I guess Bowker really was *that* bad

I guess Bowker really was that bad

by EliminateMe on Dec 9, 2008 10:41 AM PST Comment 75 comments

The other day, I questioned whether John Bowker was really as bad at first base as his reputation, because I didn't remember him being quite so awful. But I guess he was, or at least Sabean thinks so:

Sabean said the club has to respect what John Bowker did last season, but Ishikawa’s defense gives him a leg-up. "As we saw while experimenting, defense is too important at that position, and Ishikawa is one of better defensive first basemen in the minor leagues," Sabean said.

If I know my Sabean-speak, that means that he considers Bowker's play at first a complete trainwreck. Considering that Eugenio Velez is still in contention to start at second base, that's saying something.

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Phew

for a second there I thought I was the only one who realized Bowker was awful.

Rafael Rodriguez: Your number 8 organizational prospect before stepping a foot on American soil.

by BrianBokake on Dec 9, 2008 10:43 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

BrianBokake and Brian Sabean: both unheralded visionaries.

Scott McClain: Great story, no place on the 2009 Giants.

by EliminateMe on Dec 9, 2008 10:45 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Awww

How dare you group us together

Rafael Rodriguez: Your number 8 organizational prospect before stepping a foot on American soil.

by BrianBokake on Dec 9, 2008 3:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

/finds old Bowkermania t-shirt

/wonders what he was thinking

/deer head
Bay City Ball

by xanthan on Dec 9, 2008 10:44 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I wanted to believe

The Denker bus is now bound for San Diego. Those who were passengers on it are now angrily stranded at a gas station in Modesto, CA. Not much about baseball here .

by oldjacket on Dec 9, 2008 10:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The fans needed hope, and Bowker was just the man to give it to us. For about 2 weeks.

by chilibean_3 on Dec 9, 2008 11:09 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

kinda like this

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

by timmeh on Dec 9, 2008 2:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

More like this...

Scott McClain: Great story, no place on the 2009 Giants.

by EliminateMe on Dec 9, 2008 2:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Wow, that’s genius.

Rafael Rodriguez: Your number 8 organizational prospect before stepping a foot on American soil.

by BrianBokake on Dec 9, 2008 3:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I still do

Less arm, more talk. Raisingcain is a GAMER.
Adopted Giant: Henry Sosa

by raisingcain on Dec 9, 2008 3:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I just took my old Niekromania shirt and a sharpie, crossed out “Niekro” and wrote in “Bowker”.

I’m not sure I can even fit “Ishikawa” on there.

Scott McClain: Great story, no place on the 2009 Giants.

by EliminateMe on Dec 9, 2008 11:13 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I want an "Ishikawabunga!" t-shirt.

They don’t even exist, to my knowledge. But I must have one.

I once punched a hole in a light fixture in celebration of a J.T. Snow home run. That is all.

by oneflapdown on Dec 9, 2008 12:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

How much will you pay for one?

If it was made with a sharpie and had “Niekromania” and “Bowkermania” crossed out?

Scott McClain: Great story, no place on the 2009 Giants.

by EliminateMe on Dec 9, 2008 1:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Considering he kept JT around all those years, it might also be possible Sabean over-values defense at 1B.

If Bowker had kept hitting like he did at first, I could’ve lived with his D at 1B.

My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman

by Goofus on Dec 9, 2008 10:53 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

This.

First base is the spot where you put bad defense in the inflield, it’s not all that important there. If only Bowker could have remained awesome with the bat.

by chilibean_3 on Dec 9, 2008 11:03 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

But not TOO bad

Adopted Giant: Aaron King

Wearing the crown by 2011. Or at least the LOOGY hat

by baetown415 on Dec 9, 2008 11:09 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Only if...

a guy is OPSing in the .800-.900 range minimum. 1B is an underrated defensive position. A guy at 1B that can pick low throws in the dirt makes the entire team better defensively. Ask the New York Mets. They went from being one of the best defensive teams in the NL to one of the worst when they got Mo Vaughn.

Greetings, Marklar! I am Marklar! This is Marklar.

by marklar on Dec 9, 2008 1:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

This is true, it’s very nice to have a good glove at first if you can. A bad glove at any position better have enough of a bat to more than make up for it. If I have to choose between offense or defense at first, I’m going offense in almost every situation. If you’ve got good hitters at second and short, I have no problem with a below average bat and great glove at first to help with the infield D.

by chilibean_3 on Dec 9, 2008 1:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

i think that you are reading a little too much into the quote EliminateMe. Ishikawa has always excelled at the defensive side of baseball. Most of what Sabean sees is probably what he had with Snow: grade A defense with a side of offensive production.

by silentearth36 on Dec 9, 2008 10:57 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

The term “experimenting” clearly refers to Bowker, and saying that defense at first is “too important” (at, as chilibean_3 points out, a position that isn’t a top defensive skill position) says to me “We thought we could get away with Bowker learning on the job, but he was worse than we were prepared for.”

Scott McClain: Great story, no place on the 2009 Giants.

by EliminateMe on Dec 9, 2008 11:28 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The term "experimenting" clearly refers to Bowker

Or a night of passion with Shawon Dunston

GROUGTHINK ALERT

by groug on Dec 9, 2008 11:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice.

Also, experimenting = spelling Sean. Or is it Shawon? Chone? I give up.

Go Fred Lewis... You're better than the alternative... Yippee...

by Uribe nee Gonzalez on Dec 9, 2008 11:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

You promised to keep my secret, groug. That’s the last time I ever confide in you!

Scott McClain: Great story, no place on the 2009 Giants.

by EliminateMe on Dec 9, 2008 1:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Let’s remember that Bowker had no experience at the position except for a couple experimental stints in HIGH SCHOOL. People seemed to deal with it when he batted well his first 3 months up in the majors. I respect TI, but his number weren’t that “amazing” in his one month in the majors. I guess i just don’t see a fair comparison. I’ll easily give TI the defense edge, but i think Bowker’s bat has a bigger upside. my two cents.

by Chucknasty on Dec 9, 2008 11:12 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Bowker wants to play the OF

by wilriv21 on Dec 9, 2008 11:49 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

He should be playing bench/pinch hitter

I don’t mind him as a nice bench option that can play some 4th OF and bring some power off the bench, but I never understood the love affair with this guy anyway

Do you Wazzel?

by NeifiChicken on Dec 9, 2008 12:20 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

TOO DINGERZ IN TOO DAIS!!!

Sergio Romo will gladly hand you a bench to sit on / GIANTSPACE™ / Adopted brother of the AnVil

by SoFa King Mike on Dec 9, 2008 12:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I was freaking out when it happened.

/deer head
Bay City Ball

by xanthan on Dec 9, 2008 12:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Absolutely:

The next thing that came to mind was: “Too good to be true…”

Sergio Romo will gladly hand you a bench to sit on / GIANTSPACE™ / Adopted brother of the AnVil

by SoFa King Mike on Dec 9, 2008 1:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

We just need to start him when we play the Cardinals.

/deer head
Bay City Ball

by xanthan on Dec 9, 2008 1:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Any team wearing red would do.

There amass been plenty of articles written this spring about the stud shortstop Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum , as well as the fluid young outfielders and thirteen basemen Kevin Frandsen.
comics | art | Nattowear | McFAQ I & II

by Natto on Dec 9, 2008 1:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Same here. I didn’t remember seeing that much pop when he was in LB using an aluminum bat! I went to every home game an dont recall any HR’s he hit…. THough i know he hit a few on the road.

I Don't Tolerate Intolerance!

by Giant among Angels on Dec 9, 2008 8:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Bowker was that bit of Hope from the Pandora’s Box that is the Giants farm system.

by Natto on Dec 9, 2008 12:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Still believe he can be a productive Giant

by wilriv21 on Dec 9, 2008 12:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Like Bowker. Dude hit dingers.

/deer head
Bay City Ball

by xanthan on Dec 9, 2008 12:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

He has a sweet swing. I just wish he had better plate discipline.

Greetings, Marklar! I am Marklar! This is Marklar.

by marklar on Dec 9, 2008 12:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

For all our hitters

Adopted Giant: Aaron King

Wearing the crown by 2011. Or at least the LOOGY hat

by baetown415 on Dec 9, 2008 1:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

BLB gave him props and said Bowk’s swing is just like his.

Sergio Romo will gladly hand you a bench to sit on / GIANTSPACE™ / Adopted brother of the AnVil

by SoFa King Mike on Dec 9, 2008 1:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

except that unlike BLB, he can’t control it. At all

Do you Wazzel?

by NeifiChicken on Dec 9, 2008 1:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Can a guy hope that BLB coaches if he doesn’t end up in the pen?

Sergio Romo will gladly hand you a bench to sit on / GIANTSPACE™ / Adopted brother of the AnVil

by SoFa King Mike on Dec 9, 2008 2:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Wait, now Barry’s a reliever?

Scott McClain: Great story, no place on the 2009 Giants.

by EliminateMe on Dec 9, 2008 2:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

This was my initial thought.

by Natto on Dec 9, 2008 2:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

For some reason I was picturing him in overalls slopping the pigs. I must need a nap.

by Merope on Dec 9, 2008 4:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Zito still has a weaker arm than Bonds. That’s saying a lot.

So, yes Barry as reliever/PH

Sergio Romo will gladly hand you a bench to sit on / GIANTSPACE™ / Adopted brother of the AnVil

by SoFa King Mike on Dec 9, 2008 2:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

nice

My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman

by Goofus on Dec 9, 2008 6:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

What is his status with minor league options? Cuz as long as Nasty Nate is around he ain’t got a spot on the roster.

"I didn't know (after seeing a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch) whether to shit or go blind." - Former Giants Outfielder Harvey Kuenn on Willie Mays

by stealth snail on Dec 9, 2008 12:59 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

let's not

call him nasty nate.

Mischievously implosive purple pitching staff.

by SloIsLonelyForTheOrange on Dec 9, 2008 1:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe he knows something we don’t.

Pac Bell, SBC, AT&T, 2010=???

by jt_7241 on Dec 9, 2008 3:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

JuggerNate

by chilibean_3 on Dec 9, 2008 3:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Natriot

They say some players get out of bed hitting; Pablo Sandoval doesn't wait that long

by bgunn on Dec 9, 2008 4:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Nate Dogg

I Don't Tolerate Intolerance!

by Giant among Angels on Dec 9, 2008 8:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The Nateural

Mischievously implosive purple pitching staff.

by SloIsLonelyForTheOrange on Dec 10, 2008 1:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Also, I found this quote interesting: “It’s clear Neukom won’t answer questions as transparently as Peter Magowan did.” Baggs taking a subtle shot at former ownership?

"I didn't know (after seeing a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch) whether to shit or go blind." - Former Giants Outfielder Harvey Kuenn on Willie Mays

by stealth snail on Dec 9, 2008 1:08 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I would think transparency in responding to journalists would be a virtue from the journalists’ point of view. In fact, it’s hard to think of too many contexts where transparency is used as a pejorative. Maybe it’s a shot at Neukom.

Get the hell out the way Bengie, Pablito's hit the show!

by Roger on Dec 9, 2008 1:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree, I can’t see it as a shot at Magowen. I don’t think it’s really a shot at anyone.

by chilibean_3 on Dec 9, 2008 1:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Magowan answered questions transparently?

Then I guess he really didn’t know anything.

VAE PVTO DEVS FIO

by Bhaakon on Dec 9, 2008 3:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

bowker sucks

Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.

by jponry on Dec 9, 2008 1:45 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Hey, stop it!

/deer head
Bay City Ball

by xanthan on Dec 9, 2008 1:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

xanthan and bowker sitting in a tree

Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.

by jponry on Dec 9, 2008 1:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

…hitting line drives ^ _ ^

/deer head
Bay City Ball

by xanthan on Dec 9, 2008 1:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

DUDE HITS ~~DOUBLES~~ LINE DRIVES

Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.

by jponry on Dec 9, 2008 2:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT!?

/deer head
Bay City Ball

by xanthan on Dec 9, 2008 2:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

WALK TAKING?

FIRE BRIAN SABEAN... UNLESS HE KEEPS DRAFTING WELL. .. AND SIGNS UNDERRATED PLAYERS LIKE AFFELDT OR PHELPS. .. OR ALRIGHT WHO'S PLAYING WITH THE ALIEN MIND-SWITCHING RAY?

by zenbitz on Dec 10, 2008 10:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

bowk

played 1b about as well as you’d expect from someone who’d never played there before.

and he hit like a rookie corner OF.

Brian Sabean figures that if he buys enough bottles, one of them is bound to have lightning in it.

by jasomack on Dec 9, 2008 5:19 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I still really like Bowker.

McC's Outstanding Newcomer '08.

by FairweatherFan on Dec 9, 2008 9:15 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

me too

if Winn, Rowand or Roberts were to be traded, i would be estatic to have Bowker as a 5th OF

Todd Jennings: If he's on the DL, he can't suck as much, right?

by Speedforthewin on Dec 9, 2008 9:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

me three

If Roberts and one of Winn or Rowand were to be traded, I’d be happy to have him as a 4th OF.

Scott McClain: Great story, no place on the 2009 Giants.

by EliminateMe on Dec 10, 2008 10:35 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Shorter E-Me

If Roberts ~~and one of Winn or Rowand~~ were to be traded, I’d be happy ~~to have him as a 4th OF~~.

Scott McClain: Great story, no place on the 2009 Giants.

by EliminateMe on Dec 10, 2008 10:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Me too, hope he gets an opportunity in 2009

by wilriv21 on Dec 9, 2008 9:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

How bad was he?

comics | art | Nattowear | McFAQ I & II

by Natto on Dec 9, 2008 11:59 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

so bad that Dave Kingman was yelling at him about his D.

The Denker bus is now bound for San Diego. Those who were passengers on it are now angrily stranded at a gas station in Modesto, CA. Not much about baseball here .

by oldjacket on Dec 10, 2008 6:28 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs