What I liked about the game yesterday
by FairweatherFan on Apr 8, 2009 10:56 AM PDT
78 comments
And what makes me a little hopeful for the rest of the season.
cue irrational exuberance:
Patience. Not everyone, all the time - but I saw a lot of good at bats. 5 walks for the game is great, even if it is mostly due to Milwaukee not being able to find the strike zone. I didn't get the sense that we were getting ourselves out, which was prevalent last season. Especially w/ RISP the team as a whole seemed more deliberate.
Bullpen not named Hinshaw throwing strikes: For the most part, we wern't walking guys. Joey Martinez got beat up a little, but primarily because ground balls found holes.
Rowand: Please Rowand, have a big April. Given the # of games this month v. the division, that would do a lot for this team. His swing on that HR looked balanced, and I'm hoping he is about to go on a hot streak.
Sandoval: Looks like he can play 3rd okay, and I loved the heads-up play to nab Cameron trying to advance. Also, still hitting it seems.
Ishikawa: Dude might hit this year. Looked patient and balanced at the plate, and was about 15 degrees in either direction away from a grand slam. Maybe next time, TI. Also looked good on defense out there.
Martinez again: I'm a big supporter of the Joey Martinez: Long Man. Experiment. This might work out really well - dude throws strikes and has good movement. Got unlucky on a few groundballs but that will regress.
Affeldt: Wilson better look out, because I had no idea Affeldt threw that hard and had stuff that nasty. They could become quite the 8th/9th duo this year.
Bochy: Resisted the urge to PH Aurilia/Uribe/etc. I thought the game was managed well and the right players were used. Going with Martinez on opening day w/ the game on the line was a big vote of confidence in the kid, and I think it worked out pretty well. I'm glad Bochy's veteran love didn't cloud his judgement there. (And way to pick up the kid, Rowand.)
I also was glad he pulled Tim when he did instead of trying to do something stupid like get him through 5. He wasn't pitching well, and his teammates picked him up. That's why you have the long man. Tim will be fine.
I also liked that he used Wilson in a non-save situation. Hinshaw probably could have gotten out of there fine (Hell, he had a 4 run lead) but at the same time the willingness to use Wilson as he should be used was refreshing.
Points of concern:
Burriss: looked a little over matched at the plate, but I hope that doesn't last.
Sandoval: had an at bat that I HOPE doesn't become more and more common - striking out swinging on a pitch 3 feet out of the strike zone. He's going to have to adjust, I hope he can.
Hinshaw: Throw strikes, dude. Your curveball is a thing of beauty but if you can't get your fastball over the plate you are going to be back in Fresno faster than you can say Justin Miller.
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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What I liked about yesterday's game
We won.
RE: Sandoval. Yeah, he struck out on a pitch out of the zone. He also had a weak fly ball on another one. But then, both of his hits were out of the zone too…
Everything else, though, I am in agreement with, pretty much.*
*It’s still only one game, though…
"Catcher are base running. Hitters are offense."
Only [hella] games left until the end of Zito's contract.
Adoptive father of "Poncho" Villalona: This Angel don't fly. Nothing about him is light.
by thehavenot on Apr 8, 2009 11:09 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It's only one game
So the result is meaningless.
However, the observations are valid. The team just LOOKED better.
by FairweatherFan on Apr 8, 2009 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ishikawa: Dude might hit this year. Looked patient and balanced at the plate, and was about 15 degrees in either direction away from a grand slam. Maybe next time, TI. Also looked good on defense out there.
This x100. I was not in the Ishikawa camp at the end of last season, but he impressed me this spring and looked great yesterday. If he can hit, that will be huge.
The only point above that I disagree with is Pablo looking like he can play third. He didn’t look bad, but did make a couple very difficult plays look impossible. The play to nab Cameron was a good heads-up play though so at least the positional awareness seems to be there. I’d say the jury is still out on this one.
Baseball is a lot like life. The line drives are caught, the squibbles go for base hits. It's an unfair game. -Rod Kanehl. Adopted brother of Jason Jarvis
by j14 on Apr 8, 2009 11:10 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Well, my point is that he's not an absolute disaster out there
He’s never going to be a plus defender at 3rd, and probably not even average.
But he looks like he can play it well enough to justify his existence, and that’s a start. The heads up play helps too – if he can be smart it will help make up for a little in terms of lack of range (which I see as his biggest problem).
He does need to work on his transitions from glove hand to throwing hand. That seems to have been an issue for him several times.
by FairweatherFan on Apr 8, 2009 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But he looks like he can play it well enough to justify his existence, and that’s a start.
So you’re the one who traveled back in time and assassinated Jose Castillo’s grandfather.
My son is Madison Bumgarner, the Spacebat of pitching prospects. My other son is a Porsche.
by multiphasic on Apr 8, 2009 11:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think/hope the glove to hand exchange thing was alot to do with nerves. him, martinez, and burriss, i thought, all looked a little wide eyed and nervous. ishikawa looked like he’s started a couple open days, confident, i liked his poise.
by shaolinironlion on Apr 8, 2009 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I put it to nerves. But more an anxiousness to nab the quick Cameron, than anything to do with general confidence or stage fright.
co-dad of IshikaBOOM w/AfDC.
Ishikawa, let the boy hit against lefties.
by kennv on Apr 8, 2009 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The learning curve is steep and he’s going to be climbing it at the major league level, so I expect the price of knowledge to be pretty high, especially in the first half of the season.
Having said that, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at his play in the field and his baseball instincts seem good. I think he may develop into a respectable third baseman in time, which will involve both improving his fielding through repetition and taking conditioning seriously as a professional athlete (I know, body bias).
Hi, I am Johnny Disaster.
by Johnny Disaster on Apr 8, 2009 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Totally agree
I’m not saying that we should pull him from the position already either. I’ve noticed the transition thing too and think that should be top priority for things to fix because I don’t see his range really improving personally.
In time he may not be too bad, but he does have a long way to go before I feel comfortable with him there. Part of this is probably because he is on the same side of the infield as Renteria so Pablo’s lack of range is even more apparent. With that said, he is still by far our best option there.
Baseball is a lot like life. The line drives are caught, the squibbles go for base hits. It's an unfair game. -Rod Kanehl. Adopted brother of Jason Jarvis
by j14 on Apr 8, 2009 12:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I liked that there was a game yesterday.
Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear
by Natto on Apr 8, 2009 11:43 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Games are good.
Hi, I am Johnny Disaster.
by Johnny Disaster on Apr 8, 2009 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I liked that I didn’t have to sit through a two or three hour game delay at the ballpark.
by deuce deuce on Apr 8, 2009 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
gamer
Psycho killer, qu'est-ce que c'est?
by shikantaza on Apr 8, 2009 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
the good: martinez has better stuff than i expected. renteria looked good on d. rowand’s hr.
the bad: young pitchers not holding runners on.
the ugly: pablo in the field. burriss at the plate. wilson’s hair
by shaolinironlion on Apr 8, 2009 11:49 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Might I add
Under good: Getting 6 outs ( erasing 3 base runners) on 3 pitches. This would not have happened in the last couple seasons (games vs the Royals come to mind).
Ugly: What is up recently with Giants outfielders and cut off men?
Where is my beer & chili dog?
by daveinexile on Apr 8, 2009 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good points
Imagine you’re the Brewers, and on Opening Day in SF you knocked out Timmy in the 3rd inning, scored six runs and still lost. That makes me feel confident going into the next two games. You have to assume The Big Ugly and Cain will have quality starts.
Only thing I didn’t like about yesterday was how the Brewers ran on Molina and didn’t come close to being thrown out. Kruk commented on the radio this morning that Macha was pretty aggressive sending runners on two-strike pitches, since Timmy was going for the strikeout and just wasn’t really focused on the guys on base. He needs to work on that.
My plans for 2009: getting married and attending Tim Lincecum Bobblehead Day.
by Kitspool on Apr 8, 2009 11:50 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
What else I liked about yesterday's game
White ball go boom.
"Catcher are base running. Hitters are offense."
Only [hella] games left until the end of Zito's contract.
Adoptive father of "Poncho" Villalona: This Angel don't fly. Nothing about him is light.
by thehavenot on Apr 8, 2009 11:57 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Rowand
I only saw the replay a couple of times, but didn’t feel that his homerun looked balanced, in fact just the opposite. I really hope that he’s got things going this year—he will be key at the 6 or 7 spot..
There’s always alot of bullcrap articles at the start of the year about “this guy’s got the pressure off of him that he had last year”(a la Zito), but if you read the Ratto article today, it does seem it might be true with Rowand. He sounds a little bizerker with his pregame routine and has a hard time relaxing. Maybe he can get into the mindset he had with the Phils as the 4th or 5th most relied upon hitter and RELAX….
by bisquik on Apr 8, 2009 11:58 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe batting 7th in the lineup on Opening Day did something for his competitive juices. I’m not saying he wasn’t trying when he was batting higher in the order, but after his horrible spring, he probably wants to prove something. God, I hope so.
My plans for 2009: getting married and attending Tim Lincecum Bobblehead Day.
by Kitspool on Apr 8, 2009 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He juiced it, though!
I was sitting in the bleachers, row 8. That ball went sailing over our heads and landed a good 10ish rows up! Balanced or not, that was a shot!
I'm thinking but nothing's happening.
by JRPhillips on Apr 8, 2009 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looked like a good swing to be. He took a short route to a bad pitch, turned on it and crushed it.
Works for me.
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
by Goofus on Apr 8, 2009 12:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was a flat short swing
His body stayed balanced and composed.
He didn’t just throw his weight out there and get lucky, he waited on a hanger and turned hard on it.
Hit a liner into the bleachers, looked like a good hack to me.
by FairweatherFan on Apr 8, 2009 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exuberance
Now, keep in mind that I am the last remaining Bowker backer…
But, I think that the Giants have a little something going with their team this year. Sandoval, Lewis and Ishikawa should provide decent offense. Rowand can’t do any worse than last year, really. And he can do better. Renteria obviously is an upgrade over the dirty bomb of suck that played shortstop last year.
Randy Johnson is going to stay healthy. Randy Johnson is going to stay healthy. Randy Johnson is going to stay healthy.
Sanchez will put a whole season together. Sanchez will put a whole season together. Sanchez will put a whole season together.
The Giants will score runs for Matt Cain. The Giants will score runs for Matt Cain. The Giants will score runs for Matt Cain.
And, of course, the western division.
Yes, it’s early. Yes, we must have caution. Let’s at least see what we have over TWO games. But, the exuberance just sort of boiled over with me.
"Catcher are base running. Hitters are offense."
Only [hella] games left until the end of Zito's contract.
Adoptive father of "Poncho" Villalona: This Angel don't fly. Nothing about him is light.
by thehavenot on Apr 8, 2009 12:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Now, keep in mind that I am the last remaining Bowker backer…
No you are not. But usually my endorsement is a kiss of death.
Where is my beer & chili dog?
by daveinexile on Apr 8, 2009 12:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nothin’ wrong with Bowker backin’
Can you believe it's been a year already? Bowkermania '09 is coming. It's time to run wild all over again.
by rightcenterfielder on Apr 8, 2009 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I STILL LOVE YOU BOWKER
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bowkejo01.shtml?redir
Some sick bastard even sponsored his BB-Ref page.
by xanthan on Apr 8, 2009 12:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why do I get the good idea after others? It is just not fair. Or is that fare? Any ways Why?!!?
Where is my beer & chili dog?
by daveinexile on Apr 8, 2009 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, you just reminded to get around to sponsoring Kim Batiste’s page!!!!!
Hmm. It seems to have gone through, but the sponsorship isn’t showing up yet. Does it take a while?
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
Adopted Giant: Fred "Ruthless Aggression" Lewis
by jcb9 on Apr 8, 2009 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think mine happened in a couple of days.
by xanthan on Apr 8, 2009 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I now see that it needs to be approved before it goes live. Which I should’ve anticipated – approving things before they go live on the web is what I do for a living!
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
Adopted Giant: Fred "Ruthless Aggression" Lewis
by jcb9 on Apr 8, 2009 12:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I also just noticed that one of Batiste’s most similar players is Brian Giles. I was….I…uh…what!?
Then I realized it was a completely different Brian Giles who played in the 80s. Oh. Okay!
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
Adopted Giant: Fred "Ruthless Aggression" Lewis
by jcb9 on Apr 8, 2009 3:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
BOWKERMANIACS OF THE WORLD UNITE
I still believe in Bowkermania.
by rightcenterfielder on Apr 8, 2009 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
WHAT R U GONNA DO BROTHER?
WHEN BOWKERMANIA RUNS WILD ON YOU!
by xanthan on Apr 8, 2009 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You’re all sick.
Randy Winn is going to catch that. And he'll do it real classy-like too.
by oldjacket on Apr 8, 2009 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still hold out hope that Bowker can get it together.
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
Adopted Giant: Fred "Ruthless Aggression" Lewis
by jcb9 on Apr 8, 2009 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dude hits home runs at games I go to!
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
Adopted Giant: Fred "Ruthless Aggression" Lewis
by jcb9 on Apr 8, 2009 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he rocked a double at one the games we went to last year.
<3 Bowker.
by xanthan on Apr 8, 2009 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
/ the Fresno Grizzlies for you on line 2.
Where is my beer & chili dog?
by daveinexile on Apr 8, 2009 12:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You guys might be reading too much into one game.
by xanthan on Apr 8, 2009 12:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
WHY DO YOU HATE JOY
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Apr 8, 2009 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
+
=
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
Adopted Giant: Fred "Ruthless Aggression" Lewis
by jcb9 on Apr 8, 2009 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
they
thought you would need a ’puter like that in 2004, becuase it would have to also run your nuclear power plant.
On the plus side – no garage needed ,you just parked on the roof.
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?
-------
PARPG- Indy post-apocalyptic roleplaying game currently in early planning stages.
by zenbitz on Apr 8, 2009 2:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I ask, "How long has it been since the Giants held sole passion of first place?" Surely a some drunk happiness is in order!
Where is my beer & chili dog?
by daveinexile on Apr 8, 2009 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
1/162nd of teh way to a PERFECT SEASON!!!!
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
Adopted Giant: Fred "Ruthless Aggression" Lewis
by jcb9 on Apr 8, 2009 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I keep saying this to myself. Then the happiness washes over me and drowns the calm, reasonable thought like a rat.
Like a rat
"Catcher are base running. Hitters are offense."
Only [hella] games left until the end of Zito's contract.
Adoptive father of "Poncho" Villalona: This Angel don't fly. Nothing about him is light.
by thehavenot on Apr 8, 2009 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve been on the Ishikawa bus for a while, and I really liked his at bats yesterday. Assuming Fred Lewis’s RUTHLESS AGGRESSION is fake, we could have two whole hitters in our lineup who can take the odd pitch. That would be so stunningly wonderous.
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
Adopted Giant: Fred "Ruthless Aggression" Lewis
by jcb9 on Apr 8, 2009 12:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice but I wants more!!!
Does that make me a bad person?
Where is my beer & chili dog?
by daveinexile on Apr 8, 2009 12:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also, Dave, sorry I haven’t gotten to your email yet. It’s been a hectic last week. I’ll send you something shortly.
by xanthan on Apr 8, 2009 12:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No prob. It was just a random querry take your time.
Where is my beer & chili dog?
by daveinexile on Apr 8, 2009 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
daveinexile = bad person
I'm thinking but nothing's happening.
by JRPhillips on Apr 8, 2009 12:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hear he shot a computer in Reno just to watch its hard drive crash.
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
Adopted Giant: Fred "Ruthless Aggression" Lewis
by jcb9 on Apr 8, 2009 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do think Jobs was on to something, " Never trust a computer you can’t throw out a window."
Where is my beer & chili dog?
by daveinexile on Apr 8, 2009 12:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s regularly seen in boxing gyms screaming, “I will eat your babies, bitch!” at anyone and everyone.
I'm thinking but nothing's happening.
by JRPhillips on Apr 8, 2009 12:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey I was using g a chip instead of my fingers. I was using my best manners!
Where is my beer & chili dog?
by daveinexile on Apr 8, 2009 12:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Too early to be concerned about Burriss. It looked to me like he got hosed on a couple of called strikes.
he really looks to me like he’s trying to be an on-base guy and work the count. If he could have a 350+ OBP, it would be nice to move him up to lead-off, have Winn hit #2 and move Renteria down.
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
by Goofus on Apr 8, 2009 1:11 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Hell, after that monster-shot last night
Maybe Winn should bat 4th.
by FairweatherFan on Apr 8, 2009 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ishi too!
Ishikawa’s triple was nutted and he also hit a rocket right at 2B.
He’s really the only guy on the team who looks like you’d expect a cleanup hitter to look.
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
by Goofus on Apr 8, 2009 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yet he plays 1st base for the Giants so that will never work out well.
Where is my beer & chili dog?
by daveinexile on Apr 8, 2009 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is true
Travis really looked the part last night. I’m becoming a fan (Sorry, Bowker)
by FairweatherFan on Apr 8, 2009 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Okay, I would love Ishi in the cleanup spot, but how nice is it to have competition for Molina? If Rowand can get hot, Sandoval Ks twice a game and blasts a pitch outside the zone the other two ABs or Ishi plays like I know ishi can maybe we can see Molina move down the order (where he belongs).
co-dad of IshikaBOOM w/AfDC.
Ishikawa, let the boy hit against lefties.
by kennv on Apr 8, 2009 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hell, after that monster-shot last night
Maybe Winn should bat 4th.
This is the 1st I’ve seen Winn’s blast mentioned. And he hit it left-handed!
They say some players get out of bed hitting; Pablo Sandoval doesn't wait that long
by bgunn on Apr 8, 2009 2:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
OT: Wow, Phillies are about to get swept at home by the Braves to open the season. Countdown to Charlie Manuel getting booed by the fans in 3…2…1…
My plans for 2009: getting married and attending Tim Lincecum Bobblehead Day.
by Kitspool on Apr 8, 2009 1:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It’s only one game but the Giants won at home. Something that didn’t happen too much last year.
Krazy Krab despised in the 20th century and loved in the 21st century. Hey it only took over 20 years, so don't give up hope.
by timmeh on Apr 8, 2009 2:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It’s only one game but the Giants hit 3 homruns. Something that didn’t happen too much last year.
co-dad of IshikaBOOM w/AfDC.
Ishikawa, let the boy hit against lefties.
by kennv on Apr 8, 2009 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
true, true. I’m going tonight to see Mr. Johnosn so let’s see what happens. I’m an optimist.
Krazy Krab despised in the 20th century and loved in the 21st century. Hey it only took over 20 years, so don't give up hope.
by timmeh on Apr 8, 2009 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
TWSS
Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear
by Natto on Apr 8, 2009 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, ever the optimist, even if I can’t spell.
Krazy Krab despised in the 20th century and loved in the 21st century. Hey it only took over 20 years, so don't give up hope.
by timmeh on Apr 8, 2009 3:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I might use the phrase “I’m going tonight to see Mr. Johnson” in the future.
"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 8, 2009 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What’s the fun in that?
Krazy Krab despised in the 20th century and loved in the 21st century. Hey it only took over 20 years, so don't give up hope.
by timmeh on Apr 9, 2009 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh I should add I went yesterday and will probably go with my sibling on Thursday. I’m justifying the series as scientific methodology exercise.
Krazy Krab despised in the 20th century and loved in the 21st century. Hey it only took over 20 years, so don't give up hope.
by timmeh on Apr 8, 2009 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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