Story Title
by Grant Brisbee on Jun 23, 2008 1:14 PM PDT
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PrintFirst, I’d like to point out how bizarre it is that not only do the Giants have two off days in a row, but that first of those off days was on a Sunday. What’s going on with the schedule? Why wasn’t there a game yesterday? If there were a game, I’d think I’d remember that sort of thing.
It’s hard to come up with material after an off day, so I’ll bring up a completely random topic. Like, oh, the bullpen. The bullpen has made great strides this season in the all-important statistical category of not having Armando Benitez (NHAB), but the overall performance has been a little spotty. Brian Wilson’s been fine, non-save situations aside, Jack Taschner has done well as the lefty specialist, and Keiichi Yabu has generally done well in the traditional moppy set-up role.
I’ll also make a little admission: I don’t mind Tyler Walker in this bullpen. He can strike guys out, and his walk rate is one of the best on the team. He’s just been a little unlucky, or, at least he’s just chosen the exact wrong times to be awful. Alex Hinshaw is as fun to watch as anyone else in the pen, even if his control is a constant struggle.
So there have been acceptable-to-good spots. There has also been Vinnie Chulk. Billy Sadler is usually an adventure, too. Here’s the problem: If the Giants want to make a change, they’ll either have to pull someone up directly from AA (Sergio Romo, Osiris Matos, or Justin Hedrick), or they’ll have to bring up someone who is struggling in AAA, as they’re all struggling in Fresno. Even if the familiar names (Randy Messenger, Scott "Jason Voorhees" Munter, and Brad Hennessey) might normally tempt Brian Sabean, they haven’t done anything at all in AAA to indicate they’d be an improvement on either Sadler or Chulk in the short-term.
There isn’t an easy solution, but I’m not sure there’s a huge problem, either. Open bullpen thread, which is totally unrelated to whatever happened during yesterday's non-game.
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What about Geno Espineli
He’s having a pretty nice season at AAA http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Geno%20Espineli&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=457910
Espenli was ridiculous in April and May but struggled through June. I think he’ll get it together and I’d like to see him up with the Giants. But right now I’m a tad iffy on him.
"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.
by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Jun 23, 2008 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions
*Espineli
I have no idea who or what Espenli is.
"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.
by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Jun 23, 2008 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Made with real espen!
"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.
by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Jun 23, 2008 7:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Well, he only has 10 2/3 IP in June, and in that time, he has a 1.22 WHIP, 2.53 BB/9, and 9.28 K/9. That’s still pretty sweet, and his K rate is higher in June than in the previous months.
He is really the only hope for bullpen help, too. We’re basically stuck with what we have unless guys get called up from AA or lower (don’t do it Sabean). Would you rather have Kevin Gryboski? Randy Messenger? Scott F. Munter? Still, Espineli is a LHP, and we already have Hinshaw and Taschner, so it’s not going to happen.
By the way, I kept trying to look up Espineli on minorleaguesplits.com, and nothing would come up. I finally figured out his name was “Espineli” and not “Espinelli,” and I thought WTF? That’s a strange spelling. Then I see milb.com has his middle name – “Macalalag” – he’s Filipino? I had no idea.
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Jun 23, 2008 8:18 PM PDT up reply actions
a team with a Macalalag and a Bocock? Tell this isn’t like old time baseball. All they need now are they good mustaches & cool nick names!
" Their still Shitty" - Major Leagues the movie.
I am a Giants fan. Thus I enjoy my pain. Currently enjoying it more then usual.
Brian “Death to Flying Things” Bocock?
All-Father Watch: 1.05 ERA, 7 saves, 0.87 WHIP, 34 Ks in 34 1/3 IP
by EliminateMe on Jun 24, 2008 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions
Geno is Filipino
No one pays attention to my lumpia jokes around here.
Adopted brother of the AnVil / GIANTSPACE™ returns!
by SoFa King Mike on Jun 24, 2008 10:10 AM PDT up reply actions
Mmmm….. lumpia.
I once told someone it was made of pig brains, just so I could get the last one.
It's my blarg! Quick Pitch
by can of corn on Jun 24, 2008 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions
What does it hurt?
If we let Chulk and Walker and Sadler keep pitching for the rest of the season, what does it hurt? I can see scenarios where each and every one of those three ends up having a decent to good year. Let them try and pitch out of any funks they might be in. Let’s see if Chulk can return to his decent K/BB ratio from last year. Let’s see if Walker can get confidence and control of his splitter again. Let’s see if Sadler can throw strikes.
The only thing it hurts is our hearts.
Only 896 games until the end of Zito's contract
Chulk needs to go – the sooner the better. I cannot recall a good outing of his. Or only use him when the game is hopelessly lost – never when the Giants may have a teeny sliver of hope.
I’d be happy to see Sadler try to work it out. I’m more optimistic when it comes to young guys getting through their problems – seems that there’s at least some glimmer of hope. Chulk is showing he’s on the decline. No upside.
Walker. Hmm. I like to see him come out to the mound and sweat his polar bear sweat. He’s still not as “clean” as he should be for the role he’s been asked to play, but he’s not as terrifyingly bad as he was there for a stretch.
It's my blarg! Quick Pitch
Chulk
Why is his K/BB ratio down? That’s the question. If it’s something that can be fixed then let’s see if he can fix it. If it’s not, then I would agree with you and he would go the way of Messenger in my mind.
Anybody with any ideas as to reasons?
Only 896 games until the end of Zito's contract
Since there was no game yesterday
I won’t bitch about how Bochy should have pulled Yabu much earlier than he did. You know, since it never happened.
Proud pappa of....STEVE HOLM!!
That's so totally believable
I could easily see Bochy leaving in a pitcher too long. So, if there was a game yesterday, I could totally buy Yabu being left in too long. Just as long as you didn’t say anything completely unbelievable, like Lincecum struggling or something.
Only 896 games until the end of Zito's contract
Theoretical Yabu faced 4 batters with a big lead
I can’t say that if actually had played a game yesterday that he could have been yanked that much earlier. Maybe he could have been pulled after three, but after one or two seems silly. If they had played he should have just gotten an out or two.
It seems like
either the bullpen has been outstanding throughout a single game or they’ve been collectively awful through a game. I don’t have any stats or “facts” to back this up, but I made that statement secure in its general truthiness.
I’d give Sunday as an example of their collective awfulness, except they didn’t play.
Eagerly awaiting Crazy Crab Bobblehead Night on 7/18.
BTW Grant – you’ve already used “Story Title” as a story title. C’mon man – what are we paying you the big bucks for?
It's my blarg! Quick Pitch
Actually, if I forget to put in a title, that’s the default. Then I’m too lazy to fix it. So it goes.
by Grant Brisbee on Jun 23, 2008 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions
I figured it was the default. Just funnin’. I’m just happy for an off-day thread.
It's my blarg! Quick Pitch
I’ve been playing around with the managerial settings of the site trying to figure out how to change the default to “Goofus Is Cool” because that would be an appropriate title for any thread. Still working on it.
2008 Giants: Scrappy! Scrappy! Joy! Joy!
My screensaver at work is “Garrett Rules.”
It’s a real pick-me-up when I get back from my breaks.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Jun 23, 2008 9:10 PM PDT up reply actions
After reading your post, I tried that at work, too. But seeing “Garrett Rules” just didn’t seem to do it for me. Maybe I didn’t do it right.
Your 2011 SF Giants: the 2008 Augusta Greenjackets!
It doesn't do anything for me, either
Maybe if I knew what the “Garrett Rules” were, I’d appreciate them more.
Only 896 games until the end of Zito's contract
Yabu is also good at inducing triple plays.
Proud adopted parent of future big league slugger Thomas Neal
by nostocksjustbonds on Jun 23, 2008 3:02 PM PDT reply actions
sigh
If it was an off day, then why did I lose my shirt in Vegas yesterday?
I say clear house and release/trade/demote some of those Fresno relievers and start giving the relief kids in the lower A leagues a promotion. Why did we re-sign Scott Munster again? Another roster spot thief.
The talent level of the Grizzlies pitching are about as barren as Fresno itself (No offense to the people living in Fresno).
With the Giants, I’ve already given up on Chulk & Sadler, but I’d like to see Yabu and Hinshaw more time on the mound to prove themselves.
Adopted brother of the AnVil / GIANTSPACE™ returns!
Yowza
While I don’t agree with the Chulk sentiment, it’s hardly surprising. However, you’ve given up on Sadler? That’s a mighty itchy trigger finger you’ve got.
Only 896 games until the end of Zito's contract
Well compared to where Accardo is at the moment, I’d say Chulk is in a better position. Maybe it’s the trimmed 5 o’clock shadow that he sports that bothers me the most.
Sadler doesn’t have fantastic stuff from what I’ve seen. Sure it might be sample size. I guess I have high expectations of these kids especially when they are called up to the bigs. I expect them to be ready to face major league pitching. Sadler to me looks like he needs a little more seasoning in AAA.
Adopted brother of the AnVil / GIANTSPACE™ returns!
by SoFa King Mike on Jun 23, 2008 3:45 PM PDT up reply actions
More seasoning in AAA doesn't sound like giving up to me
Only 896 games until the end of Zito's contract
When I say give up, I mean make room for someone else, not drop the guy off the GG Bridge.
Adopted brother of the AnVil / GIANTSPACE™ returns!
by SoFa King Mike on Jun 23, 2008 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Non-Zito division.
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Jun 23, 2008 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Merkin Update?
Last I heard Merkin Valdez was going to get an MRI on his arm. That was almost two weeks ago, haven’t heard a peep since. Anyone heard anything?
If Valdez could come back and pitch like he did earlier this season, the bullpen will look a lot steadier all of a sudden.
All-Father Watch: 1.05 ERA, 7 saves, 0.87 WHIP, 34 Ks in 34 1/3 IP
I’ve always said “all of the sudden”, but noticed you said “all of a sudden”. Which is correct? These are the type of thing to ponder during off-days.
2008 Giants: Scrappy! Scrappy! Joy! Joy!
i thought it was all of a sudden, but im a math major
proud father of the newly acquired Brandon Crawford..
All of a sudden
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Jun 23, 2008 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Suddenly.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Jun 23, 2008 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Recently, I’ve been seeing “all of the sudden” printed in the Sports section of my local fishwrap. I emailed the writer the first time I saw it; no reply. I’ve seen it at least three times since.
Your 2011 SF Giants: the 2008 Augusta Greenjackets!
In thinking about, neither are as good as “next thing you know…”. That expression has far more comedic value.
2008 Giants: Scrappy! Scrappy! Joy! Joy!
Revised version of my comment
If Valdez could come back and pitch like he did earlier this season, next thing you know, Goofus will lead the discussion off on some pointless tangent.
All-Father Watch: 1.05 ERA, 7 saves, 0.87 WHIP, 34 Ks in 34 1/3 IP
by EliminateMe on Jun 24, 2008 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions
For all intensive purposes, the question is mute.
All-Father Watch: 1.05 ERA, 7 saves, 0.87 WHIP, 34 Ks in 34 1/3 IP
by EliminateMe on Jun 24, 2008 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions
I always thought it was "For all intents and purposes."
Only 896 games until the end of Zito's contract
and...
Trent Kline: Decentish. Also, my website is called ChatterBalks Dot Com and on it I make jokes about things.
In regards to that, there’s a very reasonable explanation.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Jun 24, 2008 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions
If you question it, this whole conversation is just going to take a different tact.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Jun 24, 2008 1:36 PM PDT up reply actions
I just wanted to to nib this in the butt before it got outer hand.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Jun 24, 2008 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions
This whole thing is boring
Really, I could care less.
Trent Kline: Decentish. Also, my website is called ChatterBalks Dot Com and on it I make jokes about things.
Which is odd
Because I couldn’t care less.
by Johnny Disaster on Jun 24, 2008 5:10 PM PDT up reply actions
My Cents Two
I’m ok with Walker – keep pitching him
I’m near the end of my rope w/Chulk, but he gets a few more outings
Hinshaw is greenlighted to keep going
I want Merkeeeeeen back
Sadler looks like he could use more AAA, but I would let him pitch once or twice
Yabu I’m fine with, even though i dropped his ass from my fantasy team
WILSON is fun.
Tentatively adopting Dan Ortmeier. And Boom Goes the Dynamite.
I agree with all of this. People who expected an ERA near 2 for Yabu were bound to be disappointed, though.
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Jun 23, 2008 5:25 PM PDT up reply actions
You win the thread.
by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Jun 23, 2008 5:26 PM PDT up reply actions
how about as “pithcer we would more like to see don dodger blue in the next 12 months”?
" Their still Shitty" - Major Leagues the movie.
I am a Giants fan. Thus I enjoy my pain. Currently enjoying it more then usual.
i was gonna say no because sinker ball pitchers generally do well vs the giants, but then i remembered his sinker doesnt sink
proud father of the newly acquired Brandon Crawford..
He’s actually a stinkerball pitcher. We’ve all just been reading it wrong for two and a half years.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Jun 23, 2008 9:12 PM PDT up reply actions
I laughed way more than this joke merited.
Trent Kline: Decentish. Also, my website is called ChatterBalks Dot Com and on it I make jokes about things.
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