I like it when Timmy has tough luck and the boys get him out of a jam.
Despite an 0 for 6 from their back up 3rd baseman Miggy, the Giants answered all 5 runs that the Cardinals put up with a 9th inning, 2 out, game tying Nate Schierholtz single after Manny Burriss stole second to put himself in scoring position.
Then, Nate the Great knocks in Fred with an 11th inning single to put the Giants up for good.
Timmy looked pretty good, he had a few tough innings and coughed up a lead int he 7th, but he deserves an off night. The Giants made it a point to pull him out of the fire, and got to the Cards' perfect closer in the 9th.
When Sandoval comes back, and hoping that Nate can pull off a .270 avg with 15 ding dongs this year, the Giants might have a shot.
The boys have at least a split in a big series and keep pace with the first place WTF D-Backs.
Showing posts with label nate schierholtz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nate schierholtz. Show all posts
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Game 44: Voges is for reelzies, Huff smacks single in 10th, Giants pull out win 2-1
Why do the Giants need to fear a good pitcher? They only need to score a couple anyways.
In fact, they were up 1-0 after the 1st despite being hitless until the 4th.
Defensively they play more crisply @ home, which shows just how good their pitching is because they utilize the fielders. I listened a bit on the radio and watched the last couple innings, then I caught up with Extra Baggs and on mlb.com -- but I'm going to have to start watching more as if seems that Nate the great and Fred Sanchez are spinning fantastic defensive seasons. I saw Nate spear a screamer to the right field corner to keep the A's down in the 9th, but I missed it when he gunned down Willingham @ 3rd on a hit and run.
Fred helped Voges out in a jam, with the bases loaded and 0 out, Fred dove for a ball in the hole and started a double play on speedy Coco Crisp.
Voges is for real and that's no joke. 6 strong, good command, got out of jams with Ks and double plays. He stared down the AL's best pitcher and didn't blink.
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In fact, they were up 1-0 after the 1st despite being hitless until the 4th.
Defensively they play more crisply @ home, which shows just how good their pitching is because they utilize the fielders. I listened a bit on the radio and watched the last couple innings, then I caught up with Extra Baggs and on mlb.com -- but I'm going to have to start watching more as if seems that Nate the great and Fred Sanchez are spinning fantastic defensive seasons. I saw Nate spear a screamer to the right field corner to keep the A's down in the 9th, but I missed it when he gunned down Willingham @ 3rd on a hit and run.
Fred helped Voges out in a jam, with the bases loaded and 0 out, Fred dove for a ball in the hole and started a double play on speedy Coco Crisp.
Voges is for real and that's no joke. 6 strong, good command, got out of jams with Ks and double plays. He stared down the AL's best pitcher and didn't blink.
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Friday, May 20, 2011
Game 43: Maddy notches a win (finally), Giants sweep set @ LA, win 3-1
WAtched the game early on, then caught the dots on mlb.com in the last inning.
Maddy looked good. Giants went up 1-0 on a Fontenot double after a Posey lead off double int he 2nd (it should be noted that Poset hit a lead off double, and 2 outs later Fontenot hit his RBI double).
After that I knew Maddy had the game and only cast glances towards the game and score.
Weezy made it interesting by comign in with 2 outs, one on, and walked the next 2 guys. But, you know, while it makes me uncomforatable, I don't see these things as warning signs. Mattingly, Dodgers skipper, threw two lefties @ Weezy (which he walked) and Weeze got the 3rd out on righty Jamie Carroll. He akways does that.
Of course, Carroll hit a laser to right that Schierholtz only caught because he was playing shallow, but still.
Quietly, Miguel Tejada is pulling his average up. Perhaps he's turning, but he's still on my list.
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Maddy looked good. Giants went up 1-0 on a Fontenot double after a Posey lead off double int he 2nd (it should be noted that Poset hit a lead off double, and 2 outs later Fontenot hit his RBI double).
After that I knew Maddy had the game and only cast glances towards the game and score.
Weezy made it interesting by comign in with 2 outs, one on, and walked the next 2 guys. But, you know, while it makes me uncomforatable, I don't see these things as warning signs. Mattingly, Dodgers skipper, threw two lefties @ Weezy (which he walked) and Weeze got the 3rd out on righty Jamie Carroll. He akways does that.
Of course, Carroll hit a laser to right that Schierholtz only caught because he was playing shallow, but still.
Quietly, Miguel Tejada is pulling his average up. Perhaps he's turning, but he's still on my list.
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Friday, May 13, 2011
Game 37: B-Teamers complete sweep of D-Backs, 3-2
Giants are defintiely on a roll. 2 sweeps, a 6-0 home stand and the boys are looking good.
Hitting: they're scraping by with just enough, but that's how they do it. A line-up with Whiteside, Schierholtz, DeRo and Miggy popped just enough hits to let Torres and Huffy come in.
Truth is Schierholtz is looking good, 3 for 4 with a double and a RBI. Plus, Parra hit a ball that bounced off the bricks in right field, Schierholtz played it perfectly and gunned a strike to second base to cut Parra down.
Big question time: How about an OF of Torres, Ross, and Schierholtz? (Burrell and Rowand off the bench)
Who plays left? Ross? Seems reasonable. At least until Schierholtz starts to sputter.
Bochy sat Weezy for the save, let Lopez get it. And Cainer pitched very well, even doffed his hat.
Hitting: they're scraping by with just enough, but that's how they do it. A line-up with Whiteside, Schierholtz, DeRo and Miggy popped just enough hits to let Torres and Huffy come in.
Truth is Schierholtz is looking good, 3 for 4 with a double and a RBI. Plus, Parra hit a ball that bounced off the bricks in right field, Schierholtz played it perfectly and gunned a strike to second base to cut Parra down.
Big question time: How about an OF of Torres, Ross, and Schierholtz? (Burrell and Rowand off the bench)
Who plays left? Ross? Seems reasonable. At least until Schierholtz starts to sputter.
Bochy sat Weezy for the save, let Lopez get it. And Cainer pitched very well, even doffed his hat.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Game 29: Giants finally score, right the ship a little bit, with extra innings, 7-6 win
I almost entitled this one Giants finally score, try to lose, but finally win in 10.
But I can't be that sardonic, too early in the season. I can, however, throw my hands int he air and say, "Finally."
I got in the car just as the four run rally started in the 3rd. Ross walked and then three consecutive hits, including Vogelsong, until Miggy ends the consecutive hit streak (of course). But at least he moved the runners up -- soft grounder to third, Miller called it, "just as good as a bunt."
Burriss in for Sanchez, got a couple of hits, scored a run. Nate the Great hit a ding dong, and Huffy may have snapped his slump today with the game-winning home run.
Only listened to part of the game, didn't have the energy for full on torture tonight. Just as well, Mets threw a knuckle baller up there, RA Dickey.
Talk of Jose Reyes in a trade. Wheeler and Thomas Neal as bait? Hmmm, food for thought, but the front office tends to be stingy at times like these.
But I can't be that sardonic, too early in the season. I can, however, throw my hands int he air and say, "Finally."
I got in the car just as the four run rally started in the 3rd. Ross walked and then three consecutive hits, including Vogelsong, until Miggy ends the consecutive hit streak (of course). But at least he moved the runners up -- soft grounder to third, Miller called it, "just as good as a bunt."
Burriss in for Sanchez, got a couple of hits, scored a run. Nate the Great hit a ding dong, and Huffy may have snapped his slump today with the game-winning home run.
Only listened to part of the game, didn't have the energy for full on torture tonight. Just as well, Mets threw a knuckle baller up there, RA Dickey.
Talk of Jose Reyes in a trade. Wheeler and Thomas Neal as bait? Hmmm, food for thought, but the front office tends to be stingy at times like these.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
One month review: Outfielders
There are only 3 left fielders with more errors than Pat Burrell (2), and none of them play in the National League. But Burrell is the only outfielder on the Giants with an error .
Defensively, the Giants outfielders are great (especially now that Huff is back in the infield [phew!])
Batting: Burrell is living up to his rep all home run and strikeout: but all of his ding dongs are solo shots. So he's gota low RBI total, also means he's probably striking out with guys on. He started in the .100's but lately has climbed back up to the mid-.200's, plus he's leading the club in bases on balls.
Torres went down early and that hurt, but Aaron Rowand has really stepped up. When it counts, he gets on base.
Cody Ross is off the DL and totally underwhelming. Totally! But let's not forget that he's not a NL MVP, he's an NLCS MVP -- over the course of 6 games in October he was good, but going into post, he was average. In fact, there was talk of leaving him off the team in favor of De Jesus.
He's at 33 A Bs and still under.200, if he doesn't turn it around like by the end of this Washington series, I'd hook him inf avor of Nate the Great, who seems awfully comfy these days.
Darren Ford's up, and with DeRo on the DL, Panda on the DL, he might stay up a while. Gothis first ML Hit today.
Burrell:
My calls: .265/35/95, 550 AB, < 120 Ks (batting 5th)
Actuals: .247/5/8, 10 runs, 10 BB ; .348 OBP (primarily bats 6th)
Torres
My calls: .280 and with several doubles and triples ; .280/12/60, 25 SB, 90 R, 2 Errors (batting 1st)
Actuals: .286/0/0, 1 SB, 0 errors, 8 games ; DL (bats 1st) ;
Rowand
Actuals: .294/1/8, 1 SB, 23 games out of 26 ; .333 OBP (batting 1st)
Cody Ross
My Calls: 270 BA with 15 HRs, 60 runs, and 15 SBs ;
Actuals: .182/0/1, 0 SB, 9 games out of 26; primarily bats 7th
Nate Schierholtz
Actuals: .278/1/3, .444 SLG, 21 games, 36 AB
Defensively, the Giants outfielders are great (especially now that Huff is back in the infield [phew!])
Batting: Burrell is living up to his rep all home run and strikeout: but all of his ding dongs are solo shots. So he's gota low RBI total, also means he's probably striking out with guys on. He started in the .100's but lately has climbed back up to the mid-.200's, plus he's leading the club in bases on balls.
Torres went down early and that hurt, but Aaron Rowand has really stepped up. When it counts, he gets on base.
Cody Ross is off the DL and totally underwhelming. Totally! But let's not forget that he's not a NL MVP, he's an NLCS MVP -- over the course of 6 games in October he was good, but going into post, he was average. In fact, there was talk of leaving him off the team in favor of De Jesus.
He's at 33 A Bs and still under.200, if he doesn't turn it around like by the end of this Washington series, I'd hook him inf avor of Nate the Great, who seems awfully comfy these days.
Darren Ford's up, and with DeRo on the DL, Panda on the DL, he might stay up a while. Gothis first ML Hit today.
Burrell:
My calls: .265/35/95, 550 AB, < 120 Ks (batting 5th)
Actuals: .247/5/8, 10 runs, 10 BB ; .348 OBP (primarily bats 6th)
Torres
My calls: .280 and with several doubles and triples ; .280/12/60, 25 SB, 90 R, 2 Errors (batting 1st)
Actuals: .286/0/0, 1 SB, 0 errors, 8 games ; DL (bats 1st) ;
Rowand
Actuals: .294/1/8, 1 SB, 23 games out of 26 ; .333 OBP (batting 1st)
Cody Ross
My Calls: 270 BA with 15 HRs, 60 runs, and 15 SBs ;
Actuals: .182/0/1, 0 SB, 9 games out of 26; primarily bats 7th
Nate Schierholtz
Actuals: .278/1/3, .444 SLG, 21 games, 36 AB
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
Belt-age
Cody Ross coming back. The team will actually be much better because of it (although Schierholtz last night, I dunno) --
Brandon: we'll see you later. You'll be better off too.
Brandon: we'll see you later. You'll be better off too.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Game 16: Lincecum dazzles, Shierholtz hits a ball to "Kansas", Giants win opener 8-1
Timmy goes no-no into the 7th. He struck out 10.
Huff his a double in the first that scored Fred, Buster strikes out, then Rock pitcher Esmil Rogers walks Panda Bear to get to Pat the Bat.
We all know what's coming right? Pat the Bat smacks a ding dong. No surprise. But then Nate the Great comes up and emphatically hits a ball into the 3rd deck of Coors' Field. Bondsian in distance, magnitude, and sheer just-for-the-helluvitness.
Jon Miller said it was out towards Kansas.
My father-in-law came into town, and I feared that I had to watch a no-no out the corner of my eye. Timmy sounded good. I saw one inning (the 5th) and he look fabulous, making Tulowitski (Eater of mortals, shirker from Gods) look silly on low snapper that struck him out.
In fact, Timmy finished with 10 punchouts.
Schierholtz went 3 for 4 and really demanded time in the starting lineup for the time being. I'd be surprised if we see Belt play much more in this first half of the season.
Oh well, send him down to Fresno and let him get his batting average back.
Huff his a double in the first that scored Fred, Buster strikes out, then Rock pitcher Esmil Rogers walks Panda Bear to get to Pat the Bat.
We all know what's coming right? Pat the Bat smacks a ding dong. No surprise. But then Nate the Great comes up and emphatically hits a ball into the 3rd deck of Coors' Field. Bondsian in distance, magnitude, and sheer just-for-the-helluvitness.
Jon Miller said it was out towards Kansas.
My father-in-law came into town, and I feared that I had to watch a no-no out the corner of my eye. Timmy sounded good. I saw one inning (the 5th) and he look fabulous, making Tulowitski (Eater of mortals, shirker from Gods) look silly on low snapper that struck him out.
In fact, Timmy finished with 10 punchouts.
Schierholtz went 3 for 4 and really demanded time in the starting lineup for the time being. I'd be surprised if we see Belt play much more in this first half of the season.
Oh well, send him down to Fresno and let him get his batting average back.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Game 9: Throw away game allows Cards to get out of SF with one win, 6-1
Giants started their B-teamers (Fontenot, Schierholtz, Whiteside).
Still a bit concerned that Torres is hurt, didn't check the status update since the game started, but it's not thought to be a tear only a strain of the Achilles tendon. Not sure how much time that means.
Zito cruised with no support until the 7th. I think 6 innings should be his cap, I'm sure I'm not the only one who is going to say this in the next 5 days.
Dodgers in town tomorrow, Giants are 4-5. 2 out of 3 (as revenge) has to be the goal, and a win tomorrow makes the Giants 5-5 after 10 games. I'd be ok with that.
Still a bit concerned that Torres is hurt, didn't check the status update since the game started, but it's not thought to be a tear only a strain of the Achilles tendon. Not sure how much time that means.
Zito cruised with no support until the 7th. I think 6 innings should be his cap, I'm sure I'm not the only one who is going to say this in the next 5 days.
Dodgers in town tomorrow, Giants are 4-5. 2 out of 3 (as revenge) has to be the goal, and a win tomorrow makes the Giants 5-5 after 10 games. I'd be ok with that.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Player Preview -- The Outfielders
My second nugget breaking down the team before the season begins. Previously, it was the Infielders, now it is the Outfielders
(read more below the fold)
Monday, March 28, 2011
Pre-Season Picks
OK, time to put up or shut up.
By Friday night, all but one team in MLB will have kicked off their road to heartbreak.
Thusfar, I've been sniffing around the Spring Training blogs and reports -- The Giants look good, save for a somewhat unnerving oblique strain to B Wheezy and a not-quite-alarming leg injury to Cody Ross.
Let's not forget that Wheez is stronger at the end than he is at the beginning, so maybe the extra week(s?) off will save us from a couple blown stinkers.
And, as much as I like the Rodeo Clown, Cody was strong for all of 10 games last year -- and they weren't before the leaves fell.
Besides, Schierholtz has been strong enough, and I think it's time to give the ol' boy a couple weeks to start the year and see exactly what we got (finally).
So, now without further ado, my division picks (after the fold)
By Friday night, all but one team in MLB will have kicked off their road to heartbreak.
Thusfar, I've been sniffing around the Spring Training blogs and reports -- The Giants look good, save for a somewhat unnerving oblique strain to B Wheezy and a not-quite-alarming leg injury to Cody Ross.
Let's not forget that Wheez is stronger at the end than he is at the beginning, so maybe the extra week(s?) off will save us from a couple blown stinkers.
And, as much as I like the Rodeo Clown, Cody was strong for all of 10 games last year -- and they weren't before the leaves fell.
Besides, Schierholtz has been strong enough, and I think it's time to give the ol' boy a couple weeks to start the year and see exactly what we got (finally).
So, now without further ado, my division picks (after the fold)
Monday, February 21, 2011
Out In Left Field
Aubrey Huff
Mark DeRosa
Nate Schierholtz
Brandon Belt
I am enamored with the Giants, and still floating on cloud 9 from the World Series
Let me say it again: The Giants are World Champions
I have gripes that have never been addressed.
The Giants are a team composed of 2 infielders, 2 catchers, 10 pitchers, and about 730 outfielders.
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| Who wants to play outfield for a World Champion? |
Sort of like my Fantasy Team at the end of a season. (Oh? Garrett Jones just played his 10th game at first base? Hello versatility).
Just because these guys are fantastic and likeable and clinically kooky bananas in a retro-alt-SF kinda way, that doesn't mean that one should start the season with 5 left fielders on the roster and maybe 1 genuine first baseman.
My biggest problem is there are five names above representing five men that everyone thinks are just so aweosomely good in a double rainbow kinda way, but by the end of camp someone is going to be dispalced.
- Pat Burrell hit 20 home runs in half a season last year.
- Aubrey Huff is more-than-likely the startign first baseman, and is the team's #1 hitter
- Mark DeRosa had a shit poor month and a half last year, but everyone says that its because he hurt his wrist. Now he's better (and we all know how easy it is for a 36 year-old to come back from a massive wrist injury) and ready to provide the key offensive support that he's almost always supplied during his career for other teams. Plus he hung out on the bench all last year with the team, and he showed up on Ralph and Tom a couple times so we like him.
- Oh Nate Schierholtz. Great arm with flashes of greatness at the plate. Well, flashes of goodness, anyway.
- Brandon Belt is the future.
Well, if Huff is your 1B and Burell/DeRosa are your LF platoon -- Schierholtz will more than likely focus more on RF -- so, who is the odd man out?
Conventionality would say that Belt will start @ AAA Fresno unless he can win a starting position. After all, you have Travis Ishikawa to take scrub time at 1B and, as mentioned before, too many dog's drooling over the bone that is LF.
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| pictured: Your starting leftfielder, complete with cigarette and can of Bud Light.....classy.....Oh yeah, he's Stanford Alum. |
The biggest problem is that you can't trade any of these guys to make room on the roster. You just signed Burrell, besides -- he's your only power. Huff is your heart. DeRosa is a gimp. Schierholtz might be your starting right fielder, and is definitely the late-inning defensive replacement.
I think that Brandon Belt might have to wait for a May call-up, a la Buster Posey last year. Realistically, if Belt is one of the 8 best hitters -- he has to be squoze in somewhere.
Bochy has a choice to make: make my job easier and settle for a not-quite-what-it-could-be team, or find a way to get Belt, Huff, and Burrell in the lineup everyday.
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| My giant head hurts |
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