I didn't get a chance to turn on the game until late in the game. I finally got the game on in the 7th inning (coincidentally) just as Arias was at bat. And lo and behold...
That gives me a new idea...I'll keep the game off until late. Then when the TV goes on the Giants bats will wake up. Heck it worked tonight so maybe it'll work again tomorrow and into the future.
And again many things don't change. Hunterpants was productive again, Posey didn't do jack again and again for some inexplicable reason Brett Pill owns Kershaw.
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<< <i>Word is that the Giants are aggressively scouting Japanese pitchers Masahiro Tanaka and Kenta Maeda, as well as Cuban defector 1st baseman Jose Abreu.
Tanaka (24) just went 21-0 with a 1.24 era in Japan. 0.934 whip and a 5.74 so/bb.
Maeda (25) went 12-5 with a 1.92 era and 0.927 whip and a 4.22 so/bb.
Abreu (26) has tons of power in a hitter-friendly Cuban league. He's got funky mechanics at the plate and a body somewhere between Hector Sanchez and Pablo Sandoval. One scouting report cautiously used Miguel Cabrera as a rough comp.
Zito and Lincecum both cost $42 mil combined this year. If the Giants really wanted to gamble on 2 pitching prospects like Tanaka and Maeda, as well as an iffy defector in Abreu, I don't think it'd cost $42 mil/year.
These guys would want long contracts though. >>
I don't know anything about these three so I'll judge just based on their numbers. Both pitchers seem excellent but Tanaka in particular is pretty intriguing. Both guys are fairly young as well. Abreu doesn't seem like an infield version of Puig or Yoenis Cespedes. I picture him sort of as a Cuban version of Pablo but on the other side of the diamond. That may or may not be such a great thing.
I don't know the rules for signing Cuban defectors but if the two Japanese pitchers are as good as they look then their posting fees will cost an arm and leg. I think Darvish's posting fee was upwards of $50 million and those two have numbers similar to Darvish so getting them over here might not be so simple nor cheap. When everything is said and done they might end up costing just as much if not more than the $42 million Zito and Lincecum take up now.
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<< <i>Breaking from their usual protocal of waiting for the season to end, Giants are reported to have begun contract extension talks with Hunter Pence. >>
It's a smart move if they're serious about keeping him around. They're probably trying to get him re-signed before the free agency period begins. For the time being they have first shot. Once free agency begins there will be several bidders and he will get a lot more expensive. He 'says' he's interested in staying so that's a positive sign.
As for Tim, plenty of other teams still think he's got it so he'll probably get a better offer than he's worth from other interested teams. I strongly believe he hates it here and is headed out the door unless the Giants make him an offer that is obscenely better than the second best offer.
On the subject of free agent outfielders, is Jacoby Ellsbury re-signed or is he headed for free agency? Would he be worth pursuing or will he simply cost too much? How about Shin-Soo Choo?
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Why do you think Tim hates it here? Is it the same logic you used when you were sure Cain hated it here?
As for Ellsbury and Choo, both look to be heading into FA. Ellsbury looks like a good #1 or #2 hitter, but that power he flashed a few years ago has totally vanished. He's got speed and steals like crazy, but getting him would squash the idea of getting the power bat to put in LF.
Choo could be the power bat for LF, but his lefty/righty splits are horrible.
Vs RHP, he's got 20 homers and is hitting .322/.453/.565. Vs LHP, he's got 0 homers and is hitting .211/.350/.247
The Giants would have to absorb the fact that one of their power bat will turn into someone less than Gregor Blanco on Lefty days.
Have you noticed that Posey's bat has been staying on his shoulder more and more in important ABs? It's like he's sitting on a pitch that never comes, then with 2 strikes he takes a blind hack and hopes for the best. >>
Nice to see the Giants offence do something crazy like this from time to time. 19-3, at Dodger Stadium of all places! Hunter Pence is going to have himself a contract before the season ends. He's not going to touch free agency.
So Belt and Pence combined for 13 RBI tonight, with Adrianza and Monell getting their first MLB hits and RBI.
Fun. The last part of the game was pretty much the Fresno Grizzlies vs the Albuquerque Isotopes, but it was still fun to see the rookies keep rolling.
Most runs ever scored by a Dodgers' opponent at Chavez Ravine was nice to see, and I see the Dodgers have been faltering. I'd love to see them bow in the first round of the playoffs, to put to rest all those mouthy Dodger fans who haven't won anything since 1988.
What happens next year? I doubt there's much turnover, despite the disappointing year. As was said earlier its incredibly likely both Zito and Tim comes back, but after that who knows. This ownership hasn't shown a propensity for the big splashy free agent signing, and I doubt that changes this off season, especially with such a lack of difference makers out there.
<< <i>Most runs ever scored by a Dodgers' opponent at Chavez Ravine was nice to see, and I see the Dodgers have been faltering. I'd love to see them bow in the first round of the playoffs, to put to rest all those mouthy Dodger fans who haven't won anything since 1988.
What happens next year? I doubt there's much turnover, despite the disappointing year. As was said earlier its incredibly likely both Zito and Tim comes back, but after that who knows. This ownership hasn't shown a propensity for the big splashy free agent signing, and I doubt that changes this off season, especially with such a lack of difference makers out there. >>
I don't find too many "mouthy Dodger fans" because we know we haven't won in a long time. Not nearly as long as the Giants between 1954 and 2010 however.
<< <i>What happens next year? I doubt there's much turnover, despite the disappointing year. As was said earlier its incredibly likely both Zito and Tim comes back, but after that who knows. This ownership hasn't shown a propensity for the big splashy free agent signing, and I doubt that changes this off season, especially with such a lack of difference makers out there. >>
I think the Giants will look for a real left-fielder, so they can stop having to use the "Fresno Express" to fill it. I also think there could be new faces in the rotation. Only Cain, Bumgarner, and Voggy are locks at this point. The other two spots could be filled by re-signing guys we already have (Lincecum, Gaudin, Petit), or they could go out and get someone new (e.g. japanese pitchers discussed earlier, or FAs).
If Zito's back next year, I don't think he starts the season in the majors.
He hasn't come out and publicly said he hates playing in SF and there is no definite evidence that he does but there are circumstantial hints that he isn't planning to stay long term in the area.
Throughout his career he hasn't been out in the community much, you don't see him making promotional appearances, he doesn't own a home in the area nor does he live here at all outside of baseball season. Most importantly he didn't agree to a generous long term contract offer when offered one and during his control years has held the team ownership by the groin every time contract issues come up. Every time his father has been interviewed he drops not so subtle hints about how his son wants to "keep his options open". He has publicly stated the criticisms fans gave his son in 2012 has made him reconsider staying with the team. On the subject of charitable and promotional appearances, he's done far more of that stuff in his home town of Seattle in a given year than he has in six years here. All that stuff about how he prefers short term contracts is in my opinion just spin and excuse for not signing on long term despite generous offers.
In any case we'll find out come the offseason what he ends up doing. My belief is he's most likely gone.
P.S. He's a proud Seahawks fan and isn't afraid to let the Bay Area know that.
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Giants take 3 of 4 from the Dodgers, which would've been awesome if they were in postseason contention. At least the Dodgers didn't get to clinch at home in front of their rivals.
In the last week they've finally looked like a coherent team capable of winning games. Too bad it's too little too late.
And this month Hunter Pence has turned into Willie Mays. Just a hot streak or is this the real Hunter Pence?
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I'm not reading anything into Lincecum's interests based on those factors. If you go by that then Matt Cain never signed a long-term extension with the team and what we've seen has been a window into a parallel universe.
I don't know how keen the Giants are on keeping him anyway. He'll get the qualifying offer of 1yr/$14m offer. If he takes it, fine. If not, the Giants get an extra draft pick. I don't think the Giants management cares at this point.
Oh oh, the Giants' season is moving from "bad" to "mediocre." They currently stand at the #12 pick in the draft, and that pick isn't protected. That means if they sign a FA who rejected his team's "qualifying offer", they'll lose the pick.
He hasn't come out and publicly said he hates playing in SF and there is no definite evidence that he does but there are circumstantial hints that he isn't planning to stay long term in the area. >>
So instead of taking him at his word, you decide to put words in his mouth saying he hates it here. Got it. Typical overreaction from you.
<< <i>Throughout his career he hasn't been out in the community much, you don't see him making promotional appearances, he doesn't own a home in the area nor does he live here at all outside of baseball season. >>
So what? Lots of players don't live in the offseason in the area they play in. This is hardly a rarity.
<< <i>Most importantly he didn't agree to a generous long term contract offer when offered one and during his control years has held the team ownership by the groin every time contract issues come up. >>
Many, many players use this as a standard contract tactic and is hardly an indictment of how much he 'hates' SF.
<< <i>Every time his father has been interviewed he drops not so subtle hints about how his son wants to "keep his options open". He has publicly stated the criticisms fans gave his son in 2012 has made him reconsider staying with the team. >>
Standard contract stuff. The fact that you don't see this as a ploy to get more years/money out of SF tells me you haven't really paid attention in the past to how athletes get the most money out of teams. If he comes out says he loves it here, loves everyhing about it, won't sign anywhere else, that gives SF the advantage.
<< <i> On the subject of charitable and promotional appearances, he's done far more of that stuff in his home town of Seattle in a given year than he has in six years here. All that stuff about how he prefers short term contracts is in my opinion just spin and excuse for not signing on long term despite generous offers. >>
And if he did a bunch/any promotional appearances people would be bashing him for not focusing on the game. He's really in a no-win situation with this stuff.
<< <i>In any case we'll find out come the offseason what he ends up doing. My belief is he's most likely gone. >>
If it is, it's because of idiotic fans booing the guy, despite him earning back to back Cy Youngs. It's because of the spoiled, entitled 'what have you done for me today?' attitudes people like YOU possess that he would bolt.
<< <i>P.S. He's a proud Seahawks fan and isn't afraid to let the Bay Area know that. >>
Of course he is. He grew up in Seattle. He's supposed to turn his back on his favorite team because of where he ended up in the majors? That's idiotic.
At no point in your rambling did you present anything resembling a factual comment to back up your claim that he 'hates' it in SF. You might want to rethink your strategy on posting about players' feelings next time you have, you know, actual evidence to support what you're saying.
Looks like Marco Scutaro is about to get shut down for the rest of the year. His chronic back problems and his messed up finger are nagging him, and there's really no point in continuing to have him play through it for the remainder of this season.
Get him treated, rested, healthy, and strengthened for next season.
This was the 7th game this year where the Giants lost a Matt Cain start in which he went 7 or more innings and gave up 2 or fewer runs.
Cain has shaken off whatever was ailing him earlier this season, because he's been solid as of late. In his last 10 starts, he's toting a 2.34 era and a 1.0867 whip. The Giants are 3-7 in this streach, which is more a reflection on the offence's inability to score runs and the bullpen's inability to prevent them.
I think 2014 will be a huge bounce-back year for Cain.
I'm in Philadelphia right now and will be in New York the rest of the week so it'll be different to get Giants coverage on the road. I might have some time so if I can land a cheap ticket to a game this week it might be an option.
Let's talk about Sergio Romo. His last few save opportunity appearances have been getting more and more interesting. He's been lucky ala Brian Wilson until last night. Compare that to his last two seasons when he's been almost untouchable particularly to righties. What do you think, durability issues, mechanics or have batters figured out his slider?
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<< <i>Let's talk about Sergio Romo. His last few save opportunity appearances have been getting more and more interesting. He's been lucky ala Brian Wilson until last night. Compare that to his last two seasons when he's been almost untouchable particularly to righties. What do you think, durability issues, mechanics or have batters figured out his slider? >>
I'm thinking that his issues could be a result of: a) him checking out mentally after the Giants were eliminated from the post-season b) the early start to the season in the WBC (all of the Giants who played in the WBC have been messed up this year).
The Giants who participated in the WBC are: Ryan Vogelsong (struggled with horrible ineffectiveness up until he went down with the broken hand) Jeremy Affeldt (nagging injuries and ineffectiveness) Santiago Casilla (injuries and ineffectiveness) Sergio Romo (late-season ineffectiveness) Angel Pagan (hamstring problems made him lose half the season) Andres Torres (ineffective, but that could be just because he's Andres Torres) Pablo Sandoval (injuries and ineffectiveness) Marco Scutaro (nagging injuries) Jose Mijares (ineffectiveness)
Bottom of the 7th, bases loaded, 2 out, tie game. Lincecum has lost his command and has thrown 120 pitches. A-Rod stepping to the plate. Who does Bochy call? George Kontos. Driving home from work I knew right then that the outcome would be SLAM. And it was.
Why would Boch put Kontos, who's struggled HARD this year in a no-win situation like that?
I suppose may be Boch figured this was a no-win situation and sent in the guy he's been riding all year. Kontos hasn't even been with the team for the whole year and he's logged the 2nd most innings out of the pen.
They leave the Bronx after throwing cold water on the Mariano Rivera love fest weekend.
Petit has pitched pretty well since getting called up.
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I think Petit is pitching his way into the 2014 rotation. Andy Baggarly seems to think the Giants are going to decline Voggy's option now that he's kinda cratered in his last few starts.
<< <i>I think Petit is pitching his way into the 2014 rotation. Andy Baggarly seems to think the Giants are going to decline Voggy's option now that he's kinda cratered in his last few starts. >>
Despite his performance yesterday I think they'll up Voge for next year. He's not the worst starting pitcher and he's still relatively inexpensive. If he tanks they'll send him to the bullpen and if he really tanks they'll probably just DFA him and not be out that much money.
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<< <i>Despite his performance yesterday I think they'll up Voge for next year. He's not the worst starting pitcher and he's still relatively inexpensive. If he tanks they'll send him to the bullpen and if he really tanks they'll probably just DFA him and not be out that much money. >>
The Giants could decline the $6.5 mil option and try and re-sign him for less. He won't get $6.5 mil anywhere.
Giants brass decided that Bumgarner's 201 innings this year is enough and he's getting shut down. So he won't start tomorrow. Crap. I was hoping for one more MadBum start. Zito starts tomorrow. They might as well officially forfeit the game and show 2012 NLCS Game 5 on the screen instead. That way we can keep Zito from embarrassing himself any further and re-live one of the few bright moments of his crappy Giants career.
They might call tomorrow's game Zito's farewell appearance but there's a part of me that thinks Zito will somehow, some way end up back in the organization past this season. He could be signed to a minor league contract or be willing to come back for very little money. I think he likes it here way too much for him to disappear from the Bay Area for good.
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<< <i>They might call tomorrow's game Zito's farewell appearance but there's a part of me that thinks Zito will somehow, some way end up back in the organization past this season. He could be signed to a minor league contract or be willing to come back for very little money. I think he likes it here way too much for him to disappear from the Bay Area for good. >>
I think it's highly likely both Zito and Timmy are back next year.
Woah, Boch blew the Zito send-off by pulling him early and between innings.
Boch said later about Zito "He did his job ... It wasn't a situation where you're looking for a curtain call." I thought this was, in effect, Zito's curtin call in SF. Zito thought it was too, saying "It's my last time in a Giants uniform. I definitely wanted to end it in style."
Bochy's absolute lack of class in letting Zito have a real sendoff is pathetic. If it really was his last start in SF, then what possible harm could it be to let him face one more guy. It's not like you're going to the playoffs, anyways. While his career in SF was definitely more downs than ups, he did spend 7 seasons there, and I don't recall word one being uttered about him being anything but a great teammate and even better guy. Pathetic.
Edit to add: the article says it happened at the game, but 3rd and Harrison is almost a mile from the park. Still, with the "49er fan vs other fan" violence last year, it's obvious that the hoodlum element is lurking.
<< <i>Bochy's absolute lack of class in letting Zito have a real sendoff is pathetic. If it really was his last start in SF, then what possible harm could it be to let him face one more guy. It's not like you're going to the playoffs, anyways. While his career in SF was definitely more downs than ups, he did spend 7 seasons there, and I don't recall word one being uttered about him being anything but a great teammate and even better guy. Pathetic. >>
Before the game Boch was telling Jon Miller in his normal pre-game interview that tonight was Zito's night, and that they gave him this start as a way of telling him "thanks" for all the hard work, and blah blah blah. Seemed like he was totally on board with the "Zito Appreciation Night."
As bad as Zito was as a pitcher at times, he: 1) never complained 2) never bad-mouthed management 3) always did what he was told 4) always had a good attitude 5) was a good teammate 6) had a good outward focus with his Strikeouts for Troops charity.
Giants fans need to remember Game 5 in regard to Zito, he saved the team last year....
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I am away in L.A. so I watched yesterday's game on the KCAL broadcast with Vin Scully calling the game. It was funny how Vin Scully kept talking on and on about Zito's "finesse" velocity, how none of his pitches ever topped 85 mph, how his fastball was slower than most other pitchers' changeups and how the Dodgers batting order was completely caught off guard the first time through by the unusual velocity of the pitches they were seeing.
Regardless of how I feel about Lincecum's chances of coming back if you weigh the good and bad I would rather seem him back than not.
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He's as classless at they come. Look, Wilson, you appeared in exactly two games that year, and yet you felt the need to do this tonight, of all nights? Pathetic. At least year's parade he did everything he could to preen to the cameras, more intent on making himself the show instead of the team, and to top it off, he does *this* on the field, instead of through the proper channels? Give me a break. LA and Wilson deserve one another.
While Baer is sticking to the ring story, some fans who claim to have been seated near by said that Wilson was also telling Baer to stop using his image in random video montages played at the stadium.
So, in effect Wilson wants the Giants to stop showing the final outs of the 2010 NLCS and 2010 WS. I wonder what the legality is on stuff like that.
It's agreed Wilson's act last night was classless but why is LA also classless? Specifics or just a general gut feeling you have? >>
Just more in regards to the Dodger fans around here...mouthy and arrogant without having won anything in forever, they remind me a lot of Cowboys fans.
<< <i>I've only encountered two "mouthy and arrogant" Dodger fans in message boards I've frequented, and neither of them are on this board. >>
Sorry, I should have clarified: I didn't mean here on this forum, I meant in the area I live. My apologies as I didn't mean to disrespect any posters here.
"Giants spokesperson Staci Slaughter said Wilson was invited to the team-wide ring ceremony in April, but declined. Multiple attempts to arrange a meeting throughout the season were made, but she says Wilson never returned the team's calls.
Schulman reports that when the Giants tried to meet with Wilson on Tuesday, he said, "just put it in my locker." By Wednesday, he wanted the ring presented to him in an on-field ceremony.
After last night's confrontation, the Giants sent the ring over to the visitors' clubhouse, and told the attendants to just give Wilson the damn ring."
Emphasis is mine. If this is true? Good lord this guy needs to go away forever soon.
Wilson was apparently "mad-dogging" Baer before the game even started. Here's him during the moment of silence for the murdered Dodger fan the night before.....
Comments
That gives me a new idea...I'll keep the game off until late. Then when the TV goes on the Giants bats will wake up. Heck it worked tonight so maybe it'll work again tomorrow and into the future.
And again many things don't change. Hunterpants was productive again, Posey didn't do jack again and again for some inexplicable reason Brett Pill owns Kershaw.
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<< <i>Word is that the Giants are aggressively scouting Japanese pitchers Masahiro Tanaka and Kenta Maeda, as well as Cuban defector 1st baseman Jose Abreu.
Tanaka (24) just went 21-0 with a 1.24 era in Japan. 0.934 whip and a 5.74 so/bb.
Maeda (25) went 12-5 with a 1.92 era and 0.927 whip and a 4.22 so/bb.
Abreu (26) has tons of power in a hitter-friendly Cuban league. He's got funky mechanics at the plate and a body somewhere between Hector Sanchez and Pablo Sandoval. One scouting report cautiously used Miguel Cabrera as a rough comp.
Zito and Lincecum both cost $42 mil combined this year. If the Giants really wanted to gamble on 2 pitching prospects like Tanaka and Maeda, as well as an iffy defector in Abreu, I don't think it'd cost $42 mil/year.
These guys would want long contracts though. >>
I don't know anything about these three so I'll judge just based on their numbers. Both pitchers seem excellent but Tanaka in particular is pretty intriguing. Both guys are fairly young as well. Abreu doesn't seem like an infield version of Puig or Yoenis Cespedes. I picture him sort of as a Cuban version of Pablo but on the other side of the diamond. That may or may not be such a great thing.
I don't know the rules for signing Cuban defectors but if the two Japanese pitchers are as good as they look then their posting fees will cost an arm and leg. I think Darvish's posting fee was upwards of $50 million and those two have numbers similar to Darvish so getting them over here might not be so simple nor cheap. When everything is said and done they might end up costing just as much if not more than the $42 million Zito and Lincecum take up now.
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<< <i>Breaking from their usual protocal of waiting for the season to end, Giants are reported to have begun contract extension talks with Hunter Pence. >>
It's a smart move if they're serious about keeping him around. They're probably trying to get him re-signed before the free agency period begins. For the time being they have first shot. Once free agency begins there will be several bidders and he will get a lot more expensive. He 'says' he's interested in staying so that's a positive sign.
As for Tim, plenty of other teams still think he's got it so he'll probably get a better offer than he's worth from other interested teams. I strongly believe he hates it here and is headed out the door unless the Giants make him an offer that is obscenely better than the second best offer.
On the subject of free agent outfielders, is Jacoby Ellsbury re-signed or is he headed for free agency? Would he be worth pursuing or will he simply cost too much? How about Shin-Soo Choo?
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As for Ellsbury and Choo, both look to be heading into FA. Ellsbury looks like a good #1 or #2 hitter, but that power he flashed a few years ago has totally vanished. He's got speed and steals like crazy, but getting him would squash the idea of getting the power bat to put in LF.
Choo could be the power bat for LF, but his lefty/righty splits are horrible.
Vs RHP, he's got 20 homers and is hitting .322/.453/.565.
Vs LHP, he's got 0 homers and is hitting .211/.350/.247
The Giants would have to absorb the fact that one of their power bat will turn into someone less than Gregor Blanco on Lefty days.
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<< <i>Why do you think Tim hates it here? Is it the same logic you used when you were sure Cain hated it here? >>
Everything I've ever seen or heard is that Tim loves it in the Bay Area, I'd like to hear the source of the rumor that Tim 'hates' it in SF.
<< <i>
<< <i>
Have you noticed that Posey's bat has been staying on his shoulder more and more in important ABs? It's like he's sitting on a pitch that never comes, then with 2 strikes he takes a blind hack and hopes for the best. >>
maybe his finger is still bugging him?
So Belt and Pence combined for 13 RBI tonight, with Adrianza and Monell getting their first MLB hits and RBI.
Fun. The last part of the game was pretty much the Fresno Grizzlies vs the Albuquerque Isotopes, but it was still fun to see the rookies keep rolling.
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What happens next year? I doubt there's much turnover, despite the disappointing year. As was said earlier its incredibly likely both Zito and Tim comes back, but after that who knows. This ownership hasn't shown a propensity for the big splashy free agent signing, and I doubt that changes this off season, especially with such a lack of difference makers out there.
<< <i>Most runs ever scored by a Dodgers' opponent at Chavez Ravine was nice to see, and I see the Dodgers have been faltering. I'd love to see them bow in the first round of the playoffs, to put to rest all those mouthy Dodger fans who haven't won anything since 1988.
What happens next year? I doubt there's much turnover, despite the disappointing year. As was said earlier its incredibly likely both Zito and Tim comes back, but after that who knows. This ownership hasn't shown a propensity for the big splashy free agent signing, and I doubt that changes this off season, especially with such a lack of difference makers out there. >>
I don't find too many "mouthy Dodger fans" because we know we haven't won in a long time. Not nearly as long as the Giants between 1954 and 2010 however.
<< <i>What happens next year? I doubt there's much turnover, despite the disappointing year. As was said earlier its incredibly likely both Zito and Tim comes back, but after that who knows. This ownership hasn't shown a propensity for the big splashy free agent signing, and I doubt that changes this off season, especially with such a lack of difference makers out there. >>
I think the Giants will look for a real left-fielder, so they can stop having to use the "Fresno Express" to fill it. I also think there could be new faces in the rotation. Only Cain, Bumgarner, and Voggy are locks at this point. The other two spots could be filled by re-signing guys we already have (Lincecum, Gaudin, Petit), or they could go out and get someone new (e.g. japanese pitchers discussed earlier, or FAs).
If Zito's back next year, I don't think he starts the season in the majors.
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He hasn't come out and publicly said he hates playing in SF and there is no definite evidence that he does but there are circumstantial hints that he isn't planning to stay long term in the area.
Throughout his career he hasn't been out in the community much, you don't see him making promotional appearances, he doesn't own a home in the area nor does he live here at all outside of baseball season. Most importantly he didn't agree to a generous long term contract offer when offered one and during his control years has held the team ownership by the groin every time contract issues come up. Every time his father has been interviewed he drops not so subtle hints about how his son wants to "keep his options open". He has publicly stated the criticisms fans gave his son in 2012 has made him reconsider staying with the team. On the subject of charitable and promotional appearances, he's done far more of that stuff in his home town of Seattle in a given year than he has in six years here. All that stuff about how he prefers short term contracts is in my opinion just spin and excuse for not signing on long term despite generous offers.
In any case we'll find out come the offseason what he ends up doing. My belief is he's most likely gone.
P.S. He's a proud Seahawks fan and isn't afraid to let the Bay Area know that.
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In the last week they've finally looked like a coherent team capable of winning games. Too bad it's too little too late.
And this month Hunter Pence has turned into Willie Mays. Just a hot streak or is this the real Hunter Pence?
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I don't know how keen the Giants are on keeping him anyway. He'll get the qualifying offer of 1yr/$14m offer. If he takes it, fine. If not, the Giants get an extra draft pick. I don't think the Giants management cares at this point.
WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25
WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25
<< <i>Why do I believe Lincecum hates it here?
He hasn't come out and publicly said he hates playing in SF and there is no definite evidence that he does but there are circumstantial hints that he isn't planning to stay long term in the area. >>
So instead of taking him at his word, you decide to put words in his mouth saying he hates it here. Got it. Typical overreaction from you.
<< <i>Throughout his career he hasn't been out in the community much, you don't see him making promotional appearances, he doesn't own a home in the area nor does he live here at all outside of baseball season. >>
So what? Lots of players don't live in the offseason in the area they play in. This is hardly a rarity.
<< <i>Most importantly he didn't agree to a generous long term contract offer when offered one and during his control years has held the team ownership by the groin every time contract issues come up. >>
Many, many players use this as a standard contract tactic and is hardly an indictment of how much he 'hates' SF.
<< <i>Every time his father has been interviewed he drops not so subtle hints about how his son wants to "keep his options open". He has publicly stated the criticisms fans gave his son in 2012 has made him reconsider staying with the team. >>
Standard contract stuff. The fact that you don't see this as a ploy to get more years/money out of SF tells me you haven't really paid attention in the past to how athletes get the most money out of teams. If he comes out says he loves it here, loves everyhing about it, won't sign anywhere else, that gives SF the advantage.
<< <i> On the subject of charitable and promotional appearances, he's done far more of that stuff in his home town of Seattle in a given year than he has in six years here. All that stuff about how he prefers short term contracts is in my opinion just spin and excuse for not signing on long term despite generous offers. >>
And if he did a bunch/any promotional appearances people would be bashing him for not focusing on the game. He's really in a no-win situation with this stuff.
<< <i>In any case we'll find out come the offseason what he ends up doing. My belief is he's most likely gone. >>
If it is, it's because of idiotic fans booing the guy, despite him earning back to back Cy Youngs. It's because of the spoiled, entitled 'what have you done for me today?' attitudes people like YOU possess that he would bolt.
<< <i>P.S. He's a proud Seahawks fan and isn't afraid to let the Bay Area know that. >>
Of course he is. He grew up in Seattle. He's supposed to turn his back on his favorite team because of where he ended up in the majors? That's idiotic.
At no point in your rambling did you present anything resembling a factual comment to back up your claim that he 'hates' it in SF. You might want to rethink your strategy on posting about players' feelings next time you have, you know, actual evidence to support what you're saying.
Get him treated, rested, healthy, and strengthened for next season.
WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25
Cain has shaken off whatever was ailing him earlier this season, because he's been solid as of late. In his last 10 starts, he's toting a 2.34 era and a 1.0867 whip. The Giants are 3-7 in this streach, which is more a reflection on the offence's inability to score runs and the bullpen's inability to prevent them.
I think 2014 will be a huge bounce-back year for Cain.
WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25
Let's talk about Sergio Romo. His last few save opportunity appearances have been getting more and more interesting. He's been lucky ala Brian Wilson until last night. Compare that to his last two seasons when he's been almost untouchable particularly to righties. What do you think, durability issues, mechanics or have batters figured out his slider?
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<< <i>Let's talk about Sergio Romo. His last few save opportunity appearances have been getting more and more interesting. He's been lucky ala Brian Wilson until last night. Compare that to his last two seasons when he's been almost untouchable particularly to righties. What do you think, durability issues, mechanics or have batters figured out his slider? >>
I'm thinking that his issues could be a result of:
a) him checking out mentally after the Giants were eliminated from the post-season
b) the early start to the season in the WBC (all of the Giants who played in the WBC have been messed up this year).
The Giants who participated in the WBC are:
Ryan Vogelsong (struggled with horrible ineffectiveness up until he went down with the broken hand)
Jeremy Affeldt (nagging injuries and ineffectiveness)
Santiago Casilla (injuries and ineffectiveness)
Sergio Romo (late-season ineffectiveness)
Angel Pagan (hamstring problems made him lose half the season)
Andres Torres (ineffective, but that could be just because he's Andres Torres)
Pablo Sandoval (injuries and ineffectiveness)
Marco Scutaro (nagging injuries)
Jose Mijares (ineffectiveness)
WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25
Why would Boch put Kontos, who's struggled HARD this year in a no-win situation like that?
I suppose may be Boch figured this was a no-win situation and sent in the guy he's been riding all year. Kontos hasn't even been with the team for the whole year and he's logged the 2nd most innings out of the pen.
WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25
Petit has pitched pretty well since getting called up.
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WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25
<< <i>I think Petit is pitching his way into the 2014 rotation. Andy Baggarly seems to think the Giants are going to decline Voggy's option now that he's kinda cratered in his last few starts. >>
Despite his performance yesterday I think they'll up Voge for next year. He's not the worst starting pitcher and he's still relatively inexpensive. If he tanks they'll send him to the bullpen and if he really tanks they'll probably just DFA him and not be out that much money.
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<< <i>Despite his performance yesterday I think they'll up Voge for next year. He's not the worst starting pitcher and he's still relatively inexpensive. If he tanks they'll send him to the bullpen and if he really tanks they'll probably just DFA him and not be out that much money. >>
The Giants could decline the $6.5 mil option and try and re-sign him for less. He won't get $6.5 mil anywhere.
WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25
WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25
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<< <i>They might call tomorrow's game Zito's farewell appearance but there's a part of me that thinks Zito will somehow, some way end up back in the organization past this season. He could be signed to a minor league contract or be willing to come back for very little money. I think he likes it here way too much for him to disappear from the Bay Area for good. >>
I think it's highly likely both Zito and Timmy are back next year.
WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25
Boch said later about Zito "He did his job ... It wasn't a situation where you're looking for a curtain call." I thought this was, in effect, Zito's curtin call in SF. Zito thought it was too, saying "It's my last time in a Giants uniform. I definitely wanted to end it in style."
WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25
Link
<< <i>Maybe it really is a rivalry!?
Link >>
Shameful.
Edit to add: the article says it happened at the game, but 3rd and Harrison is almost a mile from the park. Still, with the "49er fan vs other fan" violence last year, it's obvious that the hoodlum element is lurking.
WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25
<< <i>Bochy's absolute lack of class in letting Zito have a real sendoff is pathetic. If it really was his last start in SF, then what possible harm could it be to let him face one more guy. It's not like you're going to the playoffs, anyways. While his career in SF was definitely more downs than ups, he did spend 7 seasons there, and I don't recall word one being uttered about him being anything but a great teammate and even better guy. Pathetic. >>
Before the game Boch was telling Jon Miller in his normal pre-game interview that tonight was Zito's night, and that they gave him this start as a way of telling him "thanks" for all the hard work, and blah blah blah. Seemed like he was totally on board with the "Zito Appreciation Night."
As bad as Zito was as a pitcher at times, he:
1) never complained
2) never bad-mouthed management
3) always did what he was told
4) always had a good attitude
5) was a good teammate
6) had a good outward focus with his Strikeouts for Troops charity.
WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25
Worst Case Scenario starting lineup for Opening day 2014:
C - Posey
1b - Belt
2b - Scutaro
SS - Crawford
3b - Panda
LF - Perez/Peguero/Kieschnick
CF - Pagan
RF - Blanco
SP - Cain
SP - Bumgarner
SP - Petit
SP - Surkamp
SP - Kickham
WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25
Looking to BUY n332 1889 SF Hess cards and high grade cards from 19th century especially. "Once you have wrestled everything else in life is easy" Dan Gable
<< <i>Giants fans need to remember Game 5 in regard to Zito, he saved the team last year.... >>
Giants fans DO remember, thats why we're shocked by how Boch handled last night.
WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25
<< <i>Bochy needs to remember Game 5 in regard to Zito, he saved the team last year.... >>
There, I fixed it.
Regardless of how I feel about Lincecum's chances of coming back if you weigh the good and bad I would rather seem him back than not.
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Edit to add: It's because he hasn't gotten his 2012 WS ring yet.
WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25
<< <i>After tonight's game, Brian Wilson crossed the field during the Giants victory handshake line and started barking at Larry Baer.
Edit to add: It's because he hasn't gotten his 2012 WS ring yet.
He's as classless at they come. Look, Wilson, you appeared in exactly two games that year, and yet you felt the need to do this tonight, of all nights? Pathetic. At least year's parade he did everything he could to preen to the cameras, more intent on making himself the show instead of the team, and to top it off, he does *this* on the field, instead of through the proper channels? Give me a break. LA and Wilson deserve one another.
It's agreed Wilson's act last night was classless but why is LA also classless? Specifics or just a general gut feeling you have?
So, in effect Wilson wants the Giants to stop showing the final outs of the 2010 NLCS and 2010 WS. I wonder what the legality is on stuff like that.
WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25
If you took the standings of NL West teams vs other NL west teams....
SF = 42-31 (3 left vs SD)
LA = 36-37 (3 left vs CO)
CO = 36-37 (3 left vs LA)
AZ = 36-40
SD = 34-39 (3 left vs SF)
Of course, the Giants were 22 games under .500 vs everyone else.
WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25
<< <i>LA and Wilson deserve one another.
It's agreed Wilson's act last night was classless but why is LA also classless? Specifics or just a general gut feeling you have? >>
Just more in regards to the Dodger fans around here...mouthy and arrogant without having won anything in forever, they remind me a lot of Cowboys fans.
WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25
<< <i>I've only encountered two "mouthy and arrogant" Dodger fans in message boards I've frequented, and neither of them are on this board. >>
Sorry, I should have clarified: I didn't mean here on this forum, I meant in the area I live. My apologies as I didn't mean to disrespect any posters here.
"Giants spokesperson Staci Slaughter said Wilson was invited to the team-wide ring ceremony in April, but declined. Multiple attempts to arrange a meeting throughout the season were made, but she says Wilson never returned the team's calls.
Schulman reports that when the Giants tried to meet with Wilson on Tuesday, he said, "just put it in my locker." By Wednesday, he wanted the ring presented to him in an on-field ceremony.
After last night's confrontation, the Giants sent the ring over to the visitors' clubhouse, and told the attendants to just give Wilson the damn ring."
Emphasis is mine. If this is true? Good lord this guy needs to go away forever soon.
WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25
Without his hat on, he looks like Rob Zombie now.
WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25