The National League Team is Worse Without The Panda
July 10th, 2009
I haven’t said much about Pablo Sandoval not be selected for the All-Star game because this “last man vote” was great publicity for him (not that he wants it). Most of the baseball world was finally taking notice of what Giants fans have been watching all season: A portly but athletic, versatile, fun-loving, smart, high-effort guy who is a breath of fresh air because he plays the game the right way.
Despite the newfound publicity, it won’t be a big deal nationally if Sandoval doesn’t make the All-Star game as an injury replacement. While his numbers dwarf many other players on the team, it’s an East Coast media-driven country. Down the road, however, when Sandoval is getting the same type of respect as Albert Pujols (and he will, as we’ve made clear before), this slight will look moronic. Sandoval is going to consistently be one of the top five players in baseball in the next five years, while playing in a pitcher’s park. Historians will look back at his first full season and wonder why he wasn’t playing with baseball’s best in mid-July.
More significant, in this game that supposedly “counts”, the National League is a worse team without the Panda. Considering he can play third, first, and catcher, he would be a valuable asset for Charlie Manuel. Sandoval would allow Manuel to run for the second catcher, Brian McCann, late in a game, so Sandoval could catch a few innings. Not to mention, as a hitter, the Panda could be a secret weapon off the bench (Hank Blalock, anyone?)… especially as someone who rake from both sides of the plate.
The Giants have a better chance of reaching the World Series than most people think. I don’t want to see them losing home-field advantage because of Manuel’s idiocy (Ryan Howard? Really?) for not selecting Sandoval in the first place.
Sandoval can still make the team, as Henry Schulman and Andrew Baggarly note.
The Giants are giddy over Sandoval because he is nothing like Bonds, says Tim Kawakami.
Tim Lincecum flirted with the no-no, and after things unraveled a bit, held on for his tenth win, as Schulman writes.
It was the second longest scoreless innings streak in team history, as Baggarly writes.
At Inside Baggs, Baggarly thinks Ian Kinsler is a bigger snub than Sandoval.
Jeff Fletcher on John Bowker’s new approach. El Lefty Malo has some things to look for in Bowker’s at bats.
The organization is still excited over Buster Posey, and the San Jose Giants are doing just fine, as Laurence Miedema notes.
Last night’s minor league lines include Jesse English tossing a complete game shutout.
From FOX Sports: The Giants and Twins are still interested in Freddy Sanchez.
Bill Neukom still isn’t interested in giving the South Bay to the A’s.
Baseball America came out with their midseason list of the Top 25 prospects in the game, and Madison Bumgarner and Posey are 5th and 6th, respectively. Tim Alderson is an honorable mention. Even better, the Dodgers don’t have anyone in the Top 25 or as an honorable mention. Oh yeah, the A’s don’t either. Of course, the Dodgers do have good, young talent at the major league level.
Tracy Ringolsby mentions the Giants and A’s as some of the surprising teams of baseball. I think you can guess which category each team fits.
A’s
The A’s missed on an opportunity when the Angels cracked, as Bruce Jenkins writes.
John Shea gives us an introduction to Scott Hairston. I can speak for Giants fans everywhere when I say, “We’ve been introduced, and I prefer if we never meet again”.
The twilight has arrived for Jason Giambi, writes Joe Stiglich.
Rickey Henderson was always an Oakland man and an Athletic, writes Gwen Knapp.
Jenkins on Henderson and the Warriors.
Warriors
Stephen Curry makes his summer league debut today and he’s got plenty of supporters, as Rusty Simmons writes, who think he’s going to be a special player. It used to be that we could watch summer league games online for free. But, now the NBA is charging to make a few extra bucks. Dumb move. The league loses out on the extra publicity because only basketball nuts will even consider paying the $15 price. Most die-hards, such as myself, will not be giving in to the greed.
Don’t believe Cohan selling until you see it, writes Ray Ratto.
Adam Lauridsen chimes in on the potential sale.
Golden State of Mind on the Carlos Boozer rumors.
49ers
It’s still an uphill fight to reach the playoffs, notes Matt Maiocco.
Resuming his position-by-position analysis, Matt Barrows looks at the outside linebackers.
The team announced their open practices, and how you can obtain tickets, as Kevin Lynch notes.
Raiders
JaMarcus Russell has backed up his word and held camp with his receivers, but Warren Sapp isn’t impressed, notes Paul Gutierrez.
Sharks
After the Rob Blake and Kent Huskins signings, David Pollak looks at what may be next and responds to some critics.
Colleges
The Pac-10’s best football coaches of the decade from Jon Wilner.
Other Items
The truth about Steve McNair shouldn’t have been so shocking, writes Mark Purdy.
Retiring numbers is getting out of hand, writes Gary Peterson.
Cam Inman on Sandoval, Rickey, and the Raiders.
Moneyball, the movie, may be back on. The anticipation is killing me. Okay, maybe not.
Games Today
A’s (Vin Mazzaro) at Rays (Jeff Niemann) 4:38 PST
Giants (Jonathan Sanchez) vs. Padres (Josh Banks) 7:15 PST
Categories: San Francisco Giants | Tags: 49ers, A's, Bill Neukom, Buster Posey, Charlie Manuel, Freddy Sanchez, Giants, Ian Kinsler, JaMarcus Russell, Jason Giambi, Jesse English, John Bowker, Kent Huskins, Madison Bumgarner, Pablo Sandoval, Raiders, Rickey Henderson, Rob Blake, Scott Hairston, Sharks, Stephen Curry, Steve McNair, Tim Alderson, Tim Lincecum, Warren Sapp
