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Madison Bumgarner takes the World Series trophy to The Tonight Show


After starring in the postseason, Madison Bumgarner got to go on a pretty impressive media tour. The World Series MVP was on the Dan Patrick Show and Mike & Mike this morning, and later he did the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Here’s the clip of most of his Fallon interview, if you’re not planning on staying up.

Alex Pavlovic

1,009 Comments

  1. 25 years old and 3 WS Championships. Kershaw who?? Ha! Ha! Dodgers … i hope you rot for years from the inside.

  2. Fallon is too manic. Bum hardly got a word in edgewise though I guess Fallon was thinking that Bum is shy so he’d try not to pressure him into talking too much. Nevertheless, I’m glad to see Bum getting the exposure. So many immodest superstars in sports that to see a shy kid in jeans blush on TV … it really does make you feel warm all over.

  3. The Dogs think the Superstar + Superstar == 3 Superstars but what they’re finding is that, alas (for them), it’s a team game and a really good team is much more than “summing” talents. As great as Bum is, look at all the contributions from Morse, Panik, Ishi, and Perez in these playoffs. Their defense was almost impregnable throughout the playoffs. Affeldt was a beast. Even Bum wouldn’t have been enough if there wasn’t prodigious production by the Panda and Reverend Pence. Buster was back there calling great games. The Dodgers almost certainly WILL rot from the inside out because they just don’t get it. They’ll never figure out that it’s better to have a bunch of grinders who produce in the clutch than a bunch of plutocrats who disappear when it’s all on the line.

  4. Eleuthero is right that Fallon is too manic. (he was with his other guest) Madison held his own. Madison was pretty funny in his own right. All in all it was worth staying up to watch. Great job Madison. Brought a big smile to my face. Way to go.

  5. You mean I didn’t have to stay up ? I could have seen it right here? Should have known.

    How ’bout that Stevie Nicks though. She’s still got it!

  6. Yeah, Fallon and Hathaway can go do a manic show together. Lines in the green room?

    Bumgarner will stick to his 4-7 Budweisers.

  7. Bumgarner forgot to mention all the cliches about the TEAM effort. Maybe he just knows he was the horse pulling the cart all the way through.

  8. I’m really happy for Bum, and very proud of him. Not only a great young baseball player, but a fine young man. Quiet, humble, self-deprecating, well-spoken in that country sorta way–he’s our hero, he’s our Bum!

  9. Well Said Eleuthero! I can’t believe how polar opposite the Dodger business/baseball model is compared to the Giants. For me, as a baseball fan as well as a Giants fan, you have to love the way Sabean built this team and the culture the Giants created. The Dodgers are simply not getting it when the blueprint is right in front of them! The Dodgers will not win a World Series till they make some drastic changes to their roster and team chemistry.

  10. There was some good offensive support and a few good bullpen performances, but as to the rotation–he was pretty much a one-man show.

  11. Time to rock the vote. Thank you to Vegas and Clemente for generating some impetus to make sure to do it. I was on the verge of sitting this out which is inexcusable. The initiative process is maddening, the advertisements and wasted monies are nauseous, conservatives will always win in my district, and Brown has a firm hold in Sacramento but you still got to show up and complete your civic duty. And we’ve got to make sure something is done about water in California. I don’t know how far these bills go, but it’s curtains if we aren’t wiser about H20.

  12. Well, it *was* a team effort. It started in February, not October.

  13. MadBum would have been shy with any host. It was a pleasant appearance, IMO.

  14. One good thing ( among many) about MadBum’s unbelievable postseason- it put the whole team on the map.

  15. I suggest a drastic change in Ownership’s and Management’s mentality too

  16. As a diehard Giants fan I hope the Dodgers continue on their course towards over spending and flopping in the postseason!

  17. Baseball Prospectus on the Giants’ FAs ( R.J. Anderson and “Randy” are the voters. Randy is( I dunno, some machine or something) . Randy is the second of the two predictions.

    *Pablo is rated 2nd among postion players, 5th overall. ( behind Hanley )- Giants/Rockies

    *Morse- rated 24th. BP Prediction: Giants/Rangers

    * Romo–rated 30th. Giants/Rangers

    *Peavy- 33rd. Cubs/Jays

    Other FA’s picked to land here:

    *Headley-10th. Yankees/Giants

    * Jason Hammel- 34th. Giants/Marlins

    http://tinyurl.com/m3wccre

  18. Just checked the 40-man roster again, and our five free agents are now gone. Wow, does it feel weird not to see Sandoval or Romo there for the first time since 2008. 🙁

    But then I counted, and there are now 37 on the 40-man roster. How does that work? Five free agents, plus Quiroz and Brett Bochy were dropped yesterday, too. Maybe because there were players on the 60-day DL (not counted on the 40-man) and at some point after the season, you have to reinstate them to the 40? Still–the math doesn’t quite add up.

    Also, if they sign or re-sign any free agents or protect any minor leaguers from Rule 5, some players are going to have to go off the 40, I’d guess. Candidates might include Juan Gutierrez, Mike Kickham, and Angel Villalona. Jarrett Parker, maybe. Heston. Guess we’ll see.

  19. Pablo to the ROCKIES? Don’t they have a young stud 3B? And Morneau (who won the batting title) to play 1B? Are the Rockies moving to the AL and need a DH?

  20. Naah, not the Pontiff. That’d better go and watch some soccer game down under in Argentina. He’s told to be a San Lorenzo de Almagro fan.

  21. February??? 2015 starts in November. It all starts with some nice, relaxed swings on the golf course. Go for the division next year.

  22. Can’t believe they QO’d Cuddy. Of course he accepts. Then what?

  23. As calm on Fallon as he is on the mound (OK maybe a bit more nervous on the Tonight Show).

  24. You’re missing Rios who just about every source has the Giants signing him

  25. That’s Fallon job, have you never seen his show. You’re just pointing out the obvious and yeah I’m sure he needed to pull answers from madbum since he is not the type to talk a great deal

  26. why don’t you guys just act like you’ve been there before? I know deep inside no matter what a mess the Dodgers have, you know they have pitching, hitting, players in AAA ready to make the jump so they will continue to be a threat and are not going away.

  27. I beg your pardon, sir, for my poor english. If is not too an annoyance to you, would you kindly like to explain to me what “why don’t you guys just act like you’ve been there before” means? Thank you.

  28. Since Elvis Andrus is apparently headed to the NYY, the Rangers positioning here is interesting indeed.

  29. I think they will NEVER be a real threat until they will digest the real significance of the term “TEAM” and act in compliance.

  30. I can only wish there would have been a way to ‘show’ Fallon what the Royals saw with a little exhibition by Bumgarner.

  31. Lets keep that arm nice and rested. No joke, I hope they monitor him very closely thru the off season. No need to push anything

  32. Not impressed with the stage, or the other actors on it. Comfortable, and confident while not being arrogant.

  33. Not sure how that works. I hope they bring Q back on a minor league deal. He is a great teammate. I like that dude. Would like it if they kept him in the organization.

  34. The man rides bulls, and cowboys in the off season. Nice sentiment, but that ships already sailed.

  35. I believe I can assure you, that tinking about those dodgers I just sense their situation can’t be more hilarious to me. I don’t feel to be arrogant at all. Cheers.

  36. It’s weird- and sad- to no longer see Sandoval and Romo on our roster, indeed. Places like ESPN haven’t updated yet. Of course. But MLB and some other sites have. Whoa, huh?! How they “auto-fill” is showing Scutaro at 3B. Ben Turner, Brian Ragira, Jesus Galindo just made our “depth chart.”

    Is anybody going to share my concerns NOW about the Rule 5 Draft and how many we have eligible? It’s going to be a real issue.

  37. Madison has actually said before that he does not like the MadBum nickname, but I guess the fans have spoken.

    That was pure Bumgarner in that interview, what a humble and decent human being, we are lucky in multiple ways as fans.

    Thanks Alex for the link, could not keep my eyes open anymore… zzzzzzz

  38. Why don’t you put together a list of Giants minor league players that are rule 5 eligible.

  39. Yes you would think that the posters have never one anything before and need to rub noses until they bleed. The Dodger for their part won the division. I am almost certain that the Dodgers would have beaten the Giants head to head but that never manifested itself. The Giants for 1/3rd the season was the best team in baseball. For 1/3rd the season they were the worst team in baseball and they floundered in mediocrity for quite some time. The pitching was certainly not the pitching of 2010 or 2012 but Madison was and so was the 3 ancient ones (Romo, Casilla, Affeldt).

  40. I’m not missing anything , I’m giving you the Baseball Prospectus top 50 picks. He’s at number 27 and BP predicts Reds or Royals. he’s hugely inconsistent, Sabean would be foolish to sign him. Here’s the comment:

    “Rios took his inconsistency act to new depths in ’14, homering just four times while striking out more than he had since 2006 and stealing bases at a highly inefficient clip. Because his past is littered with recoveries following poor seasons, he’s likely to get a big-league deal. Anything longer than a one-year arrangement is pushing it.”

  41. Here’s the whole photo:
    (If you look closely, attached to his tags, there is a sticker that says “I Voted”). He never missed an election.

  42. He’s been dropped off the 40 before and always ended up back with Fresno–oops, I guess I mean Sacramento now.

  43. Sure. I’m happy to post again the partial list I have. I’ll post up top. Hope to have some of your great feedback and input!

  44. Time for Buster to get an infielder’s glove and start that ground balls at third.

  45. Well, Timmy had a no-hitter. And, and, and.. Uh.
    Well. Timmy was pretty good. In spots.. Oh s%#t.

  46. Here’s the partial list I have compiled of Giants I believe to be Rule 5 Draft eligible. I hope people here could help correct and/or add to this list. In basic terms; guys drafted from college in 2011, high school or young IFA signings in 2010…

    Blackburn, Crick, Duvall, Law, Heston, Hall, Parker, Dominguez, Osich, Black, Galindo, Arnold, Flores, Adrianza, Brown, Kickham, Bochy, Tomlinson, Bandilla, Biagini, Harris, Rosario, Gregorio, Quirarte, Marte, Fleet, Snodgrass, (Jose) Casilla, Oropesa.

    Some are already on our 40-man roster, I know. But, like we saw last year with the crop of out of options guys (Monell, Peguero, Rosario, Mijares, Adrianza, etc.), not all got a chance to stay. Some even got kicked quite unceremoniously. This year Abreu got bounced a couple times, so who knows?

    There are lots of guys probably defined as less notable, that will always be the case. I didn’t list all of them. Some of these listed players may also be eligible for minor league free agency- I believe Edwin Quirarte already expressed he’s leaving. Decisions will need to be made on guys like Cordier, Gutierrez, and Ishikawa.

    Also, some Rule 5 eligibles last year are sure to be again. just because Galindo, Parker, Bochy, or Brown were not taken before… Doesn’t mean they can’t be this year, eh? Parker had a very fine year, Galindo bounced back nicely, too. I’m sure this list is neither complete nor completely accurate. Just a guide, for now.

  47. I was thrilled by the first 2+ months of Huddy! He was one of the finest starters in all of MLB.

  48. Never missed many Giants games, either. Even saw a few in person from the walkway beside McCovey Cove. A popular dog indeed,

  49. What a sweetie! I’m not sure anybody can tell from my small avatar image… But it’s AT&T Park. Glowing in orange. And a fellow photographer friend in the lower left-hand corner shooting from a tripod. Here it is, slightly larger.

  50. I hold tons of respect for Q. He seems to always come up prepared when called upon. No drama. Solid defense and pitch calling. Stays fit. It’s tough that he doesn’t hit a bit better, to at least stay on a 25-man as a full-time 2nd catcher. But, yeah. I’m glad we have him, for sure. And, selfishly, I hope he stays around, too.

  51. Bochy suggested moving Buster to third. I think he’s on to something.

  52. Will be interesting to see there. I’m excited for Brian Ragira in 2015. We get to see if he can crush it in AA Richmond. I think he will. Villalona and Oropesa haven’t been helping themselves much.

  53. Next step is to explain what the rules are for a team that drafts a Rule 5 player. Years ago – and I don’t know if it was Rule 5 or something else – if you drafted a player, he had to stay on the 25 man roster all year long or be offered back. I’m pretty sure that’s no longer the case, but I don’t know what the case is any more.

  54. Domiguez is a guy they should definitely protect. He can play almost everywhere and has power.

  55. He answered a question about it. I don’t think he suggested it.

  56. Yes, it’s still the case. Player must stay on the 25-man. These things get fairly complicated, and details go behind my limited understanding. There are also two significant phases, the MLB and the minor league. Myself and others have posted all the rules before. I’d rather defer to others here, or sites that probably explain it all a lot better than I did in my feeble attempts previously.

    [edited portion].

  57. Oh no, he’s not. My bad. I’m going to delete that part of my comment to save any confusion.

  58. You know people argue that his first base splits are skewed and not a true reflection of his batting when not behind the dish. They claim it is all lefthanders who he rakes and thus his productivity in the field is skewed

    Did you realize that if what is claimed by others is true and it is all left handers he bats against when playing first base he rakes at a .356 clip against those lefties but only .296 against lefties when catching? He only hits .298 against right handers t when catching. Why would one not believe he would hit far better against righties when playing first as well? My guess is he does. Maybe not the .360-.370 clip of lefties but it could very well be a .320 clip.

    The realization should be that he likely hits Righties far better when in the field probably with an increase in productivity close to his increase for hitting lefties when playing first vs catching.

    The stats are there, one just needs to look at them more granularly

  59. Players DO act like they’ve been there before. No bubble machines in the dugout. Now with Wilson gone, there is not even a man walking around called the Machine in S and M gear.

    The fans can act out all they wish. Heck, none Giant fans act out on the GE board all the time :-/

  60. The ankle – entire year off really hurt him later in the season. 2015 you will see a 14 win Huddy

  61. Pablo in the House at the Oracle Tomorrow Night Warriors vs. Clippers.

    Madison was the true MVP but if Hudson had gone a bunch of innings and the Giants had scored more than 3 runs and won, Sandoval would have been the MVP. (Pence also) Shoulda Coulda 🙂

  62. “In order for a player to be eligible for the Rule 5 Draft, they must (A) not be on the team’s 40-man roster and (B) they must have signed at age 18 or 19 and spent 5 or 4 years respectively in the organization (essentially, they must be 22 years old and not protected).”

  63. Y’all see the recent post on MLBTR about LAA signing Roberto Baldoquin? Yikes, an $8M bonus against the IFA bonus pool. I guess now they’re all-in for IFA’s this winter, too. We’ll see if 2B Jose Fernandez shows up as eligible during this current period. And Odrismer’s brother, Jorge Despaigne could be an interesting gamble for a team.

    Seems like the table is being set for a team to easily offer $12M+ to Yoan Moncada as a bonus. Wow. This entire IFA system is so broken…

  64. 14 wins is kind of dependent on run support, too. I think it also depends on what our offense looks like. You’ve reverted to saying Pablo is staying. Okay, maybe that’s so. What else? Is that it? Blanco in LF and Blach/Blackburn as our #5?

  65. I think it’s a good idea, moreso to give Susac a regular job. H. Sanchez as his back-up.

  66. Last year we didn’t allow a roster spot to draft anybody. I think the Mets might have a ton of guys- and won’t be able to protect all of them. Maybe. But most of the action in the Rule 5 happens in the first 6-8 spots each round. We’ll see.

  67. Moving Buster to 3B, (1) replaces the Panda’s bat; (2) gives Susac a regular catching job.

  68. Pablo was at Levi’s for the 49ers game, too. I remember this from 2012. Pablo enjoys making the rounds at these things. Wasn’t he a judge on some beauty pageant, too?

    I take it as a good sign that he’s attending Bay Area sports events. That sounds like a guy who still thinks of himself as a Giant.

  69. I’m reading it a bit that way also. He’s staying involved around SF and the Bay Area. Our local pro sports teams have a kind of bond, don’t they? Pablo had a great time at a previous Warriors game, from all accounts. Wasn’t Romo at one before? Throwing t-shirts to the upper levels from the floor? I remember when some Sharks used to attend Giants games, too. Ryan Clowe especially, if my memory serves.

    I didn’t notice any 49ers (or coaches) in the parade. Think any of the off the field stuff affected that decision?

  70. The only scuttle-butt that groundskeepers in and out of the dugout at ATT and those that traveled to KC – heard was a kin to the big named players. Brian Sabean’s son Colin and Ned Colletti’s son Lou, both entered their young adult life in the scouting profession. Colin with SF and Lou now with LA after he was employed by SF while his dad was GM. I “talk” with Sabes son via text and when allowed, most of his info is positive and spot on.

    It is my personal opinion only that Blanco is a key for them going forward, especially in his more natural role. I have never paid attention to minor league pitching to the degree that Vegas, Footy and you do so I cannot speak of that.

  71. I’m sure all here have seen the free agent list on MLB Trade Rumors. Jeff Passan has a complete FA tracker on Yahoo that goes through all 165 players. With descriptions. Some players rank a bit differently. All the way to #164 “Death to all Flying Things” Gutierrez. And then, lastly, maybe there’s still hope for a Hiro.

  72. I think Andy will have an effect on the culture in Dodgerland. I sure hated to see him go there, but REALLY glad Maddon didn’t. The two would have shaken things up there.

  73. I stepped into the booth this morning and knocked it out of the park.

  74. If you had the choice of Renteria or Maddon, which would you choose?

  75. I am confused on what you are trying to say here. You say he bats .296 vs LHB when catching and .298 vs RHP. I am confused at what these numbers are from and what you are claiming here? These are his stats while catching? Where do you get those numbers from?

    Everybody knows his numbers are drastically better on days he doesn’t catch. Maybe that has to do with him not catching that day. But it might also be biased from taking more ABs vs LHP over his career. Maybe its a little of both. I am not clear what these numbers are.

    I would like to see the numbers if you have them. I have no doubt catching overall hurts him at the plate. He would be a more productive hitter if he didn’t catch period.

  76. Arbitration estimations from MLBTR. These are usually pretty close, although seem to underestimated by 10-20% in many instances.

    Giants (7)

    Juan Gutierrez (5.035) – $1.7MM
    Gregor Blanco (4.164) – $3.5MM
    Yusmeiro Petit (4.016) – $1.6MM
    Brandon Belt (3.128) – $3.4MM
    Travis Ishikawa (4.012) – $800K
    Brandon Crawford (3.094) – $2.5MM
    Hector Sanchez (2.166) – $1.0MM

  77. Congratulations to Clayton Kershaw. He earns the players union Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award, voted on by fellow MLB players. Go ahead and keep on doing *exactly* as you’ve done. All of it.

  78. Hi Carmot, don’t you think to be a little bit sadistic with that fella? He,he..

  79. Those of you who have caught some AFL action on the tele, what do you think of the pitch clock?

  80. Soon as pitcher gets ball back from catcher, the clock starts counting down from 20. It’s located behind homeplate, to the side by 20 or so feet. If he takes over 20 then the pitch is a ball. Might be a warning though. Batters also are timed to get their butts in the box.

  81. I see your point but I still think Theo is copping out by saying he was facing a dilemma and he wanted to do what was right for Rick Renteria and what was right for the Cubs and so he chose “for the Cubs”.

    Personally I would not feel this way but he had the right guy in place with Mike Quade who he fired for Dale Sveum and then with Years on Sveums contract he fired him for Renteria … and then …

  82. It will never be enforceable in the Show IMO, Baseball is a “romantic” game and stuff like that is coming from the Commish’s office from gnarly dudes who are watching games and commenting on it later.

    Ask Wotus what he thinks of implementations to speed up the game. I rest my case with Wotus.

  83. Thank you. At first sight I don’t like that. I love tradition.

  84. I agree with your sentiment, but Buster needs to rest this offseason. He was spent. I am sure if Panda is not signed he’ll take ground balls over there in February, but I don’t expect to see him doing so this winter at Leesburg High School….

  85. Crick and Blackburn are not eligible to be taken in this years Rule 5 Draft. They were both 18 years old on June 5, 2011 and this is only the 4th Rule 5 Draft upcoming in December. (Since they were drafted) They won’t be eligible until the 2015 Rule 5 Draft.

    As I mentioned the other day only teams with an opening on their 40 man roster may participate in the Rule 5 Draft. So instead of 29 teams being able to draft unprotected players from the Giants system that number will be much less. Only 9 teams made selections last year. This doesn’t mean that the Giants won’t lose a good ball player to this years draft. (maybe even two) But I highly doubt the Giants are going to be raided this year. Each of the other 29 teams have good prospects they may have to leave unprotected.

  86. Sveum was a good manager. Theo messed that up. He wanted him to play kids that had no business playing in the Majors over guys who deserved. Sveum is a lifer and he wasn’t going to do that. He really was a really good manager. They hired Renteria for one reason and that is to play the kids and tank. He knew he could fire him whenever. I don’t think he planned on it being this soon though. He wants to take the next step. If he is smart he won’t change their pitching coach. They have a good one. He should have kept Sveum from the start

  87. Those sound about right to me. Belt got messed up by injuries last year. Time for him to take the next step and put up some gaudy numbers. If he wants to be an All Star this would be a good year to try for it. The right manager is calling the shots.

  88. Agree … but Tradition was that you stayed in the box (after getting back on your feet from being knocked down) and were ready to bat. So now we need a clock/penalty to do what common sense used to do. So I accept it as a way to get back to Traditional Baseball.

  89. No, but that’s Panda’s decision to make, and this is contingency planning IMHO.

  90. This makes sense to me if they can’t resign Pablo. I think Buster can play 3rd. He won’t be as good as Pablo but with his arm he could do it.

    I just doubt the Giants will do this next year after winning a Championship. It makes plenty of sense to me though. Not sure the pitchers would be too thrilled either. Buster has gotten better every year and is underrated pitch framer now and does a lot of things well. Susac looks solid too but won’t be as polished as Buster.

    Pagan
    Panik
    Belt
    Buster
    Pence
    Morse?/Blanco
    Susac
    Craw

  91. I don’t think Hector will catch again. And I would wager he’ll start taking GB at 3rd again since he came up initially as a 3B before changing…..

  92. Batters have to keep one foot in the batters box. I think the 20 second clock applies only when the bases are empty. I think it’s too much of a distraction.

  93. Three teams seem to have money to do whatever they want: NYY, BOS, LAA … But you are right; that is a select few and I am just wishing. He seems happy where he is.

  94. Looks like not a strong Free Agent class offensively. Mike Morse might get some decent offers. I am not sure the Giants are up to bidding for his services. I do think they need to bring in a LF who can hit. Morse put up strong numbers this year in a tough park. If they can get it done for a reasonable amount I wouldn’t mind. If not I still think they need to have bring in a semi-quality offensive OF because if Pagan goes down the lineup can get thin with Blanco and Perez starting everyday.

  95. I bet Belt gets at least $4 mil. He made $2.9 last year. It seems unfair that he’d get such a modest raise when both of his injuries were caused by other players (not poor conditioning or doing something stupid like running into a wall). And he deserves credit for working his way back just in time. He was really valuable in the postseason.

    Speaking of the All-Star Game, I have two early predictions:
    1) MadBum will start it
    2) Jeremy Affeldt will be on the team.

  96. I’m on my way right now. Lines shouldn’t be too long.

    Go Democracy.

    Go Giants.

  97. To me, it looks like Morse swing package was engineered for the Ranger’s stadium.

  98. Yeah he had a great Postseason. If he can be what we all hope he can be it adds another dimension to the offense. He has a great eye and took some nice ABs in the Post. Major dark horse outside shot for Panik considering the skipper and lack of depth around the league at 2b .
    I like the Affeldt call. He has had some MAMMOTH performances in the playoffs.
    That would be awesome if Cainer made it

  99. Money can’t buy happiness, but surely helps him in forgetting his post-season usual massacre

  100. Belt seemed to fly under the radar during the playoffs. Joe Panik received many more accolades even though Belt had a more productive post season. I’m looking for big things from the both of them next season.

  101. His swing plays at most parks because of his power but yeah, if I was any AL team I would have my eye on Morse big time. He had a heck of an offensive year in a nasty park to hit in. Also he is kind of under the radar. I think when it comes down to it the Giants are not going to be able to match those offers.

    I just hope they find somebody that can take some good ABs. I doubt anybody is going to be able to put up the production that Morse did (even Morse himself) but they need some depth in the OF because of Pagan. I thought it was a big signing last offseason to get Morse.

  102. When I get back from voting and seeing my Dad we can go over the players on your list and maybe take a look at some players that my be available to the Giants.

  103. Isn’t the ASG going to be hold at CIN? I’ll bet they’d be drooling to have a 2nd LHRP like Affeldt to pair with Chapman. Ground ball-slash-strikeout lefty, with amazing postseason performances. He’s one of the very few that can play for teams in small parks- like CIN, NYY, PHI, and BAL.

    Would Bochy actually schedule around Bum, so he isn’t on short rest? I haven’t a clue. Both great picks. And I’ll second the others with Joe Panik!

  104. Cool, VGF. Always, well wishes for you and your father. I had thought that because both Crick & Blackburn pitched in their draft year, that made them eligible this year. Thanks for clarifying. I’ll look forward to the conversation later. Enjoy your time. Cheers!

  105. It was pretty impressive how he could take that high quality of ABs after missing so much time. Props to Belt for being a big factor in the playoffs after the long layoff.

  106. That’s hilarious. I once worked on a project for The Stones and was supposed to meet with he and Mick in their hotel. But another obligation/meeting ran over by about 45 minutes and I missed the chance. I’m forever bummed. Keith is such a hoot.

  107. The Arlington Stadium has a big time ‘power’ alley out to RCF. Healthy, he might 40 HRs there.

  108. That’s “my guy”. He’s a beat writer with finger on pulse of baseball. I better check that out. Thanks.

  109. I was concerned by his frequency of swing and miss (the rust). It seemed alarmingly high. He’d whiff twice on that pitch in his kitchen then get a single on a pitch out over plate. All’s well that ends well.

  110. Minor League Notes: VWL

    Mark Minicozzi (LF) – 20 G – .435/2/12 – .530/.594/1.124
    69 AB – 12 R – 30 H – 5 2B – 14 BB – 15 K’s

    Chris Dominguez (3B) – 13 G – .333/0/2 – .370/.373/.743
    51 AB – 7 R – 17 H – 2 (2B) – 2 BB – 6 K’s

  111. Peavy is ranked as the #9-10 best FA pitcher available. However, being traded mid season uncouples the compensatory draft pick requirement now.

  112. No surprise that Cubs going after Russ Martin.

    Jon Heyman reports : “wandy rodriguez is recovered from knee surgery and will pitch in winter ball as he seeks to come back”

    Might be a good buy low candidate for Sabey-Sabes. Rotation could use another lefty for balance.

  113. No surprise that Cubs going after Russ Martin.

    Jon Heyman reports : “wandy rodriguez is recovered from knee surgery and will pitch in winter ball as he seeks to come back”

    Might be a good buy low candidate for Sabey-Sabes. Rotation could use another lefty for balance.

  114. Scully is open to adding a second voice/protege` to the booth with him. I wonder if Mr. Flemming might take a crack at that job.

  115. Scully is open to adding a second voice/protege` to the booth with him. I wonder if Mr. Flemming might take a crack at that job.

  116. I would say that with the paucity of strong third basemen, the Rays should shop Evan Longoria. When did they extend him through 2022 with a ’23 team option, 2008 (15/144.5mil)? Heck, Yankees might do that.

  117. I would say that with the paucity of strong third basemen, the Rays should shop Evan Longoria. When did they extend him through 2022 with a ’23 team option, 2008 (15/144.5mil)? Heck, Yankees might do that.

  118. Romo on MLB Radio said he wants to come back to SF but would have to listen to other offers

  119. Romo on MLB Radio said he wants to come back to SF but would have to listen to other offers

  120. If they are underestimated by 10-20 percent. they make the guestimates I posted just about right on. Not surprising.

  121. If they are underestimated by 10-20 percent. they make the guestimates I posted just about right on. Not surprising.

  122. just checking for any new news…

    Madison was himself on Tonight Show–luv that young man!

    I actually thought Jimmy Fallon did as good a job as anyone could, for a non-baseball talker, by opening the conversation about trucks. Madison seemed genuinely interested when Fallon said he owned a truck. The rest was Fallon filling in all the quiet space; Madison is reticent as they come (I luv that about him too; when he does talk, it really means something, and he usually has something important to say.)

    OK, luv reading that The Panda’s enjoying supporting our Bay Area sports teams!

  123. just checking for any new news…

    Madison was himself on Tonight Show–luv that young man!

    I actually thought Jimmy Fallon did as good a job as anyone could, for a non-baseball talker, by opening the conversation about trucks. Madison seemed genuinely interested when Fallon said he owned a truck. The rest was Fallon filling in all the quiet space; Madison is reticent as they come (I luv that about him too; when he does talk, it really means something, and he usually has something important to say.)

    OK, luv reading that The Panda’s enjoying supporting our Bay Area sports teams!

  124. Belt’s line in the postseason was .295/.397/.361/.758. 1 HR/8 RBI, 11 BB and 17 K in 73 plate appearances. He was tied with Pence for 2nd on the team in RBI with 8 (Crawford led the team with 9). Considering how much time he missed, he did remarkably well. In fact, I was pleased by his deep ABs and the 11 walks–it seemed like the “real” Belt came back after the concussion, not “Babe” Belt who hit HRs but never walked. I think Belt is best as a good all-around hitter, not just pure slugger.

  125. Belt’s line in the postseason was .295/.397/.361/.758. 1 HR/8 RBI, 11 BB and 17 K in 73 plate appearances. He was tied with Pence for 2nd on the team in RBI with 8 (Crawford led the team with 9). Considering how much time he missed, he did remarkably well. In fact, I was pleased by his deep ABs and the 11 walks–it seemed like the “real” Belt came back after the concussion, not “Babe” Belt who hit HRs but never walked. I think Belt is best as a good all-around hitter, not just pure slugger.

  126. thx for u/d. I gotta hunch he ends up staying here…despite what all the pundits say. He’s a Giant, through and through. Also, I don’t see Strickland as replacing anyone in the pen next year.

  127. thx for u/d. I gotta hunch he ends up staying here…despite what all the pundits say. He’s a Giant, through and through. Also, I don’t see Strickland as replacing anyone in the pen next year.

  128. You don’t think of Affeldt as an All-Star type–maybe because he can be very inconsistent in the regular season–but when you realize he trails only Mariano Rivera in most consecutive scoreless postseason outings–and only by one appearance–that’s a record worthy of an All-Star performance.

    Also, if Affeldt makes the ASG, he’d be eligible for the Giants’ Wall of Fame (five years + an All-Star selection or ten years with the team).

  129. You don’t think of Affeldt as an All-Star type–maybe because he can be very inconsistent in the regular season–but when you realize he trails only Mariano Rivera in most consecutive scoreless postseason outings–and only by one appearance–that’s a record worthy of an All-Star performance.

    Also, if Affeldt makes the ASG, he’d be eligible for the Giants’ Wall of Fame (five years + an All-Star selection or ten years with the team).

  130. I think you got the real Belt at the start of last year before the injury. I also believe you got the real Belt with the eye. They are the same person just different aggressiveness based on where they bat in the order and the expectations of that spot. I also believe Belt is not a 30 or 40HR guy. After his first week he was a homer ever 8 games or so or a 20-25 clip.

  131. I think you got the real Belt at the start of last year before the injury. I also believe you got the real Belt with the eye. They are the same person just different aggressiveness based on where they bat in the order and the expectations of that spot. I also believe Belt is not a 30 or 40HR guy. After his first week he was a homer ever 8 games or so or a 20-25 clip.

  132. Romo’s demotion may end up meaning he stays with the Giants. No way were they competing for him at closer money (especially if “closer money” includes David Robertson’s $15.3 mil. qualifying offer!), but I could see them bringing him back on the same deal they gave Affeldt and Casilla (3 years/$5-6 mil. per). He may not get more than that anywhere else.

    To me the real question is whether they can/should afford that given other needs and with some good young reliever arms in the pipeline. But if I’m Sabean, I think long and hard about breaking up that “core four” that’s helped win him three trophies.

  133. Romo’s demotion may end up meaning he stays with the Giants. No way were they competing for him at closer money (especially if “closer money” includes David Robertson’s $15.3 mil. qualifying offer!), but I could see them bringing him back on the same deal they gave Affeldt and Casilla (3 years/$5-6 mil. per). He may not get more than that anywhere else.

    To me the real question is whether they can/should afford that given other needs and with some good young reliever arms in the pipeline. But if I’m Sabean, I think long and hard about breaking up that “core four” that’s helped win him three trophies.

  134. good point. also, he returned to the l/u, w/ little or no rehab, after having not seen major league pitching for most of the season. Imagine what his year might have been, if the injuries had not interrupted his home-run tear. He deserves tons of credit, and I’m very happy for him to have had the opportunity to play in the postseason, and to have performed so well.

  135. good point. also, he returned to the l/u, w/ little or no rehab, after having not seen major league pitching for most of the season. Imagine what his year might have been, if the injuries had not interrupted his home-run tear. He deserves tons of credit, and I’m very happy for him to have had the opportunity to play in the postseason, and to have performed so well.

  136. 29. 36 when deal expires.

    You ready to move on Longoria, E-B? 🙂

  137. 29. 36 when deal expires.

    You ready to move on Longoria, E-B? 🙂

  138. Some beliefs the Giants players shared via Buster, Hunter, Panda and the rest.

    * In a game of failure- Act as if it’s impossible to fail!

    * The price of excellence is discipline.
    The cost of mediocrity is disappointment.
    -William Arthur Ward

    * ​“If you are not afraid of the voices inside you, you will not fear the critics outside you.” ― Natalie Goldberg​

    * PRIDE is = ​Personal Responsibility In Daily Excellence

    * ​F​ailure ​is ​never final.

    * Learn to be comfortable with the pressure. Remember, no pressure no diamonds.

  139. Some beliefs the Giants players shared via Buster, Hunter, Panda and the rest.

    * In a game of failure- Act as if it’s impossible to fail!

    * The price of excellence is discipline.
    The cost of mediocrity is disappointment.
    -William Arthur Ward

    * ​“If you are not afraid of the voices inside you, you will not fear the critics outside you.” ― Natalie Goldberg​

    * PRIDE is = ​Personal Responsibility In Daily Excellence

    * ​F​ailure ​is ​never final.

    * Learn to be comfortable with the pressure. Remember, no pressure no diamonds.

  140. Belt having returned to the l/u after not having seen major league pitching, well, it was nearly a miracle. I doubt if any other guys could have done so well after such a long absence from the game. (well, except for Pablo. His hand/eye coord is ridiculously great.)

    For me, the ‘take home’ from Belt’s performance is this young man has an incredibly keen eye at the plate, and that is a gift, and it doesn’t just ‘go away’ from rust.

    If his season had not been interrupted by the successive injuries, he would surely be the HR leader on the Club. I believe, his pace based on the early season when he was not injured, on pace to hit ~40HR this year.

  141. Belt having returned to the l/u after not having seen major league pitching, well, it was nearly a miracle. I doubt if any other guys could have done so well after such a long absence from the game. (well, except for Pablo. His hand/eye coord is ridiculously great.)

    For me, the ‘take home’ from Belt’s performance is this young man has an incredibly keen eye at the plate, and that is a gift, and it doesn’t just ‘go away’ from rust.

    If his season had not been interrupted by the successive injuries, he would surely be the HR leader on the Club. I believe, his pace based on the early season when he was not injured, on pace to hit ~40HR this year.

  142. Brawley is really close to Los Angeles and San Diego, and something tells me his household suffered from Fernandomania before he was orn….

  143. OK. just saw your post after I’d posted…

    totally agree: that keen eye at the plate doesn’t just ‘go away’ from rusting away on DL.

    20-25HR guy, that’s OK w/ me too.

  144. OK. just saw your post after I’d posted…

    totally agree: that keen eye at the plate doesn’t just ‘go away’ from rusting away on DL.

    20-25HR guy, that’s OK w/ me too.

  145. I had suggesting the Giants consider him if Panda moves on, but Carmot dismissed the idea at the time. Maybe he’s like to elaborate.

  146. I had suggesting the Giants consider him if Panda moves on, but Carmot dismissed the idea at the time. Maybe he’s like to elaborate.

  147. I’m in, except they would literally want all three world series trophies and the top 10 best team controlled players for that deal. It would be easier to get Stanton, and that ain’t happening either.

  148. I’m in, except they would literally want all three world series trophies and the top 10 best team controlled players for that deal. It would be easier to get Stanton, and that ain’t happening either.

  149. I’d say he’s still developing as a hitter. He’ll work on closing up that hole on this inside. It can also be seen as a dangerous place to pitch him as it’s not far from a happy zone. The high K, low BB, “Babe” Belt was a bit uncharacteristic and unsustainable.

  150. I’d say he’s still developing as a hitter. He’ll work on closing up that hole on this inside. It can also be seen as a dangerous place to pitch him as it’s not far from a happy zone. The high K, low BB, “Babe” Belt was a bit uncharacteristic and unsustainable.

  151. Romo could close for 1/2 the teams in MLB. It’s a year at a time job.

  152. The Rays should consider blowing it up. Thinning out from the top as is.

  153. i am Leo! i do think he stays, but dang, waiting is a BEAR!!!
    I like the fact that Panda’s still hangin here in SF, before going back home to VZ. He does luv it here, methinks?

  154. it’s like trading for an 8/116.5 with option contract. A pretty reasonable deal in this market

  155. I think it’s the singular reason: Yoan Moncada.
    I tend to agree w/ Carmot in this case.

    Longoria can’t even touch the Panda D or offensively. Moncada might be able to, after some seasoning, but that’s a ways off.

    well, Carmot will elaborate and correct here/there if I’m inaccurate.

    IMO, only Nolan Arenado can hold a candle to Panda, as far as 3B go, but he ain’t goin nowhere, so that’s out.

  156. I like Shankbone’s idea of going after that nasty Andrew Miller cat.
    Get some nasty in that pen – and Affeldt + Casilla may be gone after next.

  157. True, but half the teams in MLB aren’t good enough to justify paying top dollar for a closer.

  158. You do not see my argument yet you state it. The at bats of playiing first base is a subset of the total at bats. Your argument is that he bats against lefties as the reason for the high batting average. If that is true you can figure out his splits against lefties catching vs playing first. If in fact some of that average is against lower righties, then the actual split goes up and is even greater as his average against lefties would trend higher.

    You can go look at his stats on base-ball reference. You can look at his batting average when playing first. If as you say they are when batting against lefties then the rest of his at bats against lefties are when he is catching. Subtract total at bats against lefties minus first base at bats and you would have how he hits against lefties as a catcher. That is around .296 or about the same average he has as a career hitter against righties which is predominately faced only when catching.

    The argument thus is not that his splits first to catcher is so great because he rakes lefties, it becomes

    why does he rake lefties so much better when playing first than when catching. It is not an anomoly as there are literally 600 at bats to compare data with.

    My bet is he is more refreshed from not getting up and down and the hands beat.

  159. hmmmm…should I say this? yah, why not?

    Flemming likes the sound of his voice too much; maybe he’d be OK down south?

    I do tire of his endless, meaningless chatter, and he’s a bit tardy in play-by-play sometimes.

    On the + side, he’s da bomb in hoops, and really great in college football. Maybe that’s his true calling.

  160. Me too. Or how about Pat Neshek?

    They have an option on Casilla through 2016 if they want him.

  161. I like watching Russell M catch.
    He stands too close to the hitter, but, I like watching him frame pitches.
    He is outstanding.

  162. You think so, E-B? Romo stays? It seems to me like there are about a dozen factors at work. He’s been great for us, I love him. But I think most teams still see him as a 3-pitch reliever, without velo. Less respect than he surely deserves. They could discredit him for pitching in big parks, having Bochy to expertly manage his usage, and other relievers that helped hold any of his inherited runners from scoring. His bloated ERA, higher BB and HR rates can hurt him in this year’s free agency.

    Not a closer, unless we’re talking about HOU or MIN or the likes. How strongly do the Giants believe in Hall, Okert, Osich, Cordier, Strickland, or Law’s return in 2015? Can we sign somebody else? Or maybe somebody else in our system steps up? Could end up being Crick. A long shot puts Carignan or Rosario into the mix. Then, there is our budget.

    I doubt he stays. Others here think he goes to LAD. I highly doubt it. I’d see Neshek signing there well before Romo. Maybe LAA. The bigger parks of the AL Central would suit him well. Probably 2/12-14. Maybe a 3rd year. Don’t think we have the budget for him. : (

  163. and CT is closer to Boston (Lopie moved to CT or NJ or somewhere like that on the east coast), but Lopie stayed, despite moving from CO, which is way closer to SF than east coast.

    IMO, not an issue.

    I think Romo’s roots & comfort level might play into his decision.

    I mean, 3WS rings in 5 yrs–his SF Giants. Why would he want to go to LAD?

  164. I think Fallon is a big baseball fan – Red Sox. Or maybe that’s just from the movie Fever Pitch.

  165. the other 3B that’s probably impossible to pry from his team is Adrian Beltre. 2 years left on his deal around 17-18 mil each. Plus option.

  166. We have a few of the best relievers in the postseason. Affeldt is easily in the top 5 ever.

  167. well, Carmy, of course, you make such convincing points here…

    here’s my take on Romo:

    as a set up man, he’s back in his prime role.
    his roots here w/ SFG. he’s comfortable here.
    money? well, maybe, but I don’t see him garnering megabucks, moreover, he’s an emotional guy, and maybe, staying w/ the club that drafted him might be a pull that we underestimate?

    I dunno, really. My ‘reasons’ are just ‘hunch’ w/out alotta facts. Just sorta having observed the guy so far, I just think he loves being here.

    (and, P.S. he might take a little lowball offer, in exchange for staying here? i think they make a deal. i dunno why, but take heart Carmy, he might still be here on opening day. I have hope.)

  168. The Royals should strongly consider moving Wade Davis. Value will never be higher.

  169. 2 weeks in a row a SF Giants player graces the cover of SI.

  170. ok guys, it’s just too much fun talking who’s staying/ who’s not, but i gots to go get some work done.

    will check back later for more news–u all too much fun, too many great ideas, etc.

  171. his motion, his herky jerky, and his ASG performance.
    dunno, just not comfortable w/ the i-test.
    forget all the stats. he’s a reclamation project about to bust?

  172. 5/6 AAV sounds like low end. Uehara got 2/18 as older guy. I think Serge can get 2/16. MLBTR predicted 3/21.

  173. now, you’re really talking good pitcher.
    Wade D impressed me from the beginning, and still does.
    we’d have to give up arms, legs, feet, hands, and the moon and stars. forget it! but I luv Wade Davis.

  174. Okay. He’s their star player on a recent extension, and TB believe’s he’s on a *very* team-friendly deal. Which he is. Kind of like us and Posey or CIN and Votto, except at 40% of the cost. I also don’t think they have a 3B prospect in the wings.

    They need more offense, especially a DH and better 1B already. Their pitching is solid, and they actually have prospect depth behind it. So, they open a hole which only creates another need. It wouldn’t even be like us trading Belt- our future log jam would be at 1B. It would be like us moving Pence.

    Their payroll was already cheap- around $80M. They unloaded Price and are in deep trouble. Owner plans to cut payroll about 15M. IMO, they simply can’t trade away their most essential core player.

    I don’t believe Longo is available. Even if he was, what would they want in return? Something we can’t offer, IMO. Belt + Casilla + Crick? And Duvall?

    IMO, I’d target Matt Moore. Desmond Jennings could be available much more easily. As always, YMMV. Cheers.

  175. Santiago Casilla a former rec project. Sergio with all those sliders and balky knee never busted… or totally busted.

  176. How Fun is THIS. Here are 2014 Highlights MINUS the WC, the NLDS, the NLCS and the WS. But what it DOES have is Hunters Speech to the crowd at ATT about “do you want to play more games here” – and – also his X rated clubhouse rant!.
    Enjoy – * Adult Language Obviously *

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceGVPcV1vEQ

  177. smaller market team should think about dealing from their surplus of hot late inning arms.

  178. BP Assessment, he’s raked 30th among the top 50 FAs.

    “Observations: That Romo throws so many strikes despite pitching off his slider is an under-appreciated aspect of his game. That he’s been able to retire left-handed batters effectively throughout his career is another one. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been as effective against them the past two seasons, allowing as many home runs in each (three) as he had in the previous four seasons combined. Still, Romo is likely to occupy a late-inning role heading forward, even if it’s not a closing gig. He’s been a key cog in the Giants’ recent bullpens and his new contract should reflect that.

    “Prediction: Giants. It’s Brian Sabean following a World Series win.”
    I listed him at 2 years, 7 mill per. They don’t have a young guy ready to replace him.

  179. Well, yeah. I love what I’ve seen of Moncada. The pro baseball people all seem to rave about him also. His motivations for choosing where to sign are the mystery to me. If he goes after the biggest offer. Or the team that guarantees he can stick at shortstop. The big market, or the one most set up to win?

    TB is already over their IFA bonus pool max, so they could be in on Moncada. And LAA just blew it up today- signing Baldoquin. That could’ve been a strategic move signifying they’ll chase Moncada, too. Uh-oh.

    I’m hoping for the Yanks to trade for a SS. Anybody. Castro, Tulo, Andrus. Just get them out of the bidding. Please!

  180. I thought a funny sign would be “Hunter Pence perms his hair”

  181. A sub-Mendoza hitter came close to shutting out Panik for the year.

  182. You really do not like Theo for some reason. All he has done is to rebuild the farm system in Chicago to where they now have a bunch of deep highly regarded prospects. He has done that in 3 years. Prior to that he was good in Boston with helping build a system that won a couple of World Series. Give him time. In theory things should start to turn.

    It took Sabean 13 years win a Series and Sabean inherited a team with some great players that won the division his first year there and several years thereafter. To quote Barack Obama, he did not build that. In fact what Sabean inherited lasted about as long as the core group of players or 6 years. Then they fell apart for 6 years. That means he took 12 years to build something that has been consistent for the past 5 years. And you have crucified Theo since day 1.

    what did he do to you to hate him so much? Fire you?

  183. Yes…I know…but winners are announced tonight. Having the title of “Gold Glove winning 3B” is just another negotiating tool. “Finalist” will probably get a yawn…

  184. Psst that can not be the Giants infield, not enough white dogs.

  185. That’s right E-B! ANY player that is that costly, I won’t trade for if it’s only one year of service left. We don’t have the assets to keep shifting to short-term fixes. And budget constraints are now real, not just self-imposed like in the past.

  186. That guy really needed either a haircut or a chin strap to keep that helmet on his head

  187. Try not to hurt yourself enjoying what you just witnessed bro 🙂

  188. Kershaw is a great pitcher. Were he a Giant his foibles would be forgotten in a NY second

  189. The worst helmet fit was Hanley, second worst fit was Belt 🙂

  190. Mine, previously posted: (don’t think they’ll tender J.C.) Ishi is iffy.
    ARBs ( I think this is close on how many. None will actually go to Arb, they’ll settle
    Belt- 4.5 ( 2nd time, probably about 6 without injuries)
    Blanco- (2nd time) 4
    Crawford- (first time) 2.9
    Petit- (first time) 2.2
    Sanchez (first time) 1
    Ishi (?) 1.2

  191. Neshek’s funky-ness is there one game and then there is Mikey “Morris” type moments. Neshek reminds me of Romo in that they both need to rely on deception and then their stuff.

  192. Neshek’s funky-ness is there one game and then there is Mikey “Morris” type moments. Neshek reminds me of Romo in that they both need to rely on deception and then their stuff….

  193. It’s my opinion, given the dearth of really good closers out there, there would be great interest. The guy had a slip, but looks like he’s gotten back on the bike.

  194. I mentioned earlier, for some odd reason Sanchez is on Tampa Bays mind (among others, I’m sure) to fix their problems at catcher. Who would have thunk it??

  195. Great personal tragic story of devastation and recovery also with his family…

  196. That hitter won the Giants quite a few games this year, and he had the highest Walk % on the Giants this year, stop being a cranky old man! Hector Sanchez also won the Giants a few games early in the season, I hope he and Hicks got a nice Playoff share for what they did !

  197. Joe Maddon said that he and Theo Epstein ( and the owners ) share the same philosophy :

    http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-joe-maddon-contract-141103-story.html

    He didn’t elaborate on that said philosophy but I’m guessing that its’ chief tenet is , ” Patience Is A Virtue .”
    Maddon also described his first visit to Wrigley Field this year ( as the Rays’ manager ) to a scene from the movie , ‘ Gladiator ‘ when the majesty of the Roman Colosseum ( A 2nd century Roman house of pain and death ) is high lighted by a beautifully sunny sky . If that’s not ominous fore shadowing for this new Maddon/Cub regime I don’t know what is .
    Good luck Cubs .

  198. Yeah, dude is nails and has a reputation for it. Pablo needed to hit better to win the GG. Oh well, should knock off a few mil from the price tag 🙂

  199. That was a Joke, all Reputation, Arenado missed a 3rd of the year, and still had more errors then Pablo, but makes the highlight plays ,so guys like Alex Pavlovic fall for it, bet Molina wins too, eve though he missed a 3rd of the year too.

  200. It’s really interesting to see how hard the 49ers front office is working to shape public opinion in advance of dumping Harbaugh. The talk of locker room problems may well be true, but if it is, Jed York can take a good portion of the blame.

    It doesn’t take a psychic to read York’s tea leaves: Harbaugh is gone after this season. The players can see the same thing everyone else can, and I have no doubt that it has undermined Harbaugh’s position in the locker room. Those players who don’t like or are annoyed by him know he won’t be here beyond this season, giving them much less reason to follow his lead. Despite all of this, the team has a .500 record and should have won all but one of the games it lost. This has happened despite missing possibly its two best players for the entire season and another of the very best (Willis) for the past two games.

    Being left to twist in the wind has never helped any manager or coach. It seems amazing that a guy who resurrected the fortunes of a franchise that had been so dismal for so long is going to be dumped like this, but York has the right to make dumb decisions.

    Coaching is more important in the NFL than in any other sport. The 49ers are going to get rid of one of the best and likely return to mediocrity, or worse, just as Stanford is slowly doing. Harbaugh will go to another team of his choosing and succeed, and Jed York will ultimately have to explain why it all happened.

  201. I can’t even understand the GG Award any longer. If games played is not an issue… Lo Cain wasn’t nominated, neither was Neil Walker. Both seem deserving, IMHO. Yeah, Molina shouldn’t beat either Lucroy or Martin this season. If games played IS a factor, then there’s no way JBJ wins it in BOS, right?

    If Arenado played all season, I’d agree he’s deserving. Pablo certainly earned it, though. And then Bleacher Report (LOL!) had Uribe as their prediction to win. Whatever.

    I’m not watching, but it seems like Hosmer and Lagares have to be locks to win. If they don’t, it will only further compound my puzzlement.

  202. Jim and Brother John are polar opposites. Jim had his adorationa and adulation as priority number one and John is about stability and longevity. The sophomoric Who Has It Better than Us post game gizmo worn thin in a short time. And his Karma vis-a-vis Alex running EVERYTHING

  203. How’s the potential Red Sox lineup looking?

    Betts
    Pedroia
    Sandoval
    Cespedes
    Ortiz
    Napoli
    Bogaerts
    Castillo
    Vasquez

    something like that, they’ve got all sorts of parts floating around like Victorino and Craig etc.

    Look for Boston to try to be the odd year Giants of this decade.

  204. “Karma”….yes I’m sure that’s it. It’s all because of being mean to Alex Smith. Brilliant.

  205. What post? I hide most media posted here. Maybe you can laud Uggla’s contributions.

    I’m going to throw myself in front of a semi by December.
    24 Cubans and Sandy Freaking Rosario. Arrrrrrggggghhhh!@#!Z%%%

  206. So in your opinion, if York is undermining Harbaugh, why is that? Obviously, love him or hate him, the Harbaugh regime has turned the team around. And it’s not like there are a zillion stud coaches that can come in and do better. So why would York want Harbaugh gone?

  207. “49ers look broken”
    Young was on the sideline for part of the game to honor former coach George Seifert, who was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame on Saturday and recognized at halftime Sunday. “So I stood right by the team,” Young said. “It was right before halftime and afterwards. And I remember calling to my security guy that I’ve known for years and years, Jeff Rodriguez. I said ‘Jeff, something’s wrong with these guys. There’s a bad vibe. Guys on and off the field.’ … A lot of complaining, a lot of moaning coming off the field.”

    In the locker room, left tackle Joe Staley appeared to place blame on the players and coaching staff when asked about the offensive performance: “Penalties. Dumb blocks. Dumb techniques. Dumb schemes,” Staley said.

    Running back Frank Gore suggested the 49ers need to pick an offensive identity and stick with it after he and Carlos Hyde combined for 16 carries: “We’ve just got to make our minds up, do what we feel we’re good at, and go do it,” he said.
    http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2014/11/03/steve-young-on-49ers-they-looked-broken/

    Then check out Greg Cosell, Brent Jones, Vic Vangio and Ted Robinson. There must be something about what they say that you won’t enjoy. Just as brilliant as your assertion that Jed wants Harbaugh gone…

  208. (3) Replaces one of the best defensive catchers in the game with a kid who’s not going to be close to that good for a couple of years, at least.

  209. Bochy’s already nixed this. Given Buster’s lack of range, 1B is pretty much the only place you can put him.

  210. You must love the all Airport team, guys that look good in the uniform, and are fast and throw hard, but have no feel are instinks for the Game .

  211. I’d love to see a video of his reaction if his soup is cold.

  212. Do you think Sanchez is going to be a career minor leaguer, or does he have a future.

  213. I thought it was interesting, though, to learn that pitching’s the only thing he does left-handed. Hopefully that helps him rest his throwing arm.

  214. Come on Lefty, you know he was there for the free food in the owner’s box.

  215. That is interesting. In many ways he reminds me of a young Nolan Ryan. Not so much his pitching, but him as a person.

  216. He’s probably be too focused on football to notice the temperature of the soup.

  217. I admit I was not enamored of Dave a few years back, but imho he has really gotten a lot better. He’s a good fit with the Maestro.

  218. I’m pretty cold on Jake these days – I couldn’t his self-shopping during the playoffs, and now I see him as a self-promoter. But mainly, as a 6-inning guy. Believe the Gints could easily fill his spot without going broke.

  219. I’m not saying that York had the intention of affecting what’s happening on the field, but I do think the front office has been engaged in a PR campaign to grease the skids for getting rid of such a successful coach. I don’t think they were savvy to fully think it through. At least Erickson, Nolan and Singletary are still available.

  220. I’d think that he notices anything that he considers unjust. He’d red flag the Missus for the soup…

  221. Who knows, I don’t and have never cared for Flemming. Folks say he’s good at other sports, but he always seemed an insincere cardboard cutout to me. Maybe being a Dodger gingerbread man is a better fit. He does seem “Scully like” to me. Wonder what his favorite color is.

  222. Good gawddam Clutch I love this music… back in old mexico, missing my little guy – you rescued my day. Gracias! :o) paulo

  223. Potential Giants LU

    Pagan
    Panik
    Posey
    Belt
    Pence
    Duffy
    Blanco
    Crawford

    When Pagan goes on DL:

    Brown
    Panik
    Posey
    Belt
    Pence
    Duffy
    Blanco
    Crawford

    Note: Replace Blanco with Tomas or whatever upgrade they may sign.

  224. I hope they get nice shares as well. They’re not very good players, though.

  225. You can imagine that they are just licking their chops.
    They are going to have a very intriguing offseason. Spending and “going for it”, possibly some crazy wheeling and dealing. What do guys like Big Papi and Napoli have left?

  226. Football is not a PC environment, but Jim has, in my opinion, taken that to a level that simply doesn’t fly in modern times. His clumsy handling of situations has hurt him. His “mentorship” of Colin is hurting Colin. His stubborn loyalty to an overmatched offensive Coordinator is hurting him. His heartless switch to Colin, right or wrong, caused fissures and hurt him, and broke trust with some players.

    Here’s the real problem, though…he rebranded a franchise that was a MUCH worse disaster when he took over. He instilled confidence, fight, grit, belief, and took a group of disgruntled but talented players and reminded them how good they were. He is, by all appearances, a great motivator…but, one with a shelf life.

    He seems an odd bird that seems to have a real issue with creating normal relationships built on trust. He builds fire and fight.

    Both sides are right…Harbaugh is, at times, an elite coach. But watching this team this year tells me his MO and reputation is quick rebuilds…

    I keep harping on it: Greg Roman is an unmitigated disaster. The raw talent on that side of the ball is special…yet we have seen 3 years of red zone disasters, stupid HS shifts, time management issues because of late decisions. And Harbaugh sticks by him. It is an example of his undoing:Jim’s way. Period.

    People that cannot ever admit making mistakes eventually fall. I wish Daddy Harbaugh would have a sit down with Jim. Changes need to happen. Now.

  227. Could be. It would sure be nice if Adam Duvall could play third and offer some right handed slugging. And if Brown could hit big league pitching.

  228. He has a future as a back up catcher. It’s a low bar for that position. Mr.Johnson, and others of his ilk, think that if I’m realistic about a players capabilities it means that I have something against them. I’ve rooted for Hector’s success since he was in the minors.

  229. And if…

    Hey, here ya go:

    Velveeta Favorite All-Time Recipes
    by Kraft Foods

    “We sincerely hope you enjoy cooking with the world’s finest pasteurized prepared cheese product, VELVEETA. If you’re looking for super-quick dips or oh-so-easy dinners, you’ll find them all here. Be careful – the fabulously amazing recipes in this cookbook have been known to cause stampedes.”

    http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1244508663l/6534782.jpg

  230. I’m a basketball fan but not really interested in any of the games on tonight! I miss baseball. Guess it’s time to search netflix for a new series to watch. Any suggestions?

  231. Pretty good British movie…Cleanskin..terrorism and politics (movie). Not bad. and Blackliist (series)…Lonely Place to Die (kidnaping movie)

  232. I have heard Blacklist is really good. I haven’t heard of the other ones. I will have to check them out! Thanks!

  233. It reminds me quite a bit of the last days of Mark Jackson. Except the Warriors had a plan, which was to throw huge money at Steve Kerr.

  234. Cleveland at Portland doesn’t interest you? Maybe the BBC show Orphan Black? I found it quite interesting. I’d second Blacklist. Definitely.

  235. I still remember when Smith was replaced and someone asked Joe Staley if he’d spoken to Alex and Slaley’s reply was “Don’t have to. He knows how I feel.” That comment spoke volumes to me.

  236. I don’t comment much on the footy. I don’t expect all athletes to be saints, but it bums me out that so many Niners have been doing stupid things in the past 2 years. While the franchise has always had a little edge (Charles Haley and Seiffert’s car come to mind) in general they’ve been a on the field focused team and left the clubs without making the papers.

    I really appreciate Harbaugh, and I think he’s getting jobbed by a weird combo of ownership/Gm jealousy. I do think Harbaugh doesn’t have a good feel for offense though, and should switch it up.

    Kap is a work in progress but some people have it and some don’t. He has the knack for brilliant athleticism but also makes bonehead decisions that Joe or Steve would never have touched.

  237. If you don’t mind foreign films too much with subtitles, there is a 3 part German series titled Generation War that is excellent.

  238. In June and July, would you EVER have imagined the Giants having a parade THIS year? The Niners could still make the playoffs, and if they do–well, see 2014 San Francisco Giants.

    Harbaugh is not Bochy, and Kap is not Bum, but–there IS some game there, still.

  239. So true…so true…but I never felt the Giants players wavered in their belief…I AM worried that a faction of the Niner players are wavering.

    But football is different, and a good spell can change the season. I hope you are right. I love the Niners, but my faith was shaken by the worst performance I have seen in the Harbaugh era, one in which the team looked like they didn’t care

  240. @Oracle – I see you have successfully imbibed the kook-aid. with the dysfunction and mediocre play calling that is the norm lately, whom do you place blame on? Do tell please. It’t easy to say its Roman and his play calling and to blame CK for not developing, but Harbaugh is supposedly a QB whisperer, an offensive guru, and has is a coach who the players love. Sadly, non of those three things appear true this year.

  241. Think back to that awful game the Giants lost to the Phillies in June. Romo was demoted from closer the next day. That was #RockBottom. Weren’t you at the park? I actually had trouble sleeping I was so upset by that loss. In JUNE.

    Lot of ground to cover yet.

  242. Or was it the Reds? Anyway, you know the one I mean. Saturday night in June.

  243. I think it’s too wishful and cliche to make the comparison btw the Giants and the Niners. First, Harbaugh is no Bochy, So the LOGIC is the Niners will produce under fire like their local brethren? Please! And I have a bridge to sell you. @Mathew above nails it. Harbaugh’s motivational jargon was great in the beginning but has run it’s course. His commitment to Roman is a disaster. The bract that CK has not developed, the line is in shreds and the team has been at the top of the league in penalties and time out mistakes shows they are not well prepared, that has been a fallacy. The team is falling apart and the excuse of injuries is bs, every team has injuries at this point.

  244. Hey, Ryan..have you ever heard Van with Georgie Fame? There is a song called “Who Can I Turn To?” that is as sweet as Tupelo honey!

  245. “The 49ers are going to get rid of one of the best and likely return to mediocrity”

    You’re not the only one but people should atleast wait and see who’s Harbaugh successor before jumping to this conclusion.

  246. Yesterday several freeways were jammed with miles of backup in the Sacramento-Roseville area, ive nvr seen so many police/sheriff cars in my life with their sirens and lights blaring. They were honoring the 2 law enforcement officers that were killed in the line of duty. Didnt bother me at all that the traffic was a huge mess. A sight to behold!!

  247. Yes I did actually. Because the Giants have a good core, and they’ve done it before. Even in mid-July, I thought they could win.

  248. “Casilla”, “at bat”, and “memory” give me nightmares…

  249. Boston wants him back, the Cards are rumored to be going…

    Sabean has a rep as a get it done fast guy. Its going to drive him crazy the Panda and agent shopping his offer.

    Miller and Masterson could be a nice 1-2 infusion of mid-young talent to the club. Even F/G said as much (not the names, just not going overboard on the Panda and getting more pitching)

  250. Ha ha, 27 a piece with over 3 minutes left in the 1st? No such thing as defense, eh? WTH? I really do like PDX, too. If I were choosing two teammates to build a team around, hard to argue against Aldridge & Lillard. Really dynamic players.

  251. I say “likely” because outstanding NFL coaches aren’t easy to find. They are actually very rare. Harbaugh’s track record is one of dramatic success. He’ll quickly get another job of his choosing with a team that will make him one of the league’s highest paid coaches.

    True, it is possible that the 49ers will find someone as good or better to replace him. It’s just not very likely.

  252. Ya I’ve liked Aldridge from the get go. I also like PDX. I don’t really have a favorite basketball team. Have several that I enjoy watching.

  253. Huh? “Return to mediocrity” implies future tense. Won’t some Niners be healthy/return? The o-line is showing flaws, but the rest of the team looks very solid, overall. At least to me. Clock is ticking on Kap to prove out, though.

    Willis, Bowman, Reid, Gore, Vernon, Crab, Stevie, Boldin, Hyde, Osgood, Brooks, Lynch, Bethea, the Smiths, Dawson, Lee. Some others, for sure, too. I guess by my measure, that’s “a lot of talent.” YMMV.

  254. I recorded those game replays on MLBN, and now I’m re-watching Game 4 of the World Series. I’m STILL upset about Vogelsong staying in so long in the third inning. When it was actually happening, I was watching in the bar at Levi’s Stadium. I think the adult beverages dulled the pain at the moment.

    Also just re-watched the final game of the NLCS. It was a bit eerie watching Taveras take that final AB for the Cardinals…so mind-blowing that a week later he was gone.

  255. Ya I’ve liked Aldridge from the get go! I just like how he carries himself. I know defense is preached and preached but I have to confess I like me some offense 🙂

  256. I was at the game that Taveras hit his 1st home run in St. Louis! Won’t ever forget that.

  257. Off Petit. I remember seeing it on TV. Everyone was so excited about his debut.

  258. Well I can’t say I was thrilled. I was there rooting for the Giants. But it’s a nice memory to have.

  259. So Andrew Friedman, the former GM of the Rays, has hired the A’s assistant GM to be the Dodgers’ new GM. Apparently they’re also hiring Josh Byrnes (former GM of the Padres and Snakes) to do something or other. And the recently deposed GM, Ned Colletti, is still there.

    So…the Dodgers have four GMs now? Last year they were stockpiling ex-closers. We saw how well THAT worked. LOL

  260. … And outfielders… And starting pitchers. lol.

    It’s just crazy. The amount of excess they are flaunting. I *am* worried they’ll actually figure things out. I’m *hopeful* it still won’t be for a long while still.

  261. When are they going to hire three more ex-managers to back up Mattingly? And maybe they need to go to Cuba and pick up a couple more middle infielders that can’t hit. They only have two.

  262. Friedman sticking with Mattingly, even though Maddon opted out, tells me the owners are still running the show.

  263. That would have worried me if they’d bought Maddon. I don’t care how many GMs they have tripping over each other. The A’s guy has degrees from MIT and Berkeley. They still traded away Cespedes and their top prospects and got knocked out in the wild card game.

  264. LOL, you’re funny. You’re also quite right. The thing is… As many brilliant minds as they might stockpile… What *exactly* are they going to be able to do?

    They’ve got long contracts sinking them on some players that likely won’t age well. Crawford, Ethier, AGon, and even Kemp. Greinke can opt-out soon. Haren and Wilson aren’t exactly shoppable. Their prospects are blocked all over the field and mound.

    They’re kind of burdened by the last regime… Thanks Ned!

  265. That’s a good point. So, what next? Does ownership spend like hell to allow a full reset? I mean, to offload Ethier, Wilson, and maybe even Crawford? While also adding Andrew Miller, Neshek, Cruz, and Scherzer? Nah, I can’t see it.

  266. They don’t need Cruz, but they sure could use Russell Martin.

  267. Yes, they actually NEED him. But I don’t think they can GET him. He got shunned once. And why deal with all that drama? He can become a leader in Chicago, part of really building something there. In LA, he’d be stepping on the toes of a catcher who’s helped Kershaw earn back to back to back ERA titles.

    Cubs can *easily* match or beat the dollars from the Guggenheim Group. I’d bet on it.

  268. The kale quiche coming out of the oven goes out to Hunter Pence. He had a great year and my kale is booming in the garden.

  269. I hope so. I agree–Martin can write his ticket. Why does he want to go deal with that nonsense?

  270. “The world’s finest pasteurized prepared cheese product”
    I think I’d rework that declaration

  271. I respect Martin a ton. He’s known to put in his homework and prep. I’ll bet PIT is trying to justify retaining him by saying, “he lowers every pitchers’ ERA” and that’s *valuable*. Other teams will say the same.

    Every stop. He’s been turned out. Thought he wasn’t valuable enough. This is HIS turn to get paid and also garner respect. His. One. Shot. Why go back to LAD or stay in PIT? NYY also did the same to him. Each team didn’t want to pay him. Huh.

  272. A genius no less. I’m sure he has baseball down to a science. Look out Giants.

  273. I kept wondering why OT wasn’t playing more…
    Such a talent…

  274. I was three…and it was ugly. There was so much season left, and I was down….but this Niner vibe truly does feel worse to me. I hate to make any such comparison, but it feels more “Dodgers” than “Giants”

  275. Sounds like it was rookie growing pains, just like Belt with Bochy a few years ago. Before he went home to the DR, they had a talk with him about conditioning and working on his defense. But he was a big part of their plans for next year. Without him, it’s just an aging Holliday, defense-only Bourjos, Jay, and rookie Grichuk–who doesn’t have Taveras’s upside, to be sure.

  276. Someone will have to do a break down of what each GM is responsible for and with whom the buck ultimately stops.

  277. After going to watch all of True Crime, House of Cards (both Brit ans Amer versions) and Game of Thrones, I started re-viewing all the seasons of MI-5 (i’m not through them all yet), many of which I missed because of PBS’s wretched scheduling. The film options are not nearly as comprehensive as their series collection.

  278. Maybe they’ll rotate just like the outfielders and the closers. It’s the Dodger Way.

  279. Thanks for posting the link, carmot. Last year, Alex posted Jeff Passan’s 2013 Free-agent tracker and I saved it to Bookmarks and checked back throughout the offseason.

  280. Way down below in this thread, carmot posted the link to Jeff Passan’s 2014 Free-Agent Tracker. Alex posted the 2013 version at the outset of the offseason last year. I saved it to Bookmarks and checked back on the moves throughout the offseason. Here’s the ratings and what Passan had to say about Peavy and Morse:

    “35. Jake Peavy, SP: The stuff that led to a 2.17 ERA down the stretch with San Francisco disappeared in the postseason, prompting one scout to wonder whether he’d even give Peavy a one-year deal at the eight-figure salary he’s seeking. Peavy, 33, wants multiple years, and someone will be desperate enough to give it.

    36. Michael Morse, DH/1B/OF: Morse crushed last season at AT&T Park, one of the toughest hitting environments in baseball, and his 16 home runs didn’t reflect his true power. Keep him out of the field and he’s golden.”

    http://sports.yahoo.com/news/2014-ultimate-free-agent-tracker-020415285.html

  281. In regards to the Buster-to-third-base discussion. Bochy was asked in August about Posey eventually moving to another position. Here are some things he said:

    “Right now, no. Down the road, I’m sure it’s something we will talk about. You’ve got to like Susac’s development over this past year. We said the same about Hector. Unfortunately, we’re dealing with some (concussion) issues with Hector. You’d like to lighten the load on Buster. Whether at some point down the road he will get out from behind the plate. I can’t answer that, but right now, there’s no plan to do that.”

    On third base or first base:

    “I think it’d be more at first base. I think he could go to third base, but I think it takes some work because of the slow rollers, bunts and things like that.”

  282. Lefty reliever Steven Okert continues to excel in the AFL. After another spotless outing today, he’s pitched 10 innings and given up 5 hits, 1 walk, and 1 run with 13 Ks. That’s an ERA of 0.90 and a WHIP of 0.60.

    Okert was a fourth-round draft pick in 2012 out of Oklahoma. He spent the second half of the 2014 season in Richmond. Remember that name–I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t get a spring training invite.

  283. Most of those guys you mention are products of the current regime. I don’t know when Ethier and Kemp were handed their deals, but the rest are the responsibility of current ownership. Current ownership, I might add, that has yet to eat money to get rid of somebody. It appears that extends to the front office. “Hey, if we’re paying you, you’re staying right here.” As long as they keep that attitude, they’ll be in trouble.

  284. Oaklands Mayor Quann – Out
    Maybe Jim Harbaugh IN w/Mark Davis

    Oracle We Believe vs. Clippers will be Rockin’ with The Panda in court side seats!

  285. The Vogey first base play game?
    He was dealing.
    Buster said Vogeys stuff was solid but buzzards luck results!

  286. Much of this seems accurate. Eight figures really shows that there’s an increasing dearth of talent in MLB because Peavy’s a 4.0 ERA pitcher over an entire season. He’s not old but he ain’t young either. Panda is younger and plays every day. So I don’t see Jake in our future much as I like his spirit. His 8.0 lifetime ERA in the postseason is very bad but we’ll always remember that 5-inning shutout start against the Nats. Still, 8-figures, if that’s what he’s really after, is completely bonkers.

    The Giants desperately need a little pop on the bench and Morse knows that he’s a defensive liability, slow, and injury prone. We’ll get him for a song.

    In 2012 Romo was largely undiscovered but the surprise value of the no-dot slider is wearing off (and it hangs a lot more) since he has no fastball or curveball to mix in. In each of the last 4 years his ERA has gone up in stepwise fashion from 1.5 to 3.7. Since we’re facing payroll issues down the line, a multi-year deal doesn’t seem prudent. Dude needs to hit the weight room because if he’s 185 then I’m Albert Einstein. Problem is that the Timmy deal probably still burns some so they’re going to be VERY reticent to go that route with Romo.

    Affeldt, like fine wine, has actually improved with age and he really has some awfully nasty stuff when he’s on. However, he’ll be 36 next year. Now that we have Panik and a suddenly-solid 2B, a healthy Belt, and hopefully a healthy Pagan, the 2015 worries seem to be far more on the issue of pitching. Because we had Bum, short series are built for us. Over the grind of a long season, we’re facing far more serious problems on the mound than we are in the field. On the mound we’ve got TWO solid starters and our best relievers in their mid-30s. That’s cause for concern.

  287. I remember those oh-so-flat-looking fastballs and they were all getting tagged. Even in the best of times Vogey’s stuff didn’t really scare anyone and next season he’ll be 38. As I said above … in contrast to 2010 when we were all pitching, in 2015 we’ve got serious problems once you get past Bum and Cain on the mound.

  288. Petit just HAS to have something that Rags can work with. I mean, geez, an all time MLB record for consecutive batters retired?!! Then 12 innings of 4-hit shutout ball ’til his last stint in the horrid 10-0 game.

  289. You dare name THAT STUFF cheese? Oh my god! I love much of America, but not its food. (Food??????)

  290. Harbaugh is an offensive minded head coach . But our offense just isn’t getting better under him especially in the red zone.

    Before the season started most thought the defense would regress significantly without Bowman&Aldon Smith and the offense would have to pick up the slack. If anything the opposite happened and the offense has regressed and the defense has picked up the slack. Obviously we all would like a change at offensive coordinator. But for some reason Harbaugh is loyal to Roman to a fault.

  291. I would be concerned on the return of Pagan and what you get when he is back. How good he will be for hitting, fielding and speed? All 3 need a solid foundation and flexability. His strength was base stealing. Those head first slides may be gone. He was never a plus plus outfielder. You may wind up having him only half a season or less. He could wind up a no show like Scutaro was this past year.

  292. Ouch. Former Giants IFA signee Henry Sosa got torched. Just got pulled after 6 runs in less than 3 innings. Game 2 of the Korean Series. Well, it’s not all HIS fault. The ball got hit HARD. A lot. So… blame the ball. Those KBO balls are juicing.

  293. You are harping on the wrong guy by throwing in Adrian into that group. The guy is in theory 32. He hit 290-300 the prior 6 years. This year he fell off to 276 but hit 27 home runs 6th in the league and more than any Giants. He drove in an MLB leading 116 RBI’s. He will be 36 at the tail end of his contract in 18. They guy has been a model of consistency and a far cry from an albatros contract

  294. You’ve got a good point. I don’t know what it is about back problems but once they take root, they just never seem to get all the way better. Also, he’s got a bum knee that needs to get looked at. All in all, you have to be a real optimist to think that Pagan, after two injury-riddled seasons, has a bright medical future and he’ll be 34 next year.

    We pulled a miracle winning without him and Cain because we snuck into WC #2 and won with Bum, the bullpen, and crazy good hitting from Panda, Pence, and Panik. It’s hard to do that again with just a handful of resources. Even harder is to get to the playoffs that way. This year, we barely made it.

  295. I don’t see how the numbers you have used back up your argument is what I am saying.

    My suggestion is that Buster faces a higher Percentage of LHP when playing 1b over his career then he does as C and if he does that could be misleading because he hits LHP better over his career by a wide margin. I do not state that he faces All LHP or All RHP.

    Your stats do not prove one way or the other for or against this. I don’t know the stats either, it is a theory. But the claims you are making do not prove or disprove it one way or the other. I am still not sure what numbers you are using and how you got to those numbers. On baseball ref, does it show how many ABs he has had while at catcher vs LHP AND how many at 1b? I haven’t seen that. The logic you use to get these numbers are baffling.

    “You can look at his batting average when playing first. If as you say they are when batting against lefties then the rest of his at bats against lefties are when he is catching. Subtract total at bats against lefties minus first base at bats and you would have how he hits against lefties as a catcher. ”
    This is very off.

    The stats you would need are how many LHP he faced while at 1b AND how many while at C over his career and his numbers vs them. Right now the numbers you are using and the process you used to gather them don’t prove or dispute that he did or did not face more LHP at 1b then C over his career. I honestly still have no idea what process you used to get at the numbers you did. Can you clarity that.

  296. I know Nexen is trailing 6-1 in the 7th inning, but how do they use a reliever with an 8.00 ERA and a 2.00 WHIP? Sure the ball is juiced. KBO offense is up at least 40% this season. But how is this guy even on the roster, let alone in the game? It’s like Game 2 of the World Series. I mean, Bochy wouldn’t bring Strickland into a game like that… right?

  297. Vogey’s stuff looked pretty darn good in 2011. 2012 too. He was a stellar starting pitcher those two years. I can’t see any scenario where he’s on the 2015 Giants, but I’ll never forget and will always appreciate his contributions to our team.

  298. There were also some maturity issues. He was one of those “last in, first out” guys, and he was really invested in his press clippings (old school reference there). Bottom line, though–a good kid who had some growing up to do, and also had a ton of talent. So sad.

  299. Van Morrison’s Greatest Hits: one of our most frequently played albums. Also a big fan of the double album Hymms to the Silence. Moondance and Astral Weeks both on my Top 100 Albums list.

  300. Sadly, all of our incredible 2011 pitching went to waste. Vogey has done some incredible things for our Giants, no doubt. I can imagine ONE scenario where he returns. Admittedly, it would be pretty far-fetched. Yes, I appreciate his contributions, too.

  301. Here in the ATL the Falcons fans are beginning to call for a coaching change. Sports talk radio asks Falcons Nation who in the NFL they would like to see come to Atlanta? Overwhelming response: Jim Harbaugh.

  302. With the San Francisco Giants in the NL West, I don’t think Maddon wanted anything to do with the Dodgers. Joe Maddon wants to win the postseason.

  303. I don’t know who this Maddon is, but if he wanted nothing to do with the Dodgers, he MUST be a very smart person.

  304. I love when they call the Atlantic “the pond”. Giggle giggle.

  305. That’s because Buster has some sloooow feet.. He is not quick .
    I just don’t ever see him playing 3rd base….not quick enough.
    IF and when —-Posey will play 1st with Belt going to LF.

    Pablo on the other hand is extremely quick and agile for a guy his size..
    That’s why he could make the transition from catcher to 3rd..

  306. …and you are living on the boot!

    Maddon is pretty widely regarded as 2nd best to Bochy and was going to be very highly pursued by many teams.. With the Tampa Gm going to LA, we all figured he was next.

  307. No doubt that the zenith of his career was in 2011-2012. We don’t win the 2012 championship without him so he will always be a revered Giant. He played a big part of our run in 2014, too, but even a 4.0 guy doesn’t quite deserve 8-13. They didn’t score runs for him and that can put upward pressure on a pitcher’s ERA.

  308. I can imagine him back, in a competition with Petit for the spot of 5th starter/long relief. Vogey is such a competitor that I think he’d do well as long relief/spot starter, and maybe force himself into the rotation by season’s end. It is easy to imagine Tim Hudson benefiting from a spot start replacement, once a month or so, or that Timmy may not keep himself in the rotation next year. Vogey seems like a cheap insurance plan.
    And anyway, I really like him, so am hoping he comes back.

  309. Maddon is smart. He’s done really well with young, homegrown teams. That’s who the Cubs are now. The Dodgers might be that team in a few years, but not yet.

    Maddon also gets to work for a team with actual money who can go out and buy some aces for his rotation to go with all those young hitters. And he gets to work in one of the best parks ever in front of a passionate fanbase. Other than the weather, Maddon’s going to think he died and went to heaven in Chicago.

  310. That’s why this 4-deep-in-GMs thing amuses me. They did that but not the move that really would have changed things–dumping Mattingly and hiring Maddon. The Cubs had a manager, and a pretty good one. They recognized that opportunities like hiring Maddon don’t come along everyday.

  311. High time for one of relief studs in minors to some up and stick. Would love to see Okert’s stuff in person – I gather he can run it up to 96-97, but commands 92-94. Hembree looked so good, once. Law goes under the knife. Strickland gets shelled. Time for a happy story. “Remember the name” Cody Hall also. The current bullpen just won’t be around forever – maybe just one more year in present makeup.

  312. thank you all, GE brothers, walking about this blog it seems to me like having an highly specialized course in baseball science.

  313. He belongs to MENSA, aced the Tower of Hanoi puzzle at three years old, solves Rubik’s cubes blindfolded. The Cubs curse is officially over.

  314. Joe Maddon seems to have a sharp baseball mind. Players seem to love playing for him, and front office types love how he maximizes talent. Billy Beane from the A’s might be best known for employing batting platoons… Maddon does a lot more.

    Maddon uses a player like Ben Zobrist, rotating him in multiple field positions. Great versatility from an outstanding player (with a few defensive flaws). He’s known as one to start using defensive shifts, the most and the most often. I think he’s very adaptive. Which I like a lot.

  315. I’m a sister, and so is dgg, but thanks for the kind words! We’re glad to have you on board all the way from Italy!

  316. Considering my poor knowledge of baseball science, I’ve to admit that my thoughts regarding those two guys may not be worth a dime. I beg your pardon

  317. But knowing something about their career, how could I like those former Doggies guys? Nothing doing, I’m a loyal Giant Fan.

  318. Third base…

    There was overheard some chatter about the Angels willing to move David Freese or Howie Kendrick (2B) in order help alleviate their payroll bloat. Freese set to earn about 6 mil in arb. They also have one of my guys, Gordon Beckham, that can play the hot corner. Just some options that may surface during the Winter Meetings.

  319. Check out Van’s “It’s Too Late to Stop Now” double live album.

  320. Not 100% italian. My father was from Senj, Dalmazia, the cove of the famed Uskoks, pirates of the 16th century, whose national pastime wasn’t baseball, but cutting Turk muslims’ throats. Ehm, I’m a little embarassed of my ancestry

  321. History is cruel but cool in the sense that it fascinates. I’m known as somewhat of a Pirate fan. I just discovered that Hernan Cortes was pretty much a pirate. He had no authority from the King of Spain to conquer the Mexica capital of Tenochitlan. Did it on his own whim, which was mostly rapacious greed.

  322. November is the most popular month for such declarations.

    September is the least popular.

  323. Today, a Miami Herald news article on A-Rod’s DEA Confession.

    While it’s true Rodriguez is owed $61M over the next three years, I find it worth noting that he’s also owed a $6M bonus for each of these HR milestones: 660, 714, 755 (and another, I believe, if he breaks 755). He’s just 6 HR away from the first $6M bonus.

    What a scumbag. And baseball should be doing more to keep our beloved sport clean.

  324. And he once was a decent young athlete….
    How far they can fall…..

  325. Yup Theo was nervous at Joes press conference. First 5 questions were about Renteria’s firing.

  326. Sweet. I’ll have to make sure I am doing something with work truck at that time. Slip into radio mode. Let’s see what he has to say about how hot and heavy Beantown will be. Maybe he saw my lineup projection 😉

  327. Lasorda was Piazza’s godfather. Talked LA into drafting him in late rounds….

  328. Freese would be a defensive downgrade. That’s one of the main reasons the Cardinals dumped him, even though he was a hometown boy and World Series hero. Beckham, though?–maybe.

  329. Yep–VGF and Carmot are both big Cody Hall fans, and he’s doing great in the VWL right now. With Hembree gone, Law recovering, and Strickland–well, you know–it could suddenly be Cody’s time.

  330. who doesn’t have warts? Nothing a little liquid nitrogen can’t remedy.

  331. Remember the name “Kyle Crick” also. Could be fashioned into a bullpen weapon someday. There are some other prospects that are currently starters that may find themselves in the bullpen someday, e.g Keury Mella, Kendry Flores, Luis Ysla (I’m bad with eg and ig and formatting). With your capacity for names and events, you shouldn’t have any problems remembering their names 😉

  332. His 11 points/7 rebounds? And LOL to Lakers!
    Kobe took 37 shots. The other Lakers starters combined for 35 attempts.

  333. That’s Kobe’s concept of TEAM. Great talent but megagalactic ego. Could have used some lessons by Pop.

  334. I saw the signs by the Galleria this past weekend and was glad I was going to be out of town. That church draws huge Sunday crowds (and traffic) anyway, so I can only imagine how many law enforcement folks were there to honor their fallen brothers.

  335. Hypothetical: Would you give Nelson Cruz 3/$60M?

    That could still allow us to sign Justin Masterson to a one-year deal. Maybe Cruz would be happy for the bigger paychecks NOW. He’s grossed $28M to date. He might not build the biggest value for his next deal, but this isn’t a pillow contract. Sure we lose our #1 pick, but this next draft class looks to be more “upper” talent in the mid-section than premium talent up top anyways. We get the comp pick for Sandoval.

    Just maybe Cruz is tired of losing in the playoffs 4 of the past 5 years? He gives us a better chance to win again, right? Age 34-35 season and all… Masterson should WANT to sign with us to re-build his value. Maybe not a bad idea? Thoughts?

    Maybe another way to phrase this…
    Would you prefer 5/100M to Panda or 3/60 to Cruz?

  336. Like a junior high team.

    My JV high school team once won a game something like 70-45, where the other team had a star who took almost all the shots while the rest of his team stood around.

    In the locker room after the game, we’re all looking at the stat sheets, saying, “I held my guy to 2 points!”; “I held my guy to 1 point!”, etc – then our guy who guarded their guy who took all the shots says, “I held my guy to 35 points!”

    That guy is Kobe now. Lakers are 0-5 for the 1st time since 1957.

  337. OK…I’ll admit I wanted him for LF at one time or another…when a choice wasn’t needed between he/Panda.

    This said…

    In addition to the Giants probably not wanting to touch a PED guy, he hit 40 HRs last season…a year after being popped for PEDs and after 4 seasons of not even hitting 30 HRs. Suspicious. He would also be having to adjust to NL pitching/parks…even with the existence of inter-league play.

    Panda.

  338. Mikey the Cobra “Morrisse” heading to play for Sandy Alderson?!?

  339. Mets are going after Morse, according to KNBR. I figured Morse would end up in the AL, given his defensive limitations. Perfect that the Mets are interested.

  340. Sounds like they’re just an average football team, to me. I don’t watch them.

  341. Sandoval, in a heartbeat. Not because of the PEDs but because of the age difference and Sandoval’s ability to play third with excellence.

    I don’t know about Masterson, though. Pretty high risk. What about Brandon McCarthy? He’s played in the Bay Area and might like to come back here. Quirky, funny guy, seems like he’d be a good fit on the Giants.

  342. Aye, Leo, thought you said Cafardo on around 9. Okay, no prob, will wait till 11ish.

  343. nah to Cruz. AL dude. Seems like his second half #’s faded pretty good/bad.

  344. McCarthy has to be one of the funniest Twitter follows. Ever. Okay, I see your point. I have wanted Masterson for a long while. Maybe my judgement is clouded- but I think he’s an awesome bounce-back candidate we could get on the low-low.

    McCarthy doesn’t have a QO attached. But, if NYY want him to stay, we aren’t beating their bid, IMO. What’s he gonna want? 3/40 or 4/50? I just don’t think he’s going to be that good for that long. YMMV.

    But hey! Another Brandon!

  345. Yeah, I figured to get responses about the PED issue. I’m just grateful that both you and Dr. Lefty gave answers as well. There’s certainly no “right” answer. I just wanted to learn how others might feel. But, yes, I doubt the Giants would go anywhere near him. If they would, why not get Melky back, right?

    That age decline stuff… Especially for somebody who used PED’s… Isn’t always pretty. Personally, I think I wouldn’t go for Cruz. But I don’t think I can handle signing Panda at 5/100 either. If our budget isn’t restricted to the CBT, I want Pablo back! Cheers.

  346. Would like to see MM. come back if only for the innocent brilliance of his warmup swings, and his ebullient celebration following a basehit.

  347. No accident he’s always in the playoffs. But seldom the winner’s circle.. Pass.

  348. I’ve read the reports, but I just can’t see it. It could crush his spirits. They’re cheap, not that good, big park, frustrated fan base, awful ownership. Remember Pagan saying he “learned about winning when he got to SF?”

    It’s a nice thought to dangle to Mets fans. But I figure they don’t keep step when TEX or CLE or BAL or others come calling to Morse with their wallets open.

  349. Would the Mets really let T.J. Rivera be Rule 5 eligible? Maybe. Interesting idea would be to grab him, try him the first 4 weeks. There is a Lemon Law return/warranty policy on these guys I’ve heard.

  350. Indeed. The Blackies are first up with Escobar out of the mix. Better to be in the Bigs than not to be. Even Escobar may find himself as a reliever in Boston.

  351. One thing: Buster taking the throw home. You can tell his leg remembers the pain from that hideous collision by that idiotic kid.

    Don’t know. We’ll see. Someone just suggested H. Sanchez at 3B. That would be interesting, too.

  352. Only time will tell. When Sandoval was moved from catcher to 3B, there was a lot of uncertainty as well.

    Only thing I can discern is that some teams like the Phillies got carried away signing “their guys” who have turned out to have aged badly.

    It’s a crap shoot, but one that’s fun to speculate about.

  353. I can’t imagine there would be enough money to be a Met.

  354. ///The stats you would need are how many LHP he faced while at 1b AND how many while at C over his career and his numbers vs them. Right now the numbers you are using and the process you used to gather them don’t prove or dispute that he did or did not face more LHP at 1b then C over his career. I honestly still have no idea what process you used to get at the numbers you did. Can you clarify that.///

    I do not care if he faced more or less left handed pitchers as a first baseman. I care about his numbers are far better at first than at catcher Far better, not slightly better and you can look at them and see he rakes something either righties or lefties or both a heck of a lot more at first then at catcher.

    Vs RHP .299

    Vs. LHP 333

    At 1rst Base .354

    At Catcher .301

    He has 398 at bats and 141 hits at first

    He has 631 at bats vs lefties and 210 hits.

    As you can see his 1rst base average is well over his career average as a catcher. 52 points higher.

    His 1rst base split is 21 points higher than he hits left handers for his career and 50 points higher than he hits right handed pitchers.

    So pick you poison if his split is argued as you did because he plays against lefties then presume all at bats were against lefties. That places his hitting against lefties as a catcher at .296. .

    That is after removing those at bats from his career numbers, you have his approximate catcher number. That is an average as a catcher .296 against lefties. It is easy to figure subtract out the career hits at first and at bats from his career hits and at bats from lefties and you have the left over

    If you say some of that .354 average is against righties, great how much? .290? .300?.320? It is really irrelevent. Because if it is below his career average(doubtful) he rakes lefties even more and stats would suggest he would hit as well long term if not better than his current career average.

    If it is above his career average of .299, then he rakes lefties even above the .354 and righties at a better rate than as a catcher. That is a win win.

  355. Hey Leo. Have you seen Ben Badler has a new piece on the top-10 prospects for Toronto? Since “your guy” Marcus Stroman got promoted, Daniel Norris takes #1- above Aaron Sanchez. I still think Norris might eventually push for the #2 and move Stroman down to #3 in their rotation. Stroman has been excellent. Both are worthy. And my other guy, Dalton Pompey ranks #4.

    Just thought you might be interested since you were one to bring up Stroman in the past. And I brought up both Norris and Pompey.

  356. Mets want Morse…that figures. Extremely proud to say my team once again, are World Champs! My Yankee and Met fan friends and relatives are now officially sick and tired of me and the Giants. Ahh…it’s good to be king…again!

  357. Your YANKEE fan friends?! Do they have any idea how “sick of” the Yankees we all were/are? Cramming Jeter and Rivera down our throats the last two years, like they’re the only great players in the history of baseball ever to retire?

    I’m still bitter about how a few years ago, the Yankee fans would talk casually about how they’d just “pick up” Cain and Lincecum when they were free agents because the Giants, of course, could never afford to keep them. And then they used the A’s as their development pipeline for years…decades, really.

    Now, the Mets fans–I have some sympathy there. But they won the Wheeler-for-Beltran trade, so that should be some consolation.

  358. Yankees fans need about 30 years in the wilderness before they have ANY right to complain.

  359. We all remember this last name: Must be his kin?
    John Altobelli, Head Baseball Coach Orange Coast College on Championship Leadership – Sponsored by American Baseball Coaches Association
    First aired November 10, 2014 – Always remember…’As you think, so you play’
    Title: How do championships happen?
    * This is the sixth and final show in a series with the head baseball coaches of the teams that won their division: D I, II, II, CC and California CC plus the DI runner up. The core theme is this: a head coach must have strong leadership skills in addition to game know-how and technical skills/X’s & O’s player development. Championships do not occur randomly. They happen because the head coach has and uses sound leadership principles. Principles that are practiced and communicated daily team among assistant coaches players and other staff that work with the team.
    Tune in to hear Orange Coast head coach John Altobelli, share his brand and approach to leadership. A leadership formula that produced a perfect 9-0 postseason record and the school’s fifth state baseball championship (1956, 1960, 1980, 2009).
    John is in his 23rd season as the head coach of the Orange Coast baseball program with nearly 600 wins. He is only the 24th coach in the history of California Community College to reach 500 wins or more. John has been chosen four times as the Orange Empire Conference Coach of the Year. His enthusiasm and knowledge of the game have helped him turn the Coast program into a perennial favorite to compete for the conference championship. 5 year as assist coach at UC-Irvine.
    Hear the show three easy ways: Option One: The quickest way:
    A) Simply click on the quick link listed to your right
    B) You’ll be connected to http://webtalkradio.net/shows/championship-thinking-in-sports/
    C) The most recent show is ready to play, click on Play Now
    D) If you want to listen to an archived show, click on the archived show tab. Shows are listed by name in date order
    Option Two: Go to http://www.championshipthinkingcoach.com/. On the home page click on the show banner
    Option Three: Go to http://www.webtalkradio.net and click on Championship Thinking in Sports. REMEMBER
    All shows can be downloaded to your ipod for portable play

  360. “They Walk Among Us”
    Despite Low World Series Ratings, Advertisers Still Believe in Baseball
    Game 7 Will Help Fox Make Up Shortfalls From Ratings Guarantees
    By Jeanine Poggi. Published on October 29, 2014. 2 Reprints Reprints
    With the World Series poised to be one of the least-watched in history, Fox could use all the help it can get. And tonight’s game just might be it.
    As the showdown between Kansas City Royals and San Francisco Giants stretches into this last game, the network will get an opportunity to make up for any shortfalls in guarantees promised to advertisers.
    And despite the ugly ratings, advertisers still believe in baseball.
    The first five games of the series were watched by an average of 12.1 million viewers. That number lifts to 12.3 million when accounting for the audience from Fox Deportes.
    But Game 6 averaged 13.4 million viewers and an 8.1 rating among adults 18-to-49, making it the most watched game of the series so far. One ratings point is equivalent to one percent of TV households. Through game 6, the series averaged 12.3 million viewers. That number is lifted to 12.5 million when accounting for Fox Deportes.
    While several media buyers said their clients have received make-goods in the series, having both a game 6 and game 7 is expected to allow Fox to come out whole for most advertisers.
    Lackluster ratings don’t necessarily come as a surprise, as baseball has been on a downward trajectory. And having a team from a smaller market like Kansas City doesn’t help matters either.
    The World Series was also up against tough competition over the weekend, airing alongside both football and AMC’s “The Walking Dead.”
    The title for the least-watched World Series is currently held by the 2012 match-up between the San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers, which averaged 12.7 million viewers. In fact, no World Series since the 2004 matchup between Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals has averaged more than 20 million viewers.
    Despite softness in ratings in recent World Series, advertisers have been willing to continue to spend on the game. It cost advertisers about $520,000 for a 30-second spot in this year’s series, according to media buyers.
    “It is still a large rating; live sports, and extended series always have the opportunity for bigger numbers,” a media buyer said. ” We would certainly like to see the price come down, but there is still value in live games.”
    Compared to typical prime-time audiences, the World Series still delivers a decent rating. While the 8.0 rating Game 1 pulled may have been the lowest ever for a Game 1 in any World Series, few programs these days achieve an 8.0 rating, period, another buyer pointed out.
    Still, some media buyers view the sport as passé. “Baseball in general is a bit older and just not a high-priority sport anymore,” a third buyer said.
    The worst case scenario for Fox would have been a sweep. The Giants’ sweep of Detroit in 2012 cost Fox as much as $115.8 million in potential ad sales, according to Kantar Media.

  361. According to our inside insider, Panda was signed long ago. Details are leaking out- 10 years at 25 per year or 25 per year as long as he stays under 350 pounds..
    Arenado deserved it? That’s just backlash due to the Giants’ success. Next v victim to get the shaft- Bochy.

  362. Will the Raiders go 0-16 or will they win a game that should lose….

  363. Do you really think Belt should play somewhere other than 1st base?

  364. Aye yi yi, Uncle Leo…

    No Nick Cafardo today. He stood up “those KNBR clowns”.

    But, Bochy lobbying hard for Pablo, so maybe, just maybe…

  365. But Baseball is doing very well – lots of money pouring in. I think the problem is that people are really tuned into their team in their market and pretty much tune other teams. More so than other deportes.

  366. I know it’s crazy-talk, but can Mad Bum play left field when he’s not pitching?

    I’ll take replies off the air, time for a haircut.

  367. Joe Maddon believes in synergy as does Bochy, Sabean et al.
    Here we find a premeditated disheveled – Joe – wearing madras pajama’s and tussled hair in order to prove that it’s about what somebody does and says rather than the cover of the book.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HSgLKQDsQ0

  368. Nicky Caf may have felt the pressure of being grilled by Uncle Gary and Brain Dead Larry and thus he told Kate Scott that he had a bad connection.

  369. You should take replies on the run. There *is* a benefit to asking the question- we’ll know who is insane. “Yes” gets a room at Napa State Hospital.

  370. I actually wish they had grabbed Lincecum after 2012 so that now he would be their problem.

  371. re: Cosell

    It was nice to hear someone talk about #7 in a manner that Smurphy couldn’t cover his ears and say, “la-la-la-la-la-la” out loud.

    Fault is not all on #7, but he absolutely/positively needs to improve beyond just his talent.

    I’ve said for years now that the OL is the most over-rated in the NFL; especially in the passing game. When Alex was here (I’m not going down that path…), fans and others blamed Alex…even though Gore was always forced to stay in and block…eliminating the patented 49ers RB-in-the-sideline-flat outlet pass (ala Craig and Rathman)…because the OL couldn’t take care of teh pass rush on their own.. Finally…people are looking at the OL performance…and not a scapegoat.

    No Vernon Davis is not the issue today. This season…and last season…was the best set of WRs under the Harbaugh regime, so no excuses with regard to not enough capable people catching the ball. Yet…Vernon’s absence is the excuse. Hmmm…try winning an NFC Championship game with a #4 WR and a practice squad guy…and a still-can’t-separate #15.

  372. Seems impossible that Bumgarner isn’t considered one of the three best pitchers in the NL, ergo a Cy Young candidate. I know the ballots are cast before the playoffs (but the one game play-in should be considered), but it isn’t all about the numbers. Can anyone seriously try to convince me that Johnny Cueto is a better pitcher than Madison Bumgarner?

  373. You need to submit a list of your friends and what teams they root for. If the list is approved, you may gain entrance to “The Club”.

  374. My issue with the over-rating of the OL is that it happens via the media and the so called Pro Bowl tags put on various 49er O linemen, All we have to do is look at all the so called voted on NFL Pro Bowl Lineman throughout history to know and see that there are/were more lineman voted such – than there were winning teams. To equate it to baseball, the individual players who hit the most HR’s, drive in the most RBI’s and steal the most bases do not necessarily play on the best teams.

  375. Sounds like a plush stay. Wine with every meal? Bummed my barber was out for lunch. I’m mad-bummed about Sal the Barber.

  376. If Mad Bum is consciously saving himself for strength in the postseason, then he should concede the award every year. Let Kershaw or some other upstart spoil themselves over 162. Bum is Mr. October.

  377. I saw last night for the first time the HBO Real Sports piece on minor league players’ pay scale. Pitiful effort by MLB IMHO, raking in money hand over fist while these kids live 4-5 to a two-bedroom apartment and make less than minimum wage (when hours requested each day are factored into their monthly pay).
    .
    Fay Vincent (commissioner before Bud Selig for those who don’t know) is shown (not looking at all good) stating the truth–that most of these young men (probably 75-80% of them) are there only to play with the few players that have MLB potential, they have the opportunity to play organized baseball for a few years, and they should be satisfied with that. Tone deaf at the very least, by a representative of the industry, so to speak. With huge revenue streams pouring major money into MLB, it seems they are complicit in a conspiracy to make money from the sweat and toil of these kids.
    .
    Very interesting and informative journalism.

  378. Yeah, I know that feeling. I’ve been wearing my colors all around the ATL ever since last Thursday, and the few attaboy/way to go comments have been far outweighed by the grumbles and disdainful looks. You know what I have to say to that–probably the same things you say or do! As you say–it’s good to be King, and to throw out that Dynasty thing when appropriate. GIANTS!!

  379. If you’ve ever wondered what a healthy Hector Sanchez might fetch in a trade, the Angels traded Hank Conger to the Astros for just a couple of dudes.

  380. Would have paid to sit in Mezzanine to see that performance. What if Maddon had it planned all along out of respect for his *friend* Rick Renteria!

  381. Buster splits from 2014 1rst base v catcher. We all know his numbers are higher when playing first. It might surprise some as to where his average comes from for lefties v righties. His season average for 1B this year is not much different than in past years. When starting at first about 2/3rds of the games were the getaway day and 1/3 the games were the first in a series with a few spattered mid series games. It is clear getting Buster a couple of days off in a row from behind the dish is the intent and as such it is not necesarilly to target his bat for a lefty as the data will show.

    A rough cut from what I can get from 2014 from fangraphs for splits lefites vs righties at catcher vs 1B. Most of it was looking at how Buster did and where the pitchers lefties or righties.

    Summary 2014:

    Buster hit righties at appx 30 points higher playing first
    base than he did as a catcher.

    Buster hit lefties at 80 points higher when playing first than when catching.

    Buster actually appears to have batted more against right handed pitchers than left handed pitchers when playing first. This makes sens as many of his days at first are getaway days.

    . At 5 at bats of every 12 at bats against lefties. This is almost in line with facing 2 lefties every 5 games.

    Playing first against lefties Appx

    47 at bats

    17 hits

    .361

    Playing first against Righties Appx

    71 at bats

    24 hits

    .338 avg

    Overall First base

    118 at bats

    41 hits

    .347 avg

    At bats not playing first(primarily catch) against lefties

    121 at bats

    34 hits

    .281 avg

    At bats not playing
    first(primarily catch) against righties

    308 at bats

    95 hits

    .308 avg

    Overal batting not playing first

    429 at bats

    129 hits

    .301 avg

    Overal Avg for year

    547 AB

    170 hits

    .310 avg

  382. I’m talking back around 2009 or so when both were young, cheap, and good.

  383. 50 PA: Swing %
    100 PA: Contact Rate
    150 PA: Strikeout Rate, Line Drive Rate, Pitches/PA
    200 PA: Walk Rate, Groundball Rate, GB/FB
    250 PA: Flyball Rate
    300 PA: Home Run Rate, HR/FB
    500 PA: OBP, SLG, OPS, 1B Rate, Popup Rate
    550 PA: ISO

  384. This has to stop at the HS and College level first: “Smokeless”

    ​http://espn.go.com/boston/mlb/story/_/id/11754095/curt-schilling-not-hiding-scars​

  385. When will we get the “Giants win more games with Hector catching and Buster at first base” report? Apparently the Giants organization is OK with the three fourths of the season played with torture yet a 3/5 WS. That’s to say they not only got to the WS – but they won the WS.

    Plus Brandon Belt is one of the top defensive first baseman in all of baseball.

  386. Bummer. I’m saddened to learn of this. I was so looking forward to (hopefully) watching him in red & gold. That kid had some dazzle. I wish him well in whatever his future brings. Reminds me long ago, one of the very few college players I truly was excited to follow- from his college into his NFL career… LaVar Arrington. *sigh*

    College football players everywhere… Hope I don’t pick you next.
    My track record isn’t very lucky.

  387. Thanks for the piece. Great school. Good crew program there as well.

  388. Lincecum is a baseball-San Francisco-RockStar. So what he has a huge contract and can’t throw strikes. He single handedly bridged the gap between Bonds and this current future.
    Would not trade the experience for anything.
    Had you been a fan-factor since many generations of SF Fans – you would see it differently.

  389. We need a solution at 3B—I’m assuming the BoSox will outbid the Giants.

    Moving Buster to 1B would require moving Belt to the OF (not a bad option) or trading him.

    And 3B would still be a problem.

  390. They have tender him first. Otherwise the Angels can have him for nothing.

  391. New hypothetical: Would you trade Matt Duffy for one year of Matt Joyce?

    Probably could be done. TB wants to shave about 15M off their payroll. They spent close to 75M in 2014. They have “only” 51M in salary commitments, after shedding 24M in Shields and Bell. Problem is they have about 22M in arbitration cases. So yeah, they aren’t cutting payroll without cutting players… They only have four players set to make more than $6M next season.

    Joyce is arb-3 (my estimate is $4.8M). Getting Duffy *could* allow them to also unload Yunel Escobar for something else they need. Oops, they just extended Esky for 2/13M, but possibly want out already. That’s about $9M cut for 2105 right there.

    Personally, I’d prefer we trade “parts” for Joyce. Brown or Adrianza, maybe. With a 2nd prospect like Kontos or McCormick? Or Brett Bochy? Hector? Don’t know that works for them. But check Matt Joyce’s 2013 HR tracker chart. You can put the AT&T Park overlay on it. IMO, it’s definitely worth a looksee. You’ll have to select 2013 *and* AT&T Park yourself, dang frames.

  392. Yasmany…don’t assume the Giants are out of it. Lots of mention about the Giants early on (+ an Alou is the agent) and they were in on the last 2 Cuban guys…so you never know.

  393. Johnny Monell just tweeted he’s headed to the Mets.
    Good luck, dude! Close to home! Stay healthy.

  394. All along I’ve thought PHI or SEA. The experts were picking BOS earlier. He’s supposedly had private workouts in both PHI and BOS, among others. And was bombing them out in both parks.

    I would say that *IF* the Giants want to be in, we will get him.

  395. Yup, I’d read that. I’m not of the belief the Giants wanted to be all-in on Rusney Castillo. Which, I’m on record as being good with. I think he got way overpriced- we’ll see, eventually. I’m not even sure we came in 3rd in bidding. Another team reportedly went well over $60M, can’t recall… Maybe MIN?

    And I hold the belief that even if we could’ve signed Abreu, the Giants weren’t going that high- adding another year. Sabean can say all he wants about “being in” on these guys. I’m not believing it… YET. We’ll see.

    Holding showcases at our facilities isn’t necessarily a huge favoritism thing. It could merely be convenience of some sorts. I’ve already mentioned the Giants academy in the DR will hold another players showcase this Saturday. Frankly, I’d be shocked if we signed any of those 3 Cubans showcasing. YMMV. Cheers.

  396. Dodgers hire Farhan Zaidi, A’s asst. GM as General Manager.

  397. Beckham? Really? This is a .245 career hitter who is not trending in the right direction.

  398. I actually read that the Giants were “reportedly” the 2nd highest bidder on both Castillo and Abreu (probably in a Tomas article). This was *after* they had reached their budget limit, or so they say.

    If this is true, it almost seems like they have a budget for foreign players…and a different budget for their current roster. (This wouldn’t surprise me the way the Giants have smartly partitioned their entire money-making machine) With this in mind, it wouldn’t surprise me if this move happens after the Pablo decision (so Pablo’s team doesn’t use Tomas $$ as leverage) and the Giants sign him even if they get Pablo to return.

    I could be totally mid-reading the tea leaves, but would anyone complain about Giants limited-budget-speak if they signed this guy and still re-signed Pablo?

    BTW…I just read that Baer was in line for a $10M bonus from the ownership group if the Giants won the World Series. Yep…Together They’re Raking in the $$$

  399. IMO, *IF* the Giants sign both Sandoval and Tomas, there isn’t a “limited budget issue.” My concern has always been: will we surpass the CBT or not. If it means busting it to get the right players, or being creative enough where we stay well below it but still meet our needs. Then, I’m cool.

    I know reports said BOS came in about 5M short on Abreu. I read reports a 2nd team bid 60M+ on Castillo. We can differ in our judgements and opinions. And sources. Cheers.

  400. Yeah…based upon the reports you just mentioned…who knows “what” the truth is and “who” is providing the information regarding these Cuban guys. Clearly there is conflicting information out there 🙂

    After Puig’s early success with the Dodgers in 2013, MLB Team’s wanting to sign a Cuban ballplayer was almost like a Silicon Valley Exec wanting to secure a Tesla S automobile (when they first came out). Gotta have one!

    Getting (potentially) a stud player without giving up players or a draft pick isn’t too shabby either.

    Anyway…we’ll see…fingers crossed…and thanks for sharing your thoughts!

  401. I remember before 2009 when a Yankee friend of mine said that Lincecum might as well sign with NY, because he’ll never win with SF.

  402. We love Ted Barrett:

    Behind the plate for Cain’s perfect game
    At 3B for World Series Game 7 last week

    He’s our good luck charm!

  403. Reported from Red Sox owner John Henry himself to Rob Bradford of WEEI:

    “Red Sox owner John Henry told Bradford, via email, that the team’s near-miss on Abreu fueled the club’s aggressiveness on Castillo. Boston bid just $5MM less than the White Sox did to secure Abreu, prompting Henry to admit: “Yes, the financial aspects were impacted by coming close on Abreu. The White Sox did their homework.”

    Baggs and his “report” of the Giants coming in 2nd on Abreu. LOL. On Castillo, I think it was MIN or DET who bid 60M+. Sabean tried to “suggest” the Giants bid over 50M, but never outright said so. LOL. Just like “kicking tires” those words mean nothing to me. Cheers.

  404. Yanks would’ve coveted Cain. Not Lincecum. IMO. You ever have a chance to remind your friend of that conversation? I’m guessing, “yes.” Yes. Yes.

  405. Most of my friends who are Yankee fans are also Giant football fans, so, it’s obnoxiousness year round!

  406. OK, ‘splain me this: How do these two things go together? If the Phils trade their only good and healthy starter, they’re officially in full rebuild mode. Why sign Tomas for big bucks then if you’re going to be non-contenders for at least the next few years?

  407. They will tender him. He’s not going to be expensive in arbitration. Latte money.

  408. Free up a bunch of money. Get young players to help build their future lineup and pitching staff with.

  409. Tomas may need some AAA. And if he’s hitting dingers he’ll probably be putting butts in the seats.

  410. You could always play Buster at 3rd. Give him time to learn. Lots of catchers have made that transition. People like Johny Bench to more recently Pablo Sandoval and Josh Donaldson.

    Buster used to play shortstop so he is something of an athlete outside of needing to unhitch the cabooose. I might say that his athleticism is better than Pablos who took 6 years to become good at 3rd.

  411. Right and your point is he has enough to determine all that and more with his years at first base

  412. Just saw a Jayson Starks story that Affeldt did something extremely unusual: he pitched in every inning from the 2nd through the 10th inning during the postseason!

    Shows Bochy’s flexibility in the postseason & Jeremy’s versatility as a reliever.

  413. Bet she’s still fly fishing.
    “My first catch was a sea trout, and then I graduated to proper trout fishing on a dry fly and that is my real love; it’s so delicate, it’s the Mozart of fishing. It’s not just the thrill of catching something but being on your own with nature carrying on around you. Trout streams are my favourite, and I’ve fished in New Zealand and on the Mitchell river in Canada. I’ve never fished in India where my dad used to, but I’d love to.”

    http://tinyurl.com/ljd793z

  414. If you are going to try and pull a chain, try not to have it around your own neck unless you like erotic asphyxiations as turn ons

    995/992/993/993

    2011/2012/2013/2014

    That 993 places him at only 5 first baseman worse than him
    on MLB.com in all of Baseball. And the guy right below him at 992 is James Loney they guy you love to roast.

    That 993 placed him14th out of 21 in 2013

    That 992 in 2012 placed him 16th out of 18
    qualified fielders

    And of course that 995 placed him middle of the road.

    I do not see any elite in any of his years of service. Then again Agon placed 5th and second in MLB fielding over the past 3 years but he is a bad contract

  415. Indubitably, but in the grand scheme of things none of those stats matter. They probably held true in 10 when Huff was the first sacker, and in 12 when it was Belt, Huff and Posey and 14 when it was Belt, Posey, Morris, Arias, Hector and Ishi at first base. Have fun with you S&M ritual, I had never heard of it until you let us in on one of your secrets. Sweet!

  416. I am a bit annoying to these Yankee fans here since Jeter retired and they missed the post season again.
    Nice to kick them when their down!

  417. On June 6 2014, Bryan Murphy of McCoveyChronicles, wrote:

    The Dodgers won today and are now tied with the Giants for first place. The nine game lead is gone. The payroll is maxed out and the farm system is a nuclear wasteland, so there is nothing that can be done except watch them play out the rest of the season.

    If you dare.

    I dared.

    BTW, I note the guy who actually wrote “the farm system is a nuclear wasteland,” for McC, Chris Quick, hasn’t written anything, anywhere, in months. Guy must be depressed.

  418. That date can’t be right, can it? June 6 was right before they swept that weekend series with the Mets–and hit their high water mark of 22 games over .500.

  419. I just read Quick’s “nuclear wasteland” article. (from June 20, 2014) He called the Giants farm system a flat tire. He also said the Giants farm system is bleak. So very, very bleak. He started his article in an extremely classless way. I won’t repeat what he wrote.

    This is what he wrote about Joe Panik.

    Outside of these 10 prospects, Joe Panik is having a nice year for AAA Fresno, hitting .316/.378/.441. He’s still largely a singles hitter — 69 of his 91 hits have been singles — and he’s most likely a utility player at the majors. Considering the Giant’s issues at second base this year, it’s odd the team has never called him up, which might tell us how the team values Panik.

    P.S. I forgot to say that he said that the Giants farm system sucks.

  420. Am I the only one who is getting black type against a dark blue background on this site? Extremely difficult to read.

  421. I got that on my phone earlier. It’s normal on my iPad right now.

  422. Fielding percentage is hardly a accurate gauge of defensive prowess. From 2012 thru 2014, Belt is 5th in UZR, 5th in UZR/150, and 6th in Defensive Runs Saved among the 18 NL league 1st basemen with at least 1000 innings played during that time period.

  423. Shows what Quick knows. According to BB Ref, Panik’s major league debut was May 22!

  424. Got the call from the River Cats ticket rep today–we got our seats (the 1/4 season plan)! Section 117, third base (shade) side, 13 rows behind the River Cats dugout. Can’t wait!

  425. How cute! It’s like when we look at our babies HS graduation period pics.

  426. Great game…wait, did I miss it? I’ve been looking forward to it all day! How did Lee do? 🙂

  427. Maybe Mark 9:47, or Matthew 5:29 could be of assistance.

  428. You might have to add rehab stint reporter to your repertoire.

  429. Bring them reports on Blackburn, Blach, & Okert etc. We’ll be expecting them.

  430. This is how he finished his article.

    If only (43-29) there was (43-29) something that (43-29) could cheer us (43-29) up.*

    * Just for the record, I hate having this attitude. But I’m going to do it anyway because the farm system is a flat tire.

  431. Game starts at 7:30. (ESPN) Lee is supposed to play tonight.

  432. It isn’t right, of course. The Bums first pulled into a tie on July 3rd. We went back up by 1 the following day and played cat and mouse- up by a 1/2 or 1 or 2, down by the same numbers until the Dodgers took the lead for good on July 27.

  433. “I do not care if he faced more or less left handed pitchers as a first baseman.”
    Okay. Not much to talk about then.

    I still read your very hard to follow post. A couple things. I believe Buster Posey hits better when playing at 1b then catcher. I am not claiming that his numbers vs LHP is the main reason behind the numbers only that they may be a small factor over his career and could be a small bias in the numbers. I would like to know how much of a bias, if any, there is. Nowhere am I suggesting that all of his ABs at 1b are vs LHP.

    Also, you are missing the entire point. You are using some bizarre formula that is hard to read to come up with a number that doesn’t apply to this situation at all. We need to know how many ABs he took vs LHP while at 1b over his career. That is what I am trying to find out. I still don’t understand how you don’t get that. Trying to extrapolate his batting average doesn’t apply here. Did he face more LHP at 1b then catcher over his career is what it comes down to. You need the career stats for a larger sample size and also because Brandon Belt was injured most of 2014.

    Also a better stat to use is OPS. It is much more telling and more supporting to your case then Batting average. Batting average is really a flawed stat especially in small samples. OPS will only help your case. It is overall a much more informative stat. Recommend you use it.

  434. The CSN opening showed all the clips of fighting, pushing, dirty play, etc from last year’s regular season and playoffs between the Clippers and the Warriors.

    Wow – forgot just how chippy and nasty it got.
    I HATE LA.

    This will be a statement and rivalry game.

  435. I haven’t been to an NBA game since the 2007 “We Believe” playoffs. This year I’m getting to a game. I think NBA games are the most fun to see in person of any sport I follow.

  436. Panik was called up and made his debut the next day, Saturday, June 21. BB Ref says May 22 because of that suspended game that was completed on Sept. 1. Because of that, Panik, Duffy, and Susac all “officially” made their major league debuts weeks/months before they actually were called up.

    Wouldn’t it be hilarious if all three of them turned out to be Super Twos in a couple years because of that time machine stuff?

  437. Not sure I like that. Much rather see Ned Confetti or Josh Byrnes as GM. But the main player is still going to be Friedman you would think regardless of titles.

  438. Does it really work like that w/ regards to Super Two timing? I can’t believe it would.

  439. That’s because he played in the resumption of the Colorado game!!

  440. I quite frankly have given up trying to understand the Dodgers. It’s starting to remind of a Chicago law firm.

  441. For my 16th birthday my Dad took me to my first NBA game. It was the Warriors vs. the Celtics. The Celtics won 110 – 106. These are the players from that game.

    Boston:

    John Havlicek – 33pts
    Don Nelson – 20 pts
    Dave Cowens – 19 pts
    Jo Jo White – 16 pts
    Paul Silas – 14 pts
    Don Chaney – 4 pts
    Art Williams – 4pts

    Warriors:

    Nate Thurmond – 29pts
    Jim Barnett – 19pts
    Rick Barry – 17pts
    Cazzie Russell – 14pts
    Jeff Mullins – 12pts
    Charles Johnson – 10pts
    Joe Ellis – 5pts

    It was a great game. Warriors led by 1 at the half. The game was tied after 3rd quarter. Celtics pulled the game out in the last two minutes.

  442. Wow. Baer gets 10M bonus for the World Series! I wouldn’t mind if they added 10M to the payroll on top of what they expected or maybe even more. If I was the Giants I might wire Bum 3 Million and say there you go kid, don’t mention it.

  443. No, I was kidding. It’s service time that determines Super Two status, not debut date. Belt got a break (literally) in 2011 when his wrist was broken by a HBP while he was with the Giants. Six weeks of DL, all with the major league clock running.

  444. Nice to see Bogut back out there boarding and contesting everything. Also a good passer. He is a difference maker. Dubs look good. I like it

  445. Panik was the busiest of the three. He was the only one of the three to play on May 22. The 51’s played the Grizzlies on May 22. Susac had the night off. Panik went 1 for 3 (2B) RBI – R – BB – K. The Squirrels had the night off. I wonder if they got retroactive MLB meal money that night.

  446. The most confusing thing is that Casilla pitched in the May 22 game, even though he’d injured his hamstring making like California Chrome the night before and was on the DL.

  447. LOL. I seriously thought he might be done for the year after that or at least a good part of it. It looked really bad at the time. Surprised how quickly he came back.

  448. 1973. It was the 1972-1973 season. It was Barry’s first year back in the NBA.

  449. Warriors do everything well except hang onto the ball, too many appleturnovers! Turnover being the operative word.

  450. My favorite player back then was Sonny Parker and dont ask me why.

  451. If you dare… that dude has been whining about the Giants for years. The best is when they complain about the Giants being “hackers”. Because all the writers of MCC have taken OBP 101 you see… That whole crew of writers, and their most prolific posters… should go be San Diego Padre fans. That’s the team they deserve.

    They follow the farm pretty closely. And have totally wrong analysis constantly. The author Bryan Murphy, and the head guy, railed on Crawford constantly. Constantly. Just as Chris Quick and some others railed on Panik constantly, buying hook line and sinker the Keith Law utility guy label.

    They’re just weak. Weak fans, weak opinions, weak analysis. Occasionally funny though!

  452. Me too. Way he was writhing on the ground, I thought surgery and done for the year. Thank goodness it wasn’t that serious. Turns out we needed him–bad.

  453. I’ll take it Slik
    Aggressive turnovers
    They actually have an OFFENSE to run

  454. Dubs playing with tons of intensity. I feel they haven’t forgotten that playoff series.

  455. Redheaded freckled faced brother that could flat out play! My guys were Joe Ellis and Phill Smith and Fritz Williams.

  456. Even though he only threw 4 pitches or something in the World freaking Series.

  457. I’m quoting them, my position is well known. It’s a running joke.

  458. Jabari Parker is his son. Father and son first round draft picks. I like him. It’s too bad he came around when Barry, Wilkes and Gus Williams all left the team. Then the Warriors traded Robert Parrish and the 3rd pick of the draft for Joe Barry Carroll. The start of a long down hill slide. ;-(

  459. It was my understanding the Gints were one year down on the deal, but around the AAV. They were worried about the DH/1B aspect… foreshadowing what will happen with Pablo?

  460. Grant Brisbee’s prediction today:

    “If you asked me last month where Sandoval was going, I would have said Boston. Now that the Giants get to make money selling World Series Champions: The Board Game! and other assorted marketing windfalls, I’ll give them a 55-percent chance of retaining one of their homegrown fan favorites.

    Pablo Sandoval, Giants: 6 years, $118 million”

  461. Thanks so much for that link. Brought back a lot of memories.

  462. I don’t do much pretend GM but… In the last post season I suggested the Giants sign Shin-Soo Choo. He was only 30 and just had a .423 OBP for the year. Texas signed him for 7/130 and a first rounder.

    Shin-Soo Choo was barely above replacement level for the Rangers this season.

    Win some, lose some.

  463. Yeah, the trade was to the Celtics. A stinker of a trade.

  464. Thinking back on the Lyman Bostock piece, I remember when he took on the wall in Oakland. He was a Twin then. He was going back-hard- on a drive to left center. if he saw the wall, you would never have known it. He leapt for the drive while crashing into the wall. It was the worst I’d seen or probably ever will.. His left side took the full force of the collision. As I recall, about any body part on his left side was either broken or torn or horribly bruised- cheekbone, jaw, shoulder, elbow, hip, knee. It would not have been surprising if he died then. In what was trivial matter after the injury- he had caught and held onto the ball.. it was a small crowd and the noise from the wall when the “crash” happened was bone chilling as it echoed throughout the park. The stadium turned silent, and all baseball activity ceased. Again, I’ve never seen such a terrible collision and injury.
    When I read of his death in the shooting, I had a strange reaction- I thought of the afternoon in Oakland and how he could have died on the warning track then. Could it have been worse?

  465. And that 3rd pick turned into Kevin McHale – so it netted to JB Carroll for Parrish and McHale.

    I was with George Karl at a Giants fantasy camp 20 years ago. He went on and on about how uncoachable JB Carroll was.

    I called Carroll “no hands, no heart”.

  466. Giants farm system has been freaking incredible. I really hope Brown gets some playing time next year. I think he is a grinder at the plate.

  467. Giants need the following next year.

    1. A true left fielder.
    2. A replacement for Pagan if he breaks down (he will)
    3. A number 2 starter. Cain will be 3 and Hudson 4. With Peavy or Timmy at the back end.
    4. Sign Pablo … I don’t like him sometimes but you have too. Dude has been money in the playoffs. Sign him.
    5. Start the transition of Posey to first and Belt to left. Posey was just toast by the end of the year. You can’t have your best hitter exhausted. Make the change.

  468. I think my friends and I called him “Just Barely” or “Joe Barely”, I can’t remember which.

  469. They have a back up for Pagan They need a back up for Blanco

  470. If that’s the price for Sandoval I hope he enjoys his new home. Everyone expects Boston to be the team that’s going to throw a ton of money his way. From what I’ve been reading the Red Sox are moving away from long term contracts. They won’t be afraid to spend big money, they’d rather do it in a higher AAV than in extra years. This may take some time to play itself out.

  471. And god bless his heart the kid is not ready to play in the majors was the quote from the GM right after that re-affirming the accuracy of the quote

  472. I hear a future Jeopordy sports question there.

    Who were the 3 players on the Giants World Series Champions that had their first major league call up in June 2014 but made their official debut in May 2014?

  473. See what the slacker Hippie lifestyle of S.F. has done to Bumgarners style. He went from a nice mild manner farm boy haircut to a pothead ragmop like Timmy

  474. 1. A true left fielder, agreed.
    2. Pagan will break down, agreed. But I agree with Michael Scott, that they already have his backup with Blanco.
    3. A number 2 starter, agreed.
    4. Sign Pablo, agreed.
    5. Posey to first, disagree.

    1. Can a Perez/Ishikawa platoon work? I’m not too quick to think that it can’t. I know it doesn’t look “sexy,” but it worked in these playoffs. And I wouldn’t be so opposed to giving it a try for a month or two to see what happens, and adjust accordingly. The money has better places to be spent, like 3b and SP.

    2. With how well Blanco played in the playoffs, I wouldn’t be so bothered by him giving Pagan days off to try to keep him healthy. His body has proven to not be reliable over a full 162-game season.

    3. Larry Kreuger made a great point the other day. If you’re going to give Pablo a 5yr 100mil+ contract, couldn’t we sign a Jon Lester or Max Scherzer for the same amount? What would you rather have? A true ace to back up Bum and shore up the starting rotation, or an unreliable injury riddled inconsistent position player who after all, only hit .279 with 16 hr’s and 73 rbi’s. Hardly a resume worth that kind of contract.

    4. Pablo’s playoff and World Series numbers are great. But signing him based on postseason numbers is assuming they’re going to make the playoffs every season. I know it’s starting to seem easy, but it’s not that easy to get to where they’ve been these past 3 out of 5 years. Especially with the Bums in the division.

    5. I’ve said it before, Buster Posey is a catcher. He wants to be a catcher. He’s the best player on the field. He chooses to play catcher because he knows he’s the best, and wants to run, call, dictate the game. The Giants win none of these 3 world series without him behind the plate. It wasn’t a coincidence that he got all that “time off” by playing first base for the latter parts of the season, only to catch every game of the postseason. Offensive numbers be damned. He takes us to the promised land every time, and he does it from behind the plate.

  475. NO to platoon in left field. See 2013. Doesn’t work. Blanco is a 5th outfielder. Perez is not the answer either. I’m all for signing Jon Lester or Scherzer.

    As for Posey. Susac is going to be awesome. Move Posey to another position. Especially if you lose Sandoval.

  476. Blanco is a 5th outfielder? He just started CF for an entire postseason and won a title. That’s kinda cutting him short don’t ya think?

    And I’m not saying Perez is the answer, but you can’t have everything at the same time. They got a big time free-agent third baseman and a shaky starting rotation. Some corners will need to be cut.

    And again, with Posey, for like the umpteenth time, we don’t win titles without Posey behind the plate. I really don’t understand all the exuberance for him to leave that position when he’s been the one constant for all three world championships.

  477. Thats why i liked him because he was an unusual looking brother, thats it!

  478. Yep, the pastor wasn’t smart enough last yr to put together a good offensive scheme for the dubs. He’s right where he belongs now talking 4 a living. Just my 2 cents.

  479. This just in:
    from ESPUnk/FaauXSports/Deportes de la Cebolla.
    Elected by International Acclaim, Manager of the Year, 2014:

  480. This just in:
    from ESPUnk/FaauXSports/Deportes de la Cebolla.
    Elected by International Acclaim, Manager of the Year, 2014:

  481. (Continued)… Matt Moore 3 + Yasmany Tomas 13.5 = 16.5M. That leaves $11M. Because I believe Casilla would be involved in a trade for Moore, Casilla’s 5M salary is removed. Now, $16M to spend… sign Andrew Miller 9.5M (4/38M?). $6.5M left to spend. Maybe Romo? IMO, the best of all worlds.

    Some awesome things about this: we get youth in Tomas & Moore, a 2nd LH in our rotation, we have a 2nd LHRP (Miller) set for when Affeldt’s contract expires after 2015, we don’t even lose our draft pick. Perfect.

    pagan, panik, posey, belt, pence, tomas, crawford, duffy 3B?

    bum, cain, moore, huddy, timmy
    petit, machi, lopez, hall?, affeldt, ROMO?, miller

    Otherwise, what? Pablo + about $7M to spend on #3 starter, LF, bullpen, and depth? Or Callaspo or Lowrie at 3B? Headley? Duvall? Kang? Or an untrustworthy rotation of:
    Bum- Cain- Huddy- Timmy- #5 Vogey or prospect?

  482. Sabean was on 95.7 The Game and spoke clearly about payroll & Sandoval.

    We’ve got about $144 million committed toward next year’s team [including arbitration eligible players]… We’re not going to blow the budget up… We’re putting [Sandoval] first, everything else is on the back burner…

    Using my numbers, they add up. I’m using $142M as my estimate for 23 players (incl. Scutaro). Swap Ishi and/or Hector in for cheaper guys, or add a 1M+ minor league contract to keep either of them? There’s your 144M. Here’s “actual” 2015 payroll (*not* as it applies to the CBT). Sub-total $135.9M + Scutaro 6 = $141.9M:

    pagan 9, panik .52, posey 16.5, belt 4.25, pence 18.5, _(3B)_, _(LF)_, craw 2.9
    BENCH: arias 1.45, duffy .52, blanco 4.2, _(OF prospect .52)_, susac .52

    bum 6.75, cain 20, _(#3 starter)_, huddy 12, timmy 18
    petit 4.2, _(open)_, machi .55, lopez 5, _(prospect .52)_, affeldt 5, casilla 5

    You can subtract .52 for OF prospect (Perez/Brown/other) and insert Ishi 1.4, then add a MiLB contract of 1.15 tendered to Sanchez? TOTAL = 143.93M. As payroll applies towards the Competitive Balance Tax, figure this 144M = 161.5M CBT Total. That’s just the reality- it does.

    Your absolute spending cap is 27.5M for the ENTIRE season.

    3B, LF, #3 starter, bullpen, and depth. $27.5M to spend. Or bust the CBT.

  483. I think the Giants and Pablo will find a way. Larry Baer said, “Pablo’s a huge part of the family.”

  484. What you are basically stating is the heavy burden of a few large contracts (Cain Posey Pence TimmyL ) and a few medium range contracts (Hudson Pagan) and then the traditional low medium range (Lopez Affeldt Scutaro Casilla) has basically hamstrung the Giants ability to go after free agents.

    This when they need as you note t 2 position players and potentially another starter to replace Vogelsong and a reliable closer for Romo. That is not much when Pablos market is well north of $15M and Peavey wants similar coin in the $14M per year range. Better hope some of the minor leaguers are ready to make the jump.

  485. Awesome! I’ve been listening to Eric Clapton station on Pandora lately. Get your kazoo tuned up. You’re alright, GFFI.

  486. This sounds absolutely right- that they’d have 25-30 million. Half way between that is your # (The Number). I’ve always been partial to “Actual Payroll”. Seems like a 10% increase on the actual payroll is about as high as they can muster. A 10% increase lands right about the same place. How about that?

  487. Timmy’s $18M pushes us over the edge for 2015. But overall, it isn’t hamstrung by others like Posey, Pence, or Cain, IMO. It’s a *good* thing to be able to afford to keep them The alternative is what CIN, KC, MIL, PIT, TB and others ALWAYS have to do. Let them leave, break up the core.

    I’d contend we need 1-2 young players at cost-controlled long-term salaries to progress forward. Without truly being “hamstrung.” Maybe the Giants traded Wheeler, expecting Crick to be our guy. Maybe we used one-year deals in LF while expecting Brown, Peguero, Kieschnick, Perez, Parker, or another to become our starter. Might’ve traded Hembree thinking we had our guy in Strickland anyways.

    Seems like we’ve lost on more than a few hedged bets for our cost-controlled core. Good thing Panik showed up. Jury is still out on Susac and Duffy, but things look good there, too.

  488. I can’t imagine Pablo not being at third base. Diving, stopping fast-moving ground balls from whirling into left field, throwing like lightning to first base. The quick, powerful, accurate throws, and the catches! Running over to the dugout to get under a pop-up, looking up, being mindful about where he is, suddenly flipping his big body over the dugout rails, sticking the landing like an Olympic gymnast, then popping up out of the dugout with his arm held high, ball in his glove.

    In the 2014 postseason, Pablo had 26 hits in 71 at-bats. That broke the single-postseason record of 25 hits by this trio: David Freese (2011 St. Louis Cardinals), Darin Erstad (2002 Anaheim Angels) and Marquis Grissom (1995 Atlanta Braves), according to ESPN stats.

  489. Sandoval will hit .300 next year. Book it. Unfortunately, can’t book it that he’ll be a Giant 🙁

    But if he does go somewhere else, it might as well be Boston, or San Francisco East.

  490. As I said to Vegas below, I think the Giants and Pablo will find a way. Larry Baer said, “Pablo’s a huge part of the family.” Pablo wants to stay.

  491. $144M is right about where we started for 2014. We shed about 27M in Sandoval, Vogey, Romo, and Morse for 2015. A bit more if we non-tender Gutierrez and/or Sanchez. But we’re adding about 20M+ in additional arbitration salaries and raises over 2014.

    Our core guys are getting pricey. And older.

  492. I think it’s going to be difficult to outbid the Phillies for Tomas.

  493. That might be. But any smarts at all between he and his agent… And they wouldn’t touch Philly. Get another team to match, they will.

    Just might be us. If the Giants want him, I think we get him.

  494. The Giants want him, but probably nowhere near the suggested 100 mil price tag. Risk is risk. Can you imagine being stuck with a .230/.290/.400 hitter for 7 years at 9 figures?

  495. I think it needs to be done soon while the afterglow is still fresh. The longer this stretches out, the more likely he sets sail.

  496. Sign Sandoval for about 20 mil. Sign Wandy Rodriguez for a few mil on one of those pillow/build value contracts. Then maybe there’s enough for a guy like Chris Denorfia plus a cheap reliever like Gutierrez.

  497. I think that 18M is too much lettuce for a set-up pitcher (I doubt Timmy will be reinstated as a starter). If so, it would be better to get rid of him.

  498. IMO, it’s a far better assumed risk to take than Pujols’ or Cano’s 240M. Prime years is a better gamble than past performance on a 32 year-old, IMO. At about half the AAV. Far easier to write-off the difference of $6-8M-ish to replacement level than keep a guy like Ryan Howand playing.

  499. I’m not a big believer in coincidences.

    LAA breaks the IFA bonus pool. Now they’re all-in for Moncada to eventually replace Aybar or Kendrick.

    COL is listening on CarGo. They move him, you can bet they’d go after Tomas. Yikes!

  500. I agree… But what to do?

    Unfortunately, Timmy’s $18 mil is already guaranteed. He won’t simply be released by the Giants. Trading him is near impossible. He’s either in the rotation or bullpen. I expect Bochy gives him a shot at starting. Oh well.

  501. Warriors new sideline reporter is extremely ez on my eyes and she’s a Stanford grad i understand and a sista.

  502. Leo the Lip, still knockin out that early morning coffee? I had a cup of joe for the first time in 3 years on Tuesday at a Starbucks in Pleasanton and omg was it delish.

  503. Some tidbits from Buster Olney’s pay-wall column. He argues that Hanley Ramirez would boost his market value by saying he’s ready to be a corner outfielder (!), and then THIS:

    The Giants could be in the market for a left fielder, with the departure of Mike Morse, and if Pablo Sandoval leaves as a free agent and Ramirez was vetted by the San Francisco veterans, maybe he could help the Giants.

    !!!!!!!

    Also this:

    Not surprisingly, the Giants are interested in reinvesting in Jake Peavy, who pitched well for San Francisco in the last two months of the regular season.

  504. Oh goodness NO! Please be wrong Olney. I’m not even sure where Hanley has a market. But not here!

    All along I’ve expected the Giants planned to retain Peavy. I’ve had my worries about what his future performance will be like. But maybe after the playoffs? I’d be grateful if Sabean & Bochy re-think this one. Let him go! Dream big, right?

  505. Hi Dr Lefty, finally got tired of my tea drinking ways so now im back in the coffee club. I’ll take it slow at first and then I’ll get a little more sophisticated with my choices, gotta hv fun with it and try different flavours right? Now i have to find myself a cheap little coffee maker this weekend.

  506. Try this one, best coffee in Italy, hence all over the world

  507. Olney is completely out of touch with the Giants. Nobody in the org will talk to him after his hit piece on Sabean not returning phone calls back in 2010. He’s a Doyer fan from Vermont casting around for something to write about. A bitter Doyer fan…

  508. This is why you keep scrapping on LF, hoping that the next wave will be here soon. Williamson, Horan and Carbonell could pull a Panik. He also mentioned Blach by name as a guy who might come correct next year.

  509. true left fielder will come from the farm, or not. The Giants have the best replacement starter for Pagan in the game already. There is nobody out there to acquire in CF. SS’s and CF’s are rare as hen’s teeth, and every team hoards them and demands absolute knock down ransoms.

    A #2 starter? That is also rare as hen’s teeth, and crazy expensive. Giants aren’t going to go chase Lester or Shields. That has to come from within as well.

    Resource scarcity. Its a bear.

  510. I think that Peavy is a very viable option- but not at the 14 mill per that he is alleged to be seeking.

  511. I’d be shocked if Timmy wasn’t in the starting rotation to begin the season. There isn’t a better alternative for him.

  512. like Deion Sanders once did, let’s all tell this scumbag Doyer fan Onley: “Keep writing like that your whole life and you’ll always be a loser.”

  513. pacman thinks the Giants will never win a World Series with Blanco playing regularly.

  514. Silver Slugger awards tonight, Bumgarner sure thing for Pitchers, Posey for Catcher could be tight with, Mesoraco, and Lucroy.

  515. Hazlenut? Well OK, if you add it, it must be good.
    I had thought it might be a chick item 🙂 but now I will try it if Slik uses it!

  516. These days, starving for baseball, I’m viewing on MLBTV all the Giants games (condensed) of the last season. Sorry, but Timmy really sucks. No place for him in the rotation IMHO, but remembering his past glorious seasons, couldn’t be more happy to be wrong about that.

  517. I about died laughing at the idea of Hanley Ramirez being the Giants’ new left fielder. So, so many reasons why that will never happen:

    1) He’s never played left field. Just because we put Ishikawa out there in the World Series doesn’t mean we’ll pay top dollar for a (bad) SS who’s never played there in his life. Ishi at least had played OF in the minors.
    2) He’s injury-prone and over 30. We already got an outfielder like that (see Pagan, Angel).
    3) He will want a LOT of money.
    4) He’s an ego-driven brat and a bad teammate. Exactly the kind of guy the Giants DON’T get.

    I think ol’ Buster had to be one toke over the line when he wrote that one! Or maybe he was just trolling us.

  518. I agree. Let Peavy go. I value the work he did after Cain went down, getting the Giants to the tournament. I value what a positive guy and teammate he seems to be. But if he wants 3+ years at $14+ per–no thanks. Not worth it. Time to see what Blach or Blackburn can do for league minimum.

  519. HA! to Hanley. Maybe the Red Sox go there (back there) if they can’t get Sando.

  520. I still remember after the 2011 season, when the Giants had stellar pitching and no hitting, Mitch Williams on MLBN suggested they trade Bum to the Marlins for Hanley because the Giants had Lincecum and Cain and didn’t need Bum.

    …shudder…

  521. Muy Bonita!

    I thought Fitz was out of line (shocker) and disrespectful after Bogut’s gentle and subtle misdirection on his chat about Griffin when she asked. But, that little fella has lot’s of ego issues, and might be one of the reasons Barnett almost bolted.

  522. Don’t worry, he’ll be here at third base. Buster will catch, Belt will be at first. Romo is likely to stay, Homer Strickland took care of that… we really won’t see an influx of newbies- that already happened. With Pagan, Belt, and Cain back after missing significant portion of this year; with Panik and Susac and maybe Duffy here for a full year, I don’t expect much change- and why should there be? Kontos or J.C. and a youngster in the pen will round out that unit, Brown may battle Perez for the 5th OFer spot, Blanco will probably get most of the starts in LF with either Morse, Ishi, or an acquisition manning the 4th spot. . I think that they’ll go after Peavy or another free agent starter, with Vogey as the fall back. So there you have it IMO- maybe a new reliever or two, a starting pitcher, and perhaps an outfielder.
    Again, this just my opinion of course. But a realistic one.

  523. 6. A fourth ring in six years to finally make Chavez Ravine sink into the ocean

  524. The Red Sox can have him as a consolation prize when Pablo signs back with the Giants.

  525. Griffin is such a punk..refusing to shake hands pre-game is extremely immature. Every other player on the floor was mature enough to shake -a simple tradition of sportsmanship – yet Griffin doesn’t .

    He needs some Mama Bear Lefty Shaming in my book

  526. No on Wandy. Let’s stick to Panik and his magic wandoo. That’s plenty for me.

  527. Mitch “Wild Thing” Williams, perhaps? That Williams that gave up a walk-off home run in a World Series game? Hu ho ! Another so-called “expert”.

  528. Cuz he was so pretty?

    I loved his game…my favorite in the earlier era was smooth Joe Ellis

  529. He’s *exactly* the type of guy I had hoped LAD would hire as their new GM. Oh well. lol.

  530. I think you are stuck with Cowbell Overload now that the Kings started hot. Best of luck with that

  531. I haven’t read this anywhere, but here’s a wild prediction of mine. Hanley could get LESS in his contract than Pablo. Yeah.

  532. I haven’t caught a Warrior game yet- is she actually good? Or just window dressing?

  533. Which brings to mind one of my greatest in-stadium one liners…in 2009 , Bengie took Bailey deep, and in a quiet moment after the cheers subsided, I yelled “Your parents must have known your future, Homer!”

    Chuckles and cheers followed

  534. Not ideal, but with limited pool to address a starter, need to find cheap reclamation project – maybe someone that could possibly net 80-100 IP, or just bridge the gap to Blackburn/Blach.

    But Sandoval money could be used to upgrade rotation with nice pool of mid-tier arms.

  535. Warriors games are awesome. The very best. Fans get so hyped over just one incredible play… You can *feel* the crowd’s energy build while an outstanding play is still developing. If there are a couple in a row? Whoa.

    Every Dubs fan should be lucky enough to go watch a game live. It’s so amazing.

  536. I always love our guys to have a shot, it’s fitting. I just worry about too many question marks clustered in our rotation:
    Huddy to Timmy to Black/Blackburn? Uhhhhhhhh.

    It’s much like when our 6 hitter was Blanco, a nobody 7th, and Crawford 8th. It weakens everything. Much too much, IMO.

  537. I’d like to see Parker find 40+ PA’s in a month next year. Then, yeah, we’ll have to see about the youth. Here’s to hoping. So, Blach might get a shot, eh? Thanks for the heads up.

    BTW, I’m glad you like Ragira. Me too! That would be huge if he can keep trending upward.

  538. My opinion: fine silk window dressing…very raw in her delivery, but seems really pleasant and eager. I hope she does well, as she has a very friendly air about her. Last night was a bit rough on delivery and then Fitz was a little stinky a z z to her

  539. Blanco had 66 AB in the 6th. He hit .288.365 OBP .880 OPS.

  540. End of year Presser at ATT today
    Baer – Sabean & Bochy
    Comcast/KNBR ?

  541. Blach and/or Blackburn might get a shot at competing for the 5th spot but I’d think that Petit and/or another vet or two would have the inside track. Not that I’d be adverse to Petit continuing in this year’s role and one of the youngsters on board if a veteran starter is too expensive.
    IMO.

  542. Unfortunately, I think you can “book it” that his weight will go up after this new contract. Bochy treats him like a son and has the credibility to get him to lose weight…if he goes to Boston…all bets (and belts) are off.

  543. AFL top pitching velocities.

    https://i.imgur.com/ew3b80l.png

    If there is any way to lay their hands on this San Mateo kid, Sammy Tuivailala (STL), the Giants need to try. He will be a monster prospect. They’ve had him at 6’3″, 195# for three years. He’ll be 6’5″, 250-60# when he grows. This kid is good enough to be Cy Young’ing in 3-4 years. He may be the RH bookend to Bumgarner.

  544. That Cardinals farm system produces arms that tickle the radar gun, don’t they??

  545. This guy has been throwing like this since he was 15-16, and nobody noticed. The Cards took him as a SS, not a pitcher…but he went ‘Morse’ on them and grew. You know Nata nose guard with the Ravens, same extended family. Not close relatives, but similar athleticism. Throws everything from the stretch, doesn’t need a windup. Leo knows him and may, actually have coached him (?). He’s in high A, because the Cards are hiding him, sneaky bast**rds. If they have a slow year, he may be moved fast. He needs a changeup/offspeed for LHB,. He’s targetted as a reliever in their system, which would be a massive mistake. He needs Righetti’s tender loving care.

  546. Exactly.

    The Giants have been surprising good in the draft once they moved away from the Barry Bonds paradigm (reload vs rebuild). There may be an in-house solution.

    They could also try an Ishi/Domiguez platoon.

  547. I hope so, but I’m not sure. I think the BoSox are going to go full scale bidding war on Pablo.

  548. If only it were that easy. I have a feeling Boston will go above $20 a year, 6 years.

  549. If you let the first one run out, you’ll see a choice of Ramblin’ Jack and Arlo Guthrie doin’ SFBB on the latter half of the cut. Haven’t seen Jack since he did a gig in Sausalito many many moons ago. I enjoyed it. Meaning this one and the one in Saus.

  550. Wow! 97 Ks in 60 IP (27 BBs) in 2014. Me thinks STL will hang on to him but could surely use him as trade bait.

  551. Cheap little coffee maker will defeat the goal of making good coffee. After 20+ years of searching (this includes a real Italian espresso machine, a French Press-Melior and several Melitta set-ups) I’ve come on to the best method after reading several things on making perfect coffee. And a cheap automatic coffee maker is NOT the way.

  552. The device, his own in vent ion is called “fotdella”. Described as such:
    “As a one-man band, Fuller’s problem was how to supply a more substantial accompaniment than the typical high-hat (cymbal) or bass drum used by other street musicians. His solution, the fotdella, was a foot-operated percussion bass, consisting of a large upright wood box, shaped like the top of a double bass. Attached to a short neck at the top of this box were six piano bass strings, stretched down over the body. The means to play the strings consisted of six piano or organ foot pedals, each connected to a padded piano hammer which struck the string.”
    Awe-inspiring, and all performed and invented about 60+ years ago.

  553. The notion of bring in Wandy Rodriguez on a cheap deal to help bridge the gap to the Blackburn’s and Blach’s of the world did not sit right with a few GE tummies.

    In the event that Sabes does need a cheap alternative or two (because Sandoval is signed) to give depth to a rotation that includes Bumgarner, Cain, Hudson, Petit, & Lincecum…

    …why not bring back our old friend Barry Zito on a cheap deal?

    May just need a body for 60-80 innings so that Blackburn or Blach aren’t rushed and have to time become more finished products and learn how to pitch to the more advanced hitters in AAA (there’s still a chance they won’t cut the mustard).

    Food for thought in the realm of fake GManship.

  554. By any chance, did you get a weird feeling about Peavy during the parade? It was almost like he was emotionally non-committal and in “hired gun” mode. Now he’s talking about a package deal for him + Lester. I know it’s posturing/marketing by a FA, but as much as I liked him during the regular season…I get this feeling that he thinks he’s too good for “us”. Thoughts?

  555. And, he’s WS proven. ‘Course so’s Aubrey Huff. But they seem to have second base covered, so they’ve got that.
    Which is nice.

    Can’t get enough good pitching..

  556. Having said publicly, he’d enjoy going to the Cubs with Lester, you’re surprised.

  557. I wish someone would re-post the article on Pablo’s agent and how HE’S looking for a payday too, after screwing the pooch earlier.

  558. @leothelip

    You don’t get to decide my “fan factor” good old senile Leo, I grew up in the City, not some suburb, saw mays play the outfield and my favorite all time giants then were Bonds (the dad) Spier and Fuentes.
    Now to your argument….It smells of cheerleading blind fandom, put down your pom poms buddy.
    Yes I’m aware of what TL has done but that is no reason to rationalize 35MM over two years in exchange for 2 no hitters and not much else. While no hitters are nothing to laugh at and yes are an accomplishment, they are mean nothing in the big picture of rationalizing the contract. This for a pitcher that pitched only what? 1.5 innings this WS because there is no trust in him.

    Now we are stuck needing $$ for starting pitching and the contract is handcuffing the team and will into this year. The team is thinking of giving him another shot to start? Please that is purely out of need to get anything out of the money not because he merits the opportunity.
    That being said, yes TL deserves a big place in Giants lore, but I saw players like Mays, Clark, Matt Williams leave and while it hurt, new ones come. If TL had left after 2012, we would have been fine.

  559. My question is if we are so good at drafting and developing pitchers, how diid this homegrown kid slip by in the draft? While were at it, we let Finnegan slip one spot ahead of Beade, who looks to have trouble throwing strikes.
    We are stuck with no real pitching help in the minors drafted by out team past AA, which is a big problem. Seems only real great arm developed after MadBum was Wheeler and we know where he is.

  560. IMO, assuming it’s a serious question…the Giants like many clubs have tended to college players because they have the view they make it quicker to MLB or out the door. Sammy was just out of HS, and had a full ride at a CA college, but opted for pro baseball right out of HS late in the game as a SS. Even the Cards missed his arm, he wasn’t drafted as a P.

  561. We be over estimating what Pablo would get in free agency. Other teams must have the same concerns about his conditioning that are expressed here. It may not affect the dollars but might lessen the years that would be offered. That would put us in a favorable position.

  562. There’s an easier way. Invest in a burr grinder, a thermometer and a filter method and a thermos pot.

  563. Note: unless you can control the time and water temp you’re wasting time and money.

  564. He and Lester are sort of Pancho and Lefty from their tenure with the Red Sox apparently. He offered up the Cubs comment unprompted in an interview, so I suppose he’s serious.

  565. It surprised me went as a SS. He could throw the ball through a 1B as a kid. The kids had to pad their 1B mitts.

  566. The Name Game:

    “If the first two letters are ever the same,
    drop them both then say the name,
    Like Brian – Brian Brian faux Ryan,
    Bananafana still fryin,
    Brian.
    Or Ryan, it’s the Naaaame game.”

    Something like that.

  567. Lincecum and Zito in the starting rotation. Aren’t we a bunch of sentimental loyal saps? But no… it actually does make some sense. If they have to break the bank to keep Pablo (which I kinda wish they’d rather do for a top notch free-agent SP instead) that wouldn’t be such as crazy an idea as it sounds on the surface.

  568. HaHa @ Senile Efrain. Join me 3 times per week during the off season and 6 times per week in season @ 530am to do field work at our regulation baseball diamonds. Ha, parents and players can’t show up without 9 ours of sleep for the assignments on Sat/Sun in the Fall. HaHa senile, let’s bring on your input.
    *You, somebody wh gets hot when IMO is used, so thay it doesn’t come off as finite!?!

    Saw Mays play CF like a Violin, still see him at Menlo Golf and CC. BobbyB was amazing. Functional raging alcoholic his entire like. Barry brought mom Pat to the parade, the family glue. Brother Ricky could not stay straight and Bobby Jr. Had more raw skill than Barry, minus Barrys work habits.

    Lincecum is a Giant. Having to explain it one week after game 7 means you live in a fantasty-video laden world.

  569. No way.

    a) Leave his lasting legacy with the Giants (last playoff/WS run) as-is. The page has been turned and as much as he mentions it…I would be very surprised if a MLB Team picks him up in 2015.

    b) “We’re the Giants, we’re San Francisco, and we’re the World Champions!” Sorry, my inner-Krukow. 🙂 My point here is we are the World Champions and there should be a group of pitchers (having a bad 2014, coming back from an injury, etc.) that the Giants can choose from. Look at what the Pitching Whisperer did to turn Peavy around…

  570. Parker cut down on his K%, but he was repeating the Eastern. (hey, repeating the Eastern ain’t that much of a knock – Craw and Juan Perez did it!) I’ve never liked those K%’s or his batting stance, but he does put up ISO’s in the 170s and 180s, draws walks. I have a hard time seeing Parker break the 240 BA mark in the show though.

  571. haha, his “legacy.” The only legacy Barry Zito has is being the worst free-agent signing of all-time. Anything he can do positively for the Giants he should be obligated to do, which shouldn’t exclude eating up some innings in 2015.

  572. Ryan Vogelsong has two rings, pitched 32 starts with a 4.00 ERA, put together 15 QS for a 47% rate, got the “Cained” treatment on run support award for the year, and ate 180 IP plus for the third time in 4 years for the French Vanilla. Yet again he’s going to be the last man onto the roster… But I’ll take him every day of the week over Wandy Rodriguez, who hasn’t pitched a big game in his life. He wasn’t as effective as his 2011-12, but he put up positive WAR, earned his 5MM. Give him another contract, call it a day.

    Or go big on Justin Masterson.

  573. that’s what I’m saying. Wandy Rodriguez comes to mind – although he’s been out for the last couple of years. There should be others I can’t think of yet. Guys that may cost 1-6 mil. Shoestring budget types.

    I can just hear somebody say: why not bring back Barry for cheap, he’ll eat innings.

  574. how it all shakes out will be Barry interesting – sorry – very interesting.

  575. I’d say Vogelsong did well enough to pitch for 10 million next year. Which Giants can’t seem to afford if Sandoval. Masterson is probably in that 10-12 mil range also.

  576. 10mil for Vogey!? (In my best high-pitched Radnich voice). That’s insanity. Every time I watched Vogey pitch this season was like getting a tooth pulled, even the good starts. He nibbles more than Livan Hernandez’s dog. He drives me nuts. Thanks for the memories Vogey, you’ve been great. Now go back to Japan.

  577. OK…don’t disagree. With that said,, Giants don’t win it all in 2012 without him. I think most Giants fans will always remember him for that…and as some have said over the radio…he won’t ever have to pay for a drink/dinner in SF again. That wouldn’t be the case, without 2012…and your assessment would be the only thing people/fans would remember about him.

    The ending of the ending of the story turned out good…so he/Giants should leave it that way 🙂

  578. Rough stuff, but these guys are making $hit tons of money in spite of being a bit worn down and what-not. Look no further than Dan Haren and the nice deal Huddy got. Of course there’s Lincecum too. As long as there is an anticipation that an arm can be relied upon for 180 inning of 4ish ERA, they can cash in.

  579. I don’t think he’d get that. I think he’s looking at the same contract as the past 2-3 years, and he’s headstrong enough to wait for the Giants to get around to their other business because he wants to pitch in SF for a third ring. He wouldn’t let go of that trophy for the world night of the series. That’s a hometown discount.

    Vogey does take his time on the mound. But as a 5th starter, you know what you’re going to get.

    I do think Peavy will get 2/24MM with relative ease, and I think that prices him out of the Giants range. Plus you know, the… postseason.

  580. Vogey knows this is the end of the road. He’ll be thanking the gods if the giants re-sign him, and if they do, it better be at a hometown discount

  581. LOL. Casey Janssen told Jim Bowden at ESPN that he’d like to pitch for the bummers. Even if it’s just a set-up role.

  582. Of course. Us Giants fans know what he did in that game 5, we’ll always remember the #RallyZito movement. And don’t get me wrong, I love him for it. Unfortunately the rest of the baseball world won’t. He’ll always be remembered for that contract, and the performance afterward. One playoff start can’t overshadow it.

  583. Vogey was cranking the heat… for about 3 innings. He still has a little left in the tank. But I do think teams will be ruthless about his age, and he’s looking at a 5-6MM jobby, not 10MM. Masterson had velocity issues last year, and did bomb in his St. Louis try out. I guess teams would have to get a comfort level on whether it was a knee injury or its something more lurking.

    The Giants need a high velocity high strikeout pitcher. Those are hard to find. They do have 3 in their farm though: Crick, Beede and Mella. I am afraid it’s time to bust out the duct tape for the old red a$$ vets, one more year… and pull the trademark Sabean line out: “Hope like hell”

  584. Well, yes it is. And I’m not as sold on Panik in the 2 as most everybody else is. It’s a case of “well, that’s how it’s always been.” But it won’t be that way for long. More and more managers will begin to see that old ways are not necessarily the best ways. If he is able to maintain his .300 BA, I’m fine with him in the 2, but I suspect that he’ll settle in at .270 or so and predominately a singles hitter. That’s just not what the new breed of 2 will require. IMO.

  585. oh.. apparently he was a closer for the blue jays? Wow… I take pride in my ignorance of the American League (or as Willie Mays would say, “Little League”) Especially the East.

  586. He SHOULD get less. He’s older, more injury-prone, and he can’t play any position in the field with any level of competence. It may be surprise on him when he sees what the market will bear.

  587. NOBODY DOES IT QUITE LIKE CARMEN

    Buster and Casilla
    pic.twitter.com/Cn6xFEFbHP
    Offensive Tackle Pablo and his Lady
    pic.twitter.com/i0eir41GZj
    Buster Champions Together
    pic.twitter.com/41bVe5dTa7
    Gorgeous Mrs. Vogey and her boys
    pic.twitter.com/dCSqiZkLXe
    Huddy
    pic.twitter.com/R7R1IbeGPl
    Bums Report Card
    pic.twitter.com/syU8vXB4xx
    Ishi Walk Off
    pic.twitter.com/Pnez132nus
    Bum does Seven
    pic.twitter.com/zfdIEfa7Io
    Underage Bum and 22 year old Gerald
    pic.twitter.com/LUGeYYNIAu
    pic.twitter.com/jme4kU66Lc
    (Mask is suspended in Thin Air)
    Kim to Tim, There IS more where that came from J
    pic.twitter.com/IUyNRZRXGX
    There are 16 letters in Madison Bumgarner; Bodes well for 2016
    pic.twitter.com/txjOcO1RBd
    Trying to “get next to” Machi
    pic.twitter.com/FCzgAUTYns
    These two will be on a LONG engagement in SF
    pic.twitter.com/VKeVa8HkP0
    “No, I love YOU more”
    pic.twitter.com/CuZzN8rtUj
    Wyatt tells Daddy, “I have done zero homework”
    pic.twitter.com/wD09MSFBZp
    Bless our Park/View
    pic.twitter.com/NprIMMjQXI

  588. I figure Brandon Morrow would have to take a $4-8M max one-year deal to prove he’s healthy. If we could squeeze 180 innings out of him, that would be incredible. He’s got velo + stuff. Moving to the NL and the large confines of the NL West could help make him amazing… If he can stay healthy… Big if.

    Probably not a bigger, better, higher-upside risk worth taking than Morrow or Masterson.

  589. That pretty much sums it up. But he’s getting ranked higher, and projections have him getting up to SIX years! I see plenty of market for Sandoval.

    One could argue the same market exists for Hanley, but I really don’t see it that way. Not at all. Why haven’t I seen anybody write an expectation of Pablo getting a bigger contract than HanRam? Curious. Those biases towards the Dodgers, their market, I suppose? lol. Yeah, big surprise on him, maybe.

  590. Yeah. I’ve read about how you’re not a big fan of Parker. I’m not really either, but that ISO is intriguing. I can’t figure what to make of him, so I’d like to see him get some AB’s. We’ll see, I guess.

  591. Y’all see Chris Cotillo tweets that Ron Wotus is a candidate to manage in TB? Not sure I see it, consensus seems to be it’s Dave Martinez. But this is out there in Tweetville.

  592. Serious question: Why doesn’t MLB offer dvd’s of individual games? I would pay out my hoohaw for every one of these postseason games on dvd (except for game 6 of the world series). I had every game saved on my DVR from the 2010 playoffs, but of course I moved had to turn in the box blah blah. But I really think MLB could make a killing off selling these games individually on dvd, cause I would love to re-watch them, exactly as they were broadcasted. Cause to be honest, it’s all a big blur now. Due to the excitement as much as the being inebriated.

  593. Too much hazelnut likker in your coffee lately. Beckham replaces Pablo and Zito returns? Time for that intervention.

  594. If Peavy 2/24, I don’t see how Vogey couldn’t aspire to 1/10. But hometown discounts around the house would be refreshing.

  595. This is a fun name. He’s the guy Seattle took over Lincecum, I do believe.

  596. This is about what will happen, at least to begin the season.

  597. It all in TB, seems to revolve around TB going to Montreal, or the NY market. Why play baseball in purgatory’s outhouse.

  598. I was thinking Josh Johnson could fit that bill last year and its a good thing he wasn’t signed up. Mella’s K/9<9 in A ball, so I'm not so sure he'll be a high K guy. Hey, Santiago Casilla isn't a high K guy either, but gets the job done with high velocity movement. Very seldom does Mella give up the long ball – like Blackburn.

  599. I have them all, and I’ve watched many games many times. Never gets old. You’re right–MLB is missing an opportunity!

  600. You make the Call (Sporting News Had this every Saturday back in the day)

    Runners on first and third, no outs. Weak grounder to pitcher, who fields and throws to first. Runner from first is at 2nd and after the out starts walking back towards first (in a manner as if he thought it were 3rd out or a foul ball). Defense comes alive and starts running him down. After several throws the runner ends up on first. Runner at 3rd remained at 3rd.

    What was the Umpires decision?

  601. The best thing that Harold Rock said in the postseason on Fox: “this the first time I’ve watched a bunch of national League baseball… I like the rules. This is better baseball”

    Now…had he simply shut up after that? HOF. Sadly, his mic stayed on.

  602. I’m guilty, Jim…I went 50 years with nada…Zito scores…Lincecum scores…Renteria scores….THEY ALL SCORE!!!!!!

  603. This seems too simple. I must be missing something.. because I would assume the runner is safe back at first. And it’s runners at first and third with one out.

  604. Unless the runner is said to have given himself up, in which case it would be runner on third and two outs.

  605. It IS simple and you got it correct – but you should have HEARD the ruckus that parents on either side made. The offensive parents wanted to strangle their son for not paying attention. The defensive parents wanted the runner out for “stealing first” or going backwards having “established himself at 2nd”. (& perhaps to strangle their defense for not being able to get a sleeping runner out).Umpire left it as is, no double play, runners on corners & 1 out for the next batter.

    * Official Rules of Baseball: Once the batter is retired, R1 is no longer forced. The only prohibition regarding running the bases in reverse order is if it’s done to confuse the defense or make a “travesty” of the game. Clearly neither was done here. Parents need to stick to parenting and let the umpire call the game. *

  606. I see, no he did not go out of the base line and the entire thing happens way too much, Although a very smart runner at first base – can sometimes pause/fake his take off on his route to second base (it IS hard to premeditate this). Lets say Matt Adams fields a quick one hopper at tags first and throws to second? That runner who originated at first base can return to first base after the batter runner is retired and he (R1) is no longer forced.

  607. ha! I coached little league one year. (Emphasis on ONE year). Those parents ripped me every game. “Established himself at 2nd.” Like that’s a baseball rule. Comical.

    And my dad told me a story of Ty Cobb stealing 2nd, then stealing first, just to eff with the pitcher. Not sure if it’s a true story, but this post reminded me of that.

  608. Give Bochy a Bonus aka GBAB ( the long lost cousin to BABIP) to move up into the Front Office. Promote Ron Wotus asap.

    DON’T LOSE RON DON’T LOSE RON DON’T LOSE RUN 🙂

  609. how does a runner “give himself up”? I’ve never heard that

  610. I believe stealing first (from 2B) used to be completely legal. I recall reading a story (from long in baseball’s past) where a runner… Stole 2B. Something like trying to induce a poor throw or miscue. That steal was successful- meaning it didn’t work.

    So… something like he feared that their best hitter (who was at the plate) would be intentionally walked. So he stole 1B back! He might’ve even done this twice in the same game, IIRC. Crazy stuff. lol.

  611. I’d much rather see Alexei at SS for the Bums next year than Hanley. His big loopy swing has burned us too many times. Do it Dodgers

  612. “The only prohibition regarding running the bases in reverse order is if it’s done to confuse the defense or make a “travesty” of the game. ” Is that a real MLB rule? or a little league rule? Cause I can’t imagine MLB not allowing that to happen if that team wanted to do it. For reasons like you said, not taking the bat out of the hand of your best hitter.

    I could see being a coach and saying “why did you steal that base!? Now they’re gonna walk him. Go back to first!”

  613. just checking in for any news on Panda…

    and any talk of Wotus leaving SF makes me much sad — he’s an anchor for this team, as is Rags, well, as are all the coaches that train our boys.

    our coaching staff have brought us 3 WS in 5 yrs–I don’t want to see that unit broken up.

    maybe Bochy can get himself thrown out of a few more games next year to let Wo manage a little more? he was dynamite in the CO game…12innings or so?

    SF, don’t let Wo go!!!

  614. Yeah, somehow got the date of the article wrong. It was posted on June 29.

  615. I was talking to my dad about this the other day. Of why so many “experts” are having a hard time of explaining this “dynasty” of the Giants, when they’re clearly not the best team on paper. They’ve had the same coaching staff since 2010. Coaching gets more emphasized in football, which it should be, but I think we’re seeing a great example of how it matters in baseball too. Bochy, Righetti, Wotus, Flannery, Kelly, Gardner.. it’s been the same guys the whole time. They keep trying to put the emphasis on Bumgarner (deserved), Posey (deserved), but I think the guys behind the scenes deserve the most credit. They’ve done it 3 times now with a different cast and crew… the producers and director deserve the credit this time.

  616. My mistake… It wasn’t about the batter. It was trying to induce a throw for a double steal- w/ another runner on 3B. The catcher didn’t throw to 2B. So, during the game in 1908, Germany Schaefer not only stole 2B, he then went back and stole 1B. And then, again, on the next pitch stole 2B. Never got that throw to 2B the Tigers wanted. LOL!

    Only MLB player to ever steal the same base twice in an inning? And one of only two players to ever steal first, from second? That’s cray.

  617. aww… I liked H.R. to be honest. Especially him being an american league player his whole career, and doing nothing but praising the NL game and saying it makes the game better. It was refreshing.

  618. Roger, Murphy (aka every6thday), and Chris Quick (aka xanthan) are particularly strident in knocking any favorable view of the Giants. They’ve hung their hats upon a “bad process – just lucky” explanation for the Giants first two world series victories- a view which is wholly untenable at this point. That’s why I thought it interesting that Quick has pretty much dropped his online presence.

  619. I’d rather see a good defensive play for the first out of an inning than Ramirez taking Romo deep in the 8th.

  620. ok now I’m getting confused. All this back and forth is getting me….. see what I did there? 🙂

  621. When a batter strikes out on a ball in the dirt and starts walking back to the dugout, he’s out and doesn’t need to be tagged or thrown out. I didn’t think it would apply in the scenario above, but tossed it out there because it did seem “too simple.”

  622. Observations:

    Sabean LOVES these sessions.
    Hector is a bit of an afterthought
    They really want Pablo back
    Peavy is a goner.

  623. I don’t mind having Lincecum in the rotation. I don’t mind have Vogelsong in the rotation! But both… not so sure that’s a great plan.

  624. Spot on Matthew:

    All questions about: Vogey-Peavy-Morse were answered with: “We have to handle our Sando situation first, we’ve made Jake and Vogey aware that we need *time* to take care of that situation.
    * After mentioning that Hector was a good kid, had put on weight, had suffered extreme concussion(s) – Boch said it was Susac’s job to lose.
    * Pagan is ready, Best decision (surgery) he ever made, free of pain.
    * Scutaro will try to return in a back up role
    * Posey is “their catcher”
    * Wotus would do a great job for anybody as a manager and has helped Bochy as he had Dusty.
    * Sabean said Felipe Alou thought the key game was the 18 inning game versus Washington – said Alou: “They had 10 bottom of the 9th’s and did not beat us”

  625. Scutaro will return? I thought he was already making AARP commercials

  626. Curious…Did anyone hear/read anything about Bumgarner being asked if he heard Yost’s “…we’ll see what kind of reliever he is.” comments, prior to Game 7?

  627. My take:

    Hector and Scutaro aren’t in the Giants’ plans…unless they prove themselves in ST.

    Buster will still C in 2015.

    Duffy isn’t considered a solution at 3B (Sabean/Bochy said there’s no in-house solution if Panda leaves).

    So, they MAY be stretching the budget to try to keep Panda.

    Peavy is gone if he gets an offer in the ballpark of what he’s looking for anywhere else (Giants won’t have enough $$ to compete, and he’s not a top priority).

  628. don’t worry, I don’t think either of them will be in the starting rotation next season.

  629. I bet at least one of them is. Budget reality just about forces that.

  630. or if his butt-buddy Lester gets a deal from the Cubs and wants to bring him along

  631. Yeah, we’ve heard Peavy say they’re a package deal, but I haven’t heard Lester say that (because it probably hurts Lester’s FA value, not help it).

  632. no.. I didn’t even know Yost said that. Sounds juicy though

  633. I was thinking the same. I was betting Lester is saying “shuuuttt uuuuppppp”

  634. Lincecum guaranteed a spot in the rotation according to Bochy. Hope Tim turns it around, I really do…and to be honest, I wanna complain about Lincecum being gifted a spot after three bad years, but I just can’t because I love the guy.
    GO TIMMY!!!!!!!
    GO GIANTS!!!!!!

  635. This is going to be the one and only time I think I can say I was thankful for having diarrhea, cause that’s what caused me to miss that rendition. But thanks for posting it Leo.. now I think I have to run to the bathroom again.

  636. don’t insult Scutaro like that. Nobody is as ugly as Steve Nash

  637. I think he wishfully proclaimed Timmy would get a shot @ a rotation spot; the remaining FA’s are in a “wait & see;” we need time to ponder our options premise until the Giants deal with Pabblo, the only Giant FA (mis)management is engaged with. . .

    I still like the prospect of potentially making an offer to former Giant Francisco Liriano. . .if you’re going to go with a pitcher who has had problems with control & his delivery why not toe former giant that was dealt in the ill fated AJ Pierzynski deal?

  638. This Tim Lincecum situation reminds me of my dog I had when I was a child. He was my best friend. I took him everywhere with me. We’d play in the park, go for walks, we slept together, he got excited when I came home. All that cuddly stuff. He was awesome in his young age. Could snag a frisbee like nobody’s biz.

    But then I noticed one day, he wasn’t chasing the frisbee with the same vigor as he had in days past. He seemed to be slowing down. I tried to coax him out of it. I changed his food, changed his workout routine, try to conform to his changes. But I just couldn’t do it. He kept degenerating.

    So obviously, there was only one choice left. I snapped his neck and threw him in the canal a mile from my house. Because that’s what you do with used goods. And I didn’t shed a tear. I just got a new dog. And now I’m happy again.

  639. Did you dig up the ~30 million dollars, or bury it with him in gratitude?

  640. the giants had like $80mil wasted this year between pagan, cain, scutaro. And they still got it done. Money is not the issue

  641. Holy crap. JJ wants to kill Timmy and throw his body in McCovey Cove.

  642. The New York in Sabean sure shows through when he gets face time. . .wonder if he is a fan of Alec Baldwin

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlUaPAxyTyc&feature=player_detailpage
    Yes to all the above. . .but Scutaro has to be the present version of Freddy Sanchez. . .only have to eat his contract for one more season. . .thanks for the memories, Marco. . .Giants have a glut of backup middle infielder help, anyway; Arias, Adrianza & Duffy; all with significantly more upside & longevity.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hzhii1zmVUg&feature=player_detailpage
    . .

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nB-T-0Phu-s&feature=player_detailpage

  643. I was more thinking to take him on the Stugots and weigh him down in the Hudson. Less suspicion that way, being on the other side of the country. You in? I could use some help.

  644. If you left it in the ground, consider hat ‘dwelling’.

  645. ci sono delle bellissime (but my Italian has fallen off. Mom was Genovese – a very very thrifty lady, she saved EVERYTHING) Stuff I could not fathom …

  646. Boy, do you have the wrong gal. I have a Timmy bobblehead on my piano and four different Lincecum shirts.

  647. Someone has probably asked already- but is Jim Jones your real name? Or did you choose it?

  648. …but the gunners are already piling ammo for the forthcoming barrage.

  649. In light of that pet history, I’d say it’s appropriate, whether it’s his given or chosen name.

  650. I literally am wearing a t-shirt right now that says “eff Yeah!” on it, with Timmy’s face on it too. But I know you’re pragmatic. These things need to be done.

  651. It wasn’t the “guarantee of all guarantees”. Said he was gonna go home to Seattle (probably with Pops) and the Giants would send a trainer up there…..

  652. Maniacal man who took his own life along with thousands. Creepy.

  653. I wondered about that, too. Talk about poking the cage. In fact, Bumgarner’s record as a reliever, while limited, was stellar BEFORE Game 7.

  654. I also have a beloved 9-year-old Labrador Retriever. When it’s her time, she’s going to the Rainbow Room (it’s like a chapel and it even has stained glass) at the local vet hospital and crossing gently to the other side while I sing to her and pet her.

  655. Close enough “pal” 910 inhabitants of Jonestown, 303 of them children, died of apparent cyanide poisoning, mostly in and around a pavilion.This resulted in the greatest single loss of American civilian life in a deliberate act until the September 11 attacks.The FBI later recovered a 45 minute audio recording of the suicide in progress.

  656. Oh yes, the Genovese people are still renowned for their, let’s say…parsimony. LOL

  657. Obviously he thinks he’s shocking us with his fictitious tale but even making that up is disgusting in the extreme.

  658. all I said was “not thousands.” which was true. It’s pretty hard to gather that many idiots. Unless you’re at a Raiders game.

  659. I knocked on a so called Sicilian neighbors door once as a youngster. He asked my moms maiden name. Ah, genovese she is – is she…”Your mom is cheap”. Crying I ask my Aunt about it and she said – “Well, we call it thrifty”
    LOL

  660. I agree. The coaching staff deserves a lot of credit. Its a good group. They work very well together. Sounds like they discuss everything in detail and all opinions are valued . Everybody is in the right place and its a system now that works. Gardy is a great bullpen guy to have. We are lucky to have Wotus still and even Muelens will probably make a good Manager someday.

  661. I do really hope JimJones is kiddin’ us. Otherwise I just could not stand his words. I have a dog named Nuvola (=Cloud), 10 years old, a real sweetie. I just could kill, with my bare hands, everyone hurting her. For real.

  662. No jokes, your little dog tale didn’t exactly inspire humorous banter .

  663. How can you consider your doggie a USED GOOD? it’s shameful !!!!

  664. Confused and disappointed on how the GIANTS recklessly threw away money on Lincecum, but low balled Pablo in Spring Training? 2 years for 38 million for Timmy and an offer of 3 years and 40 million for Pablo in March with minimal increases since?
    Sandoval is a far more valuable and useful player. It is maddening to watch one of my favorite players under appreciated…and I have been defending Pablo for years on and off this blog. I hope he re-signs…

  665. Idiot wind. Dog should’ve bit you when he had the chance. No wonder you chose that identity. You’ve relegated yourself to the bench on this team. Find your own canal..

  666. Timmy while walking on his hands would impale said Jones with his Ninja moves. It is doubtful that anyone will ever wear 55 again.

  667. Go back to that exact time, Mike, and you will know.

    Pablo took a huge leap this year…from June forward. If we asked you what Pablo was worth on, say, May 15th? The answer would be different.

    He proved once and for all: he’s mature, he’s ready, he’s clutch, he’s worth it.

  668. My goodness, people sure love their dogs! I can tell every time I go down to the beach and those furballs are running around with no leashes, shhhitting everywhere, running up to strangers, out of control, frightening everyone, basically a toddler that’s really really fast. Get over it you guys. Your dog only likes you because you feed it. Why do you think they get trained with “treats.” He’s not your best friend. He just relies on you for survival.

  669. The thing to remember is that Lincecum hasn’t worked with his dad regarding his pitching mechanics since 2009, his last good year. However, he’s planning on working with his dad this off-season to get back some of what he used to do. So I have hope, given that he has seemed to be just short of figuring things out the past few years, that with his dad advising him after every start and diagnosing immediately what is wrong, he could become a good pitcher again.

  670. Oh, I know that if I keeled over dead, my Zeke would see it as an opportunity to check my pockets for cheeseburgers. I think of him as Angel to my Rockford. And you know, I did rather like my Mommy better when she fed me.

  671. Efrain, just so we are clear. Senility is a state of mind. Try this: Come with me three times a week during off season to do the field maintenance prep work and 6 days a week during the season at 5:30 am. Not even the players can get their high school butts out of bed before 7:45 am and on Sat and Sundays regarding prearranged Parent/Player field assignment days, some of the mommies and daddies are so soft that they show up around 9a m or 10 am.

    I saw Mays and Bobby Bonds. Bobby was a functional alcoholic who played for eight teams, many of them when BB25 was at Serra HS. He came to Serra games drunk. Barry’s brother Ricky could not stay in school or out of trouble. Brother Bobby Junior had more raw talent then Barry but did not have Barry’s drive. Matt Williams allowed us to acquire Kent with Mueller moving into starting at third base. Matty got his wish to only play for the Tribe for one year before going to ARZ – close to kids etc.

    Yes many Icons get traded. I can see 55 going to the Mariners in 16-17 but as far as 2015 goes he deserves our support. His effort level is such that he is not attempting to fail.

    Anyway, watch your senility, it maybe right around the corner :-/

  672. Lincecum was not worth half of the contact he was given…nice try though…

  673. Because his old man still wears a Valenzuela jersey in his old house…

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