SF 1 MIA 0
The Harvest Moon of Friday the 13th brought good luck to the win-starved Giants. Tyler Beede pitched well (6-1/3, 3 H, 1 W, 5 K), and that certainly had a lot to do with it. Superb relief work from Tyler Rogers (5 batters, three whiffs) and new closer Shaun Anderson helped a hell of a lot, too. If you like old-school get-'em-on, get-'em-over, get-'em-in baseball you were in luck. The Giants did that once. The Marlins did it zero times, and one is bigger than zero. Brandon Belt had three hits including two doubles but did not figure in the scoring. It was that kind of game. The fielders helped, turning two big double plays, and Buster Posey threw out a wannabe base-stealer. He also drove in the game-winner with a bouncer through a drawn-in infield. I'm a big fan of wins, no matter how weird they are, and this game was weird. Tyler Beede pitched well and that's something we want to see more of, and Shaun Anderson is "serving notice" that he's a genuine closer candidate. That's the team's eighth shutout.
Madison Bumgarner goes tomorrow night at 6:05 and Johnny Cueto goes Sunday afternoon at 1:05. That's Pacific Daylight Time. I like this Bum-JC two-step. I hope they sign Bum and we get to see it for a couple more years.
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
Showing posts with label Posey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Posey. Show all posts
Friday, September 13, 2019
Saturday, August 3, 2019
Phew!
Nail-biter at Coors, the Giants win 6 - 5.
This was starting to look like the feel-good month of July was going quickly to hell. But the Giants got their first win of August in Coors Field in Denver against the Roxies. Not easily.
In a 3 hour and 42 minute game, the Giants left 13 runners on base, and were 3 for 14 with runners in scoring position. They loaded the bases but did not score in the 8th and 9th innings. The Giants made Rocky starter Jon Gray work to the tune of 30+ pitches in the 1st inning and scored 4 runs including a home run by Scooter Gennett. But on a night with an early lead, and a need for the starter to go deep in a game, Madison Bumgarner could only give them 5 innings and left the game trailing. Madison threw 91 pitches, struck out 2 and walked 1 but gave up 2 home runs and 5 runs total on 8 hits. Those came in the 2nd and 3rd and finally in a 2 run 5th. Jon Gray did no better, he was gone before he recorded an out in the 5th. The Rockies wound up using 6 pitchers in the game, the Giants 5: Gott, Coonrod, Watson and Smith for an inning each.
In the 8th, Buster Posey showed us why he remains a God. With 1 out, Joe Panik, pinch hitting, walked. Austin Slater singled. Then, pinch hitting for the pitcher's spot, Buster Posey willed a grounder nearly to the wall for a 2 rbi double. The Giants then loaded the bases but couldn't add on. Steven Duggar started the game, did not have a hit, but made a leaping catch at the center field wall in the 5th that could have left the score 7 - 4 Rockies. Will Smith allowed 2 hits, but somehow held on for the save (Coonrod got the win).
So, the offense is not what it should be for a game at Coors and our pitching is showing some signs of strain. Yet, the Giants have a chance for a winning road trip (they're 4 - 4 vs San Diego, Philadelphia and Colorado), a .500 record in this young month and a series win in Coors. It doesn't get easier after that.
This was starting to look like the feel-good month of July was going quickly to hell. But the Giants got their first win of August in Coors Field in Denver against the Roxies. Not easily.
In a 3 hour and 42 minute game, the Giants left 13 runners on base, and were 3 for 14 with runners in scoring position. They loaded the bases but did not score in the 8th and 9th innings. The Giants made Rocky starter Jon Gray work to the tune of 30+ pitches in the 1st inning and scored 4 runs including a home run by Scooter Gennett. But on a night with an early lead, and a need for the starter to go deep in a game, Madison Bumgarner could only give them 5 innings and left the game trailing. Madison threw 91 pitches, struck out 2 and walked 1 but gave up 2 home runs and 5 runs total on 8 hits. Those came in the 2nd and 3rd and finally in a 2 run 5th. Jon Gray did no better, he was gone before he recorded an out in the 5th. The Rockies wound up using 6 pitchers in the game, the Giants 5: Gott, Coonrod, Watson and Smith for an inning each.
In the 8th, Buster Posey showed us why he remains a God. With 1 out, Joe Panik, pinch hitting, walked. Austin Slater singled. Then, pinch hitting for the pitcher's spot, Buster Posey willed a grounder nearly to the wall for a 2 rbi double. The Giants then loaded the bases but couldn't add on. Steven Duggar started the game, did not have a hit, but made a leaping catch at the center field wall in the 5th that could have left the score 7 - 4 Rockies. Will Smith allowed 2 hits, but somehow held on for the save (Coonrod got the win).
So, the offense is not what it should be for a game at Coors and our pitching is showing some signs of strain. Yet, the Giants have a chance for a winning road trip (they're 4 - 4 vs San Diego, Philadelphia and Colorado), a .500 record in this young month and a series win in Coors. It doesn't get easier after that.
Sunday, June 30, 2019
June 30, 2019: Madbum Still Not Traded Yet
In spite of the fact that each day since my last post I have heard some allusion to him being traded, I am increasingly convinced that the Giants strongest assets lie in their relief pitching. Will Smith (21 for 21 saves) is going to be an All-Star. The record for consecutive saves is held by Rod Beck, with 24.
The Giants discovered some offense today, beating the Arizona Diamondbacks for a 4-game split by a score of 10 - 4. That was after a disappointing effort against Greinke last night, in which the Giants held the snakes scoreless behind Pomeranz for 5 and Moronta for 1 before Kevin Pillar dropped a fly ball in center field and to allow a run with Sam Dyson on the mound. Greinke made quick work of the Giants in the 7th, in spite of hitting Vogt with a pitch and in the 8th, Crawford erred his way (his 10th) into allowing a run behind Melancon (who "earned" 2 himself). The Giants scored 3 in the 9th, which would have been enough to win it if not for the poor fielding. Crawford currently has the worst fielding percentage in his career.
Today was different. The Giants looked sharp on offense, especially Kevin Pillar (a home run, 4 for 5 and 5 rbi's) and Buster Posey (3 for 3 and a BB). Buster also hit the ball well Friday (3 for 4). Longoria, Yastrzemski, Panik and Sandoval also had rbi's. Madison Bumgarner threw 7 innings and used 96 pitches to do so. He walked no one and allowed 1 run on 4 hits. He struck out 9. That ties him with Tim Lincecum for 4th place on the all time Giants' strikeout list. Take a look. Christy Mathewson, Juan Marichal, Amos Rusie, then Madbum and Tim, then Matt Cain. That should tell you all you need to know about how the Giants won 3 world series titles in a 5 year stretch.
Yet, with the win Friday night, they took 2 of the 4. That makes the Giants record 14 - 13 for June, and 9 - 10 against the western division since we started this stretch against them June 7 in LA. We play 3 in San Diego starting tomorrow and then 4 (including a double-header) in Denver on July 15 - 17. At this point last year, the Giants were 43 - 40. So, to use the whole season, as Mark has done, to project a 70 - 92 season is not the only way to figure out what the Giants are "on a pace" to accomplish. One could also say, based on recent performance, that the Giants are "on a pace" to go 77 - 85. That would be an improvement over last year's 73 win season (remember, the Giants lost A LOT at the end of the year). We're supposed to be improving this year, right? Don't trade Madbum!
The Giants discovered some offense today, beating the Arizona Diamondbacks for a 4-game split by a score of 10 - 4. That was after a disappointing effort against Greinke last night, in which the Giants held the snakes scoreless behind Pomeranz for 5 and Moronta for 1 before Kevin Pillar dropped a fly ball in center field and to allow a run with Sam Dyson on the mound. Greinke made quick work of the Giants in the 7th, in spite of hitting Vogt with a pitch and in the 8th, Crawford erred his way (his 10th) into allowing a run behind Melancon (who "earned" 2 himself). The Giants scored 3 in the 9th, which would have been enough to win it if not for the poor fielding. Crawford currently has the worst fielding percentage in his career.
Today was different. The Giants looked sharp on offense, especially Kevin Pillar (a home run, 4 for 5 and 5 rbi's) and Buster Posey (3 for 3 and a BB). Buster also hit the ball well Friday (3 for 4). Longoria, Yastrzemski, Panik and Sandoval also had rbi's. Madison Bumgarner threw 7 innings and used 96 pitches to do so. He walked no one and allowed 1 run on 4 hits. He struck out 9. That ties him with Tim Lincecum for 4th place on the all time Giants' strikeout list. Take a look. Christy Mathewson, Juan Marichal, Amos Rusie, then Madbum and Tim, then Matt Cain. That should tell you all you need to know about how the Giants won 3 world series titles in a 5 year stretch.
Yet, with the win Friday night, they took 2 of the 4. That makes the Giants record 14 - 13 for June, and 9 - 10 against the western division since we started this stretch against them June 7 in LA. We play 3 in San Diego starting tomorrow and then 4 (including a double-header) in Denver on July 15 - 17. At this point last year, the Giants were 43 - 40. So, to use the whole season, as Mark has done, to project a 70 - 92 season is not the only way to figure out what the Giants are "on a pace" to accomplish. One could also say, based on recent performance, that the Giants are "on a pace" to go 77 - 85. That would be an improvement over last year's 73 win season (remember, the Giants lost A LOT at the end of the year). We're supposed to be improving this year, right? Don't trade Madbum!
Saturday, June 1, 2019
Giants Subdue Orioles
SF 8 BAL 2
Rookie Shaun Anderson had an outstanding effort today in Baltimore, notching his first big-league "W" with seven strong innings. Giants starters had a 7+ ERA for the month of May, and had not delivered a 21-out start since April 13. It really helps when the hitters get it going early and this afternoon the Giants scored two in the 1st, one in the 3rd, and four in the 5th (and another in the 9th) to support the young right-hander. Buster Posey had a homer and two walks, scoring three runs and rookie Mike Yastrzemski had a hit and a walk and scored two. Brandon Belt, hitting in the number five spot, had two two-RBI hits, one in the 1st and one in the 5th. A good day for the good guys. Mark Melancon and rookie Sam Coonrod finished up.
Anderson is supposed to pitch again on Thursday, bumping Drew Pomeranz. Jeff Samardzija gets the call tomorrow morning at 10:05 Pacific.
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
Rookie Shaun Anderson had an outstanding effort today in Baltimore, notching his first big-league "W" with seven strong innings. Giants starters had a 7+ ERA for the month of May, and had not delivered a 21-out start since April 13. It really helps when the hitters get it going early and this afternoon the Giants scored two in the 1st, one in the 3rd, and four in the 5th (and another in the 9th) to support the young right-hander. Buster Posey had a homer and two walks, scoring three runs and rookie Mike Yastrzemski had a hit and a walk and scored two. Brandon Belt, hitting in the number five spot, had two two-RBI hits, one in the 1st and one in the 5th. A good day for the good guys. Mark Melancon and rookie Sam Coonrod finished up.
Anderson is supposed to pitch again on Thursday, bumping Drew Pomeranz. Jeff Samardzija gets the call tomorrow morning at 10:05 Pacific.
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
First and Last
This was a game that reminds us cynics of why we were baseball fans. It reminds us that baseball is, perhaps, the most human of sports. The Giants scored in the 1st inning, a Belt sacrifice that scored Steve Duggar. He hit it to triples alley, deep towards the 421 sign, but it was an out. It would be a shame not to see that next year, even if it does give Belt a few more home runs. Hyun-Jin Ryu, on the mound for LA, quickly found his groove and the Giants were pretty much shut down for the rest of his 8 innings.
Madison Bumgarner pitched the best he has this year. That was the opinion of one authority, Buster Posey on the post-game show, and confirmed by the radio and tv announcers. His fastball had the best velocity of the year, and he used it the most he has this year. His slider had some snap, too. Madison struck out 8 in 6 IP, threw 114 pitches and walked 2. He gave up 4 hits and 1 run. That run came in the 6th, Kike Hernandez doubled, then Bum got the next two batters out, then Bellinger hit what might have been the 3rd out, an infield dribble. It would have probably required either a slower runner or a faster pitcher, Madbum didn't cover 1st, and it probably wouldn't have mattered. Meanwhile, Kike Hernandez scored from 2nd on what was a ballsy running play. But it tied the game.
Madbum batted in the bottom of the 6th, which gives you an idea of what the Giants offense is like, but did not pitch the 7th. That meant that Reyes Moronta, Tony Watson, and Will Smith had to hold LA to 0 runs, and that is not easy. Reyes put 2 runners on (1 hit and 1 error on Brandon Crawford), Watson had a 1-2-3, and Will Smith then put another 2 doggers on before getting out of the inning unscathed.
Then came the 9th. A groundout by the Panda hitting in the pitcher's spot. Then Duggar, the only guy on the Giants who could be called a speedster, got his 3rd hit of the night off of Julio Urias. Parra singled him to 2nd before Brandon Belt struck out. LA brought in Pedro Baez to face Buster Posey and Buster, on a 3 - 1 count, lined to left. It had to have been Buster, and anyone but Duggar would have had to stop at 3rd or been thrown out, the line drive just wasn't deep enough. The Giants scored on a Buster Posey walk-off single, beating LA by a score of 2 - 1. Oh yeah, Bochy got tossed somewhere mid-game.
So here we are. We beat LA 2 of the 3 games on what was looking like a real dumpster fire of a homestand. We got some measure of redemption on what is sure to be a season to try men's and women's souls. Why can't we summon that intensity against anyone else? The doggers score tons of runs and we held them to 1. And scored twice.
Tyler Beede is slated to start in Cincinnati Friday.
Madison Bumgarner pitched the best he has this year. That was the opinion of one authority, Buster Posey on the post-game show, and confirmed by the radio and tv announcers. His fastball had the best velocity of the year, and he used it the most he has this year. His slider had some snap, too. Madison struck out 8 in 6 IP, threw 114 pitches and walked 2. He gave up 4 hits and 1 run. That run came in the 6th, Kike Hernandez doubled, then Bum got the next two batters out, then Bellinger hit what might have been the 3rd out, an infield dribble. It would have probably required either a slower runner or a faster pitcher, Madbum didn't cover 1st, and it probably wouldn't have mattered. Meanwhile, Kike Hernandez scored from 2nd on what was a ballsy running play. But it tied the game.
Madbum batted in the bottom of the 6th, which gives you an idea of what the Giants offense is like, but did not pitch the 7th. That meant that Reyes Moronta, Tony Watson, and Will Smith had to hold LA to 0 runs, and that is not easy. Reyes put 2 runners on (1 hit and 1 error on Brandon Crawford), Watson had a 1-2-3, and Will Smith then put another 2 doggers on before getting out of the inning unscathed.
Then came the 9th. A groundout by the Panda hitting in the pitcher's spot. Then Duggar, the only guy on the Giants who could be called a speedster, got his 3rd hit of the night off of Julio Urias. Parra singled him to 2nd before Brandon Belt struck out. LA brought in Pedro Baez to face Buster Posey and Buster, on a 3 - 1 count, lined to left. It had to have been Buster, and anyone but Duggar would have had to stop at 3rd or been thrown out, the line drive just wasn't deep enough. The Giants scored on a Buster Posey walk-off single, beating LA by a score of 2 - 1. Oh yeah, Bochy got tossed somewhere mid-game.
So here we are. We beat LA 2 of the 3 games on what was looking like a real dumpster fire of a homestand. We got some measure of redemption on what is sure to be a season to try men's and women's souls. Why can't we summon that intensity against anyone else? The doggers score tons of runs and we held them to 1. And scored twice.
Tyler Beede is slated to start in Cincinnati Friday.
Sunday, April 21, 2019
Buster Busts Out!
After a disappointing rain-shortened 3-1 loss on Saturday the Giants bounced back this afternoon to edge the Pirates 3-2 and snap their four-game skid. Dereck Rodriguez allowed four hits in his 5-2/3 but one of them was a two-run homer from Josh Bell that put the Bucs up 2-0 in the 4th inning. Buster Posey responded in the very next frame with a three-run blast to straightaway center field off Chris Archer to give the Giants the lead. Reyes Moronta and Tony Watson held on through the 8th and turned it over to Will Smith in the 9th. He walked catcher Francisco Cervelli with one out and then induced a perfect double-play grounder from Jung Ho Kang to Brandon Crawford who, shockingly, bobbled it and only got the lead runner. Former Giants farmhand Brian Reynolds (part of the McCutchen deal) roped a double into the right field corner that looked like it would tie the game. But Steven Duggar and Joe Panik teamed up to get the ball to Buster who made the final putout on Kang trying to score from first and the Giants left town with a win. It was a little close for comfort but I think we'll take it. The Giants were 31-50 (.383) on the road last season, this year they are 4-9 (.308). Let's hope they pick up the pace.
Jeff Samardzija goes Tuesday in Toronto at 4:07 PDT.
--M.C.
p.s. D-Rod led off the 5th with a single and Duggar's bunt single put the two runners on that Buster brought home with his homer. Posey also doubled in the 3rd inning.
Jeff Samardzija goes Tuesday in Toronto at 4:07 PDT.
--M.C.
p.s. D-Rod led off the 5th with a single and Duggar's bunt single put the two runners on that Buster brought home with his homer. Posey also doubled in the 3rd inning.
Sunday, July 29, 2018
Bam-Bam's Giants Outlast Brewers
SF 8 MIL 5
Bruce Bochy turned the reins over to Hensley Muelens today as he was in Cooperstown for Trevor Hoffman's induction. The Giants probably should have scored ten runs this afternoon as they had a lot of opportunities. Thankfully Buster Posey had his best day of the season, getting four hits, driving in three, and scoring two, his bases-clearing double in the 3rd setting the tone and leading the way. Andrew Suarez got rocked a bit, eight hits and four runs allowed in his six frames, but held on enough to take advantage of the lineup's output. Gorkys Hernandez has been cold lately but hit a long homer in the 4th, and Pablo Sandoval drove in two in the 5th with a triple. Unfortunately Panda had to leave the game after that with a hamstring strain. Seems the good has to come with the bad. Andrew McCutchen was also pulled with a contusion on his foot due to too many foul balls! The final tally was 8-5, Sam Dyson allowing a homer in his inning (the 7th), but Tony Watson (8th) and Will Smith (9th) each had a clean sheet to take the final game from Milwaukee.
A win staves off the doom-and-gloom talk, usually, but the Giants go to San Diego next, and they've seen their dreams die there recently. It is only two games, thank the gods, and the Dere(c)ks get the assignments, Holland tomorrow night (Game 108, end of the 6th inning) and Rodriguez Tuesday afternoon. The team is 9-14 for the month of July and can't finish off a winning month no matter the results. They'll be in Arizona to open August, we'll see if they make a move by the trade deadline.
--M.C.
Bruce Bochy turned the reins over to Hensley Muelens today as he was in Cooperstown for Trevor Hoffman's induction. The Giants probably should have scored ten runs this afternoon as they had a lot of opportunities. Thankfully Buster Posey had his best day of the season, getting four hits, driving in three, and scoring two, his bases-clearing double in the 3rd setting the tone and leading the way. Andrew Suarez got rocked a bit, eight hits and four runs allowed in his six frames, but held on enough to take advantage of the lineup's output. Gorkys Hernandez has been cold lately but hit a long homer in the 4th, and Pablo Sandoval drove in two in the 5th with a triple. Unfortunately Panda had to leave the game after that with a hamstring strain. Seems the good has to come with the bad. Andrew McCutchen was also pulled with a contusion on his foot due to too many foul balls! The final tally was 8-5, Sam Dyson allowing a homer in his inning (the 7th), but Tony Watson (8th) and Will Smith (9th) each had a clean sheet to take the final game from Milwaukee.
A win staves off the doom-and-gloom talk, usually, but the Giants go to San Diego next, and they've seen their dreams die there recently. It is only two games, thank the gods, and the Dere(c)ks get the assignments, Holland tomorrow night (Game 108, end of the 6th inning) and Rodriguez Tuesday afternoon. The team is 9-14 for the month of July and can't finish off a winning month no matter the results. They'll be in Arizona to open August, we'll see if they make a move by the trade deadline.
--M.C.
Friday, July 13, 2018
Mad About Madbum, but Diggin' Duggar and Ravin' about Reyes
This was, perhaps, the best Giants game of the year.
The San Francisco Giants beat the Oakland Athletics by a score of 7 - 1.
The Giants pitching was superb.
Madison Bumgarner was the starter. He got his 3rd win, which, perhaps, is a good illustration of how odd the designation of a W to a pitcher can be. Madison threw 6 fantastic innings, he gave up a home run to Oakland left fielder Chad Pinder in the 5th inning, with no one on base. That was Oakland's first run, and it tied the score at 1 each. The Giants had scored on a balk the previous inning. Apparently, the Oakland starter, Edwin Jackson, slipped or caught his cleats or something as he was in his motion. It brought Steve Duggar in from 3rd base. In those 6, Madison gave up 2 hits, 1 walk, struck out 5 and threw 84 pitches. Madison also pitched in the 7th inning, and did not fare so well. He threw 18 more pitches, gave up a single followed by 2 walks and was pulled for Reyes Moronta. Reyes induced a strike out, a line out to the Panda, and a ground ball to Brandon Crawford. If you could award a "win" based on sheer grit and savvy, Reyes gets the credit. Innings 8 and 9 were handled perfunctorily by Sam Dyson (a 4-pitch 8th).
After that, it fell apart for the A's. A series of relievers in the 7th culminating with Santiago Casilla (who also pitched the 8th) gave the Giants 5 runs for the final score.
The Giants hitting was timely.
Steve Duggar scored 3 times, walked, hit 2 doubles and picked up 2 rbi. In the 7th, with the bases loaded by way of two singles and a walk, Duggar slammed a double to right to score 2. Belt was hit on the hand (but stayed in the game), McCutheon hit a sac fly to score d'Arnaud and send Duggar to 3rd, where a wild Santiago Casilla pitch brought him in. A Buster Posey double scored Belt. Buster had 2 rbi, both coming with 2 outs. The Giants had to scrap for opportunity early in the game, but took advantage of them when they came.
The Oakland A's had just beaten the world champion and AL West division-leading Houston Astros in 3 games out of 4. Oakland, even with tonight's loss, would be in first place in the NL West. Mark's hope is still alive.
The San Francisco Giants beat the Oakland Athletics by a score of 7 - 1.
The Giants pitching was superb.
Madison Bumgarner was the starter. He got his 3rd win, which, perhaps, is a good illustration of how odd the designation of a W to a pitcher can be. Madison threw 6 fantastic innings, he gave up a home run to Oakland left fielder Chad Pinder in the 5th inning, with no one on base. That was Oakland's first run, and it tied the score at 1 each. The Giants had scored on a balk the previous inning. Apparently, the Oakland starter, Edwin Jackson, slipped or caught his cleats or something as he was in his motion. It brought Steve Duggar in from 3rd base. In those 6, Madison gave up 2 hits, 1 walk, struck out 5 and threw 84 pitches. Madison also pitched in the 7th inning, and did not fare so well. He threw 18 more pitches, gave up a single followed by 2 walks and was pulled for Reyes Moronta. Reyes induced a strike out, a line out to the Panda, and a ground ball to Brandon Crawford. If you could award a "win" based on sheer grit and savvy, Reyes gets the credit. Innings 8 and 9 were handled perfunctorily by Sam Dyson (a 4-pitch 8th).
After that, it fell apart for the A's. A series of relievers in the 7th culminating with Santiago Casilla (who also pitched the 8th) gave the Giants 5 runs for the final score.
The Giants hitting was timely.
Steve Duggar scored 3 times, walked, hit 2 doubles and picked up 2 rbi. In the 7th, with the bases loaded by way of two singles and a walk, Duggar slammed a double to right to score 2. Belt was hit on the hand (but stayed in the game), McCutheon hit a sac fly to score d'Arnaud and send Duggar to 3rd, where a wild Santiago Casilla pitch brought him in. A Buster Posey double scored Belt. Buster had 2 rbi, both coming with 2 outs. The Giants had to scrap for opportunity early in the game, but took advantage of them when they came.
The Oakland A's had just beaten the world champion and AL West division-leading Houston Astros in 3 games out of 4. Oakland, even with tonight's loss, would be in first place in the NL West. Mark's hope is still alive.
Monday, June 4, 2018
Number Two and .500*
The Giants selected Georgia Tech catcher Joey Bart as their first pick (second overall) in the draft. Here's the MLB profile on him. His "comp" is Matt Wieters. Wieters was a first-rounder (fifth overall) in 2007. The Giants drafted Madison Bumgarner that year with the tenth pick. Baseball America lists Bart as the best catcher in the draft. The buzz on this guy besides his size and power is that unlike most amateur catchers he calls his own games. I'll leave all the analysis and prognosticating to the experts--I think the Giants know what they are doing. First-rounders have a pretty good chance of long-term ML success so I'm hoping for good things. It is interesting that they took a college catcher who might only be 3-4 years away (he's 21) from the bigs and in fact could get his shot sooner. Buster Posey is signed through 2021 and there's a team option for 2022, so you get where this is going. Bart will be groomed as the heir-apparent I expect.
One never knows how these things will turn out but I'm excited to have a new ballplayer in the system (assuming he signs). Welcome to the club, lad. Go Giants!
--M.C.
update: The Giants had the second pick of the second round (45th overall) and selected Sean Hjelle (pronounced like 'jelly'), a 6'11" right-handed pitcher from the University of Kentucky. I suppose the Giants grabbed a real giant, if he makes the bigs he'd match Jon Rauch as the tallest ballplayer all-time. Their next pick is #80 in the third round tomorrow.
*update: The Giants clobber the D-Backs 10-3 behind a four-homer, three-double barrage. Boch pinch-hit Alan Hanson for Derek Holland in the bottom of the 4th and his bases-loaded double broke a 2-2 tie and the rout was on. Reyes Moronta (1), Pierce Johnson (2), Cory Gearrin (1), and Ty Blach (1) finished up and only Gearrin allowed a run. The Giants are back to .500 and MadBum pitches tomorrow!
One never knows how these things will turn out but I'm excited to have a new ballplayer in the system (assuming he signs). Welcome to the club, lad. Go Giants!
--M.C.
update: The Giants had the second pick of the second round (45th overall) and selected Sean Hjelle (pronounced like 'jelly'), a 6'11" right-handed pitcher from the University of Kentucky. I suppose the Giants grabbed a real giant, if he makes the bigs he'd match Jon Rauch as the tallest ballplayer all-time. Their next pick is #80 in the third round tomorrow.
*update: The Giants clobber the D-Backs 10-3 behind a four-homer, three-double barrage. Boch pinch-hit Alan Hanson for Derek Holland in the bottom of the 4th and his bases-loaded double broke a 2-2 tie and the rout was on. Reyes Moronta (1), Pierce Johnson (2), Cory Gearrin (1), and Ty Blach (1) finished up and only Gearrin allowed a run. The Giants are back to .500 and MadBum pitches tomorrow!
Sunday, June 3, 2018
Philistines Sent Packing
Less than one month ago, the Philadelphia Phillies scored 32 runs against the Giants in 4 games in Philly, completely humiliating them and making our season look dismal. Today, the Giants gave up the only run in the visit by Philadelphia, sweeping them in a 3 game series by a final score of 6 - 1.
Dereck Rodriguez, son of Pudge Rodriguez, started for the Giants. He looks really very good. I know it is a small sample size, but he looks like he is poised on the mound, mixes pitches extremely well and doesn't look like the kind of guy you would want to charge the mound against. He threw 85 pitches to get through 6 innings, struck out 6, gave up 1 on a home run and walked 2. Kudos on the offensive side to Joe Panik (2 for 4 with the tying rbi), Buster Posey (2 for 4 with 2 rbi including a solo shot for the 6th run), Andrew McCutcheon (2 for 4 with a 3-run blast to right to significantly alter the Giants probability of a win) and Brandon Crawford (2 for 4). Mark Melancon pitched for an inning, striking out 3 guys in balls that were not close to the strike zone.
Did I mention that we swept the Filthies? We allowed 1 run on the weekend. We move up 3 games this weekend on the 1st place Roxies, who lost 3 to LA. The smog-suckers are neck-and-neck with us. We have used young talent that looks like real talent. Stratton, Suarez, and Rodriguez. Feel free to discuss what a stud Rodriguez is in the comments.
Dereck Rodriguez, son of Pudge Rodriguez, started for the Giants. He looks really very good. I know it is a small sample size, but he looks like he is poised on the mound, mixes pitches extremely well and doesn't look like the kind of guy you would want to charge the mound against. He threw 85 pitches to get through 6 innings, struck out 6, gave up 1 on a home run and walked 2. Kudos on the offensive side to Joe Panik (2 for 4 with the tying rbi), Buster Posey (2 for 4 with 2 rbi including a solo shot for the 6th run), Andrew McCutcheon (2 for 4 with a 3-run blast to right to significantly alter the Giants probability of a win) and Brandon Crawford (2 for 4). Mark Melancon pitched for an inning, striking out 3 guys in balls that were not close to the strike zone.
Did I mention that we swept the Filthies? We allowed 1 run on the weekend. We move up 3 games this weekend on the 1st place Roxies, who lost 3 to LA. The smog-suckers are neck-and-neck with us. We have used young talent that looks like real talent. Stratton, Suarez, and Rodriguez. Feel free to discuss what a stud Rodriguez is in the comments.
Sunday, April 29, 2018
The Giants are a .500 Ball Club
And that's good, because they are improving! The Giants won against LA today, 4 - 2, to take the series 3 games of 4 and climb to .500. That makes them 6 - 4 against the NL champions with 9 games remaining in the remaining 5/6 of the season. Crazy to play one team so much at the beginning of the year, right? But if LA gets in gear, which really hasn't happened yet, maybe it works in the Giants' favor. Or maybe the Giants will turn out to be a pretty decent club.
That makes 3 series in a row. Mark doesn't like to talk about last year, but I am still trying to purge last year's stain on my psyche, so I would note that the Giants actually won 3 series in a row last year, against Cincinnati, this team and St. Louis in May. But they never won 4 series in a row. BEAT the Padres!
Ty Blach vs Kenta Maeda. Maeda gave up 3 to the Giants in the 1st - Posey doubled with 2 outs, Belt walked, and Evan Longoria homered. The Giants added 1 in the 3rd, Posey scoring from 1st on a deep Brandon Belt double off the bricks in right center. Ty Blach pitched much, much, much better than in his previous start. He gave up a run in the 6th, and came out to pitch the 7th, but gave up a broken bat single so was pulled for Sam Dyson after 87 pitches. A high bouncer to Dyson enabled Muncy to reach second because it took so long to come down and then a single to the outfield scored the doggers' 2nd run. That run is charged to Blach, but it is an example of how unfair that can be. It was a ball that was so punk that it put Muncy on base, then a double play ball that bounced too high to be playable at second. Dyson then slammed the door on that comeback attempt, though, and Watson made quick work of the 8th. Strickland seemed to lack control except with his fastball, but managed to finish the game without allowing a baserunner.
You see the wisdom of Bochy's use of pitchers (and the wisdom of yesterday evening's and today's starters to get us some innings). We won 3 of the 4 games:
Game 1: Holland (3.1 IP), Johnson, Gearrin, Dyson, Watson, Strickland.
Game 2: Stratton (1.1 IP), Gomez, Law, Gearrin, Panda.
Game 3: Cueto (6 IP), Moronta, Dyson, Snelton, Strickland.
Game 4: Blach (6 IP), Dyson, Watson, Strickland.
Did I mention that we beat LA 3 of 4? Johnny Cueto is leading the National League in ERA. I'm feeling better about this club, and it starts with the bullpen. The feeling of impending doom is gone.
That makes 3 series in a row. Mark doesn't like to talk about last year, but I am still trying to purge last year's stain on my psyche, so I would note that the Giants actually won 3 series in a row last year, against Cincinnati, this team and St. Louis in May. But they never won 4 series in a row. BEAT the Padres!
Ty Blach vs Kenta Maeda. Maeda gave up 3 to the Giants in the 1st - Posey doubled with 2 outs, Belt walked, and Evan Longoria homered. The Giants added 1 in the 3rd, Posey scoring from 1st on a deep Brandon Belt double off the bricks in right center. Ty Blach pitched much, much, much better than in his previous start. He gave up a run in the 6th, and came out to pitch the 7th, but gave up a broken bat single so was pulled for Sam Dyson after 87 pitches. A high bouncer to Dyson enabled Muncy to reach second because it took so long to come down and then a single to the outfield scored the doggers' 2nd run. That run is charged to Blach, but it is an example of how unfair that can be. It was a ball that was so punk that it put Muncy on base, then a double play ball that bounced too high to be playable at second. Dyson then slammed the door on that comeback attempt, though, and Watson made quick work of the 8th. Strickland seemed to lack control except with his fastball, but managed to finish the game without allowing a baserunner.
You see the wisdom of Bochy's use of pitchers (and the wisdom of yesterday evening's and today's starters to get us some innings). We won 3 of the 4 games:
Game 1: Holland (3.1 IP), Johnson, Gearrin, Dyson, Watson, Strickland.
Game 2: Stratton (1.1 IP), Gomez, Law, Gearrin, Panda.
Game 3: Cueto (6 IP), Moronta, Dyson, Snelton, Strickland.
Game 4: Blach (6 IP), Dyson, Watson, Strickland.
Did I mention that we beat LA 3 of 4? Johnny Cueto is leading the National League in ERA. I'm feeling better about this club, and it starts with the bullpen. The feeling of impending doom is gone.
Monday, October 2, 2017
9th inning: 8-10
1st inning: 6-12
2nd inning: 6-12
3rd inning: 10-8
4th inning: 4-14
5th inning: 8-10
6th inning: 7-11
7th inning: 9-9
8th inning: 6-12
9th inning: 8-10
The final tally for 2017 is 64-98 (.395), 40 games out of first place and 23 games behind the wildcard. The Giants tie the Detroit Tigers for the worst record and will get rewarded with the number two overall pick in the 2018 June draft (the Giants had a better 2016 record than the Tigers).
It was a season in which everything went wrong. The team was a disaster from the opening bell and never found its footing. Considering the expectations and track record you could argue it was the worst season ever for the San Francisco Giants. The team was 16th of the 30 ML squads in runs allowed per game (4.79); they were 29th in runs scored per game (3.94). The league average for RA/RS was 4.65, I think you can see the problem. They couldn't hit and the pitching was sub-par. They also couldn't play the field or run the bases. The only players on the club with anything close to their expected performances were Buster Posey (.320/.400/.462, 4.3 fWAR) and Jeff Samardzija (207-2/3 IP, 3.8 fWAR).
One of the things about being a sports fan is that the outcomes are random. If you like movies of a particular ilk, say rom-coms or super-hero franchises, you can pick those when you go out and you will stand a good chance of getting your money's worth. If you go to the circus or to the opera you have a pretty good idea of what to expect. Sporting events don't give us that luxury. You have to take a risk--the performance could be a dud. Imagine if Broadway musicals had the variation we see in ballgames. Tuesday night's Hamilton could really stink but Sunday's would be epic, for example. Who would stand such a thing?
What we learn in life is to take the bitter with the sweet. There's no way to separate the bad from the good as the world is all jumbled up. It's not neat out there, it's messy, and it can't be untangled. We love the Giants so they drive us crazy. If we didn't care it would be a lot easier. But we do, so it isn't. We cry "wait 'til next year" when things are bleak. The 2018 Giants may be bad, or they may bounce back, there's no way to know for sure. One thing I'm sure of is that I'll be right here, chiming in on my beloved orange-and-blackers, and hoping you'll join me.
As always, my heartfelt thanks to all of you for reading, lurking, commenting, and posting. This is our 10th full season of blogging here at RMC, that's over 2200 posts! Writing about the Giants has taught me much about myself. It's brought into focus my lifelong relationship to baseball, allowed me to muse often on the nature of fandom, and forced me to ride out the highs and lows with some degree of equanimity. I can't wait to see what next year brings.
--M.C.
p.s. Baseball is a slow, sluggish game with frequent and trivial interruptions, offering the spectator many opportunities to reflect at leisure upon the situation on the field. This is what a fan loves most about the game. --Edward Abbey (from Vox Clamantis in Deserto)
2nd inning: 6-12
3rd inning: 10-8
4th inning: 4-14
5th inning: 8-10
6th inning: 7-11
7th inning: 9-9
8th inning: 6-12
9th inning: 8-10
The final tally for 2017 is 64-98 (.395), 40 games out of first place and 23 games behind the wildcard. The Giants tie the Detroit Tigers for the worst record and will get rewarded with the number two overall pick in the 2018 June draft (the Giants had a better 2016 record than the Tigers).
It was a season in which everything went wrong. The team was a disaster from the opening bell and never found its footing. Considering the expectations and track record you could argue it was the worst season ever for the San Francisco Giants. The team was 16th of the 30 ML squads in runs allowed per game (4.79); they were 29th in runs scored per game (3.94). The league average for RA/RS was 4.65, I think you can see the problem. They couldn't hit and the pitching was sub-par. They also couldn't play the field or run the bases. The only players on the club with anything close to their expected performances were Buster Posey (.320/.400/.462, 4.3 fWAR) and Jeff Samardzija (207-2/3 IP, 3.8 fWAR).
One of the things about being a sports fan is that the outcomes are random. If you like movies of a particular ilk, say rom-coms or super-hero franchises, you can pick those when you go out and you will stand a good chance of getting your money's worth. If you go to the circus or to the opera you have a pretty good idea of what to expect. Sporting events don't give us that luxury. You have to take a risk--the performance could be a dud. Imagine if Broadway musicals had the variation we see in ballgames. Tuesday night's Hamilton could really stink but Sunday's would be epic, for example. Who would stand such a thing?
What we learn in life is to take the bitter with the sweet. There's no way to separate the bad from the good as the world is all jumbled up. It's not neat out there, it's messy, and it can't be untangled. We love the Giants so they drive us crazy. If we didn't care it would be a lot easier. But we do, so it isn't. We cry "wait 'til next year" when things are bleak. The 2018 Giants may be bad, or they may bounce back, there's no way to know for sure. One thing I'm sure of is that I'll be right here, chiming in on my beloved orange-and-blackers, and hoping you'll join me.
As always, my heartfelt thanks to all of you for reading, lurking, commenting, and posting. This is our 10th full season of blogging here at RMC, that's over 2200 posts! Writing about the Giants has taught me much about myself. It's brought into focus my lifelong relationship to baseball, allowed me to muse often on the nature of fandom, and forced me to ride out the highs and lows with some degree of equanimity. I can't wait to see what next year brings.
--M.C.
p.s. Baseball is a slow, sluggish game with frequent and trivial interruptions, offering the spectator many opportunities to reflect at leisure upon the situation on the field. This is what a fan loves most about the game. --Edward Abbey (from Vox Clamantis in Deserto)
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Buster!
SF 5 CLE 4
It was good work by Matt Cain today in his new spot-starter-out-of-the-bullpen role: six innings, five hits, three runs (all in one inning), two walks (both scored), five strikeouts, no homers. He even got a base hit! Alas, the lineup could not score the tying run despite having some good chances and he left with the team losing 3-2. The Indians added another run in the 8th and it looked for all the world like another Caining. But the home squad, undaunted, rallied in the bottom half, scratching out a run to make it 4-3. Then Buster Posey, pinch-hitting with two on and two outs, roped a two-run double to make it 5-4 Giants. It was one of the more exciting moments of the season, I must say. Sam Dyson scared the crap out of everyone but managed to close the door and seal the hard-earned victory. That's a series win against a talented squad. Let's see some more of that!
Denard Span continues to shine, scoring two runs and driving in another (himself!) with a double and a splash-hit homer. If he can stay healthy he solves a big outfield problem for next season, that of having a competent major-leaguer out there regularly.
I don't know if you saw this tweet from Baggs in the sidebar:
Padres come to town for four starting tomorrow night. GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
It was good work by Matt Cain today in his new spot-starter-out-of-the-bullpen role: six innings, five hits, three runs (all in one inning), two walks (both scored), five strikeouts, no homers. He even got a base hit! Alas, the lineup could not score the tying run despite having some good chances and he left with the team losing 3-2. The Indians added another run in the 8th and it looked for all the world like another Caining. But the home squad, undaunted, rallied in the bottom half, scratching out a run to make it 4-3. Then Buster Posey, pinch-hitting with two on and two outs, roped a two-run double to make it 5-4 Giants. It was one of the more exciting moments of the season, I must say. Sam Dyson scared the crap out of everyone but managed to close the door and seal the hard-earned victory. That's a series win against a talented squad. Let's see some more of that!
Denard Span continues to shine, scoring two runs and driving in another (himself!) with a double and a splash-hit homer. If he can stay healthy he solves a big outfield problem for next season, that of having a competent major-leaguer out there regularly.
I don't know if you saw this tweet from Baggs in the sidebar:
Tyler Beede threw 7 strong innings today. At 109 IP. Would make sense to promote him, maybe use in relief for a bit, then join SF rotation.I'm very curious about Beede (rhymes with 'beady') and would love to see him sooner rather than later. He turned 24 in May and has about 400 IP in the minors after three years at Vanderbilt. He's a two-time first-round draft pick, first by the Blue Jays in 2011 (21st) and then by the Giants in 2014 (14th).
Padres come to town for four starting tomorrow night. GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
Saturday, July 1, 2017
Five in a Row
SF 2 PIT 1 (11)
Undefeated in July! This afternoon in Pittsburgh the orange-and-black eked out a very Giants-y win, scratching and clawing and finally prevailing after 11 innings. It's a win that depended on a shut-down 'pen and a patient lineup. Sometimes the other guy has to crack first, and that's just what happened when Daniel Hudson threw a wild pitch to Buster Posey and Denard 'I'm on Fire' Span scored the go-ahead run. Kudos to FNG Austin Slater for breaking up Pirates starter Chad Kuhl's no-hit bid with a solo shot in the 6th to tie the game at one apiece. He's raking a cool .333/.385/500 in 91 PA. Matt Moore walked six in 5-2/3 yet somehow pitched around it and only allowed the one run (McCutcheon scoring on a Bell single) in the 3rd inning. That means the club delivered (Kontos, Okert, Strickland, Osich, Dyson 5-1/3 IP) eight scoreless frames after that. Play like contenders!
--M.C.
p.s. George Kontos has looked particularly good lately and Jae-gyun Hwang got a pinch-hit double after a gritty effort. Accentuate the positive, right?
Undefeated in July! This afternoon in Pittsburgh the orange-and-black eked out a very Giants-y win, scratching and clawing and finally prevailing after 11 innings. It's a win that depended on a shut-down 'pen and a patient lineup. Sometimes the other guy has to crack first, and that's just what happened when Daniel Hudson threw a wild pitch to Buster Posey and Denard 'I'm on Fire' Span scored the go-ahead run. Kudos to FNG Austin Slater for breaking up Pirates starter Chad Kuhl's no-hit bid with a solo shot in the 6th to tie the game at one apiece. He's raking a cool .333/.385/500 in 91 PA. Matt Moore walked six in 5-2/3 yet somehow pitched around it and only allowed the one run (McCutcheon scoring on a Bell single) in the 3rd inning. That means the club delivered (Kontos, Okert, Strickland, Osich, Dyson 5-1/3 IP) eight scoreless frames after that. Play like contenders!
--M.C.
p.s. George Kontos has looked particularly good lately and Jae-gyun Hwang got a pinch-hit double after a gritty effort. Accentuate the positive, right?
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Back-to-back
Giants win two in a row for the first time since May 27-28. The Rockies have now lost seven straight and have fallen off the pace in the West. Matt Cain entered the 6th with a 1-0 lead and got the first out but a single, walk, and homer made it 3-1 the other way in the blink of an eye. He finished the inning and the night and it looked like another slow Giants death. But the team rallied for one in the bottom half and another in the 8th and sent it to extras. The bullpen was stout and kept it together and they finally pulled it out in the 14th after 4 hours and 45 minutes. Cory Gearrin was the hero with three shutout innings. Buster Posey threw out two more would-be base-stealers, that's 14 so far this year (in 39 attempts). Giants are now 3-10 vs. Colorado.
--M.C.
p.s. Jae-Gyun Hwang makes his deubttonight. (12:45 today)
--M.C.
p.s. Jae-Gyun Hwang makes his deubt
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Shark Cruises
SF 9 COL 2
Jeff Samardzija continued his excellent pitching with another strong start and the Giants scored nine runs to whip the Rockies. Colorado visited Los Angeles over the weekend and got their asses kicked so this is a good time for the Giants to pile on. It's only the second win for the team against ten losses versus the purple-clads. And only the sixth win in the month of June. But a win is a win. The lineup produced steady results, scoring in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 7th and 8th innings. The Shark is now posting a 2.96 xFIP, his best ever, and a 3.38 FIP, his second-best (he finished 2014 at 3.20). They don't match his 4.63 ERA (he's had four starts with 6 or more runs allowed) but otherwise he's on to something. His strikeouts are off the charts (10.03/9) and he's only walked 13 people in 16 starts (1.11/9). He's giving up the long ball, but who isn't, especially on this team, but he's eating innings with the best (105 is 5th behind Sale, Kershaw, Scherzer, and Santana) and is rated at 2.2 WAR which is the best by far on the staff (and 14th in baseball).
--M.C.
p.s. Buster Posey's .347/.424/.536 (.948 OPS) rates a 152 OPS+ his highest since his MVP year (171) in 2012 and well above his career (137) mark.
Jeff Samardzija continued his excellent pitching with another strong start and the Giants scored nine runs to whip the Rockies. Colorado visited Los Angeles over the weekend and got their asses kicked so this is a good time for the Giants to pile on. It's only the second win for the team against ten losses versus the purple-clads. And only the sixth win in the month of June. But a win is a win. The lineup produced steady results, scoring in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 7th and 8th innings. The Shark is now posting a 2.96 xFIP, his best ever, and a 3.38 FIP, his second-best (he finished 2014 at 3.20). They don't match his 4.63 ERA (he's had four starts with 6 or more runs allowed) but otherwise he's on to something. His strikeouts are off the charts (10.03/9) and he's only walked 13 people in 16 starts (1.11/9). He's giving up the long ball, but who isn't, especially on this team, but he's eating innings with the best (105 is 5th behind Sale, Kershaw, Scherzer, and Santana) and is rated at 2.2 WAR which is the best by far on the staff (and 14th in baseball).
--M.C.
p.s. Buster Posey's .347/.424/.536 (.948 OPS) rates a 152 OPS+ his highest since his MVP year (171) in 2012 and well above his career (137) mark.
Thursday, June 22, 2017
Comeback Falls Short
ATL 12 SF 11
Kyle Crick made his big-league debut tonight and gave up a run-scoring hit to the first batter he faced. Then he retired the next seven. Derek Law was demoted to make room for the rookie--he probably saw it coming with 40 hits and 11 walks in 30 IP. The lineup did its best with 15 hits and 11 runs, the final five runs coming in the 8th and 9th to close a 12-6 gap. Alas, it wasn't quite enough. Crick was the 49th pick in 2011 (Joe Panik was the 29th). Tyler Beede was drafted 21st by the Blue Jays that year but did not sign and was later taken by the Giants (14th pick) in 2014. I expect we'll see Beede when the rosters expand in September.
Matt Cain had been averaging 5-1/3 IP in his previous 14 starts but he could not get out of the 5th tonight. He faced 22 batters and gave up 10 hits and seven runs. I sorted for pitchers with a minimum of 70 IP on FanGraphs before the game and looked at their WAR. There were 82 listed and Matt Cain's 0.4 was 66th. For comparison Matt Moore is 58th (0.7), Johnny Cueto is 55th (0.8), Ty Blach is 49th (0.9), and Jeff Samardzija is 17th (1.9).
Buster Posey had a good night, he's hitting .344/.427/.537 these days.
--M.C.
Kyle Crick made his big-league debut tonight and gave up a run-scoring hit to the first batter he faced. Then he retired the next seven. Derek Law was demoted to make room for the rookie--he probably saw it coming with 40 hits and 11 walks in 30 IP. The lineup did its best with 15 hits and 11 runs, the final five runs coming in the 8th and 9th to close a 12-6 gap. Alas, it wasn't quite enough. Crick was the 49th pick in 2011 (Joe Panik was the 29th). Tyler Beede was drafted 21st by the Blue Jays that year but did not sign and was later taken by the Giants (14th pick) in 2014. I expect we'll see Beede when the rosters expand in September.
Matt Cain had been averaging 5-1/3 IP in his previous 14 starts but he could not get out of the 5th tonight. He faced 22 batters and gave up 10 hits and seven runs. I sorted for pitchers with a minimum of 70 IP on FanGraphs before the game and looked at their WAR. There were 82 listed and Matt Cain's 0.4 was 66th. For comparison Matt Moore is 58th (0.7), Johnny Cueto is 55th (0.8), Ty Blach is 49th (0.9), and Jeff Samardzija is 17th (1.9).
Buster Posey had a good night, he's hitting .344/.427/.537 these days.
--M.C.
Sunday, June 11, 2017
Comeback!
SF 13 MIN 8
The Twins chased Matt Cain in the 5th and appeared headed for another victory but somehow the Giants scored NINE runs in the final two frames to stave off a series sweep. Buster Posey and Hunter Pence were, fittingly, the hitting stars. The bullpen took a 13-5 lead into the 9th and gave up three runs (FNG Sam Dyson faced four batters and got none of them out, three scored) but the 8-run cushion saved the day. That's right, the Giants had an 8-run lead at one point. Crazy, eh? Eduardo Nunez and rookie Austin Slater also had big days at the plate. The 13 runs is a season high. Joe Panik, The Brandons, and Denard Span were all on the bench. Kelby Tomlinson took the leadoff spot and had two hits and two runs scored. Whatever works!
Off-day tomorrow and then the Royals are in town for two with Blach and Cueto on the hill.
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
p.s. Eight doubles (Hernandez, Slater, Posey, Nunez 2, Pence 3) by the club tied an SF record.
The Twins chased Matt Cain in the 5th and appeared headed for another victory but somehow the Giants scored NINE runs in the final two frames to stave off a series sweep. Buster Posey and Hunter Pence were, fittingly, the hitting stars. The bullpen took a 13-5 lead into the 9th and gave up three runs (FNG Sam Dyson faced four batters and got none of them out, three scored) but the 8-run cushion saved the day. That's right, the Giants had an 8-run lead at one point. Crazy, eh? Eduardo Nunez and rookie Austin Slater also had big days at the plate. The 13 runs is a season high. Joe Panik, The Brandons, and Denard Span were all on the bench. Kelby Tomlinson took the leadoff spot and had two hits and two runs scored. Whatever works!
Off-day tomorrow and then the Royals are in town for two with Blach and Cueto on the hill.
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
p.s. Eight doubles (Hernandez, Slater, Posey, Nunez 2, Pence 3) by the club tied an SF record.
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
0-134 no more
6-5 win in NY
Christian Arroyo crushes a bases-clearing double in the top of the 9th against Mets closer Jeurys Familia to lead the Giants to a come-from-behind victory! That breaks a streak of 134 consecutive losses when trailing after eight innings. Naturally the Giants were without $62M closer Mark Melancon in one of their very few save chances, but Derek Law managed to get it done despite almost giving it all away (with a little help from Justin Ruggiano). Just add it to the list of crazy unbelievable shit that's happened in 2017.
Matt Cain bounced back from a horrid start in Cincinnati and pitched effectively today in New York. Did I mention that the Giants WON the game? The team is 4-3 in his seven starts. Ideally, you want your guy to do one thing: pitch better than the other guy. It was close today, Cain allowed three runs on four hits (one HR) and two walks in five innings. Tommy Milone gave up two runs on six hits (one HR) and two walks in his five innings. Matty's job is 5th starter, I daresay he has fulfilled that role so far. But today's story, believe it or not, is the lineup and the bullpen. Like Cain, the bullpen wasn't exactly dominating or pretty, but they were effective. The lineup, in grand 2017 style, had a solo shot and a sac fly to go with eight singles and two walks before the 9th inning. They finally got an extra-base hit with men on base, something they've seemed genetically unable to do in this young season.
One major positive of this series is three homers from Buster Posey. That big fly stroke has been absent for a while, it's nice to see it back. He has been making hard contact but has also been hitting ground balls, it seems, at an alarming frequency. Maybe he made an adjustment, or maybe he was a bit unlucky earlier. Perhaps with Brandon Belt really struggling these last two weeks we'll see more of him at first base (even though he did make an error that led to a run) and Nick Hundley behind the plate.
Thursday is Game 36. Doesn't it seem like the season has been a lot longer than just two innings? That was the Giants longest road trip of the season, and the longest losing streak. They come home to face the Reds and Dodgers.
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
p.s. You might be interested in this piece from FanGraphs called Jeff Samardzija is the Best and Worst He's Ever Been. I should note that, with 0.8 fWAR, he's by far our best pitcher (excluding Madison Bumgarner who still clocks in at 0.9!). But for the enigma that is The Shark, this is an illuminating article, even if it might be a little too saber-y for most folks.
Christian Arroyo crushes a bases-clearing double in the top of the 9th against Mets closer Jeurys Familia to lead the Giants to a come-from-behind victory! That breaks a streak of 134 consecutive losses when trailing after eight innings. Naturally the Giants were without $62M closer Mark Melancon in one of their very few save chances, but Derek Law managed to get it done despite almost giving it all away (with a little help from Justin Ruggiano). Just add it to the list of crazy unbelievable shit that's happened in 2017.
Matt Cain bounced back from a horrid start in Cincinnati and pitched effectively today in New York. Did I mention that the Giants WON the game? The team is 4-3 in his seven starts. Ideally, you want your guy to do one thing: pitch better than the other guy. It was close today, Cain allowed three runs on four hits (one HR) and two walks in five innings. Tommy Milone gave up two runs on six hits (one HR) and two walks in his five innings. Matty's job is 5th starter, I daresay he has fulfilled that role so far. But today's story, believe it or not, is the lineup and the bullpen. Like Cain, the bullpen wasn't exactly dominating or pretty, but they were effective. The lineup, in grand 2017 style, had a solo shot and a sac fly to go with eight singles and two walks before the 9th inning. They finally got an extra-base hit with men on base, something they've seemed genetically unable to do in this young season.
One major positive of this series is three homers from Buster Posey. That big fly stroke has been absent for a while, it's nice to see it back. He has been making hard contact but has also been hitting ground balls, it seems, at an alarming frequency. Maybe he made an adjustment, or maybe he was a bit unlucky earlier. Perhaps with Brandon Belt really struggling these last two weeks we'll see more of him at first base (even though he did make an error that led to a run) and Nick Hundley behind the plate.
Thursday is Game 36. Doesn't it seem like the season has been a lot longer than just two innings? That was the Giants longest road trip of the season, and the longest losing streak. They come home to face the Reds and Dodgers.
GO GIANTS!
--M.C.
p.s. You might be interested in this piece from FanGraphs called Jeff Samardzija is the Best and Worst He's Ever Been. I should note that, with 0.8 fWAR, he's by far our best pitcher (excluding Madison Bumgarner who still clocks in at 0.9!). But for the enigma that is The Shark, this is an illuminating article, even if it might be a little too saber-y for most folks.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Late Game, Giants Win!
If adversity is strength, the Giants are a very, very strong team. They do not make it easy on themselves or their fans, either. But they are not out of it yet, and have been in this place before, like for instance, 2012 vs Cincinnati.
Getting Super-Aroldis was huge, it must have put doubts in the Cubs mind as to whether they could lose this series. Or does that really happen? Maybe only in the minds of the fans. But that's good enough for today. Too bad that, once that happened, the fans then had to believe that the Giants can also blow saves, because they did. I felt bad for Romo, who went an inning too far, but it shows that, after all the struggles this season, the Giants still don't really have a closer. That is not true of the other teams, and may hurt the Giants yet (again). Our ace, Madison Bumgarner, was not his uber-self. 101 pitches in 5 innings, mainly because used 40-something in the 2nd, when the Cubs got a home run and then put runners on before we got out 3 outs. But he went 5, and then the Giants chipped, chipped, chipped until they were able to take the lead, in spite of what seemed to be bad calls inevitably going against the Giants. The rest of the pitchers looked great. Law gave us 2, Strickland 1, Smith 1 and rookie Ty Blach 2. He got the win. Buster went 3 for 5. Span and Crawford were each 2 for 6. Conor Gilaspie was the hero against Chapman, and Joe Panik (3 for 4) came through in a big way in the 13th. We need his bat. I'm exhausted and we have to do this again today.
Meanwhile, one of the most annoying-fanbase teams got eliminated and another is down 2 - 1. The AL is going to sit around until the AL Championship series starts between the Blue Jays and Tribe.
Getting Super-Aroldis was huge, it must have put doubts in the Cubs mind as to whether they could lose this series. Or does that really happen? Maybe only in the minds of the fans. But that's good enough for today. Too bad that, once that happened, the fans then had to believe that the Giants can also blow saves, because they did. I felt bad for Romo, who went an inning too far, but it shows that, after all the struggles this season, the Giants still don't really have a closer. That is not true of the other teams, and may hurt the Giants yet (again). Our ace, Madison Bumgarner, was not his uber-self. 101 pitches in 5 innings, mainly because used 40-something in the 2nd, when the Cubs got a home run and then put runners on before we got out 3 outs. But he went 5, and then the Giants chipped, chipped, chipped until they were able to take the lead, in spite of what seemed to be bad calls inevitably going against the Giants. The rest of the pitchers looked great. Law gave us 2, Strickland 1, Smith 1 and rookie Ty Blach 2. He got the win. Buster went 3 for 5. Span and Crawford were each 2 for 6. Conor Gilaspie was the hero against Chapman, and Joe Panik (3 for 4) came through in a big way in the 13th. We need his bat. I'm exhausted and we have to do this again today.
Meanwhile, one of the most annoying-fanbase teams got eliminated and another is down 2 - 1. The AL is going to sit around until the AL Championship series starts between the Blue Jays and Tribe.
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