what a difference a year makes...

by giantdonkey on Jan 6, 2009 1:47 PM PST Comment 146 comments

with the 5th pick in the 2008 amateur draft, the san fran giants take c buster posey from florida state. (giants fans cheer !! ..mostly). meanwhile, a little known catching suspect/prospect named pablo sandoval goes on a 6 month demolition tour of any and all pitching in his path. ( 9 months if you count venezuela winter league, which he was the batting avg. leader).

how different would all of these recent posts be had the giants taken justin smoak with the 5th overall pick instead of posey. benjie molina is a FA after the 2009 season, which would allow the round mound of pound to slide back to his (more) natural postion of catcher.

i guess it's a matter of opinion... do you feel better about sandoval c/ smoak 1b or do you favor posey c/ sandoval 1b ? i like posey, but i feel better about sandoval/ smoak.

This FanPost is reader-generated, and it does not necessarily reflect the views of McCovey Chronicles. If the author uses filler to achieve the minimum word requirement, a moderator may edit the FanPost for his or her own amusement.

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Most folks here wanted Smoak at the time of the draft, actually.

Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly

by jcb9 on Jan 6, 2009 1:50 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

yeah, take a look back at the draft day talk. At the time, you would have thought picking Posey was a sin akin to picking Tony Torcato.

by FluLikeSymptoms on Jan 6, 2009 1:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

haha, we were all pretty pissed.

I hope we are all wrong.

McC's Outstanding Newcomer '08.

by FairweatherFan on Jan 6, 2009 2:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

not me

I mocked the naysayers

http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2008/6/5/546499/open-draft-day-ii#6590128

by FluLikeSymptoms on Jan 6, 2009 2:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

on draft day, we usually are

We don't really have that much pitching depth. We don't really have that much pitching depth. FOR GOD SAKE, VERUCA, DON'T GO FAKE TRADING JONATHAN SANCHEZ. We don't really have that much pitching depth

by oldjacket on Jan 6, 2009 2:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

DrB has yet to recover.

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by Natto on Jan 6, 2009 2:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think we’re a smart group of baseball fans, but we don’t know jackshit about how to evaluate amatuer talent (myself included).

by oldjacket on Jan 6, 2009 2:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

i can pick a winner at the gold club every time…. true talent

by giantdonkey on Jan 6, 2009 2:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

those girls are pros

by oldjacket on Jan 6, 2009 2:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

damn it…. she said she REALLY liked me.

by giantdonkey on Jan 6, 2009 2:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

She was talking to your wallet

She was eye-ing it with her peripherals

The 2008-2009 offseason is driving me sane!

by hairball on Jan 6, 2009 2:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I thought you were eye-ing her peripherials?

McC's Outstanding Newcomer '08.

by FairweatherFan on Jan 6, 2009 2:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

A lot of us were hoping for Smoak on the Water

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

by SoFa King Mike on Jan 6, 2009 2:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, if there’s one thing the McCoven can’t resist, it’s a cheap pun.

Adoptive father to the All-Father. Does that make me the All-Grandfather?

by EliminateMe on Jan 6, 2009 4:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

wow

thanks for the posey hatred, flu. i’m new to mcC and had no idea…

by giantdonkey on Jan 6, 2009 2:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Welcome

Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all.

by baetown415 on Jan 6, 2009 2:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Most folks seem to have come around to appreciate him.

Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly

by jcb9 on Jan 6, 2009 2:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Flu? Yea he’s ok.

The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."

by WalrusMan on Jan 6, 2009 3:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

wow, I'm touched

by FluLikeSymptoms on Jan 6, 2009 3:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Show us on the doll where he touched you! We cannot let WalrusMan continue to do this and get away with it.

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by Natto on Jan 6, 2009 3:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

whoops..

*hides post *

The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
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by WalrusMan on Jan 6, 2009 3:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Ehhh , just stick it out.

Who has the fun?
Is it always the man with the gun?
- The Stranglers

by victor frankenstein on Jan 6, 2009 10:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

My usual UNCONTROLLABLE RAGE!!!!!! was on display in that thread: “I was hoping for Smoak, but oh well – I won’t pretend I know better than the Giants’ scouting folks.”

Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly

by jcb9 on Jan 6, 2009 2:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

i’ve seen zito pitch. you SHOULD pretend.

by giantdonkey on Jan 6, 2009 2:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

There’s a big difference between amateur talent and well-established free agents. When it comes to the latter, I often do seem to know more than the brain trust.

Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly

by jcb9 on Jan 6, 2009 2:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I've seen Zito pretend.

Who has the fun?
Is it always the man with the gun?
- The Stranglers

by victor frankenstein on Jan 6, 2009 10:11 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

Damn, you’ve been off your hinges for months now.

When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Jan 6, 2009 2:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

that seems like downright ecstasy compared to the 2007 draft reaction.

Bonds stands alone.

Proud adopted parent of future big league slugger Thomas Neal

by nostocksjustbonds on Jan 6, 2009 5:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL at the madbum hate or indifference. Just goes to show the Giants know more then us in at least one aspect of baseball

Why does Sabean always look constipated?

by TexasRanger on Jan 9, 2009 9:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

At the risk of getting Smoaked

At the risk of getting Smoaked, I prefer Buster Posey. Close call though. But the Giants have historically been weak at catcher, and if Pablo Sandoval can develop into a good one, he can either alternate behind the dish with Buster — taking advantage of both their versatiliteis by playing them at other positinos, as well, in order to get both bats in the lineup and keep the legs of each player fresh — or Pablo can be traded to a team who needs a catcher, particularly a good switch-hitting one.

by sharksrog on Jan 6, 2009 2:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

positino

That has to be my favorite ~~mispelling~~ ~~misspelling~~ ~~mis-spelling~~ incorrectly-spelled word ever!

The 2008-2009 offseason is driving me sane!

by hairball on Jan 6, 2009 2:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not sure

I’m not sure of my position on postinos. Obviously.

by sharksrog on Jan 6, 2009 3:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I was a bit disappointed at first...

but finding a catcher who can (hopefully) provide good defense behind the plate and good offense at the plate for a decade is pretty rare. Add in the intangibles such as character and GAMERism (not to say Smoak doesn’t possess those qualities, but we already know those have been attributed to Posey) and you have someone who can be an on-field and clubhouse leader for the next dozen years or so.

by baseballjunkie on Jan 6, 2009 3:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I was hoping

I was hoping Gerald would last long enough to reach the Giants.

by sharksrog on Jan 6, 2009 3:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Would prefer Sandoval have the skills to be a MLB starting catcher and give SF the option of moving Posey to another position. If SF was to have another player would prefer Yonder Alonso.

by wilriv21 on Jan 6, 2009 1:58 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

sandoval has suprising skills behind the dish…. at least john manual over at BA thinks so.

by giantdonkey on Jan 6, 2009 2:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Footwork

It does appear Pablo brings athleticism and a strong arm back behind the dish. His footwork seems to be raw in some areas, but it would appear he does have a chance to become a good defensive catcher.

I hope the Giants go with just two catchers so that Pablo can get plenty of work behind the plate, even as he plays first and/or third in addition.

I think Pablo’s value will be greatest not as a corner infielder, but as a catcher or as a super-utiiltyman.

by sharksrog on Jan 6, 2009 2:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think I'd feel safe...

If Molina and Sandoval were the only two catchers on the team and Sandoval was playing 100 games at 3B/1B. If during any one of those games Sandoval is taken out and Molina gets hurt, then we’re screwed.

The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."

by WalrusMan on Jan 6, 2009 3:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Unfounded fear

I think this fear is unfounded.

First, there has been only one game in recent years that the Giants ran out of catchers (the infamous Feliz at C, Winn at 3B, Lowry in RF game). If winding up with no catchers happens that rarely, why add a third catcher to avoid something that has less than a 1% chance of happening anyway?

Second, while I guess one might want to remove Pablo late in the game for defensive purposes or one might want to pinch run for Bengie, I would think that most games which started with Bengie behind the plate and Pablo at a corner infield position would end that way.

I have long thought managers didn’t use their catchers aggressively enough in order to avoid the rare occasion when an emergency catcher was needed. Kevin Frandsen stands at the ready.

by sharksrog on Jan 6, 2009 3:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

True only one game..

But in recent years we never had a 2nd Catcher who played another position as his main position. We don’t have the double chance of it happening with two “catchers” starting in the lineup and no other backups.

Catching isn’t really something you can just shove someone into in an emergency. Any position (besides catcher) can be filled in an emergency by any player (besides some immovable first basemen). That’s why you need to make sure you don’t end up in such a situation.

The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."

by WalrusMan on Jan 6, 2009 4:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

the real question

Is how many games are started by the starting catcher and finished by the backup catcher?

That is quite a few w/ Molina. However, If Sandoval moved from 3b to C in the case where Molina was pinch run for, I think the team would be fine.

In that situation you have frandsen/aurilia/whomever is kicking around play 3b.

Poor Steve Holm.

McC's Outstanding Newcomer '08.

by FairweatherFan on Jan 6, 2009 4:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I guess also...

In our situation we’d be exposing ourselves to a lot more of the chance, probably around double the chance. You have the same situations of last year (perhaps more with Molina getting a little older) plus any situations where Sandoval is taken out for a defensive replacement where you only have one catcher. In those one catcher situations you are limited in case of injury, but also in your choices. If you have a situation where you need to pinch run for Molina on first when you are down by a run in the 9th, and Sandoval has already been used, and you pinch run, then you run the risk of only tying the game and then being without a catcher.

So you’re either stuck with “Oh no now we don’t have a catcher!” or “Oh no Molina was thrown out at the plate when Burriss would have scored!”

The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."

by WalrusMan on Jan 6, 2009 8:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

That is what I see as the biggest concern

How many games will you have Sandoval already played and out with Molina wanting to be pinch run for ?

Not too many I imagine. Who would be your defensive replacement at 3rd anyway?

McC's Outstanding Newcomer '08.

by FairweatherFan on Jan 6, 2009 8:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

you mean molina gunned down at third on a play that burress would’ve scored… right ?

by giantdonkey on Jan 7, 2009 5:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I believe Burress gunned down himself.

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by Natto on Jan 7, 2009 5:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I thought it was Harris Smith who did that

by FluLikeSymptoms on Jan 7, 2009 6:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The guy is a dumbass

Giant Dirtbags: Brian Anderson, Todd Jennings, Steve Hammond, John Bowker
Jeremy Affeldt Ready To Make His Father Proud

by Giant among Angels on Jan 7, 2009 6:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

who?

Harris Smith?

by FluLikeSymptoms on Jan 7, 2009 6:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

All the above

Giant Dirtbags: Brian Anderson, Todd Jennings, Steve Hammond, John Bowker
Jeremy Affeldt Ready To Make His Father Proud

by Giant among Angels on Jan 7, 2009 6:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Phelps

If he makes the team, he could be used as an emergency catcher as well.

I think that’s probably a better option than wasting a roster spot on someone like Holm, who would probably have very limited playing time.

by The Double Deuce on Jan 7, 2009 10:43 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

But Holm is where the heart is

My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman

by Goofus on Jan 7, 2009 5:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

On the bus?

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

by bgunn on Jan 8, 2009 10:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Add water!

It makes it’s own sauce!

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 Jan 8, 2009 10:01 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

If Holm makes the team..

I’d like to see Sandoval used as the 3B, but not the catcher. Then Holm is the backup and gets other starts.

The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."

by WalrusMan on Jan 8, 2009 9:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

very interesting article in Baseball America today on Sandoval as a catcher

hat tip to WillieMaysHayes who posted it in a fanshot

as I said over there (since nobody reads fanshots):

I think it is certainly a good idea to keep letting him catch this year, I’m also one of those that hates the idea of him at 3B, and I think if he is the regular 1B, having him catch 40-60 games won’t mess him up there. I do ultimately agree with the scouts who think he is going to be too big (very interesting that there has never been a regular catcher over 245 pounds) given how a 22 year’s old body goes, he’s likely heading for 260 pounds rather than 230. I think this sums it up very well:

"He’s a good offensive player, but if he plays first base, he could be a great offensive player," the scout added. "If he goes to catch, that’s probably going to hurt his offense.

by FluLikeSymptoms on Jan 6, 2009 3:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I didn’t care what you had to say when you said it over there…what makes you think anything has changed?

My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman

by Goofus on Jan 6, 2009 4:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

it’s like that commercial where the guy hopes the answers will be different now that he is calling from his new phone.

by FluLikeSymptoms on Jan 6, 2009 4:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

only less…awkward

My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman

by Goofus on Jan 7, 2009 5:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh. I didn’t believe it in the fanshot but now it all makes sense.

The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."

by WalrusMan on Jan 6, 2009 4:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

That scout pretty clearly doesn’t understand positional adjustments. Sandoval would have to be worth 2.5 wins more with the bat to make up for the move from catcher to first. Unless he just meant that at face value, in which case there is no reason to say it since everyone knows that.

When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Jan 6, 2009 4:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

he's obviously speaking in absolute terms

I think all he meant was that Sandoval wouldn’t be able to handle the physical demands of catching and also be a good hitter. He obviously thinks very highly of him as a hitter since he says he can be a great offensive player if you don’t burden him with a demanding defensive position

by FluLikeSymptoms on Jan 6, 2009 5:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Ok

I guess that makes some sense. I’d still want to exhaust the possibility of Sandoval at catcher before moving him to 1B.

When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Jan 6, 2009 5:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I feel more comfortable about Zito’s starts if Sandoval is behind the dish. Maybe it was just a fluke last year, but I remember Zito pitching much better in those games.

by Norm Median on Jan 7, 2009 10:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Even if Pablo can develop into a reasonably good catcher...

I’m not sure if that is enough of a reason to move a potential Gold Glove catcher off the position. That being said, I can imagine a scenario in which Buster is moved to another position, but for the purposes of allowing him the best chance to preserve his health and maximize his offensive skills, such as what was done with Biggio. In fact, I could see Posey’s career taking a Biggio-like path, but without a stint in the OF. Posey’s position change would likely occur after Sandoval is no longer with the Giants due to a trade, free agency or career attrition.

by baseballjunkie on Jan 6, 2009 4:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I've allowed myself to get excited about Posey

But I initially wanted Smoak and would not be upset if we had drafted him.

However, he fell fairly far – and I can’t help but think that he fell that far for a reason.

McC's Outstanding Newcomer '08.

by FairweatherFan on Jan 6, 2009 1:59 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

if you could assure me that Sandoval is capable of catching at the MLB level than I would take the Sandoval/Posey tandem. However, there is a lot of skepticism about that

by FluLikeSymptoms on Jan 6, 2009 2:02 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Healthy skepticism?

Is it healthy skepticism, or does it have flu-like symptoms?

by sharksrog on Jan 6, 2009 2:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I Like What We Got

Including Villalona we have 3 quality 3B Canidates, 2 quality C canidates, and 2 quality 1B canidates. With Smoak we would have only one C canidate, 3 1B canidates, and just 2 3B canidates. Posey was the right choice.

by giantsrainman on Jan 6, 2009 2:12 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Quibble

Who includes Villalona as a quality 3B candidate?

The 2008-2009 offseason is driving me sane!

by hairball on Jan 6, 2009 2:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The same guy who includes Nate Schierholtz and Randy Winn as quality 3B candidates.

Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly

by jcb9 on Jan 6, 2009 2:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn’t rule out Villa at the hot corner just yet. He has a great arm. He defense is good at either corner.

The only reason he won’t be able to play third is because his body. But he’s only 18 and his weight could go either way. It will be interesting to get a look at him in a couple months.

by Cainer on Jan 6, 2009 3:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

This is a good point

The reasons we are saying that he can’t play 3B are the same reasons we are saying Pablo can’t play 3B. So for now, I’d count him.

Giants! Giants! HELP US GOD!

by j14 on Jan 6, 2009 3:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Big V

he had almost as many errors at 1b as the number of HRs he hit.

by wilriv21 on Jan 6, 2009 3:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It was his first year at the position and full season ball as a 17 year old. I think he did just fine. Also what I remember hearing from the Greenjackets radio announcer was Villalona played good defense at first and continued to take grounders at third all season.

by Cainer on Jan 6, 2009 3:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

and speaking of the radio announcer

My understanding is that Mr. Barrale is no longer employed in that position. Can anyone confirm that?

Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005.

by Lyle on Jan 6, 2009 3:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

jackets radio announcer

He is not listed on the site anymore, I guess he left. That’s a shame because I enjoyed listening to him, I wonder what happened, or if he moved up?

by The Real Gmen! on Jan 15, 2009 3:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think it’s fair to say of somebody who is overweight at 18 that their weight “could go either way.” I think it’s almost assured that the person’s weight will go up between age 18 and say 28.

by FluLikeSymptoms on Jan 6, 2009 3:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

i’ve seen anvil play. it’s not pretty…. all the plate discipline of pedro feliz, without pedro’s leather. he is ONLY 18, so there’s plenty of room for GROWTH.

by giantdonkey on Jan 6, 2009 3:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't say so

I know a few guys who toned out and lost quite a few lbs after highschool.

McC's Outstanding Newcomer '08.

by FairweatherFan on Jan 6, 2009 3:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

we’re talking about athletes here. not pencil pushers.

by giantdonkey on Jan 6, 2009 3:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

find me a proffesional athlete who weighs less than when he was 18. no, jockies are not to be considered

by giantdonkey on Jan 6, 2009 3:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

exactly my point

specifically, find me a baseball player of whom that is true?

by FluLikeSymptoms on Jan 6, 2009 3:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

no. dravecky doesn’t count.

by giantdonkey on Jan 6, 2009 3:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I can’t believe you went there.

Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005.

by Lyle on Jan 6, 2009 3:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

ooo lordy

very, very cold

by boonitez on Jan 6, 2009 4:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Too soon?

I can haz homerunz!

by jbowl on Jan 6, 2009 4:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Steve Jobs?

My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman

by Goofus on Jan 6, 2009 5:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

On the subject of physical transformations, we saw “The Wrestler” last night. Wow, what a movie. The role of a lifetime for Mickey Rourke. Anyone else see it?

I’m having a tough time deciding between him and Sean Penn for best actor.

My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman

by Goofus on Jan 6, 2009 5:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I really want to see that.

New to McCovey Chronicles? Check out the McFAQs! McFAQ I & II
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by Natto on Jan 6, 2009 5:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

See it!

I’m still blown away that such a gritty movie could be so touching and that this character could be so simpathetic.

My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman

by Goofus on Jan 6, 2009 5:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It’s only showing at the Metreon, and I rarely go there to watch movies since it’s pretty far from where I live compared to a couple other theaters. I may have to wait for the DVD.

New to McCovey Chronicles? Check out the McFAQs! McFAQ I & II
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by Natto on Jan 6, 2009 5:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

You're an Oscar voter?

Fairley odd parent to Wendell

by WTF on Jan 6, 2009 11:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, I always voted for Oscar Gamble for the All-Star team. Sadly, he never made it.

Under-appeciated player: 127 Career OPS+

Too bad he was always hurt

My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman

by Goofus on Jan 7, 2009 10:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Sean Penn was good, but even though I haven’t seen The Wrestler I wouldn’t be disappointed if Penn didn’t win the award. When I left the theater I didn’t feel blown away at all- Penn’s performance was more or less what I expected. I felt the same about Tom Hanks’ performance in Forrest Gump.

I’m more appreciative of a performance that gets the point across with a bit more subtlety. Helen Mirren in The Queen, for example

Wall-E for Best Picture 2008

by Useful_Idiot on Jan 7, 2009 11:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Find One Yourself

by Cainer on Jan 6, 2009 3:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

p.s.

spare me….. i know bocock swings a pencil.

by giantdonkey on Jan 6, 2009 3:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

How much someone weighs isn’t really the issue though, it’s whether someone can improve their athleticism.

We're all basically Pedro Feliz.

by SF Pete on Jan 6, 2009 3:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

well, they aren’t exactly mutually exclusive

by FluLikeSymptoms on Jan 6, 2009 3:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

No, but it’s pretty rare for someone to weigh less in their 20’s than they did as a teenager, and it’s pretty common for professional athletes to peak physically in in their 20’s. So while Anvil’s weight when he steps on the scale isn’t likely to come down from what it is now, he could very well improve his strength, agility and anything else he needs to play third.

We're all basically Pedro Feliz.

by SF Pete on Jan 6, 2009 4:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

You could put him on a pointedly low carb diet and a high endurance or qualitative cardiovascular exercise regimen , but that might upset his natural balance.

What does the Book Of Genetics say?

Who has the fun?
Is it always the man with the gun?
- The Stranglers

by victor frankenstein on Jan 6, 2009 10:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Posey was purportedly asking for $11 mil to sign as well…that’s why
he was even available.

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

by bgunn on Jan 6, 2009 2:29 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Without the crazy salary demands, Posey had a good shot at being the #1 pick. I don’t think a lot of people expected him to be around at #5.

by mxmob33 on Jan 6, 2009 2:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Best Talent Available

Teams don’t draft based on need.

Also so far in their careers Posey>Smoak.

by Cainer on Jan 6, 2009 2:46 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Is that really true?

They have both had fairly limited performances thus far…

McC's Outstanding Newcomer '08.

by FairweatherFan on Jan 6, 2009 2:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

I was going off of college performance as well.

by Cainer on Jan 6, 2009 2:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah Posey was the better pick simply because he was the better talent, it had nothing to do with organizational need. Posey was ranked ahead of Smoak on every draft board I saw, had a better college career than Smoak, and was generally thought of as the better prospect.

by FluLikeSymptoms on Jan 6, 2009 3:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

BUT SMOAK HITZ DINGERSZ

McC's Outstanding Newcomer '08.

by FairweatherFan on Jan 6, 2009 3:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

not really

by boonitez on Jan 6, 2009 4:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Really??

Beating Dead Horse II "/>

"Why you gotta be cardin' my hos?" - Charlie Hayes

by stevieg on Jan 6, 2009 3:29 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

how does this apply?

by boonitez on Jan 6, 2009 4:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Smoak Is The Dead Horse

by giantsrainman on Jan 6, 2009 4:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Why would we want to draft a dead horse? Although its defense would be better than Velez’s…

New to McCovey Chronicles? Check out the McFAQs! McFAQ I & II
comics | art | Nattowear

by Natto on Jan 6, 2009 4:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

or we’re running short on baseballs…

by giantdonkey on Jan 6, 2009 4:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I Am Pretty Sure You Are Just Making A Joke

But in case you are not it is not Smoak the player that is a “dead horse” it is the idea of drafting Smoak that is the “dead horse”.

by giantsrainman on Jan 6, 2009 4:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

You’re funny.

New to McCovey Chronicles? Check out the McFAQs! McFAQ I & II
comics | art | Nattowear

by Natto on Jan 6, 2009 4:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Obviously You Are Not.

The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."

by WalrusMan on Jan 6, 2009 8:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Whatever

Fairley odd parent to Wendell

by WTF on Jan 6, 2009 11:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

call me a dipshit

but I wish we picked Smoak. It’s cool to have the best hitting catcher in the league, but it doesn’t help your lineup quite as much as Mark Teixeira 2.0, which Smoak just might be. I’d definitely prefer Smoak/Sandoval over Posey/Sandoval.

by boonitez on Jan 6, 2009 4:39 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

You’re a dipshit.

I can haz homerunz!

by jbowl on Jan 6, 2009 4:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

by giantsrainman on Jan 6, 2009 4:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm pretty sure jbowl said so just for poops and giggles

but why do you disagree?

by boonitez on Jan 6, 2009 4:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

My Reasons Are Stated Above

The +1 was just taking the opportunity to pick at you too.

by giantsrainman on Jan 6, 2009 5:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

ah

my mistake

by boonitez on Jan 6, 2009 5:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

GRM, YOU CRACK ME UP. ONE MINUTE I THINK YOU WERE BORN WITHOUT A SENSE OF HUMOR, THE NEXT YOU'RE BEING FUNNY

wow, writing like GRM is difficult

My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman

by Goofus on Jan 6, 2009 5:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

You Are Also Not Doing It Right - You Are Supose To Only Cap The 1st Letter Of Every Word

Get It Right GRM Want-To-Be!

by giantsrainman on Jan 6, 2009 6:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Want-To-Be??????

Saving countless runs with my Brian Horwitz

by lyricalkiller on Jan 9, 2009 3:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I was only saying it cause you told me to.

I can haz homerunz!

by jbowl on Jan 6, 2009 5:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The thing about Smoak was that it looked like we would get a top/nearTop
player on the board that would also fill a position of need—it seemed like we
might get our cake and smoak it too.

That said, after BP signed, I liked it the way it happened.

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

by bgunn on Jan 6, 2009 4:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Gerald Posey

Note to Sabean and Tidrow: DO NOT RUSH THE KID

by wilriv21 on Jan 6, 2009 4:44 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

AHHH SHUT UP ABOUT RUSH WOULD YOU?

McC's Outstanding Newcomer '08.

by FairweatherFan on Jan 6, 2009 4:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, his mind is not for rent, to any god or government.

No, really, I have updated my blog this year: http://skaldheim.livejournal.com/tag/baseball

by Skaldheim on Jan 6, 2009 6:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Be Cool or Be Cast Out

Fred Lewis can stand under my umbrella.
31 May 2007, 21:38 EST - the last time Matteh's career W-L wasn't below.500

by S.F. Giangst on Jan 7, 2009 7:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Rush?

The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."

by WalrusMan on Jan 6, 2009 8:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Rush for a change of atmosphere.

Who has the fun?
Is it always the man with the gun?
- The Stranglers

by victor frankenstein on Jan 6, 2009 10:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Sandoval and Wilson

Next winter Pablo should go live with Wilson and follow his training regimen like Zito is doing now.

By the way has anyone seen off season photos of Zito lately? I am hoping he comes back from his winter long slumber party with Wilson with some muscle to add some zip to his fastball….. and teaches Wilson how to throw a curve and changeup. Oh wait a minute sorry that was Zito’s fastball!

Radical Racing

by Radical Racing on Jan 6, 2009 6:38 PM PST reply actions 0 recs