May 23rd, 2009
- When Pat Misch was first called up on May 13th, we said at WCB, “Just don’t let Misch pitch when it matters. I think Giants fans have seen enough of Misch in those spots.” Sure enough, Bruce Bochy has pitched Misch in quite a few close games. Often, he’s brought in Misch with the Giants down a run, and Misch has promptly turned those games into a three-run game such as last Saturday against the Mets. Last night was even worse because he brought him in a tie game, and still had Merkin Valdez and Brian Wilson available. As bad as Wilson has been, he’s still a better option than Misch. Bochy also sent Misch into the game against Russell Branyan (possible Giants trading option) who was putting together solid at bats all night. There might not ever be a more hittable Giants pitcher than Pat Misch. You’re a bad manager if you are being first-guessed by fans when you’re making awful moves. In Bochy’s case, he has been outmanaged by nearly all Giants fans. All you have to do is go to last night’s McCovey Chronicles game thread, to find out how many fans questioned Bochy’s Mischtake (as one put it).
- Pablo Sandoval is the long-term solution at third base. Really, there isn’t anybody playing better at the position right now, and I have a hard time believing that he’s going to get much bigger/fatter as some suggest. He has too much respect for the game. The thing that makes Sandoval so fun to watch is he has a great understanding and feel for the game. That play he made in the sixth inning, with the bases loaded, two-out, and Ichiro at the plate, was one I’m not sure a lot of third basemen would make. It was one of the better plays you’ll ever see. With his momentum carrying him towards foul ground, the only play was at home and his throw was perfect. You can tell Sandoval has been playing baseball all of his life. On the other hand…
(more…)
Categories: San Francisco Giants |
Tags: Adam Dunn, Adrian Beltre, Brian Wilson, Emmanuel Burriss, Fred Lewis, Ichiro, Ken Griffey, Kevin Frandsen, Merkin Valdez, Mike Sweeney, Pablo Sandoval, Pat Misch, Raymond Ritter, Tim Lincecum, Trevor Cahill, Vin Mazzaro | No Comments
May 21st, 2009
If the Niners sign Dre Bly and actually give him a significant role, they might as well give up on the season. He sucks that bad. For a team that is hoping for a postseason berth, where one win or loss could make a difference between making the playoffs or missing it, Bly honestly could be that difference.
I have quite a few friends who are Bronco fans, and they all told me about how great the Broncos cornerbacks were after they acquired Bly from Detroit, and I was quick to point out that he was completely overrated and gives up a lot of big plays. A few years later, and after countless huge passing plays by the opposition, they couldn’t wait to run him out of town. He’s a risk-taker who, more often than not, winds up on the wrong side of those risks. While the Niners have a better defense than Denver, they do have one of the same problems when it comes to a lack of a consistent pass rush. Bly was burned repeatedly last year, and I don’t think that would change with a Niners team that has trouble getting to the quarterback.
(more…)
Categories: San Francisco 49ers |
Tags: 49ers, Aaron Rowand, Barry Zito, Brandon Crawford, Brett Anderson, Chris McAllister, Derrick Burgess, Dre Bly, JaMarcus Russell, Jerry Rice, Josh Morgan, Kevin Correia, Matt Cain, Michael Vick, Mike McKenzie, Mike Singletary, Nick Montana, Pacman Jones, Pat Misch, Patrick Surtain, Raiders, Randy Winn, Ryan Sweeney, Scot McCloughan, Scott Hairston, Sergio Romo, Tarell Brown, Tim Alderson, Tim Lincecum, Tom Cable, Vernon Davis, Vince McMahon | No Comments
May 13th, 2009
Okay, no one player deserves a lifetime contract, but Pablo Sandoval, (and not just because of last night’s thrilling walk-off homer) is someone the Giants are going to have to keep around for a long time. He’s been with the team for less than half a season and already embodies the perfect ballplayer. Yes, I fully understand he weighs a little too much for a 22-year old, and he has the tendency to swing at pitches that are nowhere near the strike zone. As for intangibles, however, he is the player most fans want playing for their team because Sandoval is the ultimate team player.
(more…)
Categories: San Francisco Giants |
Tags: 49ers, A's, Andre Ward, Brian Sabean, Brian Wilson, Casey Blake, Chris Anderson, Chris Cohan, Eddie Debartolo, Eric Chavez, Giants, James Dolan, Jimmy Raye, Joe Nedney, Larry Riley, Matt Cain, Mike Holmgren, Nmandi Asomugha, Orlando Cabrera, Osiris Matos, Pablo Sandoval, Pat Misch, Raiders, Robert Rowell, Tim Lincecum, Warriors | No Comments
