Giant pitchers threw 144 innings in the post season and gave up 47 runs. Ryan Vogelsong pitched 24-2/3 of those innings (about 17%) and gave up only 3 runs (about 6%). In the NLCS, Vogie threw two seven-inning, one-run starts, dominating the defending champs in Game Two and again in Game Six. His 73 Game Score in that penultimate contest was something he topped only once (May 19 vs. Oakland) in the regular season. It was a hugely impressive display by the veteran right-hander. You could argue he deserved the MVP of that series, and that's not a criticism of Marco Scutaro who played magnificently. Lots of things added up for the Giants to win the World Series, but Game Three of the LDS was certainly a key. The Giants would win that game, memorably, in the 10th inning. Vogie was on the mound that day and went toe-to-toe with Homer Bailey who had a one-hitter and ten strikeouts through seven innings. Vogie gave up a run in the first but none for the next four. The Giants scored without a hit to tie it in the 3rd, and one of the big plays was a perfect sacrifice bunt by the starting pitcher, Ryan Vogelsong. And people prefer AL DH-ball! Cretins. Vogie also contributed an RBI hit in Game Six against the Cardinals when he out-pitched big-time post-season stud and 2005 Cy Young winner (and 2009 CYA runner-up) Chris Carpenter for the second time.
Twelve guys had at least three starts in the playoffs and only six of them threw at least 20 innings. Of all of them, Vogie had the lowest ERA (1.09), the 4th-lowest WHIP (1.05), and was 3rd-best in strikeouts (21). Not bad for a guy who couldn't find a job two seasons ago. Did mention he was signed through 2013 and the team has an option on him for 2014? I can't wait to see what other great things this guy can do.
--M.C.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
25 for 16: Matt Cain
Twenty-five Giants played sixteen post-season games to claim the 2012 World Series Championship. One of those players was Matt Cain. Ten teams were in the tournament, 102 different pitchers participated, and Cain led everyone of them in starts (5), innings pitched (30), batters faced (125), and pitches thrown (475). He also allowed the most hits (27), runs (12), home runs (6), and total bases (48). His regular season line for opposing batters was .222/.274/.361. His post-season line was .237/.304/.421. Better teams, better hitters, a couple of friendly parks, it's not surprising. Matt set a high standard for himself in 2010, only allowing one run (unearned) in his 21-1/3 IP. Those three starts were at home--this year he added two road starts to his load. He was "the horse" after all, and that's what your horse has to do, carry the biggest load. Cain threw eight starts with Game Scores of 70 or higher in 2012, none of those in the playoffs. His Game Score Average for the regular season was 60.6, with a career mark of 57. It was 53.7 (48, 48, 51, 62, 58) for the post-season. He was more workmanlike, having to grind it out against determined foes for all the marbles. I should note that Matty hit the most batters (4), and the Giants staff led the way as well (8). I guess if you want to lead in team shutouts (4), you have to pitch inside.
Matt had the distinction of starting the opening game of the post-season and the closing one. He also started the clinching game in each series. Those worked out well. Having a guy like Cain is awesome--you stick him out there and he does the job. He out-pitched Mat Latos in Game Five of the LDS, he out-pitched Kyle Lohse in Game Seven of the LCS, and he out-pitched Max Scherzer in Game Four of the World Series. If it weren't for a friendly gust adding 30 feet to fly out to right field, Matty's line (7 IP, 1 ER) would have been dominating, not merely good. But there's something to be said for being merely good over and over again. Toss in an occasional dominating and you got yourself a hell of a ballplayer. And that's who we got. We got Cain. For five more years. And he's a hell of a ballplayer.
--M.C.
p.s. Did I mention the two hits and one RBI?
Matt had the distinction of starting the opening game of the post-season and the closing one. He also started the clinching game in each series. Those worked out well. Having a guy like Cain is awesome--you stick him out there and he does the job. He out-pitched Mat Latos in Game Five of the LDS, he out-pitched Kyle Lohse in Game Seven of the LCS, and he out-pitched Max Scherzer in Game Four of the World Series. If it weren't for a friendly gust adding 30 feet to fly out to right field, Matty's line (7 IP, 1 ER) would have been dominating, not merely good. But there's something to be said for being merely good over and over again. Toss in an occasional dominating and you got yourself a hell of a ballplayer. And that's who we got. We got Cain. For five more years. And he's a hell of a ballplayer.
--M.C.
p.s. Did I mention the two hits and one RBI?
Sunday, October 28, 2012
GIANTS WIN THE WORLD SERIES!
Another tremendous contest ends in a Giants victory and the 2012 World Series title! Can you believe it? We waited so long for that wonderful trophy in 2010 and now here's a second one two seasons later! Great game, great series, great post-season, great season! A total team effort: front office, coaches, players, fans--it all came together in spectacular fashion.
THE SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS ARE THE
2012 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS!!
Say it again and again!
Enjoy! Celebrate!
--M.C.
p.s. More to follow later.
Max Pitching
Year Age Tm W L G IP H R HR BB SO ERA+ SO/9
2008 23 ARI 0 4 16 56.0 48 24 5 21 66 151 10.6
2009 24 ARI 9 11 30 170.1 166 94 20 63 174 108 9.2
2010 25 DET 12 11 31 195.2 174 84 20 70 184 120 8.5
2011 26 DET 15 9 33 195.0 207 101 29 56 174 93 8.0
2012 27 DET 16 7 32 187.2 179 82 23 60 231 113 11.1
5 Yrs 52 42 142 804.2 774 385 97 270 829 110 9.3
Max Scherzer was traded to the Tigers by the Diamondbacks courtesy of the Yankees. The Bombers gave up a lot to get Curtis Granderson. This is from Max Scherzer's B-R page:
Good for Detroit--they got two good pitchers out of the deal and a replacement centerfielder who had a higher OPS (130>118) than Granderson this season. Arizona built their 2011 NL West title on Ian Kennedy's back. New York can spend freely, both talent and dollars, as well as stay in first place every year. Yet they miss the last dance. Giants titles since 2002? One. Yankees? One. Just sayin'. Money is nice but it ain't all of it. The Giants have the new-old "Moneyball" thing going on, finding both pitching (Ryan Vogelsong) and (Gregor Blanco) fielding off the ML scrap heap, and both turn out to be good ballplayers, not just specialists. Vogie was a legit All-Star is now the October ace. Blanco is the best player (other than Pablo?) in the Series. How many teams will turn their focus to faster, rangier players in the outfield and smarter, slicker glove men in the infield? The Giants are cutting edge, man. Just watch how many times balls are hit right at fielders. That's scouting, good data, charts, pitching plans, player positioning, etc. Giants are all over that. Old-school defense is the new wave.Traded as part of a 3-team trade by the Arizona Diamondbacks with Daniel Schlereth to the Detroit Tigers. The Detroit Tigers sent Curtis Granderson to the New York Yankees. The Detroit Tigers sent Edwin Jackson to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The New York Yankees sent Phil Coke and Austin Jackson to the Detroit Tigers. The New York Yankees sent Ian Kennedy to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Giants have faced Scherzer before, three times in 2009 and once last season: 4 starts, 19-1/3 IP, 17 H, 14 R, 3 HR, 10 BB, and 20 K.
Should be a great matchup with Matt Cain! Go, Matty! Get it done!
GO GIANTS!
WIN!
--M.C.
Bochy Rolls The Dice Again ... It's Zito
We all know that Bruce Bochy likes to stick with a winning formula. So, for the 7th straight postseason game, Barry Zito takes to the mound to deliver the first pitch. Staff ace, Matt Cain, takes over from there, & we all hope that Matt & rest of the guys deliver the title tonight.
After a particularly uninspired performance last night, H. Sanchez loses his spot as DH. However, to the surprise of many, the nod goes to Ryan Theriot. I expect him to contribute a 3B to a postseason win - I'll explain why tomorrow:
Pagan, CF
Scutaro, 2B
Sandoval, 3B
Posey, C
Pence, RF
Belt, 1B
G. Blanco, LF
Theriot, DH
B. Crawford, SS
Zito, P
Go Giants!!!!! Win!!!!! Win!!!!! Win!!!!! Win!!!!!
After a particularly uninspired performance last night, H. Sanchez loses his spot as DH. However, to the surprise of many, the nod goes to Ryan Theriot. I expect him to contribute a 3B to a postseason win - I'll explain why tomorrow:
Pagan, CF
Scutaro, 2B
Sandoval, 3B
Posey, C
Pence, RF
Belt, 1B
G. Blanco, LF
Theriot, DH
B. Crawford, SS
Zito, P
Go Giants!!!!! Win!!!!! Win!!!!! Win!!!!! Win!!!!!
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Pitching, Pitching, Pitching
The San Francisco Giants are one win away from the championship after suffocating the Detroit Tigers tonight in Game Three. Ryan Vogelsong, Tim Lincecum, and Sergio Romo kept the pressure on and threw the big pitches when they needed them and the Giants made an early 2-0 lead stand up. Anibal Sanchez threw six superb innings and one bad one (the 2nd) and that was all it took. The Giants also played excellent defense despite an error from Brandon Crawford on a tough play. He'd made a ridiculous stop earlier and had a huge 2-out RBI hit as well. Otherwise the outfielders ran everything down and the infielders pulled off two big 4-6-3 double plays and caught everything that came their way. The result was another shutout, the first time an AL team has been shutout back-to-back in the Series since the 1919 "Black Sox." And those guys were throwing the games! It was another brilliant effort by the orange & black--their sixth consecutive post-season win. Gregor Blanco had the other big hit, a triple to drive in Hunter Pence (who had a good night) in the fateful 2nd. He's doing it with the glove and the bat, and might have been robbed on his infield chopper. He and Pablo Sandoval (who had two hits) are the hitting stars in the Series, but who are we kidding? This Series is about pitching, pitching, and more pitching. The Giants have allowed just three runs in 27 innings, overwhelming a very good lineup with both power and guile. Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera are 3-19 and have stranded a heapin' helpin' of runners in the three games. Keep it rolling, boys, keep it rolling.
Matt Cain goes tomorrow in a potential clincher.
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
p.s. Vogie getting Cabrera to pop up was my favorite moment--what was yours? And how about Big Time Timmy Jim? Did he look good or what?
Matt Cain goes tomorrow in a potential clincher.
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
p.s. Vogie getting Cabrera to pop up was my favorite moment--what was yours? And how about Big Time Timmy Jim? Did he look good or what?
Motor City Matchup
Comerica Park is the same vintage as AT&T--it opened in the 2000 season. The same architects, HOK Sport (now Populus), were involved in the design. At the time it was considered a pitchers park, but in 2003 the power alley in left-center was reduced from 395 to 370 feet. The consensus now is that it is one of the more hitter-friendly venues. Baseball-Reference rates parks on an scale where over 100 favors hitters and under 100 favors pitchers. AT&T is at 88, Comerica 104. For comparison, Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati comes in at 107 while PetCo in San Diego rates a 92.
The National Weather Service says it is 49 degrees Fahrenheit in Detroit right now (1500 PST), with an expected low of 37. There's a north wind at 10 mph, the barometer is over 30 inches, and the humidity is at 55%. Rain is expected Monday night, with a chance of snow. Seriously. In San Francisco it is 75 ºF right now, with a low of 54 in the forecast. Seems like the cold will make more of an impact than the park dimensions and will probably suppress the long ball a bit. Of course, good pitching and fielding will do more to cut down on runs than anything else! Let's hope the Giants deliver both.
Two more wins, lads, two more wins.
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
The National Weather Service says it is 49 degrees Fahrenheit in Detroit right now (1500 PST), with an expected low of 37. There's a north wind at 10 mph, the barometer is over 30 inches, and the humidity is at 55%. Rain is expected Monday night, with a chance of snow. Seriously. In San Francisco it is 75 ºF right now, with a low of 54 in the forecast. Seems like the cold will make more of an impact than the park dimensions and will probably suppress the long ball a bit. Of course, good pitching and fielding will do more to cut down on runs than anything else! Let's hope the Giants deliver both.
Two more wins, lads, two more wins.
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
Half a Dozen for Barry Zito
Yes, it's Barry Zito again for his record 6th consecutive postseason start. He gets the ball for the first pitch, then hands over duties to the more rested &, to-date, very reliable Ryan Vogelsong. I've started to develop a lot of trust in this unconventional formula - who can argue with the simple truth that, when Zito starts, we win.
And, because of playing in the AL park, for the first time in quite some time, the lineup has a new wrinkle, as the Giants go with H. Sanchez as the DH. I was rooting for Nady to get a chance. I even started buying into the Sandoval as DH with Arias at 3B option. But, I am content with this one. H. Sanchez has some pop. I wish that he could work the count better, but he occasionally shows signs of developing that skill, too. I've seen 2 versions of tonight's lineup (earlier this afternoon, MLB Network was reporting H. Sanchez 7th & G. Blanco 8th), but I'll go with the more recent one being reported on Giants' Extra:
Pagan, CF
Scutaro, 2B
Sandoval, 3B
Posey, C
Pence, RF
Belt, 1B
G.Blanco, LF
H. Sanchez, DH
B. Crawford, SS
Zito, P
Go Giants!!!!! Win!!!!! Win!!!!! Win!!!!!
And, because of playing in the AL park, for the first time in quite some time, the lineup has a new wrinkle, as the Giants go with H. Sanchez as the DH. I was rooting for Nady to get a chance. I even started buying into the Sandoval as DH with Arias at 3B option. But, I am content with this one. H. Sanchez has some pop. I wish that he could work the count better, but he occasionally shows signs of developing that skill, too. I've seen 2 versions of tonight's lineup (earlier this afternoon, MLB Network was reporting H. Sanchez 7th & G. Blanco 8th), but I'll go with the more recent one being reported on Giants' Extra:
Pagan, CF
Scutaro, 2B
Sandoval, 3B
Posey, C
Pence, RF
Belt, 1B
G.Blanco, LF
H. Sanchez, DH
B. Crawford, SS
Zito, P
Go Giants!!!!! Win!!!!! Win!!!!! Win!!!!!
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Magic Maddy
Oh my god, you guys! Did you see what happened? The Giants pulled Madison Bumgarner out of 2010 and set him down in Game 2 of the 2012 World Series! Madbum has not been real good in his last 9 starts. This postseason he gave up 6 earned runs against St. Louis in 3 2/3 innings in a loss, and gave up 4 to Cincinnati in 4 1/3 in a blow out loss. This was the guy who sailed to 10 victories before the All Star break and then stumbled down the stretch. Bruce Bochy said that they had discovered, and fixed, a flaw in his delivery. I guess that was right, because he was spectacular. And you could tell, because he had the look.
Passionless. Inscrutable. Icy. Registering the commands from his catcher before uncoiling his long body for that long, smooth, deceptively slow delivery.
This game was a war of attrition. Doug Fister matched Madison through the first six, keeping the Giants from scoring. But he was racking up a pitch count due to the Giants' patience at the plate. When Fister was replaced by Drew Smyly in the seventh, he had thrown 114 pitches. Hunter Pence singled off him after a battle, followed by a walk to Brandon Belt from the young Smyly and a Gregor Blanco sacrifice bunt that never quite rolled foul, so became a base hit. Brandon Crawford hit into a double play, but that allowed the Giants to plate the first run of the game. Ryan Theriot pinch hit for Madison, when Madison wasn't really done. He had thrown only 86 pitches to keep the Tigers scoreless through seven. 2 hits, 2 walks, 8 strikeouts.
The Giants needed a spectacular play in the second inning to keep from playing catch up from the first inning, though. Prince Fielder took first on a HBP, and third on a Delmon Young double to left, and ran for the plate. Gregor Blanco sent the relay to Marco Scutaro, who nailed Fielder at home. Do you like the Giants' defense? In the seventh, Miguel Cabrera walked on 9 pitches. Then Prince Fielder promptly hit into a double play. Even Madison cracked a smile. The Giants added a run in the eighth on a Hunter Pence bases-loaded sacrifice fly off of Otavio Dotel, but charged to Smyly. Santiago Casilla and Sergio Romo were nails.
I'm still letting it sink in. The Giants are up 2-0 against the very tough Detroit Tigers. Down the stretch, we won with offense, and now in the post season, our pitching is coming up huge. We have Vogie and Matt ready to start, Tim fresh out of the bullpen if needed, and our relief corps rested and ready.
Photo: Jack Dempsey
/ AP (mysanantonio.com)
Zito???? Again?????
Harkening back to the days of Cy Young & Wilbur Wood, Barry Zito trudges out to the mound tonight to start his record 5th consecutive postseason game. The Giants go with an unchanged lineup once again. Madison Bumgarner is expected to take over (& pitch well) after Zito delivers the first pitch:
Pagan, CF
Scutaro, 2B
Sandoval, 3B
Posey, C
Pence, RF
Belt, 1B
G. Blanco, LF
B. Crawford, SS
Zito, P
Go Giants!!!!! Win!!!!! Win!!!!!
Pagan, CF
Scutaro, 2B
Sandoval, 3B
Posey, C
Pence, RF
Belt, 1B
G. Blanco, LF
B. Crawford, SS
Zito, P
Go Giants!!!!! Win!!!!! Win!!!!!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Panda Reigns in Game One
Babe Ruth, Reggie Jackson, and Albert Pujols have hit three home runs in a World Series game. Add Pablo Sandoval to the list. The Panda took Justin Verlander deep twice, then pounded a 422-footer off Al Alburquerque for good measure and made history. It was a jaw-dropping performance of hitting prowess against the best in the game. Verlander had not surrendered an 0-2 homer all season. The Tigers came into the contest, on paper, with a power advantage over the Giants: power bats in the lineup and power pitchers on the hill. But the Giants countered with a sharp and effective Barry Zito, who put up a string of zeroes with a quiver full of Uncle Charlies and his trademark 84-mph fastball. They followed him up with a dominating Tim Lincecum to snuff out any threat of a comeback. The Tiger lineup managed to pester George Kontos a bit (Angel Pagan missed it by an inch), but otherwise it was all Giants. They flashed some serious leather, too, but we've come to expect that. Defense is a big part of San Francisco baseball. Gregor Blanco looked overmatched at the plate, but his two catches in left probably saved two runs. Marco Scutaro, no surprise, had two hits, two runs, and two RBIs. A great start by Zeets and a nice piece of hitting as well, awesome relief by Big Time Timmy Jim, and good work by all the hitters to run up the pitch count on Verlander and chase him early.
It was an epic night for the orange-and-black on both sides of the ball. And it was even more epic for the popular third baseman who put himself in select company with an extraordinary display of baseball skill and no less a flair for the dramatic. Congratulations, Panda! And way to go, Giants! Keep it rolling! Three more wins!
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
It was an epic night for the orange-and-black on both sides of the ball. And it was even more epic for the popular third baseman who put himself in select company with an extraordinary display of baseball skill and no less a flair for the dramatic. Congratulations, Panda! And way to go, Giants! Keep it rolling! Three more wins!
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
Zito Extends Own Record
Barry Zito makes his record 4th consecutive postseason start tonight, but is expected to be on the mound for at least 115 pitches, not just for the single pitch he delivered in each of the last 2 contests. The unchanged starting lineup is as-follows:
Pagan, CF
Scutaro, 2B
Sandoval, 3B
Posey, C
Pence, RF
Belt, 1B
G. Blanco, LF
B. Crawford, SS
Zito LHP
Go Giants!!!!! Win!!!!!
Pagan, CF
Scutaro, 2B
Sandoval, 3B
Posey, C
Pence, RF
Belt, 1B
G. Blanco, LF
B. Crawford, SS
Zito LHP
Go Giants!!!!! Win!!!!!
More Numbers
The Detroit Tigers allowed 670 runs (4.14 rpg), 5th best in the AL and 11th overall.
The San Francisco Giants allowed 649 runs (4.01 rpg), 6th best in the NL and 8th overall.
Detroit pitchers struck out 1318 batters and walked 438.
San Francisco pitchers struck out 1237 batters and walked 489.
Detroit pitchers threw 9 team shutouts and had 40 saves.
San Francisco pitchers threw 14 team shutouts and had 53 saves.
Detroit pitchers allowed 151 homers, San Francisco 142.
Detroit pitchers allowed 1409 hits, San Francisco 1361.
The Tigers had 4292 putouts, 1481 assists, and 99 errors.
The Giants had 4353 putouts, 1639 assists, and 115 errors.
The Tigers finished 88-74, the 11th best record in baseball, 7th in the AL. Their Pythagorean or expected W-L record was 87-75.
The Giants finished 94-68, tied for the 4th best record in baseball, tied for 3rd best in the NL. Their Pythagorean or expected record was 88-74.
--M.C.
The San Francisco Giants allowed 649 runs (4.01 rpg), 6th best in the NL and 8th overall.
Detroit pitchers struck out 1318 batters and walked 438.
San Francisco pitchers struck out 1237 batters and walked 489.
Detroit pitchers threw 9 team shutouts and had 40 saves.
San Francisco pitchers threw 14 team shutouts and had 53 saves.
Detroit pitchers allowed 151 homers, San Francisco 142.
Detroit pitchers allowed 1409 hits, San Francisco 1361.
The Tigers had 4292 putouts, 1481 assists, and 99 errors.
The Giants had 4353 putouts, 1639 assists, and 115 errors.
The Tigers finished 88-74, the 11th best record in baseball, 7th in the AL. Their Pythagorean or expected W-L record was 87-75.
The Giants finished 94-68, tied for the 4th best record in baseball, tied for 3rd best in the NL. Their Pythagorean or expected record was 88-74.
--M.C.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Numbers
The Detroit Tigers scored 726 runs (4.48 rpg), 6th in the AL, 11th overall.
The San Francisco Giants scored 718 runs (4.43 rpg), 6th in the NL, 12th overall.
The Tigers hit 163 homers, the Giants 103.
The Tigers hit 279 doubles, the Giants 287.
The Tigers hit 39 triples, the Giants 57.
The Tigers had 511 walks, the Giants 483.
The Tigers struck out 1003 times, the Giants 1097.
The Tigers grounded into 156 DPs, the Giants 114.
The Tigers stole 59 bases, the Giants 118.
The Tigers had 36 sac bunts, the Giants 69.
The Tigers had 39 sac flies, the Giants 61.
Detroit batters were hit 57 times, San Francisco batters 29.
--M.C.
The San Francisco Giants scored 718 runs (4.43 rpg), 6th in the NL, 12th overall.
The Tigers hit 163 homers, the Giants 103.
The Tigers hit 279 doubles, the Giants 287.
The Tigers hit 39 triples, the Giants 57.
The Tigers had 511 walks, the Giants 483.
The Tigers struck out 1003 times, the Giants 1097.
The Tigers grounded into 156 DPs, the Giants 114.
The Tigers stole 59 bases, the Giants 118.
The Tigers had 36 sac bunts, the Giants 69.
The Tigers had 39 sac flies, the Giants 61.
Detroit batters were hit 57 times, San Francisco batters 29.
--M.C.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Four to Go
The San Francisco Giants are the 2012 National League Champions! A relentless 9-0 beat down of the 2011 holders, the St. Louis Cardinals, sends them to the World Series for the second time in three seasons. It ended in bizarre fashion, with rain pouring out of the sky and drenching both the fans and the players, but the final ball off Matt Holliday's bat landed safely in Marco Scutaro's glove for the third out and a Game Seven victory. The Cardinals lineup was overwhelmed in the last three games by the Giants pitching staff. The starters finally put together a good streak and the bullpen remained stalwart and the team staved off elimination three times and won the finale in emphatic fashion. Matt Cain had to work for his 17 outs, his 5-2/3 scoreless took 102 pitches (and 24 batters), but he kept the lid on things with the help of his fielders and the baseball gods. The Cardinals may have gotten thumped, but they didn't roll over. They kept the pressure on Matty every inning, and Ol' Boch finally saw enough in the 6th and summoned Jeremy Affeldt to get the last out. But the damage had been done, the Cardinals could not conjure up a miracle comeback, and the Giants prevailed to hoist the pennant.
The Giants host the World Series on Wednesday. Enjoy it, my friends!
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
The Giants host the World Series on Wednesday. Enjoy it, my friends!
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
As Expected, Barry Zito Gets the Nod, Again
In a development again devoid of surprises, Bruce Bochy announced his Game #7 starting lineup this afternoon. Barry Zito will start for a record third consecutive LCS game:
Pagan, CF
Scutaro, 2B
Sandoval, 3B
Posey, C
Pence, RF
Belt, 1B
G. Blanco, LF
B. Crawford, SS
Zito, P
The only question remaining unanswered is whether or not FOX will choose to air Zito's single pitch tonight, before he gives way to Matt Cain.
Go Giants!!!!! Win!!!!! Win!!!!! Win!!!!! Win!!!!!
Pagan, CF
Scutaro, 2B
Sandoval, 3B
Posey, C
Pence, RF
Belt, 1B
G. Blanco, LF
B. Crawford, SS
Zito, P
The only question remaining unanswered is whether or not FOX will choose to air Zito's single pitch tonight, before he gives way to Matt Cain.
Go Giants!!!!! Win!!!!! Win!!!!! Win!!!!! Win!!!!!
Sunday, October 21, 2012
One for the Money
Ryan Vogelsong delivered another sterling effort and the Giants force Game Seven. One more win and they go to the World Series. The Vogelgong tolled for five of the first seven Cardinals, who whiffed helplessly against a fastball assault. It set the tone for the evening and the Giants pulled off a dramatic and convincing 6-1 win. Chris Carpenter got burned by both Pablo Sandoval and his infield defense, lasting only four innings and yielding five runs. Two St. Louis relievers kept the lid on things until the 8th when Ryan Theriot delivered a pinch-hit RBI single for a bit of insurance. The Giants 'pen got the last six outs on 21 pitches (seven batters). It was a crisp, efficient (2:55), cold-blooded evisceration of the defending champs. The magical 2012 season continues! Can you believe it?
Matt Cain takes the hill tomorrow with a chance at the National League pennant. I've got shpilkes!
GO GIANTS!
WIN!
--M.C.
p.s. Yes, we had chicken enchiladas for dinner.
Matt Cain takes the hill tomorrow with a chance at the National League pennant. I've got shpilkes!
GO GIANTS!
WIN!
--M.C.
p.s. Yes, we had chicken enchiladas for dinner.
Giants Stick With Winning Formula
Per my post the other night, the Giants have announced the Game #6 Starting Lineup:
Pagan, CF
Scutaro, 2B
Sandoval, 3B
Posey, C
Pence, RF
Belt, 1B
G. Blanco, LF
B. Crawford, SS
Zito, P
However, they've also announced that, in all future road games against American League teams when he isn't scheduled to be the starting Pitcher, regular season or post-season, Zito will start at DH, & they will PH for him his first time up.
Go Giants!!!!! Win!!!!! Win!!!!! Win!!!!!
Pagan, CF
Scutaro, 2B
Sandoval, 3B
Posey, C
Pence, RF
Belt, 1B
G. Blanco, LF
B. Crawford, SS
Zito, P
However, they've also announced that, in all future road games against American League teams when he isn't scheduled to be the starting Pitcher, regular season or post-season, Zito will start at DH, & they will PH for him his first time up.
Go Giants!!!!! Win!!!!! Win!!!!! Win!!!!!
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Two for the Show
The Giants live to play another do-or-die game after a brilliant start in St. Louis by Barry Zito. The lefty stepped up to save the season in Game Five and the Giants come home to San Francisco for Game Six on Sunday. And, we hope, Game Seven on Monday. Two more wins and the World Series opens at AT&T Park on Wednesday! Wouldn't that be something? What a season. What a ballclub. This is a really fun group to watch and to root for, and they seem to have a different hero every night. What's also fun is watching the fielders make so many great plays. Team defense is a real strength and it paid off last night with some big plays by Marco Scutaro, Pablo Sandoval, Angel Pagan, and Hunter Pence. The Cardinals made a crucial mistake in the 4th inning and the Giants capitalized. (Not only did Lance Lynn make a poor throw, his target Pete Kozma was late getting to the bag.) Pence hits a squibber fifty feet and the Giants score a run! The lineup only managed six hits, but they seized their scoring chances. It was great to see our wonderful rookie shortstop Brandon Crawford get a two-out, two-run knock. Keep 'em coming, kid. Barry-Z had his biggest game in orange-and-black, giving the team a Lincecum-like lift. Timmy couldn't pull it off, but his teammate filled the void. That's how it is supposed to work. I like that Ryan Vogelsong gets the ball tomorrow and that Matt Cain will get it Monday if they make it. And I think having Tim Lincecum ready in relief is a big plus as well. We have not heard the last from the Freak--he is going to deliver some big outs. And the Panda is heating up at the right time, too. Buster Posey will be next.
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
Friday, October 19, 2012
I've Been a Barry Zito Fan All of My Life!
It's back to the Game #1-3 lineup for the Giants. And, with Barry on the mound, it's back to the winning ways. Go Giants! Win!!!!! Win!!!!!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Let Down Tim
The St. Louis Cardinals put on a nearly perfect display of total team baseball while they destroyed our beloved Giants, 8-3, in Game 4 of the NLCS. Literally every member of their starting lineup contributed a significant hit. Their starter, Adam Wainwright, completely out pitched the amazingly erratic Tim Lincecum. You really do have to tip your hat to the Cards; they made it look easy and they did it with style.
I suppose Tim's performance was totally predictable. And that is exactly what makes it so heart-breakingly disappointing. He sucked in the first; three singles, a walk, and 2 runs. Big Surprise! Tim led the world in first inning runs this year (28, I believe). Is there anything more disheartening than being in a hole and having the home crowd fired up right from the beginning? He had his moments this evening (just like throughout this horrible season) but basically Tim let his team down AGAIN ( just like almost all year long). Why did I really expect tonight be any different? I'll tell you why: Cuz I'm a fool.
Kudos to Angel Pagan and Marco Scutaro. What studs! Anti-kudo to Bochy. Putting Hector Sanchez out there turned out to be SO BAD in so many ways. Oh well, I suppose he had to try something.
We haven't been whooped so bad since Game 2 against the Reds....Hey! Wait a minute. I seem to remember that working out pretty good. Maybe we have them right where we want them!
Go Barry! We love you, Zito! Namaste'!
I've always loved that guy.
I suppose Tim's performance was totally predictable. And that is exactly what makes it so heart-breakingly disappointing. He sucked in the first; three singles, a walk, and 2 runs. Big Surprise! Tim led the world in first inning runs this year (28, I believe). Is there anything more disheartening than being in a hole and having the home crowd fired up right from the beginning? He had his moments this evening (just like throughout this horrible season) but basically Tim let his team down AGAIN ( just like almost all year long). Why did I really expect tonight be any different? I'll tell you why: Cuz I'm a fool.
Kudos to Angel Pagan and Marco Scutaro. What studs! Anti-kudo to Bochy. Putting Hector Sanchez out there turned out to be SO BAD in so many ways. Oh well, I suppose he had to try something.
We haven't been whooped so bad since Game 2 against the Reds....Hey! Wait a minute. I seem to remember that working out pretty good. Maybe we have them right where we want them!
Go Barry! We love you, Zito! Namaste'!
I've always loved that guy.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Rain-delayed Pain
Matt Cain has given up three runs in each of his three post-season starts. He lasted only 5 IP in the first one, upped it to 5-2/3 in the second, and managed 6-2/3 tonight. It wasn't a dominating start, but it was effective, and gave the Giants a chance to win. Matty got bit by the home run bug again, something that happens to him in both St. Louis and Cincinnati. This time it was rookie Matt Carpenter, subbing for apparently-injured Carlos Beltran, who hit a two-run shot on an 0-2 pitch. The unlikely hero made a nice play in the 9th to take away a hit, too. That was enough. The Giants had their chances but unfortunately the big run-scoring hit never materialized. Giants worked Kyle Lohse (108 pitches) for seven hits and five walks in 5-2/3, but only scored one run. The Cardinals bullpen was overpowering after that and snuffed out any chance at a comeback. The Giants need a win tomorrow. Tim Lincecum will get the start and that is something we were all hoping for. It should be very exciting, and I'll be in a better mood because, unlike today, I'll get to see it.
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
Ridiculous
Major League Baseball should simply hand the post-season broadcast reins over to the Yankees Network. After all, the entire playoff schedule is based on making sure the Yankees are the prime time game. The Giants and the Cardinals, the last two World Series Champions, play at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time today--that's 3:00 p.m. Central in St. Louis. That's a ridiculous time to start a baseball game. Unless, of course, you have to accommodate the Yankees. It's one thing to be the richest, most successful team. It's another to be constantly shoved down the throats of every baseball fan in America. Hey Bud, fans of other teams don't like the Yankees. Casual fans don't, either. The rest of the world is praying fervently that the Tigers send them packing. Look, we know that Steinbrenner, Inc. is on your speed dial and that you seek permission from them before you wipe your own ass, but maybe in the future you can be a little less obvious about it.
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
Monday, October 15, 2012
NLCS Game 2: It's All Vogie
The Giants evened the series with the Cardinals behind a great start by Ryan Vogelsong. We all know the Vogelsaga. We all sing the Vogelsong. We all love the Vogelstart. We haven't seen that particular animal around as much of late, but Vogie had it going on tonight. He threw that nasty cut fastball into the righthanders and got a lot of popups and weak ground balls from some very tough hitters. He was able to throw all of his pitches including a nice, sharp curveball that dropped in for some big strikes. The Giants finally get a real start and it pays off with a huge win. Not only did Vogie do what needed to be done, he showed the way for the rest of the rotation. This is a matchup with the defending champs! These guys can really hit and can wear down a pitching staff with their patience and plate discipline. But if you throw strikes and work both sides of the plate and "hit Buster's glove" they can go down in order just like any other lineup. I hope Matt Cain was taking notes because he's going to have to do the same thing in St. Louis. But no worries--that's not until Wednesday. I want to enjoy this one. After all, the Giants were facing having to win four of the next six after losing the opener. But now they are on familiar ground, needing to win three of the next five, and we know they can do that.
The best Giants games feature lots of heroes, and tonight's win was no different. Angel Pagan had a great game, Marco Scutaro had a huge hit, and Brandon Belt looked good on both sides of the ball, and come to think of it so did Gregor Blanco. The hit by Matt Holliday on Scutaro at second base got Ol' Boch riled up, and understandably so, it was late and off the bag. Boch was correct in the post-game interview, it was an illegal slide under the newer rules. The problem was that it wasn't so blatant in real time that the umps could do anything. My biggest concern is that Scoots is healthy and can continue. The fact that he stayed in the game to get the big RBIs was amazing. Holliday said the right things after the game, for what it's worth. Shit happens. And, by defintion, shit ain't good.
The Giants got a break late on a bad call and squeezed out two more runs. The 7-1 final felt good, real good. Even Aubrey Huff got in on the act. The Cardinals made two errors in the game and Huff's "hit" was a pop fly down the line that the fielders gave up on. Ryan Theriot came in at second base in the second spot and stroked a two-run single. I like it when lots of guys put the ball in play and the lineup turns over many times. The Giants death-by-a-thousand-paper-cuts offense needs everyone to chip in.
Way to go, Vogie! You da man! Way to go, Giants. Keep it rolling!
--M.C.
The best Giants games feature lots of heroes, and tonight's win was no different. Angel Pagan had a great game, Marco Scutaro had a huge hit, and Brandon Belt looked good on both sides of the ball, and come to think of it so did Gregor Blanco. The hit by Matt Holliday on Scutaro at second base got Ol' Boch riled up, and understandably so, it was late and off the bag. Boch was correct in the post-game interview, it was an illegal slide under the newer rules. The problem was that it wasn't so blatant in real time that the umps could do anything. My biggest concern is that Scoots is healthy and can continue. The fact that he stayed in the game to get the big RBIs was amazing. Holliday said the right things after the game, for what it's worth. Shit happens. And, by defintion, shit ain't good.
The Giants got a break late on a bad call and squeezed out two more runs. The 7-1 final felt good, real good. Even Aubrey Huff got in on the act. The Cardinals made two errors in the game and Huff's "hit" was a pop fly down the line that the fielders gave up on. Ryan Theriot came in at second base in the second spot and stroked a two-run single. I like it when lots of guys put the ball in play and the lineup turns over many times. The Giants death-by-a-thousand-paper-cuts offense needs everyone to chip in.
Way to go, Vogie! You da man! Way to go, Giants. Keep it rolling!
--M.C.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
National League Championship Series, Game 1: Cardinals
Madison Bumgarner didn't have it tonight. He gave up 8 hits and 6 runs in less than 4 innings, his command was poor and he didn't have much working. In the second, following a Yadier Molina single, David Freese homered. Madison gave up another single to Redwood City product David Descalso before retiring the side. He made it through the third, giving up only one more hit, but the real trouble came in the fourth. Two doubles, Descalso and Pete Kozma, added a run. Then, John Jay singled Kozma home followed by a Carlos Beltran home run. It was 6 - 0 and looking bleak.
But the Giants did some damage in the bottom of the fourth, as Lance Lynn, who was untouchable in the first three innings, gave up a single to Marco Scutaro and then retired Pablo Sandoval and Buster Posey. Hunter Pence came up and singled, sending Scutaro to third. Brandon Belt, eeked out a single, sending Scutaro home and Pence to third. Then Gregor Blanco came up, and hit a triple into deep right center (where else?) to bring the score to 6 - 3. Brandon Crawford, desperate to get in on the action, followed with a double to score Blanco, 6 - 4. Aubrey Huff walked and that was all for Cardinals pitcher Lance Lynn. Joe Kelly retired Angel Pagan and that was it for the Giants' scoring with a parade of Cardinals relievers keeping the Giants scoreless for the rest of the game. Bummer.
Madison has not looked particularly good for a while now, with some exceptions. The young man may be worn out this season after 208 innings in the regular season. He threw a couple of crackerjack games back to back in August, a nine inning game in which he gave up 1 against Washington and an eight inning game against LA in which he gave up none. Since then, he threw 6 innings giving up 1 run on 4 hits against the Rockies but has been less than sharp since. Lance Lynn made it no further into the game than did Madison, and the Cardinals used six relievers. One might argue that Madison had been left in too long. After George Kontos finished up the fourth, Tim Lincecum pitched the fifth and sixth and only used 24 pitches. It was far from mop up duty, though, as the Giants seemed poised to catch the Cards at some point. Didn't happen though. It is not clear to me that Tim will not be starting game 4 or 5, even if he is used in relief again before then.
But the Giants did some damage in the bottom of the fourth, as Lance Lynn, who was untouchable in the first three innings, gave up a single to Marco Scutaro and then retired Pablo Sandoval and Buster Posey. Hunter Pence came up and singled, sending Scutaro to third. Brandon Belt, eeked out a single, sending Scutaro home and Pence to third. Then Gregor Blanco came up, and hit a triple into deep right center (where else?) to bring the score to 6 - 3. Brandon Crawford, desperate to get in on the action, followed with a double to score Blanco, 6 - 4. Aubrey Huff walked and that was all for Cardinals pitcher Lance Lynn. Joe Kelly retired Angel Pagan and that was it for the Giants' scoring with a parade of Cardinals relievers keeping the Giants scoreless for the rest of the game. Bummer.
Madison has not looked particularly good for a while now, with some exceptions. The young man may be worn out this season after 208 innings in the regular season. He threw a couple of crackerjack games back to back in August, a nine inning game in which he gave up 1 against Washington and an eight inning game against LA in which he gave up none. Since then, he threw 6 innings giving up 1 run on 4 hits against the Rockies but has been less than sharp since. Lance Lynn made it no further into the game than did Madison, and the Cardinals used six relievers. One might argue that Madison had been left in too long. After George Kontos finished up the fourth, Tim Lincecum pitched the fifth and sixth and only used 24 pitches. It was far from mop up duty, though, as the Giants seemed poised to catch the Cards at some point. Didn't happen though. It is not clear to me that Tim will not be starting game 4 or 5, even if he is used in relief again before then.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
To Tim or Not To Tim
Tim Lincecum deserves a start in the 2012 National League Championship series. Tim's troubles during the 2012 season have been well documented, not least by JC's emotional duress. When the Giants went into the divisional playoffs, Tim was sent to the bullpen. He was willing to do whatever to help the team win, and without that help, they might now be well into their winter vacations. Tim pitched 2 innings in Game 2, allowing only one hit and no runs, and then turned in a spectacular 4.1 innings in Game 4 three days later, 1 run on 2 hits to go with 6 K's to save Zito's ass, the Giants and renew our faith in all things holy.
He looked great on the mound, too. He was confident, although it's hard to tell because he always looks a bit puzzled, and all of his pitches, including one Mike Krukow referred to as a "Cuban palm ball" were working. He was making batters miss badly. But for all of that, were I Bruce Bochy, I would be hesitant to start him against the Cardinals.
Why? Because he is fantastic as a super reliever. He warms up quickly and can throw for a while in long relief (he threw 55 pitches Wednesday). He has thrown more than 130 pitches in a game. What's more, he said he would go again the next day if asked, and doesn't need a long time between starts. His "rest" seems somewhat less important to him than to other pitchers. He is a weapon that NO ONE ELSE HAS.
Think about what a powerful weapon it is to have TIM LINCECUM pitching like he did Wednesday ready to come in during any game. That allows Bochy to use his quick hook. He used it to get Zito out of there, didn't have to go to Mota, with whom Lord only knows what would have happened, and not use Affeldt, Lopez or, most importantly, Romo. Those guys were ready to go Thursday. Think about Bochy having to make decisions to leave pitchers in during precarious situations because you don't want to go to your relief too early. Dusty Baker is getting heat in Cincinnati right now for leaving Latos in the game just a bit too long. One more thing, you pull your starters early enough, you can make them warm up for relief too, should you need it. I mean, it's not like post-season games ever go to extra innings, do they?
Now think about the flip side. What if Tim is not available and Zito, or Madison, or Vogie, or, for that matter, Tim, can't give you five innings? Then you burn through your bullpen in a 25 man roster pretty quickly. How many starting pitchers on the Giants can you absolutely count on to give you five innings? Matt Cain. Any of them, Zito included, might give you eight or nine innings, and that would be beautiful. But all of them have struggled down the stretch, and I cannot think of a better backstop against the unpredictability of pitching staff than Tim Lincecum. I would love to believe that Maddy or Vogie or Tim or even Matt are just going to dominate the Cardinals, but there is just no sound reason to assume that will happen.
Or think of it this way. In a seven game series, Tim could win 4 games. Wouldn't that be something?
He looked great on the mound, too. He was confident, although it's hard to tell because he always looks a bit puzzled, and all of his pitches, including one Mike Krukow referred to as a "Cuban palm ball" were working. He was making batters miss badly. But for all of that, were I Bruce Bochy, I would be hesitant to start him against the Cardinals.
Why? Because he is fantastic as a super reliever. He warms up quickly and can throw for a while in long relief (he threw 55 pitches Wednesday). He has thrown more than 130 pitches in a game. What's more, he said he would go again the next day if asked, and doesn't need a long time between starts. His "rest" seems somewhat less important to him than to other pitchers. He is a weapon that NO ONE ELSE HAS.
Think about what a powerful weapon it is to have TIM LINCECUM pitching like he did Wednesday ready to come in during any game. That allows Bochy to use his quick hook. He used it to get Zito out of there, didn't have to go to Mota, with whom Lord only knows what would have happened, and not use Affeldt, Lopez or, most importantly, Romo. Those guys were ready to go Thursday. Think about Bochy having to make decisions to leave pitchers in during precarious situations because you don't want to go to your relief too early. Dusty Baker is getting heat in Cincinnati right now for leaving Latos in the game just a bit too long. One more thing, you pull your starters early enough, you can make them warm up for relief too, should you need it. I mean, it's not like post-season games ever go to extra innings, do they?
Now think about the flip side. What if Tim is not available and Zito, or Madison, or Vogie, or, for that matter, Tim, can't give you five innings? Then you burn through your bullpen in a 25 man roster pretty quickly. How many starting pitchers on the Giants can you absolutely count on to give you five innings? Matt Cain. Any of them, Zito included, might give you eight or nine innings, and that would be beautiful. But all of them have struggled down the stretch, and I cannot think of a better backstop against the unpredictability of pitching staff than Tim Lincecum. I would love to believe that Maddy or Vogie or Tim or even Matt are just going to dominate the Cardinals, but there is just no sound reason to assume that will happen.
Or think of it this way. In a seven game series, Tim could win 4 games. Wouldn't that be something?
Thursday, October 11, 2012
And The Band Played On
The Giants continued their magical season with an extraordinary win against the Reds today. I think I typed that sentence yesterday. And the day before. If I didn't, I said something similar. I don't quite know how to describe this team other than to say that they are winners. They win ballgames. Buster Posey, immortal among the living, hit a grand slam to make it 6-0 and they hung on from there. Six pitchers, 173 pitches. It wasn't Matt Cain's finest work, but he did what he had to do which was out-pitch Mat Latos. With the Giants lighting up their nemesis (better the enemy you know, eh?), Matty had to keep the lid on and get it to the 'pen. He succeeded, mostly, into the 6th inning. The strike 'em out and throw 'em out double play was huge, and then George Kontos came on and got an out on one pitch. The 'pen took it from there and with the help of a great catch by Angel Pagan got the job done. It was scary at times. Very scary. One could not help but think of a certain 5-0 lead with everything on the line that evaporated in a heartbeat, but we didn't have to suffer that particular sort of agony today. The Reds and their fans get that role this off-season. No schadenfreude for me, though, I've been to the very top and to the very bottom as a Giants fan, and I know what if feels like to root for a good team and watch it make history. I mean not good history, like stuff you hope everyone forgets. Sorry to descend into melancholia, but a game like today's puts you through the wringer, and all the emotions come out. I was at work, fer chrissakes, and all I had was GameDay, and I stopped looking at it when Sergio Romo had two on, one in, and one out. He rose to the moment in a marathon duel with Jay Bruce for the second out, and nailed it down by striking out Scott Rolen. The Reds go 2-13 with runners in scoring position. What a performance by the entire team to defeat an impressive foe.
After Sunday night's terrible game, Zo said YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE, thus earning RMC's Hunter Pence Award for inspirational words.
We did. And the Giants came through with some thrilling baseball.
On to the championship series!
--M.C.
p.s. @JC: you da man, you rescued me in the 9th!
After Sunday night's terrible game, Zo said YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE, thus earning RMC's Hunter Pence Award for inspirational words.
We did. And the Giants came through with some thrilling baseball.
On to the championship series!
--M.C.
p.s. @JC: you da man, you rescued me in the 9th!
VICTORY!!!
Giants make history and win in Cincy to advance to the LCS. I'm still a little shaky after that 9th inning--how about you? Going out to celebrate a bit and will be back later to post.
WAY TO GO, GIANTS!
--M.C.
WAY TO GO, GIANTS!
--M.C.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
The Return of Big Time Timmy Jim
Our beloved 2012 San Francisco Giants finally got a chance to show the world just how friggin' good they really are by destroying the Reds, 8-3, in Game 4 of the NLDS. Those of us that have followed this team are probably not too shocked to see such impressive offensive display. After all we have been a wicked road team all year. So you might think the game story is about Angel Pagan, Pablo Sandoval and Gregor Blanco, but you would be wrong. The true story of the game was a middle reliever.
Tim Lincecum made his fourth relief appearance of his career and it was a dandy. Big Time Timmy Jim snuffed the pesky Red's lineup with a magnificently commanded fastball. That's right, he actually threw strikes with his FASTBALL !!! And people SWUNG and MISSED !!! It was beautiful. Of his 55 pitches, Tim threw 42 strikes. That is only 13 balls to the 15 batters that he faced in his 4.1 innings. Hell, I think Tim averaged 13 balls an inning this year. But I guess that is ancient history ... right?
I can not express how happy I am that everyone is getting to see how wonderful this squad is...and for Tim to play any role in that literally chokes me up. This has been a tough year for me, personally, and as a diehard Tim Lincecum fanatic. Today makes everything so much better. Win or lose tomorrow, I absolutely love this team.
Having said that.... Tomorrow's game, simply put, is GOOD vs. EVIL. I think you know who is who. A better script could not have been written for such a HUGE game. We have the "perfect" man going for us. Life is good. Sleep well, ya all. Tomorrow will be one hell of a day!
Tim Lincecum made his fourth relief appearance of his career and it was a dandy. Big Time Timmy Jim snuffed the pesky Red's lineup with a magnificently commanded fastball. That's right, he actually threw strikes with his FASTBALL !!! And people SWUNG and MISSED !!! It was beautiful. Of his 55 pitches, Tim threw 42 strikes. That is only 13 balls to the 15 batters that he faced in his 4.1 innings. Hell, I think Tim averaged 13 balls an inning this year. But I guess that is ancient history ... right?
I can not express how happy I am that everyone is getting to see how wonderful this squad is...and for Tim to play any role in that literally chokes me up. This has been a tough year for me, personally, and as a diehard Tim Lincecum fanatic. Today makes everything so much better. Win or lose tomorrow, I absolutely love this team.
Having said that.... Tomorrow's game, simply put, is GOOD vs. EVIL. I think you know who is who. A better script could not have been written for such a HUGE game. We have the "perfect" man going for us. Life is good. Sleep well, ya all. Tomorrow will be one hell of a day!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Survival!
The Giants found a way to win tonight. They worked some road magic and kept the Reds champagne on ice. I am still not sure what happened, but Scott Rolen couldn't cleanly handle a ground ball from Joaquin Arias and Buster Posey crossed the plate with the go-ahead run in the 10th and the LDS heads to Game Four. It was a crazy ending to an agonizing game. Once again Cincinnati's starter overwhelmed the Giants lineup, this time Homer Bailey didn't give up a hit until the 6th (Marco Scutaro) and struck out ten in his seven innings. Sean Marshall and Aroldis Chapman mowed down the next six with three strikeouts, and even losing pitcher Jonathan Broxton struck out the side! It was an impressive display of offensive futility by the good guys, but it somehow worked out. Ryan Vogelsong was headed for a meltdown in the 1st but got a little help from Brandon Phillips who tried to take third after a stealing second on a ball that got away from Buster. He was thrown out and it turned out to be a big play. Two hits, a walk, and a run later and the Reds had 1-0 lead. That was it, though, as Vogie settled down and put up four zeroes, giving him the best start so far in the series for the Giants. They tied it up without a hit in the 3rd when Gregor Blanco was hit by a pitch to open the inning. He scored after a walk to Brandon Crawford, a sacrifice bunt by Vogie, and a sacrifice fly by Angel Pagan. It went to extras 1-1 mostly due to some fine bullpen work. Jeremy Affeldt threw an impressive 6th and 7th, Santiago Casilla got three outs in the 8th while scaring the crap out of us, and Sergio Romo got three harmless fly balls in the 9th to preserve the tie. It was a game more reminiscent of the 2009-2011 torture teams and not the run-scoring crew that blew away the rest of the West in 2012.
But the 10th! Craziness was everywhere. Buster and Hunter Pence opened the inning with singles, but that's not the whole story. Pence tweaked his calf on a swing and limped around for a while before getting back in the box. We were told later it was just a cramp, but at the time it looked like he might have to come out. The Giants had already used everyone except Hector Sanchez. Boch pinch-hit with Aubrey Huff in the 6th in Vogie's spot, used righties Xavier Nady and Ryan Theriot against the lefty Marshall (that's when Arias entered the game as well), so the only bat left was the backup catcher. Pence then singled on a ball I thought was a double play off the bat. He had tried to bunt earlier but looked bad so perhaps Bochy said "ah hell, swing away." It paid off, but he was obviously gimpy going down the line and had little chance of scoring on anything but a home run. Brandon Belt was not asked to sacrifice, a little surprising given the situation, and unfortunately whiffed. Nady followed with another whiff, and it looked like the decision not to bunt would fuel second-guessing for an entire off-season. In the post-game interview, Boch said he had not asked Belt to bunt all year, liked the lefty matchup against Broxton, and didn't like the lack of speed on the bases. I don't usually quibble with the manager's decisions these days, he's proved to me over the years that he's smart and knows his guys. Hey, it all worked out, so no grumbling allowed. Reds catcher Ryan Hanigan let a ball get past him and the runners moved up 90 feet, then Arias hit a chopper to third that Rolen could get on the first grab and it was enough for him to beat it out and bring in the run. Sergio Romo was the next batter. Dusty Baker elected not to walk Arias after the passed ball and force Boch to use his last hitter. Romo struck out comically--he looks like a bearded Little Leaguer when he holds a bat--but that was another great move that paid off. Sergio had it going on in the bottom of the 10th and retired the final three easily to nail down the win.
The Giants got three hits. They struck out 16 times. Their starter threw 30 pitches in the 1st inning and immediately put the team behind. They were 0-5 with runners in scoring position. They used Xavier Nady in left field.
And they won the game.
The Giants live to fight on. Another game. This time I'll miss it. The 1:00 p.m. start time (PDT) stinks--I'll be working and out in the field. I might catch the tail end on my way home. Here's hoping they keep finding a way to win.
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
But the 10th! Craziness was everywhere. Buster and Hunter Pence opened the inning with singles, but that's not the whole story. Pence tweaked his calf on a swing and limped around for a while before getting back in the box. We were told later it was just a cramp, but at the time it looked like he might have to come out. The Giants had already used everyone except Hector Sanchez. Boch pinch-hit with Aubrey Huff in the 6th in Vogie's spot, used righties Xavier Nady and Ryan Theriot against the lefty Marshall (that's when Arias entered the game as well), so the only bat left was the backup catcher. Pence then singled on a ball I thought was a double play off the bat. He had tried to bunt earlier but looked bad so perhaps Bochy said "ah hell, swing away." It paid off, but he was obviously gimpy going down the line and had little chance of scoring on anything but a home run. Brandon Belt was not asked to sacrifice, a little surprising given the situation, and unfortunately whiffed. Nady followed with another whiff, and it looked like the decision not to bunt would fuel second-guessing for an entire off-season. In the post-game interview, Boch said he had not asked Belt to bunt all year, liked the lefty matchup against Broxton, and didn't like the lack of speed on the bases. I don't usually quibble with the manager's decisions these days, he's proved to me over the years that he's smart and knows his guys. Hey, it all worked out, so no grumbling allowed. Reds catcher Ryan Hanigan let a ball get past him and the runners moved up 90 feet, then Arias hit a chopper to third that Rolen could get on the first grab and it was enough for him to beat it out and bring in the run. Sergio Romo was the next batter. Dusty Baker elected not to walk Arias after the passed ball and force Boch to use his last hitter. Romo struck out comically--he looks like a bearded Little Leaguer when he holds a bat--but that was another great move that paid off. Sergio had it going on in the bottom of the 10th and retired the final three easily to nail down the win.
The Giants got three hits. They struck out 16 times. Their starter threw 30 pitches in the 1st inning and immediately put the team behind. They were 0-5 with runners in scoring position. They used Xavier Nady in left field.
And they won the game.
The Giants live to fight on. Another game. This time I'll miss it. The 1:00 p.m. start time (PDT) stinks--I'll be working and out in the field. I might catch the tail end on my way home. Here's hoping they keep finding a way to win.
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Backs Against The Wall
Egads! 9 - 0. One hit. One lousy hit. Well, two really, but the last one showed up a bit too late to really help. A couple of walks. Bronson Arroyo made sure the Giants were never really in this one. He breezed through 7 innings on 91 pitches. Was able to control his pitches, all of them. I am pretty sure he started every batter with a strike and started every inning with an out. Ryan Ludwig homered off of Madison Bumgarner in the second for 1 run, but then the Reds scored 3 more on a bunch of singles in the fourth. A team with plenty of power, they were taking advantage of situations and hitting, 7 hits plus one walk in just over 4 innings. Kontos came on to bail out Madison in the 5th, he pitched superbly. Tim Lincecum followed and was - inspirational. If memory serves (and it rarely does these days) he also pitched in relief in 2010 against Philly. He went two, gave up one hit, but his appearance was just uplifting. At least for the fans, not sure about the team because they did not respond. Mijares, Casilla, Moto - all in the eighth and it was a mess - 5 more runs scored.
Ryan Vogelsong starts Tuesday and that is appropriate. Game three had to go to Zito or Vogie even before Timmy was used in relief, and Cincinnati has mostly right-handed hitters. Cincinnati is a very, very good team with stunning defense, good pitching and great relief and hitting that just doesn't end, but you have to believe that the Giants can go in there and sweep. They did it against LA, so they can do it here. And by "you have to believe" I mean YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE.
Thus far in this post season, the visiting team has won every game, putting to rest that "the-teams-with-the-best-records-got-screwed" theory. I would be thrilled to see that trend continue all the way through the league championships.
Ryan Vogelsong starts Tuesday and that is appropriate. Game three had to go to Zito or Vogie even before Timmy was used in relief, and Cincinnati has mostly right-handed hitters. Cincinnati is a very, very good team with stunning defense, good pitching and great relief and hitting that just doesn't end, but you have to believe that the Giants can go in there and sweep. They did it against LA, so they can do it here. And by "you have to believe" I mean YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE.
Thus far in this post season, the visiting team has won every game, putting to rest that "the-teams-with-the-best-records-got-screwed" theory. I would be thrilled to see that trend continue all the way through the league championships.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Reds Power Past Cain
The Reds brought their game to San Francisco and used pitching, power, and Brandon Phillips to smother the Giants and take Game One. Matt Cain gave up two home runs early and that was enough. The pitch to Phillips with a man on in the 3rd was ugly, a fat curve ball that never curved, and he did what any self-respecting hitter would do and crushed it to left. Jay Bruce, leading off in the 4th, hit a solo shot to the deepest part of the park and that doomed Cain to an early night. One consolation is that a five-inning, 75-pitch outing means he could come back on short rest in Game Four. But the Giants have to get there first, and that means a win tomorrow. They had chances tonight, but the Reds made some big defensive plays and pitched out of every jam. Starter Johnny Cueto left in the 1st with back spasms after just two batters, but Sam LeCure kept the lid on for 1-2/3 and turned the ball over to the scheduled Game Three starter Mat Latos. He managed four solid innings, giving up only a solo shot to Buster Posey. Latos loves to give Giants fans grief! Damn! I'm sick of that guy. They made a huge trade to get him this off-season and it paid off big time. Santiago Casilla unfortunately had an ugly 9th and the Reds tacked on two insurance runs, making the Giants mini-rally in the bottom of the inning a lot less dramatic than it could have been. Aroldis Chapman got Pablo Sandoval to pop up with the bases loaded and struck out Buster with two on to finish the deal.
A disappointing outcome for the home squad, losing 5-2 with their best pitcher on the hill. Brandon Belt looked good, getting robbed by Joey Votto on line drive in the 4th that doubled off Hunter Pence, and getting robbed again in the 6th on a flair to left with a diving catch from Ryan Ludwick. He walked in his other two plate appearances, and made a spectacular grab of a foul pop in the 1st. He was composed and confident in his first post-season game. Gregor Blanco had a walk, a double, and a bunt single, but struck out looking in the 8th with two on. Getting on base three times was impressive when you consider the top of the lineup was 2-14. The Reds have some serious pitching--they yielded the fewest runs (588) in the league in the regular season, and that's playing half their games in a hitter-friendly park. They also hit the third-most home runs (172) and made the second-fewest errors (89). The Giants were sixth in runs scored (718), and three of the teams above them failed to make the post-season. They were third in OBP (.327) and hits (1495), fourth in stolen bases (118, most of all the playoff teams except Oakland), and of course first in triples (57). It's an offense made of lots of moving parts and they couldn't get them going this evening even with the Reds losing their starter. Matty gave up the big bombs and that let the air out of the balloon and they couldn't claw their way back.
Madison Bumgarner gets the start tomorrow. Giants need a big effort to get the split at home and head to Cincinnati with the series tied. They are a good road team and should be able to push the Reds to the limit.
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
A disappointing outcome for the home squad, losing 5-2 with their best pitcher on the hill. Brandon Belt looked good, getting robbed by Joey Votto on line drive in the 4th that doubled off Hunter Pence, and getting robbed again in the 6th on a flair to left with a diving catch from Ryan Ludwick. He walked in his other two plate appearances, and made a spectacular grab of a foul pop in the 1st. He was composed and confident in his first post-season game. Gregor Blanco had a walk, a double, and a bunt single, but struck out looking in the 8th with two on. Getting on base three times was impressive when you consider the top of the lineup was 2-14. The Reds have some serious pitching--they yielded the fewest runs (588) in the league in the regular season, and that's playing half their games in a hitter-friendly park. They also hit the third-most home runs (172) and made the second-fewest errors (89). The Giants were sixth in runs scored (718), and three of the teams above them failed to make the post-season. They were third in OBP (.327) and hits (1495), fourth in stolen bases (118, most of all the playoff teams except Oakland), and of course first in triples (57). It's an offense made of lots of moving parts and they couldn't get them going this evening even with the Reds losing their starter. Matty gave up the big bombs and that let the air out of the balloon and they couldn't claw their way back.
Madison Bumgarner gets the start tomorrow. Giants need a big effort to get the split at home and head to Cincinnati with the series tied. They are a good road team and should be able to push the Reds to the limit.
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Playoffs!
I've been a San Francisco Giants fan since I was a wee lad. I remember Gaylord Perry's no-hitter in 1968 and Bobby Bonds' debut in 1969. My school chum Marty Duvall had a black lab named McCovey. My prized possession was the 1969 Sporting News Baseball Guide which featured MVPs Willie Mac and Harmon Killebrew on the cover. My favorite player was Tito Fuentes (I played second base in Little League). My dad took the family to Candlestick for Game 1 of the 1971 LCS against the Pittsburgh Pirates. I don't think they called it the "LCS" back then, and it was a best-of-five series. The Bucs won the whole thing that year. The Giants didn't make it back to the post-season until 1987. Since then, they've seen playoff action in 1989, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2010, and now 2012. Since the advent of division play in 1969, they've won the West eight times (they were the Wild Card team in 2002), the NL pennant three times, and the World Series once. That's nine playoff appearances in 44 seasons. Making it to the post-season is special. Yankees fans may take it for granted, but we don't. After all, the team has managed 13 second-place finishes since their arrival from New York in 1958 (eight since 1993). And they've finished LAST five times since 1984, most recently in 2007. It's not easy to stay on top in baseball, and even when you get there, it doesn't always come together for The Big Prize. So I hope everyone is enjoying this special season and looking forward to some exciting baseball this weekend. I will savor every pitch, every moment, and every play. Win or lose, this is my team, those are my guys, and I'm "all in." I hope you are, too.
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
p.s. The Giants finished the Ninth Inning 12-6. They went 9-9, 9-9, 12-6, 10-8, 10-8, 9-9, 12-6, 11-7, and 12-6. The post-season has a maximum of 19 games (5 + 7 + 7) and you have to win 11. So, it's on to the Tenth!
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
p.s. The Giants finished the Ninth Inning 12-6. They went 9-9, 9-9, 12-6, 10-8, 10-8, 9-9, 12-6, 11-7, and 12-6. The post-season has a maximum of 19 games (5 + 7 + 7) and you have to win 11. So, it's on to the Tenth!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Finally, a meaningless game
The Giants eliminated the Dodgers last night, but they didn't go quietly. It was an agonizing finish as the Giants needed six relievers for the final nine outs. Ol' Boch tried to get another inning out of Barry Zito who had thrown six solid to that point, but he plunked Andre Ethier to give the Dodgers life and end his night. Still, it was a fine effort, and Zeets made his case for a playoff start. George Kontos got the biggest out of the game* when he whiffed Matt Kemp to end the 7th, cleaning up the mess Guillermo Mota made. I wonder if that is it for WillyMo. He has only been marginally effective since his return from suspension, and Kontos has the strikeout stuff so valuable in those tight post-season games. The Giants like good PR as well, and leaving the steroid-tainted Ancient One off the playoff roster gives them a squeakier image. The word last week was they would carry eleven pitchers, and with the five starters that leaves six spots for relievers. Five are obvious: Romo, Casilla, Affeldt, Lopez, and lefty FNG Jose Mijares. I think you have to take the righty FNG as well.
Ryan Vogelsong, the forgotten man, pitches a meaningless game today. Let's hope he makes his case for a playoff start. The Giants need everyone ready going forward. This year's team doesn't have über-ace Tim Lincecum making the killer 1-2 punch with Matt Cain. The rest of the arms have to contribute with quality innings and big outs. It's a different team than the 2010 champs, with a different style and different weapons. Should be fun. It will be nice to relax this evening and watch Francisco Peguero, Justin Christian, and the like.
--M.C.
*Mota gave up a two-run homer to A.J. Ellis and then struck out Nick Punto. Mark Ellis hit a gapper, and perhaps made the biggest play of the night when he was thrown out at 3rd trying to stretch the no-doubt double into a triple. He was the tying run, already in scoring position with one out, in an elimination game. The extra 90 feet was not worth the risk and the Pagan-Arias-Sandoval team effort made him pay. It was one of those desperation, trying-too-hard moves, and he was out easily. Shane Victorino tripled after that, but was stranded by the Kemp strikeout. Nice. Don Mattingly made my favorite move when he walked Angel Pagan to get to Marco Scutaro (he wanted the righty matchup and had career numbers to back it up). Of course Scoots made him pay with the two-run double that proved to be the game-winner. You have to love walking a guy to get to the hottest hitter on the team!
Ryan Vogelsong, the forgotten man, pitches a meaningless game today. Let's hope he makes his case for a playoff start. The Giants need everyone ready going forward. This year's team doesn't have über-ace Tim Lincecum making the killer 1-2 punch with Matt Cain. The rest of the arms have to contribute with quality innings and big outs. It's a different team than the 2010 champs, with a different style and different weapons. Should be fun. It will be nice to relax this evening and watch Francisco Peguero, Justin Christian, and the like.
--M.C.
*Mota gave up a two-run homer to A.J. Ellis and then struck out Nick Punto. Mark Ellis hit a gapper, and perhaps made the biggest play of the night when he was thrown out at 3rd trying to stretch the no-doubt double into a triple. He was the tying run, already in scoring position with one out, in an elimination game. The extra 90 feet was not worth the risk and the Pagan-Arias-Sandoval team effort made him pay. It was one of those desperation, trying-too-hard moves, and he was out easily. Shane Victorino tripled after that, but was stranded by the Kemp strikeout. Nice. Don Mattingly made my favorite move when he walked Angel Pagan to get to Marco Scutaro (he wanted the righty matchup and had career numbers to back it up). Of course Scoots made him pay with the two-run double that proved to be the game-winner. You have to love walking a guy to get to the hottest hitter on the team!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Giants Delay Dodgers Vacation
The Giants forced LA to play at least one more meaningful game by losing a nail-biter in the 9th last night. The fans have already left, the team is still packing. Matt Cain had his final tune-up before his playoff start on Saturday. Other than giving up a homer to his personal Goldschmidt, Andre Ethier, he looked a lot like Matt Cain. It was also his birthday (he turned 28), and Ol' Boch thoughtfully gave him a pitch limit. The Giants looked feeble against Aaron Harang, only managing two hits. They got four hits off three relievers, but it was all for naught as Santiago Casilla gave up three hits in his 1/3 inning.
I really really really really want the Giants to eliminate the Dodgers. That means a win. One measly little win. The Cardinals could win one of their final two and make it moot, and the Dodgers could sweep and still watch the post-season on TV, but it would be much more fun to stick the dagger in personally. So c'mon, Giants, get some hits and score some runs and beat those clowns down there.
Barry Zito goes tonight, and Ryan Vogelsong gets matched up with Clayton Kershaw on Wednesday. Zito, as we all know, was left off the 2010 post-season roster. Here's why: 199-1/3 IP, 184 H, 97 R, 20 HR, 84 BB, 150 SO, 1.344 WHIP, and 4.15 ERA in 33 starts. He's on the 2012 post-season roster with his much improved 178-1/3 IP, 180 H, 89 R, 20 HR, 69 BB, 108 SO, 1.396 WHIP, and 4.19 ERA in 31 starts He had 19 quality starts in 2010, with an average game score of 51.6, but he turned that around in 2012 with 16 quality starts and a 49.3 average game score. FanGraphs gives him 1.7 WAR for 2010, 0.6 for 2012, while B-R says 0.9 and -0.2 (that's right, negative WAR). The Giants scored 3.6 rpg for Zeets in 2010, but are on a 4.8 rpg clip this season. He's the same pitcher he was then, but the Giants do better when he's on the mound: 16-17 in 2010 and 20-11 this year. So, make of that what you will.
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
I really really really really want the Giants to eliminate the Dodgers. That means a win. One measly little win. The Cardinals could win one of their final two and make it moot, and the Dodgers could sweep and still watch the post-season on TV, but it would be much more fun to stick the dagger in personally. So c'mon, Giants, get some hits and score some runs and beat those clowns down there.
Barry Zito goes tonight, and Ryan Vogelsong gets matched up with Clayton Kershaw on Wednesday. Zito, as we all know, was left off the 2010 post-season roster. Here's why: 199-1/3 IP, 184 H, 97 R, 20 HR, 84 BB, 150 SO, 1.344 WHIP, and 4.15 ERA in 33 starts. He's on the 2012 post-season roster with his much improved 178-1/3 IP, 180 H, 89 R, 20 HR, 69 BB, 108 SO, 1.396 WHIP, and 4.19 ERA in 31 starts He had 19 quality starts in 2010, with an average game score of 51.6, but he turned that around in 2012 with 16 quality starts and a 49.3 average game score. FanGraphs gives him 1.7 WAR for 2010, 0.6 for 2012, while B-R says 0.9 and -0.2 (that's right, negative WAR). The Giants scored 3.6 rpg for Zeets in 2010, but are on a 4.8 rpg clip this season. He's the same pitcher he was then, but the Giants do better when he's on the mound: 16-17 in 2010 and 20-11 this year. So, make of that what you will.
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
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