Ping: SF Giants Fans

[kingfc22]

This season has been very disappointing to say the least. However, the recent moves to get the young guys some playing time has me excited about our chances next season.

On top of that, Lowry's ability to add the curveball to his arsenal has made him a very good #2 guy behind Schmidty.

In case you didn't know, Matt Cain (uber-prospect) is making his debut tonight.http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[clintl]

Early in the season, I was worried that Lowry was just lucky last year. However, the way he's pitched recently, he looks like he's going to be very solid. I'm not sure Cain's really ready yet, but I hope he is.

[Lathum]

I think Eli Manning needs another year to develop but Plexico Burress is a nice target....wait

oops....:)

[Mr. Sparkle]

As much of a lost season as this has been, I think if they added a legitimate #2 type starter, they should be in decent shape for a run next year.

Hopefully Sabean will learn from the mistakes of this season, and address their needs adequately.

[Karlifornia]

Cain pitched decently last night. Not overpowering by any means, but decent. If he lives up to the hype, and Bonds comes back healthy, next season could be a playoff/World Series team. Schmidt, Lowry, and Cain is a solid 1-3, and the pen could be very good with Hawkins, Benitez, Eyre, and Accardo, who is young but has nasty stuff...The lineup (which has done well this year), would be wayyyyy better with Barry, obviously. I just want to see Barry play in a few games this year. We need that electrcity in the air.

[kingfc22]

Cain struggled all night with his breaking pitches and thus relied HEAVILY on his fastball. Should be interesting to see how he pitches during the last month.

Just saw we got rid of Devie Cruz today. Sent him to Washington for RHP Ben Cox. I'm assuming that means Brian Dallimore will be called up.

[kingfc22]

Didn't we send Tomko to the bullpen for a reason. Damn it Felipe stick with what got us hot ie the young arms.

[cthomer5000]

Just run Tiki plenty and Eli will be just fine. Let's not lose our heads yet.

[Lathum]

as long as he holds onto the ball

[Vince]

Didn't we send Tomko to the bullpen for a reason. Damn it Felipe stick with what got us hot ie the young arms. Correia's hurt, that's why Tomko's starting tonight.

EDIT -- Bruised Shoulder, I think. Nothing serious.

[kingfc22]

Padres down 0-6 at home against Colorado in the 7th. Giants up 2-1 over the Dodgers right now. Great suicide squeeze call and execution by Winn to take the lead.

[Vince]

Both games have taken a turn for the ugly -- Giants just blew a great chance with a runner on 3rd and only one out in the 10th.

Rockies hanging on by the skin of their teeth up 6-5 with one out in the Ninth, man on 2nd for the Padres.

[kingfc22]

#$@#$ Kent

[Vince]

F*ck.

[SackAttack]

Jeff loves you too.

[kingfc22]

Well at least SD lost. Damn, the Giants had a runner on 3rd with less than 2 outs three or four times tonight and were not able to capitalize.

[Karlifornia]

Coulda been 4 games back. Well, we've gotten through the bottom of the rotation, and now the Giants have the suddenly big three going....if we can reel off another 3 in a row, it should get pretty interesting. Barry should be doing a simulated game today, so he'll probably be playing Thursday or Friday....

[SackAttack]

Even though I'd prefer the Giants didn't win the division...if it happens that the NL West champion this year has a sub-.500 record, I can't think of any team to which I'd rather see that stigma attached than the Shrimps. :D

[Crapshoot]

You know Sack, when Fat Tommy takes over as GM again (you seen the bashing Depo gets form Plaschke and co - and McCourt said they need to value chemistry more), I for one will laugh- loudly. :D

[SackAttack]

You know Sack, when Fat Tommy takes over as GM again (you seen the bashing Depo gets form Plaschke and co - and McCourt said they need to value chemistry more), I for one will laugh- loudly. :D

Plaschke is a cockmuncher, and Tommy, while a wonderful motivator, wouldn't know talent if it bit him in the ass.

Chemistry is important, but it isn't everything, and what McCourt needs to realize before he goes dumping DePo in favor of Tommy "I traded for Carlos Perez" Lasorda is that it doesn't matter if 25 guys are buddies if they can't hit the damn ball.

[Crapshoot]

Plaschke is a cockmuncher, and Tommy, while a wonderful motivator, wouldn't know talent if it bit him in the ass.

Chemistry is important, but it isn't everything, and what McCourt needs to realize before he goes dumping DePo in favor of Tommy "I traded for Carlos Perez" Lasorda is that it doesn't matter if 25 guys are buddies if they can't hit the damn ball.

Well, you know that, I know that- but I'm hoping McCourt doesnt know that.
Really, I despise Tommy- I'm convinced my version of hell will have him in it.

[SackAttack]

Well, you know that, I know that- but I'm hoping McCourt doesnt know that.
Really, I despise Tommy- I'm convinced my version of hell will have him in it.

I love Tommy, but you have to understand, he's kind of like that crazy crackpot uncle that says and does the damndest things, but the family loves him for it anyways.

I don't think anybody's suggesting that he actually knows what he's doing anymore. :)

[Karlifornia]

Come on, Scott Eyre. bases loaded, 7th inning...6-5 giants...olmedo saenz up..

[Vince]

Beautiful.

[Vince]

I worry that the Giants will severely overpay for Eyre for next year. He's been fantastic...but before this year he was anything but consistent. Part of me hopes the Red Sox and Yankees with their lefty-specialist needs will step in and take him out of our price range...

...the bigger part of me hopes we get him cheap.

[Karlifornia]

Sidebar: I just hit the 1,000 post mark...Booyah!

Yeah, the Giants shouldn't give him too much.. The pen is coming into it's own. If they can hang onto him, then that's great.

Personally, I think J.T. Snow needs to be out of the lineup next year.

[kingfc22]

Ughhh!!!

Can't we ever hold a lead in the 9th in LA?

[SackAttack]

Oscar Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrobles!

[SackAttack]

Dola,

Is anybody else giggling about the Jeff Kent walk after last night? :D

[SackAttack]

WOOOO! way to get into his head, Kent!

[kingfc22]

Uggghh. Not again...

[SackAttack]

MIKE FUCKING EDWARDS!

[kingfc22]

*@$& Bums. I hate the Dodgers.

[SackAttack]

We love you too, king. :D

[kingfc22]

We love you too, king. :D
http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[kingfc22]

Bonds is back tonight!

[Buccaneer]

Go Pads.

[Fouts]

I'm watching on FSN (swapping between this game and the Falcons/Eagles).

Gigantes vs Padres.

[Karlifornia]

Oh yeah BABY! Can't wait for him to hit! I wish I was there, though....

[MrBug708]

I hope Eaton hits bonds on his steroid infested knee

[Ksyrup]

I was just about to complain that this game is being blacked out on my Extra Innings package for no apparent reason, but 20 minutes into the game, and it finally came on. Very weird.

[Karlifornia]

The way Kevin Correia is pitching, we may never get to the bottom of the first....

[Ksyrup]

Yeah, I notice things are moving slowly.

[kingfc22]

And Corriea is out of the game.

[MrBug708]

Things have progressed nicely thus far

[kingfc22]

HOMERUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Fouts]

WOW. Looked gone to me. That was amazing.

[Ksyrup]

Holy freaking moly.

[kingfc22]

Now they are ruling fan interference.

[kingfc22]

Damn, would have been nice to have Bonds all season.

[Karlifornia]

They called it a double...damn man..unreal...GO BARRY

[Ksyrup]

Damn, would have been nice to have Bonds all season.
Ya think?

[Buccaneer]

Pitch 1 - Ball
Pitch 2 - Ball
Pitch 3 - Called Strike
Pitch 4 - Called Strike
Pitch 5 - Foul
Pitch 6 - Foul
Pitch 7 - Foul
Pitch 8 - Foul
Pitch 9 - Ball
Pitch 10 - Foul
Pitch 11 - In play, no out recorded

Damn, Adam needs to watch the pitch count.

[kingfc22]

Ya think?
http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Fouts]

I was riveted to the tv while he was up. Thats what I have missed this season.

[kingfc22]

Runners on 1st and 3rd for Bonds with 2 outs.

[Karlifornia]

Adam Eaton and Bruce Bochy have balls. I would not have pitched to him in that situation.

[kingfc22]

3rd at bat - Fly out to the center field warning track

[Karlifornia]

4th AB-Strikeout...darn

[kingfc22]

Let's just hope we can hang on here for the win.

[Buccaneer]

Please don't win anymore, this is already embarassing enough.

[Karlifornia]

Well, that loss pretty much seals it. The called third strike to Bonds was a bad call, but it didn't cost them the game. Fudge. Well, if the Padres can continue sucking, and the Giants can sweep the Dodgers, who knows what could happen?

(I can't believe I'm still being optimistic at this point)

[Mr. Sparkle]

While they're still technically in it, I think they should shut Schmidt down for the rest of the year. His last groin injury lingered into the following year, and we need him in peak form next year. I don't think it will happen, mind you, but I think it should be considered.

[Buccaneer]

I didn't realize they had already played today. Pads won so I thank you for not winning. Now if you, the DBack and Dodgers can just play .500 ball (or worse) rest of the way, that would be cool.

[SackAttack]

I dunno, Bucc. If the Dodgers play .500 ball and a sweep of the Padres is included in that .500, it still might be enough to win the division, if the Padres suck badly enough. :p

[kingfc22]

Doh! I hate how this team keeps getting my hopes up only to blow a late inning lead.

Today's ump was brutal btw. Very inconsistent for both teams.

[SackAttack]

Derek Lowe with his 5th straight phenomenal start. What a year this man could've had if he hadn't been pitching from the 3rd base side of the rubber for 4 1/2 months.

[kingfc22]

Bah, season is over. Is April close?

[kingfc22]

704!!!

[SackAttack]

If Barry breaks the record, it'll be like giving a 21 year old man a plaque for bowling a 300 game with a ramp and bumpers.

[kingfc22]

He's played in 4 gmes in which he could easily have 3 homers already.

Game 1 he missed by 1 foot and two days ago he hooked one foul by about a foot.

But it must be roids.http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

[Karlifornia]

If Barry breaks the record, it'll be like giving a 21 year old man a plaque for bowling a 300 game with a ramp and bumpers.


Bitter Dodgers fan. Go cry now.

[SackAttack]

Bitter? Damn near killed her.

No, bitter has nothing to do with it. I'm just disgusted that there's a group of fans willing to give a player a free pass on his steroid use simply because he wears the home jersey.

I actually have more respect for Orioles fans, given their response to Viagra Boy, than I do for you lot right now. Vince is about the only Giants fan I've seen express any form of shame or regret, however limited, that Bonds is a Giant. The rest of you? When the issue comes up, you stick your head in the sand, yell "La la la" and call fans of other teams who call you on it "bitter."

Because, yes, that's exactly what I want. Somebody of natural talent who's either so incredibly insecure or so incredibly idiotic that he would resort to steroids to give himself an artificial advantage over other players. And damn, I'm just heartbroken that we don't have a Barry Bonds to fill that role for us.

[Karlifornia]

Where's the proof? He came directly back into play without any stint in the minors, any spring training...nothing. He just came back, and he's awesome. And Eric Karros is still the all-time Dodgers home run hitter. How sad is that?

[Vince]

Bitter? Damn near killed her.

No, bitter has nothing to do with it. I'm just disgusted that there's a group of fans willing to give a player a free pass on his steroid use simply because he wears the home jersey.

I actually have more respect for Orioles fans, given their response to Viagra Boy, than I do for you lot right now. Vince is about the only Giants fan I've seen express any form of shame or regret, however limited, that Bonds is a Giant. The rest of you? When the issue comes up, you stick your head in the sand, yell "La la la" and call fans of other teams who call you on it "bitter."

Because, yes, that's exactly what I want. Somebody of natural talent who's either so incredibly insecure or so incredibly idiotic that he would resort to steroids to give himself an artificial advantage over other players. And damn, I'm just heartbroken that we don't have a Barry Bonds to fill that role for us.
In our defense (thanks for the props, by the way), he's on our team. He's our player. We...well, we don't have to, but we pretty much do. Barry Bonds is one of the greatest baseball players of all time -- we can never know when he started taking steroids, we can never know if he really did know that he was doing it (I tend to think it's a crock of bullshit that he didn't know that the cream and the clear were steroids...but that's neither here nor there)...but before Barry became 'Balco Barry' and hit a million homeruns, he was an 8-time Gold Glove winner, 3-time MVP, stole 30 bases a season for nearly ten years, and a guy who was the blueprint of a 5-tool player. The sadest thing about everything was that he probably would have gone down as one of the all-time great players if he HADN'T hit all those home runs after age 35.

I have been as vehement a Barry Bonds defender as anyone else. The day Barry Bonds admitted to taking the cream and the clear, though he said he was unaware that they were steroids, was one of the saddest days of my sports fan life. I was sick to my stomach for a little while -- the best player on my favorite team was a confirmed cheater, and pretty much a liar as well. Though he claims that he didn't know, he's more than likely full of crap. How can I back a cheater and a liar? Answer: he's still on my team. I will support him, and hope for him to do well. I don't have to like it, but I'll do it.

I love Barry Bonds the baseball player.

I hate Barry Bonds the person.

[Mr. Sparkle]

hxxp://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-giants-schmidt&prov=ap&type=lgns

Looking back a day later, Jason Schmidt realized he shouldn't have pitched Saturday after tweaking his tender right groin during warmups.

He was sore Sunday and expected to map out a plan for the remaining two weeks with trainer Stan Conte and pitching coach Dave Righetti. Conte said the Giants don't want Schmidt to risk further damage by changing his mechanics just to get back on the mound.

``It's sore,'' Schmidt said Sunday, noting he doesn't think the injury has become worse. ``I shouldn't have pitched. The rule was, if I feel anything I'd come out of the game.''

As I feared. SHUT HIM DOWN, DAMMIT!!!!!

[Karlifornia]

On a side note, Bonds just hit #705...actually, he didn't just hit it, he pummeled it into the pacific ocean.

[Crapshoot]

They couldnt really pull this off- could they ? If that bastard Benitez hadnt blown the game earlier this week.. ;)

[kingfc22]

On a side note, Bonds just hit #705...actually, he didn't just hit it, he pummeled it into the pacific ocean.
Yea, but he could hit 11 homers before this season is over, catch Ruth and still get no credit. Sure I understand all the circumstances around Balco and the flax seed oil, etc. But name me ONE player that could come back to baseball without stepping foot in a batter's box against live pitching and do what he can do with the bat.

[Deattribution]

But name me ONE player that could come back to baseball without stepping foot in a batter's box against live pitching and do what he can do with the bat.

You want someone not on roids?

[sooner333]

You want someone not on roids?

Do you really think Bonds is on 'roids right now?

[kingfc22]

Do you really think Bonds is on 'roids right now?
That's my whole point. If he can do what he is doing right now with everyone watching every step he makes, then why even doubt what he did before. Sure you can speculate all you want, but IMO I just think he is that damn good.

[Deattribution]

Do you really think Bonds is on 'roids right now?


Na, not saying he's on roids now, I'm saying he was before reportedly - and once you enhance your muscle strength - it's not going to all come crumbling down in one season if you still work out regulary.... We'll see that when he hits his late 40's.

He's always been a great HoF type hitter, he just was never an extraordinary power hitter... He wasn't even on Griffey Jr's level then all of a sudden he's on the Babe's level of dominance?

eh, unlikely.

[Vince]

Na, not saying he's on roids now, I'm saying he was before reportedly - and once you enhance your muscle strength - it's not going to all come crumbling down in one season if you still work out regulary.... We'll see that when he hits his late 40's.

He's always been a great HoF type hitter, he just was never an extraordinary power hitter... He wasn't even on Griffey Jr's level then all of a sudden he's on the Babe's level of dominance?

eh, unlikely.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought that one of the major knocks on steroid use was that it did all come crumbling down when you stopped?

[Deattribution]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought that one of the major knocks on steroid use was that it did all come crumbling down when you stopped?

And how many games did Bond's play this year?

I'm not saying he's had no ill-effects from being off it (and it could just be coincidence too), plus we're dealing with a different type of steriods opposed to the traditional anabolic roids so we're not really sure of how the decline works.

Look at Giambi, he had a disaster of a season last year, but he's came back pretty solid this year and only looks to be on the rise. What's to say Bond's hasn't dropped the juice and still did what's necessary to avoid the decline for now?

[Deattribution]

And to clarify here, I'm not trying to entirely discredit Bonds... He was an amazing player back when it was rather obvious he had no enhancements. He could of easily surpassed the 550-600+ HR mark by career end, but the numbers increase, along with the reported roid use is just too coincidental for me to jump on his bandwagon and say he didn't have any help getting where he is today.

[kingfc22]

Bonds just hit one about 12 rows into the upper deck at RFK, which has the lowest HR/gm out of any stadium in the majors.

[Karlifornia]

I guess RFK is on steroids tonight

[Buccaneer]

Pads magic # is 8.

[kingfc22]

ALOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And Pads are down 8-0.

WOOT!!!!!

[kingfc22]

dola

Rockies up 10-0. Go Colorado!

[Buccaneer]

Let me guess, either Woody Williams or B-Law was pitching?

[kingfc22]

Nope, Livan was still in. He was dealing ALL night.

[kingfc22]

And now Armando is trying to give the game right back...

[Karlifornia]

I think Bucc was asking who was pitching for SD...

Now PLEASE, Armando....save this game!!!

[kingfc22]

I think Bucc was asking who was pitching for SD...
Ahh, yes. You are right.


What a catch by Linden.http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/eek.gifhttp://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/eek.gifhttp://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif

These guys are trying to kill me.

[Karlifornia]

Make love to me now TODD LINDEN!!!

[Crapshoot]

Bucc- you're a Padres fan ?

[Crapshoot]

Todd Linden - a Giants hitting prospect who actually makes it ?

[Crapshoot]

dola, did Linden make a good play to bail our Armando again ?

[Buccaneer]

Bucc- you're a Padres fan ?
Been since the early 1980s when I lived there but left just before the 1984 pennant-winning season ended. TGwynn is my favorite player of all time.

[Ksyrup]

The NL West is pathetic. How can the Padres be on the verge of climbing a whopping 2 games over .500, 2 weeks left in the season, a chance to pretty much cement the division, and give up 15 runs in 3 innings to the Rockies? How is that possible? Can't Selig invoke the "best interests of baseball" clause to give the West title to the runner-up in the East?

[Bad-example]

Sure this has been a rough year for the Giants, but they did win the season series against the Dodgers and kick them into 3rd place in the process.

Sure this has been a rough year for the Diamondbacks too, but they did win the season series against the Dodgers and kick them into 4th place in the process.

:D :D

Edit: I see that Sportsline changed their game recap. It originally said that the DBacks had won the season series but now I see they lead it 8-5 (with 5 games to play).

[kingfc22]

Ahem. Just another daily Bonds HR. 2-run shot in the first.

[Crapshoot]

goddamnit, if he had been back a week earlier, we could have done more..

So is the new moto: Bonds and Cain and pray for rain ?

[Buccaneer]

Whew. Thanks Nats.

[Buccaneer]

After 7 innings, Rockies have a 1-hit shutout on the Giants. At Coors Field. With Bonds playing. Go Rox.

[kingfc22]

The season is slowly coming to an end. However, if the Pads lose tonight and a 4-game sweep next week would leave us 1 GB.

[kingfc22]

Thank you Dbacks.

[Buccaneer]

Bochy couldn't manage the bullpen in late innings last night. Should've stuck with Linebrink and not have brought in Aki. This wasn't the first time this has happened.

Now I become an Astros fan. Don't want the Phillies in the playoffs. The Pads owned the Cards and Braves this season but sucked against the Phils.

[kingfc22]

Best news of my day so far. Just realized the Giants won and Pads lost. A sweep starts tomorrow!!!

[Karlifornia]

Padres --
Giants 4 GB

Guess what's next? 4 game series at Jack Mur---err Petco Park starting Tuesday. As big of a Giants fan as I am, I don't see Hennessey and Correia winning...and then someone has to start in place of Schmidt in the third game....Paging Salomon Torres

[Buccaneer]

Best news of my day so far. Just realized the Giants won and Pads lost. A sweep starts tomorrow!!!
In your fucking dreams (or in my fucking nightmare).

[kingfc22]

I beleive Peavy goes tomorrow for the Pads. If we can get past that one, then I think we have a chance.

[Buccaneer]

Good start. Bochy messed with the lineup (again) with Loretta #1 and Klesko #2. They responded with a hit and a HR in first inning. Also, Greene has miraculously came back from his injury from Saturday. Good thing, Pads needs his glove and bat.

[Karlifornia]

HOLY MOLY!! Randy Winn came up HUUUUGE! The Giants beat Peavy and Hoffman...Now they need 3 more. That was an exciting game.

[kingfc22]

Peavy down...3 more to go!!!

[Vince]

Wow. Just wow. J.T. Snow and Randy Winn coming up absolutely huge here late in the season.

[AgustusM]

when Sabean traded for Winn - I didn't really like the deal - I thought they gave up two good young players and didn't see where Winn was much of an improvement over Jason Elison.

However, he has proved me wrong day in and day out over the past few months - If the Giants don't make that trade for Winn, they are already eliminated.

[Vince]

Something that worries me...

I love Winn just as much as the next Giants fan (now). But can we expect this production next year? He's never really been an amazing player, and he seems to be playing just absolutely lights out for us. For reference, Winn has 204 ABs with the Giants this year. Here are his career highs (in seasons where he had over 600 ABs), and his current numbers with the Giants and what they project to over 600 ABs...

<table x:str="" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 445pt;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="593"> <col style="width: 109pt;" width="145"> <col span="7" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"> <tbody><tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="height: 12.75pt; width: 109pt;" height="17" width="145">Randy Winn</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left: medium none; width: 48pt;" width="64">H</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left: medium none; width: 48pt;" width="64">2B</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left: medium none; width: 48pt;" width="64">3B</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left: medium none; width: 48pt;" width="64">HR</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left: medium none; width: 48pt;" x:str="R " width="64">R </td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left: medium none; width: 48pt;" width="64">RBI</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left: medium none; width: 48pt;" width="64">Avg</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="border-top: medium none; height: 12.75pt;" height="17">Career High (600+ Abs)</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;" x:num="">181</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;" x:num="">39</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;" x:num="">9</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;" x:num="">14</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;" x:num="">103</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;" x:num="">81</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;" x:num="0.29799999999999999">0.298</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl26" style="border-top: medium none; height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> </td> <td class="xl26" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;"> </td> <td class="xl26" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;"> </td> <td class="xl26" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;"> </td> <td class="xl26" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;"> </td> <td class="xl26" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;"> </td> <td class="xl26" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;"> </td> <td class="xl26" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;"> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="border-top: medium none; height: 12.75pt;" height="17">W/ Giants (projected)</td> <td class="xl26" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">68 (200)</td> <td class="xl26" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">18 (53)</td> <td class="xl26" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">3 (9)</td> <td class="xl26" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">12 (35)</td> <td class="xl26" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">33 (97)</td> <td class="xl26" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">21 (62)</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;" x:num="0.33300000000000002">0.333</td> </tr></tbody> </table>
I think there's no way he keeps this pace up for a full season, so what to do with him in the off-season? Keep him and hope he continues? Try to turn him into something else? It seems that a player of similar abilities (pre-ridiculous surge here at the end of 2005) would be much cheaper in FA than, say, an above-average SP that we (might) be able to get for him in the offseason.

[Vince]

Forgot to add one of the most absurd things about his stats --

Career High SLG = .461

w/ SF this year = .627

[kingfc22]

Vince - got to love this stat.

Cain: 40 IP - 18 hits allowed.

[Vince]

The only thing I don't like about Cain's line is the walks. But man, everything else is drool-worthy as hell.

Now let's see how he does after he's faced every team more than once. I think next year I'd be excited about anything better than a 5.00 ERA, 1.5:1 K:BB and .66:1 K:IP.

[Crapshoot]

when Sabean traded for Winn - I didn't really like the deal - I thought they gave up two good young players and didn't see where Winn was much of an improvement over Jason Elison.

However, he has proved me wrong day in and day out over the past few months - If the Giants don't make that trade for Winn, they are already eliminated.

Yeah. I dont know what's gotten into Winn, but he's been one of the 5 best hitters in the nL since the trade. Foppert was my great Giants hope - here's hoping he's still successful.

Right now though - I believe!

[Crapshoot]

To reiterate: Bonds and Cain and pray for Rain.. ;)

[Buccaneer]

I just read what happened and now I feel sick.

[Ksyrup]

I tihnk it's sick that a team 8 games under .500 has a legitimate chance to win a division.

[Karlifornia]

I tihnk it's sick that a team 8 games under .500 has a legitimate chance to win a division.


Well, if you sucked 40 HR's, 90-100 RBI's, 120 walks, and a .500 OBP away from any team, they'd be having problems, too. I think the Giants could take more than 1 game from St. Louis or Atlanta in the playoffs, especially if Scmhidt can get back. Ever since Bonds has come back, they've had that confidence that no game is ever over, something they hadn't had all year..

Cain needs to up that K/9 total if he's going to be as good as we all hope. The 18 hits is definitely an awesome number so far, though.

Vince-Well, this has probably been an anomaly as far Winn goes, but, really, he brings a pretty nice package to centerfield. He can hit, run, and field. Who else are we going to put out there? Marvin Benard?

[AgustusM]

Marvin Benard?

Don't do that - you just gave me an awful shiver down my spine.

[AgustusM]

On a serious note - the guys who would have to line up out there would be Todd Linden and Dan Ortmier. Both guys, Linden in particular have been tearing up the minors.

all in all though, I would rather have Winn in CF and Linden and Ortmier as the 4th and 5th OF's - with Bonds and Alou the 4th and 5th OF's on the Giants are going to get a ton of AB's.

As far as the under 500 NL West winner - it is true that it is kind of silly, but bottom line is someone has to win the division and the Giants are as close today as they have been all season - I keep getting this sick feeling they are going to sweep the Pads to tie it, but lose 2 of 3 in the last series vs Arizona and lose the division by one game.

Regardless of who wins the West, they will almost certainly be swept by the Cardinals.

[Bad-example]

I keep getting this sick feeling they are going to sweep the Pads to tie it, but lose 2 of 3 in the last series vs Arizona and lose the division by one game.

The Padres finish with three against the hapless Dodgers, so even if SF can pull off a miracle sweep this week, they would still likely need to win all three games against the DBacks just to force a one game playoff.

[clintl]

I tihnk it's sick that a team 8 games under .500 has a legitimate chance to win a division.

Don't blame the Giants. It's the Padres' fault the Giants are still in the "race."

[Buccaneer]

It's interesting to gauge the reactions of the Pads fans all season long (at least since June). They have clearly regressed from last season - with injuries being a big reason - but Moores and JT may be satisfied with a division crown. There are some wishing that the Pads won't win so they can better see what a mediocre team this has been.

[kingfc22]

Biggest start of Tomko's career as a Giant.

[kingfc22]

BARRY!!!!!!

3-0 Giants

:D:D:D:D:D:D

[Buccaneer]

Wind blowing out to right pretty good. You don't give Bonds anything to hit.

Let's see if the Pads can answer...bases loaded 1 out....

[Buccaneer]

2-run single by Sweeney.

[kingfc22]

Tomko blows. He bitches and moans about now getting run support and then he gets a 3-0 lead in the biggest game of the season only to give up at least 2 and possibly more right back.

[Buccaneer]

Got it all back. Tie game.

[SackAttack]

Padres' magic # is 4 now, 2 if they win, 3 if they lose, right?

[kingfc22]

It will still be 4 if they lose.

[kingfc22]

I love you Randy!

[Buccaneer]

6 games left. Giants have to go at least 4-2 to win the division.

[kingfc22]

Watching Bonds go 1st to home on a double down the LF line is painful. Can't believe he made it standing up.

[kingfc22]

Tomko blows.
http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/mad.gifhttp://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/mad.gifhttp://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/mad.gif

[kingfc22]

Wow!!! Is the only thing I can say about that last play.

[kingfc22]

dola

Vizquel hit a flare to right, Winn hesitated going into 2nd and then decided to go for third. He beat the throw, but overslid the bag and then the ball came out of Randa's glove as he was making the tag and Winn was diving back. Vizquel went to 2nd on the throw.

Snow's sac. fly has made it 6-5 Giants.

[kingfc22]

Hernandez just hit a slam. 9-6 Padres.

Petco is playing like Coors Field tonight.

[Crapshoot]

F%@_%*@^&^__)@^&_+)^@) HELL!

[kingfc22]

Hopefully, this makes Sabean's decision to dump Tomko very simple.

JUST DO IT!!!

[kingfc22]

Going into the 9th. Pads still up by 3. :(

[SackAttack]

That's game.

I'm heartbroken that Barry won't get to play in the postseason, really. :p

[AgustusM]

I think that about wraps it up, Sabean has a lot of work to do in the off-season. If he thinks Barry will be back and that will be enough we will be struggling to even make the playoffs again.

[Buccaneer]

w00t! Figured it would be a game like this after seeing the first 2+ innings. Pads bullpen finally came through in a big way.

[Karlifornia]

Darn. Tough loss last night. Tomko stunk it up. Well, they're still mathematically alive :(

[Mr. Sparkle]

At least we won't have to see Tomko in a Giants uniform again.

[Buccaneer]

Schmidt appears wild tonight.

[Buccaneer]

Pads had 1st and 2nd no one out and got them both in, plus Ramon got hit by pitch.

[kingfc22]

Well, at least we'll finish ahead of the Dodgers. http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Vince]

Well, at least we'll finish ahead of the Dodgers. http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif
Be careful -- that's not a surety, and the way we've played yesterday and today I wouldn't put anything past us.

That being said, this was one heck of a shitty year, and we had no right to even have ANYTHING to hope for this late in the year.

Thank you Randy Winn for being the loony-toons-esque character who would run off the cliff not bothering to realize that he should be falling as he tried his damndest to carry this team to the postseason. (credit for this to Grant from www.mccoveychronicles.com -- great Giants blog)

Thank you Omar Vizquel for playing damned fine defense all year.

Thank you J.T. Snow for giving it everything you had on every play, to the point of denting a camera with your jaw trying to catch a foul ball three rows deep.

Thank you Barry Bonds for trying to gut it out and play even though it was probably a terrible idea for your career's longevity.

Thank you Lance Niekro (kind of :)), Jeremy Accardo, Jack Taschner, Scott Munter, Noah Lowry and Matt Cain for giving us hope for the future.

Next year we have a shot at being a pretty good team, injuries notwithstanding...let's keep the hope alive for one more year that we can get Barry a ring.

[kingfc22]

"It's a good thing he didn't challenge Ryan Klesko. Klesko is, after all, hitting above .240, and has so much confidence in his power he throws a temper tantrum after every long flyball. It takes four M.I.T. students to unbunch his Rubik's Cube-esque undies every time he blames Petco Park for his own failings."

A quote from the blog that Vince noted in the previous post regarding Tomko's start on Tuesday night.

[Bad-example]

Thank you Randy Winn for being the loony-toons-esque character who would run off the cliff not bothering to realize that he should be falling as he tried his damndest to carry this team to the postseason. (credit for this to Grant from www.mccoveychronicles.com -- great Giants blog)

Thank you Omar Vizquel for playing damned fine defense all year.

Thank you J.T. Snow for giving it everything you had on every play, to the point of denting a camera with your jaw trying to catch a foul ball three rows deep.

Thank you Barry Bonds for trying to gut it out and play even though it was probably a terrible idea for your career's longevity.

Thank you Lance Niekro (kind of :)), Jeremy Accardo, Jack Taschner, Scott Munter, Noah Lowry and Matt Cain for giving us hope for the future.

Next year we have a shot at being a pretty good team, injuries notwithstanding...let's keep the hope alive for one more year that we can get Barry a ring.

Well said. Mike Matheny also deserves a big nod for the gold glove defense and surprisingly solid bat while playing nearly every day.

A rough year for the Giants but they took the season series from the Dodgers and almost certainly will finish ahead of them.

The 4th place Dodgers...I really like the sound of that. :D

[Vince]

Good point.

Thank you Mike Matheny, for proving me and countless other fans wrong when we were completely and totally outraged at your signing. You have slowly become one of my favorite Giants, even if the contract is still a stupid thing.

[kingfc22]

Matheny was the man for us during clutch situations this season. He always got the big hit.

Unlike Pedro Feliz who swings at the first pitch every single time we need a sac fly, but he pops out or hits a soft grounder. Grrrr.

[Vince]

You know, the later the season got, the more I saw J.T. Snow making horrible swings at the first pitch, or reaching for a very bad 3-1 pitch and having terrible things come of it. I wonder if he was just pressing, or if he's truly done at the plate.