Well, I saw the start time for Sunday's game as 4, turns out that was the eastern time zone start time -- don't know why I didn't catch that.
Anyway, I apparently missed Vogelsong's 4th win, another gem, and now I think maybe we should start using his name as consideration for all-stars (and BTW, Boche is picking the hurlers).
Showing posts with label rockies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rockies. Show all posts
Monday, June 6, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
W....TF?
So, I stepped into media blackout after the final A's game because my wife had a kid
And I come back and all hell has broken loose.
As my son would say, "That's cwazy!"
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| my daughter Tyler |
- 3-6 since then
- Swept by Marlins at home
- Posey has a broken leg (clean or not, unnecessary hit)
- Belt came back and went down
- Crawford might be purty good
- The D-Backs are in first place and the Rockies are below .500?
As my son would say, "That's cwazy!"
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Game 46: Another walk-off win, Giants sweep A's with 5-4 win in 12
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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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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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)
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Game 40: Stink lines eminate from Coors Field, Giants lose 7-4
4 double plays, a 5 run 6th inning, 0 for 5 RISP -- but at least they were 10 for 31 which is like a .330 Avg.
Giants had an off night. No one to blame. Timmy wasn't crisp, defensively and all. When they're good, they seem to be timely. When they're bad, they're all kiinds of bad.
DeRo and Miggy -- ugh. I can't figure which is worse. They're both a gaping, festering toilet bowl, and when they start together, it's like someone parked a pile of crap on the left side of the infield and said "Sure, the throws to first are off and the pile has no range, but anything hit right to it sticks."
At least Miggy scored a run last night.
Controversy is that Bochy left Timmy in too long. I'm not worried. He was due up in the T7, and he's better than any other option you have coming out except maybe Wilson if Timmy's worked 8.
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Giants had an off night. No one to blame. Timmy wasn't crisp, defensively and all. When they're good, they seem to be timely. When they're bad, they're all kiinds of bad.
DeRo and Miggy -- ugh. I can't figure which is worse. They're both a gaping, festering toilet bowl, and when they start together, it's like someone parked a pile of crap on the left side of the infield and said "Sure, the throws to first are off and the pile has no range, but anything hit right to it sticks."
At least Miggy scored a run last night.
Controversy is that Bochy left Timmy in too long. I'm not worried. He was due up in the T7, and he's better than any other option you have coming out except maybe Wilson if Timmy's worked 8.
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Monday, May 9, 2011
Games 32, 33, and 34: Giants sweep Rockies, suddenly back in it
I admit it, by Friday I had lost a little hope. and, as I was unable to watch the game, I kept checking the score from my cellphone and I saw
COL 2 - 0 SF B7
And I said to myself -- welp, another one bites the dust.
But some late game heroics, spurred on by the Giants' faithful, and the Giants won Friday night.
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Saturday, I missed too: not much reason except that it was Mother's Day Eve and I had to go to the store, besdies that I needed a weekend because I get really amped up when the Giants lose early and I sort of need to ease into it.
Fontenot's kicking butt, and a nice bit of situational hitting gave the Giants the walk off win. Situational hitting is what the Giants are in desperate need of, Rowand had been the only one lighting the way, but he's coming back down to Earth. Luckily little Mikey's picking it up.
We need Torres back. I appreciate what Rowand has been doing, but he can't keep it up. In fact, history suggests he's one or two diving catches from a 30 game holiday on the inactive list.
Still, the boys amped it up, and the crowd is giving back.
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I listened to most of Mother's Day's game ont he radio while doing manly chores for the very pregnant woman in my life.
Vogelsong had it on, and Cody Ross looks to be coming out of the dregs. Just int eh nick of time. Rossi gave them an RBI single to break the scoreless tie (against Giant-killer Jorge De la Rosa), and then went big donk donk roll a rock that put them up 3-0.
I thought Vogelsong was going to scratch no-no, but he fouled one off his leg or something in his 5th inning AB, and I had a feelign that'd break it up when he went out for the 6th.
And it did, but who cares -- the guy looked great. Got a little tired there at the end, but the energized bullpen picked them up.
Suddenly, out of the 22 of 31 road game block, the Giants are only a gam out of 1st place. And are 5-1 vs the Rocks.
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COL 2 - 0 SF B7
And I said to myself -- welp, another one bites the dust.
But some late game heroics, spurred on by the Giants' faithful, and the Giants won Friday night.
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Saturday, I missed too: not much reason except that it was Mother's Day Eve and I had to go to the store, besdies that I needed a weekend because I get really amped up when the Giants lose early and I sort of need to ease into it.
Fontenot's kicking butt, and a nice bit of situational hitting gave the Giants the walk off win. Situational hitting is what the Giants are in desperate need of, Rowand had been the only one lighting the way, but he's coming back down to Earth. Luckily little Mikey's picking it up.
We need Torres back. I appreciate what Rowand has been doing, but he can't keep it up. In fact, history suggests he's one or two diving catches from a 30 game holiday on the inactive list.
Still, the boys amped it up, and the crowd is giving back.
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I listened to most of Mother's Day's game ont he radio while doing manly chores for the very pregnant woman in my life.
Vogelsong had it on, and Cody Ross looks to be coming out of the dregs. Just int eh nick of time. Rossi gave them an RBI single to break the scoreless tie (against Giant-killer Jorge De la Rosa), and then went big donk donk roll a rock that put them up 3-0.
I thought Vogelsong was going to scratch no-no, but he fouled one off his leg or something in his 5th inning AB, and I had a feelign that'd break it up when he went out for the 6th.
And it did, but who cares -- the guy looked great. Got a little tired there at the end, but the energized bullpen picked them up.
Suddenly, out of the 22 of 31 road game block, the Giants are only a gam out of 1st place. And are 5-1 vs the Rocks.
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Thursday, April 21, 2011
Game 18: Cainer gets shellacked; Giants drop game 3 vs Rocks 10-2
I watched the first couple innings yesterday, saw Buster get his first RBI (he had all 2). Then I watched as far as Cainer all but collapsing the 2nd, an inning which saw Wiggington go yard for a 3 run shot, and still didn't end, though no one else scored.
Cainer didn't have it. He's kind of spotty at Coors Field. And the Rocks were getitng over hteir shellshock from the furst two games. I'd have preferred a sweep, of course. Because a 2-1 series win means the Giants are three back of Colorado in the standings. A sweep would've meant only one back.
Of course, i forgot that Jorge de la Rosa is freaking Sandy Koufax against the Giants.
Oh well, to early to care about standings, and truly I was hoping for a 4-2 road trip, but expecting 3-3.
For the record, it was 4-2.
So, here we are, 18 games in with a 10-8 record. If they 10-4 over their next 14, they'll be on pace for 100 wins and should be #1 in the MLB.
But, again, too early.
Belt officially got demoted. He's got a good head on his shoulders, he'll be fine and he'll be back.
Oh yeah, an Cody Ross came back -- which I like -- he batted clean up, which made me go all, huh?
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Cainer didn't have it. He's kind of spotty at Coors Field. And the Rocks were getitng over hteir shellshock from the furst two games. I'd have preferred a sweep, of course. Because a 2-1 series win means the Giants are three back of Colorado in the standings. A sweep would've meant only one back.
Of course, i forgot that Jorge de la Rosa is freaking Sandy Koufax against the Giants.
Oh well, to early to care about standings, and truly I was hoping for a 4-2 road trip, but expecting 3-3.
For the record, it was 4-2.
So, here we are, 18 games in with a 10-8 record. If they 10-4 over their next 14, they'll be on pace for 100 wins and should be #1 in the MLB.
But, again, too early.
Belt officially got demoted. He's got a good head on his shoulders, he'll be fine and he'll be back.
Oh yeah, an Cody Ross came back -- which I like -- he batted clean up, which made me go all, huh?
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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
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.
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.
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