Chase Field (Test) Report

by victor frankenstein on Apr 25, 2009 2:22 AM PDT Comment 39 comments

Welcome to Chase Field , home of the Arizona Diamond~~blanks~~backs!

I'm here...wait , there I am...

...to field test the Sony DSC - S950 Cybershot digital camera.

I'm a little early. Let's check the action on the field.

Here's the legendary Fat Panda himself , Pablo Sandoval , taking some grounders.

Ron Wotus was working with Pablo to correct an apparent hitch in his throws to second.

Then the Pandaval noticed the photographer , who was sitting alone behind the dugout...and a very strange occurrence , well , occurred.

I'm at a complete loss here...I hadn't said a word.

Maybe it was the orange bandanna that triggered this.

He did a lot of that.

While I'll be sportin' the 'danna the entire weekend I'll be damned if I'll wear it around him again.

Here's Wotus giving the Naughty Panda an earful.

I took a bunch of batting cage shots but none of them is worth printing...the camera is brand new to me (I sort of drove away from somewhere with my old one on top of my car) and I'm still figuring it out.

But hey , let's eat.

These dogs are a great addition to Chase's usual fare . They're about 14 inches long with abundant and various condiments on them , with regional references.

I'd have loved to show you the whole thing , but , well...

Not shown - the two that fell when some clod tried to pick the carrier , which also sported a couple of tall drinks , from the middle and it folded in half.

Celebrity sighting...

I saw no BONDS , nor did I wear mine. For some odd reason I just can't anymore.

I think it's mostly that he's no longer there , and I don't want to pretend.

But I did see a tyke in a LINCECUM...and a full sized one as well.

Doesn't that picture suck? Well , that's also my estimation of the zoom feature of the Sony...MAYBE I wasn't giving it time to focus , but even when I moved the shutter at glacial speed the pics didn't impress. My old Panasonic did much better , and with less megapixels. Now , where's that damn receipt?

THIS picture looks all right...

...in so many ways!

I'm just sorry I didn't get the B - Money! shot. Shots. (Friggin' awesome , wasn't he?)

Oddly enough , after the game there were fireworks.

And flesh - eating zombies.

Such gracious hosts...think I'll head by again tonight!

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.

2 recs | Comment 39 comments

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Other Stuff I Forgot

I have to own up to a couple of things.
I yelled “C’MON TIM , IT’S ONLY DOUG DAVIS!” and then Davis strokes it to the delight of the assembled Sedona Red around me.

Later I yelled “DOWN GOES TRACY!” and turned to my friend and said “Watch , now he’ll hit a double.” Many inquired afterward for winning lottery numbers…

This still doesn’t look like Cy Lincecum…I dunno , where’s that OTHER 5 mph? is this by design , with preservation in mind? And if that’s the case then why the eighth?
I won’t argue with success…but these are still the Blanks , a team floundering.

NL West TempestTeapot
Nothing matters , and what if it did?

by victor frankenstein on Apr 25, 2009 2:51 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

OMG

I would totally love a Giants Pierzynski jersey.

Flossing a dead horse

by kenshin1 on Apr 25, 2009 5:40 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I would love to burn one during the winter in my fireplace.

by SFGuy on Apr 25, 2009 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great pics and story

Good job, Vic. My favorite comment was the “little tyke in the Lincecum jersey”.

We visited Chase last summer and enjoyed it. It was a hot night so they had the roof closed, but opened it up for the fireworks. I was amazed at how quickly the opened it up and how much different it felt with the roof and back walls opened up.

Since you obviously brought good fortune to the team, it’s your duty to attend every game in the series.

My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman

by Goofus on Apr 25, 2009 6:12 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice pictures. The AJ jersey made me lol.

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

by jponry on Apr 25, 2009 6:49 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Excellent reportage, Vic. And btw, you look just like I imagined you might, which is rare for me. Keep us informed on the infernal doings of the desert-dwellers.

Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005. And winner of the 2012 NL Fireman of the Year Award!

by Lyle on Apr 25, 2009 8:04 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Doo rag FTW

Giant Dirtbags: Brian Anderson, Todd Jennings, Steve Hammond, John Bowker
Wronghanded Affeldt doing it right

by Giant among Angels on Apr 25, 2009 8:34 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Cool man

nice pics, looks like you had fun
BTW, how the F do you simultanously
1) Stuff a whole dog down your gullet
2) Take a perfectly framed pic of yourself
3) Still manage a little smile for the camera

now THAT’S talent

Tommy Lasorda HATES GIANTSBOARD.COM
Cut and Pasted Blog redundancy can be a good thing
Say Hey! Say Who? Say Willie, that Giant Kid is Great!

by merkin on Apr 25, 2009 8:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yea that Lincecum pic is really really pixelated. I’d probably say it’s a combination of low lighting, extreme zoom, and then extreme digital zoom making the pixels huge. I’d almost never use the digital zoom, it just decreases the image quality, and if you do post-processing in your computer you can get a better quality.

Good pics though Vic. I hope you kicked AJ in the balls though.

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

by WalrusMan on Apr 25, 2009 9:09 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Post processing?

I thought that’s what I was doing here at two A.M.

I haven’t loaded the Sony software , and on a whim I tried the USB cable from the Panasonic – it fit the Sony and positively raced through the image transfers. Highlighting individual images did indeed show me a photo processing feature , but considering how long it took me just to master e-mail image transfer sleep was an easier choice.

I think I was comparing the results I got from Scottsdale Stadium with Chase , and I just realized there might be a subtle distance contrast…now I just want to go out and spend money acquiring better distance/image capability.

NL West TempestTeapot
Nothing matters , and what if it did?

by victor frankenstein on Apr 25, 2009 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I recommend the Canon if you’re going to spend some money.

Randy Winn is going to catch that. And he'll do it real classy-like too.

by oldjacket on Apr 25, 2009 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Which , and (shudder) how much?

I don’t want to go nuts , I have this idea about lying on a beach in Hawaii come July.
(This from a guy who just dropped nearly $300 on tickets)

NL West TempestTeapot
Nothing matters , and what if it did?

by victor frankenstein on Apr 25, 2009 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well the wife is about to throw down $1300 of our dollars on a 50D. I sorta regard that as going nuts, but I don’t know what your definition is.

The various Canon Rebel models are all pretty good too, for around $600-$800. THey can be had used for around $300 and they age pretty well.

I used to have one of their older model power shots, which took good pictures, but probably wouldn’t be a drastic improvement on what you’ve got now.

Randy Winn is going to catch that. And he'll do it real classy-like too.

by oldjacket on Apr 25, 2009 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Note vic: That 1300 is probably just for the body as well, maybe a kit lens which is not very good.

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

by WalrusMan on Apr 25, 2009 10:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah , I just looked around.

Christ , I thought cycling was expensive…guess I’ll stand pat for now.

NL West TempestTeapot
Nothing matters , and what if it did?

by victor frankenstein on Apr 25, 2009 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Canon sx10

I just picked up a Canon SX10 almost specifically for games because of the awesome 20x optical zoom with image stabilization. I took some picks of RJ’s first start with the Giants, I could post em if you wanted. Its a little large, definitely not a compact camera. But a good alternative to dropping over a grand on a dslr. (which i also have, but actually seem to favor the sx10 at this point)

by projectmayhem713 on Apr 25, 2009 6:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO CANON.

If you’re going to the SLR route, go Nikon. Better lenses if super-high end photography is your thing.

If you want a compact point and shoot, I love my little Sony DSC-W170.

It’s probably another $100 or so more than the one you’ve got now, but it’s a big step up from the ‘S’ class to the ‘W’ class. I love the Zeiss lens in mine and this is the 2nd Cybershot W series that I’ve owned (first one was stolen).

Proud papa of Nathan John Schierholtz. Choo Choo...the train is a comin' baby, get off them tracks!!

by PacBellBoozer on Apr 25, 2009 11:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Muchas Garcias for the advices.

NL West TempestTeapot
Nothing matters , and what if it did?

by victor frankenstein on Apr 26, 2009 5:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The SX10 isn’t an SLR, just an ultra-zoom.

If you’re going SLR probably look at the intro models for both Nikon and Canon. That’s what i did with my D50 and the Rebel XT that was out then. I liked the feel of the D50, and for that line of cameras there isn’t going to be an appreciable difference in quality.

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

by WalrusMan on Apr 26, 2009 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You’re right about the quality of the camera bodies at that level, but the reason I’m a Nikon fanboy is because their lenses are far superior to anything Canon can put out there.

Proud papa of Nathan John Schierholtz. Choo Choo...the train is a comin' baby, get off them tracks!!

by PacBellBoozer on Apr 26, 2009 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

OT

Go check the coup on the ’Pit’s Sunday GDT.

NL West TempestTeapot
Nothing matters , and what if it did?

by victor frankenstein on Apr 26, 2009 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I fear I may have started something too when I replied about Lincecum getting hit.

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

by WalrusMan on Apr 26, 2009 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh , no. I just FIRST!ed a sweeping broom. They're OK.

NL West TempestTeapot
Nothing matters , and what if it did?

by victor frankenstein on Apr 26, 2009 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yea, definitely liked their kit lens compared to Canon’s kit lens. Although I’m looking for a really nice 17-200 so I don’t have to be changing lenses all the time. That will come later though.

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

by WalrusMan on Apr 26, 2009 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Post Processing is basically anything you do to the image in the computer using an image editing software. Be it photoshop or anything else.

If you’re looking at getting something better, look at one of Sony/Canon/Panasonic’s ultra zoom cameras. You get the ease of use of a point and shoot but you get 10-12-even more x zoom. You’ll be looking at 250-400 with this usually. But if you go even fancier, you can get a Digital SLR entry model, and for my body/18-55/70-200 kit I paid $750. That’s what I paid for mine which I used in my other thread’s pictures. You definitely get better shots with them, but you’re paying for them.

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

by WalrusMan on Apr 25, 2009 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Must not make joke about large sausages…

"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 Apr 25, 2009 9:24 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Certainly not…especially when large sausages hold you in such high regard.

NL West TempestTeapot
Nothing matters , and what if it did?

by victor frankenstein on Apr 25, 2009 9:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fun!

by satyricrash on Apr 25, 2009 10:04 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The opposition contributed nicely.

BTW , I’m having a little discussion with Jim McLennan over at the "Pit concerning this remark he made during his own game review…

Positives to take from the game? Well, I did enjoy Lopez pinging a comebacker off Timmy’s inner thigh, even if he recovered the ricochet and fired to first for the out.

Coming so soon after the Martinez incident I took umbrage , am I being overly sensitive?

NL West TempestTeapot
Nothing matters , and what if it did?

by victor frankenstein on Apr 25, 2009 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

tbh, I read that post and I winced a little at that line.

But we were joking about throwing at Scott Hairston’s head the other night so . . .

Randy Winn is going to catch that. And he'll do it real classy-like too.

by oldjacket on Apr 25, 2009 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You are not being overly sensitive, Vic, these people are ANIMALS!!

I only ever want people hit so I can see a fight. How come that shit doesn’t happen anymore? I miss bench clearing brawls.

by satyricrash on Apr 25, 2009 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The thought of Jon Rauch running rampant through our fine china…horrors!

NL West TempestTeapot
Nothing matters , and what if it did?

by victor frankenstein on Apr 25, 2009 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

STILL: The picture of Bengie + Pablo bouncing Eric Byrnes back and forth off their boilers…GREATEST MOMENT IN THE HISTORY OF THE GAME.

by satyricrash on Apr 25, 2009 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nope.

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

by WalrusMan on Apr 25, 2009 11:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t even think AJ’s mom owns an Pierzisnky jersey

proud father of the newly acquired Brandon Crawford..

by Azmanz on Apr 25, 2009 10:34 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

PS!! That number (36) is SUPPOSED to be RETIRED , next time you see this Pierczinophile tell him you are with the Front Office and he must surrender his jersey immediately – the law is the law – and that he may replace it with any other from the MOST DESPISED list. (At his own expense, of course, the Front Office isn’t a charity, you know.)

by satyricrash on Apr 25, 2009 10:45 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Hey Vic nice pics. I didn’t bother to bring a camera, mainly because mine is worthless. the good: My first time at Chase field was a good experience. People got little miffed at my rooting for the opposing team but for the most part just mumbled under their breath.

the bad: I can be so clueless, I initially thought the ball glanced off Lincecum’s glove, It happened so fast. Had to turn on the radio to find out what happened. Yikes, gonna leave bruise.

the ugly: the bruise

Krazy Krab despised in the 20th century and beloved in the 21st century. Hey it only took over 20 years, so don't give up hope.

by timmeh on Apr 27, 2009 4:52 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

People got little miffed at my rooting for the opposing team but for the most part just mumbled under their breath.

Word. They crane their heads around and give you the icy daggers as if to say “How the hell did you get in?” I just beam and wave.

NL West TempestTeapot
Nothing matters , and what if it did?

by victor frankenstein on Apr 27, 2009 5:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yep, did a lot of smiling. The oddest part was how the entire crowd goes completely quiet. It was a bit unnerving at first, I never experienced anything quite like it. Kinda like a children of the corn experience.

Krazy Krab despised in the 20th century and beloved in the 21st century. Hey it only took over 20 years, so don't give up hope.

by timmeh on Apr 27, 2009 6:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs