There's always something historic about the season's first Battle of The Bay matchup. The concept alone would entertain even the nominal Bay Area fan.
It's a good thing that is so, because there wasn't much more to this game without the pre-existent rivalry. If I were the A's, I would be mildly upset at the lack of competition. The Giants started a weaker lineup, probably to test Uribe's ability to command his probable field of mostly secondaries (Kawa was the only certain starter). Uribe didn't do that all too well, causing Velez to throw to him too far from second base, once making an opposition single a double instead.
The SP was a certain Martinez that I had not really seen or heard of, and he lasted a whole 1 2/3 innings, giving up four. Taschner was wild, and Matos had to enter by the fourth inning--but when he did, it resulted in a DP. The A's, on the other hand, started an extremely notable prospect, Trevor Cahill. Cahill did well, except for a WP that allowed a run. Someone who did do well for us was Francis Beltran, who put the A's down in order for one BP inning.
As for offense, a few of the unknowns surprised me: Torres manufactured our first run by stretching a double, advancing well and then taking home on a WP. Jesus Guzman, a young 3B hit his second HR in as many games, which impresses well (he also made a nice tag to stop a triple). An intriguing note, though Jon spoke well by saying it's not much because we're in spring, is that the Giants have the most HRs in spring among NL teams. I will agree that it is obviously still spring; we had two on with two out in the 8th Inning, making it a chance to tie the game, and Bowker whiffed. However, even if it is just spring, things are assuredly looking up from last year, without question!
The most intriguing news from this game happens to be the roster releases: Yabu is now optioned along with another BPer, and Roberts is now officially released. The first piece doesn't surprise me, and makes me glad. The second piece doesn't exactly make me sad, but it does surprise me. Roberts had been doing well recently, even being willing to take the fifth spot for OF on the bench. Brian Sabean visited in the 4th inning voicing some unbelievable news: that the reasoning was primarily based in giving the youth more ABs. "Unbelievable" because my GM may see what I have noticed for so long. Sabean also noticed that he wasn't willing to see a certain pitcher in AAA "at his age". My only other guess to complement the Sabeanic mentality is that Roberts wasn't willing to be optioned, but his release raises a number of questions:
1) What will happen to the rest of his salary? Does it free it up to add to someone like Lewis, whom we obviously want to keep?
2) Who will take the 5th OF spot? Is Velez going to be an OF-only reserve, or do we want to keep an extra IF, maybe keeping both Frandsen and Burriss? Guzman?
3) What else will happen now that kind of precedent has been set? Are we finally willing to go with the numbers from last year, take a risk and do better with a very young team; rather than maintaing a guaranteed mediocre season? Could we in fact be back to form?
To be honest, I could see it coming when Vizquel was released and Aurilia was "invited" to spring training via a minor league contract. But this was a shock; a good one both for purpose and stats, but a shock. Sabean seems to really like Velez, as well. What next? Perhaps you want to start only the best team players instead of paying $126m for a "third starter"? Hallelujah!
One thing now is not a shock: There's nothing like clarity in the front office, even if it's a prima facie reasoning for the time being. That kind of news will do, to occupy the mind during a day off tomorrow.
FINAL
OAK - 4
S.F. - 2
The Boys Who Showed Up: Torres, Guzman, Sabean
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
The Fruit of Youth
When Pat Misch has to rescue your SP, you get disappointed. Zito did well at first, but nullified a stunning teamwork-built 3-1 lead with a WP and then a 2-R HR to Ethier. Thank goodness Richie got a taste for his swing and gave us the lead back. And then Sandoval chipped in with one of his own. The addition of yet two more runs still couldn't keep the bullpen from allowing trouble once again, walks loading the bases after the Dodgers closed it to 7-5. Sadler removed, we barely escaped the inning 7-6.
The comforting bliss after that storm came through Roberts; a vet who is deliberately taking the fifth OF slot in the depth chart produced two more RBI. But once again teamwork was key: the bases had to be loaded in order to score two with a single. Bowker scored from Posey's second hit of the day: 10-6. The Dodgers kept threatening, per the usual, but in the end what matters not in spring is the score...
While the pitching situation is still very much unclear, even with Howry and Affeldt, what is obviously positive is how well the offense is gel-ing. We had nine hits by the fourth inning, and the only people without a hit were vets. We have not been this young and interdependent in a while, and it's refreshing. Burriss, Lewis, Sandoval (3-3, HR; spring average of .471 now), Velez and Kawa (2-2, 2B) are all doing well together, and it's definitely because of the time spent with the team last year. I won't make predictions, but I am not expecting last place again. Hallelujah.
FINAL
L.A. - 8
S.F. - 10
The Boys Who Showed Up: Sandoval, Aurilia, Roberts, Posey
The comforting bliss after that storm came through Roberts; a vet who is deliberately taking the fifth OF slot in the depth chart produced two more RBI. But once again teamwork was key: the bases had to be loaded in order to score two with a single. Bowker scored from Posey's second hit of the day: 10-6. The Dodgers kept threatening, per the usual, but in the end what matters not in spring is the score...
While the pitching situation is still very much unclear, even with Howry and Affeldt, what is obviously positive is how well the offense is gel-ing. We had nine hits by the fourth inning, and the only people without a hit were vets. We have not been this young and interdependent in a while, and it's refreshing. Burriss, Lewis, Sandoval (3-3, HR; spring average of .471 now), Velez and Kawa (2-2, 2B) are all doing well together, and it's definitely because of the time spent with the team last year. I won't make predictions, but I am not expecting last place again. Hallelujah.
FINAL
L.A. - 8
S.F. - 10
The Boys Who Showed Up: Sandoval, Aurilia, Roberts, Posey
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Sneak Attacks on Diamondbacks
I will admit right here, right now, and for the time being quite freely, that I may have underestimated the acquisition of Randy Johnson.
Is he older? Yes. Do we have an extremely improved farm system? Yes. Do we have a stellar pitching staff already? Yes. But what we have not had is veteran leadership on that staff. And what we would like to do is continue our sneaky success against the D-Backs. Johnson provides both, and rather directly. He chided our batting practice, has multiple successful (even dominant) seasons, has been championship-proven, and comes from an in-division rival.
Today, against that in-division rival, he was perfect through his first three innings, striking out seven. Pain-free and effective; how could I ask for more?
What I could have asked for, I seemed to receive. Sandoval did get his first HR in the 5th. Frandsen and eight others went to the plate in the 6th (including Rohlinger, whom I had almost forgotten about since last year--even though he has done well), scoring an additional four times. Tying the game at 5 looked promising.
In the 7th, Rohlinger advanced to 2B and the threat was on. But Downs was held at home plate after being hit on the forearm during a check-swing, and despite a good battle he grounded out.
Can you blame me, then, for feeling a sense of justice when we took a two-run lead in the next inning because of Eugenio Velez? Velez's "need of the moment" playing not only yielded an RBI single, starting the 6th inning rally; but he also homered to give us the lead in the 8th, and finally made a stunning diving catch to end the game, single-handedly preserving a 7-6 lead with a runner at 2B. Winner; Comeback Winner. There's no question that he will be staying on in the "Uber-Utility" role this year, so far.
While I was happy for the win, the other (as-usual) news left me a bit wary for Johnson: a shaky patch of bullpen testing and more errors kept Johnson from getting the win... Please don't leave, Randy.
FINAL
ARZ - 6
S.F. - 7
The Boys Who Showed Up: Johnson, Velez, Rohlinger, Sandoval, Medders
Is he older? Yes. Do we have an extremely improved farm system? Yes. Do we have a stellar pitching staff already? Yes. But what we have not had is veteran leadership on that staff. And what we would like to do is continue our sneaky success against the D-Backs. Johnson provides both, and rather directly. He chided our batting practice, has multiple successful (even dominant) seasons, has been championship-proven, and comes from an in-division rival.
Today, against that in-division rival, he was perfect through his first three innings, striking out seven. Pain-free and effective; how could I ask for more?
What I could have asked for, I seemed to receive. Sandoval did get his first HR in the 5th. Frandsen and eight others went to the plate in the 6th (including Rohlinger, whom I had almost forgotten about since last year--even though he has done well), scoring an additional four times. Tying the game at 5 looked promising.
In the 7th, Rohlinger advanced to 2B and the threat was on. But Downs was held at home plate after being hit on the forearm during a check-swing, and despite a good battle he grounded out.
Can you blame me, then, for feeling a sense of justice when we took a two-run lead in the next inning because of Eugenio Velez? Velez's "need of the moment" playing not only yielded an RBI single, starting the 6th inning rally; but he also homered to give us the lead in the 8th, and finally made a stunning diving catch to end the game, single-handedly preserving a 7-6 lead with a runner at 2B. Winner; Comeback Winner. There's no question that he will be staying on in the "Uber-Utility" role this year, so far.
While I was happy for the win, the other (as-usual) news left me a bit wary for Johnson: a shaky patch of bullpen testing and more errors kept Johnson from getting the win... Please don't leave, Randy.
FINAL
ARZ - 6
S.F. - 7
The Boys Who Showed Up: Johnson, Velez, Rohlinger, Sandoval, Medders
Monday, March 2, 2009
A Royal Mess (PART II!)
The calling from MLB.com made me extremely thankful for Jon. The game is always harder to follow with them, but I will admit that the game wasn't exactly one to follow.
By the third inning, there were five errors--we had three of them. And just after the third one that Aurilia made throwing, Aurilia watched a ball die in fair territory. The end of the inning was a complete annihilation for making a comeback earlier. What used to be a 3-0 lead for K.C. (three runs given up by Cain in only 1 2/3 innings, by the way), a lead that was nullified just a half inning earlier by merely two hits, became a 7-3 monstrosity. The color guy had the gall to say, "And that's all the scoring that's happened so far." Mm-hmm. He was right. The final was horrendous. I couldn't even keep track of the score, and the announcers mostly ignored it. Hey, why not: this is exactly the kind of spring game I remember from last year. It's training; some even think the training is too long now, anyway. Why not just mess around? That's a lot more fun.
At least Doug Greenwald made a good historical connection between having a team with both "Downs" and "Uribe" on the team; of course, back then, it was Kelly and Jose, and we were a much bigger threat to the NL...
FINAL
S.F. - 5
K.C. - 14
The Boys Who Showed Up: Practically N/A
By the third inning, there were five errors--we had three of them. And just after the third one that Aurilia made throwing, Aurilia watched a ball die in fair territory. The end of the inning was a complete annihilation for making a comeback earlier. What used to be a 3-0 lead for K.C. (three runs given up by Cain in only 1 2/3 innings, by the way), a lead that was nullified just a half inning earlier by merely two hits, became a 7-3 monstrosity. The color guy had the gall to say, "And that's all the scoring that's happened so far." Mm-hmm. He was right. The final was horrendous. I couldn't even keep track of the score, and the announcers mostly ignored it. Hey, why not: this is exactly the kind of spring game I remember from last year. It's training; some even think the training is too long now, anyway. Why not just mess around? That's a lot more fun.
At least Doug Greenwald made a good historical connection between having a team with both "Downs" and "Uribe" on the team; of course, back then, it was Kelly and Jose, and we were a much bigger threat to the NL...
FINAL
S.F. - 5
K.C. - 14
The Boys Who Showed Up: Practically N/A
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Puttin' The Brew on The Bar-B-Q.
It's called winning. We did it. Lincecum's 9 ABs were strikeouts. That's right: in a row.
A note on this: Bowker hit a 3-run shot, just when it looked like we were going to tank this one to the Brew crew. It was well-appreciated... but this is exactly what I've come to expect from John: show up hugely once in a while, show up not-so-much for long stretches.
That said, I'm pleased that even in spring we manage to pull anything but a horrendous record. That's saying something for a team that was once projected to finish in the bottom tiers of baseball hell. It's also saying something for keeping the best of our farm talent in a "reward cycle". Sandoval is at 3B, Burriss, Velez and Frandsen will likely all make the 40-man roster, and Ishikawa... well, you already know my opinion there. Posey, Downs and Gillaspie are all getting ABs immediately; things look good, despite the big "throw-money-at-it" signings. (Note: this is a complaint about the philosophy, not about the players themselves.)
It wasn't against Sabathia, or even a complete Brewers roster, but it will do, boys. It will definitely do.
FINAL
MIL - 2
S.F. - 5
The Boys Who Showed Up: Lincecum, Affeldt, Posey, Bowker.
A note on this: Bowker hit a 3-run shot, just when it looked like we were going to tank this one to the Brew crew. It was well-appreciated... but this is exactly what I've come to expect from John: show up hugely once in a while, show up not-so-much for long stretches.
That said, I'm pleased that even in spring we manage to pull anything but a horrendous record. That's saying something for a team that was once projected to finish in the bottom tiers of baseball hell. It's also saying something for keeping the best of our farm talent in a "reward cycle". Sandoval is at 3B, Burriss, Velez and Frandsen will likely all make the 40-man roster, and Ishikawa... well, you already know my opinion there. Posey, Downs and Gillaspie are all getting ABs immediately; things look good, despite the big "throw-money-at-it" signings. (Note: this is a complaint about the philosophy, not about the players themselves.)
It wasn't against Sabathia, or even a complete Brewers roster, but it will do, boys. It will definitely do.
FINAL
MIL - 2
S.F. - 5
The Boys Who Showed Up: Lincecum, Affeldt, Posey, Bowker.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Mariner Meandering
Things looked up immediately. Fred Lewis hit a solo shot to start the game (1-0), and Sandoval slashed a base hit. (Looks like they're starting to take Randy Johnson's advice about batting practice.) Ishikawa singled, continuing his hitting dominance (5-6 w/ 2HRs at that point). We only managed to get that one run, but the promise was exciting. This is the first inning, when the opposition is at its best and freshest quality of play.
In the field, Velez played a drag-bunt perfectly. The pregame mentioned that Bochy quite likes Velez, despite the fact that everyone else thinks the battle for 2B is between Frandsen (again, poor guy) and Burriss (a prodigy, in my opinion). Velez showed why: he has an intangible characteristic of providing what the moment needs, not what fantasy owners want to see. Zito had an uncharacteristic 1-2-3 inning. So endeth the first inning.
Scheirholz led off with a single. Uribe got hung up on stretching a 2B, but no one covered 2B in the pickle, with an RBI double. 2-0. We ended the scoring there, but Zito showed himself able to handle it--and he should be able to by now, in any case. The scoreboard tweaked, and Jon joked that "it's kind of a surprise to see Zito still in here in the 7th inning." My amusement was multi-fold. Zito was still clean after two, when he was replaced. Apparently, he's been having "pitching accountability" all winter with Brian Wilson, The Animal. I knew Brian was good for the team in more than pitching. Zito may impress me now, with some time.
The unfortunate next tidbit is Bowker coming in... only to try to make a spectacular catch (from lack of a decision) and error it up. I say "unfortunate" because this kid has been trying to make the team very intentionally (and did make it last year, thanks to our franchise record of callups). He just needs more time. And Travis is a much better player (Kuip called 'Kawa a "natural first baseman", and I agree). That was all to notice for the 3rd inning.
In the 4th, Velez and Holm combined for a great end to the Mariner end. The rest of the inning seemed like the title of this post.
Zito had been replaced in the third inning, and that was all she wrote. For Martinez in the 4th, things were forgettable. Two runners, a single basehit and an error: the score tied. A fantastic diving catch from Andres Torres turned management heads (since it was his first play), but the run scored anyway. 3-2, SEA. Frandsen made the same kind of beautiful play at 2B and the bleeding stopped.
Rowand managed a leadoff double in the 7th, and Bocock replaced him as a pinch runner. Downs, a young kid, sac flied Bocock to third, and it paid off when a passed ball made the jog to home easy. 3-3. Uribe, unfortunately, pushed the good luck and the OF threw him out trying to stretch a triple. Holm, facing two outs, had little steam and popped out. But, once again, sparks of teamwork-batting showed themselves.
The sparks repeated in the eighth. Frandsen doubled, and Sandoval singled him home. Happy Day: 4-3. Chipping away at a lead is good, people. It makes sure (a) the other team doesn't see the lead being lost, (b) our motivation keeps moving in a positive direction, and (c) an intricate team mentality is built, that contributes beyond the field, to commradery and season morale.
Alex Hinshaw, whom I do like, unfortunately blew it. The first two batters had 2-0 counts and belted the next pitch. Hinshaw seemed to learn his lesson a bit, and took the next batter to 0-2 instead. That batter grounded out; but that batter was the diamond in the rough. The next one repeated the previous batters instead and belted another--thankfully the runner didn't score (which was bad news for that runner, I assure you). A valiant effort by Burriss at short couldn't stop that runner making up for his poor earlier performance, another single followed and eventually Hinshaw's place on the team was moving further and further down the pine.
Matos was given the ball, threw one pitch, and cut all of the slack. Nevertheless, damage finished; 6-4, SEA.
Conor Gillaspie, our recent high draft pick who actually played in the last month of the season last year (got a single off Dan Haren, hint-hint), took an AB though nothing came of it. Matt Downs managed a double, however. Kuip immediately voiced my thoughts, "Now it's time to see who this kid is." He got the tying run to 3B earlier, and kept the glimmers a-goin' for the 9th. Nothing else did, though.
FINAL
S.F. - 4
SEA - 6
Just as an aside, I absolutely love that Dave Flemming gets plugged in for promos during the broadcast... without being in the booth. Jon and Duane appreciated having to address him as if there, and pointing that out, as well. It's always nice to see that class and dry wit are inherent to calling the team's games. :)
The Boys That Showed Up: Velez, Downs, Lewis, Zito (thanks Brian).
In the field, Velez played a drag-bunt perfectly. The pregame mentioned that Bochy quite likes Velez, despite the fact that everyone else thinks the battle for 2B is between Frandsen (again, poor guy) and Burriss (a prodigy, in my opinion). Velez showed why: he has an intangible characteristic of providing what the moment needs, not what fantasy owners want to see. Zito had an uncharacteristic 1-2-3 inning. So endeth the first inning.
Scheirholz led off with a single. Uribe got hung up on stretching a 2B, but no one covered 2B in the pickle, with an RBI double. 2-0. We ended the scoring there, but Zito showed himself able to handle it--and he should be able to by now, in any case. The scoreboard tweaked, and Jon joked that "it's kind of a surprise to see Zito still in here in the 7th inning." My amusement was multi-fold. Zito was still clean after two, when he was replaced. Apparently, he's been having "pitching accountability" all winter with Brian Wilson, The Animal. I knew Brian was good for the team in more than pitching. Zito may impress me now, with some time.
The unfortunate next tidbit is Bowker coming in... only to try to make a spectacular catch (from lack of a decision) and error it up. I say "unfortunate" because this kid has been trying to make the team very intentionally (and did make it last year, thanks to our franchise record of callups). He just needs more time. And Travis is a much better player (Kuip called 'Kawa a "natural first baseman", and I agree). That was all to notice for the 3rd inning.
In the 4th, Velez and Holm combined for a great end to the Mariner end. The rest of the inning seemed like the title of this post.
Zito had been replaced in the third inning, and that was all she wrote. For Martinez in the 4th, things were forgettable. Two runners, a single basehit and an error: the score tied. A fantastic diving catch from Andres Torres turned management heads (since it was his first play), but the run scored anyway. 3-2, SEA. Frandsen made the same kind of beautiful play at 2B and the bleeding stopped.
Rowand managed a leadoff double in the 7th, and Bocock replaced him as a pinch runner. Downs, a young kid, sac flied Bocock to third, and it paid off when a passed ball made the jog to home easy. 3-3. Uribe, unfortunately, pushed the good luck and the OF threw him out trying to stretch a triple. Holm, facing two outs, had little steam and popped out. But, once again, sparks of teamwork-batting showed themselves.
The sparks repeated in the eighth. Frandsen doubled, and Sandoval singled him home. Happy Day: 4-3. Chipping away at a lead is good, people. It makes sure (a) the other team doesn't see the lead being lost, (b) our motivation keeps moving in a positive direction, and (c) an intricate team mentality is built, that contributes beyond the field, to commradery and season morale.
Alex Hinshaw, whom I do like, unfortunately blew it. The first two batters had 2-0 counts and belted the next pitch. Hinshaw seemed to learn his lesson a bit, and took the next batter to 0-2 instead. That batter grounded out; but that batter was the diamond in the rough. The next one repeated the previous batters instead and belted another--thankfully the runner didn't score (which was bad news for that runner, I assure you). A valiant effort by Burriss at short couldn't stop that runner making up for his poor earlier performance, another single followed and eventually Hinshaw's place on the team was moving further and further down the pine.
Matos was given the ball, threw one pitch, and cut all of the slack. Nevertheless, damage finished; 6-4, SEA.
Conor Gillaspie, our recent high draft pick who actually played in the last month of the season last year (got a single off Dan Haren, hint-hint), took an AB though nothing came of it. Matt Downs managed a double, however. Kuip immediately voiced my thoughts, "Now it's time to see who this kid is." He got the tying run to 3B earlier, and kept the glimmers a-goin' for the 9th. Nothing else did, though.
FINAL
S.F. - 4
SEA - 6
Just as an aside, I absolutely love that Dave Flemming gets plugged in for promos during the broadcast... without being in the booth. Jon and Duane appreciated having to address him as if there, and pointing that out, as well. It's always nice to see that class and dry wit are inherent to calling the team's games. :)
The Boys That Showed Up: Velez, Downs, Lewis, Zito (thanks Brian).
Friday, February 27, 2009
Clarity in Office
Will Clark is now an official rep.
Just in case y'all were still unaware. Too bad it's a "minor role", but that will do if it's the first step in the process of getting a former player to run the team. Thank God someone's paying attention...
-Michael
Just in case y'all were still unaware. Too bad it's a "minor role", but that will do if it's the first step in the process of getting a former player to run the team. Thank God someone's paying attention...
-Michael
A Royal Mess
Randy Johnson is slowly figuring out what all the other quality pitchers have on our team. You can pitch quite well; but when you do you can be quite sure that the offensive production and the fielding will tag-team to help you lose low-era games.
At least Sanchez got some work; he'll need it due to Lowry's forearm, which apparently is still twinged. (For the record, let it be known that when Noah injured himself last year at this time, popping that tendon, I knew it was a career-breaker.) Most the rest of the pitching happened to be people I'd never heard of, except for Sadler. Hence, the final score (which the announcer for MLB.com sped over at the end of the game, not without reason).
The single greatest highlight: Posey showed for an AB in the 9th. He made a unnoticeable out, but that's not the point. The point was that even on a day like today, that single AB reminded me of all the new boys getting ABs and pitch-ins so far, already. It is the best part about our new ownership: Hope ariseth in the farm system, and it's actually getting a shot in ST right away.
FINAL
K.C. - 6
S.F. - 1
At least Sanchez got some work; he'll need it due to Lowry's forearm, which apparently is still twinged. (For the record, let it be known that when Noah injured himself last year at this time, popping that tendon, I knew it was a career-breaker.) Most the rest of the pitching happened to be people I'd never heard of, except for Sadler. Hence, the final score (which the announcer for MLB.com sped over at the end of the game, not without reason).
The single greatest highlight: Posey showed for an AB in the 9th. He made a unnoticeable out, but that's not the point. The point was that even on a day like today, that single AB reminded me of all the new boys getting ABs and pitch-ins so far, already. It is the best part about our new ownership: Hope ariseth in the farm system, and it's actually getting a shot in ST right away.
FINAL
K.C. - 6
S.F. - 1
Thursday, February 26, 2009
History in Spring
The good news is that this was the first-ever meeting of S.F. and L.A. in the spring in 30 years. Seriously. The Dodgers used to be in Florida. FLORIDA. Really. Who practices on the East Coast of the United States when playing on the West Coast of the United States. Dodgers. That's who. ;) Jon teased Ken Levine by saying he was "once a well-known radio broadcaster, and now works for the Dodgers". Ken Levine caught it. Jon said, "well, it's the Dodgers; what do you expect?" Jovial, but classic. I did hear from guest Charlie Steiner that the Dodgers extended the contract to Manny Ramirez (for those of you following big-name signings). I'd be happy to see we do not get him.
Some notable players: Ishikawa and Aurilia.
The bad news is that it was just spring training. It was entertaining, but our pitching and eventually the Dodger fielding just blew up. 6-0 L.A., then we took advantage of backup fielding and cut it to 6-4. Then 6-5. Next 10-5, though Velez made a fantastic throw from the outfield behind 2B (he also hit well after finally coming in). Of our recent bullpen signings, Howry did well and Affeldt--well, I hope Affeldt was just trying to fine-tune a particular pitch in a particular location, because they lit him up. I'll spare you the rest of the details:
FINAL
L.A. - 16
S.F. - 7
Oy.
Some notable players: Ishikawa and Aurilia.
The bad news is that it was just spring training. It was entertaining, but our pitching and eventually the Dodger fielding just blew up. 6-0 L.A., then we took advantage of backup fielding and cut it to 6-4. Then 6-5. Next 10-5, though Velez made a fantastic throw from the outfield behind 2B (he also hit well after finally coming in). Of our recent bullpen signings, Howry did well and Affeldt--well, I hope Affeldt was just trying to fine-tune a particular pitch in a particular location, because they lit him up. I'll spare you the rest of the details:
FINAL
L.A. - 16
S.F. - 7
Oy.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
WELCOME BACK KAWA!
The first things I shall tell you is that today is Ash Wednesday.
The second thing I shall tell you is that you should immediately have the theme to "Welcome Back, Kotter" in your head, and I'm about to tell you why.
Spring Training is upon us, thank GOD. The voice of Jon today was almost as good as an old friend returning after years of silence. Everyone did mostly well.
-Lincecum's first pitching AB was a K.
-Renteria's first AB was a 2B
-Scheirholz's first AB was a 1B
-Ishikawa's first AB was a RBI 1B
But that was not all that 'Kawa did. Oh no. The man who "has problems against lefty pitching" was 3-3, 2 HRs, and 4 RBI. Hello? Did you hear that?
You know who else hit like Ishikawa, who performed like him regularly, who came up through our own system as a surprise, and played 1B? Will Clark. Will Clark, people. I'm not making predictions, but I have always enjoyed watching this kid. He's humble, hard-working, and dedicated to the franchise. That's all I have to say.
Welcome back, 'Kawa. Welcome back.
FINAL
SF - 10
Cleveland - 7
The second thing I shall tell you is that you should immediately have the theme to "Welcome Back, Kotter" in your head, and I'm about to tell you why.
Spring Training is upon us, thank GOD. The voice of Jon today was almost as good as an old friend returning after years of silence. Everyone did mostly well.
-Lincecum's first pitching AB was a K.
-Renteria's first AB was a 2B
-Scheirholz's first AB was a 1B
-Ishikawa's first AB was a RBI 1B
But that was not all that 'Kawa did. Oh no. The man who "has problems against lefty pitching" was 3-3, 2 HRs, and 4 RBI. Hello? Did you hear that?
You know who else hit like Ishikawa, who performed like him regularly, who came up through our own system as a surprise, and played 1B? Will Clark. Will Clark, people. I'm not making predictions, but I have always enjoyed watching this kid. He's humble, hard-working, and dedicated to the franchise. That's all I have to say.
Welcome back, 'Kawa. Welcome back.
FINAL
SF - 10
Cleveland - 7
Monday, August 18, 2008
Mining Gems For Zito
I'm not sure how to start this. Perhaps with these words:
Today finalized our first series win in Atlanta since 1993. That's 22 straight, and 18 of those were straight series losses down in Georgia. The victory today made the series three games out of four.
How did it happen? Glad you asked. Multiple ways:
The Braves pitcher, Campillo, was messy all day, especially in the 1st when we set the pace early with three runs. Zito was fantastic (note again, on the road), allowing just five hits and no runs over seven innings. Yabu actually pitched well in relief again, as he used to early in the season. Burriss was 1-4 with a run; Ishikawa the same. Roberts 1-3 with a run; Rowand 1-3 with a HR. Pablo Sandoval was 2-4 with a run as well. Even Romo, recalled from Fresno, retired the 9th inning easily.
FINAL: 5-0, ATL
Unreal. Just unreal.
-MSH
PS -> Please notice, this is once again after starting multiple youth.
Today finalized our first series win in Atlanta since 1993. That's 22 straight, and 18 of those were straight series losses down in Georgia. The victory today made the series three games out of four.
How did it happen? Glad you asked. Multiple ways:
The Braves pitcher, Campillo, was messy all day, especially in the 1st when we set the pace early with three runs. Zito was fantastic (note again, on the road), allowing just five hits and no runs over seven innings. Yabu actually pitched well in relief again, as he used to early in the season. Burriss was 1-4 with a run; Ishikawa the same. Roberts 1-3 with a run; Rowand 1-3 with a HR. Pablo Sandoval was 2-4 with a run as well. Even Romo, recalled from Fresno, retired the 9th inning easily.
FINAL: 5-0, ATL
Unreal. Just unreal.
-MSH
PS -> Please notice, this is once again after starting multiple youth.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
A Pitcher's Importance
Jack Taschner owes Wilson one-half of his salary for this game. He owes Lincecum the other half.
Remember that Tim was coming off a potentially freak injury to his knee from last game. Lincecum had two hit shutout going into the 8th inning and leading 3-0, when a walk and single after getting two outs was cause enough (?) for Bochy to replace him. With Jack Taschner. "Lefty specialist", is what they call Jack. He certainly isn't any better than against right-handers. With a three-run cushion, Tasch gave up a single and a run in his only batter faced: 3-1, S.F. Wilson was called in to clean up before closing, which he did in typical Manimal style, striking out the last two outs of three.
By far, the most notable players were Burriss, Winn and Ishikawa. Winn was only 1-3 today (he's hitting around .450 for the month), but it was a triple, and he scored because Burriss knocked him in. Burriss himself was 2-4. But the real note was Ishikawa. Not only does this guy know how to play defensively, but he's continuing his hot hitting from the minors: today, 2-4, with a HR in the 2nd inning. Did we mention this is his third major league game?
FINAL: 3-1, S.F.
Remember that Tim was coming off a potentially freak injury to his knee from last game. Lincecum had two hit shutout going into the 8th inning and leading 3-0, when a walk and single after getting two outs was cause enough (?) for Bochy to replace him. With Jack Taschner. "Lefty specialist", is what they call Jack. He certainly isn't any better than against right-handers. With a three-run cushion, Tasch gave up a single and a run in his only batter faced: 3-1, S.F. Wilson was called in to clean up before closing, which he did in typical Manimal style, striking out the last two outs of three.
By far, the most notable players were Burriss, Winn and Ishikawa. Winn was only 1-3 today (he's hitting around .450 for the month), but it was a triple, and he scored because Burriss knocked him in. Burriss himself was 2-4. But the real note was Ishikawa. Not only does this guy know how to play defensively, but he's continuing his hot hitting from the minors: today, 2-4, with a HR in the 2nd inning. Did we mention this is his third major league game?
FINAL: 3-1, S.F.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Blowout Awaiting
The first thing you need to know for your expectations for tonight's game is this:
Sanchez was scratched for shoulder strain, and Matt Palmer - someone I'd never heard of, even out of the bullpen - got the start. Palmer's a callup, but he's 29 years old.
Molina grounded into a DP in the 1st, though we had a runner on 2B to start the inning, and another runner on 1B with one out. Palmer hit someone on a 0-2 count, and then walked the third batter.
Sandoval got his first major-league hit in the 2nd with two out, while Burriss walked to follow. Palmer, amazingly, nearly hit a double but was foul with it. Strike three was called. Palmer walked the leadoff, giving them three free baserunners in the first two innings - with no hits. That first hit would come as a RBI double on a 2-0 pitch. The next batter? Sacrifice. The next batter? RBI single. 2-0, ATL
The top of the 3rd was worse for us, because it was three straight ground outs. Ground outs are worse than strikeouts, in my opinion, because they waste more of the batter's energy - thus wearing the batter down more than necessary; and on average they are also committed on far less pitches - thus not wearing the pitcher down as much. S.F. was lucky while giving up another run; McCann gave us an out by misreading baserunning signs. Nevertheless, the Braves scored a run easily on Infante's hit, who advanced to 3B because of the out at home. The next batter walked; the following batter had a RBI single; the batter after him had a RBI single. Hinshaw would come in from the 'pen... in the 3rd inning. At this point, I honestly stopped keeping track of everything. It was blown beyond recognition. But they did add another run. 6-0, ATL
Please don't blame me if I have nothing further. What else can I say, honestly? So I'll spare you the rest. Yes we got runs; yes the youth was solid; no it wasn't near enough:
FINAL: 11-5, ATL
-MSH
Sanchez was scratched for shoulder strain, and Matt Palmer - someone I'd never heard of, even out of the bullpen - got the start. Palmer's a callup, but he's 29 years old.
Molina grounded into a DP in the 1st, though we had a runner on 2B to start the inning, and another runner on 1B with one out. Palmer hit someone on a 0-2 count, and then walked the third batter.
Sandoval got his first major-league hit in the 2nd with two out, while Burriss walked to follow. Palmer, amazingly, nearly hit a double but was foul with it. Strike three was called. Palmer walked the leadoff, giving them three free baserunners in the first two innings - with no hits. That first hit would come as a RBI double on a 2-0 pitch. The next batter? Sacrifice. The next batter? RBI single. 2-0, ATL
The top of the 3rd was worse for us, because it was three straight ground outs. Ground outs are worse than strikeouts, in my opinion, because they waste more of the batter's energy - thus wearing the batter down more than necessary; and on average they are also committed on far less pitches - thus not wearing the pitcher down as much. S.F. was lucky while giving up another run; McCann gave us an out by misreading baserunning signs. Nevertheless, the Braves scored a run easily on Infante's hit, who advanced to 3B because of the out at home. The next batter walked; the following batter had a RBI single; the batter after him had a RBI single. Hinshaw would come in from the 'pen... in the 3rd inning. At this point, I honestly stopped keeping track of everything. It was blown beyond recognition. But they did add another run. 6-0, ATL
Please don't blame me if I have nothing further. What else can I say, honestly? So I'll spare you the rest. Yes we got runs; yes the youth was solid; no it wasn't near enough:
FINAL: 11-5, ATL
-MSH
Historical Pose
OK, I don't mean to be presumptuous, but the signing of Buster Posey last night could be huge, and here's why:
- He won every major college award for 2008.
- He won the Golden Spikes award. The last two Giants to do that are Tim Lincecum and Will Clark. Hello.
Read it and enjoy.
-MSH
- He won every major college award for 2008.
- He won the Golden Spikes award. The last two Giants to do that are Tim Lincecum and Will Clark. Hello.
Read it and enjoy.
-MSH
Friday, August 15, 2008
Gifts and Gaffs
That's how I'd describe tonight's game in a phrase. Here's why:
Fred Lewis was given 2B in the 1st, which Molina turned into a run with a single. Dave Roberts' steal of 2B in the 3rd was more work, but Jurrjens' WP gave Roberts 3B. Winn sac flied; Roberts scored easily. 2-0, S.F. Roberts got the brunt of a close call later in the game, which would've widened the margin more.
Kotsay was given 3B on a WP from Cain as well, who otherwise pitched very well - solid as usual. Kotsay scored off of Jones' single, however. 2-1, S.F.
When Jurrjens was replaced, things fell apart for the Braves. Ohman gave up a solo shot to Winn - 3-1, S.F. Ohman was replaced, but that didn't help either - Lewis scored again off of a single by newcomer (who can really play, by the way) Travis Ishikawa. 4-1, S.F. Runners advanced on the LF error (another gift), and hen the Braves loaded the bases with a BB.
This is biggest gaff of the rundown: we had the bases loaded with no one out, and couldn't score anymore.
We made up for that, however, when Mr. Winn got another hit, this a near triple that bounced over the wall. Lewis got a gift BB; Molina singled. Lewis was thrown out at 3B, but Winn scored easily. 5-1, S.F. Lewis would have scored on the subsequent double by Ishikawa, but Burriss struck out to end the inning.
All I really have to say about this game is: "Yay For Youth!" Ishikawa is now 3-8 in his first two Major League games, playing unbelievable 1B defense; he credits God (as Lewis does) and relaxes. I like him - a lot. His enthused but stoic approach is a lot like the 23-year-old Cain, who was solid again - and this time he got a W. Ochoa's defense is still incredible, and reliable. Burriss adds a work ethic to position playing I have rarely seen in this team for the last few years, apart from Winn (who was 4-4, again). Wilson closed the game impeccably with the exception of a walk, again. I can't remember the last time we won this handly, although I'm sure we've done it a few times this year. All I'm going to say is that it is obviously easier when you have excited, young talent instead.
Magic number to avoid the second 100-loss season in team history: just 12.
FINAL: 5-1, S.F.
-MSH
Fred Lewis was given 2B in the 1st, which Molina turned into a run with a single. Dave Roberts' steal of 2B in the 3rd was more work, but Jurrjens' WP gave Roberts 3B. Winn sac flied; Roberts scored easily. 2-0, S.F. Roberts got the brunt of a close call later in the game, which would've widened the margin more.
Kotsay was given 3B on a WP from Cain as well, who otherwise pitched very well - solid as usual. Kotsay scored off of Jones' single, however. 2-1, S.F.
When Jurrjens was replaced, things fell apart for the Braves. Ohman gave up a solo shot to Winn - 3-1, S.F. Ohman was replaced, but that didn't help either - Lewis scored again off of a single by newcomer (who can really play, by the way) Travis Ishikawa. 4-1, S.F. Runners advanced on the LF error (another gift), and hen the Braves loaded the bases with a BB.
This is biggest gaff of the rundown: we had the bases loaded with no one out, and couldn't score anymore.
We made up for that, however, when Mr. Winn got another hit, this a near triple that bounced over the wall. Lewis got a gift BB; Molina singled. Lewis was thrown out at 3B, but Winn scored easily. 5-1, S.F. Lewis would have scored on the subsequent double by Ishikawa, but Burriss struck out to end the inning.
All I really have to say about this game is: "Yay For Youth!" Ishikawa is now 3-8 in his first two Major League games, playing unbelievable 1B defense; he credits God (as Lewis does) and relaxes. I like him - a lot. His enthused but stoic approach is a lot like the 23-year-old Cain, who was solid again - and this time he got a W. Ochoa's defense is still incredible, and reliable. Burriss adds a work ethic to position playing I have rarely seen in this team for the last few years, apart from Winn (who was 4-4, again). Wilson closed the game impeccably with the exception of a walk, again. I can't remember the last time we won this handly, although I'm sure we've done it a few times this year. All I'm going to say is that it is obviously easier when you have excited, young talent instead.
Magic number to avoid the second 100-loss season in team history: just 12.
FINAL: 5-1, S.F.
-MSH
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Changing (Farm) Guards
Good news for us. I love McGowan; he saved the team from moving to Florida. He knew how to run the team from a business perspective. But his new successor has a much different focus, one that I completely agree with. Here's a quote from the article, with words out of his own mouth that I might actually be proud of if it's backed up:
I do hope that he means it; and with the signing of our top three picks in this year's draft, we're ready to follow through.
-MSH
The change at the top may signal a different direction. Under Magowan, the Giants spent freely on aging free agents, a tactic that some critics claim has led to their recent downfall. Under Neukom, expect the Giants to continue building the farm system.
"I don't pitch or field or hit," Neukom said. "My job is to work with professionals on the baseball side to make sure we have the talent that shows skills on the field. That means we've got to keep building our farm system and our coaches, because those are the people who teach so the kids can play the game in the Major Leagues at the highest level."
I do hope that he means it; and with the signing of our top three picks in this year's draft, we're ready to follow through.
-MSH
Hurricaning Youth
For the first time this season, and that I can remember, the Giants had six out of nine starters under the age of 29, thanks to the Giants sending up three new Fresno sensations. The starters' ages for today are as follows:
Velez: 26
Ochoa: 26
Rohlinger: 25
Ishikawa: 25
Sandoval: 22
Correia: 28
Lewis got in during the 2nd inning as well, for Rowand. Notice please from the list above that the oldest is the starting pitcher; all the rest are position players. If you count Burriss who was on the bench today, this means that we have six position players aged 26 or under. This lineup shocks, is far overdue, and therefore worth the majority of the post itself. The possibility of winning is not worth even a good portion, since you've seen what we're doing in Houston already, and apparently the Astros had won 7 in a row, and were 17-8 since the All-Star Break.
What else can I say when the Giants got two runs in the top of the 1st? Velez-Ochoa-Ishikawa also turned a DP in the bottom of the 1st. Velez himself got two 2-out singles, that eventually led to runs. Even Sandoval, who didn't have a notable game offensively, was great for sacrifice contact. Ochoa and Rohlinger hit hard as well, and were simply robbed by great defense out of the Houston 2B.
The problem, since there naturally has to be one, was Correia's lack of control; it's mostly mental. So, in my mind I sense that he pitches like Zito: the minute the other team gets any kind of momentum at all, he relies completely on the defense and his pitches get all kinds of off-center. We had a 2-0 and 3-1 leads, but Correia blew that by the 3rd inning. In the 4th, Ochoa made a "fantabulous" DP by running to the bag and then throwing to Ishikawa while rolling to the ground. Proof of this Zito Effect for Correia: after that play, he struck a batter out.
In the 6th, Lewis (replacing Rowand earlier in the game) hit a HR and then Ishikawa finally settled the nerves and had a standup double, although he did keep from advancing easily. I'm not really sure what to say about Correia, except that he usually has trouble in the middle of his starts, but does quite well after the first troubling inning. He retired eight batters in a row, and had only 79 pitches through six full innings.
Velez was robbed of another up-the-middle hit because the ball hit the pitcher and bounced perfectly to the 2B. Otherwise, we didn't have much to speak of on the Astro bullpen. But I'll tell you this: these kids must feel for each other, because Ochoa made a diving catch to save the tying run on 3B in the bottom of the 7th. He was barely there, too; just as so many of our batters had been robbed. The defense for our team is stellar, whether young or old. Without question. Except for Sandoval. I'm glad he's in, but I wonder why Holm was sent down, because although Sandoval had a few sacrifice hits, the unfortunate thing about him is that he had two passed balls. Both of those PBs made things very difficult. Bochy has told the players that he doesn't mind them making mistakes after just coming up, which I think is a good attitude; relaxed players do better anyway. Of course, you know that relaxing only does so much. Like when Taschner came in to face a lefty, instead of leaving Correia in, and ended up with a one-pitch single - giving up the lead. Correia wouldn't get the win. Taschner threw just the one pitch. Yabu got out of the inning.
In the 8th, Ishi walked. That was it. When Yabu gave up a leadoff single, he was replaced by Hinshaw. In two pitches, Hinshaw gave up a HR to Berkman. Granted that the pitch wasn't bad, such an outing isn't normal for Alex, Berkman is strong, and this park favors Berkman's strength... but the game was pretty much up at that point. It was clear that the management thought so at least, because they put Walker in, who of course gave up yet another run. Ochoa made a nice play to Velez to finish the inning, but Jon and Dave had to joke about Michael Bourn's Class-A hitting performance by calling him "The Bourn Out" to make this inning an honest laugher. Which leaves the primary positive for the game the same as it should have been all year: "Yay For Youth."
FINAL: 7-4, Houston.
We were swept.
Hope B.S. wept.
-MSH
Velez: 26
Ochoa: 26
Rohlinger: 25
Ishikawa: 25
Sandoval: 22
Correia: 28
Lewis got in during the 2nd inning as well, for Rowand. Notice please from the list above that the oldest is the starting pitcher; all the rest are position players. If you count Burriss who was on the bench today, this means that we have six position players aged 26 or under. This lineup shocks, is far overdue, and therefore worth the majority of the post itself. The possibility of winning is not worth even a good portion, since you've seen what we're doing in Houston already, and apparently the Astros had won 7 in a row, and were 17-8 since the All-Star Break.
What else can I say when the Giants got two runs in the top of the 1st? Velez-Ochoa-Ishikawa also turned a DP in the bottom of the 1st. Velez himself got two 2-out singles, that eventually led to runs. Even Sandoval, who didn't have a notable game offensively, was great for sacrifice contact. Ochoa and Rohlinger hit hard as well, and were simply robbed by great defense out of the Houston 2B.
The problem, since there naturally has to be one, was Correia's lack of control; it's mostly mental. So, in my mind I sense that he pitches like Zito: the minute the other team gets any kind of momentum at all, he relies completely on the defense and his pitches get all kinds of off-center. We had a 2-0 and 3-1 leads, but Correia blew that by the 3rd inning. In the 4th, Ochoa made a "fantabulous" DP by running to the bag and then throwing to Ishikawa while rolling to the ground. Proof of this Zito Effect for Correia: after that play, he struck a batter out.
In the 6th, Lewis (replacing Rowand earlier in the game) hit a HR and then Ishikawa finally settled the nerves and had a standup double, although he did keep from advancing easily. I'm not really sure what to say about Correia, except that he usually has trouble in the middle of his starts, but does quite well after the first troubling inning. He retired eight batters in a row, and had only 79 pitches through six full innings.
Velez was robbed of another up-the-middle hit because the ball hit the pitcher and bounced perfectly to the 2B. Otherwise, we didn't have much to speak of on the Astro bullpen. But I'll tell you this: these kids must feel for each other, because Ochoa made a diving catch to save the tying run on 3B in the bottom of the 7th. He was barely there, too; just as so many of our batters had been robbed. The defense for our team is stellar, whether young or old. Without question. Except for Sandoval. I'm glad he's in, but I wonder why Holm was sent down, because although Sandoval had a few sacrifice hits, the unfortunate thing about him is that he had two passed balls. Both of those PBs made things very difficult. Bochy has told the players that he doesn't mind them making mistakes after just coming up, which I think is a good attitude; relaxed players do better anyway. Of course, you know that relaxing only does so much. Like when Taschner came in to face a lefty, instead of leaving Correia in, and ended up with a one-pitch single - giving up the lead. Correia wouldn't get the win. Taschner threw just the one pitch. Yabu got out of the inning.
In the 8th, Ishi walked. That was it. When Yabu gave up a leadoff single, he was replaced by Hinshaw. In two pitches, Hinshaw gave up a HR to Berkman. Granted that the pitch wasn't bad, such an outing isn't normal for Alex, Berkman is strong, and this park favors Berkman's strength... but the game was pretty much up at that point. It was clear that the management thought so at least, because they put Walker in, who of course gave up yet another run. Ochoa made a nice play to Velez to finish the inning, but Jon and Dave had to joke about Michael Bourn's Class-A hitting performance by calling him "The Bourn Out" to make this inning an honest laugher. Which leaves the primary positive for the game the same as it should have been all year: "Yay For Youth."
FINAL: 7-4, Houston.
We were swept.
Hope B.S. wept.
-MSH
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Zito At His Most Expected
All you need to know for this game is that Zito had a one-hitter going into the bottom of the 6th, when we led 1-0. From that point, the Astros got an infield single and a bloop that no one could catch. This sent Zito reeling, unnecessarily.
The Astros did not get a single hit from that point on, but they somehow managed
to get six runs in. Zito walked four batters, including the pitcher, and hit a man (this was classic, by the way, since Zito had an 0-2 count on that one). Sadler came in to relieve him and the first batter he faced got hit. The second batter he faced got hit as well. Jon once called it horrifying; after this, he couldn't help being silent and then obviously flabbergasted. Three out of the last four batters were HBP. Hello? THREE OUT OF FOUR.
Twelve men batted for Houston that half-inning; two got hits, which were singles; four were hit; six of them scored.
Can you blame me for not giving anymore about the game? :) The only good news was that Castillo was not playing because we finally called up someone to play 3B: Ryan Rohlinger. In addition to this, two others were called up while Bowker (hitting fiasco) and Holm were sent to Fresno. The best news? Castillo was "designated for assignment".
Hallelujah!
FINAL: 6-2, Houston
Hell of a way to get swept, boys.
-MSH
The Astros did not get a single hit from that point on, but they somehow managed
to get six runs in. Zito walked four batters, including the pitcher, and hit a man (this was classic, by the way, since Zito had an 0-2 count on that one). Sadler came in to relieve him and the first batter he faced got hit. The second batter he faced got hit as well. Jon once called it horrifying; after this, he couldn't help being silent and then obviously flabbergasted. Three out of the last four batters were HBP. Hello? THREE OUT OF FOUR.
Twelve men batted for Houston that half-inning; two got hits, which were singles; four were hit; six of them scored.
Can you blame me for not giving anymore about the game? :) The only good news was that Castillo was not playing because we finally called up someone to play 3B: Ryan Rohlinger. In addition to this, two others were called up while Bowker (hitting fiasco) and Holm were sent to Fresno. The best news? Castillo was "designated for assignment".
Hallelujah!
FINAL: 6-2, Houston
Hell of a way to get swept, boys.
-MSH
When The Pitcher Gets Hit
All you need to know for this game is that Lincecum limped off the field in fifth inning off a come-backer; he later went to get his right knee x-rayed.
We got a few runners home on sac flies as we should to lead 3-2, but we had over a dozen runners left on base. And when Timmy the Kid leaves the game the following facts from last night should be expected:
Yabu retires a side; gets replaced by Hinshaw.
Hinshaw retires a side; gets one out in the 7th, walks someone, gets replaced by Walker. (An eerie note for our OMS Conspiracy: this is a double-switch here, Castillo defensively replacing Hinshaw.) However, please be reminded that at this point the score is still 3-2; the Astros have only two hits all game.
You can guess what happens next.
Walker faces two batters, giving up a hit and two runs; Walker gets replaced by Taschner.
Taschner faces four batters, giving up a GRANDSLAM and a double; replaced by Espineli.
Espineli faces batters, giving up a HR in three pitches first, before getting an out (which was the same batter as the first out of the inning: Michael Bourn), and then finishing the inning.
How good is your scorekeeping? Did you just realize that in 2/3 of an inning, three pitchers gave up 8 runs on 6 hits? In the 8th Hunter Pence had a HR, and Tejada doubled another run home, just to rub it in.
FINAL: 12-4, Houston
Here's the wrap, if you really want to verify this monstrosity. I wouldn't recommend it. What I would recommend is the wrap for Texas v. Boston tonight, the final score of which will floor you.
Not that this game wouldn't do the same thing. Just want you to be happily floored instead.
-MSH
We got a few runners home on sac flies as we should to lead 3-2, but we had over a dozen runners left on base. And when Timmy the Kid leaves the game the following facts from last night should be expected:
Yabu retires a side; gets replaced by Hinshaw.
Hinshaw retires a side; gets one out in the 7th, walks someone, gets replaced by Walker. (An eerie note for our OMS Conspiracy: this is a double-switch here, Castillo defensively replacing Hinshaw.) However, please be reminded that at this point the score is still 3-2; the Astros have only two hits all game.
You can guess what happens next.
Walker faces two batters, giving up a hit and two runs; Walker gets replaced by Taschner.
Taschner faces four batters, giving up a GRANDSLAM and a double; replaced by Espineli.
Espineli faces batters, giving up a HR in three pitches first, before getting an out (which was the same batter as the first out of the inning: Michael Bourn), and then finishing the inning.
How good is your scorekeeping? Did you just realize that in 2/3 of an inning, three pitchers gave up 8 runs on 6 hits? In the 8th Hunter Pence had a HR, and Tejada doubled another run home, just to rub it in.
FINAL: 12-4, Houston
Here's the wrap, if you really want to verify this monstrosity. I wouldn't recommend it. What I would recommend is the wrap for Texas v. Boston tonight, the final score of which will floor you.
Not that this game wouldn't do the same thing. Just want you to be happily floored instead.
-MSH
Monday, August 11, 2008
"Houston, We Have A Problem"
Please forgive the overused quote for a title. I promise it's the most appropriate quote available.
Tonight, we started a series in Houston, a place that Jon Miller likes to say "has a sweat index of 96". Contrary to the temperature, Houston is one of those teams this year that has honestly underperformed, in a division that has quickly become a perennial hotbed of surprising talent. They were 58-59 before this game; by contrast, the Cubs have won 71, the Brewers 68, and the Cardinals 65. This has caused a lot of confusion about what role the Astros can have for the rest of the season, and what they should be doing personnel-wise. At least they can afford to mull over that kind of question, though honestly I'd rather have our situation: playing the youth, and winning the last three series matchups.
The stadium, Minute Maid Park, is well-known among engineers for its completely retractable roof, that pulls and pushes from just the right side. They also have this very odd separate piece of raised lawn in CF, that makes a serious jump from the fielder in danger of going over the wall. Seriously. I would not want this park, but I would want to be from S.F. playing in it: the Giants had been 21-7 since the park opened.
To begin the game, Winn got a leadoff BB, but was thrown out because Ochoa couldn't make contact on a hit-n-run. Lewis also drew a BB in that 1st Inning, but no runs. In the 2nd Inning Aurilia got a squib double past Berkman at 1B, but that was left unattended to as well. The 3rd Inning saw Ochoa give a two-out double for the cause, showing his quick learning by trying to get into scoring position in that situation. Lewis tried to double as well, but luckily before he was tagged out, Ochoa scored easily. Backe's reputation for a bad WHIP looked somewhat valid. Finally, consummation. 1-0, S.F.
Sanchez retired eight in a row before walking the pitcher (who, in honesty, had a .297 AVG before tonight). But it didn't cost Jonathan anything. He retired the first three innings very easily, especially given his last three starts.
The 4th Inning gave something that made me think a very strange thought, given my youth mantra: Bowker struck out. That in itself is not bad, but it made him 9 for his last 72 plate appearances. Really. Realizing that playing every day is not a great idea, I'm now moderating my "give the youth some experience" quota to one day off a week. Sanchez did his part, however; ground outs were the key for him this time - instead of riding the wave of his amazing first-half K ratio. The more he pitches in the second-half, and the more his effectiveness is based on not necessarily striking people out, the more I believe he tapered from his own game because of that first-half K total.
Aurilia went 2-2 with a leadoff double in the 5th Inning. Our team apparently likes doubles lately; we had a number of them in the Dodger series, and the run was scored tonight because of one - though that inning ended because tried to stretch into one unnecessarily. Aurilia got to 3B off of Burriss' sac fly to RCF. The fact that Sanchez was next up was somewhat countered in my heart by the fact that Winn was next. Alas, a ground out left yet another runner on-base. The first strikeout for Sanchez came in the last of that inning, but regardless the Astros were still hitless.
A few painfully fluke basehits on grounders, the first a broken-bat to Ochoa and then bunt to Sanchez, led not to outs but to runs after a sac bunt and a single. Tejada's pop-up and a very nice K of the big threat, Lance Berkman, salvaged our defensive anomaly. But two runs still scored, and our comeback attitude would have to continue if we wanted to win. By the end of the 6th Inning: 2-1, Houston.
The best part about the 7th Inning might have been that Backe was still throwing; but he had thrown 94 pitches before starting it, which means without a lead by this inning, our chance at getting a win on the WHIP King was minimal at best. Thankfully, the night was not over for him, and visible disagreement between he and his catcher looked good for us. This led to Aurilia gaining a BB, because almost every time Backe disagreed he would throw a breaker and Richie watched for it. Burriss DP-ed, and got Backe out of a mess, and unfortunately made it difficult to foresee a W, even with this year's renewed vigor on the team for playing hard until the last out.
This wasn't helped by the fact that Sanchez was left in. He had been having rough starts, and this was his best in the last four. But his 6th was shaky, and common sense was vindicated by the 7th. A double and a HBP before two outs came, and then another base hit looked bad. But because Houston's Bourn wasn't paying attention to the coach holding a man at 3B, Aurilia and Molina had Loretta tied up and tagged him to end the inning. Common Sense is not necessarily a cruel mistress.
Sanchez had a PH in the 8th Inning, which was the only good news. The rest of that inning proved nothing but the fact that our offense is the problem, not Backe's "turnaround performance" tonight. Jonathan's replacement on the mound being Sadler, there was hope; but Sadler gave up a deep fly out on the wall and then a one-pitch HR to Wigginton, both to LF, both off of consecutive hanging curves. A single to Tejada, then a BB to Berkman. Walks were the reason he was sent back down in the first place, unfortunately. Runners advanced on a ground out. A good recovery after a coaching talk for Sadler: A curveball struck out the last batter, and my mind's sole consolation was sparked: how much sweeter Sadler's K of Ramirez on Saturday night.
The 9th was much the same. Lewis Ks; Molina grounds out, 5-3; Rowand Ks. No comebacks tonight, kids. But definite frustration over a practically undeserved loss.
FINAL: 3-1, Astros.
Player To Be Pitied: Jonathan Sanchez (no-hitter through five, and a nice rebound performance)
Player To Be Noted: Rich Aurilia (2-2)
Player To Be Lauded: Ivan Ochoa (2B, R)
-MSH
Tonight, we started a series in Houston, a place that Jon Miller likes to say "has a sweat index of 96". Contrary to the temperature, Houston is one of those teams this year that has honestly underperformed, in a division that has quickly become a perennial hotbed of surprising talent. They were 58-59 before this game; by contrast, the Cubs have won 71, the Brewers 68, and the Cardinals 65. This has caused a lot of confusion about what role the Astros can have for the rest of the season, and what they should be doing personnel-wise. At least they can afford to mull over that kind of question, though honestly I'd rather have our situation: playing the youth, and winning the last three series matchups.
The stadium, Minute Maid Park, is well-known among engineers for its completely retractable roof, that pulls and pushes from just the right side. They also have this very odd separate piece of raised lawn in CF, that makes a serious jump from the fielder in danger of going over the wall. Seriously. I would not want this park, but I would want to be from S.F. playing in it: the Giants had been 21-7 since the park opened.
To begin the game, Winn got a leadoff BB, but was thrown out because Ochoa couldn't make contact on a hit-n-run. Lewis also drew a BB in that 1st Inning, but no runs. In the 2nd Inning Aurilia got a squib double past Berkman at 1B, but that was left unattended to as well. The 3rd Inning saw Ochoa give a two-out double for the cause, showing his quick learning by trying to get into scoring position in that situation. Lewis tried to double as well, but luckily before he was tagged out, Ochoa scored easily. Backe's reputation for a bad WHIP looked somewhat valid. Finally, consummation. 1-0, S.F.
Sanchez retired eight in a row before walking the pitcher (who, in honesty, had a .297 AVG before tonight). But it didn't cost Jonathan anything. He retired the first three innings very easily, especially given his last three starts.
The 4th Inning gave something that made me think a very strange thought, given my youth mantra: Bowker struck out. That in itself is not bad, but it made him 9 for his last 72 plate appearances. Really. Realizing that playing every day is not a great idea, I'm now moderating my "give the youth some experience" quota to one day off a week. Sanchez did his part, however; ground outs were the key for him this time - instead of riding the wave of his amazing first-half K ratio. The more he pitches in the second-half, and the more his effectiveness is based on not necessarily striking people out, the more I believe he tapered from his own game because of that first-half K total.
Aurilia went 2-2 with a leadoff double in the 5th Inning. Our team apparently likes doubles lately; we had a number of them in the Dodger series, and the run was scored tonight because of one - though that inning ended because tried to stretch into one unnecessarily. Aurilia got to 3B off of Burriss' sac fly to RCF. The fact that Sanchez was next up was somewhat countered in my heart by the fact that Winn was next. Alas, a ground out left yet another runner on-base. The first strikeout for Sanchez came in the last of that inning, but regardless the Astros were still hitless.
A few painfully fluke basehits on grounders, the first a broken-bat to Ochoa and then bunt to Sanchez, led not to outs but to runs after a sac bunt and a single. Tejada's pop-up and a very nice K of the big threat, Lance Berkman, salvaged our defensive anomaly. But two runs still scored, and our comeback attitude would have to continue if we wanted to win. By the end of the 6th Inning: 2-1, Houston.
The best part about the 7th Inning might have been that Backe was still throwing; but he had thrown 94 pitches before starting it, which means without a lead by this inning, our chance at getting a win on the WHIP King was minimal at best. Thankfully, the night was not over for him, and visible disagreement between he and his catcher looked good for us. This led to Aurilia gaining a BB, because almost every time Backe disagreed he would throw a breaker and Richie watched for it. Burriss DP-ed, and got Backe out of a mess, and unfortunately made it difficult to foresee a W, even with this year's renewed vigor on the team for playing hard until the last out.
This wasn't helped by the fact that Sanchez was left in. He had been having rough starts, and this was his best in the last four. But his 6th was shaky, and common sense was vindicated by the 7th. A double and a HBP before two outs came, and then another base hit looked bad. But because Houston's Bourn wasn't paying attention to the coach holding a man at 3B, Aurilia and Molina had Loretta tied up and tagged him to end the inning. Common Sense is not necessarily a cruel mistress.
Sanchez had a PH in the 8th Inning, which was the only good news. The rest of that inning proved nothing but the fact that our offense is the problem, not Backe's "turnaround performance" tonight. Jonathan's replacement on the mound being Sadler, there was hope; but Sadler gave up a deep fly out on the wall and then a one-pitch HR to Wigginton, both to LF, both off of consecutive hanging curves. A single to Tejada, then a BB to Berkman. Walks were the reason he was sent back down in the first place, unfortunately. Runners advanced on a ground out. A good recovery after a coaching talk for Sadler: A curveball struck out the last batter, and my mind's sole consolation was sparked: how much sweeter Sadler's K of Ramirez on Saturday night.
The 9th was much the same. Lewis Ks; Molina grounds out, 5-3; Rowand Ks. No comebacks tonight, kids. But definite frustration over a practically undeserved loss.
FINAL: 3-1, Astros.
Player To Be Pitied: Jonathan Sanchez (no-hitter through five, and a nice rebound performance)
Player To Be Noted: Rich Aurilia (2-2)
Player To Be Lauded: Ivan Ochoa (2B, R)
-MSH
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