  Again, still a bad deal, but a deal that isn’t crippling them.

Any time a fan looks at the Giants future salary commitments, that Zito contract is always going to be an eyesore.  I can’t stand it, but it isn’t going away.  Zito’s recent success since the All-Star break (2.36 ERA), however, gives hope that he can be a Top 30 pitcher in the National League in future seasons.  Of course, his best months as a Giant have been August and September, so this recent run isn’t terribly surprising.  (When I outlined reasons for Giants fans to be optimistic in late July, I mentioned Zito’s late season success.)  The increased fastball velocity is surprising, however.  When Zito is 35 in 2013, he likely won’t be throwing in the high 80’s.  He also will have a hard time giving the Giants 60% value on his contract and it may be a crippling deal at that point.  But for this year, 2010, 2011, and maybe 2012, he can still can’t be an effective pitcher, or an above-average pitcher, and actually give the Giants some return on their poor investment.

I apologize, but no links today.  If you’re desperate, you may find some Michael Vick and Brett Favre coverage on ESPN.

Categories: San Francisco Giants | No Comments

Giants/Mets Preview ***************** Friday, August 14th

August 14th, 2009

Giants (62-52) at New York Mets (53-61)  4:10 PST

Barry Zito (8-10, 4.40) vs. Bobby Parnell (2-4, 3.94)

Giants Notes

• Coming off first losing homestand (2-4) since May 11-17 (3-4 vs. Nationals & Mets)
• 23-32 on the road
• 16-12 vs. NL East
• In their last 15 games, the Giants are just 3-12 against the Mets (1-3 this year).
• The Giants are happy to not be playing in Shea (Just 4-13 since 2003, 11-26 since 1998)    

Mets Notes

• 30-25 at home
• 11-17 vs. NL West
• Have outscored the opposition 43-24 in the first inning at home
• .283 average with runners in scoring position
• Have struck out the fewest times in the majors.

Barry Zito

• 3-1, 2.32 ERA in last 5 starts since the All-Star break. 
• Opponents have hit .254 against him this year after a .270 mark last season.  
• In his career, Zito is a 29-18 with a 2.98 ERA in August
• In the last two years, Zito has pitched his best for the Giants over August (3.76 ERA) and September (3.71 ERA).  
• 4-6, 4.88 ERA on the road (11 starts)
• 2-1, 4.03 ERA career versus Mets.
• Below are Zito’s four starts vs. Mets:  

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Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments

An Immediate Opportunity for the 49ers Passing Game

August 14th, 2009

Of course, we should never read too much into preseason games.  Two years ago, when the Niners hosted the Broncos in the preseason, Alex Smith looked pretty good, and that very regular season was remembered for Smith’s struggles, shoulder injury, and the horribly failed experiment of Jim Hostler as offensive coordinator.  Having said that, what we know of Mike Nolan as a defensive coach, is that he had a goal to always shut down the running game early.  This should create opportunities in the passing game.

Even though he was an awful head coach, Nolan’s idea to shut down the opposing running game early was a good idea.  The problem was that his offense spent such little time on the field, his defense eventually became tired, and would give up a lot of rushing yards in the second half.  Nolan’s philosophy also exposed areas in his pass defense.

As the Broncos defensive coordinator, we have to believe that Nolan will be looking to stack the line of scrimmage to stop the 49ers ground attack.  He might have a good opportunity to do so considering the Jimmy Raye led 49er attack so desperately wants to establish a ground game this year, and also because Frank Gore won’t play.  In Denver, there is so much pessimism regarding the Broncos defense, because of their terrible performance a year ago (3rd worst in the NFL in points allowed), there is no doubt that Nolan has motivation to restore fans’ faith in the team.  Nolan also wants his defense to feel better about themselves.  I doubt another defense in the NFL has gone through as much criticism and scrutiny as the Broncos defense has in the last year.  Stopping the run, and forcing the Niners to beat them through the air, may be the best possible way for Nolan to restore his players’ confidence. 

For these reasons, I’m not going to go overboard if the Niners tear up the Broncos pass defense tonight, however, there would be some (emphasize on “some”) cause for concern if Shaun Hill and/or Alex Smith aren’t effective throwing the ball.  This is still a Broncos defense that is very short on talent.  Former Niner Ronnie Fields is probably Denver’s best defensive lineman (as a nose tackle), and we know that Fields would have trouble making the 49ers team this year.  (And, it’s not like the Niners have great defensive lineman on their roster.)  For all the struggles the Niners have in the pass-rush department, the Broncos have more problems when it comes to finding true pass-rushers in their 3-4 defense.  If you factor in the Broncos are trying to work in eight new starters on defense, they obviously should have some issues establishing cohesiveness.  

Putting all of this together, Hill and Smith should have success throwing the ball tonight even though this is the first preseason game under a new coordinator.  If they do throw the ball well, it won’t mean the Niners will have a good offense.  If they don’t move the ball, however, we’re going to have some definite questions heading into the next couple of preseason games.           

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Categories: San Francisco 49ers | Tags: 49ers, A's, Alex Smith, Broncos, Chaz Schilens, Darren McFadden, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Frank Gore, Giants, Gina Carano, Isaac Bruce, JaMarcus Russell, Jimmy Raye, Michael Crabtree, Michael Vick, Mike Nolan, Nomar Garciaparra, Pablo Sandoval, Raiders, Ron Wotus, Ronnie Fields, Shaun Hill, Tim Lincecum | No Comments

Bochy Should Take Advantage of Remaining Off Days

August 13th, 2009

Whether it’s been Ryan Sadowski or Joe Martinez, the Giants are 1-5 in the last six games started by their fifth starter.  Considering the Giants have four off-days left, counting today, shouldn’t Bruce Bochy make sure that Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain pitch as much as possible and also limit the number of starts made by whoever is in the fifth spot?  If he does take advantage of these remaining off days, Cain will make 11 starts, Lincecum and Barry Zito will pitch in 10 games each, while Jonathan Sanchez will make 9 starts, and the fifth starter spot will come up in 8 games. 

What is concerning me, however, is that Bochy doesn’t plan on pitching Lincecum in New York when Lincecum should pitch Monday if he receives his normal four days rest.  Even worse, by pitching Cain Saturday instead of tomorrow, Cain will miss the four games in Coors Field against the Giants greatest wild-card competitor.  The Giants are 2-3 in the Rockies home park this year, and both wins were games started by Cain.  He is 2-0 in Colorado and has allowed just one run in 13 innings.  Bochy should make sure that Cain pitches in that series, and all he would have to do is push Zito back a day. 

Zito has been pitching very well, but if Bochy is worried about hurting Zito’s feelings, then he’s missing the boat.   He’s also missing the boat if he is worried about Lincecum or Cain’s right arms.  There is no harm to Cain and Lincecum because they would be pitching on their normal four days rest.  Bochy needs to give his team the best possible opportunity to reach the postseason.

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Categories: San Francisco Giants | Tags: 49ers, A's, Barry Zito, Brian Wilson, Cal, Giants, Guillermo Mota, Joe Martinez, Jonathan Sanchez, Juan Uribe, Kerri Walsh, Matt Cain, Michael Crabtree, Nate Davis, Pablo Sandoval, Raiders, Rich Aurilia, Ryan Sadowski, Stanford, Tim Lincecum, Vin Scully | No Comments

The 2009 San Francisco Giants: Definitely NOT on Steroids

August 12th, 2009

As much as I am annoyed by overly pessimistic fans, I must say that was a swift punch to the gut last night, and places a ton of pressure on Tim Lincecum today to shut down L.A.   As bad as this homestand has been, every Giants fan has to be a little bit nervous, even with the ace on the hill.  A loss, and many will be panicking before the longest road trip of the year.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m still optimistic.  I was just pumped up for this series, thinking the Giants were ready to beat L.A. on our home turf.  Losing the first two is so deflating, I didn’t even want to wake up this morning.  I can’t even look my dog in the eye anymore.  Gawd, I hate the Dodgers… and although, I’m not giving up on catching them, I’m disgusted because we were holding that card, the “6 of the 9 head-to-head games left at AT&T”, in our back pocket.   Well, now it’s 4 of 7, and the Giants HAVE to win today to have any long-shot at the division

And… Then… There’s the wild card.  “Wild Card” is a couple of dirty words that are tough to acknowledge for any die-hard baseball fan (McCovey Chronicles notes as much), but we do pay attention to it.  The Wild Card is like a drunk relative that no one wants to talk about or confront, but we know of their presence, and we know in the end, that drunk relative is capable of some very solid entertainment (or in the wild card’s case, a postseason).

Okay, maybe I’m reaching…  but I’m still optimistic.

On to last night’s notes: (more…)

Categories: San Francisco Giants, Uncategorized | Tags: 49ers, A's, Aaron Maybin, Alex Smith, Anton Peterlin, Barry Zito, Bill Hahn, Cal, Dallas Braden, Dodgers, Eugenio Velez, Giants, Hiroki Kuroda, JaMarcus Russell, Joe Torre, John Marshall, Justin Duchscherer, Kory Sheets, Matt Kemp, Michael Crabtree, Nonito Donaire, Pablo Sandoval, Raiders, Randy Wolf, Rich Aurilia, San Jose State, Stanford, Thomas Clayton, Thomas Howard, Tiger Woods, Tim Lincecum, Trevor Cahill, Willie Mays | 1 Comment