A rant: Jeremy Affeldt and Bruce Bochy must have a very special relationship. How else can you explain Jonathan Sanchez's removal from a game where he only had one truly stressful inning and only went to 6. 1 out, nobody on, B6 inning -- there's no reason to PH for a guy that's only thrown 100 and has only given up 1 run.
Let your pitchers go 7 innings, McFly; unless you've got a guy on third. Seriously, if you're clinging to a 1 run lead, is Sanchez or Affeldt the guy you go with? No to mention the fact that Sanchez has been hitting doubles lately.
Negatives over, now let's talk about how sweet it is to sweep the A's again. Oh, and BTW, your Colorado Rockies dropped all 3 to Milwaukee. For those keeping track, your boys in black are now 3.5 up.
Not to say that I'm counting my chicks before their eggs have hatched, but I do like the little bit of pulling away. The Giants MO has been to streak at home and stumble on the road. But, a .500 record on the road ain't so bad when you've got 9 consecutive wins at home (three sweeps against the best teams of late to sweep: LA, Colorado, and Oaktown).
All kidding aside, the A's outfielders have been awfully impressive this series. Too bad they can't hit, but they are a fantastic defensive team, and they'll be a force to reckon with should they make it to the playoffs.
Their starters were nasty too. Couldn't say as much about their bullpen, if the Giants were a better offensive team, they would've scored a lot more than they did. You give up 4 runs to SF, that's like giving up 8 to Philly or the Yankees.
just sayin
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Showing posts with label jonathan sanchez. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jonathan sanchez. Show all posts
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Upcoming: 3 vs Oakland
The A's are going to throw 3 sub-3.5 ERAs at the Giants this weekend.
The Giants are goinmg to be throwing 3 sub 3.75 ERAs at the A's.
This series will more than likely be 3 low scoring, tight games. When nboth teams are good, the advantages go to the home team.
If the Giants go 5-1 over the 6 cross-Bay games, that would even the all-time series at 43-43.
I'd like to see that.
But for now, I'll settle for 2 wins in SF. I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop with Vogelsong, as well as Cahill. But, never let it be said that the Giants will be the first team to get to a 1.8 ERA pitcher. So, unless the Giants c an scratch 1 run out of Cahill (unlikely) and Vogelsong can hold the A's to 1 or 2 (maybe) and the Giants can get to the bullpen, Cahill will probably shut them down.
A win in game 1 will be nice, but not expected.
Considering Timmy is under .500 and pitching at home,I give him the edge in game 2 vs. Brett Anderson.
That should make Sanchie's start the rubber match. Oooh, not a fun place for Sanchez to be, but he's been showing better of late. Unless he's pitching a 2 hit shut out or better, I'd be surprised if Boche let's him star the 8th again, but who knows?
The Giants and the A's are totally light hitting, numbers-wise, but the Giants have been scoring runs lately and Buster is starting to put a little stank on the ball. Plus, they're good at home, so hopefully they can get to Gio Gonzalez a bit on Sunday and get to the bullpen.
The Giants are goinmg to be throwing 3 sub 3.75 ERAs at the A's.
This series will more than likely be 3 low scoring, tight games. When nboth teams are good, the advantages go to the home team.
If the Giants go 5-1 over the 6 cross-Bay games, that would even the all-time series at 43-43.
I'd like to see that.
But for now, I'll settle for 2 wins in SF. I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop with Vogelsong, as well as Cahill. But, never let it be said that the Giants will be the first team to get to a 1.8 ERA pitcher. So, unless the Giants c an scratch 1 run out of Cahill (unlikely) and Vogelsong can hold the A's to 1 or 2 (maybe) and the Giants can get to the bullpen, Cahill will probably shut them down.
A win in game 1 will be nice, but not expected.
Considering Timmy is under .500 and pitching at home,I give him the edge in game 2 vs. Brett Anderson.
That should make Sanchie's start the rubber match. Oooh, not a fun place for Sanchez to be, but he's been showing better of late. Unless he's pitching a 2 hit shut out or better, I'd be surprised if Boche let's him star the 8th again, but who knows?
The Giants and the A's are totally light hitting, numbers-wise, but the Giants have been scoring runs lately and Buster is starting to put a little stank on the ball. Plus, they're good at home, so hopefully they can get to Gio Gonzalez a bit on Sunday and get to the bullpen.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Game 41: Unreasonable, Giants lose 5-3
The Giants were swept in their 2 game set @ Colorado.
It is unreasonable to expect their pitchers to go out every start and protect a 3-run offensive output. Even the best pitchers need a spell. When your lead is always no more than 2 or 3, even one runner on base creates a high-stress situation. Eventually, that will wear on a guy.
Whereas a pitcher with 2 Cy Young awards (Timmy) or perhaps a pitcher that is regularly deified for his professional ethic and for carrying a subpar staff for the few years before it became sublime (Cain) probably can deal with such games with a plum. Those pitchers that are more emotionally fragile due to temperament (Sanchez), immaturity or inexperience (Bumgarner and maybe Vogelsong), or consistent scrutiny and criticism (Zito) are more apt to eventually collapse like a house of cards.
Without run support, this fantastic pitching staff is liable to fail and leave or fail and never recover.
On freaking notice:
It is unreasonable to expect their pitchers to go out every start and protect a 3-run offensive output. Even the best pitchers need a spell. When your lead is always no more than 2 or 3, even one runner on base creates a high-stress situation. Eventually, that will wear on a guy.
Whereas a pitcher with 2 Cy Young awards (Timmy) or perhaps a pitcher that is regularly deified for his professional ethic and for carrying a subpar staff for the few years before it became sublime (Cain) probably can deal with such games with a plum. Those pitchers that are more emotionally fragile due to temperament (Sanchez), immaturity or inexperience (Bumgarner and maybe Vogelsong), or consistent scrutiny and criticism (Zito) are more apt to eventually collapse like a house of cards.
Without run support, this fantastic pitching staff is liable to fail and leave or fail and never recover.
On freaking notice:
- Mark DeRosa (DFA today)
- Miguel Tejada (DFA today)
- Mike Fontenot (cannot be a regular starter)
- Power outage (Pablo Sandoval still has the team lead in HR's, despite missing the last 3 weeks w/ injury)
- Dan Runzler (AAA if he has options)
- Jeremy Affeldt (less of a role, please)
Friday, May 13, 2011
Game 36: Finally! Tejada shows life, Giants win in comeback fashion 4-3
Miggy hit a quick-hopping ground ball into left field to start the Giants scoring in the bottom of the 4th: Posey scored and D-Back's pitcher Armando Gallaraga's shutout was broken, the score was 3-1. In his next at bat, Miggy smacked a single-and-a-half that he stretched into a double. Tagged up on a deep fliy to right, and scored on Andres Torres's ground rule double to give the Giants the lead 4-3.
Which they kept.
Sanchie took a few innings to get going, but eventually calmed down and was rewarded with the win after 6 strong. He could've probably went 7, but Miggy's double pushed Bochy to pinch hit for him.
Weezy closed out his 12th save of the season, he gave up a lead off double, and walked a guy, but got out of it via K, ground ball to first base, and a very quick footed play from Andres Torres in deep left center that stole a double and got the final out.
Giants have won 5 in a row. That's a damn streak. And if they win this afternoon, it'll be a hot damn streak.
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Which they kept.
Sanchie took a few innings to get going, but eventually calmed down and was rewarded with the win after 6 strong. He could've probably went 7, but Miggy's double pushed Bochy to pinch hit for him.
Weezy closed out his 12th save of the season, he gave up a lead off double, and walked a guy, but got out of it via K, ground ball to first base, and a very quick footed play from Andres Torres in deep left center that stole a double and got the final out.
Giants have won 5 in a row. That's a damn streak. And if they win this afternoon, it'll be a hot damn streak.
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Monday, May 9, 2011
Upcoming: 3 vs Arizona
Giants are hot suddenly. A sweep vs Colorado will do that to you. Unfortunately, 3 of their top 4 batting averages are on the DL and the 4th is a pitcher, but they've been piecing it together. Let's not forget that if their pitching keeps it close, they just need to string together 4 or 5 hits in a 7 batter inning once a game to win.
When everyone is expected to hit .275, and everyone starts off hitting .220, you know that the hits will come in a bunch.
Giants took 2 out of 3 from the D-Backs in April, and the one that they dropped shouldn't have been dropped.
This week they send a pumped up Freak, a steady Cainer, and a temperamental pitcher to the mound. I <3 it when the top three start a series.
2 our of 3 is not necessary but expected. A sweep would officially make it a hard core win streak, which they could continue into this next weekend Chicago, and then only need to pull a .500 record when going to Colorado and LA before coming home next next weekend.
Rossi might be starting to hit (I hope), I think Buster's almost out of his slump. He's really hitting the ball on the screws. I'd like to see him go deep and get a couple extra base hits on top of that to avoid a double dip slump which comes sometimes when you quite bust through a slump (Miggy's in like a quadruple dip slump aka the career-ender).
Anyways, 2 out 0f 3, but if Sanchie pulls it together, a nice little streak maybe?
When everyone is expected to hit .275, and everyone starts off hitting .220, you know that the hits will come in a bunch.
Giants took 2 out of 3 from the D-Backs in April, and the one that they dropped shouldn't have been dropped.
This week they send a pumped up Freak, a steady Cainer, and a temperamental pitcher to the mound. I <3 it when the top three start a series.
2 our of 3 is not necessary but expected. A sweep would officially make it a hard core win streak, which they could continue into this next weekend Chicago, and then only need to pull a .500 record when going to Colorado and LA before coming home next next weekend.
Rossi might be starting to hit (I hope), I think Buster's almost out of his slump. He's really hitting the ball on the screws. I'd like to see him go deep and get a couple extra base hits on top of that to avoid a double dip slump which comes sometimes when you quite bust through a slump (Miggy's in like a quadruple dip slump aka the career-ender).
Anyways, 2 out 0f 3, but if Sanchie pulls it together, a nice little streak maybe?
Game 31: Giants lose final game of roadie because Jonathan Sanchez fails to throw a strike, 5-2
[game occured 5/5]
So I watched the dots a bit at work, and listened a bit around the 4th inning-ish.
Sanchie, 2 quick outs, walks the 8th batter, then walks the pitcher, and gives up a 2 run triple to future Giant Jose Reyes. That was it. Same old story, Giants tried to mount a comeback, couldn't get anyone in (luckily, with bases loaded and 1 out in 9th, Miggy just struck out rather than GIDP'd -- but 2 double plays on the game took care of much of it).
2 for 10 with RISP, one was a single from Jonathan Sanchez, the other didn't score a run.
Fontenot went yard.
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So I watched the dots a bit at work, and listened a bit around the 4th inning-ish.
Sanchie, 2 quick outs, walks the 8th batter, then walks the pitcher, and gives up a 2 run triple to future Giant Jose Reyes. That was it. Same old story, Giants tried to mount a comeback, couldn't get anyone in (luckily, with bases loaded and 1 out in 9th, Miggy just struck out rather than GIDP'd -- but 2 double plays on the game took care of much of it).
2 for 10 with RISP, one was a single from Jonathan Sanchez, the other didn't score a run.
Fontenot went yard.
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Sunday, May 1, 2011
Game 26: Giants close out month at .500, steal one 2-1
Giants pitching gave up 11 walks and still won the game. Batted 0 for 5 with RSIP. Still won. Left 7 on base, still won.
Sanchez was typical -- only 2 hits (the only 2 hits of the game) in 5 IP. 103 pitches, 6 BB, 7 Ks, only one walk.
I wonder where this elusive sinker is. Wish it'd show up soon.
Sanchez was typical -- only 2 hits (the only 2 hits of the game) in 5 IP. 103 pitches, 6 BB, 7 Ks, only one walk.
I wonder where this elusive sinker is. Wish it'd show up soon.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Games19/20/21: Giants overmatched by Braves in 3 game home series; swept
Easter weekend, didn't get a chance to check in very often.
Friday's game, Maddy let it get out of hand early and once again the Giants had no ideas against Tommy Hanson. Bumgarner gives up 4 in less than 3, walks 2 in the process. The Giants mounted no ressure against the back end of the Braves' bullpen. Giants lost 4-1.
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Saturday's game, I only heard the first few innings on the radio, but Timmy went 3-1 to maybe every batter I heard him face. Sometimes, either because of some umps or because of his stuff, Timmy's pitches don't hit their mark. I think the book on him is take pitches and hope that he doesn't get the calls. Still, he went 6.1 and left with only 3 runs on the board (Lopez let a couple other score).
Huddy was as good as he always is, pitched 8.2 strong and it only took him 113 pitches to get that far. Cody Ross got a batting average with a 2 for 4 day and an RBI. Pat the Bat went 3 for 4 and scored both runs that the Boys posted. Giants lost 5-2
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Sunday's game was a good one until the Giants lost. Sanchie gave up 2 early, but Buster tied it up with a ding dong in 4th. Then it got weird.
In the top of the 7th, Affeltd gave a 3 run jerk to Heyward (who woke up this series going 7 for 12), but the Giants rallied for 4 (the go ahead 2 off of a Rowand double) to go up 6-5.
In the top of 8, Romo threw a snapper that didn't snap to Uggla and the Braves tied it up with one swing.
Weezy came in for the 9th to hold the tie, but in the 10th, loaded the bases quickly. Still, he got through 2 guys, and, though throwing 3 straight balls to Nate McClouth, got him to 3-2. but McClouth punched a fast ball up the middle and that's all she wrote.
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Postivies: only 2 double plays, both vs Huddy (which you'd expect), also Panda Bear's still hitting well and Pat the Bat seems to be climbing out of the Bingo batting average territory (in fact, he's at .270).
The Giants are 0-4 without Brandon Belt
Friday's game, Maddy let it get out of hand early and once again the Giants had no ideas against Tommy Hanson. Bumgarner gives up 4 in less than 3, walks 2 in the process. The Giants mounted no ressure against the back end of the Braves' bullpen. Giants lost 4-1.
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Saturday's game, I only heard the first few innings on the radio, but Timmy went 3-1 to maybe every batter I heard him face. Sometimes, either because of some umps or because of his stuff, Timmy's pitches don't hit their mark. I think the book on him is take pitches and hope that he doesn't get the calls. Still, he went 6.1 and left with only 3 runs on the board (Lopez let a couple other score).
Huddy was as good as he always is, pitched 8.2 strong and it only took him 113 pitches to get that far. Cody Ross got a batting average with a 2 for 4 day and an RBI. Pat the Bat went 3 for 4 and scored both runs that the Boys posted. Giants lost 5-2
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Sunday's game was a good one until the Giants lost. Sanchie gave up 2 early, but Buster tied it up with a ding dong in 4th. Then it got weird.
In the top of the 7th, Affeltd gave a 3 run jerk to Heyward (who woke up this series going 7 for 12), but the Giants rallied for 4 (the go ahead 2 off of a Rowand double) to go up 6-5.
In the top of 8, Romo threw a snapper that didn't snap to Uggla and the Braves tied it up with one swing.
Weezy came in for the 9th to hold the tie, but in the 10th, loaded the bases quickly. Still, he got through 2 guys, and, though throwing 3 straight balls to Nate McClouth, got him to 3-2. but McClouth punched a fast ball up the middle and that's all she wrote.
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Postivies: only 2 double plays, both vs Huddy (which you'd expect), also Panda Bear's still hitting well and Pat the Bat seems to be climbing out of the Bingo batting average territory (in fact, he's at .270).
The Giants are 0-4 without Brandon Belt
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Upcoming: 3 vs Atlanta
The 2010 NLDS's first rematch will happen in San Francisco as the Braves head west for a 3 game weekend series.
Last year, the Braves were the team I afeared going into October. For good reason. Aside from the help of a subpar defenseman in the middle of the diamond, that series could have been vastly different than what we ended up with.
The Braves haven't been exactly setting the world on fire out of the gate, which I sort of expected considering that Bobby Cox is not at the helm. Cox was outstanding at not only evaluating talent, but figuring out how it fit in to whatever he was doing. His lineups and his in-game management probably gave the Braves an extra 10-15 wins every year.
This year, so far, they're 8-11, 4-6 away from home. Their catcher, McCann, is still their best hitter: which means they are having issues. But their best pitcher just got off the DL and he's going tonight, which means the Giants won't have to face him this weekend.
Game 1, the Giants skip over DL'd pitcher Z's spot in the ro-ro and go right to Bumgarner against Tommy Hanson. Hanson hasn't given up more than 3 runs in any start, but he still will come in with a 1-3 record: and that one win was his last start. Historically, against the Giants, he's been very good.
Conversely, Maddy has been scuffling a bit lately. However, in his last start, the D-Backs tuched him up early, but when the Giants came back and took the lead, Maddy suddlenly pitched very good. PErhaps he's shaking the April butterflies. Either way, the Giants will have to score early and give Maddy a bit of breath. I'd like to see Code-Man get a batting average (he's 0 for 4) and I hope Panda Bear's back.
Game 2 may have the makings of a very good game. Lincecum vs Tim Hudson. Hudson has always pitched well against the Giants, but Timmy is -- well you know. The key will be to make Huddy throw a lot of pitches, work the count, get as much as you can, and se eif you can get him out by the 5th or 6th. Timmy will just have to pitch well. Considering that the Braves are hitting in the .230's as a team: that shouldn't be difficult.
This should be the game that Bochy rests some guys in lieu of a fella or two who can work a count. Schierholtz would be a good option, and Fontenot always gives good at bats, even if they don't always end well.
Game 3 will be Brandon Beachy against Jonathan Sanchez, this week coined as the moody artists of the Giants by Brian Murphy.
Sanchez has been great, and last year was wonderful against the Braves. And while Beachy is another one of those high-losses vs low-ERA guys, the Giants have a knack for turning those guys' ERAs inside out (see D-Backs series).
So, for this upcoming series, and mini-homestand, the Giants should get 2 out of 3. I'd expect Sanchie to win his game, and more than likely Timmy. That makes Maddy's game (game 1) the gravy game.
Last year, the Braves were the team I afeared going into October. For good reason. Aside from the help of a subpar defenseman in the middle of the diamond, that series could have been vastly different than what we ended up with.
The Braves haven't been exactly setting the world on fire out of the gate, which I sort of expected considering that Bobby Cox is not at the helm. Cox was outstanding at not only evaluating talent, but figuring out how it fit in to whatever he was doing. His lineups and his in-game management probably gave the Braves an extra 10-15 wins every year.
This year, so far, they're 8-11, 4-6 away from home. Their catcher, McCann, is still their best hitter: which means they are having issues. But their best pitcher just got off the DL and he's going tonight, which means the Giants won't have to face him this weekend.
Game 1, the Giants skip over DL'd pitcher Z's spot in the ro-ro and go right to Bumgarner against Tommy Hanson. Hanson hasn't given up more than 3 runs in any start, but he still will come in with a 1-3 record: and that one win was his last start. Historically, against the Giants, he's been very good.
Conversely, Maddy has been scuffling a bit lately. However, in his last start, the D-Backs tuched him up early, but when the Giants came back and took the lead, Maddy suddlenly pitched very good. PErhaps he's shaking the April butterflies. Either way, the Giants will have to score early and give Maddy a bit of breath. I'd like to see Code-Man get a batting average (he's 0 for 4) and I hope Panda Bear's back.
Game 2 may have the makings of a very good game. Lincecum vs Tim Hudson. Hudson has always pitched well against the Giants, but Timmy is -- well you know. The key will be to make Huddy throw a lot of pitches, work the count, get as much as you can, and se eif you can get him out by the 5th or 6th. Timmy will just have to pitch well. Considering that the Braves are hitting in the .230's as a team: that shouldn't be difficult.
This should be the game that Bochy rests some guys in lieu of a fella or two who can work a count. Schierholtz would be a good option, and Fontenot always gives good at bats, even if they don't always end well.
Game 3 will be Brandon Beachy against Jonathan Sanchez, this week coined as the moody artists of the Giants by Brian Murphy.
Sanchez has been great, and last year was wonderful against the Braves. And while Beachy is another one of those high-losses vs low-ERA guys, the Giants have a knack for turning those guys' ERAs inside out (see D-Backs series).
So, for this upcoming series, and mini-homestand, the Giants should get 2 out of 3. I'd expect Sanchie to win his game, and more than likely Timmy. That makes Maddy's game (game 1) the gravy game.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Game 17: Panda Bear in streaking, Giants win game/series 6-3
Only listened to the 1st inning, but heard Panda Bear go yard to put the Boys up 4-0.
Later Huffy went deep.
Somehow the Giants are on a roll. 4 out of 5 with a chance to sweep the invincible Rockies.
Sanchie pitched 2 hit ball w/ 4 BB over 6.1, Lopez pitched a perfect inning and Weezy got his 5th save.
The Boys are clicking early. What's more, Cainer's going tomorrow and they've got a legit shot at knocking those silly Rock Hoppers off their high perch early on. A series win is grand, a three game sweep is the start of streak for one team and a flop for the other team.
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Later Huffy went deep.
Somehow the Giants are on a roll. 4 out of 5 with a chance to sweep the invincible Rockies.
Sanchie pitched 2 hit ball w/ 4 BB over 6.1, Lopez pitched a perfect inning and Weezy got his 5th save.
The Boys are clicking early. What's more, Cainer's going tomorrow and they've got a legit shot at knocking those silly Rock Hoppers off their high perch early on. A series win is grand, a three game sweep is the start of streak for one team and a flop for the other team.
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Monday, April 18, 2011
Upcoming: 3 @ Colorado
This is going to be the Giants first true test on the season, by which I mean that they are going up against a team not only expected to be their competition in the division, but also a team that could very easily dethrone them as National League and World champs.
The Rockies will host the Giants and flaunt a MLB-best 12-3 record.
Of course, they haven't had what I'd call stiff competition thusfar into the season. A couple vs the Dodgers, a couple vs the D-Backs and Pittsburgh, New York, and Chicago. They lead the league in saves, which suggests that the games have been close, but they're 22nd in runs allowed, which suggests that they've been outscoring opponents rather than holding them down.
Still, 1 out of 3 might be the most we can expect, however, Timmy goes in Game 1 and Cainer goes in game 3 of the series, I'd hope for two.
The Keys:
Game 3 is going to be the rubber match. Cainer is nails versus the Rocks. They're going to put Jhoulys Chacin, a man who is pitching out of his mind and is due for one rough go of it. Buster's been hitting well, and Panda Bear has been stroking like a fluffer (oooh nasty). Chacin is not much of a strike out pitcher, and that bodes well for the Giants. But they HAVE TO STAY AWAY FROM THE DOUBLE PLAYS!
Game 1 should belong to Timmy. The Rocks are floating their fifth starter out there, but, like everyone in their ro ro, he's been pitching out of his mind too. I'd be very surprised ifay of their guys will get off a hit versus Timmy.
Game 2 will see Sanchie go up against Ubaldo Jimenez, fresh off of the DL. I don't hold out much hope. A well rested Ubaldo seems to be a bad mark for the Giants.
But stranger things have happened.
I'd say this series is Brandon Belt's last shot to stay with the big club. And even now it may be too late. The problem is that he's not driving the ball. Short of 12 balls hit on line drives to the gap, Belt's got little chance to keep his roster spot when Ross gets back. Too bad too, but even his base hits are dribblers and squirters. I think he's got to get some training on hitting a nasty curve and slider before he comes back.
Also, I hope the Giants will start checking the Waiver Wires or Trading Blocks for decent SS. It'd be one thing if Miggy could hit regularly, but a .224 avg from a guy that leads the team in at bats shows that A) you got a dud and B) he's the only one you got there. 3 errors, and at least another 4 or 5 "suspect" plays in 15 games is not boding well for Miggy.
He seems like a nice guy though.
The Rockies will host the Giants and flaunt a MLB-best 12-3 record.
Of course, they haven't had what I'd call stiff competition thusfar into the season. A couple vs the Dodgers, a couple vs the D-Backs and Pittsburgh, New York, and Chicago. They lead the league in saves, which suggests that the games have been close, but they're 22nd in runs allowed, which suggests that they've been outscoring opponents rather than holding them down.
Still, 1 out of 3 might be the most we can expect, however, Timmy goes in Game 1 and Cainer goes in game 3 of the series, I'd hope for two.
The Keys:
Game 3 is going to be the rubber match. Cainer is nails versus the Rocks. They're going to put Jhoulys Chacin, a man who is pitching out of his mind and is due for one rough go of it. Buster's been hitting well, and Panda Bear has been stroking like a fluffer (oooh nasty). Chacin is not much of a strike out pitcher, and that bodes well for the Giants. But they HAVE TO STAY AWAY FROM THE DOUBLE PLAYS!
Game 1 should belong to Timmy. The Rocks are floating their fifth starter out there, but, like everyone in their ro ro, he's been pitching out of his mind too. I'd be very surprised ifay of their guys will get off a hit versus Timmy.
Game 2 will see Sanchie go up against Ubaldo Jimenez, fresh off of the DL. I don't hold out much hope. A well rested Ubaldo seems to be a bad mark for the Giants.
But stranger things have happened.
I'd say this series is Brandon Belt's last shot to stay with the big club. And even now it may be too late. The problem is that he's not driving the ball. Short of 12 balls hit on line drives to the gap, Belt's got little chance to keep his roster spot when Ross gets back. Too bad too, but even his base hits are dribblers and squirters. I think he's got to get some training on hitting a nasty curve and slider before he comes back.
Also, I hope the Giants will start checking the Waiver Wires or Trading Blocks for decent SS. It'd be one thing if Miggy could hit regularly, but a .224 avg from a guy that leads the team in at bats shows that A) you got a dud and B) he's the only one you got there. 3 errors, and at least another 4 or 5 "suspect" plays in 15 games is not boding well for Miggy.
He seems like a nice guy though.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Road Trip Preview
Now that the season has "officially" begun, and now that there will be very few occasions for pre-game ceremonies or Sammy Hagar-worthy National Anthems, we can look at the Giants first legitimate road trip.
In-division road trips are never anything to scoff at, even if one of the locations is Phoenix versus the hapless D-Backs.
Their first destination, Phoenix, will be a decent test for the back end of the ro-ro. Whilst we all have enormous confidence in Cainer, Z and Bummy have been less-than-adequate in their first two starts. And the Diamondbacks love to take all of nothing swings. Cut down on the location mistakes, give 6 and let your lively bullpen arms blow hard cheese past the yuckadoos from Zona, the Giants should still take 2 out of 3.
The Rockies are another story. Whereas the Dodgers came out of the gate looking to show everyone that they are actually a quality team, especially now that they're Manny-free; the Rockies have no need to prove their worth. With a best-in-MLB 10-2 start, a 6 game winning streak, and home field advantage on their side, the Rocks are laying claim to the NL West throne.
Even with their best pitcher out for a bit, their hitting has pretty much cashed them in versus all opponents. Tulo's got 7 dingers, this Herrerra kid's hitting .458 and the team has scored 68 runs in 12 games.
The only condolence is that their current 7-1 streak (6-0 in the last 6) comprises itself on 2 4-game series vs the Mets and the Pirates. But, all 8 games were on the road.
The Giants will send Timmy, Sanchie, and Cainer against the Colorados, so we'll be praying for 2 ou of 3, and I foresee Cain pitching the rubber match.
Offensively, the boys are waking up, and the trip to the hot air and the thin air ought to spark Belt. If he scuffles ont his trip, he's definitely headed back to AAA.
In-division road trips are never anything to scoff at, even if one of the locations is Phoenix versus the hapless D-Backs.
Their first destination, Phoenix, will be a decent test for the back end of the ro-ro. Whilst we all have enormous confidence in Cainer, Z and Bummy have been less-than-adequate in their first two starts. And the Diamondbacks love to take all of nothing swings. Cut down on the location mistakes, give 6 and let your lively bullpen arms blow hard cheese past the yuckadoos from Zona, the Giants should still take 2 out of 3.
The Rockies are another story. Whereas the Dodgers came out of the gate looking to show everyone that they are actually a quality team, especially now that they're Manny-free; the Rockies have no need to prove their worth. With a best-in-MLB 10-2 start, a 6 game winning streak, and home field advantage on their side, the Rocks are laying claim to the NL West throne.
Even with their best pitcher out for a bit, their hitting has pretty much cashed them in versus all opponents. Tulo's got 7 dingers, this Herrerra kid's hitting .458 and the team has scored 68 runs in 12 games.
The only condolence is that their current 7-1 streak (6-0 in the last 6) comprises itself on 2 4-game series vs the Mets and the Pirates. But, all 8 games were on the road.
The Giants will send Timmy, Sanchie, and Cainer against the Colorados, so we'll be praying for 2 ou of 3, and I foresee Cain pitching the rubber match.
Offensively, the boys are waking up, and the trip to the hot air and the thin air ought to spark Belt. If he scuffles ont his trip, he's definitely headed back to AAA.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Upcoming: 3 vs LA @ SF
Goal: 2 out of 3
Game 2 of the series is Timmy vs Billingsley which should slide in Lincecum's favor. That means the other 2 are the rubber matches.
Game 1 offers Maddy a chance to get back on the horse after a less-than-stellar 1st start vs the Padres. He's going against Giant-killer Clayton Kershaw, though, so Maddy's got to pitch for a 2-1 win. I'd call this one the gravy game (meaning if they can take game 1, so much the better, but if they drop it, games 2 and 3 are easier to win anyway).
Game 3 will be Sanchez vs Lilly. Considering that the home team tends to have a major advantage in the rivalry, and Sanchez is nails at home: this should be the Giants' game to win.
If they can score the runs.
Double plays kill rallies and the Giants have been shooting their rallies in the head regularly. Torres still out indefinitely, but Posey and Burrell should be back in. These guys are due.
Fred Sanchez, Miggy, and Panda Bear have been lighting it up. Hopefully they can get a bit more help throughout.
Game 2 of the series is Timmy vs Billingsley which should slide in Lincecum's favor. That means the other 2 are the rubber matches.
Game 1 offers Maddy a chance to get back on the horse after a less-than-stellar 1st start vs the Padres. He's going against Giant-killer Clayton Kershaw, though, so Maddy's got to pitch for a 2-1 win. I'd call this one the gravy game (meaning if they can take game 1, so much the better, but if they drop it, games 2 and 3 are easier to win anyway).
Game 3 will be Sanchez vs Lilly. Considering that the home team tends to have a major advantage in the rivalry, and Sanchez is nails at home: this should be the Giants' game to win.
If they can score the runs.
Double plays kill rallies and the Giants have been shooting their rallies in the head regularly. Torres still out indefinitely, but Posey and Burrell should be back in. These guys are due.
Fred Sanchez, Miggy, and Panda Bear have been lighting it up. Hopefully they can get a bit more help throughout.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Game 2: Giants now 0-2 with a 4-3 loss
Jonathan Sanchez pitched well. Even his bad inning was nothing more than a couple legit hit and 2 screw ball choppers + a throwing error, and a beach ball that Guillermo Mota threw to Furcal.
Belt went yard for his first ever. Big thumbs up to the kid.
Posey got a hit, scored on Belt's dinger. But, he struck out with the bases loaded and a 3-2 count (in fact he threw a bat and hit some Dodger fan in the head (the guy was probably one of the dudes that beat up those Giants fans the night earlier). Grannies should come with 2 outs and bases loaded.
Posey's got this wierd steadiness about him. He's not quite clutch -- He's not unclutch: he's just as likely to get a hit in a clutch situation as he is to get a hit in an unclutch situation.
Cain goes tomorrow vs Lilly. This should be about where the rotation depth surpasses the other pitching staffs. Anyone can throw out a couple of really decent guys (and let's not forget Sanchez should be a #3 at best), but when your #3 guy has to go up against Matt Cain: the Giants should win.
Of course, 2 more errors tonight (J. Sanchez and Panda Bear) -- 5 in 2 games. Put that in perspective: that's like 6% of the total errors in 162 games last year.
Still even keel. Win 2 in a row and leave LA on a high note.
Belt went yard for his first ever. Big thumbs up to the kid.
Posey got a hit, scored on Belt's dinger. But, he struck out with the bases loaded and a 3-2 count (in fact he threw a bat and hit some Dodger fan in the head (the guy was probably one of the dudes that beat up those Giants fans the night earlier). Grannies should come with 2 outs and bases loaded.
Posey's got this wierd steadiness about him. He's not quite clutch -- He's not unclutch: he's just as likely to get a hit in a clutch situation as he is to get a hit in an unclutch situation.
Cain goes tomorrow vs Lilly. This should be about where the rotation depth surpasses the other pitching staffs. Anyone can throw out a couple of really decent guys (and let's not forget Sanchez should be a #3 at best), but when your #3 guy has to go up against Matt Cain: the Giants should win.
Of course, 2 more errors tonight (J. Sanchez and Panda Bear) -- 5 in 2 games. Put that in perspective: that's like 6% of the total errors in 162 games last year.
Still even keel. Win 2 in a row and leave LA on a high note.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Player Preview -- The Pitchers
(more below the fold)
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
That Heavy Sinker Feeling
In fact, Jonathan Sanchez will be remarkable this year. How am I so sure?
Because he has a sinker. An honest to goodness, heavier than a brick sinker. Something that will mop up the bases when he walks a couple. Something that will blow up the bats of the 2nd hitters in the league. Something that will look big as big as a beach ball to the D-Back whiffers, but fall right off the table before it gets to the plate.
Jonathan Sanchez now has a tool to right his wrongs, and I'm excited. I can see him going at it hard as a Giant, going somewhere as a free agent with a decent paycheck, and becoming an awesome bust. And I couldn't be happier for the guy. Go Sanchie.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Cactus League: Stringing 'em together
Got to listen to the bulk of the game yesterday -- Giants beat a split squad Dodgers 8-3.
More of the same from the first game. Jonathan Sanchez pretty much worked his fastball and went 1.2, the boys strung together several hits in a row and scored 4 in 2 different innings.
This is pretty much last year's m.o.: hang around and score in bunches.
Pablo went yard and he booted a grounder for the second day in a row. The errors are a little more disconcerting than the dinger is encouraging, but maybe this is Panda Bear shaking out the rust.
It was good to hear Kruk and Kuip and Jon Miller, and it sounded almost like baseball again, except for the random names in the later innings.
More of the same from the first game. Jonathan Sanchez pretty much worked his fastball and went 1.2, the boys strung together several hits in a row and scored 4 in 2 different innings.
This is pretty much last year's m.o.: hang around and score in bunches.
Pablo went yard and he booted a grounder for the second day in a row. The errors are a little more disconcerting than the dinger is encouraging, but maybe this is Panda Bear shaking out the rust.
It was good to hear Kruk and Kuip and Jon Miller, and it sounded almost like baseball again, except for the random names in the later innings.
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